Things to do in San Francisco

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

San Francisco featuring a bay or harbor and a bridge
San Francisco
San Francisco which includes heritage architecture and a city
San Francisco
San Francisco
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Most popular activities in San Francisco

Tours & day trips

See all 312 activities
Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

Activity duration is 1 day
8.6 out of 10 with 1470 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was ￥10,294 and current price is ￥9,265 per adult
Big Bus San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top BusOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 136 activities
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

Activity duration is 23 hours and 59 minutes
8.6 out of 10 with 131 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥7,643 per adult
California Academy of Sciences Daytime AdmissionOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 93 activities
GoCar San Francisco Tour

GoCar San Francisco Tour

Activity duration is 5 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥15,441 per traveler*
GoCar San Francisco TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 57 activities
San Francisco: Kids Thrill Zone Combo at PIER 39

San Francisco: Kids Thrill Zone Combo at PIER 39

Free cancellation available
Price is ￥5,303 per adult
San Francisco: Kids Thrill Zone Combo at PIER 39Opens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 19 activities
San Francisco: Alcatraz Night Tour with SF Bay Cruise

San Francisco: Alcatraz Night Tour with SF Bay Cruise

Activity duration is 4 hours
Price is ￥22,319 per adult
San Francisco: Alcatraz Night Tour with SF Bay CruiseOpens in new tab

What to do in San Francisco

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge illuminated at night with city lights in the background in California, USA

Golden Gate Bridge

4.5/5(7,244 reviews)

Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.

Golden Gate Bridge
Pier 39 which includes a city, signage and street scenes

Pier 39

4.5/5(6,817 reviews)

This waterfront attraction offers thrilling rides, innovative street performers and colorful souvenir shops, but it’s the sea lions that win the day.

Pier 39
Golden Gate Park featuring a garden and flowers

Golden Gate Park

4.5/5(5,122 reviews)

This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.

Golden Gate Park
Moscone Convention Center

Moscone Convention Center

4/5(598 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening at Moscone Convention Center, a top convention center in San Francisco. Discover the fascinating museums and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Moscone Convention Center
Oracle Park featuring a bay or harbor and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Oracle Park

4.5/5(1,454 reviews)

Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.

Oracle Park
Lombard Street featuring flowers and a garden

Lombard Street

4.5/5(4,615 reviews)

Often incorrectly called the world’s crookedest street, this San Francisco roadway is an iconic spot to see, photograph and drive down.

Lombard Street
Presidio of San Francisco which includes landscape views, a monument and a statue or sculpture

Presidio of San Francisco

4.5/5(818 reviews)

Discover history, culture, open spaces, spectacular views and the Jedi Master Yoda at this former military base.

Presidio of San Francisco
Alcatraz Island showing a coastal town and island images

Alcatraz Island

4.5/5(2,752 reviews)

Escape to “The Rock,” home of the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned a reputation as a cold and unforgiving place.

Alcatraz Island
Once you climb the Spanish steps and go past the garden and driveway you get to the front of old campus building called Line Mountain Main.

University of San Francisco

4/5(782 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe at University of San Francisco during your visit to San Francisco. Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this vibrant area.

University of San Francisco

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in San Francisco

Union Square which includes a high rise building and a city

Union Square

4/5(5,164 area reviews)

Major tourist destination in downtown San Francisco, Union Square boasts shopping, hotels, and theaters. Explore department stores, boutiques, and galleries, or catch a performance at various theaters. Enjoy the Dewey Monument and stunning views from nearby hotels. Easily accessible via cable car lines, buses, and subway systems.

Union Square
Downtown San Francisco featuring railway items

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(1,084 area reviews)

Serving as San Francisco's central business district, this area boasts Northern California's two tallest buildings, the Salesforce Tower and Transamerica Pyramid. Explore shopping malls like the Embarcadero Center and enjoy parks such as Sue Biermann Park, all easily accessible via Muni bus and rail lines.

Downtown San Francisco
Fisherman\'s Wharf featuring a bay or harbor

Fisherman's Wharf

4/5(38 area reviews)

Discover Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in this bustling tourist hotspot. Savor seafood at family-owned restaurants and explore the sea lion colony, while enjoying convenient cable car access.

Fisherman's Wharf
South of Market featuring skyline, a city and city views

South of Market

3.5/5(3,655 area reviews)

From baseball games to top-notch art exhibits, find endless entertainment in one of San Francisco’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

South of Market
Nob Hill showing a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4.5/5(1,100 area reviews)

Luxury hotels, historic mansions, and Michelin-starred restaurants abound in this upscale area. Explore Union Square shopping district, Grace Cathedral, and the SF Masonic Auditorium for a taste of culture and history.

Nob Hill
Mission District which includes outdoor art

Mission District

3.5/5(140 area reviews)

Mission District is a destination travelers like for its bars, and you might hop aboard the metro at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to explore sights like SOMA Pilipinas.

Mission District

Popular day trips from San Francisco

Lake Merritt featuring a pond

Oakland

Photo by Joshua Lefler

Atherton

San Bruno

San Bruno

Coyote Point Park featuring a park

San Mateo

Daly City

Daly City

South San Francisco

South San Francisco

Belmont

Belmont

Burlingame

Burlingame

Frequently asked questions

Is San Francisco worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in San Francisco is explore Pier 39. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then discover more of this area's views and dining.
How do I spend a day in San Francisco?
After you've visited major attractions like Pier 39 and Union Square, spend some time experiencing San Francisco's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Francisco?
Pier 39 is one of the top tourist attractions in San Francisco and deserves a place on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Francisco?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Pier 39, Union Square and Ocean Beach with a three-day trip to San Francisco. On average, most travelers plan three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Oakland.
Is San Francisco a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in San Francisco. Several attractions, including Pier 39 and Union Square, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of San Francisco's best neighborhoods, Downtown San Francisco is 0.32 kilometers away from downtown, while Union Square is 0.16 kilometers away from the city center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in San Francisco with kids?
Deciding what to do in San Francisco with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're traveling with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in San Francisco for adults?
Winery Collective and Van Ness Avenue are just a couple of the things to do in San Francisco. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in San Francisco?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in San Francisco is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Pier 39 is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia