Things to do in San Francisco

2026 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do

Fisherman's Wharf

7.5

4.4/5

1.6k reviews

A landmark of San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf is a strip extending from Ghirardelli Square all the way to Pier 35 and close to popular destinations such as Chinatown and the Lombard Street. This is home to a wealth of shops and restaurants and lively street shows can be seen everywhere. Famous sites such as Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge can also be sighted in the distance. The Fisherman's Wharf is close to the bay, so do not miss out on the fresh and delicious seafood. At Pier 39, sea lions can also be seen lying idly on rafts for a bit of sunbathing, making a most adorable scene.

San Francisco · 3.8km from downtown

2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

Golden Gate Bridge

7.4

San Francisco · 7.2km from downtown

2.1k reviews

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate Strait, opened to traffic in 1937 with a total length of approx. 2.7 km. It has long been regarded as a symbol of San Francisco. The Golden Gate Strait connects San Francisco Bay on one end and leads to the Pacific Ocean on the other, with the bridge spanning the strait and linking downtown San Francisco to the towns of the North Bay. The bridge's iconic international orange paint stands out strikingly. Despite San Francisco's frequent fog, even when sea mist rolls in, this vibrant orange remains clearly visible. Scenes like the intense battle between apes on the bridge in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and Magneto moving the entire bridge in "X-Men" have made it a familiar sight for movie fans. The location is crucial for both viewing and photographing the bridge. Fort Point on the southern side of the bridge is right beneath it, offering a chance to look up at the massive steel structure. Battery Spencer, a lookout on the western side of the northern shore, is a popular spot for capturing the bridge's full span, with the orange-red bridge, the sea, and the distant city skyline all in one frame—especially atmospheric when fog rolls in. The Vista Point observation deck near Sausalito is ideal for watching the traffic flow across the bridge. Generally, the northern shore provides expansive views and complete compositions, while the southern side offers lower angles better suited for close-up shots of the water and bridge sections. If time allows, consider renting a bike for cycling across the bridge—an experience unmatched by walking or driving, as you glide between the steel beams and ocean breeze.

No. 17 of Family-friendly Attractions in United States

California Academy of Sciences

7.3

San Francisco · 4.1km from downtown

944 reviews

Explore the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, where you can experience a unique combination of an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all in one place. Through interactive exhibits, captivating performances, and educational programs, you'll embark on an exciting scientific adventure. Steinhart Aquarium The Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biodiverse and interactive aquariums on Earth. Home to nearly 60,000 living animals representing over 800 unique species, visitors can explore both underwater and terrestrial habitats here. From species not displayed anywhere else in the world to cutting-edge research on little-known marine ecosystems, a visit to the Steinhart Aquarium is filled with discovery. Morrison Planetarium The exhibitions at Morrison Planetarium are driven by scientific data, leading to observations, discoveries, and theories about our universe. Every star, planet, spacecraft, or galaxy encountered in the planetarium reflects its real-world counterpart. When this virtual cosmos is projected onto Morrison's 75-foot-diameter screen, the dome itself seems to vanish, creating a uniquely immersive experience. Osher Rainforest Inside the dome, a magnificent neo-tropical rainforest stretches 90 feet high. Experience an adventure with 1,600+ living plant and animal species, including sun beetles that resemble taxis, hardworking leafcutter ants, and a winding Amazon tree boa. Descend four floors by elevator from the canopy level, overlooking the flooded forests of the Amazon. At every stage of the journey, you'll come face-to-face with the breathtaking animals that inhabit these forests. Kimball Natural History Museum Drawing on over 160 years of research from the Academy, the Kimball Natural History Museum highlights our planet's uniqueness in surprising ways. Discover the fascinating role of color in nature, compare fossils of our early human relatives, and marvel at one-of-a-kind specimens from the Academy's record-breaking scientific collections—all while strolling beneath the skeletons of some of Earth's most massive creatures.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in San Francisco

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

7.1

San Francisco · 2km from downtown

145 reviews

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is a large art museum in San Francisco, California. It is one of the well-known modern art museums in the world. Its halls are home to works by Andy Warhol, Paul Klee, Ansel Adams, Willem de Kooning, Roy Lichtenstein and many other twentieth century artistic luminaries. The museum is a very popular tourist destination in the city, and is highly recommended for all art aficionados.

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Golden Gate Park

7

San Francisco · 5.6km from downtown

361 reviews

Golden Gate Park is a large urban green space in San Francisco, covering approx. 1,017 acres and stretching approx. 4.8 km from east to west, spanning the Richmond District and Sunset District in the western part of San Francisco. This land was originally barren coastal sand dunes. After continuous tree planting and sand stabilization efforts starting in the 1870s, it gradually became the large, tree-lined park it is today. The park features rich, layered landscapes where cultural facilities and natural scenery intertwine. The eastern section concentrates cultural venues such as the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, and the Japanese Tea Garden, while the northern section features historic buildings like the Conservatory of Flowers. The park's natural and recreational areas are equally diverse. Blue Heron Lake surrounds the central Strawberry Hill, and pedal boats can be rented on the lake. In the western part of the park stand two historic windmills, the Dutch Windmill and the Murphy Windmill, with tulip gardens nearby. The Bison Paddock has existed in the park since the late 19th century, and you can still see the herd of bison active in the paddock today. Spreckels Lake is a gathering place for model sailboat enthusiasts, and exquisite miniature sailboats can often be seen sailing on the water. The park also features a disc golf course, a lawn bowling club, and a skate park, with cycling paths running throughout the park.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Santa Clara County

Silicon Valley

6.9

Mountain View · 53.6km from San Francisco

154 reviews

Silicon Valley is located in Northern California, United States, south of the San Francisco Bay, and is situated in a valley known for the design and manufacturing of silicon chips. Visitors come here primarily to experience the atmosphere of global technological innovation by touring university campuses, the areas around tech company campuses, and unique visitor centers. The grounds are beautiful, blending a rich historical architectural style with red-tiled roofs, arched corridors, and exquisite decorations that showcase a unique architectural charm. As visitors stroll through the campus, they can feel the unique environment where academic atmosphere and the spirit of technological innovation intertwine. The campus features visitor experience areas, where cafes, merchandise shops, and colorful Android robot statues have become popular spots for visitors to take photos.

2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

Palace of Fine Arts

6.8

San Francisco · 4km from downtown

697 reviews

Palace of Fine Arts was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Architect Bernard Maybeck drew inspiration from ancient Roman and Greek architecture, intending to shape the structure into an ancient ruin that seemed to have weathered the passage of time—with its towering rotunda and curved colonnades standing around an artificial lagoon, and a slightly weathered appearance that adds a poetic sense of age to its grandeur. As you approach, the rotunda and colonnades are reflected in the mirror-like surface of the lagoon, capturing both the majesty and tranquility of the architecture in a single view. Above the colonnades are rows of statues of weeping women, created by sculptor Ulric Ellerhusen, which symbolize contemplation and meditation, adding a layer of subtle emotional expression to the solemn colonnades. A lakeside path encircles the entire complex, allowing you to enjoy different views of the architecture and water as they change with the light from various angles.

2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

CA-1

6.7

United States · Monterey County

499 reviews

CA-1 is a highly iconic coastal self-drive route on the West Coast of the United States, stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coastline and connecting coastal towns from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay all the way to Los Angeles. Its highlight is concentrated in the Big Sur section between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon: the road winds along steep cliffs, with the surging Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains and redwood forests on the other. There are many scenic parking areas along the way where you can pull over at any time to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There are several highly recognizable scenes along this section: the Bixby Bridge, which spans the canyon, is an elegantly designed concrete arch bridge, and there are almost always vehicles parked at the bridgehead for photos; McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly from the cliff top onto the beach in the cove, making it a rare beach waterfall in California; the sand at Pfeiffer Beach has a faint purple hue due to the weathering of manganese garnet in the cliffs; further south in the San Simeon area, groups of northern elephant seals can be seen sunbathing on the beach year-round, and you can also visit Hearst Castle on the mountain nearby. The Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at the northern end and the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea also have their own unique charm.

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in San Francisco

Big Bus Tours San Francisco

6.5

San Francisco · 3.7km from downtown

45 reviews

Experience the best views of its unique landmarks and delve into its fascinating history on a bus tour of the "Bay Area". You can explore San Francisco's landmarks, from the Golden Gate Bridge to Fisherman's Wharf, and it's really a great way to discover all that San Francisco has to offer. Unique city tours spread across 20 key attractions in spectacular San Francisco, experience diverse cultures, beautiful parks, stunning architecture and picturesque landscapes, open-air buses. Get on and off the bus at your leisure and customize your own tour around the city.

2026 Americas 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

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Stanford University

6.6

Stanford · 44.4km from San Francisco

590 reviews

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5.0/5

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2D1N • United States: San Francisco, U. S Short-trip Highlights

Visit the island to listen to the waves, climb a peak to gaze at the city, and let your mind wander amid the shifting sea mist and streetlights. | Choose from a selection of hotels featuring top-notch amenities, comfortable surroundings, and prime locations, ensuring a home-away-from-home experience. | Travel in comfort with a private car, no shopping stops along the way, an online travel concierge at your service, and multiple layers of safety assurance.

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Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass (Discover over 20 top attractions | Aquarium of the Bay, California Academy of Sciences & more)

5.0/5

· 1 review

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5.0/5

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Free cancellation

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FromSGD 38.05

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Alcatraz City Cruises: Official Alcatraz Island Admission Ticket + City Guide

5.0/5

· 1 review

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FromSGD 65.48

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SFMOMA is waiting for you! San Francisco Museum of Modern Art admission ticket

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FromSGD 77.00

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San Francisco Explorer Pass (Custom Attraction Pass)

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FromSGD 145.16

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Hard Rock Cafe San Francisco Dining Experience

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FromSGD 48.40

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San Francisco round-trip Napa Valley and Sonoma famous winery wine tasting sightseeing 1-day tour (wine tasting fee included)

Duration: 7.1 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromSGD 248.69

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San Francisco State Bird Provisions trending restaurant reservation service

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Small Group Napa and Sonoma Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour from San Francisco

Duration: 4.1 hrs

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San Francisco round-trip: Napa + Sonoma winery day tour (boutique small group *English-speaking group)

Duration: 6.6 hrs

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1-day wine tasting tour to Napa Valley & Sonoma from San Francisco

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Muir Woods & Sonoma wine country 1-day tour (departing from San Francisco)

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Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals - Very Close To The Bridge!

4.1/5

· 15 reviews

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San Francisco Alcatraz Island app guide & cruise and prison tour

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San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge + Filoli Historic House & Garden + Stanford University + Half Moon Bay State Beach 1-day tour

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San Francisco Day Tour | Redwood Forest Steam Train, Santa Cruz Wharf & Rainbow Houses

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San Francisco coastline 1-day tour: Monterey + Carmel-by-the-Sea + 17 Mile Dr (join-in tour)

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1-day tour of CA-1, 17 Mile Dr and Carmel Beach in San Francisco

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Redwood Forest Steam Train and Santa Cruz Coast Day Tour

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FromSGD 294.11

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1-day tour to Monterey Peninsula in small group

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FromSGD 184.22

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San Francisco 1-day tour [Golden Gate Bridge/Lombard Street/Fisherman's Wharf]

5.0/5

· 1 review

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Yosemite & Giant Sequoias day tour from San Francisco

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5.0/5

· 11 reviews

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San Francisco's Full city 1 Day Hop on Hop off Bus tour

3.4/5

· 133 reviews

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San Francisco City Day Tour | Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street & Fisherman's Wharf

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Private Tours in San Francisco

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10D9N • United States: Los Angeles, West Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Monterey

5/5

1 review

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Depart from Los Angeles and travel through Salt Lake City to explore the wonders of the Greater Teton and Yellowstone, then cruise along the California coast and take in the epic scenery. · Choose from a selection of hotels featuring top-notch amenities, comfortable surroundings, and prime locations, ensuring a home-away-from-home experience. · Travel in comfort with a private car, no shopping stops along the way, an online travel concierge at your service, and multiple layers of safety assurance.

From SGD 6,301

11D10N • Western USA Panorama Tour: Coastal Scenery + Two Parks Adventure · Los Angeles + San Francisco + Las Vegas · Free Convertible Bus Night Tour Ticket · Hotels in Better Locations

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

One vehicle throughout the 11-day trip of wild west America. Drive towards the south of California on Highway 1 and Las Vegas and unlock classic landmarks at once with no regrets. · Unlock hidden gems with customized trip. Our experts are ready to help design your perfect journey. An optimized itinerary avoids long hauls, so that you can enjoy a more relaxed trip. · With English-speaking driver of over 8 years of driving experience, regularly maintained vehicles and full insurance coverage, the trip will be guaranteed with complete safety.

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7D6N • United States: San Francisco, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles

5/5

1 review

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

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11D10N • San Francisco + Los Angeles Santa Monica Beach + Highway 1: In-Depth Tour · Golden Gate Bay Cruise

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

See California's classic highlights on a compact tour that takes you from Santa Monica and Santa Barbara to Hearst Castle, the scenic Highway 1 coast, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Napa. · Unlock hidden gems with a customized trip. Our experts are ready to help design your perfect journey. An optimized itinerary avoids long travel times, so you can enjoy a more relaxed trip. · With over 8 years of driving experience for an English-speaking driver, regularly maintained vehicles and full insurance coverage, you can travel with peace of mind.

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5/5

1 review

EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Choose your hotelMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Drive along the iconic CA-1 and explore Carmel-by-the-Sea, Solvang, and Santa Monica, with the convenience of traveling in the same vehicle throughout the trip. · Unlock hidden gems with a customized trip. Our experts are ready to help design your perfect journey. An optimized itinerary avoids long hauls, so that you can enjoy a more relaxed trip. · With over 8 years of driving experience, regularly maintained vehicles, full insurance coverage for your safety. All-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees, just focus on the views

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Free things to do in San Francisco

Fisherman's Wharf

7.5

4.4/5

1.6k reviews

San Francisco · 3.8km from downtown

Golden Gate Park

7

San Francisco · 5.6km from downtown

361 reviews

Silicon Valley

6.9

Mountain View · 53.6km from San Francisco

154 reviews

Palace of Fine Arts

6.8

San Francisco · 4km from downtown

697 reviews

CA-1

6.7

United States · Monterey County

499 reviews

Stanford University

6.6

Stanford · 44.4km from San Francisco

590 reviews

Lombard Street

6.5