Fun Things to Do in New York City and That Are Family Friendly
In that location's no doubt that San Francisco — the sparkling, windy, cocked, and civilization-rich metropolis by the bay — is 1 of the about popular tourist destinations in all of California.
The Golden City, so-called for the 1849 California Gold Rush (and of grade, the beautiful golden sunsets) is a vibrant melting pot of hipsters and hippies, artists and applied science, and everything in betwixt.
Postcard-worthy landmarks similar the Gilded Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Isle, Fisherman'southward Wharf, and Silicon Valley might be the well-nigh immediately recognizable San Franciscan icons, but the city has built simply every bit much of a reputation for earth-class nutrient, entertainment, sport and civilisation — all in all, from the waters of the bay to the lively city districts, at that place'southward always something for visitors to do, with an array of hidden and lesser-known treasures to discover around every corner (here's an example: bet you lot didn't know San Francisco is one of the top iii cities in the The states for murals!).
So, whether y'all are the outdoorsy type, or your platonic holiday involves staying inside and sampling the local cuisine, San Francisco offers adventures of all kinds.
If you lot're looking for some must-see attractions and activities that are a bit off the browbeaten path, here are 73 things to do in San Francisco to get yous started.
1 – Cross the Gilded Gate Bridge
Yous can't think of San Francisco without thinking of the Aureate Gate Span. It's not hard to see why – the 1.7-mile-long span is an incredible feat of human being technology, even having the distinction of existence named as one of the 7 Wonders of the Modernistic World.
Connecting the city of San Francisco to Marin County in Northern California, the GGB was kickoff built in 1933 and remains a must-see for visitors to the bay.
Twenty-four hours tours to Sausalito — an idyllic boondocks right across the bay from San Francisco with stunning waterfront views — will get y'all beyond, whether it's on your anxiety, pedaling through on a bike bout, or fifty-fifty sailing in from the body of water.
Want a hotel with a view of the Gold Gate Span? Option any of Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, Fairmont San Francisco, Intercontinental Marker Hopkins, or the Argonaut Hotel, and yous'll wake upward to truly stunning vistas.
2 – Zig-zag through Lombard Street
Life's full of twists and turns, but few places are as kleptomaniacal as the infamous Lombard Street. Featuring no less than viii hairpins, the road is renowned for picturesque flower-filled gardens and postcard views.
Curious travelers can stroll through or drive down, which is a footling easier at present the street is one-way only.
And, if you're interested in learning near the area'due south rich history, why not hop in a GoCar and visit the Golden Gate Span at the same fourth dimension?
3 – Run across the ocean locals at the Aquarium of the Bay!
Lovers of marine wildlife tin say hello to over xx,000 critters of all shapes and sizes at the Aquarium of the Bay.
Situated at Pier 39 between Fisherman's Wharf and the Alcatraz ferry, you lot tin can feel life nether the ocean in massive walk-through drinking glass tunnels, surrounded past colorful schools of shape and size.
See first-paw the multifariousness of Northern California's marine creatures, from sharks and rays to jellyfish and octopi — yous might even see an otter or two also!
A general admission ticket provides access to all primary exhibit areas, many of which are interactive.
4 – Practice your time at Alcatraz (and escape whenever you like)
The infamous high-security island prison of Alcatraz has cemented a reputation every bit an iconic office of American folklore.
Tourists remember and so besides, with TripAdvisor once rating it the number one tourist destination in the unabridged United States (accept that, Empire State Building!).
Built on a rock in the freezing waters of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz was reserved for only the near hardened criminals – and the rumors of a few managing to escape the inescapable have fascinated pop culture for decades.
Now, the prison sees more than 1.3 meg visitors per year, providing a glimpse into life every bit an Alcatraz inmate and making you wonder if anyone really did arrive out live.
Hot tip: opt for the audio tour, which provides thrilling insights into the minds of hardened criminals of old.
See also: Best Alcatraz tours – which ane to cull?
v – Claiming your mind an escape game
Any budding detectives in the house?
If you prefer your bids for freedom a little closer to shore, San Francisco is dwelling to a range of clever and exciting escape room challenges.
Guaranteed to test your wit, teamwork and out-of-the-box thinking, challenging and interactive escape rooms (like The Escape Game, to name just i) offer hr-long adventures in a range of thrilling scenarios, with varying difficulty making your experience as piece of cake-going or intense as you'd similar.
Partner with strangers or choose anywhere up to xi of your well-nigh trusted friends, and run into if you can make it out in time.
vi – Canvas the Bay and take in the view
With potent, consistent winds all year round, San Francisco is a premier sailing destination.
The waters of the bay provide a dissimilar perspective to the many landmarks of the city, from the Gilded Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island to the vibrant waterfront and city skyline.
Whether you're an experienced tacker or make new to the world of sailing, at that place are plenty of opportunities to grab the wind and shoot the breeze with other San Francisco sailors.
Get in summertime for the biggest currents, and check the conditions forecast to plan for perfect weather condition!
See too: San Francisco boat tours – which i is best?
7 – Enter a celebrity haven at Madame Tussauds
It'southward not frequently you're given the opportunity to see all your favorite celebrities in one place.
Madame Tussauds' world-famous wax museum is a family-friendly display of some of the greatest icons of film, music, sports, and business.
Snap a pic with the likenesses of Leo DiCaprio, Barack Obama, Beyoncé, Muhammad Ali and a whole lot more than, also as a collection of local San Franciscan celebrities – but shh, these famous Bay Surface area names are a secret!
No ropes or boundaries hateful yous tin can literally rub shoulders with the greats.
eight – Take to the skies on a helicopter tour
Once you lot've seen the metropolis from the basis and the sea, the only thing left to do is fly.
A helicopter bout will have yous soaring over San Francisco metropolis and give a bird'due south eye view of the all-time landmarks.
Check out Alcatraz, the underrated Bay Bridge, the iconic Gilt Gate Bridge, Angel Isle, and the metropolis'southward famous districts from up on high, with bonus commentary and even choreographed music (depending on your tour).
It'due south a first-grade flying experience, and so brand sure you have a camera.
Helicopter tours start both forenoon and afternoon from multiple city-central locations, with varying flight times to suit all budgets.
9 – Breathe in the fresh air at Golden Gate Park
A grassy oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, right in the centre of San Francisco sits the Aureate Gate Park, where over one,000 acres of perfect lawns, crystal lakes, and all manner of rare, cute plants await.
A hotspot for weddings, seasonal events, and nature lovers, the park sees millions of visitors every year.
Check out the incredible rainforest ecosystem brandish at the California University of Sciences, explore the history of American art at the de Immature Museum, or go lost in the petals at the Conservatory of Flowers!
When you need to residue those weary legs after a day or two of walkabout, you lot tin find zen at the Japanese Tea Garden – built in 1893, it'southward the oldest of its kind in the US.
ten – Immerse yourself in vii floors of creativity at the Museum of Modern Art
Every bit one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the unabridged earth, and surely 1 of the best museums in San Francisco to visit, it's like shooting fish in a barrel to spend hours perusing the 33,000 plus pieces at SFMOMA.
There is artwork of every size, shape, and medium, from paintings to sculptures, photography, design, and more.
Seasonal exhibitions feature a fascinating range of guest artists, and so there's e'er something new and heady to encounter.
If you demand to accept a well-earned intermission, y'all can go your food and coffee set from the museum'south 2 restaurants and a buffet.
Best of all, entry is complimentary for art-lovers under 18.
11 – Witness some of Mother Nature's finest on a Yosemite mean solar day trip
When yous've ticked off most of the things to do in San Francisco and demand to get out of the urban center and amongst nature, there are few places in the earth better than Yosemite National Park.
In just over three hours you'll be enjoying the stunning panoramic views of colossal granite summits and lush tree-filled valleys of this World Heritage Site.
Take a twenty-four hours tour full of hiking and see outset-manus the unforgettable shape of the Yosemite One-half Dome, the powerful Yosemite Falls and the towering Giant Sequoia trees before returning to SF to relax once more — after six to vii hours of walking, you'll probably need it.
Hot tip: while myriad travelers rent their ain wheels, the most hassle-gratis pick is a guided tour that includes both pick-upward and drop-off from San Francisco (plus, you'll save on gas).
See besides: all-time twenty-four hours trips from San Francisco
12 – Hop on and hop off a big metropolis tour omnibus
Short on time or don't feel like mapping out all the essential things to practice in San Francisco?
Experience the best of this wondrous metropolis at your ain pace with a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing charabanc pass instead!
Just choose your twenty-four hours and take the time to visit each landmark for as long or equally little as you demand, jumping back on the autobus when you're ready to get.
Buses feature live English commentary for all the city'south famous and virtually interesting destinations, with no less than twenty stops in the loop.
As a niggling bonus, included with the ticket is entry to Alcatraz (plus a cocky-guided audio bout), a walking bout, and an hour-long panoramic night bout.
Hot tip: Hire a bike for an 60 minutes and bike along the Gold Gate Bridge in between omnibus stops.
13 – Stop and odour the roses at the San Francisco Botanical Garden
Dubbed a one-of-a-kind urban haven, the San Francisco Botanical Garden sits in Golden Gate Park and offers a stunning collection of more than 8,000 different types of plants from every corner of the globe.
Reconnect with nature in this living museum, spanning over 55 acres of pristine horticulture, and gloat the amazing growth potential of coastal California.
Fun for the whole family, the Garden opens daily at 7:30 am and holds regular events throughout the twelvemonth, so there'southward always something unique on the calendar.
fourteen – Become skydiving (with or without the airplane)
Ever wanted to take a spring of faith and go hurtling to the earth at up to 120 miles per hour?
For adrenaline junkies, there's nothing quite like skydiving.
Volume a leap anywhere from 10, 12, even 18,000 feet in the air, giving you that little bit longer in exhilarating freefall earlier the wearisome and graceful (hopefully) trip back down.
Skydiving in San Francisco has the added perk of sweeping Californian vistas stretching to the horizon as you fall.
Or, you lot can even skip the plane trip altogether, and skydive the modern style – indoor skydiving inside a vertical wind tunnel — if one 60-second freefall isn't enough, iFLY San Francisco Bay lets yous accept 2.
fifteen – Check out the Painted Ladies
For a quick history lesson, in San Francisco during the Victorian era, it was tradition to paint houses in vivid, distinctive colors — luckily for architecture-loving travelers, a few of these celebrated buildings have been meticulously preserved to this day.
Known every bit "Postcard Row", the Painted Ladies are a collection of homes climbing up the hill beyond from Alamo Square Park and hands hold the claim to fame of existence ane of San Francisco's most photographed locations.
With the city skyline in the background, the neat row of colorful homes has featured in countless movies, ads, and tourism brochures.
For prime photo weather condition, have your camera ready at dusk. In that location are plenty of walking, passenger vehicle, and biking tours that stop by the Painted Ladies – with some even venturing inside.
16 – Be transported to Ancient Rome at the Palace of Fine Arts
Congenital by renowned Bay Area builder Bernard Maybeck, this distinctive domed building is a homage to Greco-Roman architecture and a honey Northern Californian landmark.
The Palace of Fine Arts was originally designed equally a temporary display during the Panama Pacific Exposition earth fair in 1915, but it made such a good impression that the metropolis decided to keep it.
Visitors tin find the Palace in the city'south Marina District overlooking a lagoon, where it remains an immensely pop wedding and photography destination (and, bluntly, it's not hard to run across why).
17 – Rise early and sentinel the sunday come up at Twin Peaks
No, not the David Lynch serial – these peaks refer to 2 hills (Eureka and Noe) that offer unmatched 180-caste views of the city.
Sitting at an superlative of 925 feet, the Twin Peaks are only most a 20-minute ride from downtown and characteristic prominently on many tours across San Francisco.
You tin can ascend the ii towering peaks across a 0.7-mile hiking trail, or printing on further to Glen Canyon'south Islais Creek around 1.8 miles away.
Popular among locals and tourists alike, this Creeks to Peaks trail is a corking fashion to escape from the metro and experience the rolling landscape every bit information technology once was.
xviii – Soar through the clouds on an airplane tour
Sometimes, the best seat in the house is far in a higher place it.
Airplane tours are a truly unique style to appreciate San Francisco, with unforgettable aerial views revealing the metropolis and all its attractions in a new light.
Not many people can say they've seen the Golden Gate Bridge from the sky.
Get on a seaplane and float over the bay, watch the sunset over the horizon, and savour a glass of champagne. Does it get any better? (hint: no, it does not).
19 – Entertain the whole family at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Who wouldn't desire to visit the Thrill Capital of Northern California?
Welcoming millions of adrenaline junkies year after twelvemonth (don't miss the Superman Flight for a existent heart-stopper), the 135-acre Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is the country's only "combination theme park", with an oceanarium, wildlife park, and over 45 rides and attractions for every level of thrillseeker (not to mention no shortage of eateries and live entertainment).
Located just over half an 60 minutes north of San Francisco urban center in Vallejo, abroad halfway to Napa, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is the perfect remedy for bored kids of all ages (yes, adults as well).
Hot tip: while virtually travelers opt for twenty-four hours tickets, if you program on visiting a couple of times throughout the yr, flavour passes deliver the all-time bang for your cadet.
20 – Cruise forth the coastline on a Monterey & Carmel day trip
As if the area wasn't already dishing up enough raw dazzler, 2 of California's most picturesque seaside cities are just a jaunt downwards the highway: Monterey and Carmel.
Take the double-decker or hire a car on the 17-Mile Drive through the beautiful and laid-back Monterey Peninsula and explore the coastal community of Monterey, complete with quiet beaches, super fresh seafood, and all manner of colorful aquatic life going almost their business.
While y'all're there, keep a lookout for blubbery sea lions, seals, and otters, or see why they phone call it the "whale watching capital of the world" on a dedicated whale-watching tour!
And, of grade, don't forget to round off your twenty-four hour period trip with a stop at the idyllic Carmel-by-the-Sea. Also the historic Carmel Mission and numerous fine art galleries, it's rated as one of America'due south top embankment towns.
21 – Admire the magnificent Grace Cathedral
With its soaring towers, stained drinking glass, and stunning mosaics by famous painter Jan Henryk de Rosen, Grace Cathedral is a sight to behold whether y'all consider yourself an architecture buff or non.
Constructed in the mid-20th-century, this house of prayer is a local institution and the cathedral church building of the Episcopal Diocese of California — above all else though, information technology's a marvelous feat of engineering.
Visitors can nourish church services, take a 1000 tour of the building, or just appreciate the French Gothic architecture from the surrounding Nob Colina.
Don't forget to check out the cathedral entrance — the iconic Ghiberti doors are replicas of Florence Baptistery'south "Gates of Paradise".
22 – Detect new fauna friends at the San Francisco Zoo
Domicile to over 2,000 creatures big and modest from all corners of the globe, there's bound to exist an exotic animal you've never seen before at the San Francisco Zoo.
Families can meet the big cats of the African savanna, run across the largest colony of Magellanic penguins out of the wild, and get upwards shut and personal with a few subcontract animals at the petting zoo.
The tigers and reptiles are e'er a crowd favorite, also the trainer-led shows, and everyone loves the Little Puffer steam train.
24-hour interval tickets are bachelor, but y'all can get the most out of your solar day by combining a zoo trip with a bout of the nearby Muir Wood National Monument.
23 – Catch a ball game at Oracle Park, habitation of the San Francisco Giants
For the true SF local feel, the rule is you take to savour a game at Oracle Park.
From the nine-foot statue of Willie Mays to the (surprisingly) great food menu and, of course, the backdrop of San Francisco Bay, in that location is piffling wonder why Oracle Park is oft named the meridian baseball stadium in the country.
Take a pre-game tour of the stadium, encounter some Giants fans and soak in the history of this premier ballpark.
It's a quintessential San Francisco twenty-four hour period out and, of course, the Giants always have a chance of winning.
24 – Accept your mind blown at the Museum of 3D Illusions
Over 40 mind-angle interactive installations from some of the world'due south all-time artists will have you questioning your eyesight at this family-favorite San Fran attraction.
Located right next to Fisherman's Wharf, tickets provide admission to every exhibit, making for a great pick to spend an hr in one of the city's most tourist-friendly areas.
Make sure your phone has infinite, considering y'all'll be taking hundreds of photos of you lot and your friends flying on a magic carpet, floating in a bubble, crushing sports cars with fly kicks, and walking on mountain peaks.
You can fifty-fifty let out a little frustration in the Smash It room.
25 – Hear the ocean calling at the Wave Organ
Remember listening to the body of water through a trounce? At present imagine if that beat out was a massive organ.
The Wave Organ is an audio-visual sculpture on a jetty in San Francisco Bay, designed to magnify the sounds of the sea.
Activated by the air force per unit area created by the moving ridge's movement, this collection of pipes plays a deep, gurgling, restless melody that is both calming and eerie.
The Moving ridge Organ is best enjoyed on a windy day when the waves are loftier, but even if there's non much of a sea breeze going, it'south worth the trip to see this incredible piece of compages and listen to nature's music.
It's an easy walk from Marina Boulevard and the perfect spot for a bit of quiet reflection.
26 – Scroll through on a San Francisco Cablevision Car
There's no more traditional way to run into San Francisco than from a cable car.
A slice of SF history, these iconic vehicles offer an upwards-close view of some of the city by the bay's most famous landmarks, including Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, and Golden Gate Park.
First used virtually 150 years agone, cablevision cars were a transportation staple until the 50s, when buses and subways began to take over.
Now, they're an quondam-schoolhouse opportunity to experience rolling through the hills as San Franciscans once did way back yonder.
A surefire hit for history buffs and applied science enthusiasts, anyone interested in how cablevision cars became entwined with the urban center's identity should end by the Cablevision Auto Museum in Nob Colina!
27 – Ride (and larn!) in a self-guided GoCar
A car and a bout guide all in one, the GoCar was named by Time Mag every bit "one of the coolest inventions of the year." Still demand more convincing?
Jump in and drive around at your own pace, while the GoCar provides engaging and upward-to-appointment commentary on your California surroundings — like KITT from Knight Rider, but smaller and yellowish.
Simply pick the topless three-wheeler up at Union Square or Beach Street near Fisherman's Wharf, and the GoCar will navigate wherever you'd like to get.
Just remember they only fit ii people.
28 – Travel through time at the Musee Mecanique
One of the world's largest privately-owned collections, the Musée Mécanique (or Mechanical Museum, in English language) features over 300 machines sure to pique the interest of whatever history-savvy vacationer.
From antique slot machines to penny arcades and other 20th-century artifacts, the range is both various and wonderful.
A popular spot for a rainy twenty-four hour period, the museum has been in operation since 1912 with founder Edward Zelinsky starting his drove at just eleven years sometime.
Today, it fills 2 buildings along Pier 45 of Fisherman's Wharf – and there's e'er a friendly attendant nearby to help find your manner and learn more about what sits before you.
And the best thing? Besides being open all year long, admission is totally costless!
29 – Pay your respects at the USS San Francisco Memorial and visit the Lands End Lookout man
Named for its location at the stop of the northwestern peninsula, the rocky trails of Country's Finish wind offering incredible vistas of the Gold Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Body of water.
For over a century, Country'south Finish Lookout man has been a favorite spot for visitors and locals alike.
Far from only a stellar viewpoint, the location as well has a rich history, highlighted past the USS San Francisco Memorial which commemorates the November 12, 1942 sinking of the USS San Francisco cruiser by a Japanese submarine during World War II.
While in the area, pop into the aboriginal Sutro Baths, the fascinating ruins of what was once the largest indoor swimming establishment in the world!
30 – Broaden your horizons at the California Academy of Sciences
A one-of-a-kind facility comprising an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum, the California University of Sciences is a must-run into for anyone who likes to acquire.
Located in Golden Gate Park, the University is filled with interactive and engaging exhibits designed for science lovers of all ages.
Take in the sights and sounds of the four-story rainforest, watch the penguins splash around in African Hall, and discover the secrets of the universe in the digital dome theater of the planetarium.
An exclusive VIP tour gives you admission to the secrets of the Academy'due south Living Roof, but a skip-the-line ticket lets you bypass those dreaded holiday queues.
31 – Feel the sand nether your toes at the beach
Despite being known as the "Urban center by the Bay", San Francisco is dwelling house to a surprising choice of world-class beaches, with both serene coastal pockets within the urban center limits and idyllic getaways a short trip from town.
And so, where to commencement? Body of water Beach is San Francisco's longest shoreline and sits on the metropolis'due south western border. Though a popular destination, with white sands and dramatic rocky outcrops, it's so broad it rarely feels crowded.
For a picnic or stroll with a view, the mile-long Baker Beach offers a backdrop like no other – the Gold Gate Span in all its celebrity. Note: At one stop, vesture is optional!
If you want somewhere more private, merely south of the city is the charming Gray Whale Cove, with postcard views, whale watching opportunities and tide pools to explore.
And, of course, the stunning shores of Monterey and Carmel are just a short drive away.
32 – Engage your senses at the Exploratorium
A one-of-a-kind museum on Pier 15, the Exploratorium is a place to let your curiosity run free.
Explore your perspective with interactive, research-based exhibits across half-dozen indoor and outdoor galleries.
This is the kind of identify that will have the kids talking for months, while, adventurous adults can attend the After Dark 18+ sessions every Th.
Looking to save a few bucks? A San Francisco Explorer Laissez passer lets you lot cull a combination of SF attractions, including the Exploratorium, and is a nifty mode to lock in a few things to do at once!
33 – Keep the magic of babyhood alive at Children's Fairyland
The fantastical Children'southward Fairyland is a wonderful place for kids to play, acquire and mind to stories.
Located on Lake Merritt in Oakland, a short 15 minute trip from hilly downtown, this storybook world was actually one of the outset themed parks in the country and fifty-fifty influenced Walt Disney in creating Disneyland.
Children's Fairyland is filled with traditional fairytale charm and imagination, with rides, puppet shows, a theater, and more than — all in all, it sells itself as one of the best things to do in San Francisco for anyone with kids in tow.
Exist certain to budget a few hours to get the full experience.
34 – Test your film cognition on a movie sights bout
Consider yourself a bit of a film buff?
San Francisco features prominently in thousands of movies and series, and peachy eyes will be able to identify iconic scenes from movies such as The Princess Diaries, Dr. Doolittle, Full Business firm, Dingy Harry, and many, many, many more.
Rather than stumble across locations, encounter all the Tinseltown landmarks in one go, by jumping on a tour
From the air-conditioned comfort of the tour bus, expect to be shown the sights by a professional histrion-turned-guide, visiting landmarks in all the major neighborhoods including Nob Hill, Union Square, Civic Center, and Fisherman's Wharf.
Or, hit the sidewalk on a walking bout and put yourself in the scene. And cut!
35 – Walk among the redwoods in Muir Woods
If you get downward in the woods today, you'd better take a photographic camera.
11 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge you'll notice Muir Wood, a world-famous (nevertheless nonetheless wildly underrated) United states National Monument that brings in over 1.5 million visitors every year.
The protected state is one of the few remaining quondam-growth littoral redwood forests in the Bay Area; something near walking through the world's tallest copse and slow-flowing rivers just has an amazingly calming effect.
Easy to add into whatsoever 2 or iii-day itinerary, Muir Forest is less than an hour past car and is included in many group tours.
For all of you thirsty travelers, combine information technology with a trip to Wine State to really indulge the senses.
36 – Kick dorsum at Mission Dolores Park
Mission Dolores Park, known by the locals equally simply Dolores Park, is an amenity-filled public space just east of Twin Peaks.
A popular hangout for San Franciscans, the sunny park features large grass areas, picnic tables perform for soaking in the summer sun, multi-purpose fields and courts, and at the acme of the park, a fantastic view of downtown.
After checking out what is a bang-up spot for domestic dog walking, people watching, sunbathing, and outdoor relaxation, leave an hour or 2 to explore the surrounding Mission District, ane of the city's trendiest neighborhoods where cafes, bars, and restaurants are in abundance.
37 – Celebrate Asian history at the Asian Fine art Museum
Connecting art with life, the Asian Art Museum is one of the world's finest collections of artwork from the entire Asian continent.
With more than 18,000 works spanning a diversity of cultures including from Turkey, India, Prc, and the Philippines, you'll detect a globe-class range of paintings, sculptures, bronze works, textiles and more.
The remarkable collection spans over six,000 years of complex history, from aboriginal civilizations to contemporary technological marvels — making it a quintessential SF outing for culture vultures and fine art-lovers alike.
Check information technology out in the heart of the city'south Civic Center, and larn a thing or two about another culture.
38 – Spend a day on the boardwalk at Pier 39
If San Francisco had a Vegas Strip, it would be Pier 39.
A premier entertainment commune on the border of Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 is one of the nigh visited tourist attractions in San Francisco, spanning two levels of dining, shopping, and activities.
Millions visit the Pier every yr, swinging past to lookout man the famous California sea lions, ride on the classic carousel, take in the iconic views of SF landmarks, or sip on a waterfront beverage (or 5).
Budding explorers should get and get lost in Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze, a listen-bending series of hallways and reflections.
To save a few bucks, a tourist-friendly Pier 39 pass volition allow yous practice all the top attractions at in one case.
39 – Let the kids go creative at the Children'southward Creativity Museum
Give footling hands and minds the confidence to create at the Children'southward Creativity Museum, a local favorite (welcoming over 100,000 people every year) when it comes to things to do in San Francisco for traveling families.
Located within Yerba Buena Gardens and designed for children between ii and 12, the participatory fine art museum features workshops and exhibits and so kids can produce their own media, from stop-movement movies to expressions of music.
With plenty of easily-on exhibits, the youngsters will be able to acquire new skills, expand their thinking, and who knows – possibly fifty-fifty spark a lifelong passion.
twoscore – Enjoy a wine or 2 on a Napa and Sonoma Valley day trip
The world-famous wine country of Northern California is a motion picture-perfect landscape of rolling hills and sun-kissed vineyards — and plenty of reasons to get a little tipsy.
So, make sure to take a full day to experience both Napa and Sonoma Valleys and sip on some of the finest reds, whites and rosés in the earth.
Obviously, sampling the local production is a number one priority, then the best way to bout the valleys is on a charter bus.
Guides will accept you lot through the history of the region, from the offset Spanish winemakers to tricks of the trade of contemporary wineries.
Whether y'all're finding your palate or a refined sommelier, there's a drinking glass with your name on it.
See also: best Napa Valley wine tours and fun things to do in Napa Valley.
41 – Indulge your taste buds at The Ferry Building
Sure, the Ferry Building is home to San Francisco's ferry last, but information technology's also and so much more.
A historic landmark with a massive clock belfry, the building boasts a wide diverseness of shops and some of San Francisco'south nigh succulent cuisine.
At the locally adored Ferry Building Market, you lot'll observe sweets, treats, cheeses, java, pastries and wine (from Napa and Sonoma among others, of course), and you tin take domicile a booty of Northern California's best produce.
It couldn't be easier to get to the Ferry Building – it's a fundamental transit hub of the city'southward neighborhoods.
42 – Dorsum the Niners at Levi's Stadium
Sports fans, listen up!
The San Francisco 49ers are one of the near successful franchises in the history of American football, and if you desire to see them on their home turf, information technology's off to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, just over 45 minutes s of San Francisco past car.
Being in Silicon Valley, it's no surprise that the stadium is outfitted with tech – think, WiFi in every seat so you tin can tweet plays and club nutrient.
There'southward plenty of memorabilia to immerse yourself in the history of the beloved 49ers and their greatest players, including Steve Immature, Jerry Rice and Joe Montana. If you're a fan, it's definitely worth the trip.
43 – Say buongiorno to Little Italian republic
Information technology's a 13-hour flying from San Francisco to Italy, and then if y'all're pressed for time it's recommended to just visit the city neighborhood of North Beach.
Known as "Lilliputian Italy", North Embankment can exist found between Fisherman'southward Wharf and Chinatown and is packed total of cafes, pizzerias (don't miss the multiple award-winning Tony's Pizza Napoletana), and gelato sellers.
These real Italian businesses offer a truly authentic feel, with many of the shopkeepers and restaurateurs (or their parents) migrating from Italy in the mid-1900s.
You lot might desire to take a walking tour to burn off all that pasta – it'southward voted one of America's best foodie tours, with tasty samples and history galore.
Thinking about staying in a hotel in Footling Italy to be shut to the cheesy action? With something for every budget, choose whatsoever of the Washington Square Inn, Hotel Boheme, Columbus Inn, or Riu Plaza Fisherman'southward Wharf and you'll be sleeping in heaven.
44 – Make a splash at California's meridian h2o parks
If you like your theme parks with a side of h2o-filled fun, you're spoiled for pick in San Francisco with a range of fun family-friendly options.
In Hold, around half an hour east of SF, yous'll find Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a perfect getaway on those sizzling summer days, featuring 25 thrilling h2o slides and no shortage of spots to cool off.
Meanwhile, 40 miles southward-east in Fremont is Aqua Adventure Waterpark, a 3-acre fun-packed day out that is something of a hidden gem.
Then, terminal but not least, south of the urban center in San Jose, the S Bay Shores Waterpark is office of California'southward Great America, offering a broad variety of rides and amusement, plus a lazy river and splash pads for the little ones.
45 – Satisfy your chocolate cravings at Ghirardelli Foursquare
Love chocolate? What about history?
If you lot said yes to both, you're in for a treat. Ghirardelli Square is a block of redeveloped 19th-century buildings, including what was once the Ghirardelli Chocolate Visitor – start launched in 1849 by Italian immigrant Domenico Ghiradelli (yep, 1849 was a neat twelvemonth for San Francisco).
Today, information technology's a quaint preserved collection of shops, restaurants, and of course, Ghirardelli's famous chocolate.
Even if you're non a chocoholic, you're sure to notice something you similar – the ice cream sundaes are hard to resist.
46 – Put on your best flare pants for the Dearest Tour
With a hippie by and a hipster present, San Francisco has always been a city for trendsetters (and ignorers).
The Love Bout pops y'all on a VW bus direct out of the 70s and takes yous through SF's nearly cultural neighborhoods and landmarks, including the homes of artists similar The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix.
If there is a special place in your middle for the psychedelic era, this is a nifty style to spend two hours, with a knowledgeable and passionate bout guide who is sure to have some nifty stories to share.
47 – Practise your bulldoze at a Bay Area golf course
Lush courses dot the entire Gilded State, so, as expected, there are plenty of options for golfers of all skill levels in San Francisco and the surrounding surface area.
For a green with a view, Lincoln Park is hard to beat, the open public golf game course offering a stunning backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Presidio Golf Course, one of the oldest and best courses on the West Declension, is located in the heart of the city and has hosted everyone from Teddy Roosevelt to Joe DiMaggio.
Meanwhile, over at the Oakland Hills Country Club, South Course is a course of a legendary pedigree.
Then there is TPC Harding Park, host of multiple aristocracy championships and globe tournaments.
48 – Learn about the man behind the classics at the Walt Disney Family unit Museum
A chance to go to know the animator who influenced so many lives, the Walt Disney Family Museum is xl,000 square feet of exhibits on everything from Walt's early life to the creation of Disneyland.
Full of magic and wonder, in that location are interactive displays, a section on Pixar, and even narration from Walt himself. And of course, y'all'll learn about the creation of Mickey and his friends – oh, male child!
The museum is located in the historic Presidio district in the northernmost point of the San Francisco peninsula, where you'll find plenty of other family-friendly attractions as well.
49 – Hop on a ferry to Angel Island
A California Historical Landmark, Affections Island (being an island) is but attainable by ferry, and you lot tin can get there in about 30 minutes from San Francisco.
Once a military base of operations, once an immigration station, these days it's a popular spot for picnics, hiking, biking, and enjoying 360-degree views of the Bay Area.
You can ride an open up-air tram, dive into the island'southward Civil War history, and savour a bite from the Affections Island Cafe. Brand sure to endeavour the barbecue pork sandwich, it's a crowd favorite!
50 – Chase for treasure in a city-wide scavenger game
One unique way to explore the urban center and see myriad things to do in San Francisco all at in one case is by turning the streets into a behemothic game board!
A gamified walking tour adds an extra level of excitement, and you'll be solving clues with a guide (or a virtual guide) while y'all expedition the neighborhood to find the prize.
Some scavenger hunts but require a ticket and a smartphone, while others provide written or picture-based hints.
If y'all like challenges, games and surprises, these family-friendly tours are perfect for groups and permit you really interact with both the essential landmarks and hidden gems.
51 – Shop 'til you drop at Union Foursquare
Shopaholics, listen up! It's easy to lose hours and hours in the retail precinct of Matrimony Foursquare.
Correct in the heart of downtown, it'south a smorgasbord of high-cease shopping and dining options for every style and taste – i of the largest collections in the unabridged U.s.a.!
You'll also find the Powell Street cable cars, the American Conservatory Theater, the Martin Lawrence Fine art Gallery, and at the center of information technology all, the iconic Dewey Monument statue of Nike (the goddess, non the shoes).
With and so much to see and practise, you could spend a whole mean solar day here without even batting an eyelash.
52 – Appreciate two periods of art at the Fine Arts Museums
The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco are two museums from the same organisation that could not be more different.
The de Immature Museum in Golden Gate Park is a sleek, contemporary drove of modern, African, and Oceanic art, while the classic French-style architecture of the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park houses art from across European history.
Combined, they are a tour de force of artistic skill and iconic pieces – just you might want to bout them separately to properly take it all in.
53 – Experience Cathay in Northward America's oldest Chinatown
Not just the oldest, but one of the largest, too – San Francisco's Chinatown is a feast for the senses, filled with vibrant colors, delicious food, and enough of racket.
Notice the culinary delights of Chinatown's tiny alleys on a walking bout, where you can picket master fortune cookie makers and learn traditional Chinese cooking techniques.
Depending on your itinerary, you tin combine your tour with an exploration of Due north Beach, downtown, or even Alcatraz. Just be warned of the crowds – Chinatown gets more visitors each year than the Gold Gate Bridge, then it's all-time to bring together a bout to avert the tourist traps and head to the real gems.
Looking for a hotel well-nigh Chinatown? Both the Hilton San Francisco Financial Commune and the famous Grant Plaza Hotel make for impeccable options.
54 – Explore the woodlands of the Presidio of San Francisco
At the very tiptop of San Francisco sits the Presidio, one of the almost popular national parks in America.
A former military post, the 1491-acre Presidio now attracts families, adventurers, and history lovers alike.
Take a motorbus upward and experience some of San Francisco'southward best hiking and biking, the historic Presidio golf game course, a selection of great beaches, and some of the finest scenic views in the city.
Or, if you'd prefer to accept all this at your doorstep, there are plenty of top hotels in the Presidio, too.
55 – Reconnect with nature at the Yerba Buena Gardens
A family-friendly destination, the Yerba Buena Gardens are a green-filled getaway of pristine lawns and shady trees.
Visit the Museum of Mod Fine art, check out the many sculptures and art installations, or lookout man the waterfall at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (yes, in that location's a waterfall).
Even if it's only a picnic with your friends, there'south e'er something in the Gardens to practice.
Over v acres in size, you can find the Yerba Buena Gardens in central downtown, with expectedly amazing skyline views.
56 – Jump on a Segway and glide down Fisherman's Wharf
A bustling hub of restaurants and waterfront attractions, Fisherman's Wharf is non just ane of San Francisco's most pop tourist destinations – information technology's ane of the busiest in the entire western Usa.
Pier 39 is a must-see, with 2 stories of dining, shopping and entertainment, with a backdrop of the Bay and a take chances to meet the wharf'south famous sea lions. You can likewise take hold of a ferry to Alcatraz from here.
Sure, you could spend a day walking around, just the all-time way to encompass the near ground is on a Segway. Don't forget to terminate at Boudin Bakery for some of their famous sourdough bread!
Hunting for a hotel almost Fisherman's Wharf? While there's no shortage of options, if yous're searching for luxury, expect no further than the Hyatt Centric or the Marriott. If you're pinching pennies, the Travelodge past Wyndham is of first-class value.
57 – Snap some panoramic pics from the observation deck of Coit Tower
One time the tallest structure in the city, the distinctive Coit Tower on height of Telegraph Hill has been a staple of the San Francisco skyline since 1933.
Inside, you can find all kinds of murals from 26 artists, which yous tin learn more well-nigh on a tower tour.
For the breathtaking 360 degree views, you'll need to get a ticket and ride the lift up to the observation deck.
Snacks, treats and coffees are bachelor at the nearby Coit Tower Cafe.
58 – Score a (mini) pigsty in one at Urban Putt
Like golf game simply not into all that walking? Mini golf is your answer, and Urban Putt is 1 of the best places to do it.
This imaginative indoor mini-golf course is prepare similar a city, with 14 themed holes that volition test your putting power.
Urban Putt is a smashing place to spend an hr (or ii) with friends or family.
And if you work upwards an appetite, they have a fantastic selection of food and drinks at the clubhouse – including cocktails. Yous tin can notice Urban Putt in the Mission district.
59 – Visit the tech upper-case letter of the globe, Silicon Valley
What practice the likes of Apple, Google, Facebook, and Twitter all accept in common? They're based in the tech capital of the globe, Silicon Valley.
If yous're interested in the giants that congenital the modern digital world, a Silicon Valley tour will give you a backside-the-scenes look into how these companies operate and the people who brand them successful.
Private tours provide much-needed insight and commentary, and many too give the opportunity to visit the renowned Stanford University.
Upkeep half a twenty-four hour period for the total Silicon Valley experience – on top of the tech, there'southward slap-up nutrient and cultural attractions, too.
60 – Read, learn and find at City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
Calling all bookworms and bibliophiles! The literary market of Urban center Lights is one of the most vibrant and diverse in the United States, full of new, used, and rare books of every genre.
First built in 1953, this independent bookstore has a history of the alternative, a meeting place for intellectuals, beatniks, and curious minds.
City Lights also hosts readings, signings, and other events that are sure to entreatment to any volume lover.
Spanning iii full floors, yous're sure to uncover some reading treasure here.
61 – Strap on a pair of roller skates at the Church of 8 Wheels
You're never besides sometime to roller skate, and the Church building of viii Wheels is proof.
This funky roller disco in the Bay Area is open up to anyone who wants to learn, with beginner ramps and classes from expert teachers.
For veteran skaters, there are more than challenging obstacles and plenty of opportunities to bear witness off your skills.
As the name might suggest, the skatepark is located in an abandoned church building – and the atmosphere is second to none.
Super friendly staff, bully tunes, and disco lights will ensure you have a skilful time.
62 – Climb the mosaic of the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps
The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps take yous from bounding main to stars, with vibrant mosaic tiles flowing up 163 steps in San Francisco's Gold Gate Heights.
Built back in 2003, the artwork is a collaboration from neighborhood artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher, with residents sponsoring handmade named tiles to fund the project.
The result: a cute interactive fine art piece that brought the entire community together!
The steps are a hidden gem on 16th Avenue, in the city's Inner Sunset district, where you'll find all kinds of people, and all kinds of restaurants (the Asian and Mexican joints are top-notch), cafes and bars.
63 – Confirm San Francisco's reputation equally a foodie paradise
From the gustatory modality of Asia in Chinatown to the Italian delights at North Beach, it's easy to see why San Francisco is a renowned mecca for foodies.
Rather than taking it by take a chance, countless food tour options volition take y'all to top rima oris-watering locations across the city.
As the locals will no doubt tell you lot, often the very all-time places are a little harder to observe. Walk off the beaten rail on a Undercover Food Tour of the Mission District (just one example of many different noteworthy gastronomic tours), and you'll uncover a select few.
While you're there, cheque out the stunning streetside murals and endeavour a Mission-style burrito – the region is famous for it.
64 – Marvel at the towering Transamerica Pyramid
It's piece of cake to spot this pyramid-shaped belfry jutting out of the San Franciscan skyline.
Designed past architect Willian Pereira and completed in 1972, information technology was once the tallest skyscraper in the city with no less than 48 floors (at present it's the 2d tallest, behind the gigantic Salesforce Tower).
Today, the pop center features a shopping mall, restaurants, and a love theater, and is the home of Transamerica Corporation.
Information technology'south open to the public, so yous're welcome to visit and enjoy the views of San Francisco Bay.
65 – Spotter the dominicus go down on a serene bay cruise
With such iconic vistas on such beautiful waters, the but style to make San Francisco Bay more picturesque is by viewing it at sunset.
Luckily, there is no shortage of cruises that sail the bay at sundown, pregnant you can watch the Gold State really plough gilded, drink in hand.
Watch the city slowly calorie-free up as y'all glide across the waters to Alcatraz Island and under the Golden Gate Bridge, or only circumvolve the bay — information technology's one of the quintessential things to practice in San Francisco.
For a truly romantic evening, a twilight tour aboard a luxury catamaran is an feel you won't soon forget.
66 – Care for your palate on a vino tour
On the doorstep of Napa and Sonoma Valley – California's world-famous wine land – there are plenty of exciting destinations for vino lovers in San Francisco.
Many tours volition visit the rolling hills of both valleys in i on a twenty-four hours trip, giving y'all a taste of some of the best wineries from each region.
Of course, there is no shortage of local winemakers dotted throughout the city and its surrounds, and yous tin can even do tastings on the bay itself. Really, the hardest role is narrowing it down.
67 – Wine, dine and dance on a dinner prowl
Breakfast lets yous offset the solar day correct, and lunch keeps you going – but no meal has potential quite like dinner.
Will you lot have it at a winery? On a sunset cruise? Pair it with an adrenaline-filled activity, like water biking, or a helicopter tour? Or even with a dance?
Whether it's with family unit, friends, or a romantic someone special, San Francisco offers all this and more than, giving yous enough of delicious, fresh, and locally-sourced dinner options to round off a perfect solar day.
68 – Head to the theater for the evening
From Broadway-mode productions to arthouse indie shows, San Francisco's Theater District is a theater lovers please.
The elegant Orpheum Theater was built in 1926 and is one of the final remaining atmospheric theaters in the world, with a starry sky that twinkles on cue.
Two blocks away, the equally yard Golden Gate Theater is one of the city's oldest and is a stunningly elegant slice of architecture, while the much-loved 1,600-seat Curran has hosted some of the biggest theater shows in history.
In neighboring districts, you'll find The War Memorial Opera Business firm, domicile to the San Francisco Opera since 1932, and the pioneering Audium, a one-of-a-kind immersive theater of sound.
69 – Sample water ice-cold brews at a beer tasting
Beer lover? You're in luck, because San Francisco is considered ane of America's meridian 10 beer cities.
With local landmarks like Ballast Steam Brewing (established in 1896!) and newer favorites similar Fort Bespeak Beer Company, there's guaranteed to be something y'all like on tap.
Embark on a walking craft beer bout, or combine your beer tasting with a trip to Napa Valley.
If you lot're interested in calculation a prison house visit, the Alcatraz and Walking Craft Beer Combo Tour was rated the #2 Beer Bout in the The states by TripAdvisor!
70 – Political party through the dark at a San Francisco lodge
No thing your style or scene, if y'all're looking to trip the light fantastic toe the night away, San Francisco has a nightclub to suit – with the hottest locale beingness S of Market Street (SoMa).
The SoMa staple Dna Lounge has been open up for 3 decades and features iv dance floors, two stages, and seven bars. The party never sleeps here.
Nearby, The Smashing Northern is a dose of 70s glam, with 30-foot ceilings and regular LGBTIQ events.
And so there'south Monarch, the vintage-style venue that offers fun cocktails and a Prohibition vibe. A popular after-work haunt, information technology has spaces for every mood.
71 – Get your pizza and beer fix on a city pub crawl
It'due south a timeless combination, and you lot can sample some of the best in North Embankment on a Pizza & Pub Clamber tour experience.
Make certain at that place's room in your stomach to sample California-fashion pie, clam pizza and much, much more than.
If y'all can't go by a petty good quondam-fashioned competition, the Let's Roam scavenger hunt app puts a spin on the traditional pub clamber with challenges and prizes up for grabs.
Selection some friends and aim for the crown!
72 – Gild a drink and a view at a rooftop bar
For a culinary experience like no other, Top of the Mark sits on the 19th flooring of the Marking Hopkins hotel and offers celebrity-approved cocktails with a superb outlook from the venue's sky lounge.
Over on top of the Moscone Heart and Gardens, B Restaurant and Bar is renowned for its menu, rooftop terrace, and the best Happy Hour in San Francisco.
In the Mission, El Techo has been voted i of the metropolis'south best restaurants and offers soul-satisfying pan-Latin American cuisine.
Charmaine's Rooftop Bar & Lounge sits 120 feet above Marketplace Street and is the perfect blend of European terraces and coastal Californian vibes.
Plus, Rooftop 25 is one of the city's trendiest new venues, atop the 25 Lusk eatery in SoMa.
73 – Relax and heal at a life-giving spa
Washed everything else? You lot've earned a spa visit.
Treat yourself and sink into a solar day spa, with a range of packages designed to have you feeling refreshed and renewed.
Get those knots worked out with aromassage, pamper your hands and feet with a mani-pedi, or even become a couple's massage.
You tin also detox in a sauna or with pressure therapy. Hair, pare, face, anxiety, whole body – there's nothing you can't relax at an SF spa.
The best fashion to see SF on a budget
Designed specifically to help tourists get effectually the city and tick off the main haunts, both the Go San Francisco Bill of fare and the Mega Pass offering the best bang for your buck if yous plan on seeing a number of museums or joining several tours.
The former grants y'all access to 25 of the most popular San Francisco attractions and activities — from the California Academy of Sciences to a range of San Francisco Bay cruises — while the latter allows you to combine five of your favorite tours all into one affordable pass.
Don't forget virtually walking tours either!
To run across the city from a local'due south perspective, it sure helps to take a local leading the way — that'south why San Fran's array of walking tours, be them paid or costless walking tours (only recall to leave a tip), are always pop amongst penny-pinching tourists.
Yous'll hear stories from locals that you won't read online, you lot'll venture off the beaten track, and you'll discover theexistent side of the Golden Gate urban center.
See also: Best San Francisco tours – which one to choose?
Tips for arriving at SFO Airport
There's nada worse than trying to maneuver your style effectually a new metropolis's public transit system (in this case, the BART) later on just beingness crammed into a middle seat on the red-eye — or whatever flying, for that matter.
So, start your holiday the right way — have the hassle out of your arrival by arranging your transport to your hotel before you even set foot on the airplane. A range of aerodrome transfers is available, with both luxury and affordable options to suit all kinds of travelers.
Final thoughts
Wow, what a list. As you lot can run across, you can easily spend weeks ticking off the activities without running out of things to practise in San Francisco.
Being such a melting pot of culture, applied science and cuisine makes SF one of America's nigh pop holiday destinations.
One time you're washed, at that place are plenty of nearby Californian cities likewise worth a visit, including Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and of course, the stunning Napa Valley, which gets its own listing. In next-door Nevada, y'all'll find Reno and Lake Tahoe, platonic for a weekend trip.
Did nosotros miss anything? Let us know in the comments.
And every bit always, happy (and condom) travels!
Source: https://tourscanner.com/blog/fun-things-to-do-in-san-francisco/
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