United States

Things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco is compact, hilly and surrounded on three sides by water, which makes it a city of short trips: a bike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge, a ferry to Alcatraz, a cable car up Nob Hill, dim sum in Chinatown and burritos in the Mission. Napa and Sonoma wine country and the redwoods of Muir Woods are within about an hour's drive.

  • Alcatraz Island tour
  • Golden Gate Bridge bike ride to Sausalito
  • Napa Valley or Sonoma wine tour
  • Muir Woods redwoods and Sausalito

Experiences in San Francisco

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Outdoor and natureHikes, kayaks and nature trips within easy reach of the city.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in San Francisco

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Highlights

  • Alcatraz Island tour
  • Golden Gate Bridge bike ride to Sausalito
  • Napa Valley or Sonoma wine tour
  • Muir Woods redwoods and Sausalito
  • Chinatown and North Beach food tour
  • San Francisco Bay cruise

Best time to visit

September and October are the warmest, clearest months. Summer is often cool and foggy, especially near the Golden Gate, and winter brings most of the year's rain; pack layers in any season.

Getting around

Use a Clipper card or contactless card on Muni buses, streetcars and BART; cable cars run on three lines and charge a separate, higher fare. BART connects SFO Airport with downtown in about 30 minutes.

Local tips

  • Alcatraz tickets are sold only through Alcatraz City Cruises from Pier 33 and often sell out weeks ahead in summer; the night tour is the hardest to get.
  • Muir Woods requires a parking or shuttle reservation in advance, which a guided tour includes.
  • Ride a bike over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and take the ferry back to the Ferry Building, rather than riding back uphill into the wind.

Day trips from San Francisco

  • Napa Valley
  • Sonoma
  • Muir Woods and Sausalito
  • Monterey and Carmel
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in San Francisco?

The most booked experiences in San Francisco are Alcatraz Island tour, Golden Gate Bridge bike ride to Sausalito, Napa Valley or Sonoma wine tour and Muir Woods redwoods and Sausalito.

When is the best time to visit San Francisco?

September and October are the warmest, clearest months. Summer is often cool and foggy, especially near the Golden Gate, and winter brings most of the year's rain; pack layers in any season.

How do I get around San Francisco?

Use a Clipper card or contactless card on Muni buses, streetcars and BART; cable cars run on three lines and charge a separate, higher fare. BART connects SFO Airport with downtown in about 30 minutes.

Do I need to book tours in San Francisco in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in San Francisco?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Mexico City3038 km awayCancun3874 km awayNew York4129 km awayReykjavik6755 km away