What to do in Brisbane, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A cityscape with a prominent skyscraper, dense urban buildings, and a hilly landscape in the foreground.
A coastal residential area with houses on a hillside, overlooking the ocean.
A coastal cityscape with dense housing, a port with ships, and a prominent bridge.
A city skyline with a prominent skyscraper, surrounded by hills and greenery.
A hillside with residential buildings and a distant cityscape.

Places to Visit in Brisbane

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Brisbane, San Francisco while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Brisbane attractions from , making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Brisbane tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Brisbane. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Golden Gate Bay Cruise Service: sail around Alcatraz!

Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)

NZ$65
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions

Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions

NZ$164
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
California Academy of Sciences General Admission

California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission

NZ$82
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Golden Gate Bridge at night

San Francisco Night Tour

NZ$80
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Night Tour
City Sightseeing San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

NZ$92
per adult
City Sightseeing San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoia Tour

San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour

NZ$345
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
San Francisco: One day Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Tour
Bridge 2 Bridge Tour: Golden Gate Bridge to Bay Bridge

San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)

NZ$80
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
San Francisco Bridge to Bridge Cruise (90-minutes)
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Top places to visit

1. Pier 39

One of the highlights of Pier 39 is watching the vast numbers of sea lions basking in the sun or playing on the floating docks on which they live. These noisy residents are popular with visitors, so the best time to see them is early in the morning.
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A flag with 'PIERS 59' on a flagpole by a body of water with a building on a hill in the background.

2. Golden Gate Bridge

This feat of engineering may no longer be the longest, the tallest, nor the oldest, but it remains one of the most photographed bridges in the world and still has the power to inspire awe. It’s also something of an event to cross. This iconic landmark stretches 2.7 kilometres across the "Golden Gate", where the San Francisco Bay opens into the Pacific Ocean.
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The Golden Gate Bridge with its distinctive towers and suspension cables, set against a backdrop of hills and the San Francisco Bay.

3. Oracle Park

Visit Oracle Park for more than simply watching a San Francisco Giants game. Tour this privately financed ballpark, known for its breathtaking views, charm and character. This is the city’s replacement for notoriously windy Candlestick Park.
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A pedestrian bridge over a river with a stadium and a boat dock in the background.

4. Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park is a horticulturally diverse and picturesque space, designed in 1871 by park commissioner William Hall. The park incorporates winding walking trails that weave their way past beautiful gardens, playgrounds, picnic areas, woods and lakes spanning over 400 hectares. Golden Gate Park has a laidback and peaceful vibe and is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco.
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A large white greenhouse with a dome roof, surrounded by a garden with colorful flowers and palm trees.

5. Lombard Street

A one-block section of Lombard Street shows the steepness of San Francisco’s hills in a unique way. The redbrick road makes eight hairpin turns as it goes downhill from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street. See this famous spot, one of the beloved quirks of the City by the Bay.
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A scenic view of a city with a prominent bridge in the distance, lush greenery, and a variety of buildings.

Recommended things to do in Brisbane

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Brisbane

Stay near popular Brisbane attractions

San Bruno Mountain

8.2/10 (42 reviews)
This ecological sanctuary rises above urban sprawl with butterfly habitats and Bay Area vistas. Explore diverse trails through coastal scrub and grasslands while spotting endangered species in their natural environment.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Brisbane

Find the best Brisbane areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Uptown Brisbane

While Uptown Brisbane may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Cow Palace and South San Francisco Hillside Sign.

Downtown Brisbane

While Downtown Brisbane isn't home to many top sights, Cow Palace and South San Francisco Hillside Sign are some notable places to visit nearby.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Brisbane

The Golden Gate Bridge with a clear view of the towers and cables, spanning across the water.

San Francisco

A suspension bridge with illuminated cables, a calm body of water, and a distant city skyline at dusk.

Daly City

Frequently asked questions

Is Brisbane worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor activities and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Brisbane. Remember to enjoy the area's blend of awesome attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Brisbane?
Start your day with a visit to Pier 39 and Union Square. Then, tour other parts of Brisbane for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Brisbane?
Pier 39 is one of the top tourist attractions in Brisbane and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Brisbane?
Three days in Brisbane is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Twin Peaks, SFO Museum and Candlestick Point State Recreation Area are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots such as San Francisco.
Is Brisbane a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Brisbane, like SFO Museum and John McLaren Park, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 3 kilometres from central Brisbane is The East Side and Downtown South San Francisco is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Brisbane with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Brisbane with kids.
What to do in Brisbane for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or fan of Mother Nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Brisbane for adults including Winery Collective and Van Ness Avenue.
Are there free things to do in Brisbane?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Brisbane is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without getting your cash out. Twin Peaks is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.