What to do in San Francisco, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

San Francisco featuring a bay or harbor and a bridge
San Francisco featuring a bay or harbor and a bridge
San Francisco
San Francisco which includes heritage architecture and a city
San Francisco

Places to Visit in San Francisco

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in San Francisco, California 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 San Francisco attractions from NZ$6, 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 San Francisco tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 336 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 San Francisco. 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.

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Top places to visit

1. 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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San Francisco showing a bridge

2. 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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Conservatory of Flowers featuring flowers, a garden and outdoor art

3. 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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Pier 39 featuring landscape views and signage

4. 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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Oracle Park featuring a bay or harbor and street scenes as well as a small group of people

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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Lombard Street featuring flowers and a garden

6. Presidio of San Francisco

Back in 1776, the Spanish set up camp here and it became Spain’s northernmost outpost of colonial power in the New World. Following a brief encounter with the Mexicans, the Americans occupied this photogenic outpost until 1994. This makes it the longest running military base in US history. Today, it’s a National Historical Landmark District.
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Presidio of San Francisco showing a bay or harbour, a bridge and heritage architecture

7. Alcatraz Island

Between 1934 and 1963, the name Alcatraz uttered in a courtroom was enough to make a grown man cry. Even today, viewing it from the mainland, the image of this austere island fortress conjures up images of bleak isolation. “The Rock” as it is known, was the federal prison home to some of America’s most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone, Robert Franklin Shroud (the birdman of Alcatraz) and Alvin “Creepy” Karpis, who spent more time in Alcatraz than any other prisoner.
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Alcatraz Island showing island views and a coastal town

Recommended things to do in San Francisco

Number of things to do
336
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
San Francisco Uncovered Self-Guided Adventure: NZ$6
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in San Francisco

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge which includes general coastal views, a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and night scenes

Golden Gate Bridge

4.5/5(293 reviews)

One of the most iconic bridges in the world, walk the 2.7-kilometre marvel of engineering for the best views over the bay and the ocean beyond, fog permitting.

Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Park which includes flowers and a garden

Golden Gate Park

4.5/5(205 reviews)

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of this beloved park in this oasis of calm away from the bustle of the city, yet right in San Francisco’s backyard.

Golden Gate Park
Pier 39 showing a city, street scenes and signage

Pier 39

4.5/5(308 reviews)

This waterfront location has a mix of thrilling rides and lively street entertainment, but watching the sea lions hanging out in the bay wins the day!

Pier 39
yerba buena gardens complex

Moscone Convention Center

3.5/5(13 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed art galleries 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(36 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(248 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 featuring a monument, landscape views and a park

Presidio of San Francisco

4.5/5(23 reviews)

This former military base combines history and culture with open spaces, spectacular views and the Jedi Master Yoda!

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

Alcatraz Island

4.5/5(190 reviews)

Take a trip to “The Rock”, home to the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned its reputation as a bleak and unforgiving place.

Alcatraz Island
The Embarcadero at dusk showing the Ferry Building and the Embarcadero Center

Embarcadero Center

4/5(1 review)

During your visit to San Francisco, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Embarcadero Center. Amble around this vibrant area's Chinatown or experience its acclaimed theatre scene.

Embarcadero Center

Explore areas of San Francisco

Union Square which includes a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(249 area reviews)

Fashion puts its best foot forward in one of America’s largest shopping plazas.

Union Square
Downtown San Francisco featuring railway items

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(34 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco
Fisherman\'s Wharf showing a bay or harbour

Fisherman's Wharf

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Taste some of the city’s freshest sea food and catch some fabulous views in this waterfront neighbourhood dating back to the time of the gold rush.

Fisherman's Wharf
South of Market which includes skyline, a city and a garden

South of Market

3.5/5(101 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 which includes a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4/5(59 area reviews)

Examine architecturally significant buildings, visit the Cable Car Museum and enjoy magnificent views of greater San Francisco in this affluent district.

Nob Hill
Mission District which includes outdoor art

Mission District

4/5(6 area reviews)

You might enjoy the bars while in Mission District. SF Armory is a notable sight, and you can get around town at 16th Street Mission Station or 24th Street Mission Station to see more of the city.

Mission District

 

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 San Francisco

Lake Merritt featuring a pond

Oakland

Pigeon Point Light House San Mateo, California

San Mateo

condensed view of houses in Daly City, San Francisco

Daly City

Beautiful color and scenery at this park. Great for some cardio activity, too!

Menlo Park

Sausalito which includes general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Sausalito

Cool Television display at SFO.

Millbrae

Redwood City which includes street scenes and a city

Redwood City

The Dance Group on the stage,Ryan J Leo Park

Foster City

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods, Downtown San Francisco is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Union Square is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre 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 travelling 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 neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Pier 39 is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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