Things to do in San Francisco

Top Things to Do in San Francisco

Things to Do in San Francisco

Expect to get your steps in (or hop on a cable car), while spotting iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge or taking a day trip to Alcatraz.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Francisco.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in San Francisco

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Other Top Attractions around San Francisco






*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Dan S
    Palm Beach Gardens, FL17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you go to San Fran, you really should take the Ferry to Alcatraz. You'll see pics of the most notorious criminals of the last century including Al Capone. The audio tour is included with the ferry ticket. It's a portable player they issue to all guests and it guides you through the facility
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AMohsen
    Port Said, Egypt500 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Firstly, San Francisco is amazing and one of the best US cities. Secondly, that bridge is the prettiest location there, where it is quite cheerful and enjoyable to drive through it, and when it comes to its watching, there are amazing elevated spots to view it in a picturesque sense and to see it inspiring and pretty. Such view spots are noticed clearly on google maps. One final tip is that the drive through the bridge is subjected to electronic tolls.
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Venture754838
    Ingersoll, Canada425 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We purchased the one day passport for $16 each. We took the cable car to just outside Fisherman’s Wharf. The weather was idyllic and we had the opportunity to see quite a lot during our ride.
    After spending the day in Fisherman’s Wharf, we lined up to take the cable car back to downtown San Francisco.
    Not sure why we had to wait so long to depart at both ends. Especially after being informed that it departs every 20 minutes.
    Written 15 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • andyh67186334
    Coalville, UK6 835 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There is so much to see and do at Pier 39, from shopping, dining, amusements for children, wildlife, sea lions in particular and the pleasant walk along the docks and boardwalks.
    The ferris wheel was there when I visited, plus there are attractions such as Madame Tussaud and Ripley's Believe it or Not if that is your preference.
    The area can be very busy at peak times.
    Written 21 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sanjay V
    National Capital Territory of Delhi, India42 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had heard a lot about this street and everybody recommended us to visit this street during our stay in San Francisco.
    After visiting Lombard Street, I can only say that visit to San Francisco would be incomplete if you fail to visit Lombard Street.
    We could see people trying to drive along its twisted and winding road without crashing. It was real fun when we climbed up and down this street.
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • OceanLovingCouple
    San Francisco, CA5 138 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    OK Im biased as a lifelong GIANTS fan, but no park has the views, the food and the incomparable setting with home runs landing in the bay (called Splash hits). Even non sports fans should not miss catching a game just for the ambiance. Bring a sweatshirt for ANY night game.
    Written 9 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mesatraveler
    Mesa, AZ1 034 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    You simply can't miss the Golden Gate Bridge and this is the best spot to wander at your own pace. Cross the bridge by car or on foot, then take in the scene from the park.
    Written 15 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ldiva001
    San Diego, CA82 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The very best entertainment for any age. Every time I travel to SF I find time to visit the Exploratorium because there is so much to do with my granddaughters and I could never finish exploring the hands-on science exhibits that enthrall all of us. Good for ALL ages. I cannot say enough about the learning that happens while you spend the day. There is even a cafe. Easily take a day or two or .... Great place! Nice people working there.
    Written 21 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Johnny Novo
    New York City, NY136 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I hoofed it here from my hotel in SoMa, having really no idea what this place was and to be quite honest after doing a bunch of research I still don't really know ahahaha.

    I know it was built for the world fair in 1915 to exhibit works of art, but that being the only purpose had me skeptical. Like there is no real purpose or meaning to this thing and people talk about it like it's the Statue of Liberty or somethin. I don't know, I guess I like to be fake deep sometimes.

    I came locked and loaded, fully ready to hate on it but immediately understood when I arrived. The Palace appears out of nowhere and blindsides you with its beauty. The only comparison I can make is when you see one of those people in real life that has an ineffable natural beauty and aura and you get those little unexplainable butterflies flying around in your stomach. You can't help but appreciate it, you can't help but smile.

    I took my airpods out and snapped the case closed, pausing my Lofi-Sunday playlist as I just wanted to be fully present in the moment. Take in the energy, breathe in the air. As sad as it is to say, this is how I know I have a deep reverence for a place ahahaha.

    My boy, Bernard Maybeck SNAPPED on this, as he was trying to evoke a decaying ruin of ancient Rome and he captured that exact feeling. Architects need to get more shine. How do you even do that?!?! Especially in 1915 with no internet and likely limited resources. Bernard has all my respect ahaha.

    I've said it before, and I'll likely say it again: Talent hits a target no one else can hit, genius hits a target no one else can see.

    WE SEE YOU BERNARD!

    IG @jnov_
    Tiktok @jnov__
    Written 24 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • CLDP
    Bedford UK136 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I expected more…. There are quite a few shops selling souvenirs. A few restaurants.
    Busy Saturday and Sunday,
    Good views of Alcatraz and Golden Gate.
    Boats trips from here
    I would suggest a visit
    Written 8 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • focusport22
    178 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a great museum on the life of Walt Disney and his family. They also have the train that was in Walt’s backyard.
    They touch upon the different decades and show a lot of things that people may not know about.
    Written 27 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jonathan C.
    La Jolla, California, USA478 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great panoramic views of San Francisco and nice hikes on both peaks. Both paved roads and trails are available on the way up.
    Written 26 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Francisco




The most popular things to do in San Francisco with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in San Francisco on Tripadvisor