Things to Do in San Francisco: Tours, Tickets & Day Trips
Wondering what to do in San Francisco? Book Alcatraz first — the official ferry from Pier 33 is about $45 and sells out two to three weeks ahead in summer. Then give the city three days: day one for Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz and a cable car ride to Chinatown and North Beach; day two for the Golden Gate Bridge (walk or bike it to Sausalito and ferry back), the Presidio and a sunset bay cruise; day three for Golden Gate Park, the Painted Ladies and the Mission’s murals and tacos. From day four, go out: Muir Woods’ redwoods are 45 minutes away, Napa and Sonoma 90 minutes, Monterey and Carmel two hours, Yosemite a long but spectacular day. The bridge, Lands End, the Ferry Building and Pier 39’s sea lions cost nothing. Compare every San Francisco tour and ticket below by rating and price, most with free cancellation.
997 tours · prices per person, book with partner
All experiences in San Francisco — FAQ
What are the top things to do in San Francisco?
By traveller reviews: Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge on foot or by bike, a bay cruise under the bridge, the cable cars, Muir Woods and Sausalito, a Napa and Sonoma wine tour, Chinatown and North Beach food tours, Golden Gate Park and the California Academy of Sciences, the Painted Ladies, and a Yosemite or Monterey day trip. All of them are compared below.
How many days do you need in San Francisco?
Three days for the city and one or two for day trips. Alcatraz, the Wharf and Chinatown fill a day; the bridge, Presidio and a cruise another; Golden Gate Park and the Mission a third. Add Muir Woods and Sausalito as a half day, wine country or Monterey as a full one, and Yosemite only if you have a spare 14-hour day or can stay overnight.
What can you do in San Francisco for free?
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge, the Lands End trail and Crissy Field, watch the sea lions at Pier 39, the Ferry Building and its Saturday farmers’ market, Golden Gate Park (the gardens and Stow Lake are free; the museums are not), the Painted Ladies at Alamo Square, Lombard Street, the Mission’s Balmy and Clarion Alley murals, Twin Peaks at sunset, the Cable Car Museum and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Do San Francisco tours offer free cancellation?
Most experiences listed here can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time. Alcatraz ferry tickets are the main exception — check the policy on each listing.