San Francisco Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best San Francisco tours, the legendary island prison of Alcatraz, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, scenic bay cruises, the redwoods of Muir Woods and charming Sausalito, wine tours to Napa and Sonoma, classic cable cars and city sightseeing, and day trips to Yosemite. Compare top-rated activities and plan your perfect San Francisco itinerary.
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Explore San Francisco by interest
Whatever brings you to San Francisco — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Alcatraz
The legendary island prison.
ExploreGolden Gate & city
Bridge, cable cars and more.
ExploreBay cruises
Under the Golden Gate.
ExploreMuir Woods
Redwoods and Sausalito.
ExploreNapa & Sonoma
California wine country.
ExploreYosemite
Granite cliffs and falls.
ExploreCable cars
Classic city rides.
ExploreDay trips
Monterey and beyond.
ExploreTop attractions in San Francisco
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic red bridge.
Alcatraz
The legendary prison island.
Muir Woods
Ancient redwoods.
Napa & Sonoma
California wine country.
Cable Cars
Classic city rides.
Bay Cruises
Under the Golden Gate.
Yosemite
Granite cliffs and falls.
Fisherman's Wharf
The lively waterfront.
San Francisco in 2 days
- 1Day 1: Alcatraz & city
- 2Day 2: Muir Woods
- 3Sausalito
- 4Bay cruise
San Francisco in 3 days
- 1Day 1: Alcatraz & city
- 2Day 2: Muir Woods
- 3Day 3: Napa or Yosemite
- 4Icons, redwoods & wine
San Francisco with kids
- 1Cable car ride
- 2Fisherman’s Wharf
- 3Golden Gate Bridge
- 4Muir Woods
Alcatraz & the Bay
- 1Morning ferry to Alcatraz Island
- 2The Rock cellhouse audio tour
- 3Golden Gate bay cruise from Pier 39
- 4Ferry across to Sausalito
Wine Country day trip
- 1Depart San Francisco over the Golden Gate
- 2Napa Valley winery tastings
- 3Sonoma vineyards & lunch
- 4Optional Muir Woods redwoods stop
45 min awayMuir Woods
Redwoods and Sausalito.
1.5 hrs awayNapa & Sonoma
California wine country.
3.5 hrs awayYosemite
Granite cliffs and falls.
Ferry awayAlcatraz
The legendary prison island.
2 hrs awayMonterey & Carmel
17-Mile Drive coast.
In the city awayGolden Gate Bridge
The iconic red bridge.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every San Francisco visitor asks before booking.
The sweet-spot months
September and October bring the city’s warmest, clearest weather — often the best time to visit San Francisco.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Warm, sunny and clear with less fog — arguably the finest weather of the year in the city.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Famously cool and foggy (“Karl the Fog”), with chilly winds; pack layers even in July, and crowds peak.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mild and increasingly clear, with blossoms and fewer crowds — a pleasant time to explore.
Winter (Nov–Feb)
Mild but the wettest season, with some rain; quieter and good value, with clear days between fronts.
Always bring layers
San Francisco’s weather changes fast and the fog brings a chill — layers are essential year-round.
One day
Enough for Alcatraz and the city icons.
Two days
Add Muir Woods and a bay cruise.
Three days
The sweet spot: city, redwoods, and Napa or Yosemite.
Four to five days
Add Monterey, more wine country and neighbourhoods.
A week or more
Use the city as a base to explore Northern California.
Travelling with kids
Mix cable cars, the wharf and redwoods gently.
Cable cars & Muni
The historic cable cars, streetcars and Muni buses cover the city; a Muni passport can save money.
On foot
Many neighbourhoods are walkable, though the hills are steep — wear comfortable shoes.
Ride apps & taxis
Uber, Lyft and taxis are widely available and handy for the hills and at night.
BART
The BART rail system links the airport, downtown and the wider Bay Area.
Tour transfers
Most Muir Woods, wine country and Yosemite tours include hotel or central pickup.
From the airport
SFO is about 30 minutes from downtown by BART, ride app or shuttle.
Book Alcatraz early
Alcatraz tickets sell out weeks in advance — book as soon as your dates are set.
Layers for the fog
The weather changes fast and the fog brings a chill; always carry a warm layer.
US dollars & tipping
The US uses dollars and tipping is expected (around 18–20%); budget for it on tours and dining.
Consider a city pass
A city pass can bundle Alcatraz alternatives, the bay cruise and attractions at a saving.
Mind the hills
San Francisco’s hills are steep; use cable cars and Muni to save your legs.
Explore the food scene
From Fisherman’s Wharf seafood to the Ferry Building and Chinatown, the city is a foodie paradise.
Alcatraz
Tickets sell out weeks ahead — book as early as possible.
Napa & Sonoma tours
Popular wine tours fill up — reserve early.
Yosemite tours
Day and overnight Yosemite trips are busy — pre-book.
Muir Woods
Tours and the park’s parking are limited — book ahead.
Sunset cruises
Sunset and dinner bay cruises sell out — reserve early.
Summer & autumn
Peak months are busy — plan and book early.
Alcatraz
Around €45–70 for the ferry and audio tour (book ahead).
Muir Woods
About €60–90 for a Muir Woods and Sausalito half-day.
Napa & Sonoma
Roughly €110–180 for a wine country day with tastings.
Yosemite
Around €130–200 for a Yosemite day tour.
Bay cruises
About €30–60 for a sightseeing or sunset cruise.
How to save
Use Muni and a city pass, walk the bridge and neighbourhoods, and share group day tours.
San Francisco through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Mild days and blossoms.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Pleasant; bring layers.
- Best for
- Long days, busy city.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool and foggy; pack layers.
- Best for
- Warmest, clearest weather.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Often the best time.
- Best for
- Quiet and good value.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Mild but wettest; some rain.