San Francisco is beautiful, historic and one of the most popular cities to visit. Notable for its landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge which earned the city its nickname of “The Golden City”, there’s really a multitude of things to do.
To help narrow down the search of activities to add to your itinerary, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite things to do while you’re in the city. With something for adrenaline-lovers, food enthusiasts and everyone in between, read on to discover what awaits in San Francisco.
Dining Cruises
Add a splash of class to your San Fran itinerary by indulging in a little waterside dining. Whether you’re planning a solo outing or a treat for someone special, they’re a fantastic way to see the city from a unique perspective. Start the day right with a Champagne brunch full of delicious eats, enjoy a special lunch cruise aboard a yacht or watch the sunset and finish the day in style with a dinner cruise.
Golden Gate Bridge
When it comes to top spots in San Francisco, you best believe the world’s most photographed bridge is a benchmark. Admire the 746-foot tall orange towers that have comprised the Golden Gate Bridge since 1937. The views are spectacular with a beautiful mix of greenery and shocking blue below but be sure to wrap up warm even on the sunniest of days.
San Fran Date Night
If you’re planning on visiting the area with your significant other, you’ll definitely want to check out our San Francisco Date Night collection. The hand-picked selection of top-rated experiences highlights the absolute best of the area from sunset cruises to adrenaline-fueled adventures and beyond. It truly has something for every type of couple!
Alcatraz Island
You’ll definitely want to take the time to explore Alcatraz Island. Once a former maximum security prison, the island was home to some of the 20th century’s most notorious criminals such as Al Capone. Take a ferry over and listen to audio commentary from former inmates as they reveal some of the island’s biggest secrets including numerous escape attempts.
SF Kayak Adventure
With spectacular ocean views, it’s no surprise that San Francisco is quickly becoming one of the top places to kayak and Virgin Experience Gifts have plenty to offer like this bioluminescent kayak adventure. Launching from Nick’s Cove in Tomales Bay, paddle in stable, double sea kayaks past Hog Island whilst discovering the amazing secrets behind this natural phenomenon and spotting plenty of San Fran’s diverse wildlife residents.
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is one of the city’s best places to kick back. Covering more than 1,000 acres, there’s many opportunities to get involved with some of the area’s most beloved attractions housed within the park including the Academy of Sciences and Conservatory of Flowers. On Sundays, the main road is closed to cars so dust off those rollerblades and reclaim the streets.
City Tours
One of the best ways to see the Golden City is with a guided tour. There’s all kinds of choices too from trains to walking to even go cars and fire engines (you heard us). For a spine-tingle tour, we recommend the ghost hunting tour. The 90 minute tour will begin when meeting the guide in the Jackson Square Historic District, a little-known Gold Rush-era neighborhood with an eerie past. Then, it’s time for the paranormal investigation and a spookily good time.
Food Tours
San Francisco is truly packed with trend-setting eateries and the best way to experience them all whilst satisfying any cravings is with a food tour. Led by friendly and knowledgeable guides, journey through the streets of San Fran sampling food and in some cases alcohol along the way. Served with the delicious tastings, guides will offer an insight into the area’s rich history, amazing food and unique neighborhoods. Personally, we’re big fans of the Mission District tour, one of the Golden City’s most thriving neighborhoods of culinary excellence. You’ll stop by four different neighborhood restaurants and eateries where you'll indulge in four mouth-watering food samples and three alcohol tastings
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Anything with dazzling skyline views gets our vote when it comes to things to do. This Sunset Catamaran Cruise departing from the iconic SF’s Fisherman Wharf is just the thing. Journey across the tranquil Pacific waters of the Bay Area on a 55-foot catamaran. Take in unbeatable views of Alcatraz Island, Angel Island and of course the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll be hard-pressed to forget this amazing 1.5 hour sunset cruise.
Treasure Hunts
Sure, you could just go to all the main attractions but isn’t it more fun uncovering them as part of a scavenger hunt? Follow clues to some of the Golden City’s most notable landmarks including Golden Gate Park, uncover hidden treasures you may not have otherwise found and feel like a local walking around town. From the historic Haight Ashbury to the Financial District, there’s plenty of choices on offer.
San Francisco E-Bike Adventure
Make the most of your time in The Golden City atop a lightweight Cannondale Quick NEO e-bike rental. A big advantage of biking on one of these is you’ll be able to cruise faster and farther, fitting your schedule and endurance level. Take to the streets riding alongside the iconic trolly cars, winding down the hairpin turns of Lombard Street and seeing the city’s famed landmarks like Golden Gate Bridge.
Chinatown
The largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest of its kind in North America, the vibrant neighborhood is guarded by a Dragon Gate. Inside, discover historic buildings, pocket shops and more. If you really want to see a spectacle, time your visit with the Chinese New Year and you’ll see elaborate celebrations unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
Escape Room
Taking the world by storm, escape rooms have proved to be a highly-popular activity and naturally San Francisco isn’t one to miss out on the action. Choose from five different themed escape rooms and get ready to solve clues and difficult puzzles all with the goal of escaping in 60 minutes or less. Have you got what it takes?
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
One of the city’s top museums, SFMOMA is an architecturally stunning building including a ten-story 170,000 square foot addition. Inside, the focus is on 20th century art with over 30,000 pieces on display including works commissioned just for the museum. Whether you’re art-lovers or just like a museum, this is the place to be.
Napa Valley Winery Country Tour
San Francisco is well-known for being home to Napa Valley, the epitome of beautiful wine country scenery. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and sourced out the best ways to see the wine country. Featured in SF Weekly and The Examiner, this wine country tour features four to six wineries in either Napa or Sonoma and includes plenty of delicious tastings along the way.
Oracle Park
Whether you’re a sports fan or not, the Oracle Park is a must-visit attraction while you’re in the city. Home to the San Francisco Giants, nothing beats a good baseball game with great company and great food. If you can’t catch a game, 90 minute behind-the-scenes tours run frequently offering access to places usually off-limits.
Have a spa day
Take a break from sightseeing in the city and indulge in some self-care with one of the many spa packages on offer in San Francisco. We’re big fans of Palo Alto’s Swedish Massage which is a European massage technique. During the treatment, the therapist uses special massage oils while manipulating the muscles and de-stressing the entire body.
Ferry Building Marketplace
Food enthusiasts, a trip to the Golden City is incomplete without visiting Ferry Building Marketplace. The largest farmer’s market in the city, regional farmers assemble to sell fresh veggies, meats and other small-batch treats. Housed both indoors and outdoors depending on the day, the marketplace continues to be one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Flying Experiences
Trade the hustle and bustle of the city for relaxation amongst the clouds with San Francisco’s flying experiences. From hot air balloons to gliders and beyond, there’s all kinds of transport at your fingertips. If you’re looking for something extraordinary, we recommend lifting off into the clear blue sky in a 1941 WWII Stearman biplane. Once comfortably in the air, the pilot will give a signal and it’s time to hold on during a sequence of maneuvers such as loops, barrel rolls, hammerheads and the famous Cuban 8.
Twin Peaks
While you may be forgiven for thinking this is related to the TV show, San Fran’s Twin Peaks refer to two uninhabited hills which offer some of the best views in the city. The only hills in the area to not have been built over, Twin Peaks has one of the finest views in the city and a strong cool breeze on even the warmest of days.
This is by no means an exhaustive list so make sure you check out our full range of experiences in San Francisco for more inspiration.
