Things to Do in San Francisco

Choose from 126 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco

Aquarium of the Bay

Discover the creatures that call the waters of Northern California home with a trip to San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay. Marvel at the wonders of jellyfish or tunnel under sharks to view the true underbelly of marine life in the immersive exhibits.

The Basics

Revel in nature’s wonders at the immersive, hands-on Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf. Three different tunnels allow visitors to come face to face with the sharks of Alcatraz, view the diverse wildlife of San Francisco Bay’s shallow mudflats, and explore schools of anchovies that call the bay waters home. Touch pools and interactive lab stations bring nature right to the tips of your fingers.

Several passes, such as San Francisco CityPASS, Go San Francisco card, Pier 39 Attractions Pass, Fisherman’s Wharf Pass, and Alcatraz Attraction Pass, include admission to the Aquarium of the Bay. Hop-on-hop-off bus tours also stop at Pier 39. You can also prepurchase general admission to the aquarium online.

Things to Know Before You Go

Book a skip-the-line tour to avoid waiting in line at this busy Fisherman’s Wharf attraction.
The aquarium is quite small and is easily combined with other sights around Fisherman’s Wharf.
A must-do for families with young children or anyone interested in learning more about the ecology of the San Francisco Bay region.
Present a current Bay Area public transport pass for $2 off the admission price.

How to Get There

Located two piers east of Fisherman’s Wharf, the Aquarium of the Bay is most accessible by public transportation. San Francisco Muni’s E and F street car lines stop within a block of the Aquarium of the Bay. SF Muni 8, 39, and 47 bus lines also stop nearby. There is wheelchair-accessible parking across from the main entrance at Pier 39 and additional parking at Pier 35.

When to Get There

Fisherman’s Wharf and the Aquarium of the Bay are busiest during the summer months. A visit during winter or early spring means quieter galleries. The aquarium is open every day from 10am to 8pm; late afternoons, between 4 and 8pm, are quietest. Hours for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day are posted in late fall. The aquarium is closed on Christmas Day.

Feed the Sharks

The Aquarium of the Bay’s tours (not included with general admission tickets) are a deeper dive into the inner workings of an aquarium. One tour takes visitors across catwalks above the tanks to learn above dive operations and caring for marine life. Another tour allows visitors to access a bucket of seafood and feed sharks, rays, and skates.

2 Beach St, San Francisco, California, USA 94133, USA

Varies

From $ 20

Barbary Coast Trail

The Barbary Coast Trail connects twenty of San Francisco’s most historic locations, with bronze trail markers on the sidewalks leading the way. Many of the sites correspond to two of the most important events of the city’s history: the Gold Rush and the earthquake of 1906. The Barbary Coast refers to the red-light district of saloons, dance halls, jazz clubs, and brothels that developed in the city at the end of the 19th century.

Developed by the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society, the trail takes you on a walk through the different eras of the city, including the time of “beat” poetry in North Beach and Depression-era murals near Coit Tower. The first Asian temple in North America is also a stop on the trail. The four-mile path begins at the Old Mint and passes through historic museums, sailing ships, pubs, homes, and cafes that tell the story of San Francisco.

Practical Info

The Barbary Coast Trail begins at the Old Mint and ends at Aquatic Park. Each end of the walking trail is connected by the Powell-Hyde cable car line.

900 Market Street, San Francisco, California 94102, USA

From $ 30

De Young Museum

If de Young Museum’s Herzog & de Meuron architectural design doesn’t capture your attention, the bird’s-eye view of Golden Gate Park from the observation tower will. Wander the collections of Oceanic and American art, as well as galleries of impressive textiles and decorative arts.

The Basics

The M.H. de Young Memorial Museum’s American collection features 17th- to 21st-century works. Many visitors view pieces from Hudson River School artists. Oceanic art, such as New Zealand Maori wood carvings, and African art, including ancient terra-cotta from Mali, figure prominently. An expansive textile arts collection, including 20th-century couture from European designers, such as Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, and Saint Laurent, is very popular.

The San Francisco CityPASS and Go card, plus a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, include admission to de Young Museum, while other tours, such as self-guided, electric bike, and Segway tours, and Surrey rentals, don’t. Single-admission tickets provide same-day admission to de Young’s partner fine arts museum, the Legion of Honor. Tours don’t include admission to any special exhibits.

Things to Know Before You Go

de Young Museum is compact and easy to visit in a few hours.
The small on-site café is very busy at lunchtime and during special exhibitions.
The museum is wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms. It sets aside separate days during new exhibitions to allow visitors who request accommodation to visit when the museum is less crowded.
Admission for children under 17 is always free. Admission is free to everyone on the first Tuesday of the month.

How to Get There

de Young Museum is in Golden Gate Park, near the California Academy of Sciences, the Hagiwara Tea Garden, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Muni’s 44 O’Shaughnessy, 5 Fulton, 21 Hayes, and N Judah streetcar all stop within walking distance of the entrance. If driving, there’s a parking lot at the Music Concourse and free on-street parking throughout the park. Golden Gate Park is closed to car traffic every Sunday.

When to Get There

de Young is busiest during the summer, on important holidays, and when special exhibitions are held. Arrive during opening at 9:30am for uncrowded galleries and easy parking. In spring and fall, picnickers fill Golden Gate Park. The museum is open Tuesdays–Sundays, 9:30am–5:15pm; it’s closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Dine with a View

de Young Café hosts a popular Weinpause or traditional afternoon wine or coffee break. It also attracts crowds who take in the view of the Barbro Osher Sculpture Garden, which includes works designed to blend in with the natural landscape of Golden Gate Park.

50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

Varies

From $ 15

17-Mile Drive

California’s 17-Mile Drive, said to be one of the world’s most scenic drives, is an essential Central Coast experience. Looping around the Monterey Peninsula, the private toll road offers stellar views of Monterey Bay and passes attractions such as the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock, the Del Monte Forest, and the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.

The Basics

The bulk of 17-Mile Drive is a winding road through upscale neighborhoods from Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, and goes through forested areas, along the oceanfront, and past several golf courses. Some of the best places to stop and admire the view are at Cypress Point Lookout, where you can see harbor seals basking on sand and rocks; Spanish Bay, where you can follow a paved coastal trail to Asilomar State Beach; and the iconic Lone Cypress, which has stood on its rocky perch for more than 250 years.

As 17-Mile Drive is actually on private property, there is an entrance fee, which also gets you a map with all the points of interest clearly indicated with a brief description of each. If you want to skip the driving and just focus on the scenery, there are tours from San Francisco include transportation. The tour guide takes care of the navigating, and these tours often include stops at Monterey’s Cannery Row, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and other Monterey Peninsula attractions.

Things to Know Before You Go

Experiencing 17-Mile Drive is a must-do for all first-time visitors to this section of California’s Central Coast.
The drive takes about 20 minutes, but allow yourself at least two hours if you want to stop at the lookouts and take in the scenery.
The Inn at Spanish Bay and the Lodge at Pebble Beach have the only services open to the public (gas station, restrooms, restaurants).
Hotel or restaurant reservations along the drive will get you out of the non-resident fee.
Bicycles travel free of charge; motorcycles are not allowed.

How to Get There

Pay the entrance fee at any of the five entrances—most often, where Highway 1 meets Highway 68, or the Carmel tollbooth on San Antonio Avenue.

When to Get There

Quite busy year-round, 17-Mile Drive is especially choked with visitors in the summer. Fall and spring are the best bets for clear skies; the summer fog is heavy in the morning and can sometimes linger all day, hampering views. The drive closes during major golf events; be sure to check online before departing.

Best Beaches Along the Drive

There are multiple spots to stop and stretch your legs along the drive. Whether you want a quick jaunt down to the frigid Pacific Ocean waters, a picnic lunch spot, or some soft sand on which to nap, you’ll find it here. Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach are favorites for travelers and locals alike.

17 Mile Drive, CA, USA

$10.25 entrance fee

From $ 79

Cow Hollow

Known for its vibrant culture, often busy by both day and night, Cow Hollow is a central San Francisco neighborhood that attracts many of the city’s young professionals. At the heart of the scene is Union Street, a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare lined with cafes, antique shops, wellness centers, bars, and restaurants. Before it was a trendy urban area, it was an open valley where cows grazed (hence its name!) Its proximity to the Marina and coastline also made it the place many fishermen resided.

Though now filled with boutique shops and posh apartments, the old Victorian houses lining Cow Hollow streets are reminiscent of this area’s past. If history is what you’re after, you’ll find it in the Octagon House, a 19th century home built to let in natural light from all angles. As for modern city life, a variety of cuisines and an active nightlife make this area a draw for many.

Practical Info

Cow Hollow is situated in between Russian Hill and the Presidio, with Pacific Heights and the Marina on either side. The Muni bus 22 stops at Union Street on its way down Fillmore Street. The neighborhood is best explored on foot.

Between Steiner and Gough Streets, San Francisco, California, USA, USA

From $ 25

Angel Island State Park

The largest natural island in San Francisco Bay, Angel Island—a California state park—is often overshadowed by the much smaller Alcatraz Island. Yet with an equally interesting history as a West Coast version of Ellis Island, Angel Island also offers hiking, biking, and picnicking, all with views of the San Francisco Bay, city skyline, and Golden Gate Bridge.

The Basics

If you don’t have time to visit Angel Island during your time in San Francisco, you can still take a look at it on a bay cruise or seaplane tour. Otherwise, get yourself there via a pleasant ferry ride, and then explore the island, trails, and Immigration Station museum on your own or with a guided tour. Bring or rent a bike, or consider a Segway tour or open-air tram tour, which provides audio commentary to learn about the island as you go.

Things to Know Before You Go

Angel Island is ideal for outdoors lovers and those interested in US immigration history.
No matter the weather or the season, bring layers to shield yourself from the wind on the ferry and while traveling around the island.
The Angel Island Café is open daily from spring to fall; the Cantina, with live music, is open on the weekends seasonally.
The Angel Island Immigration Station is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but note that some grounds are steep. The trams are wheelchair accessible but you must email in advance to request a spot; strollers are allowed on the trams only if there is space.
Bikes are permitted on the island, yet skateboards, scooters, roller skates, and rollerblades are prohibited. Those under 18 years of age are required to wear a helmet while biking.
Dogs are not allowed on the island, unless they are service animals (which do not include emotional support animals).

How to Get There

Angel Island is accessible only by boat to Ayala Cove. The Blue & Gold Fleet operates ferries from Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco; the Angel Island Tiburon Ferry operates from Tiburon.

When to Get There

Angel Island State Park is open every day, but ferry service varies daily and seasonally; check schedules ahead of your visit. The museum at the Angel Island Immigration Station is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Summer allows you to spend more time on the island with longer daylight hours.

Angel Island Immigration Station

From 1910 to 1940, the US Immigration Station on Angel Island processed hundreds of thousands of immigrants from across the Pacific Ocean, the majority of whom were from Asia. As part of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, immigrants were detained and interrogated on the island. Now a museum, the restored immigration station is dedicated to the education and interpretation of this period of American history.

Angel Island, San Francisco, CA, USA

From $ 10

Civic Center

In a select few blocks of San Francisco’s bustling downtown lies the beautiful Civic Center. Known for housing some of the city’s main governmental and cultural institutions, the Civic Center is a hub of activity and not just for municipal officials – there’s really a lot to do and see. Take a look and you’ll find the impressive City Hall and War Memorial Opera House built in the beautiful Beaux Arts style. The San Francisco Public Library houses millions(!) of books, and on Sunday mornings the UN Plaza Farmers’ Market has more fine nibbling you could hope to wish for. After touring the buildings, consider the adjacent Hayes Valley for wandering the antique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and book stores.

Practical Info

The San Francisco Civic Center is a few blocks long, but its main thoroughfare is Van Ness Ave. and is bounded by Market Street on the south, Franklin Street on the west, Turk Street on the north, and Leavenworth and Seventh on the east.

San Francisco, CA, USA

From $ 30

AT&T Park

Home to the San Francisco Giants major league baseball team (winners of the 2010, 2012, and 2014 World Series Championships), AT&T Park is known for its waterfront setting on San Francisco Bay. This ballpark also features better-than-average stadium food, from Dungeness crab tacos to Hawaiian-style poke to Ghirardelli chocolate sundaes.

The Basics

Located in the South Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, AT&T Park is set apart from most of San Francisco’s tourist attractions. To visit, attend a baseball game or take a behind-the-scenes tour. Alternate views can be enjoyed from a seaplane or helicopter tour, or on a bay cruise. Visitors with access to a boat or kayak can even drift around McCovey Cove and wait for homerun balls (“splash hits”) that drop into the water.

Things to Know Before You Go

Bring a jacket, beanie, and other warm layers; summer night game in San Francisco are usually cold, especially if you sit in the “view level.”
A Guest Services Station is located behind home plate on the Promenade Level, where you can ask about wheelchairs, public transport, assistive listening devices, and more.
Accessible seating is available throughout the stadium.
Elevators are located at each of the four entrances to the ballpark.
There are four main entrances: Willie Mays Gate at 3rd and King streets, Lefty O'Doul Gate at 3rd and Berry, Marina Gate behind center field, and the 2nd and King Street Gate.

How to Get There

AT&T Park sits at the southern end of the Embarcadero, bounded by King Street, 2nd Street, 3rd Street, and San Francisco Bay. N and T light-rail lines stop at the King and Second station, and a Caltrain station is one block away. Or, take the 10, 30, or 45 city bus. Paid parking lots are just south of the stadium but this is a congested urban area and public transport is recommended.

When to Get There

The Major League Baseball season runs from roughly early April to early October, followed by the postseason, which extends through the month of October. If you can’t make it to a game or aren’t interested in baseball, you can still visit the venue at one of the other events held throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, and Cirque du Soleil shows.

21st Amendment Brewery

Pre-gaming is one of the best parts of going to any sporting event, and 21st Amendment Brewery is a popular spot to enjoy beer and pub-style food before a Giants game. Located on 2nd Street just two blocks from the ballpark, 21st Amendment produces local favorites like Hell or High Watermelon wheat beer, Brew Free! or Die IPA, and El Sully Mexican-style lager.

24 Willie Mays Plaza, on King Street, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, San Francisco 94107, USA

Varies

From $ 22

Bridalveil Fall

One of the first waterfalls that you'll see as you enter Yosemite, Bridalveil Fall is 620 feet (188 meters) in height and flows year-round, with peak water flow occurring in May. On windy days, it looks almost like the waterfall is falling sideways.

Bridalveil Fall became one of the most photographed waterfalls in the park after Ansel Adams published his Gates of the Valley photograph, featuring Bridalveil Fall welcoming visitors to the magnificence of nature that can be found in the park. Take the short (about 20 minutes round trip), but steep, hike up to the base to see the falls close-up, but be sure to dress appropriately: you’ll encounter spray in the spring and possibly icy conditions in the winter.

Practical Info

There are a variety of locations from which you can take in spectacular views of the Fall, but to reach the car park for the hike to its base, head into the Yosemite Valley along Hwy 41. The car park is at signpost W1, which is located about 1.5 miles downhill from the Tunnel View.

Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite National Park, CA, USA

From $ 74

Conservatory of Flowers

Fans of the curious and bizarre feel at home at the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it houses rare and unusual plants from threatened rainforest environments. Pass a wide, welcoming front lawn and step inside the giant, white greenhouse to discover the beauty of the natural world.

The Basics

Opened in 1879, the Conservatory of Flowers is primarily a botanical garden. Tropical plants and trees are built into arrangements starting at floor level and soaring up toward the glass ceiling.

Experiencing this unique building at the eastern end of Golden Gate Park can be easily combined with other sites in the park. Whether by bike, bus, or Segway, tours of Golden Gate Park generally include a stop at the Conservatory of Flowers. Tickets to this Victorian greenhouse are available at the ticket booth outside the conservatory for self-guided tours. Docent-led tours must be requested in advance and can include a boxed lunch.

Discounted admission is included in two of San Francisco's popular visitor passes, which allow the passholder reduced entrance fees to a variety of local attractions.

Things to Know Before You Go

The interior of the Conservatory of Flowers is similar to that of a tropical rainforest. Floors are often wet and temperatures may exceed 85°F (29°C).
Shoes that can get wet are a must.
Binoculars or a camera with a telephoto or macro lens are helpful to view exotic plants and butterflies.
The conservatory is wheelchair accessible, but the pathways through the arrangements are quite narrow. Strollers aren’t allowed inside but can be parked on the grass by the front door.
Booking a docent-led tour is a must for botanists and other plant enthusiasts.
There are no restrooms inside the conservatory greenhouse.

How to Get There

San Francisco Muni offers convenient public transportation to Golden Gate Park with the 5 and 33 lines. Bike racks are located next to the east side of the conservatory entrance and near the restrooms on the west side. There are a few public parking spaces in front of the conservatory on John F. Kennedy Drive. On Sundays, Golden Gate Park is closed to vehicular traffic. Take the free shuttle bus around the park.

When to Get There

Arrive when the conservatory first opens to snag a parking space, avoid the crowds, and snap the best pictures of the plants. Weekdays are quieter than weekends when picnickers pack the lawns. The first Tuesday of the month offers free admission. The conservatory is closed on Mondays (except Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day), Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1, and closes at 2pm on December 24 (last ticket sold at 1:30pm).

San Francisco’s Home for Carnivorous Plants

The Conservatory of Flowers is a favorite with kids who love to see the many carnivorous plants. Rare and threatened orchids, aquatic plants, and both highland and lowland tropical plants native to Southeast Asia, Central America, and Africa call the conservatory home. Mist often wafts through the air to keep these colorful specimens comfortable.

100 John F. Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, California, USA

Varies

From $ 35

Cable Car Museum

Amongst its famous hills and winding streets, the cable cars of San Francisco have become perhaps the most iconic part of the famous city. Though they have a historic feel, the cable cars remain both a draw for visitors and a part of the city’s public transportation today.

The subtle sound of the cables running underneath the tracks is only the first clue as to how this classic transportation system works. The city’s Cable Car Museum goes into greater depth about functionality and history of the cars. You can learn about how and when they were first developed, as well as see three original cars from the 1870s. All of the system’s mechanical parts are on display, from the brake to the grips, as well as a large collection of historic photographs that take you back in time. There’s also the chance to go underground and view a subterranean cable in operation.

Practical Info

Located in the Nob Hill area of San Francisco, you’ll find the Cable Car Museum at the corner of Washington and Mason Streets. It’s open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (or 5 pm from November to March) and is free to visit. Both the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines stop at the museum.

1201 Mason Street, San Francisco, California 94108, USA

Daily from 10 am - 6 pm (5 pm Nov-Mar)

From $ 79

Carmel Mission

Part church, part museum, the Carmel Mission is a US National Historic Landmark in the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. It draws visitors who are interested in Spanish colonial history and architecture, religious pilgrims who come to worship, and those those who simply stop by while passing through Carmel.

The Basics

The centerpiece of the Carmel Mission, officially known as Mission San Carlos Borroméo de Carmelo, is its basilica church, which features its original bell tower, Spanish colonial liturgical art, arched ceilings, and 30-foot (9-meter) altarpieces. Some day trips from San Francisco to Monterey and Carmel include a stop at the mission, or at least the option to go if you’re interested, but if you want time to make the most of your visit, head to the mission on your own.

The courtyard and gardens provide a peaceful spot to stroll or sit down, while the mission’s four museum spaces—the Harry Downie Museum, Munrás Family Heritage Museum, Jo Mora Chapel Gallery, and the Convento Museum—are home to artwork and displays about the history of the area and the mission’s restoration, which began in 1884 and is still going on today.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Carmel Mission is an active church with mass services, weddings, funerals, and other events that may limit your access to the basilica.
The courtyards and basilica are wheelchair accessible.
There is an admission fee to visit the basilica and museum; children 6 years and under are free.

How to Get There

The mission is located at the southern end of Carmel, less than a mile (1.6 kilometers) off State Route 1. For public transportation, take the Carmel Valley Grapevine Express, part of Monterey-Salinas Transit.

When to Get There

The mission and museum store are open every day, except some holidays (call ahead to find out holiday hours). Avoid visiting during mass on Saturday evenings and several times on Sunday, if you want to be able to explore the basilica.

Museum Store

You might not think of shopping at a church, but the Carmel Mission Museum Store sells jewelry, books, home items, food items, and more that make unexpected gifts or souvenirs. Proceeds go toward the upkeep of the mission. Religious items, such as bibles and rosaries, are also available.

3080 Rio Rd, Carmel, CA 93923, USA

Varies

From $ 79

Baker Beach

Tucked beneath the bluffs of the Presidio on the northwest edge of San Francisco, Baker Beach is a local favorite where a picnic on the sand comes with excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Baker Beach offers a respite from the busy city and a chance to spot dolphins just offshore.

The Basics

Baker Beach is best seen on a coastal walking tour, where you can admire views of the Marin Headlands and the Pacific as it meets San Francisco Bay. The California Coastal Trail and Batteries to Bluffs Trail run along this part of the city’s shoreline. Visitors can also head to the beach independently; take a blanket and a picnic, and enjoy a couple of hours relaxing on the beach.

Things to Know Before You Go

Baker Beach is ideal for nature lovers and those who want to experience San Francisco the way locals do.
Picnic tables, barbecue grills, and restrooms are available.
With a strong current, the water here is considered too rough for swimming.
Bring layers, no matter what the season or current weather; the wind and fog can appear quickly in this part of the city.
The very northern end of the beach is frequented by clothing-optional sunbathers.

How to Get There

Via public transportation, hop on the PresidiGo shuttle or the 29 Muni bus. There is a parking lot if you have your own car.

When to Get There

Photography buffs will want to go at sunset for shots of the ocean, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin Headlands in the evening light. Traditional beach weather doesn’t often come to San Francisco, but September and October are usually the warmest, sunniest months. Sunny weekend days are typically very crowded.

Battery Chamberlain

History and war buffs will want to stop by Battery Chamberlain, located just above the beach, where once a month the National Park Service opens the site to let visitors see the 50-ton “disappearing gun”—a relic of the Presidio’s military past.

San Francisco, California, USA, USA

From $ 34

Cliff House

With its cliff-top location on the western edge of San Francisco, the Cliff House restaurant attracts locals and visitors with its fine dining and views of the Pacific and Ocean Beach. Originally opened in 1863, the Cliff House has gone through many changes over the years and today is part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

The Basics

There are several ways to enjoy the Cliff House, whether you want a gourmet meal or just a peek inside. Make a dinner reservation at white-tablecloth restaurant Sutro’s, which has 2-story windows to maximize the views; enjoy a more casual meal at the Bistro; have a drink at the Zinc Bar or Balcony Lounge; or check out the gift shop for souvenirs and travel books.

With its location on the far side of the city, away from most tourist attractions, the Cliff House is not always part of city sightseeing tours. However, some tour groups do make it out to the Cliff House, especially smaller tours by minivan or private tours that can be customized. A coastal walking tour is another good option, as the nearby trails and beach are worth the trip.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Cliff House is ideal for photography enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone celebrating a special occasion.
The Bistro is walk-in only and doesn’t take reservations.
Reservations can be made for Sutro’s and for the Terrace Room’s Sunday champagne brunch buffet.
The restaurants are wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Via public transport, the 38 Muni bus takes you to the end of Geary Boulevard, and from there it’s about five minutes’ walk to the Cliff House. Valet parking and street parking are available for those driving their own cars.

When to Get There

The building is open every day, with various breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours for the restaurants and bar. Go Friday night for live jazz or Sunday for a Champagne brunch buffet. Sunset offers the most romantic views and atmosphere.

Ocean Beach

Starting at the Cliff House, Ocean Beach stretches south 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers), marking the western edge of the city and the end of Golden Gate Park. The wide beach draws visitors for picnics, walks, beach bonfires, and beautiful sunsets. Although swimming isn’t common here (the water is cold), surfing is popular.

1090 Point Lobos Avenue, San Francisco, California 94121, USA

Varies

From $ 48

California Academy of Sciences

One of the United States' premier science and natural history museums, the California Academy of Sciences holds a fascinating collection of 38,000 natural wonders. With its Morrison Planetarium, Steinhart Aquarium, four-story rain forest dome, and open-air, green "living roof," the academy is a highlight for many visitors to San Francisco.

The Basics

There's much to see and do at the academy, so a full-day visit is recommended. Check out the largest spherical rain forest exhibit in the world, where the air is humid and tropical birds and butterflies fly overhead. Or, enter the all-digital planetarium for special exhibits and an astronaut's view of Earth. Other highlights include the aquarium's California Coast, Philippine Coral Reef, and Water-World tanks; the penguins in the African Hall, and the museum's most popular resident Claude, an albino American alligator. Travelers can visit with a general admission ticket, take a behind-the-scenes tour, or stop by as part of a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Cal Academy is great for kids and makes for a prime family outing in San Francisco.
The museum's two restaurants serve food throughout the day.
Hop-on hop-off bus tours stop near the museum, providing an easy way to get out to the site's location in Golden Gate Park, which is about five miles (8 km) from downtown.
Entry is included with the San Francisco CITYPass.
While you're in Golden Gate Park, take some time to visit other top attractions such as Stow Lake or the Japanese Tea Garden.

How to Get There

The California Academy of Sciences is located on the west side of the Golden Gate Park, about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) from Union Square. While set away from central San Francisco, the park is easily accessible via public transportation on the #44 or #5 bus or the N-Judah Muni Metro streetcar. From the Embarcadero, expect about a 30-minute drive by road to the museum or a 40-minute public transit ride.

When to Get There

The Cal Academy of Science is open daily from 9:30am to 5pm, with an 11am opening on Sunday. Daily programs such as planetarium shows and penguin feedings take place between 10:30am and 4:30pm (check the day's schedule upon arrival).

NightLife at the Cal Academy of Sciences

Every Thursday night, the academy hosts NightLife, an adults-only even that combines museum entry with themed activities and drinks, often with expert speakers, workshops, and live music or a DJ. The even is suited for adults aged 21 and over only.

55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California 94118, USA

Daily 9:30am–5pm (Sunday from 11am)

Varies

From $ 15

Crissy Field

A wide swath of beach in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area backed by restored wetlands is just part of Crissy Field’s story. An integral part of San Francisco’s waterfront, Crissy Field hosts a yacht harbor, a tidal marsh, and Crissy Promenade—a popular bike and pedestrian path that climbs from the beach to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

The Basics

A favorite playground for locals and dog walkers alike, Crissy Field is easy to explore. A foot and bike path connects Crissy Field to the city’s coastal points from Ghirardelli Square in Fisherman’s Wharf to Fort Mason, the Golden Gate Bridge, and beyond. From the naturally occurring Wave Organ to a broad, beach-bordered tidal marsh, Crissy Field is a great place to experience natural San Francisco while getting stellar views of Alcatraz Island, the Marin headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Tours of the area such as walking and bike tours, surrey rentals, and GoCar tours cover Crissy Field’s natural history and national historic sites as well as the field’s former use as a military base. Tours wend from the eastern edge of Crissy Field to Fort Point and the Golden Gate Bridge. Bike rentals offer a low-key way to explore Crissy Field and the northern side of peninsular San Francisco. To see the area from a fresh perspective, take to the air on a seaplane or helicopter tour, or take a sailboat cruise out onto the bay.

Things to Know Before You Go

Families with kids enjoy the access to the picnic area and the beach, while history buffs get to explore Crissy Field’s past history as a military base and home to the Ohlone people.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and sunglasses, and always dress in layers: San Francisco’s infamous summer fog sweeps over the Golden Gate Bridge and along the bay, casting a sudden chill on an otherwise warm day.
The Warming Hut, at the field’s western end, is an ideal spot to grab a sandwich for a picnic or just to warm up.
The promenade is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

Crissy Field is on the northwest side of San Francisco facing the Golden Gate Bridge. Most visitors arrive by foot or bike, though MUNI lines 28 and 43 drop off within the Presidio, or take the 30 to the field’s eastern end. Another option is PresidiGo, a shuttle service that runs from downtown San Francisco and stops at key points in the Presidio. If you’re driving, note that the free parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

When to Get There

Crissy Field is open sunrise to sunset every day of the year. It is quietest on weekday mornings; the grass gets crowded on weekend afternoons (especially sunny ones) and holidays. It’s also an incredibly popular spot during special events on the bay, such as Fourth of July fireworks or the Blue Angels aerial show during Fleet Week (generally the first week of October).

San Francisco’s Presidio and the Wave Organ

Crissy Field is part of the Presidio, a former military base transformed to a modern community of restaurants, homes, offices, and green space. While exploring, check out the Wave Organ at Crissy Field’s eastern end. A naturally occurring sound machine, the Wave Organ emits sounds as the bay waters move through it, delighting children and adults with its unique auditory emissions.

1199 E Beach, San Francisco, California, USA

From $ 26

Asian Art Museum

Journey through Asia—without embarking on an overseas trip—in this museum dedicated to art from the region. During your stay in San Francisco, view artworks spanning different periods in history and contemporary art from cultural regions, such as India, Japan, China, and Korea.

The Basics

The Asian Art Museum takes visitors on a comprehensive tour of the major cultural regions in Asia. From Iran to Indonesia, the Himalayas to Malaysia, galleries include sculptures and paintings, sacred objects, and historical photographs, arranged to provide a detailed picture of the vast region’s differing cultures. Masterpieces, such as the Buddha Triumphing over Mara, a stone sculpture from India dating to the 900s, are interwoven into the collections.

The San Francisco Explorer Pass and Go card include admission to the Asian Art Museum. Hop-on-hop-off bus tours also stop here.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Asian Art Museum is known for its popular and immersive cultural programming, much of which must be booked in advance.
All of the museum’s entrances are accessible to people using wheeled devices.
A special effort is made to include children in the museum’s programming. There are even before-hours stroller tours for moms, dads, and caregivers for the 0–2 set.
Tickets to evening programs are sold separately.
The Exploratorium’s on-site restaurant, Sunday at the Museum, is very popular and lines can be long. Visit after 1pm to avoid the longest lines.

How to Get There

The Asian Art Museum is located at San Francisco’s Civic Center and is easily accessed by public transportation. On BART, exit at Civic Center/Larkin Street. Muni J, K, L, M, N, and T streetcar lines all stop within a block of the museum near Larkin and Market streets. San Francisco Muni bus lines, 5, 6, 7, 21, 47, and 48 also make stops at Civic Center.

When to Get There

The Asian Art Museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10am–5pm, extending until 9pm Thursdays, February through September. The museum is closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. During events and festival days, such as Lunar New Year, the museum and on-site restaurant are extremely busy. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Sunday at the Museum

The museum recently invited local chef Deuki Hong and restaurateurs Andrew Chau and Bin Chen of Boba Guys milk tea to take over its on-site restaurant, Sunday at the Museum. A sample of the menu of Asian flavors include Hong’s classic Korean fried chicken sandwich, soy-chili-garlic chicken wings, and miso avocado toast on Japanese milk bread, and milk tea, of course.

200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, California, USA

Varies

From $ 15

Alcatraz

Alcatraz, the former federal prison that once held notorious criminals Scarface Al Capone and George 'Machine Gun' Kelly, is today a national historic landmark and one of the most sought-out (and sold-out) attractions in the San Francisco Bay Area. Tour the remains of the maximum-security facility on small and windy Alcatraz Island, aptly nicknamed 'The Rock,' to scope out the grounds and cellhouse; hear stories from former inmates; and pass by the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Angel Island on your 1.25-mile (2-km) ferry rides in and out.

The Basics
Alcatraz is only accessible by tour, and tickets sell out days (sometimes weeks) in advance. Lock in high-demand tickets by booking a San Francisco city tour that includes admission to the infamous federal penitentiary and a day of sightseeing via bike, bus, boat, or Segway. City tours typically cover highlights such as Chinatown, Coit Tower, North Beach, the Presidio, and the Ferry Building, while other booking options combine a hard-to-snag Alcatraz tour with a cable car ride, a bay cruise to Sausalito, or a multi-day adventure into the Marin headlands, wine country, or Muir Woods.

Once on the island, visitors can explore at their own pace with the self-guided cellhouse audio tour (included in admission). You'll also find National Park Service exhibits, video presentations, docent- and ranger-led guided tours, and special programs that vary by season. Allow about 2.5 hours for the full Alcatraz prison experience, including both 15-minute ferry rides.

Things to Know Before You Go

Alcatraz tickets include round-trip ferry transportation (take note of the assigned departure time printed on your ferry ticket). You can take any ferry back to the city, available every half hour or so.
Bring a camera and a coat for the chilly but beautiful ferry rides.
You'll find a few snacks offered on the ferry and water available on the island.
The walk to the prison from the ferry dock is steep and hilly; an electric shuttle departs from the dock twice an hour for visitors requiring assistance. While wheelchairs are not provided or loaned at the prison, the cellhouse does have elevators.

How to Get to Alcatraz
All Alcatraz island tours depart via ferry from Pier 33 near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. There are several parking garages in the area with rates from $25 to $50 per day, but prices typically double during special events, so consider taking public transportation. Multiple Muni lines run through the area, including the F-Line trolley. To arrive in style, consider booking a Viator VIP experience aboard an exclusive cable car.

When to Get to Alcatraz

Alcatraz cruises depart every half hour between 9am and 4pm. The early-bird trip departs at 8:45am, while the limited Alcatraz night tour allows visitors to stay on the grounds until 9:25pm and includes both live boat narration and a guided walk from the dock to the prison. Alcatraz tickets are hardest to come by in spring and summer.

Ferries depart from Pier 33, San Francisco, California 94123, USA

Multiple departure times available

Varies

From $ 65

Coit Tower

Visitors flock to Coit Tower to take in views of downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and other landmarks. With its perch in Pioneer Park atop Telegraph Hill, the 210-foot-high (64-meter-high) tower, built in 1933, offers some of the best panoramic photo ops in the city.

The Basics

Coit Tower was built with money left to the city by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a philanthropist and firefighter groupie who wanted to beautify her city. Visiting the park at the base of the tower is free and still provides good views of San Francisco Bay, but if you want the ultimate vista, head up the elevator to the summit of the tower for a fee.

First, though, stop to admire the 1930s-era murals in the lobby that depict the history of California. Controversial when they were painted, the frescoes were part of President Roosevelt’s Public Works of Art Project. Some city tours include a drive-by of Coit Tower but most do not stop there, so look for a more specific tour such as a North Beach urban hike if you want time to visit.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk—it’s a steep climb to get to the base of the tower from any direction.
Restrooms are available.
Tickets for the tower can be purchased in advance if you wish to skip the line.
Docent-led tours are available on-site for small groups.

How to Get There

Taking public transportation or walking is recommended, as parking is very limited on Telegraph Hill and the only road to the top—Telegraph Hill Boulevard—can get backed up. MUNI bus 39 takes you right to the base of the tower, while the 45 and 30 go to Washington Square in North Beach a few blocks away. For a thigh-burning workout that gives you an up-close look at neighborhood homes, take the lovely Filbert Street Stairs.

When to Get There

Coit Tower can be quite crowded on summer weekends. To avoid the masses, visit early in the morning or at sunset for golden views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and remember that the area at the tower’s base can be accessed even when the tower itself is closed. Coit Tower is particularly popular on the Fourth of July, when the city puts on a fireworks display over the water, and during Fleet Week in October.

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

As you walk up to the base of the tower, watch for the local band of parrots who spend much of their time in the trees that surround the park. Made famous by the documentary The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, the red and green birds are noisy but generally beloved.

Telegraph Hill Boulevard, North Beach, 94133, USA

Varies

From $ 30

Dolores Park

When the sun breaks through the clouds in San Francisco, the Mission District feels it first, and locals flock to Mission Dolores Park to soak up those rays and enjoy picnics and lawn games on the grass. Noted for its view of the San Francisco skyline and proximity to some of the city’s best places to eat, Dolores Park is the place to be on a sunny afternoon.

The Basics

Located between the Castro and Mission District, Dolores Park is home to tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field, a playground, picnic tables, a dog play area, and plenty of green space, making it one of the city’s favorite parks. Standard city sightseeing tours don’t typically include the park, but walking tours of the Mission provide the chance to visit or pass by while exploring the neighborhood’s cultural history or food scene. Alternatively, pick up food and drinks at one of the many local businesses on 18th and Valencia streets, and head to the park with a blanket and a group of friends.

Things to Know Before You Go

Wheelchair access is limited; there is a ramp at the entrance at Dolores and 19th streets.
Public restrooms are available inside the park.
“Leave no trace” is the motto to be followed—make sure to take all your trash with you when you leave.

How to Get There

Dolores Park sits between Church, Dolores, 18th, and 20th streets. Free and metered street parking is available (pay attention to the posted signs for limits). The J-Church light rail runs along the park’s western edge. Bus route 33 passes by the park.

When to Get There

A sunny Saturday or Sunday afternoon is prime time for people-watching with what may feel like half of San Francisco. Go on a weekday afternoon to enjoy the vibe without fighting for a space on the grass.

Mission San Francisco de Asís

Founded in 1776, the oldest structure in San Francisco, known as Mission Dolores, is often overlooked by visitors who go to the Mission District to frequent the shops, bars, restaurants, and park. But it’s worth a stop to see the historic architecture and learn about a piece of California history.

Dolores Park, San Francisco, CA, USA

From $ 24