San Francisco

Things to do in San Francisco

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in San Francisco

View all Attractions
Alcatraz Island
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in San Francisco

Alcatraz Island

7.6
4.6/5
569 reviews
Alcatraz Island stands isolated in San Francisco Bay, facing Fisherman's Wharf across the water. To reach the island, visitors must take a ferry from nearby Pier 33. In 1775, Spanish explorers mapping the bay named it "Isla de los Alcatraces" (Island of the Pelicans) due to the abundance of seabirds. However, this small island later became world-famous for its "devilish" reputation: from 1850, it first served as a military fortress guarding the bay entrance, then became a military prison. From 1934 to 1963, it operated as a high-security federal penitentiary housing over a thousand inmates including Al Capone. No escape attempts were ever confirmed successful. The island served as a filming location for "The Rock," and its English name inspired "Azkaban" in Harry Potter. From 1969 to 1971, a 19-month Native American occupation made it an important landmark in the American civil rights movement. Now the entire island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where abandoned prison cells, old lighthouses, and weathered barracks still retain their original layout. The prison cells along the main corridor, "Broadway," are open to visitors, with permanent exhibitions recounting the island's past. Put on headphones, and the audio guide plays firsthand accounts from former guards and inmates. Between the cliffs and shrubs, seabirds like western gulls, cormorants, and black-crowned night herons nest and thrive. The blend of profound history and bay wildlife makes it one of San Francisco's most distinctive destinations.San Francisco · 5.8 km from downtown
Golden Gate Bridge
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

Golden Gate Bridge

7.3
4.7/5
2.1k reviews
The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate Strait, opened to traffic in 1937 with a total length of approx. 2.7 km. It has long been regarded as a symbol of San Francisco. The Golden Gate Strait connects San Francisco Bay on one end and leads to the Pacific Ocean on the other, with the bridge spanning the strait and linking downtown San Francisco to the towns of the North Bay. The bridge's iconic international orange paint stands out strikingly. Despite San Francisco's frequent fog, even when sea mist rolls in, this vibrant orange remains clearly visible. Scenes like the intense battle between apes on the bridge in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" and Magneto moving the entire bridge in "X-Men" have made it a familiar sight for movie fans. The location is crucial for both viewing and photographing the bridge. Fort Point on the southern side of the bridge is right beneath it, offering a chance to look up at the massive steel structure. Battery Spencer, a lookout on the western side of the northern shore, is a popular spot for capturing the bridge's full span, with the orange-red bridge, the sea, and the distant city skyline all in one frame—especially atmospheric when fog rolls in. The Vista Point observation deck near Sausalito is ideal for watching the traffic flow across the bridge. Generally, the northern shore provides expansive views and complete compositions, while the southern side offers lower angles better suited for close-up shots of the water and bridge sections. If time allows, consider renting a bike for cycling across the bridge—an experience unmatched by walking or driving, as you glide between the steel beams and ocean breeze.San Francisco · 7.2 km from downtown
California Academy of Sciences
No. 17 of Family-friendly Attractions in United States

California Academy of Sciences

7.3
4.7/5
943 reviews
Explore the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, where you can experience a unique combination of an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum all in one place. Through interactive exhibits, captivating performances, and educational programs, you'll embark on an exciting scientific adventure. Steinhart Aquarium The Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biodiverse and interactive aquariums on Earth. Home to nearly 60,000 living animals representing over 800 unique species, visitors can explore both underwater and terrestrial habitats here. From species not displayed anywhere else in the world to cutting-edge research on little-known marine ecosystems, a visit to the Steinhart Aquarium is filled with discovery. Morrison Planetarium The exhibitions at Morrison Planetarium are driven by scientific data, leading to observations, discoveries, and theories about our universe. Every star, planet, spacecraft, or galaxy encountered in the planetarium reflects its real-world counterpart. When this virtual cosmos is projected onto Morrison's 75-foot-diameter screen, the dome itself seems to vanish, creating a uniquely immersive experience. Osher Rainforest Inside the dome, a magnificent neo-tropical rainforest stretches 90 feet high. Experience an adventure with 1,600+ living plant and animal species, including sun beetles that resemble taxis, hardworking leafcutter ants, and a winding Amazon tree boa. Descend four floors by elevator from the canopy level, overlooking the flooded forests of the Amazon. At every stage of the journey, you'll come face-to-face with the breathtaking animals that inhabit these forests. Kimball Natural History Museum Drawing on over 160 years of research from the Academy, the Kimball Natural History Museum highlights our planet's uniqueness in surprising ways. Discover the fascinating role of color in nature, compare fossils of our early human relatives, and marvel at one-of-a-kind specimens from the Academy's record-breaking scientific collections—all while strolling beneath the skeletons of some of Earth's most massive creatures.San Francisco · 4.1 km from downtown
Golden Gate Park
2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Golden Gate Park

7
4.7/5
362 reviews
Golden Gate Park is a large urban green space in San Francisco, covering approx. 1,017 acres and stretching approx. 4.8 km from east to west, spanning the Richmond District and Sunset District in the western part of San Francisco. This land was originally barren coastal sand dunes, and has been gradually transformed into the lush, large park it is today through continuous tree planting and sand stabilization efforts since the 1870s. The park features a rich variety of landscapes, where cultural facilities and natural scenery intertwine. The eastern section is home to cultural institutions such as the California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, and the Japanese Tea Garden, while the northern section features historic buildings like the Conservatory of Flowers. The park's natural and recreational areas are equally diverse. Stow Lake surrounds Strawberry Hill at the center, where pedal boats can be rented. In the western part of the park stand two historic windmills, the Dutch Windmill and the Murphy Windmill, with tulip gardens nearby. The Bison Paddock has been in the park since the late 19th century, and you can still see the herd of bison roaming within the enclosure today. Spreckels Lake is a gathering place for model sailboat enthusiasts, with exquisite miniature sailboats often sailing on the water. The park also features a disc golf course, a lawn bowling club, and a skate park, with cycling trails running throughout the entire park.San Francisco · 5.6 km from downtown
CA-1
2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

CA-1

6.7
4.8/5
499 reviews
CA-1 is a highly iconic coastal self-drive route on the West Coast of the United States, stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coastline and connecting coastal towns from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay all the way to Los Angeles. Its highlight is concentrated in the Big Sur section between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon: the road winds along steep cliffs, with the surging Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains and redwood forests on the other. There are many scenic parking areas along the way where you can pull over at any time to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There are several highly recognizable scenes along this section: the Bixby Bridge, which spans the canyon, is an elegantly designed concrete arch bridge, and there are almost always vehicles parked at the bridgehead for photos; McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly from the cliff top onto the beach in the cove, making it a rare beach waterfall in California; the sand at Pfeiffer Beach has a faint purple hue due to the weathering of manganese garnet in the cliffs; further south in the San Simeon area, groups of northern elephant seals can be seen sunbathing on the beach year-round, and you can also visit Hearst Castle on the mountain nearby. The Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at the northern end and the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea also have their own unique charm.United States · Monterey County

Traveler favorites curated for you

Experiences you can't miss in San Francisco

Featured Day tours in San Francisco

View all Day tours
Yosemite & Giant Sequoias day tour from San Francisco
󱌍
Duration: 24 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromUS$229.00
Yosemite National Park Full-Day Tour
󱌍
Duration: 24 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromUS$219.00
Muir Woods and Sausalito Half Day Tour
󱌍
Duration: 24 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$95.00
San Francisco Sonoma Plaza + Napa Valley Winery Tasting Day Tour Including Wine Tasting
󱌍
5.0/5
· 4 reviews· 24 booked
Duration: 4.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromUS$155.56
Private San Francisco City Tour by Open-Air Jeep (Max 6)
󱌍
5.0/5
· 49 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
49 consecutive positive reviews
FromUS$198.00
Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour and Alcatraz Island
󱌍
Duration: 24 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromUS$160.00

Featured Food & drink in San Francisco

View all Food & drink

Featured Outdoor & sports in San Francisco

View all Outdoor & sports
Golden Gate Bridge Bike Rentals - Very Close To The Bridge!
󱌍
4.1/5
· 15 reviews
Duration: 2–8 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromUS$45.00
Redwood Forest Steam Train and Santa Cruz Coast Day Tour
󱌍
Duration: 6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromUS$228.56
1-day tour of CA-1, 17 Mile Dr and Carmel Beach in San Francisco
󱌍
FromUS$150.17
1-day tour to Monterey Peninsula in small group
󱌍
FromUS$143.50
San Francisco: Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias Hike
󱌍
4.6/5
· 96 reviews
Duration: 15 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$191.33US$201.41

More things to do

San Francisco cruises

View all cruises

Private Tours in San Francisco

View More Private Tours in San Francisco

Group Tours in San Francisco

View More Group Tours in San Francisco
San Francisco Today's weatherMostly clear 12-18℃
San Francisco weather for the next 2 days11/1: 12-19℃, 11/2: 11-18℃

Free things to do in San Francisco

What travelers say about San Francisco

user-avatar
Z-Deng20 September 2026
5.0
Really enjoyed visiting Alcatraz Island! The ferry ride over had great views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. The self-guided cellhouse tour was very interesting, especially hearing the stories about the prison and its former inmates. The whole experience was well organized and definitely worth visiting if you’re in San Francisco. Highly recommended!

Alcatraz Island

user-avatar
YoYo_1I8Q7O5O1 April 2026
5.0
Fisherman's Wharf was bustling and a bit chaotic. Sea lions lay sprawled on wooden planks, howling, their fishy smell wafting from afar. Bowls of clam chowder were piping hot, served while street performers sipped. Crab stalls lined the streets, piles of red shells high; you'd crack open a claw and pop a crab into your mouth, your fingers smeared with butter. A rickshaw clanged past, tourists craning their necks to watch—nothing particularly special, just a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere.

Fisherman's Wharf

user-avatar
yappeng7 January 2024
5.0
iconic landmark in San Francisco. there’s a beach nearby , a nice place to soak up some sun.

Golden Gate Bridge

user-avatar
Anonymous user23 October 2026
5.0
A Magical Night at the California Academy of Sciences ✨🦋What a wonderful evening at the California Academy of Sciences! The place was buzzing with energy, thanks to a festive blend of Mexico’s traditional celebrations and Halloween..My absolute favorite was the tropical rainforest, where beautiful butterflies fluttered freely all around us. The space was warm, humid, and a little narrow, but its unique spiral layout made exploring it feel like a fun little adventure. Being surrounded by fluttering butterflies in such a lush, tropical environment was truly magical.The planetarium was another highlight. I loved how it presented the wonders of the universe through a scientific lens, making the experience both fascinating and thought-provoking.Between the enchanting rainforest, the captivating planetarium, and the festive mix of Mexican traditions and Halloween spirit, it was an evening filled with wonder, discovery and fun. A truly memorable experience!

California Academy of Sciences

user-avatar
130***9527 April 2026
5.0
It's definitely worth a visit; many of the artworks are quite impressive. There are so many museums in the US! This museum isn't far from Union Square; the service is also good, and the staff are very welcoming.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

user-avatar
112***0923 July 2023
5.0
This is a relatively large park near the Golden Gate Bridge, called Golden Gate Park. Most tourists will not go to this attraction specifically, but since we are traveling independently, we can visit it in a more relaxed manner. The environment design of this park is unparalleled and it is worth checking out.

Golden Gate Park

user-avatar
生长在海边的果果23 April 2025
5.0
虽然整体面积不算很大,但风景如画很有看头。整体是古罗马废墟风格,为万国博览会所建,后期改造使用延续至今,除了罗马式建筑,罗马柱可看,还可有一处喷泉池,很多很美的花花和绿植,世界各地的游客面孔。适合拍照打卡,随处都是景

Palace of Fine Arts

user-avatar
云石雨26 February 2023
5.0
Silicon Valley is the real source of innovation. You must come to see it when you come to California. Stanford University has beautiful scenery; Apple, Google, and many other high-tech companies; you can also visit the Computer Museum to see the birthplace of Silicon Valley.

Silicon Valley

user-avatar
chenweiwen16 May 2022
5.0
Highway 1 in California, USA, connects San Francisco and Los Angeles from north to south. It winds along the west coast of the United States from San Diego in the south to Leggett in the northernmost part of California where it joins Highway 101. It is over 1,000 kilometers long. On one side is the vast sea and sky, the waves crashing against the shore, the sailboats, and the gray whales swimming; on the other side are steep cliffs and mountains, lush pastures, herds of cattle and horses, and the scenery is breathtaking. This road is known as the most beautiful road in the world and was also rated as one of the 50 places you must visit in your life by the National Geographic magazine of the United States.

CA-1

user-avatar
Mehdi Azam23 May 2026
5.0
Great and relaxing tour. Regular bus. Roof is cool. Recommend

Big Bus Tours San Francisco

Trip Moments in San Francisco

Popular cities near San Francisco

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in San Francisco?

Don't miss these attractions in San Francisco: Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and Golden Gate Bridge. If you like Day tours, try Yosemite & Giant Sequoias day tour from San Francisco. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Hard Rock Cafe San Francisco Dining Experience.

You can give Hard Rock Cafe San Francisco Dining Experience and San Francisco round-trip Napa Valley and Sonoma famous winery wine tasting sightseeing 1-day tour (wine tasting fee included) a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Yosemite & Giant Sequoias day tour from San Francisco, Yosemite National Park Full-Day Tour, and Muir Woods and Sausalito Half Day Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 31 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in San Francisco is around USD 95 – USD 229. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.