THE 30 BEST Things to Do in San Francisco, CA
Places to Visit in San Francisco
Expect to get your steps in (or hop on a cable car), while spotting iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge or taking a day trip to Alcatraz. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Francisco.
- fromper adult₹20,292
Private and Luxuryfromper adult₹14,976
Historical Toursfrom₹13,115per adult₹11,803
Culinary Toursfromper adult₹8,330
Culinary Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₹7,887- fromper adult₹8,507
City Toursfromper adult₹7,532
Day Tripsfrom₹14,089per adult₹12,681
Ghost Toursfromper adult₹2,925
Private and Luxuryfromper adult₹3,456
Historic Sites
Historic Sites
Iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic bay views, bike rentals for scenic rides, and photo-worthy vista points from both ends. Celebrated for its distinctive architecture and engineering.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Iconic zigzagging road with eight hairpin turns, lined by picturesque homes and lush gardens, providing a scenic drive or walk with stunning bay views and a peek at Coit Tower.
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Trams
Historic cable cars traverse the city's steep hills, providing scenic views and a unique ride through vibrant neighborhoods and close to major landmarks.
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Marinas
Bustling waterfront with diverse dining, unique shops, and lively street performers. Home to playful sea lions and scenic views for memorable moments.
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Speciality Museums
Admission tickets from ₹2,101
Neighbourhoods
Iconic sourdough bakery with clam chowder amid a bustling waterfront neighborhood, featuring sea lion sightings and a lively mix of shops and street entertainment.
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Arenas & Stadiums
Waterfront stadium with a family-friendly vibe and a dedicated beer garden. Features picturesque views of the bay, vibrant atmosphere for baseball fans, and a scenic outfield walkway.
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Serene Beaux-Arts landmark enveloped by lush gardens and a peaceful lake, ideal for leisurely strolls and photography amidst architectural splendor.
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Science Museums
Interactive science hub with a blend of exhibits, from a vibrant rainforest and aquatic life to a planetarium. Features unique attractions like an albino alligator and earthquake simulator.
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Lookouts
Panoramic vistas await at this scenic overlook with short hikes to multiple peaks. Wind-swept heights offer unique city views, intensified by mystical fog on cooler days.
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Other Top Attractions around San Francisco
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- Maya P8 contributions5/5
Our guides were awesome and he tour was cool beautiful. We were able to go at our own pace and really
See everting they had to offerWritten 23 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Peter B1 contributionThe Golden Gate Bridge, spanning the San Francisco Bay, is an engineering marvel and an iconic symbol of California. Its striking International Orange color and art deco design create a breathtaking sight, especially when framed by fog or during sunrise and sunset.Written 21 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rojin KHouston, TX11 contributionsVisiting Lombard Street felt like stepping into a postcard - if that postcard also included the chaos of a city traffic jam. The journey to this iconic winding road was nothing short of an adventure, with bumper-to-bumper traffic and scarce parking spaces making it clear that the whole city seemed to have the same idea.
Despite the crowd, credit must be given to the city for managing the influx of vehicles entering the famously steep and serpentine street. The scene was a bustling mix of tourists snapping photos, city trams gliding smoothly past, and futuristic self-driving taxis navigating the chaos with surprising precision.
Driving down Lombard Street itself was a test of both nerves and skill. The steep grade and sharp switchbacks, combined with precarious stopping points at the edges, made it a thrilling experience - not for the faint of heart. Yet, once you’re on the spiral road, the perfectly manicured flower beds and stunning views of San Francisco make the adrenaline worth it.
Lombard Street is not just a destination-it’s a rite of passage for visitors to San Francisco. A chaotic yet unforgettable experience, where beauty meets thrill on one of the steepest streets in the world.Written 6 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - johnhossackGold Coast, Australia19 contributionsDuring my trip to California, one of the most delightful experiences was riding the iconic San Francisco cable cars. These historic cars are not just a mode of transportation but a moving piece of history, offering an incredible way to explore the city and its stunning surroundings.
The cable cars took me up and down San Francisco’s famous steep streets, offering breathtaking views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city’s unique skyline. The clang of the bell, the open-air ride, and the thrill of climbing those steep inclines made for an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. Every turn revealed a new perspective of the vibrant city, from colorful Victorian houses to bustling waterfront areas.
The history of the cable cars added an extra layer of appreciation. Learning about their origin in the late 19th century and their significance as a National Historic Landmark gave me a deeper connection to the experience. They’re a testament to innovation and perseverance, surviving earthquakes and modernization efforts.
Whether it was hanging onto the side for a classic photo or just soaking in the views, riding the cable cars was pure joy. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting San Francisco and wanting to experience the city’s charm in a unique and fun way.Written 15 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - kilsythladdieKilsyth, UK287 contributionsGreat place to take a walk and chill out , plenty of eating and drinking places,
Watching the sea lions lying about.
Just watch your step on the old wooden decking areas.
Thoroughly enjoyed the walkabout.Written 4 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - dustythoughtsManchester, CT2,243 contributionsThis museum is jam-packed with interesting information, memorabilia, and other assorted items asso
