Full of mystical fog and artsy neighborhoods, San Francisco has been a popular travel destination for years. The Golden Gate City boasts cultural diversity and is a well-known foodie paradise. Whether you’re young or old, outdoorsy or cosmopolitan, or somewhere in between, San Francisco has countless options for everyone.
With so many incredible possibilities, it might seem daunting to figure out what to do. A popular destination for foodies, hikers, and shopping fanatics, this city really does have something for everyone. For ideas and inspiration for the best things to do in San Francisco, check out the options below.
Top Attractions in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bay Cruise
It’s no secret that one of the most popular destinations in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. The massive red suspension bridge is an iconic landmark featured in numerous films, television shows, and art pieces. One of the most exciting ways to view the distinctive landmark is by taking a cruise through Golden Gate Bay.
The cruise takes you directly under the Golden Gate Bridge and allows you to catch a glimpse of other notable landmarks like Alcatraz Island and Sausalito. There are all kinds of facts and interesting stories about the surrounding areas. You’ll come away with a boatload of exciting new knowledge!
Fisherman’s Wharf Tour
An attraction with undeniable name recognition, Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the top things to do in San Francisco. There are countless points of interest on the wharf. Stop to taste treats like Sourdough bread and Ghiradelli chocolate. They are both yummy snacks that claim their origins in San Francisco.
The tour will also take you through Pier 39. It is one of the most popular shopping and entertainment districts in the country. A walking tour is an excellent option as locals will be able to point you in the right direction. It is helpful when visiting an attraction as large and multitudinous as Fisherman’s Wharf. Keep your eyes peeled; you might even see a sea lion!
Yosemite Park Day Trip
For the outdoorsy types, a day trip to Yosemite Park is a great choice when you’re in San Francisco.
The tour will touch base at all of the most notable points of interest like Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Inspiration Point. It’s sure to provide you with unbeatable photo opportunities! Furthermore, with the chance to do some hiking and exploring, even those who aren’t well-versed in outdoor adventuring are sure to have an amazing time at an attraction like this.
San Francisco Zoo
Although most major cities have their own zoo to boast about, the San Francisco Zoo is not one to miss. The zoo is home to more than 250 species of animals and insects, making it a fun opportunity to learn about something you never knew existed before. The zoo is also home to the Doelger Primate Discovery Center, which is dedicated to helping severely endangered species.
One of the great things about the San Francisco Zoo is that admission to the zoo is included in ticket packages like the San Francisco CityPASS. With the purchase of the CityPASS, you can explore the zoo, as well as the Aquarium of the Bay, the Walt Disney Museum, and much more.
San Francisco Helicopter Tour
If you’re really a big fan of thrilling adventures, consider riding a helicopter. For aerial views of the Golden Gate City, hop on a helicopter and admire all the most beautiful points of the city’s skyline, as well as the stunning surrounding landscape. This tour will take you over the Marin Headlands, Angel Island, and the rocky shorelines of the Pacific Coast.
A helicopter tour, while best for those who maybe don’t have a fear of heights, is definitely a great adventure to brag about to all your friends and families in an attempt to get them to also visit San Francisco. Don’t forget to snap some once-in-a-lifetime pictures of the views. All in all, it’s an amazing chance to fly high above the city and see things from a fresh perspective.
San Francisco Movie Sights City Tour
For movie buffs and casual appreciators alike, explore locations where movies were filmed around the city. There are over 50 movies filmed in the city, so you’ll definitely be way more familiar with cinematic trivia after you embark on this tour!
One of the coolest things about this movie sights tour is that it is guided by actors. Therefore, not only do you get to learn about something new, but you also get to meet someone who has worked in the industry; that means they really know what they’re talking about. That’s really what makes this tour one of the best things to do in San Francisco.
San Francisco Chinatown
One of the most historically rich neighborhoods in the entire city, San Francisco’s Chinatown is a lively sector with bustling markets and culturally important landmarks.
The Chinatown walking tour mentioned above will take you on a walk through sights like a Buddhist temple, a fortune cookie factory, and the food markets of Stockton Street. Better yet, it gives you the option to upgrade and indulge in a 9-course dim sum lunch. What could possibly beat an attraction that is both enlightening and delicious?
GoCar Tour
For those with a particularly fun-loving spirit, a GoCar Tour is one of the most exciting choices when it comes to figuring out what to do in San Francisco. In a city known for its futuristic innovations, due to its proximity to Silicon Valley, there’s no wonder that a GoCar tour would be an option.
If you aren’t familiar with the concept, a GoCar is a GPS-guided little car (visually reminiscent of a classic gocart) that tells you stories as you make your journey through the city. The best thing about this is that you can go at your own pace, and pick and choose which of the 200 attractions that the GoCar can provide you information about. Captain your own tour ship!
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Sometimes, deciding what to do ahead of time isn’t the move. A hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great choice for visitors of San Francisco who want to experience a wide range of things and essentially fly by the seat of their pants. A bus tour will let you stop at the sights that interest you the most and skip the ones that don’t.
Simply get off the bus when it stops at a location you want to explore, whether it’s the Financial District or Japanese Tea Garden, and then get back on the next available bus when you’re finished. With a tour like this, the city is full of possibilities!
Conclusion
In short, there are so many things to do in San Francisco. It can practically leave your head spinning with options. Thankfully, we compiled some of the best things to do in San Francisco. You will be pointed in the right direction and way to enjoying your time in Golden Gate City. Outdoor adventures and foodie frolics await!
Depending on how long you’re visiting you can choose all of the attractions above, or you can pick just a couple. Either way, fascinating new experiences that will last you a lifetime await.
Many visitors to a new city might be tempted to wing it and create their own plan of action. But choosing to buy access to guided tours and informational excursions can sometimes be far more rewarding and educational. All in all, no matter how much or how little time you have in San Francisco, there’s no doubt that there are countless options for fun and adventure!
