San Francisco, the City by the Bay, is known for its iconic hills and architecture. It has something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or are a local looking to explore home, San Francisco never runs out of things to do.
Let’s dive into the best things to do in San Francisco.
Things to Do in San Francisco Depend on You
San Francisco really is a city that offers adventures tailored to who you are and what you love. The city’s diverse range of activities caters to all types of personalities and interests. Are you an art lover, a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie? We’ve got you covered with things to do in San Francisco this weekend.
There are countless fun, educational activities for families, and thrill-seekers can also chase adventure around every steep hill. Those who love to explore on foot have endless neighborhoods to see, each with its own unique character and charm. And if you’re someone who seeks peace in nature, check out the city’s parks and beaches.
In San Francisco, your personal interests can totally dictate your itinerary.
Fun Things to Do in SF for Families
San Francisco has plenty of family-friendly activities suitable for all ages. Check out Eagle Cafe’s Guide to Family Friendly Activities in San Francisco.
Play at Pier 39
There are so many things to do in San Francisco. But, one of the top attractions for families is Pier 39. This is a destination that suits parents and kids of all ages. Here is a Traveler’s Guide of Pier 39 Things to Do by Crab House.
Start by visiting the Pier 39 sea lions who sunbathe and play around the docks. Then, spend the day shopping or enjoying rides like the San Francisco Carousel and 7D Experiences. Eat fresh and sustainable seafood at Pier Market, which is the perfect stop of families.
Explore Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is SF’s playground for families. This park holds numerous activities for families of all ages and sizes. If you’re looking for what to do in San Francisco, look no further than Golden Gate Park.
For younger children, check out one of the park’s many playgrounds. View beautiful views and plants at the Conservatory of Flowers, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. Enjoy free concerts every Sunday, March through November, at the historic venue the Golden Gate Bandshell.
See wildlife
In SF, families can safely see wildlife in many ways. Check out the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39, and the California Academy of Sciences. These attractions contain an exciting array of species, from creepy crawlies to multicolored fish. The Cal Academy
Families can also spot turtles and many more animals at Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stow Lake), American bison at Golden Gate Park, and wild parrots called cherry-headed conures throughout the city!
Things for Nature Lovers to Do
SFO may be an urban city but at its heart it is made for nature-lovers. Parks, the Bay, and the rolling hills await the nature lovers who visit SFO. Here are a few ideas of the best things to do in California that area unique to SF.
Ride the Waves
The Bay calls nature lovers to explore it by boat. Check out this Complete Guide to SF Boat Tours to learn which boat tour is right for you. From cruises to catamarans, boat rides are one of the top things to do in San Francisco.
Hike Along the Cliffs
Here, you’ll find some of the most breathtaking trails in California. Visit Lands End for a gorgeous hike immersed in cypress trees that overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. Take this trail all the way from Lands End to the Golden Gate Bridge for the ultimate California Coastal Trail hike.
Birdwatching
SFO is home to a large birdwatching community. That’s because there are so many beautiful birds to spot in the city! Birdwatching doesn’t take much planning. It is one of the best things to do in San Francisco today. The Golden Gate Bird Alliance shared a list of locals’ favorite birding hotspots.
Things for History Buffs to Do
Did you know that this city was founded in 1776? That means that Frisco is full of history! Native American tribes have called the SF Bay home for more than 10,000 years, but the Spanish settlers established and named the city in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.
This 247-year-old city is also the fourth most populous city in California with 843,071 residents. SF’s history and modern culture from its growing population make it the ideal place to visit for history buffs. From its early history to the Gold Rush, from the 1906 earthquake to the World’s Fair, from the Golden Gate Bridge construction to World War II, from the beatniks and the summer of love and the LGBTQIA+ movement, and finally from the dot-com boom to today’s AI revolution–there is so much to explore.
Read on to learn some historical things to do in San Francisco California.
Alcatraz
Alcatraz Island holds two sites interesting for history buffs. It has a former federal prison–famously the prison that held Al “Scarface” Capone–as well as a monument of Native American occupation of the island between 1969 and 1971.
Take a cruise from Pier 33 by the Alcatraz Cruises ferry to visit the island. There are options to book both day and night tours.
Cable Cars
A cable car first ran in SF in 1873. Learn about the inventor of the cable cars and their incredible technology at the Cable Car Museum. The museum even has antique original cable cars on display! This is definitely one of the most unique attractions in town.
Make sure you also ride the cable cars. Their routes are the Powell-Hyde line, the Powell-Mason line, and the California line.
Grab a meal at Pier Market Seafood Restaurant!
Pier Market Seafood Restaurant is known for its fresh, sustainable seafood and mesquite grilled proteins. Not to mention the restaurant’s expansive bay views from every window!
Make a reservation (walk-ins welcome!)