10 unique activities and fun things to do in San Francisco

Thinking about taking a trip to San Francisco? From cruising around the Bay to flying over the city, there are plenty of unique ways to see the sights in San Francisco. Speed your way down 49-Mile Drive, cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, or peruse modern masterpieces in the Museum of Modern Art. Take a tour of Alcatraz, previously home to notorious gangsters and criminals. Or taste your way through Chinatown and Little Italy. Whether you’re a couple, a family, or traveling solo, we’ve got you covered with this concise list of the most fun things to do in San Francisco.

Fun things to do in San Francisco as a couple

1. Watch the sunset on a cruise across San Francisco Bay

See the city from a unique angle on a boat cruise around San Francisco Bay. Sip on a cocktail at twilight as you sail past historic sights like Alcatraz and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.

Best time to go: A sunset cruise by the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the best things to do in San Francisco at night as the sun sets over the Bay and the city lights begin to twinkle.

2. Enjoy an unbeatable bird’s-eye view of the SF skyline

An exciting helicopter tour over San Francisco is a really fun way to see the city, especially to splash out on a special occasion. Look out for iconic landmarks like the Transamerica Pyramid and Coit Tower.

Highlights: Enjoy unique views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier 39.

Fun things to do in San Francisco with kids

3. Sightsee on two, three, or four wheels

Whether you want to ride along the 49-Mile Drive behind the wheel of a three-wheeler, explore the city and its incredible parks by bike, or snap the spectacular views from an open-top bus, sightseeing in San Francisco on wheels is a fun way to explore for all the family.

Best time to go: Set off mid-morning when the streets are quieter and avoid the traffic that builds up by the middle of the afternoon.

4. Explore the exhibits at the California Academy of Sciences

Pay a visit to the California Academy of Sciences and enjoy one of the most impressive museums in San Francisco. With thousands of exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, an indoor rainforest, and an aquarium, this museum is sure to delight young and old.

Insider tip: Don’t miss the daily planetarium show — arrive early to reserve your free spot, which is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Address and opening hours: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-5:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Fun things to do in San Francisco on your own

5. Cycle around Haight-Ashbury

Rent a bike or join a cycle tour to discover the buzzy neighborhood of Haight-Ashbury. In the 1960s, this area was a bustling hub of creativity and the epicenter of the 1967 social phenomenon Summer of Love.

Highlights: Today, you can explore popular attractions like Jimi Hendrix’s former house and Golden Gate Park, as well as the stages that once welcomed the likes of The Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin.

Address: Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco.

6. Explore Alcatraz, one of America’s most notorious prisons

The Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary has housed some of the most notorious criminals from American history, including Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and the Birdman. Exploring Alcatraz is such a unique San Francisco experience, and you can learn more about the island and its former inmates on an expert-led tour of the prison.

Insider tip: Round-trip ferry tickets are included with every tour and provide panoramic views of the city’s skyline.

Address and opening hours: 33 Pier # 14, San Francisco. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-9:30 PM; Sunday-Monday 9:00 AM-6:30 PM.

7. Soak up some culture at the Museum of Modern Art

See modern art masterpieces at SFMOMA, one of the best art museums in San Francisco. Admire works from famous artists like Frida Kahlo, as well as leading artists active in the Bay Area.

Highlights: Don’t miss “The Woman with a Hat” by Henri Matisse or “The Flower Carrier” by Diego Rivera.

Address and opening hours: 151 3rd St, San Francisco. Open Thursday, noon-8:00 PM; and Friday-Tuesday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

8. Enjoy a private tour of Silicon Valley

No tech lover should visit San Francisco without touring Silicon Valley. Home to global companies like Apple, Google, and Meta, visiting this tech-centric corner of California tops the list of the most fun things to do in San Francisco for tech geeks.

Highlights: Silicon Valley is also home to Stanford University and Steve Jobs’ house.

Address: Silicon Valley, California.

Fun things to do in San Francisco for food lovers

9. Discover the culinary delights of Little Italy

Eat your way around Little Italy in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood, and fill up on pizza, pasta, great bread, desserts, and negronis. Welcoming immigrants from Northern Italy for over a century, North Beach now boasts one of the highest concentrations of Italian Americans on the West Coast, so there’s nowhere better for Italian food in the state.

Insider tip: Grab a pizza to go and enjoy a picnic in the nearby Washington Square.

Address: Little Italy, North Beach, San Francisco.

10. Taste your way through Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown district has been going strong since the 1840s. A popular tourist attraction in its own right, many locals also come here for the food. Step through the iconic Dragon’s Gate and discover dim sum joints, traditional markets, and authentic eateries.

Best time to go: Head into Chinatown for lunch, enjoy a delicious meal, and browse the souvenir shops — many businesses close by 6:00 PM, so there are fewer choices at dinner time.

Address: Chinatown, San Francisco.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in San Francisco at night?

Looking for fun things to do in San Francisco after hours? Several operators offer Bay cruises and night flights, which provide panoramic views of the city’s skyline from a unique angle. Watch the sun set behind some of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks and see the city lights start to twinkle.

Are there any fun day trips from San Francisco that I should consider?

There are many fun day trips from San Francisco to choose from. Head to Silicon Valley and learn about some of the world’s most successful tech companies. Or tour Alcatraz, the famous island prison that’s housed some of America’s most notorious inmates.

What are some popular festivals or events in San Francisco?

San Francisco hosts many major festivals throughout the year. If you’re heading into town in January or February, look out for the Chinese New Year celebrations. In June, San Francisco Pride gets underway, and it is one of the most talked-about Pride events in the world.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in San Francisco?

San Francisco has something for everyone. If you’re eager for little ones to learn during your stay, head to the California Academy of Sciences and enjoy exciting, interactive exhibitions. You can also rent a bike or GoCar and explore the city on wheels.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in San Francisco?

Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of options when visiting San Francisco. Golden Gate Park is a sprawling outdoor space for those who don’t want to travel too far. Or join a guided tour to explore San Francisco’s most hip and unique neighborhoods on foot or by bike.