Things to do in San Francisco Bay Area, California

Our most recommended things to do in San Francisco Bay Area, California

San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Open-top Sightseeing Tour

San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Open-top Sightseeing Tour

Discover the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of San Francisco as you hop on and off our comfortable open-top buses at any of our numerous stops. Whether you want to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Fisherman's Wharf, or immerse yourself in the vibrant neighborhoods, our tours cover it all. With onboard digital commentary, you'll learn fascinating stories and fun facts about the city's history, culture, and famous attractions. Our professional audio guides ensure you don't miss a thing! Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own leisure. Hop off whenever something catches your eye and hop back on when you're ready to continue your adventure. Plus, our frequent bus service means you'll never wait long for the next bus to arrive. Big Bus offers the most comprehensive tour in town. No need to switch buses – our one full city loop will take you to famous neighborhoods and attractions including Pier 39, Chinatown, Little Italy, Painted Ladies Victorian Homes, Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood, Golden Gate Park, Lombard Crooked Street, Union Square Shopping District and an unforgettable journey across the Golden Gate Bridge. What's Included • Open-top, double-decker bus tour of San Francisco's best attractions and landmarks • Hop off at any stop and explore, then hop back on when you're ready to continue • Professional digital audio available in multiple languages (souvenir earbuds provided) • Frequent bus arrivals with live bus tracking available via the free Big Bus app Top sights: - North Beach - Chinatown - Embarcadero Center - Fisherman’s Wharf - Ferry Building - Union Square - Redemption Center - Civic Center - Alamo Square - Haight Ashbury - Golden Gate Bridge - Golden Gate Park - Palace of Fine Arts - Marina - Lombard Street - Pier 35 - Pier 39

San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise

San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise

You will explore INSIDE the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary on Alcatraz Island with America’s most ruthless criminals, including Al Capone. The ferry will leave on time at the specific time you booked. You have to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time at Pier 33. Walk, bike, take public transportation, or drive (as a last resort as it can be challenging to find parking), with easy access from anywhere around the Bay! On the island follow the Cellhouse audio tour “Doing Time” 45 minutes available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Also included is an amazing 1 hour SF Bay Cruise. Sail past the famous PIER 39 sea lions and along San Francisco’s historic waterfront, revealing the city’s fascinating skyline.You have the flexibility to go on your cruise on any day at any available departure. You will receive the schedule. Those are 2 separates tours.

San Francisco: California Sunset Cruise

San Francisco: California Sunset Cruise

Our 2-hour California Sunset Cruise (San Francisco City Lights Cruise in the Winter) is a huge customer favorite and always gets rave reviews. We'll cruise slowly past Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Marin Headlands, then head directly for the bridge as the sun dips into the Pacific. On the way back up the waterfront the city skyline comes alive as day turns to night. Your photos of the Golden Gate Bridge at night will be amazing. Be sure to dress warmly to soak in the views from the outside decks. Our Sunset Cruise is a casual, relaxed affair, so feel free to come as you are, whether you're rocking sneakers and jeans or your favorite dressier attire. Our full cash bar is stocked with a wide variety of beer, wine and cocktails, and our snack bar features light bites to purchase. And, if you want to bring your own food, you're more than welcome to grab a delicious meal from one of the many nearby restaurants in Fisherman's Wharf.

San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

San Francisco: Alcatraz Island & 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Discover the best of San Francisco with this combined ticket that includes a visit to Alcatraz Island, a 48-hour Hop-on-Hop-off open-top bus ticket, Panoramic Sunset Tour, and a Chinatown Guided Walking Tour. Alcatraz Island Step foot on the notorious Alcatraz Island and immerse yourself in the captivating world of the iconic prison. As you explore the cells and grounds, listen to the gripping audio guide that reveals the tales of daring escape attempts and the lives of the inmates. Hop-on Hop-off Tour With your 48-hour Big Bus hop-on-hop-off pass, have the freedom to explore San Francisco at your own pace. Hop on and off the bus as many times as you like and enjoy the informative and entertaining digital audio commentary. Chinatown Guided Walking Tour During your adventure, take a leisurely guided walking tour through the vibrant streets of Chinatown. Discover the rich culture and fascinating history of this unique neighborhood. Panoramic Sunset Tour Discover San Francisco by sunset on a panoramic tour of The Golden City. Engage with the history and hidden stories of the city with audio commentary and see sights like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Be sure to have your camera ready! Top sights: - North Beach - Chinatown - Embarcadero Center - Fisherman’s Wharf - Ferry Building - Union Square - Redemption Center - Civic Center - Alamo Square - Haight Ashbury - Golden Gate Bridge - Golden Gate Park - Palace of Fine Arts - Marina - Lombard Street - Pier 35 - Pier 39

San Francisco: Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise

San Francisco: Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise

Explore the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary on Alcatraz Island to learn about America’s most ruthless criminals, including Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Enjoy a ferry transfer from San Francisco and an admission ticket to the famous prison. Embark on a scenic 1-hour cruise of San Francisco Bay before or after your visit. Board the ferry and arrive on Alcatraz Island to begin your visit. Take advantage of an insightful and award-winning audio guide in multiple languages to immerse yourself in the dark history of Alcatraz and learn all about its old inmates and the many fateful escape attempts. Spend as much time as you'd like before taking the ferry back to the pier. Additionally, enjoy a 1-hour narrated sightseeing cruise of San Francisco Bay in a comfortable boat with both indoor and outdoor seating. Take in the scenic views and sail past famous San Francisco landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, the Bay Bridge and much more. Sail along the historic waterfront, past the famous Pier 39 sea lions and take in the city’s fascinating skyline from the unique vantage point of the San Francisco Bay.

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Sunset Cruise

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Sunset Cruise

will take you from PIER 39 and past two San Francisco icons, the famous California Sea Lions and the Golden Gate Bridge. As the sun sets on the San Francisco Bay and the lights come up in the city, you'll continue to take in the many sights while you go by Angel Island, Sausalito, Tiburon, and the world famous Alcatraz Island. There is no better seat on the Bay to see one of the most beautiful cities in the world turn on its lights. Don’t miss this breathtaking experience! Includes: 90-minute cruise

San Francisco: Napa Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings

San Francisco: Napa Valley Half-Day Wine Tour with Tastings

Discover Napa Valley on a guided tour from San Francisco. Visit two select wineries and taste a variety of wines with an expert host for an experience sure to impress both novices and wine connoisseurs alike. Start your afternoon with a picturesque drive over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and take in breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline. Then, journey through the charming seaside town of Sausalito, known for its stunning vistas and Mediterranean-inspired architecture. During your journey to the wineries, admire the sight of lush, vine-covered hillsides. Your host will guide you through each winery and give you an inside look at their family histories, fermentation processes, barrel-aging, and bottling techniques as you meet the winemakers. After learning about the winemaking process, taste some award-winning varietals, with 3 to 5 tastings at each winery. Savor the unique flavors and aromas of signature blends. Finally, enjoy a scenic drive back over the Golden Gate Bridge, watching the sunset on the Pacific Ocean.

San Francisco: Go City Explorer Pass with 2-5 Attractions

San Francisco: Go City Explorer Pass with 2-5 Attractions

Explore San Francisco at your own pace and according to your interests with an easy-to-use sightseeing pass. Select 2, 3, 4, or 5 must-see, must-do attractions and tours from a comprehensive choice of over 30 things to do in San Francisco. Save up to 50%* off on top attractions, compared to buying separate tickets. Ride the hop-on-hop-off Big Bus tour and get to know the city, enjoy a San Francisco bay cruise, visit informative museums, rent a Go Car for an hour, experience the thrills of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and much more. Choose from popular things to do in San Francisco including: • Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus 1-Day Classic Tour • California Academy of Sciences • Exploratorium • Aquarium of the Bay • Escape from the Rock • The Flyer SF & 7D Experience • San Francisco 4-Hour Bike Rentals with Unlimited Biking • San Francisco Zoo • Six Flags Discovery Kingdom • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) • Ride the San Francisco Cable Cars with the 1 Day Muni Pass! • The Walt Disney Family Museum • All-Day Comfort Bike Rental by Blazing Saddles • USS Pampanito • GoCar 1 Hour Tour • And more! Please note attractions and tours are subject to change. Check your included digital guide for an up-to-date attraction line-up including opening times and instructions on how to access each attraction with your pass before you go. *Saving based on itineraries on the local partner's website.

San Francisco: Muir Woods, Lunch in Sausalito and Alcatraz

San Francisco: Muir Woods, Lunch in Sausalito and Alcatraz

Let us handle the planning while you enjoy an unforgettable journey through San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Alcatraz. This all-in-one adventure takes you through the city’s most famous neighborhoods, across the Golden Gate Bridge, into the majestic redwoods of Muir Woods, and finally to the legendary Alcatraz Island. Choose Your Adventure: One-Day Option: See it all in a single, seamless day. Multi-Day Option: Visit Alcatraz on day one, then explore San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Sausalito on day two. What You’ll Experience: ✅ Scenic Drive Through San Francisco – Explore vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach, and Fisherman’s Wharf. ✅ Golden Gate Bridge – Cross one of the world’s most famous landmarks. ✅ Muir Woods (90 min) – Walk among towering redwoods in a peaceful nature escape. ✅ Sausalito (1+ hour) – Enjoy a relaxed waterfront setting with great dining and shopping. ✅ Alcatraz Island – Step inside the infamous prison with an immersive audio tour. Tour Highlights: North Beach & Little Italy – A lively district full of Italian culture and fantastic food. Fisherman’s Wharf – Famous for seafood, sea lions, and bay views. Marina District – Trendy shops and stunning waterfront scenery. Palace of Fine Arts – A breathtaking architectural gem. Presidio – A historic military base with incredible views. Pacific Heights & Billionaire’s Row – See grand mansions and some of SF’s best views. Mrs. Doubtfire’s House – A must-see for movie fans! Chinatown – The oldest Chinatown in the U.S., rich with history and culture. Exclusive Add-On: The Lombard Leap Coit Tower – Enjoy panoramic 360-degree city views. Lombard Street – Wind down the "crookedest street in the world." **Book your Lombard Leap Add after checking out in your confirmation email**

San Francisco: Explore at Your Own Pace All Day on E-Bike

San Francisco: Explore at Your Own Pace All Day on E-Bike

Discover the best of San Francisco at your own pace with a bike rental from Fisherman’s Wharf. Whether you're a casual rider or an experienced cyclist, this self-guided adventure lets you explore the city’s iconic sights, hidden gems, and scenic views. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a high-quality, current-model bike, helmet, front handlebar bag, rear gear rack, map, and route instructions. This ensures a smooth, enjoyable ride, letting you focus on the sights as you go. One of the highlights of this experience is the flexibility to customize your route. Simply tell the local staff how many miles you'd like to ride, and they'll recommend a route that takes you through San Francisco's top landmarks. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride along the waterfront or an adventurous route through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, the choice is yours. The bike paths are mostly flat, making this ride easy for cyclists of all levels. You’ll pass by famous sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Embarcadero. Explore neighborhoods such as North Beach, the Presidio, and enjoy stunning views of the bay and Alcatraz Island from Crissy Field. If you're up for a longer ride, pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, where you can either take a scenic ferry back to the city or cycle back along the waterfront. With your bike rental, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace. Stop for photos, enjoy a coffee at a local café, or simply soak in the city’s sights without the pressure of a guided tour. You’ll also receive a guide with recommendations on the best routes, local spots, and must-see locations. Renting a bike allows you to enjoy San Francisco however you like. Whether it’s riding along the waterfront, admiring the Golden Gate Bridge, or discovering hidden gems, you’ll have the entire day to enjoy at your leisure. Start your San Francisco adventure by renting a bike at Fisherman’s Wharf. Equipped with everything you need for an unforgettable self-guided tour, you’ll have the freedom to explore the city’s landmarks at your own pace.

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Frequently asked questions about San Francisco Bay Area, California

What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in San Francisco Bay Area, California?

These are the most popular museums and exhibitions in San Francisco Bay Area, California:

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What people are saying about San Francisco Bay Area, California

Overall rating

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
4.5 out of 5 stars
(2,617 reviews)
5 out of 5 stars

Great tour of San Francisco Bay going including going under the Golden Gate Bridge Alcatraz Tour is guided audio and very good - it was a prison of course so a little morbid but fascinating all the same You have to take a ferry across to the island

5 out of 5 stars

The flexibility of the schedule. More information on Bay Cruise. Does it need to be taken on the same day? Information seemed to indicate it could be taken any time.

5 out of 5 stars

Amazing value for money and Alcatraz is very interesting. Hop on hop off bus makes seeing the city so easy

5 out of 5 stars

It was amazing , loved the skyline all lit up , the city looked beautiful

5 out of 5 stars

Was nice trip see the bay boat was clean well layed out