Things to do in
San Francisco Bay Area, California

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

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: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Open-top Bus

San Francisco: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Open-top Bus

Experience the best that the City by the Bay has to offer with the Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off tour. This digitally-narrated tour takes you to the city's must-see landmarks and iconic attractions, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience of San Francisco. Hop aboard the bus and prepare to be captivated by the beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge, a true San Francisco icon. As you cross the bridge, take in the breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the surrounding hills. This is a photo-opportunity not to be missed! As the tour continues, venture into the heart of the city and visit Union Square, the bustling shopping district. Here, you'll find an array of designer boutiques, high-end department stores, and trendy restaurants. Union Square is also home to the famous cable car turnaround, where you'll see the iconic cable cars in action. The tour also takes you through the historic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, the birthplace of the hippie movement. As you walk through the streets, you'll be transported back to the 1960s, with colorful Victorian houses, vintage clothing stores, and murals celebrating the Summer of Love. No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf. Take in the sights and sounds of this famous waterfront district, where you can sample fresh seafood, browse local shops, and watch the sea lions basking in the sun. From here, you can also catch a ferry to Alcatraz Island or take a cruise around the bay. With the Big Bus tour, you have the flexibility to hop on and off at any of the 20 stops along the route, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. And with buses running every 10-15 minutes, you won’t have to wait long to continue your adventure. So whether you want to spend more time shopping in Union Square or exploring the Golden Gate Park, the Big Bus tour has got you covered.

San Francisco: California Sunset Boat Cruise

San Francisco: California Sunset Boat Cruise

Enjoy sunset views as you sail on beautiful San Francisco Bay. See important landmarks, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. In the winter months, take in the serene twilight views instead. Along the way, view numerous National Historic landmarks and San Francisco sights, including Coit Tower, the Transamerica Pyramid, St. Peter, Paul's Church, and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. As the sun begins to set over the Marin Headlands, cruise past Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the shorelines of Tiburon, Belvedere, and Sausalito. Watch the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, as you sail west towards the Golden Gate. On your way back to Fisherman’s Wharf, see many more famous sights, including the Presidio, the Marina District, and Fort Mason.

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: Alcatraz Island with 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

San Francisco: Alcatraz Island with 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Discover the best of San Francisco with this combined ticket that includes a visit to Alcatraz Island, a 2-day Hop-on-Hop-off open-top bus ticket, Panoramic Sunset Tour, and a Chinatown walking tour. Plus, experience the thrill of either The Flyer or the 7D Experience, both located at Pier 39. 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 2-day 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! Pier 39: The Flyer or the 7D Experience The Flyer takes you on a virtual journey across San Francisco's landmarks from a 50-foot screen with motion seats. Glide over the Golden Gate Bridge, China Town, Lombard Street, and the stunning Redwood National Forest. The 7D Experience is a high-tech ride combining a rollercoaster and a laser game. In a 20-person theater, you'll enter new dimensions on a massive 3D screen. 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: 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: Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket

San Francisco: Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket

Explore the beauty and wonder of San Francisco's Aquarium of the Bay with this entrance ticket, giving you access to the 3 main exhibit halls. Discover the amazingly diverse marine life that lives beneath the surface of San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters. Explore the “Discover the Bay” exhibit, highlighting the unique ecosystem that provides a home to a diverse selection of marine life. The exhibits feature more than 20,000 aquatic animals. Learn all about this delicate underwater habitat and the need for its conservation. Then, experience the magic of the habitat at “Touch the Bay,” complete with tide pools where you can touch the creatures that patrol San Francisco Bay’s waters. No trip to Aquarium of the Bay would be complete without a visit to the North American River Otter Gallery, where frisky river otters romp, swim, sleep and play. Get a scuba diver’s view of San Francisco Bay at the Aquarium of the Bay’s most iconic exhibit, “Under the Bay.” As you walk through the tunnels, you’ll see fascinating jellyfish, watch schools of fish that swim near the shore, see delicate starfish, and view larger fish, such as sharks, rays, and sturgeons, which live in the deeper waters of San Francisco Bay.

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: Napa Valley Winery Tour with Tastings

San Francisco: Napa Valley Winery 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: Golden Gate Cruise & Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

San Francisco: Golden Gate Cruise & Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Make your way around San Francisco with a 1-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket and sail around San Francisco Bay with a 1-hour Golden Gate bay cruise. Hop off to explore the city's best highlights or stay on the double-decker bus to take in 360-degree panoramic views of the city. Golden Gate Bay CruiseSail past the lively neighborhood of North Beach and take advantage of the bar onboard with drinks, snacks, and merchandise available to purchase. Admire the famous swimming clubs of the Aquatic Park and the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier. Take in idyllic views of Crissy Field and The Presidio of San Francisco before the stunning image of the Golden Gate Bridge comes into view. Cruise straight under the bridge as the sun shines and waves lap against the boat. Travel past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands to reach the shores of Sausalito, once home to the Flower Children. With Angel Island State Park to your left, finish your cruise outside the infamous Alcatraz prison. 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off BusThe route of the hop-on hop-off bus includes stops at iconic landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Little Italy. This flexible approach to sightseeing allows you to enjoy your day at your own pace.

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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
(2,617 reviews)

I loved the tour and honestly should have bought the two day ticket as the city has so much to explore. The bus frequency is very good and easy to access. It covers all the main spots and the audio guide is fun and immersive. Would highly recommend, especially for solo female travelers like me.

Awesome tour. So glad I did it as I was tossing up to do this or not. Brian is fantastic. So much knowledge and a really great guide. Not to mention an awesome person too. Can highly recommend this tour. You won’t be disappointed. In fact. You, like I was, will be happy you did it.

The activity by itself was very good. but it was annyoing that getyoutguice changed my ticket time, with 30 minutes. so i was there an hour before. And they did that to several visitors. so i recommend you book your your directly with the provider.

Really enjoyed the Flyover despite it being 5 mins of film time. Pier 39 is fun with lots to see and do there. The Chinatown walking tour was extremely interesting and Doug the guide was personable and humorous.

It was an amazing experience. The guide new a lot and was very entertaining.