San Francisco
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in San Francisco

San Francisco: Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, & Self-Guided App

San Francisco: Alcatraz Ticket, Ferry, & Self-Guided App

Embark on an exhilarating journey through history with our Alcatraz Highlights Tour! First, board a ferry and ride across the water to reach the infamous island that once contained America's most notorious criminals. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the captivating tales of Alcatraz as you explore while listening to the app tour. Witness the chilling cells that housed Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly as you stroll past the imposing cell blocks. Be captivated by the echoes of the past as you wander through the eerie corridors and soak in the stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline. Don't miss your chance to uncover the mysteries and legends of America's most infamous prison on our Alcatraz Highlights Tour - a thrilling adventure you won't forget!

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise (1-hour)

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bay Cruise (1-hour)

Cruise around the Golden Gate Bay on a boat tour. Enjoy informative commentary, see sights like Alcatraz Island, and purchase food and drink from the onboard bar. Launched in 1939 as part of the Golden Gate International Exposition, this 1-hour cruise has been a highlight of any visit to San Francisco for over 75 years. With 8-14 departures daily from Fisherman's Wharf, you will sail along San Francisco's breathtaking waterfront, under the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, and close to the notorious Alcatraz Island. Discover San Francisco's fascinating history, brought to life through audio commentary broadcast in 16 languages via personal audioguides. Look out for wildlife along the way, including pelicans, sea lions, and even dolphins and whales. Sail past the lively neighborhood of North Beach, the famous swimming clubs of Aquatic Park, the historic vessels at Hyde Street Pier, and San Francisco Maritime National Park, before heading west towards Golden Gate Bridge. Enjoy views of Crissy Field and the lush hillsides of the Presidio, before cruising under Golden Gate Bridge. Steam back into the Bay, traveling past the wildlife reserves of the Marin Headlands, and the legendary town of Sausalito, once home to the 1960s’ flower generation. With Angel Island State Park to your left, cruise around the infamous Alcatraz. After a full hour of exciting sights, the barking sea lions at Pier 39 welcome you back to Pier 43 1/2. A full bar with drinks, snacks, and merchandise, including logo wear, is available at reasonable prices on board the iconic Red and White vessels. Join us on our 5:30 departure for the "Happiest Hour on The Bay" enjoy discounted pricing on cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks. Finish your day or start your evening with Red and White for the best views on board a piece of San Francisco history.

San Francisco: Alcatraz, Ferry & Audio Tour w/ Night Option

San Francisco: Alcatraz, Ferry & Audio Tour w/ Night Option

Visit Alcatraz with included ferry and admission, and enhance your journey with an immersive audio guide that stays with you from the moment you board the ferry to the moment you return. Available only with this exclusive ticket. Step beyond the standard visit to Alcatraz with this exclusive package that includes official Alcatraz admission, round-trip ferry tickets, and a cinematic audio tour that accompanies you every step of the way — from the moment you depart Pier 33 to the moment you return from the island. This isn’t just a prison tour. Our audio companion guide reveals stories most visitors never hear: Indigenous history, hidden gardens, island families, art installations, and powerful moments of protest and renewal. Ride the ferry across the bay with immersive narration and soundscapes Explore the island's dramatic cliffs, gardens, and ruins with guided storytelling Reflect on the deeper meanings of justice, resistance, and transformation during your return journey This audio experience is designed to complement the official Alcatraz Cellhouse audio tour (which is also included), giving you a complete and unforgettable view of the island’s past and present. Note that this tour does not include a live tour guide. At checkout, you can select the Alcatraz Night Tour option, which includes evening ferry service, guided introductions by park rangers, and access to areas not open during the day. With fewer visitors and special programs, the night tour offers a more intimate and immersive experience of the island.

San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with 17 Stops

San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with 17 Stops

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 Street, Union Square Shopping District and an unforgettable journey across the Golden Gate Bridge. 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: San Francisco City Lights Cruise (2-hours)

San Francisco: San Francisco City Lights Cruise (2-hours)

Our 2-hour San Francisco City Lights Cruise (known as the California Sunset Cruise during summer) is one of our most-loved experiences — and it’s easy to see why. As we glide past Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Marin Headlands, you’ll watch the sky fade into deep blues and golds before we make our way beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. On the return, the city skyline sparkles to life — a picture-perfect view of San Francisco after dark. Dress warmly and make yourself at home on our outer decks for the best views. The City Lights Cruise is all about laid-back vibes, so whether you’re in jeans or dressed up for the evening, you’ll fit right in. Our full cash bar offers a great selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, along with light bites available for purchase. Want to bring your own food? Go for it — pick up your favorite meal from one of the many nearby restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy dinner with a view. 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

From San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip

From San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip

Explore the ancient groves of coastal redwoods in Muir Woods National Monument alongside an expert guide on a half-day tour. Then discover the charming streets of Downtown Sausalito on a relaxed half-day tour. After a pick-up from a central San Francisco hotel, head north over the bridge and into the Marin Headlands. If the fog is clear, you might get a chance to stop and take some pictures of the bridge up close. When you arrive in Muir Woods, take an hour and a half to roam through this ‘living museum’ where you can glimpse the towering trees that used to dominate the west coast from Santa Barbara to Washington. Following your exploration of Muir Woods, hop back in the coach for a quick ride over to Sausalito. Enjoy a 15-20 minute, narrated in-coach tour through the beautiful seaside Mediterranean-style town, and then some free time to walk around. After about 45 minutes in Sausalito, hop back in the coach for a trip back across the Golden Gate Bridge, or opt for a ferry ride back to San Francisco. You'll be dropped back off at your pick-up point. This half-day tour is a great way to see all the highlights of the northern San Francisco Bay in a limited amount of time. 

San Francisco: Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias Hike

San Francisco: Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias Hike

After a convenient pickup in San Francisco, your adventure begins with a scenic drive through California’s Central Valley and historic Gold Rush towns on your way to Yosemite National Park. As you travel, your expert guide will share fascinating stories about the region, setting the stage for an unforgettable day. Once inside Yosemite Park, you’ll have five hours to explore the park’s most breathtaking sights, with multiple stops at the best viewpoints for stunning photos. Capture the legendary beauty of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and El Capitan, marveling at the sheer size of these world-famous landmarks. Enjoy two memory-making hours exploring Yosemite Valley at your own pace—walk along the Swinging Bridge, take in the views along the Merced River, get close to Yosemite Falls on a short hike, and relax with lunch. Your journey continues with additional photo stops at El Capitan and the breathtaking Valley View Overlook, where you can capture some of Yosemite’s most iconic vistas. The adventure doesn’t stop there! Head to a majestic grove of Giant Sequoias and take a scenic 1.6-mile walk (weather permitting) to stand among the largest trees on Earth. This one-of-a-kind experience is the perfect way to wrap up your time in Yosemite before the comfortable return drive to San Francisco. With expert guides, a well-planned itinerary, and seamless transportation, this is the best way to see Yosemite in just one day. Spots fill up fast—book now and experience the magic of Yosemite for yourself!

From SF: Yosemite Day Trip with Giant Sequoias Hike & Pickup

From SF: Yosemite Day Trip with Giant Sequoias Hike & Pickup

Begin your Yosemite National Park day tour by getting picked up at select San Francisco hotels. Cross the Bay Bridge and drive through the Central Valley to the town of Oakdale where you will stop for a short break. Start your day in the park at Tunnel View. Then, go to Bridalveil Falls for a quick walk to the base of the roaring waterfall. Next, proceed onto Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. After, enjoy some free time where you will get a chance to picnic at the base of Yosemite Falls, by a river, or in a granite-enclosed meadow. Chances are high that you will see rock climbers in the spring or fall, bears in the summer, and spectacular ice formations in the winter. After regrouping, head to El Capitan, the center of the rock climbing universe. Depending on the season, you may see some climbers on the rock, but they will appear smaller than ants on the 3000-foot (914 meters) rock. Enjoy a photo stop at Valley View and then head to the Tuolumne Grove to take a one-mile (1.6 km) hike to see a grove of 1500-year-old giant sequoia trees. Please note that the hike to the sequoias may not be available during the snow season. After the hike, head back to San Francisco with a restroom stop along the way.

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.

Top activities

402 activities found
Sort by:

Go beyond San Francisco

Explore all

Read more about San Francisco

7 epic things to do in San Francisco at night
7 epic things to do in San Francisco at night

If you’re looking for the top things to do in San Francisco at night, you’re in luck. Many of SF’s landmarks and monuments remain open after dark, such as the Alcatraz Prison, and some of San Francisco’s best museums and exhibitions in the city offer late-night admission every week, like the SF Museum of Modern Art. You’ll be able to beat the crowds as you sip on cocktails and socialize with fellow visitors and locals.

There are also rich pickings when it comes to nightlife and bars in San Francisco. Enjoy cocktails in Union Square, find the perfect dive bar in the Mission District, or discover award-winning menus in the Financial District. Plan your trip with this list of the best things to do in SF at night.

The best things to do during rainy season in San Francisco
The best things to do during rainy season in San Francisco

While San Francisco might be known for its wind and recurring fog, the rainy season from November to March brings cooler temperatures and rain showers to the city. But rainy days here don’t necessarily mean it’s a bad time to visit, In fact, there’s lots to do when the weather turns sour during the rainy season in San Francisco.

Browsing art at SFMOMA, wandering through Japantown, and exploring indoor San Francisco landmarks like the Ferry Building are just the beginning. This list of creative ideas on what to do when it rains in San Francisco will show you how to enjoy the city on a drizzly day.

Frequently asked questions about San Francisco

What top attractions are a must-see in San Francisco?

The must-see attractions in San Francisco are:

See all must-see sights in San Francisco

What are the best day trips and excursions from San Francisco?

The best day trips and excursions from San Francisco are:

See all day trips and excursions from San Francisco on GetYourGuide

Insider tips: Planning a trip to San Francisco

There's good reason so many people have left their hearts in San Francisco. The stunning views, rolling hills, historic culture, and more make the city one of the most exciting to visit in the United States. To help you make the most of your time in San Francisco, we've enlisted help from travel expert Cathy from Mummy Travels. Read the tips below for your next visit.

What should I do on my first trip to San Francisco?

Start by soaking up San Francisco's atmosphere - you can't miss a look at the Golden Gate Bridge, but it's fun wandering around Pier 39 to spot the sea lions, browsing at the Ferry Building, eating and enjoying street arts in the Mission District - or hop on a cable car to beat those famous hills.

What are some hidden gems to see in San Francisco?

Head out towards the yacht harbor for a unique performance as the wave organ transforms the sound of the tide into music - it's easy to wander along to the beach by Crissy Field and get great views of the bridge too. Set aside plenty of time to explore the Golden Gate Park - it's huge and you can spot everything from American bison to windmills, a Japanese garden, 19th-century Conservatory of Flowers, the San Francisco botanical gardens, a classic carousel, lake, and several museums.

How much time should I spend in San Francisco?

Set aside at least three days to see your top sights and do some exploring, but if you're determined to pack as much in as possible, you can happily fill a week. Realistically, it's not possible to fit everything into one trip but if you break the city down into districts, you can make the most of your time. Allow half a day for Alcatraz alone, and for any of the major attractions, but leave time to wander along the beaches, soak in the views, browse the shops and try some of the city's great food rather than filling every minute of your itinerary.

What food is San Francisco known for?

You could happily eat your way around San Francisco with great artisan food and local producers - make sure you stop for some fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf and try a Mission Burrito in the Mission District, as well as checking out the treats in the Ferry Building. If you're craving Chinese, Japanese and Italian food, you'll be spoiled for choice in Chinatown, Japantown, and North Beach.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit San Francisco?

You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to places to stay, so it's worth considering how much you're happy to travel. Union Square is a great central spot for hotels, and if you're traveling with younger kids, Fisherman's Wharf is touristy but close to a lot of attractions. For more budget accommodation and self-catering, look at the neighborhoods outside the center but make sure they have good transport links - Noe Valley is another great option for families, as it's easy to explore from but makes a chilled out base.

What is the best way to get around San Francisco? 

San Francisco is one city where you'll find yourself using most transport to get around - there's a great public transport network, which is easiest to get across the center (and the cable cars are attractions in their own right) but if you're trying to pack a lot in, a car will come in very handy. Only the very fit would fancy cycling up the city's hills, but a bike tour over the Golden Gate Bridge is a fantastic experience. Once you've got from A to B, walking is the best way to soak up the sights and the atmosphere though.

What are the best months to visit San Francisco?

San Francisco is best in spring and autumn (fall) - May-June and September-October usually have good weather without the crowds (though the famous fog is usually around in June too) and you'll miss the worst of the rain. 

What are the best things to do with kids in San Francisco?

San Francisco is a fantastic city for families - there are quirky spots to discover like the golden fire hydrant, Seward Street and Bernal slides, and the 16th Avenue mosaic steps, along with fun sights including the twisty Lombard Street and sea lions at Pier 39. Even the tours have a unique touch: a fire truck city tour beats a bus hands down. You could climb onboard a submarine or a 19th-century ship, there are two aquariums and zoos, plus some fabulous interactive museums to explore. And that's all before you hit the beach.

Other Sightseeing Options in San Francisco

Want to discover all there is to do in San Francisco? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about San Francisco

Overall rating
4.5/5
4.5 out of 5 stars
based on 49,678 reviews
From San Francisco: Day Trip to Yosemite National Park
5 out of 5 stars
N
Nicole 11/3/2025
our trip was incredible. the highlights of Yosemite packed in a day. of course you could spend days there but if given only a day this is an excellent tour. our guide Lawton was very knowledgeable, funny and took great care of us the whole way. I cannot recommend this tour enough. we were believed with splendid weather too! thank you guys for taking me back to my childhood when my dad took us when I was 7. I am now 46 and thanks to you I've had the privilege to return
San Francisco: Muir Woods, Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour
5 out of 5 stars
E
Emma 11/3/2025
Had a brilliant day on this excursion, it was very well organized and great fun- Muir woods was awesome to visit and I enjoyed all 3 vineyards with my husband. we opted out of the lunch option and booked a table at the girl and the fig instead on their outside patio at 12:45. we highly recommend this restaurant, everything was delicious! We ordered the muscles and the flounder along with a bottle of white wine. Dustin, our guide was funny and informative - great guide!
From SF: Yosemite Day Trip with Giant Sequoias Hike & Pickup
5 out of 5 stars
A
Alice 11/3/2025
My experience was awesome! Our guide Brian S made the trip an unforgettable experience. He is really passionate about Yosemite and told us a lot of interesting information about the park and showed us “secret spots” we could check out in our free time. He also knew great photo spots and always offered to take pictures of us. The van was comfortable and clean. The tour doesn’t only include the Yosemite Valley but also the awesome Sequoia hike. I’m more than happy with how much of Yosemite I saw and I definitely recommend this tour to everybody! It was the highlight of my San Francisco trip.
San Francisco: Yosemite National Park & Giant Sequoias Hike
5 out of 5 stars
B
Beatrice 11/2/2025
It was a wonderful experience. The guide, Andy, was really good, super helpful, and full of energy. We made enough stops to go to the bathroom and get something to eat. The park was beautiful, and the path to see giant sequoias wasn't difficult. I'd recommend adding more information about the route when people book the experience, so they're better prepared for food and water.
San Francisco: Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour
5 out of 5 stars
A
Amy 11/1/2025
Great tour! The guide was knowledgeable and toured through various tourist sites. We had ample time at each stop. The winery hosts were friendly and the wine was great!
San Francisco: Hop-On Hop-Off Deluxe Bus Tour with 20 Stops
5 out of 5 stars
M
Mariagiovanna 11/1/2025
The tour was beautiful, I did it because I only had few hours before my flight and It is very good to see many places in few hours. I didn't have the time to "hop off" but I am sure it worth it