Top Things to Do & Places to Visit in San Francisco (2023)

California Academy of Sciences

Reopened in 2008 as "the greenest museum on the planet" and the world's only aquarium-planetarium-rainforest-living museum, the California Academy of Sciences is a one-of-a-kind attraction.

• Included in CityPASS
• Included in C3
• 3 Hours

Aquarium of the Bay

Located right on the waterfront at Pier 39, Aquarium of the Bay is focused on the animals native to the San Francisco Bay and neighboring waters. Opening in 1996, the Aquarium is home to sharks, jellies, and many other forms of marine life.

• Included in CityPASS
• Included in C3
• 3 Hours

Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise

For a fresh take on San Francisco, see it from the water. On a Blue & Gold Fleet ship you'll get the best panoramic views of the Bay while you enjoy a one-hour narrated tour. Don't forget to bring your camera!

• Included in CityPASS
• Included in C3
• 2 Hours

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

With the belief that nature-focused interaction leads to conservation action, the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens strives to inspire visitors to care for all wildlife. The zoo offers engaging experiences and opportunities to learn about and develop connections with the 2,000 exotic, endangered and rescued animals that it cares for.

• Included in CityPASS
• Included in C3
• 4 Hours

Exploratorium

This iconic San Francisco discovery destination had a brand-new home at Pier 15 on San Francisco's historic Embarcadero waterfront. With more than 600 exhibits, the Exploratorium is more than just a museum.

• Included in CityPASS
• Included in C3
• 3 Hours

Walt Disney Family Museum

The Walt Disney Family Museum pays homage to the life and legacy of Walt Disney. The Walt Disney Museum allows visitors to join the journey of Disney becoming the cornerstone of American family entertainment!

• Included in CityPASS
• Included in C3
• 3 Hours

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Musem of Modern Art is one of San Francisco's mosttreasured and iconic museums. It's also home to the largest living wallin the United States with more than 19,000 plants and 21 native species.

• Included in C3
• 4 Hours

de Young Museum

The de Young Museum was founded in 1895, making it an integral part of San Francisco's art scene for over 100 years. In 2005 the museum reopened with a new facility. The museum is the sixth-most-visited art museum in North America.

• Included in C3
• 3 Hours

Bay City Bike & Parkwide Bike Rentals

Over the years, San Francisco has seen a surge in bike ridership; for San Francisco tourists, biking is an efficient way to sightsee. Don't miss an opportunity to enjoy discounted bike rentals as you explore the City by the Bay and surrounding areas.

• Included in C3
• 3 Hours

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge first opened in 1937 and is perhaps San Francisco’s most recognized landmark. The bridge is so iconic that it has been named one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

• 2 Hours

Golden Gate Park

This great urban park – the third-most-visited in the United States (behind New York’s Central Park and Chicago’s Lincoln Park) – beckons with many offerings. The park is home to various gardens, lakes, playgrounds, trails, and more.

• 2 Hours

Alcatraz

Known simply as "the Rock," Alcatraz Island was — during its operation as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963 — home to some of the nation’s most infamous criminals.

• 3 Hours

Ride the Cable Cars

Nothing says San Francisco like the world-famous cable cars that are part of the city's Muni system. The cable cars are so iconic to San Francisco that they have been designated as the city's only moving historic landmarks.

• 1 Hour

Fisherman's Wharf

As the historic center of the city’s fishing industry, Fisherman’s Wharf is a working neighborhood and commercial area. Looking for some good seafood? Then this is your place to visit.

• 2 Hours

Oracle Park

The San Francisco Giants have won more games than any other team in American baseball history, and with their current home at Oracle Park, they've got more to boast about than just their impressive track record.

• 4 Hours

Levi's Stadium

Levi’s Stadium, home to the San Francisco 49ers, is a sustainable masterpiece on the cutting edge of eco-friendly design. Made mostly of recycled and reclaimed building products, the green stadium also features delicious concession options made with local ingredients.

• 4 Hours

Muir Woods National Monument

A wondrous piece of natural history within the San Francisco Bay area, Muir Woods is home to the coastal Redwood trees that measure up to 258 feet in height and are over 500 years old.

• 2 Hours

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Folks won’t want to miss the gorgeous coastal community of Monterey, just south of San Francisco. Rated the #1 aquarium in the world by TripAdvisor, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is well-worth the drive from San Francisco.

• 3 Hours

Union Square

The most visited neighborhood in San Francisco is the bustling Union Square. A number of luxury boutiques, hotels, art galleries, restaurants, theatres, and a popular nightclub scene make Union Square a hip attraction for locals and visitors alike.

• 2 Hours

Ocean Beach

In contrast to San Francisco’s crowded city-life, Ocean Beach is a quiet getaway where visitors can enjoy a cool breeze and a walk on soft beach sand. Between the soothing sounds of the ocean, the wide open space and relaxing atmosphere, Ocean Beach is a great place to unwind and let go.

• 3 Hours

Crissy Field

For the best view of the Golden Gate Bridge, make a stop at Crissy Field. Formerly a military airfield, Crissy Field is now a scenic attraction with picnic tables, marsh overlooks, and delicious beachside cafés.

• 2 Hours

Grace Cathedral

Grace Cathedral is an Episcopal church famed for its De Rosen mosaics, labyrinths, and gorgeous stained-glass windows. This city landmark is a popular attraction for believers and non-believers alike, and is an architectural masterpiece of French Gothic design.

• 2 Hours

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