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10+ things to do in San Francisco for adults

San Francisco is bursting with great activities for couples and groups of friends
By Katie Sagal

Culturally rich, diverse in population, and filled with an array of attractions to explore, it's easy to see why San Francisco is one of the most popular vacation spots in the US.

Outdoorsy, relaxed, and plenty of attractions to keep travelers busy; San Francisco has it all.

While it has a reputation as a kid-friendly city, there's more than enough for groups of friends or couples to enjoy in the Bay Area. Take to the water and get a view from the shoreline, bike along the Golden Gate Bridge, and sample the dining and nightlife scene. You'll be spoilt for choice!

So, if you’re looking for things to do in San Francisco for adults, check out our list, including:

  • Big Bus San Francisco Sightseeing Tour
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
  • San Francisco Cruises
  • AT&T Park Tour
  • UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens
  • and more!

Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

A great introduction to San Francisco for first-time visitors is a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Although the city itself is pretty compact, it’s also hilly and very densely populated, and it can be difficult to plan an itinerary for yourself that covers all the big highlights in a single day.

Opt for a comprehensive bus tour that showcases all the biggies. As a bonus, a hop-on hop-off version gives you the flexibility to pick and choose what you want to see without being tied to an entire progression.

California Academy of Sciences

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Let's kick off with one of the most amazing museums on the entire West Coast, the California Academy of Sciences. It’s got everything from natural history galleries to an aquarium to an all-digital planetarium and much more. With a reputation for being at the forefront of conservation activities, the California Academy of Sciences' cutting-edge research plays a valuable role in sharing information with the public. Pay a visit to their playful penguins, marvel at their green roof, and walk through a four-story rainforest.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

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Art lovers will relish the chance to visit this famed institution. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is filled with some of the most inspiring and innovative contemporary and modern art in the world.

Explore the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection in all its glory, and see works from diverse artists: famous, local, and in between. The SFMOMA also has a number of special events and exhibits on rotation, so be sure to consult their website before you visit to see if there's any you want to check out. They’ll often have adults-only evening events, too - perfect for a quiet evening of reflection.

San Francisco bike rentals

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Outdoorsy couples or friends will want to bike around San Francisco. It’s certainly very hilly, but the challenge is part of what makes it so much fun. The bike-friendly streets of San Francisco are a blast to pedal around, and the waterfront paths are particularly scenic. Your rental comes with a map and some suggested routes of varying distances. Opt to stick around the city, or take a ride all the way to Sausalito.

San Francisco cruises

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The waters of the San Francisco Bay are beautiful and fun to explore. A cruise is a great option to combine sightseeing with a delightful few hours spent out on the open water. Choose an Escape from the Rock Cruise for an informative and exciting overview of the most famous prison in the United States.

Sail around Alcatraz Island as you’re regaled with tales of its controversial history. Or, opt for the Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise, a sightseeing excursion that takes you under both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge.

More San Francisco art museums

Can’t get enough of San Francisco arts and culture? Fortunately for you, there are plenty more wonderful art museums to explore in the city. The stellar de Young Museum is beautiful both outside and in and features fine collections of American painting, art of the broader Americas, Oceana, and more. The Legion of Honor, designed to look like an eighteenth-century French palace, offers a variety of European paintings plus ancient art and artifacts.

Asian Art Museum

Finally, the Asian Art Museum has a particular focus on 6,000 years of art and history from the continent.

GoCar San Francisco tour

Enjoy one of the more unique ways to explore San Francisco with this GPS-guided storytelling car. This GoCar Tour offers a way to see the city without the hassle and stress of navigating on your own and showcases sites that visitors rarely see (and a few where tour buses can’t even go!) A few of the highlights on your tour are the best for photos, like Ghirardelli Square, the Cannery, the Marina District, the Presidio, the Sea Cliff, and more.

AT&T Park

Sports fans should take advantage of the chance to tour one of Major League Baseball’s most charming stadiums. Located right on the water, the views from this stadium are breathtaking. The insight you’ll get on the tour is really interesting, too.

See significant places within the park like the Batting Cages, the Press Box, a Luxury Suite, and more. Depending on when you’re visiting, you could also pick up tickets to a game. What’s more fun than enjoying some hotdogs and beer while watching America’s favorite sport?

Aquarium of the Bay

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Animal lovers will definitely want to visit the Aquarium of the Bay, an amazing institution that focuses exclusively on the marine life of the San Francisco Bay and contiguous waters. One of our favorite exhibits is “Under the Bay” where you can stroll through 300 feet of clear tunnels under a marine exhibit, featuring over 20,000 animals.

You’ll get some awesome photos of the sea life in this exhibit, as well as the “Touch the Bay” tank, where you can actually come into contact with (tiny) sharks.

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

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You'll find plenty of animal fun in San Fran. Head to Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco Zoo. It's filled with amazing critters big and small, from bears to zebras, and also boasts a peaceful series of gardens featuring local California flora.

A visit here is a nice chance to see your favorite animal pals and to get some fun souvenirs, too. Of course, if the garden aspect is your favorite part, perhaps you'll want to consider our next suggestion...

UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens

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Nature is all around you at the UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens. This place makes for a delightful trip outside of the city, to see a wide variety of native and exotic flora in recreated environs. Wander through 34 acres of amazing plants, representative of over 12,000 different species from across the globe. There’s a special emphasis on plants from Mediterranean climates, so keep an eye out for some especially cool exotics.

Dining & nightlife

San Francisco is also an amazing culinary city, offering multiple areas of the city with award-winning cuisine. Try the Financial District, Japantown, Jackson Square, Lower Haight, the Richmond.

If you’re looking for some fun nightlife or great drinks, then Gaslamp Quarter (also very historical), the Mission, North Beach, and the Tenderloin are good choices. Resources like Yelp and Open Table can be really helpful when finding good insight into local places, too.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® 

With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your San Francisco must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off. Whichever San Francisco pass you pick, you'll be saving as you sightsee! 

☀️ Compare San Francisco passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈ 

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Thanksgiving in San Francisco 2019 - Things to Do in November & More

Looking for some things to do on Thanksgiving in San Francisco? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few suggestions for local attractions that will keep you and keep the family busy all weekend. Check out these suggestions for local activities and more seasonal things to do in November. There’s something to appeal to everyone on this list, from musical performances to shopping, and beyond. Here are our suggestions for Thanksgiving in San Francisco activities, including... Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco Bus Tour SFMOMA California Academy of Sciences Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour Indigenous People Sunrise Ceremony and more! Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these San Francisco attractions is included on the Go San Francisco® pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special November events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Francisco® pass. Indigenous People Sunrise Ceremony Alcatraz Island Date TBA Image credit: Native News Online. Previously known as the Unthanksgiving Day Cruise, the Indigenous People’s Sunrise Gathering, at Alcatraz is a significant event to attend this holiday season. It’s an event designed to commemorate the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz by the “Indians of All Tribes” and to honor the tradition of indigenous peoples in the area. It’s a good opportunity for the kids to learn about the nuanced history of this famous holiday and a chance for everyone to give thanks for the things that really matter. If you're thinking about budget, it's also nice that kids under 5 ride for free! This is the only cruise running to Alcatraz on Thanksgiving Day. Getting In: Cruise tickets to the Indigenous People's Sunrise Gathering are not included with the Go San Francisco® pass. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website. San Francisco Tree Lighting Union Square November 29, 2019 After Thanksgiving, it’s officially time to start getting excited about the holiday season. Why not all enjoy a few festive attractions that are sure to get the whole family into the holiday spirit? Check out the annual tree lighting in Union Square, scheduled this year for 6:00 pm on the Friday after Thanksgiving. While you’re in the neighborhood, consider a spin on the Union Square ice-skating rink, or at the one in the Embarcadero Center. Getting In: Admission to the Union Square tree-lighting is free. Black Friday Shopping Union Square & Westfield Shopping Center November 29, 2019 Many of us probably eschew holiday shopping on Thanksgiving itself. But it’s hard to resist the bargains of Black Friday events. The best places in San Francisco to get shopping done before the winter holidays are Union Square and the nearby Westfield Shopping Center. Union Square has a number of department stores (featuring Macy’s) and smaller independent shops as well. Westfield is a conventional mall, featuring dozens of stores with great deals. Getting In: Admission to Black Friday shopping is free. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission We listed just a few fun suggestions for things to do in November and Thanksgiving in San Francisco 2019. Of course, there are plenty of other activities to help fill your plans. Remember, many of these great options are included on the Go San Francisco® pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the November and Thanksgiving events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go San Francisco® pass. Consider adding a few of these fun options to your November weekend itineraries.
Katie Sagal
Woman reading a map at the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
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Is San Francisco Safe?

For such a compact city – just seven miles long by seven miles wide – San Francisco packs a heck of a punch when it comes to attractions, shopping and nightlife. Think world-famous icons like the Golden Gate Bridge, the historic wooden cable cars and Alcatraz Island. The parks, museums and expansive Bay views from the city’s 50+ hills ain't too shabby either. But is San Francisco safe for tourists? Read on for our guide... How Safe is San Francisco? In spite of its relatively small size, San Francisco is one of the most densely populated cities in the United States, with knocking on for a million inhabitants. Add to this somewhere in the region of 25 million tourists passing through annually and there is, inevitably, some scope for petty crime. But, in truth, it’s probably no worse than any other city of this kind. As with most major cities there will always be an element of low-level, non-violent crime such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing, with tourists inevitably providing the easiest pickings. Car break-ins are a bit of an issue here but hey, you don’t really need a car to get around and, frankly, parking fees in San Francisco are a form of daylight robbery in their own right anyway. The city has a large homeless population, mainly centered around the Tenderloin district, which can be intimidating for newcomers. Even family friendly North Beach has a slightly seedier side after nightfall, while the crowded piers of Fisherman’s Wharf are where you’re most likely to be relieved of your wallet by an opportunistic pickpocket. But think of these areas as places to be more on your guard than somewhere to avoid entirely. San Francisco is generally safe for tourists and you’re highly unlikely to run into any trouble at all. That said, there’s no harm in taking a few common-sense precautions to avoid appearing vulnerable to would-be thieves. Though rare, natural disasters are not unknown in San Francisco so it’s also worth boning up on what to do in the event of e.g. an earthquake or wildfire, even if the chances of you encountering either on a visit to the Golden City are close to zero. Tips for Staying Safe in San Francisco Opportunists looking to relieve you of your hard-earned vacation cash can mostly be found haunting the busiest attractions, where it’s much easier to melt away into a crowd with their ill-gotten gains. Keep your wits about you in the likes of Fisherman’s Wharf, and especially the ever-popular Pier 39, where tourists gather in their thousands to say hi to the resident sea lion colony and visit the Aquarium of the Bay and other San Francisco big-hitters. The same goes for parts of Downtown and Chinatown, where pickpockets ply their trade and seasoned scammers will try all manner of sob stories to get you to hand over a few dollars. Similarly, the thriving nightlife scene and major yearly festivals that draw revelers from across the globe are great fun, but mean more crowds and easier pickings for... well, you get the general idea. So: stay alert in sketchy areas and be aware of your surroundings wherever you are. Keep valuables out of view and be skeptical of anyone who approaches you asking for money, especially those ‘friendly helpers’ who hang around ATMs, anyone offering to take a nice souvenir photo of you with your very expensive smartphone or anyone with a sob story. Trust your instincts on these – if it doesn’t feel right, walk away. While these may sound obvious, thieves rely on the element of surprise and it’s easy to become flustered when suddenly confronted. Yes, even to the extent of willingly handing over your phone only to watch helplessly as it, and its new owner, melt away into the crowd. In the unlikely event you do lose your valuables to a bag snatcher, scammer or pickpocket, by all means raise the alarm, but it’s really not worth giving chase. Instead, report the incident to police as quickly as possible (your insurers will require a police report) and, above all, try not to let one unpleasant experience spoil the rest of your trip. San Francisco Beach Safety You’ll want to spend plenty of time outdoors on your San Francisco vacation. And who can blame you? There’s that mild climate, perfect for picnics in sprawling Golden Gate Park, boat trips around the Bay, epic climbs up Nob Hill and the quad-crunching Filbert Street Steps (all 500 of ‘em). Not to forget ticking off that most essential of San Francisco activities: a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge to the charming seaside town of Sausalito. And then there are the beaches, from the wild, rugged expanse of Ocean Beach on the west coast, to the sheltered cove at the Aquatic Park. Now, San Francisco isn’t exactly known for reliably sunny weather, what with the ubiquitous summer fogs that roll through the Bay, and surprisingly stiff sea breezes even during peak season. Indeed, the best beach weather is generally to be had in September into early October, when the fogs have abated and you can expect clear skies and temperatures in the high 60s much of the time. First things first: even though it might not feel that warm out, don’t end up looking like a boiled lobster because you didn’t think it was hot enough to burn: the San Francisco sun can be tricky that way, so slap on the sunscreen when you’re going outdoors. Better safe than sorry, and all that. The beaches here are great for lounging and catching some rays, but not for swimming. There is little or no lifeguard presence in the Bay area, and the rough Pacific waters are not safe for swimming due to bone-chilling temperatures and dangerous riptides. Don’t be tempted to go in even if the water looks calm – tourists wading in just three feet of water at Ocean Beach have been swept away suddenly. If you do fancy dipping your toes, the sheltered cove at the Aquatic Park in the National Maritime Historical Park along the north coast is your best bet. Or head over the bridge to Stinson Beach in Marin County, where white sands, relatively calm waters and a lifeguard presence in summer makes for a fun (and safe!) day out. It’s around 45 minutes’ drive from downtown San Francisco. Save on attractions in San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
The San Francisco skyline seen from Yerba Buena Island
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San Francisco in September

Fall is one of San Francisco’s most alluring seasons. As the summer fogs abate, September promises clear skies and balmy temperatures ahead of the trees commencing their spectacular annual display of gold, copper and rust-red colors in October and November. Read on to find out why you should visit San Francisco in September. Visiting San Francisco in September Average Temperature: 55–69°F • Average Rainfall: 2 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day If San Francisco summers are known for their fogs, then September is a breath of fresh air. It’s now that San Franciscans put ‘Fogust’ firmly behind them and hit the beach, taking advantage of the warm, sunny conditions and azure skies to top up those California tans. Unusually, San Francisco's fall months are often warmer than summer, with temperatures tending to peak in the high 60s and low 70s in September. It’s a fine time to visit, but not just on account of the pleasant weather. With tourist season done and dusted the crowds, like the fog, have withdrawn and hotel prices have begun to ease. There are some fine festivals and events too, especially around Labor Day Weekend at the beginning of the month. Top tip: don’t be fooled by the balmy days – you’ll still want to layer up for evenings out. Think jeans and light sweaters for al fresco cocktails, and a jacket if it’s breezy. Things to do in September If you’re going to hit the beach in San Francisco, do it in September. Sure, those waters are no good for swimming due to the dangerous riptides and bone-chilling temperatures. But, if the sound of crashing surf sets your heart soaring, and you’re into Insta-perfect coastal vistas, the city’s beaches are great places to while away a few hours. Head to Ocean Beach for the city’s longest stretch of wild, rugged beach, where fine golden sands, rolling waves and rocky outcrops are the order of the day. Nearby Baker Beach is a fine spot for sunny strolls accompanied by what are arguably the best beach views in town. Flanked by cypress trees, native wildflowers and Mediterranean shrubs, it’s located on the edge of the Presidio with close-up views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands beyond. If you do fancy a dip on a hot day, make for the Aquatic Park cove in the Maritime National Historical Park – its calm clear waters are well protected and safe for swimming, and you’ll enjoy front-row seats for views of the historic ships docked over at Hyde Street Pier. Sticking with the seaside theme (it is ice cream weather, after all!), Fisherman’s Wharf stretches along much of San Francisco’s northern waterfront and offers a cornucopia of activities, including a host of old-fashioned seaside entertainments. Here’s where you’ll find major attractions like the USS Pampanito WWII submarine, the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and the aforementioned restored sailing ships at Hyde Street Pier. It’s also home to Pier 39, one of San Francisco’s must-visit attractions. Say hey to the resident sea lion colony then head to the Aquarium of the Bay, where another 20,000 sea critters (give or take) await you. The pier also boasts dozens of cafes and restaurants alongside thrill rides, VR experiences, old-school gaming arcades and even a carousel! Don’t miss the Musée Mécanique, an absolute labor of love that’s chock-full of arcade games, automata and other weird and wonderful devices of yore. Play classic pinball machines, find out where you rank on the kiss-o-meter (from amateurish to hot stuff), and try not to have nightmares after coming face to face with Laffing Sal, a cackling six-foot automaton with a missing tooth. After all that excitement, hop on a Bay cruise or head over to Alcatraz Island for a tour of its infamous penitentiary. What’s on in September? Sausalito Art Festival Labor Day can mean only one thing: the Sausalito Art Festival. If you needed an excuse to make the epic 30-minute walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, this is a good one. Once in charming Sausalito, you can browse some of the country’s finest contemporary art as well as enjoying fine wine, craft beer, gourmet food galore and lashings of live music and street entertainment. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious open-air art festivals in the States and well worth the trip. Top tip: take the ferry back across the Bay to save your legs on the return journey! Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival San Francisco's most legendary purveyors of the sweet stuff, Ghirardelli, hosts an annual chocolate festival in September. The two-day event features enough chocolate-based entertainment to turn Willy Wonka green with envy, from chef demonstrations to those all-important chocolate-tasting sessions. There’s even an ice cream eating contest, in which participants compete to see who can guzzle down one of Ghirardelli’s ‘Earthquake’ sundaes in the fastest time. With one small catch: they’re not allowed to use their hands. In short: it's gooey, messy, chocolatey heaven. San Francisco Fringe Festival Organized by San Francisco’s EXIT Theatre group, the SF Fringe showcases (mostly) local talent across a few intimate downtown venues through September. Acts are selected by lottery, with those voted as best of the bunch going on to do encore performances at the end of the festival. Live Outdoor Entertainment San Francisco’s balmy September temperatures lend themselves well to lots of time spent outdoors. Handily, this is also the time of year to catch live shows in the city’s great parks, many of them absolutely free. Comedy Day is exactly what it sounds like: an afternoon of gratis chuckles in Golden Gate Park, courtesy of the city’s finest funnymen and women. Also in Golden Gate Park, the SF Opera traditionally kicks off its fall season with a free performance while, over in McLaren Park, the SF Shakespeare Festival performs one of the bard’s best-loved works, with a different play showcased each year. Save on attractions in San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak

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