Things to Do in San Francisco in Summer

One great way to go about exploring San Francisco this summer is to embark on an informative sightseeing cruise to Alcatraz.

One of the most popular and exciting options is the 'Escape from the Rock' cruise. This 90-minute tour will teach you about what it was like for controversial inmates of Alcatraz about their life behind bars. The cruise will also give you a great vantage point to take photos of the infamous island.

Each Escape From the Rock tour features sound effects and stories about famous inmates like Al Capone, Billy Cook the Killer, and Clyde Johnson.

If you're traveling with kids, you can't miss out on an afternoon spent at the awesome Exploratorium. Fueled by creativity and curiosity, this San Francisco institution offers over 600 interactive exhibits for kids of all ages to engage with. During the summer, the Exploratorium offers a ton of great events and specials. For more information and specific event offerings, visit their website - you're sure to find something you'd like to partake in from the list of festivals and shows.

One of San Francisco's most beloved cultural attractions is the must-see art destination, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Boasting stellar collections of contemporary and modern art that include works from big names like Calder, Klee, and Pollock, to emerging Bay Area artists and more, the SFMOMA is the artistic destination in San Fran.

This eclectic waterfront neighborhood is a prime destination for visitors and locals alike who are looking for some fun and entertainment. Although Fisherman’s Wharf as a term technically refers to just one particular wharf, the neighborhood is comprised of an entire waterfront district filled with attractions.

Some of the exciting and entertaining attractions you’ll find in this destination include Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Musée Méchanique, a famed Sea Lion colony, seafood markets, and much more.

If you prefer sea life to still life, the Aquarium of the Bay (conveniently located on Fisherman’s Wharf's iconic Pier 39) is where you’ll have some of the most fun this summer in San Francisco. With its exclusive focus on the marine life of San Francisco Bay, this regional aquarium is the perfect destination for those looking to learn more about the environment and its inhabitants.

Enjoy visiting exhibits like Discover the Bay, Go With the Flow, Under the Bay and more - all full of colorful jellies, fish, and aquatic animals.

There's no better place to be in San Francisco on a sunny day than Golden Gate Park. It’s filled with dozens of gardens, playgrounds, trails, recreation areas, picnic areas, monuments, and much more spread through over 1,000 acres of delightful urban green space.

There are also some top attractions and museums located in the park if you're feeling motivated to do more than lay back on the picnic blanket and enjoy the sunshine. One of our favorites is the de Young Museum, another premier art institution. The museum is one of the most visited in the country and is home to over 1,000 pieces of fine art, including sculptures, paintings, and more.

Also located in Golden Gate Park, this premier institution of science, learning, and entertainment is a must for visitors of all ages. Where else in the world can you find such a comprehensive and amazing four-in-one experience? That’s right - the California Academy of Sciences is comprised of a four-story rainforest, a natural history museum, an aquarium, and the world’s largest all-digital planetarium.

From the splashing penguins in the African Hall to the awe-inspiring reef ecosystem, there are plenty of habitats and exhibits to explore. Make sure to check out their newest exhibit Giants of Land and Sea. Allow science to take over all your senses as you feel your way through a fog room, keep your balance in the earthquake simulator, and ascend to the top of a towering Redwood.

So there you have it. Our picks for some of the top things to do in San Francisco in during the summer. Whether you are traveling with your family or a couple of friends, we're sure you will have a great time at these attractions.