Fun Things to Do in San Francisco - The Ultimate Tourist Guide for Your Trip

By Casey Makovich

It’s hard to argue San Francisco’s reputation as one of the happiest city in America. The City by the Bay has lots of fun outdoor activities, unique landscape, iconic architecture, a world-class museum culture, and more. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a romantic getaway, meeting up with friends, or going solo, our travel guides have all the information you need, right here in one place. Things to do in San Francisco when you’re not taking pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge:

What are some popular attractions to visit?

These are just a few. Want more fun ideas for things to do in San Francisco? Head over here for more San Francisco attractions to see during your trip.

How long are you visiting?

Whether you're visiting San Francisco for 24-hours or an entire week, we've put together sample itineraries with some of the most popular things to do in the city. From an all-around-town-tour and top attractions, to iconic landmarks in the city, these itineraries give you the best San Francisco experience based on the time you have.

Who are you visiting with?

No matter who you're traveling with, there are a ton of fun things to do in San Francisco, particularly for families. We've put together a list of top attractions and activities geared towards young kids and teens to help you plan your trip.

What type of activities interest you?

Whether you're envisioning yourself checking off all the top museums or sampling some of the state's best wines, our San Francisco insiders have put together a few 'best of' lists to help you streamline your itinerary.

What parts of San Francisco are you visiting?

Explore San Francisco by neighborhood to maximize your time sightseeing. We've highlighted a handful of top attractions and places to see by neighborhood in the city so you can make the most of your time and check off everything on your list.

When are you visiting?

San Francisco offers a different experience with each season and type of weather. Check out our lists of things to do in the city throughout the year to make the most of your itinerary and experience unique, calendar-based events.

What's the best way to get around?

San Francisco is large and spread out and has lots of easy options for getting around. Depending on how far out of the city you plan to go, you might want to consider renting a car. Hop-on, hop-off tours: A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour (an included attraction option) is a great way to get acquainted with the city and visit popular attractions. Tours follow a specific route and time schedule, so plan accordingly if you have timed tickets or reservations. Car: if you plan to get around to attractions by car, be sure to leave time to find parking downtown. Public transportation: San Francisco’s Muni Transit consists of Muni buses, historic streetcars, the Muni Metro light rail, and cable cars which are easy to use and service popular destinations throughout the city. Beyond San Francisco, the Amtrak California services points of interest north and south of San Francisco and BART connects the SF Peninsula with Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Walnut Creek, Dublin/Pleasanton, and other cities in the East Bay. Tip: download the MuniMobile app to purchase and save and for point-to-point trip planning. Taxis: taxis are typically available at most hotels and shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available and easy to use. Looking for more info? Check out our post on getting around San Francisco for tourists.

Where should you stay?

There are plenty of great places to stay in the area. Below are a handful of hotel suggestions located near popular tourist attractions and fun things to do.

  • Pier 2620 Hotel Fisherman's Wharf
  • The Washington Square Inn
  • Hotel Boheme
  • Omni San Francisco Hotel
  • Loews Regency San Francisco

Where should you shop?

In between sightseeing, try and find time to pick up some souvenirs. Here are a few popular areas to get some shopping in.

  • Gift Center and Jewelry Mart
  • Bloomingdale's
  • Petaluma Village Premium Outlets
  • Napa Premium Outlets
  • Union Square

Make sure to check out all of the extra discounts and savings available on the Go San Francisco Card.

Where to Eat?

Go on a tour of San Francisco’ foodie scene with our top picks for family-friendly places to eat in San Francisco. We’ve included top picks for every appetite and attractions nearby so you can sightsee while you taste your way through San Francisco’s culinary destinations. No judgement.

Fun Info from a Local

  • San Francisco was part of Mexico until the end of the Mexican-American war in 1848.
  • The California grizzly on California’s state flag was modeled after Monarch, a former resident of Golden Gate Park.
  • You can’t see the Golden Gate Bridge from Golden Gate Park. For the best views, head to Crissy Field, Battery Spencer, or Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point.
  • San Francisco’s cable cars hold the title of a National Historical Monument – and they’re the only one that can move.
  • The official name of the paint used on the Golden Gate Bridge is “International Orange.”

Share your adventure with us!

Tag us when you upload photos from your trip to Instagram: @GoCity or #GoCityCard.

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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San Francisco skyline viewed from the sea
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San Francisco in January

With winter now in full swing, a trip to San Francisco in January is the prime time to experience the Golden City during one of its quietest periods. Though the city never truly loses its famous bustling atmosphere, a winter’s trip is sure to offer you among the most authentic experiences of the city’s famous vibrant culture, stunning landmarks and diverse history. Visiting San Francisco in January Average Temperature: 45 - 55°F • Average Rainfall: 11 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 hours/day Seeing out the brief upsurge in holiday season tourists, San Francisco in January returns to somewhat of a standard low-season flow of traffic. Though you’re likely to come across plenty of tourists year-round, this is when you’re most likely to find the city’s top attractions at their quietest, with many hotels operating slightly reduced, off-season rates. Carrying the torch from December, temperatures throughout January tend to remain somewhere between cool and pleasantly mild. With fairly regular sunshine, you’ll still be able to see much of the city in its full glory, though it’d be wise to pack accordingly for the weather. Warmer clothes certainly won’t go to waste, and it’s always a good idea to pack an umbrella for the likelihood of at least two days of rain per week on average. Things to do in January Some of the best areas to explore in San Francisco largely reflect the city’s large East Asian-descended population. Both Chinatown and Japantown stand as some of the most trendy neighborhoods throughout the city, characterized by traditional architecture from their respective countries alongside various authentic cultural eateries and retailers. Those looking to embrace their inner Dolittle should head to the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, home to over 2,000 endangered and rescued creatures from around the world, alongside 100 acres of tranquil gardens populated with stunning plant species both local and exotic. If you’re keen to get up close and personal with some 20,000 beautiful marine animals, then follow up with a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay. Nothing quite reflects the Golden City like its world-renowned landmarks. If you’re looking for some fantastic photo ops during your trip, you’ll want to take a stroll to the likes of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the Victorian- and Edwardian-era Painted Ladies, the winding curves of Lombard Street and Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll often find a colony of playful, barking sea lions. If you’ve a hunger for the arts, San Francisco has you covered there, too. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art explores various mediums of contemporary art, hosting established artists such as Andy Warhol alongside more experimental pieces. And nestled among much of the largely East Asian influence throughout the city, the Asian Art Museum exhibits over 17,000 art pieces from across the continent, complemented by a selection of delicious and traditional cultural dishes served at the in-house café. Families and the inherently inquisitive alike are bound to get a kick from the Golden City’s wealth of educational hotspots. The California Academy of Sciences, for example, boasts a digital planetarium, an aquarium, a natural history museum and even an immense indoor rainforest. Meanwhile, the Exploratorium stands as the intersection between art and science, offering a wide range of engaging interactive exhibits to scratch your curiosity. History buffs should find their way to the California Historical Society, exploring various facets of the state’s history, with a general focus on San Fran itself. The USS Pampanito and USS Hornet each offer unique insights into American naval and nautical history, while the Contemporary Jewish Museum explores various aspects of Jewish pop culture, history and art. Visitors with an interest in the more gritty side to history likely already know about the former maximum-security prison located in the middle of the San Francisco bay. Famous for its remote location and the host of high-status criminals once confined within its walls, Alcatraz Prison is now open for visitors to explore and breathe in its chilling atmosphere. Take a night tour for an extra creepy experience! What’s On in January Chinese New Year Given its significant Chinese-descended population and its claim to the most impressive Chinatown in America, it comes as little surprise that the San Francisco Chinese New Year celebrations stand as some of the largest and most vibrant in the world. Naturally, the exact month of this celebration differs depending on the year, so be sure to double check if you’re keen to join in. Attracting a crowd of over three million observers from both near and far, the event is marked by various traditional markets, fairs, balls and cultural activities. Topping off the celebration is the famous Chinese New Year parade, featuring performers carrying flags, lanterns and drums along with a procession of colorful floats, not least of all the iconic 28-foot-long golden dragon. Hot Chocolate 15k/5k One of San Francisco’s sweetest annual events typically takes place midway into January, in the form of a hearty foot race through the city. Beginning and ending in Golden Gate Park, the Hot Chocolate route guides runners past many of San Fran’s top attractions, with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and various other treats waiting at the finish line. Sweet stations line the course, offering participants various other sweet treats for that extra kick of energy and satisfaction. SF Sketchfest Featuring roughly two and a half weeks of comedy performances, SF Sketchfest easily stands as one of San Francisco’s largest comedy festivals. Throughout the festival, visitors can catch various daily sketches, workshops, panels and other fun activities among venues across the city, led by a cast of well-known comedians and performers. FOG Design+Art Fair Celebrating some of the most significant creatives and leading contributors to the worlds of design and visual arts, the FOG Fair features dozens of galleries and dealers spanning just about all areas of art and design, from fine art to furniture. Complete with various forums and panels exploring different facets of the industry, this is the prime event for art and design lovers visiting San Francisco in January.
Robert Heaney
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Solo Travel Tips in San Francisco

Traveling alone can be intimidating for some. You won’t have someone to read you the directions, someone to split that massive ice cream sundae with, or someone to frame that perfect Instagram photo of you by the pier. But relax! It’s easy to enjoy solo travel in a place like San Francisco. You’ll find that this city has everything from convenient public transit to many selfie-worthy spots. To make it even smoother for you, we’ve put together a quick guide to traveling solo in this fantastic American city. Should you be planning any solo travel in San Francisco, read these tips before your trip... 1. Use Public Transit San Francisco is a compact city, with many of its top attractions grouped together in neighborhoods like Golden Gate Park or Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll still need to get between those neighborhoods, however, and that’s where public transit comes in. Driving by yourself is not only difficult but inadvisable in San Francisco, where parking is at a premium and directions are pretty confusing. Their Muni system, run by the SFMTA, has a trip planning feature that can help you navigate the city and figure out which routes to take. You’ll pay less than you would for repeated Uber rides, too. 2. Take a Bus Tour of the City Solo travel in San Francisco could feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the city. The best way to familiarize yourself with the city and learn more about the top neighborhoods and attractions is with a bus tour. We like this hop-on hop-off tour option from Big Bus, which showcases everything from Chinatown to Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square. Included with your ticket is a complimentary city map and a free walking tour of Chinatown. Just be careful when consulting the map in public—it may be better to look discreetly at a map on your phone. 3. Visit the Best Museums Museums are some of the best attractions for solo travel. You can truly tailor your explorations to your own tastes and no-one else’s—no need to worry about what your wife, your best friend, or your kids would rather be doing. So spend hours roaming the SFMOMA, snap endless selfies in the café at the de Young Museum, or film make short videos of tiny creatures in the indoor rainforest at the California Academy of Sciences. All of these are good options for folks traveling alone, with plenty to do and relaxed atmospheres with no pressure to be social. 4. Explore Different Restaurants We know dining alone can be intimidating, but this is the perfect opportunity to try that new fusion cuisine, or indulge in a little cheat day. Explore different culinary hotspots in San Francisco like the Richmond, the Mission, Hayes Valley, North Beach, SOMA, and Marina/Cow Hill. If you’d prefer to avoid sitting at a table by yourself, opt for a booth or a seat at the bar. Most restaurants these days serve their full menu to patrons at bar seats, and you don’t need to order anything alcoholic to sit there. 5. Allow for a Little Spontaneity While planning is key to a successful vacation, it’s equally true that a little flexibility can be invaluable. Sometimes plans change, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate (especially relevant in San Francisco), and sometimes we just change our minds. So leave a little wiggle room in case you want to take in a baseball game after your tour of Oracle Park, do a little shopping in Union Square, or pop into a restaurant in Nob Hill for an afternoon drink and snack. Tip: if you’re looking for a good shopping area, read our guide to San Francisco shopping. 6. Find a Hotel in Union Square You’ll find hotels all over the city, but there are multiple factors to consider when traveling solo. While you won’t be splitting the cost with someone, it’s still important to think beyond price. Stay within your budget, certainly, but it’s often a better idea to spend a little more for a hotel that’s clean, safe, and convenient. We like Union Square as a place for those traveling alone—there is plenty of shopping, dining, and night life there, as well as easy access to mass transit. And be sure to choose a place with plenty of good reviews! 7. Try Something New So you’ve never been much of a wildlife person, or really seen a lot of historical pieces of art. Push your boundaries a little when traveling alone! Go see the impressive array of colorful marine life at the Aquarium of the Bay and reflect on the marvels of biodiversity. Stroll through the Asian Art Museum and wonder how such ancient work has been so carefully preserved. Hop on a cruise to see the Golden Gate Bridge, or just snap photos of the sea lions on Pier 39. Whatever you do, try to fit in at least one thing you wouldn’t normally do per day. 8. Take Lots of Pictures Our last tip is a simple one—take plenty of photos! As a solo traveler you won’t have someone with you who can help you remember the things you did and saw. And although programs, maps, and guidebooks can be helpful, they don’t tell the whole story of your amazing adventure. If you’re relying upon a smartphone, turn on your cloud storage. For those with a digital camera, be sure to bring extra memory cards (or one with a lot of storage). Don’t forget any chargers, either! Save on Things to do in San Francisco While Traveling Solo Make the most of your solo travel in San Francisco with Go City You can save up to 60% vs buying your tickets individually. Plus, you’ll get included admission to the city’s best museums, tours, cruises, and more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too.
Katie Sagal
Friends group playing guitar in San francisco
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10+ things to do in San Francisco with teens during your California vacation

It's a great city for introducing your kids to the rewards of travel, and there's plenty of excitement around every corner. No matter how uninterested teenagers may seem at first, with this endless list of San Francisco attractions and activities, there's sure to be something that your teen will enjoy.
Katie Sagal

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