What to do in San Francisco, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

San Francisco
San Francisco
San Francisco which includes heritage architecture and a city
San Francisco
San Francisco

San Francisco Tourist Attractions & Activities

You’re excited to set sail in a new direction. Always up for an enlightening experience and inventive ways to get inspired, you’re prepared to check out a new locale from top to bottom. Coming up: San Francisco! It’s not challenging to fill your days, because Expedia Australia can hook you up with tons of things to do. Book your activities today, and all you'll have left to do is pack your suitcase and prepare to have fun.

  • The activities in San Francisco are not only topnotch, but they won’t cost an arm and a leg. We have 359 things to do here, and you can get them starting at just AU$6. Get your favourite tours on Expedia Australia for significant savings, and you'll still have money for a fancy hotel or decadent dinner while you’re in town.
  • San Francisco is popular among adventurers like yourself. In fact, a good percentage of travellers can't wait for their next trip to San Francisco to learn about local history and culture and participate in the best activities. The most booked things to do can get the attention of even experienced travellers, and one look at our list explains why. Our collection includes a wide range of historically themed tours and excitement. From Shared Shuttle: Roundtrip LEGOLAND® Transfer to unique ways to explore the best this area has to offer like a Tijuana Up & Down City Tour with Shopping Experience, there is a huge selection of opportunities at your disposal when you search through the inventory of activities here at Expedia Australia.

Our activities are the ideal way to organise your holiday. It takes some planning to best get the feel for San Francisco, especially when you intend to schedule in trips to museums and outdoor activities. And we realise you don't plan to sleep all day—you're excited to get out and take it all in. You're anxious to sign up for the most essential activities around, and an afternoon walking through charming neighbourhoods is an adventure all its own. Book professional city tours on Expedia Australia, and you’ll never get lost.


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Top places to visit

1. Golden Gate Bridge

Although cars pass over it and a constant stream of ships pass underneath it, if you’re a first-time visitor then the best way to experience what was once the world’s longest suspension bridge is on foot.
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Golden Gate Bridge which includes general coastal views, a suspension bridge or treetop walkway and night scenes

2. Pier 39

Pier 39 is an interesting two-tiered complex which incorporates shopping, sideshows, entertainment, dining, rides and attractions, which will appeal to everyone. There’s so much going on that you’ll find it easy to spend a whole day here. The Neptune cruiser, permanently stationed in the bay offers regular cruises. Adults can indulge in a 90-minute wine-tasting cruise. Otherwise, find a spot on the waterfront and take in the beautiful views of San Francisco’s famous landmarks; the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island and the city skyline.
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Pier 39 showing a city, street scenes and signage

3. Golden Gate Park

The Golden Gate Park is around five kilometres long and 800 metres wide. Designed more than a century ago by the park commissioner, William Hall, the park incorporates numerous meandering walking trails, perfect for hiking. The paths wind their way round 405 hectares of well-maintained and sculpted landscape gardens, rugged woods and shimmering lakes. It’s a true oasis of calm and the perfect place to unwind.
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Golden Gate Park which includes flowers and a garden

4. Oracle Park

Visit Oracle Park for more than simply watching a San Francisco Giants game. Tour this privately financed ballpark, known for its breathtaking views, charm and character. This is the city’s replacement for notoriously windy Candlestick Park.
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Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.

5. Alcatraz Island

Between 1934 and 1963 when the Alcatraz prison was still in service, the name uttered in any courtroom was enough to instil dread and fear into any person standing accused. Even viewed from a distance, the bleak island on the San Francisco skyline will send a shiver up your spine. During its time as a working prison, Alcatraz held some of the world’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz), George "Machine Gun" Kelly, Bumpy Johnson, Rafael Cancel Miranda (a member of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party who attacked the United States Capitol building in 1954) Mickey Cohen, Arthur R. "Doc" Barker, James "Whitey" Bulger, and Alvin "Creepy" Karpis.
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Alcatraz Island showing island views and a coastal town

6. Lombard Street

A one-block section of Lombard Street shows the steepness of San Francisco’s hills in a unique way. The redbrick road makes eight hairpin turns as it goes downhill from Hyde Street to Leavenworth Street. See this famous spot, one of the beloved quirks of the City by the Bay.
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Often incorrectly called the world’s crookedest street, this San Francisco roadway is an iconic spot to see, photograph and drive down.

7. Presidio of San Francisco

Presidio Military Reservation has a special place in San Francisco and American history, as the Spanish originally set up camp in the area back in 1776, followed for a brief spell by the Mexicans. Of course, Presidio’s use has long since changed but it’s still the United States’ longest running military base, today having acquired National Historical Landmark District status. But its heritage explains its Hispanic name.
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Presidio of San Francisco featuring a monument, landscape views and a park

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What to do in San Francisco


Discover the most popular places to visit in San Francisco

Explore areas of San Francisco

Union Square which includes a skyscraper and a city

Union Square

4/5(249 area reviews)

Packed with a treasure trove of upmarket boutiques, designer labels and department store, shoppers will love this huge shopping plaza.

Union Square
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Downtown San Francisco

3/5(34 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Warfield Theatre and Golden Gate Theatre are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco
Fisherman\'s Wharf showing a bay or harbour

Fisherman's Wharf

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

This waterfront location is steeped in history dating back to the days of the gold rush. Today, visitors come here for its vibrant atmosphere and great food.

Fisherman's Wharf
South of Market which includes skyline, a city and a garden

South of Market

3.5/5(101 area reviews)

South of Market, or “SoMa” to the “SoCal” locals, is a huge, varied and exciting district in downtown “San Fran”.

South of Market
Nob Hill which includes a city and street scenes

Nob Hill

4/5(59 area reviews)

If you guessed that Nob Hill was one of San Francisco’s original “Seven Hills,” then you might just be a genius.

Nob Hill
Financial District - Ferry Building

Financial District

4/5(16 area reviews)

Mingle with young professionals, tech geniuses and finance gurus when you walk the streets of the Financial District.

Financial District

 

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Day trip destinations from San Francisco

Frequently asked questions

Is San Francisco worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in San Francisco is explore Pier 39. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then discover more of this area's views and dining.
How do I spend a day in San Francisco?
After you've visited major attractions like Pier 39 and Union Square, spend some time experiencing San Francisco's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Francisco?
Pier 39 is one of the top tourist attractions in San Francisco and deserves a place on every itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Francisco?
You can easily tour leading attractions like Pier 39, Union Square and Ocean Beach with a three-day trip to San Francisco. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Oakland.
Is San Francisco a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you plan to see and do in San Francisco. Several attractions, including Pier 39 and Union Square, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of San Francisco's best neighbourhoods, Downtown San Francisco is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Union Square is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in San Francisco with kids?
Deciding what to do in San Francisco with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're travelling with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in San Francisco for adults?
Winery Collective and Van Ness Avenue are just a couple of the things to do in San Francisco. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in San Francisco?
One of the simplest ways to find free things to do in San Francisco is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Pier 39 is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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