Top 50 Best Things to Do in San Francisco
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in San Francisco

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Fisherman's Wharftop_1
    4.4/5
    󰺂7.9
    San Francisco.Fisherman's Wharf3.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Distant view of the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge
    San Francisco's iconic Pier 39
    󱨠Saved by 364 users󱨠562 positive reviews
  • Alcatraz Islandtop_2
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.7
    4744.8
    San Francisco5.8 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Explore the abandoned buildings of Alcatraz Prison
    Historical films are played on a loop inside the prison
    󱨠Saved by 303 users󱨠264 positive reviews
  • California Academy of Sciencestop_3
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.7
    1882.86
    San Francisco.Sunset District4.1 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoExplore Wonder: California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    75-foot-tall planetarium featuring space journey shows
    󱨜2.5-acre native plant green roof
    󱨠Saved by 278 users󱨠793 positive reviews
  • Golden Gate Park
    4
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.5
    San Francisco.Sunset District5.6 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Bike through the park and enjoy the spring flowers in bloom
    󰀆Over ten parks across 53 streets
    󱨠Saved by 187 users󱨠205 positive reviews
  • Golden Gate Bridge
    5
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.1
    2643.54
    San Francisco7.2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe stunning charm of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Golden Gate Bridge panoramic views
    2-mile seaside walking bridge
    󱨠Saved by 476 users󱨠783 positive reviews
  • Lombard Street
    6
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.0
    San Francisco.San Francisco Downtown3 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoBeautiful sea of flowers at San Francisco's Lombard Street in all seasons
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Thrilling mountain road driving challenge
    󱓊8 hairpin turns & 40° incline
    󱨠Saved by 310 users󱨠982 positive reviews
  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
    7
    4.6/5
    󰺂6.9
    2144.3
    San Francisco.South of Market2 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Michelin-starred chef & global cuisine
    󰀆City view & green wall
    󱨠Saved by 146 users󱨠112 positive reviews
  • Big Bus Tours San Francisco
    8
    4.9/5
    󰺂6.8
    3380.11
    San Francisco.Fisherman's Wharf3.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Visit Golden Gate Bridge & landmarks
    󱓊360° view of SF landmarks
    󱨠Saved by 110 users󱨠100% positive reviews
  • Palace of Fine Arts
    9
    4.7/5
    󰺂6.6
    San Francisco.Marina District4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Photographers' paradise: red stone pillars
    󱨜Historic landmark built in 1915
    󱨠Saved by 233 users󱨠268 positive reviews
  • CA-1
    10
    4.9/5
    󰺂6.4
    Monterey County>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoCalifornia State Route 1 has been rated as a must-drive route
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Parking & scenic views available
    󱓊Unique purple beach in the world
    󱨠Saved by 120 users󱨠126 positive reviews

Best things to do in San Francisco (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in San Francisco? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, San Francisco offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in San Francisco

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full San Francisco experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Fisherman's Wharf

• San Francisco.Fisherman's Wharf | 3.8 km from downtown

• : Distant view of the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge,San Francisco's iconic Pier 39

Alcatraz Island

• San Francisco | 5.8 km from downtown

• : Explore the abandoned buildings of Alcatraz Prison,Historical films are played on a loop inside the prison

California Academy of Sciences

• San Francisco.Sunset District | 4.1 km from downtown

• : 75-foot-tall planetarium featuring space journey shows,2.5-acre native plant green roof

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near San Francisco

If you want to explore attractions just outside San Francisco, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of San Francisco, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in San Francisco special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in San Francisco

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in San Francisco

Ready to explore the best of San Francisco? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in San Francisco?
These are all Best Things to Do in San Francisco:Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island, California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Bridge
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in San Francisco?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in San Francisco include:Fisherman's Wharf:4.4, Alcatraz Island:4.6, California Academy of Sciences:4.7, Golden Gate Park:4.7, Golden Gate Bridge:4.7
At what locations in San Francisco can Best Things to Do in San Francisco be found?
The Best Things to Do in San Francisco are mainly located in:Fisherman's Wharf:San Francisco, Alcatraz Island:San Francisco, California Academy of Sciences:San Francisco, Golden Gate Park:San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge:San Francisco
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