10 Best Things to do in San Francisco, California

Planning a trip to San Francisco, California? You found the experts!

This iconic city by the bay has so much to offer, from sweeping redwood forests to historic island prisons, world-class food neighborhoods, and nonstop photo ops at every turn. We’ve spent a lot of time exploring San Francisco’s winding streets, soaking in the ocean views, and finding the kinds of experiences that leave you feeling like you really saw the city—not just the brochure version. 

Whether you’re dreaming of a day trip to Yosemite or hoping to cruise beneath the Golden Gate at sunset, this guide covers our absolute favorite tours that make the most of your time in San Francisco. Let’s get started!

Things to do in San Francisco, California

1. Spend a day in the iconic Yosemite National Park

Visiting Yosemite from San Francisco sounds like a dream—until you realize it involves a four-hour drive each way, confusing park logistics, and the pressure to “see it all” in just one day. That’s exactly why we booked this full-day tour to Yosemite, and honestly, it ended up being the best decision we could’ve made.

From hotel pickup in the city to our first steps beneath the towering sequoias, the entire experience was seamless. We traveled in a comfortable minibus with a small group, which made everything feel more relaxed and personal. There was no waiting in crowds or feeling rushed—just a smooth, well-paced day where we could actually enjoy every stop without stressing over time or directions.

Our guide, Steven, was a total standout! He was full of energy, genuinely passionate about the park, and kept us entirely captivated while he shared stories and history that brought Yosemite to life.

The itinerary covered all the major highlights without skimming over anything—walking through Tuolumne Grove, soaking in that classic Tunnel View shot, getting up close to Yosemite Falls, and spotting climbers scaling El Capitan. During our free time in Yosemite Valley, we even managed a short hike and grabbed lunch surrounded by nature.

This tour was worth every penny—it let us skip the hassle and focus on soaking up Yosemite’s best sights. Just read the glowing 5-star reviews here, and you’ll see we’re not the only ones who loved it!

2. Go sightseeing in a ’70s VW Bus

Exploring San Francisco’s many neighborhoods on your own can quickly turn into a confusing loop of steep hills, one-way streets, and too many “should we stop here?” moments. That’s why we hopped on this small-group city tour in a classic VW Bus, and it turned out to be the most memorable (and groovy) way to see the city.

From the moment we climbed into the retro blue van, shag carpet and all, the vibe was relaxed and fun. Music playing, windows down—it instantly felt like a road trip with friends.

Our guide, Dave, was incredibly knowledgeable and full of great stories about the city’s wild history. He kept us laughing as we cruised through Chinatown, the Castro, North Beach, the Mission, Haight-Ashbury, and more—all while blasting classic ‘60s tunes that had us fully in the spirit.

One of our favorite moments was rolling through Haight-Ashbury and seeing the old homes of Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. There’s something surreal about hearing their music while passing the places they once called home.

Because the bus is small, we slipped down streets big tour buses can’t access and got close to landmarks most people miss. Between photo stops at the Golden Gate Bridge and colorful corners of the Mission, the whole ride felt like a mix of history lesson and joyride.

This was hands-down our favorite tour in San Francisco. If you’re into local stories, old-school music, and seeing the city with style—this is the tour to book.

3. Discover Little Italy and North Beach’s incredible culinary scene

North Beach might look like a charming Italian neighborhood from the outside, but knowing where to actually go and what to eat is another story. So, we joined this small-group walking food tour through San Francisco’s Little Italy, and quickly learned it was the most delicious way to get to know the neighborhood’s culture.

We kicked things off near Washington Square Park and spent the next few hours weaving through side streets, chatting with shop owners, and following the smell of fresh bread like it was a compass. From the focaccia sandwiches at Mario’s to the cannoli from Stella Pastry and truffle salt at Z Cioccolato, everything we tried was packed with flavor and history.

We even watched bakers kneading dough in real time and learned how coffee beans are roasted just blocks from where they’re served. There wasn’t a single bite we didn’t love!

Plus, our guide, Andre, was awesome. He had a way of making the neighborhood’s past feel alive, from pointing out secret alley murals to explaining why Molinari’s deli has such a loyal following. It felt like walking around with a local friend who knew all the hidden gems.

This tour fills up fast, and for good reason, so make sure to book it early so you don’t miss out on one of San Francisco’s best foodie experiences. It’s the kind of afternoon that leaves you full, happy, and already planning a return trip just for the food!

4. Sail past the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz on a sightseeing bay cruise

Trying to take in San Francisco’s biggest landmarks from land usually means dealing with crowded viewpoints, limited photo ops, and a lot of walking. That’s why we booked this Golden Gate Bay cruise, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing and rewarding ways to see the city—from the water.

We boarded straight from Fisherman’s Wharf with no wait thanks to the “straight to the gate” access, then grabbed seats on the open-air deck to catch the breeze. 

As we cruised out into the bay, the views just kept getting better: the San Francisco skyline behind us, Alcatraz up close, the Marin Headlands off in the distance, and the moment we sailed directly under the Golden Gate Bridge was unreal. Looking up at the bridge from that angle, with the wind in our faces and camera shutters clicking around us, was a highlight we’ll never forget.

The audio narration was surprisingly great, too. It gave just enough history and fun facts without overwhelming the experience, and it’s available in 16 languages! The vibe on board was easygoing and flexible, with indoor and outdoor seating and plenty of space to move around.

This cruise gives you a full loop of the bay in just one hour and lets you choose your own departure time. It’s an easy, flexible way to see some of San Francisco’s most iconic sights and is definitely worth adding to your itinerary!

5. See San Francisco’s top film locations

Trying to see all of San Francisco’s landmarks on your own can feel overwhelming—especially when you don’t know what’s worth a stop and what’s just “nice to see.” This small-group movie sites tour gave us the perfect mix of iconic landmarks and behind-the-scenes trivia that stuck with us long after the credits rolled!

We cruised through neighborhoods like North Beach, Nob Hill, and the Financial District while movie clips played on screen—then looked out the window to see the exact spots they were filmed. 

It was such a cool feeling to watch a famous chase scene, then glance up and realize you were right there where it happened. Even if you’re not a huge movie buff, chances are you’ll recognize more than a few scenes. We even left with a whole new list of films to rewatch!

Our guide, Bryan, was friendly and full of knowledge, and also great at tailoring the tour to fit the group’s interests. He even took some excellent photos for us and shared local tips that ended up shaping the rest of our trip.

From the Painted Ladies to Fort Point under the Golden Gate Bridge, this tour shows you San Francisco in a totally different light. It’s fun, fast-paced, and full of moments that’ll have you saying, “Wait, that was filmed here?” 

6. Visit Alcatraz

Whether you’re trying to see it all in a day or would rather slow things down, this San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Alcatraz tour offers options to match your pace. You can do it all in one go—or, like us, choose the two-day version and enjoy the freedom to explore without feeling rushed.

We started with Alcatraz on day one, taking the ferry from Pier 33 to the island. The self-guided audio tour was incredibly well done, and walking through the old prison at our own pace gave us time to absorb the history. The views back toward the city skyline were worth the trip alone!

Day two was all about the city and the coast. We hit iconic neighborhoods like North Beach, Chinatown, and Pacific Heights, stopping to admire the view from Billionaire’s Row and snap a photo of the Mrs. Doubtfire house.

Our guide, Roger, was knowledgeable, full of local recommendations, and just fun to be around. He shared stories that gave the city so much more depth than we could’ve picked up on our own.

The walk through Muir Woods was a favorite—those redwoods are even more massive in person. Just keep in mind the park entrance fee isn’t included. Afterward, we had lunch in Sausalito and soaked in the waterfront views before heading back.

Whether you want to see it all in one seamless day or take your time like we did, this tour is a fantastic way to experience San Francisco, Muir Woods, and Alcatraz.

7. Relax on a sunset catamaran cruise on San Francisco Bay

Most sunset spots in San Francisco get packed early, and even then, the views can feel a bit underwhelming—especially if you’re stuck behind a crowd with your camera in the air. That’s why we booked this sunset catamaran cruise, and it quickly became one of our favorite experiences in the city.

The boat wasn’t overly big or crowded, which made everything feel a little more relaxed and personal. We grabbed our complimentary drinks, found a spot on the open deck, and settled in for a smooth 90-minute sail across the bay.

As we passed Alcatraz and drifted beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, the sky shifted from golden to pink to deep blue. The views were unreal, and we came back with some of our best trip photos. There was music playing softly in the background, and the whole boat had that golden-hour energy—quiet, content, and totally in the moment.

The crew was awesome, too. Friendly, funny, and on top of everything, they stuck to the schedule without making the evening feel rushed. You can sit inside for 360-degree views, but we spent most of the cruise out on the canvas trampolines, bundled up in jackets and just enjoying the breeze.

If you’re looking for a fun, laid-back way to wind down your day in San Francisco, this sunset sail is absolutely worth it!

Related Read: To make the most of your time in San Francisco, follow our 3-day itinerary! It outlines all the must-see spots and hidden gems in an easy-to-follow guide.

8. Walk through the famous Muir Woods and taste Northern California wines

There’s no need to choose between a redwood forest hike and a wine tasting afternoon—this combo tour rolls Muir Woods and Wine Country into one perfectly balanced day trip from San Francisco.

We started the morning walking among the soaring redwoods of Muir Woods, and getting there early meant we beat the crowds and had a peaceful, quiet stroll through the trees. It’s hard to overstate how serene it feels to be surrounded by giants that have been growing for hundreds of years. 

From there, we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and headed into Sonoma for an afternoon of wine tasting. The change in scenery was striking—one minute we were under redwood canopies, the next we were cruising past golden hills and sun-soaked vineyards.

We highly recommend choosing the lunch option—it turned the day into a full-on wine and food experience, with three curated courses and wine pairings at each. The grilled salmon and Pinot Noir combo was a personal favorite. But if you’d rather have more flexibility, you can skip the upgrade and grab lunch at your own expense in Sonoma Plaza instead.

Each of the three wineries offered something different, and the tastings were generous and relaxed. It was a great way to sample California wines and enjoy the countryside without needing to plan a thing.

This day was as easy as it was enjoyable. Just read thousands of 5-star reviews here and you’ll see why this is an award-winning tour!

9. Find hidden gems in Chinatown with a walking tour

We’d walked through San Francisco’s Chinatown before, but without context, it’s easy to miss what makes this neighborhood so layered and fascinating. This small-group walking tour changed everything. With a guide leading the way, we didn’t just see the shops and lanterns—we got a much deeper understanding of the stories behind them.

Our guide, Linda, was amazing! She brought the neighborhood’s history and culture to life with stories about the buildings, temples, and traditions we never would’ve picked up on ourselves. She had a way of connecting each stop to the bigger picture of Chinese culture and history, making everything feel more meaningful.

From the herbal pharmacy with ginseng and gecko lizards to the paper shop selling spirit money, every stop added a new layer of meaning. We even visited a peaceful temple tucked away on an unassuming alley—it felt like stepping into another world right in the middle of the city!

We wandered through bustling Stockton Street markets, peeked into secret alleyways, and even stopped by a fortune cookie factory to watch them being made and try one fresh off the line. It was equal parts fun and eye-opening.

This tour made Chinatown feel like a living museum and ended up being one of the most unexpected highlights of our trip. It’s a popular one, so be sure to book ahead to snag your spot.

10. Spend a day exploring Sonoma County’s top wineries (with tastings!)

Wine country looks dreamy from Instagram, but figuring out how to get there, which wineries to visit, and who’s going to be your designated driver? Not so dreamy. That’s why we booked this small-group wine tasting tour and it ended up being one of the most relaxing days of our entire trip.

Our guide, Marc, made everything seamless. He was super knowledgeable and easygoing and handled everything from the driving to the tasting schedule so we could sit back and enjoy.

The ride out was scenic right from the start. We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, passed rolling hills and vineyard-covered valleys, and stopped at three small, family-run wineries that felt personal and welcoming—no crowded tasting rooms or rushed pours here.

We chatted with winemakers, wandered through the vines, and tasted flavors that aren’t even available in stores. Each winery offered something different, from bold reds to crisp whites, and we learned a lot about Sonoma’s unique terroir while sipping under the sun.

After the wineries, we had a quick stop in Sausalito, which was the cherry on top. You can even opt to take the ferry back to the city for some amazing Bay views.

If you want a wine country experience that’s relaxed, scenic, and stress-free, this is the tour to book. We loved how it blended great wine, beautiful views, and zero hassle into one unforgettable day!

Where to Stay in San Francisco, California

San Francisco is packed with iconic landmarks, scenic views, and lively neighborhoods, and luckily, it also has a wide range of great places to stay. From high-end hotels to quirky mid-range spots and budget-friendly picks, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.

To help you narrow it down, we’ve put together this guide to the best places to stay in San Francisco, so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring the city.

Luxury – $$$

Set in a beautifully restored 1920s building, the Omni San Francisco blends timeless elegance with upscale comfort in the heart of the Financial District. Just steps from the cable car line and a short walk to Union Square and Chinatown, its location is a dream for city explorers. Inside, you’ll find spacious, classically styled rooms, luxurious bathrooms, and standout service that past guests rave about. From plush robes to a charming on-site restaurant and refined lobby, every detail feels elevated.

Rates generally range from $300–$730 USD per night, depending on room type and season. Check availability and book on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco is a fun and modern mid-range hotel located right in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf—just steps from Pier 39. The nautical-themed rooms are playful yet practical, with porthole-style windows, comfortable beds, and all the essentials like Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and a safe. Outside, the hotel’s courtyard is a highlight, complete with fire pits, games, and cozy seating areas to unwind after a day of sightseeing. There’s also a fitness center and a lively atmosphere that makes it great for couples and families alike.

Prices typically range from $180–$360 USD per night. Check Booking.com to see current rates for your travel dates.

Budget – $

For an affordable stay in San Francisco with unbeatable views, HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel is a top pick. Set inside a historic building within a waterfront park, it’s just steps from the bay and offers easy access to the Marina District. Dorms and private rooms are available, with shared facilities kept super clean. Guests can unwind in the cozy lounge, game room, or enjoy breakfast with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Dorm beds start around $38 USD per night and include a continental breakfast. Book your stay now on Booking.com to lock in a great rate!

For more options, see all of San Francisco’s hotels listed here!

Related Read: For a more in-depth look at our favorite areas to stay in the city, have a look at our full where to stay in San Francisco guide for all the tips and hotels we love!

Thanks for reading!

Spending some time in San Francisco is a blast, and I hope all our ideas have you excited for your trip here! From seeing the city’s iconic sights to sunset cruises and fun day trips, this city has the perfect combination of what we look for in a getaway. Enjoy your time in San Franciso!

If this is only one of your stops in Cali, have a look at the other California blogs I put below or our full USA blog section for more destinations!

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