Things to do in San Francisco California include waterfront landmarks, museums, historic sites, parks, gardens, and scenic trails. San Francisco Bay and the surrounding hills shape many of the city’s best-known experiences.
Additionally, San Francisco offers attractions connected to California history, science, art, and maritime heritage. Visitors can combine major landmarks with outdoor recreation throughout the city.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area protects historic sites, beaches, trails, and coastal landscapes around San Francisco. Visitors can explore several areas while enjoying views of the Golden Gate.
Alcatraz Island preserves layers of military, prison, Indigenous, and civil rights history. Visitors can reach the island by authorized ferry and explore its historic structures.
Golden Gate Park stretches across more than 1,000 acres of San Francisco. Visitors can explore gardens, museums, trails, lakes, recreation areas, and cultural attractions.
The California Academy of Sciences combines an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum. Its Golden Gate Park location makes it convenient for a full day of exploring.
The de Young presents American art, international textiles, costumes, and art from Africa and Oceania. Additionally, changing exhibitions bring different collections to San Francisco.
The Exploratorium provides interactive experiences focused on science, art, and human perception. Its waterfront location at Pier 15 adds views across San Francisco Bay.
The Presidio combines military history, forests, trails, beaches, overlooks, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore this former military post within Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park explores the city’s connection to Pacific maritime history. Visitors can discover historic vessels, waterfront sites, exhibits, and maritime collections.
Lands End provides rugged coastal scenery on San Francisco’s northwestern edge. Trails offer views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky shoreline, and Golden Gate.
The Asian Art Museum presents artworks representing thousands of years of Asian history and culture. Its collections cover regions across East, South, Southeast, and Central Asia.
Begin near the waterfront with the Exploratorium or San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. After that, explore another nearby landmark.
Later, visit Golden Gate Park for the California Academy of Sciences or de Young Museum. Allow enough time to explore the park.
Finally, visit the Presidio or walk at Lands End. Alcatraz requires advance planning because visitors need authorized ferry transportation.