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
    󰺂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
    4.4/5
    ryne.srjryne.srj

    a lot of sea lions! a must see place in san francisco! should get a sea lion plushie as well as a gift!

  • Alcatraz Islandtop_2
    󰺂7.7
    54.11
    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 302 users󱨠264 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    _TI***ti_TI***ti

    Absolutely fantastic experience to see the world most famous prison

  • California Academy of Sciencestop_3
    󰺂7.7
    21.48
    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
    4.7/5
    136***99136***99

    It is a very worthwhile place to visit. I wonder why domestic museums cannot be like this, focusing on knowledge acquisition, without the messy rings, children's electric cars, and "Dad's dad is grandpa"

  • Golden Gate Park
    4
    󰺂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
    4.7/5
    112***09112***09

    This is a relatively large park near the Golden Gate Bridge, called Golden Gate Park. Most tourists will not go to this attraction specifically, but since we are traveling independently, we can visit it in a more relaxed manner. The environment design of this park is unparalleled and it is worth checking out.

  • Golden Gate Bridge
    5
    󰺂7.1
    30.15
    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
    4.7/5
    泰迪小熊泰迪小熊

    Came here on September 24, 2017. The Golden Gate Bridge is a landmark of San Francisco and a well-known tourist attraction in the United States. If you come to San Francisco, you must check in at the Golden Gate Bridge. There are many bridges in China that are more majestic than the Golden Gate Bridge, so in fact, just take a tourist photo near the Golden Gate Bridge to say "I've been here". The best photo spot should be the Torpedo Wharf area on the southeast side of the bridge, and try to go early, otherwise when the sun sets, the photos will be backlit.

  • Lombard Street
    6
    󰺂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
    4.6/5
    泰迪小熊泰迪小熊

    Came here on September 24, 2017. This attraction is unique, beautiful and interesting, and is definitely one of the must-see attractions when visiting San Francisco. Lombard Street is actually a section of Lombard Street, located between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street. This section of the road is a steep slope, but it is designed into eight hairpin turns, and flowers are planted on both sides of the road. If you need to take a nine-turn effect, you must stand on Leavenworth Street, which is low in terrain. Chinese people can drive in the western United States where San Francisco is located with a translated driver's license. If you can drive in San Francisco, you might as well go and experience the feeling of driving through Lombard Street yourself.

  • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
    7
    󰺂6.9
    24.48
    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
    4.6/5
    旅途花样多旅途花样多

    Located in downtown, this museum has a modern decoration style. It has famous paintings by Picasso and other masters, as well as iconic works by Yayoi Kusama. The fifth floor (I think) is about homosexual photography, which fits the tone of San Francisco. There is an American coffee shop where you can rest and have lunch when you are tired at noon. It is worth going.

  • Big Bus Tours San Francisco
    8
    󰺂6.8
    38.56
    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
    4.9/5
    支大锅支大锅

    Very convenient, just verify the QR code on the bus, much cheaper than buying on site. The route is also better, arrange the itinerary, and then start to appreciate the beauty of San Francisco!

  • Palace of Fine Arts
    9
    󰺂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
    4.7/5
    生长在海边的果果生长在海边的果果

    Although the overall area is not very large, the picturesque scenery is very interesting. The whole is the style of ancient Roman ruins. It is built for the World's Expo. The later renovation and use continue to this day. In addition to Roman architecture, the Roman column can be seen, and there is also a fountain pool, many beautiful flowers and green plants, and the faces of tourists from all over the world. Suitable for taking pictures and punching in, there are scenes everywhere

  • CA-1
    10
    󰺂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
    4.9/5
    生长在海边的果果生长在海边的果果

    The essence section is the section from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and it must be opened from San Francisco to Los Angeles, because the road on the right is facing the sea, this direction is open, and the scenery is beautiful. It is really the most beautiful road. We drove for 3 days, the first day from San Francisco to Monterey, the second day to Pismo Beach, the third day to Los Angeles, all the way to stop, while walking, playing, the sea view is invincible, a lot of flowers that have not been seen in China, really beautiful. The main attractions passing by are Half Moon Bay, Dove Point Lighthouse, Monterey Town, Carmel Town, 17 Mile Bay, Big Sur McVeigh Falls, Bixby River Bridge, Elephant Seal Beach, Pismo Beach, Solvan Danish Town, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica Beach, etc.

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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