San Francisco Travelers Recommend

From Alcatraz to the world-renowned wine, San Francisco boasts a long list of can't-miss sights and experiences. Whether you're a spontaneous traveler or a careful planner, here are the top activities you’ll need to book early to secure your spot.

• Nab your tickets to Alcatraz, the top-selling attraction in San Francisco.

• Treat yourself to a unique view of the Golden Gate Bridge on a helicopter ride over the City by the Bay.

• Go wine tasting at world-famous vineyards in Napa and Sonoma.

• Get your nature fix on a day trip to Muir Woods or Yosemite National Park.

• Head down the coast to soak up views on the 17-Mile Drive, visiting charming Monterey and Carmel.

Fleet Week comes to San Francisco once a year, with the US Navy docking in the bay for a week every October and treating locals and visitors alike to Blue Angels air shows and a parade of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard ships on the city's waters. Here are some of the top things to do in San Francisco during Fleet Week.

Take a Bay Cruise

Whether by day or twilight, there's no better way to see the bay than from the water. Cruise to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge for the best views, or head to Alcatraz Island for a visit to the infamous historic prison. From the wide-open waters, you'll catch great views of Fisherman's Wharf, Fort Mason, Pier 39, and more than likely, the incredible Blue Angels. These famous fighter planes navigate the airspace using daredevil maneuvers.

See San Francisco on Foot

Enjoy time in the city with an in-depth walking tour, exploring a type of cuisine on a food tour or a specific neighborhood such as the Mission District or North Beach. Comprehensive half- and full-day city tours offer a great overview of San Francisco's main sights, with many taking in impressive displays of naval tradition and prowess from the Marina Green and Crissy Field.

See the Waterfront and Wharf by Segway

For an exciting way to explore the SF waterfront, piers, and Aquatic Park, take to the road on an environmentally friendly Segway tour. Tours include instruction and equipment and allow access to waterfront views unavailable to tour buses.

Go Sailing

You'll get a classic San Francisco Bay Area experience on a relaxing small-group sail around the bay. Board a small sailboat to glide past major sights, photo ops, and US Navy ships.

If you have three days in San Francisco, consider yourself lucky—it’s ample time to immerse yourself in the city’s dreamy fog, diverse neighborhoods, and far-out sophistication. After your urban adventures, there’s even time for a wine or wilderness excursion. Here are a few ways to spend three days in and around SF.

Day 1: The Hills and the Bay

Introduce yourself to San Francisco by taking a road often traveled—it’s actually quite nice. Choose a hop-on hop-off bus tour to get your bearings and explore at your own pace, or, if you’re staying downtown, catch a historic cable car at Market and Powell streets and ride over the hills to the waterfront. From the end of the line at Fisherman’s Wharf, you have options: cruises depart from the nearby piers to Alcatraz, to Sausalito, and around the bay. Combination tours save time and money by pairing a cruise with additional experiences such as a food tour or admission to local museums. Alternatively, rent bikes and ride along the San Francisco Bay Trail to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Day 2: Golden Gate Park and Off-Beat Neighborhoods

Day two is for more in-depth exploration. Start with a walking tour in the Mission, a diverse district known for stellar street art and an explosive cuisine scene. The next neighborhood over is another walking tour option: the Castro, a few square blocks of LGBTQ culture with the city’s most popular historic theater. You’ll also want to journey through the Haight—home to colorful Victorians, funky boutiques, Deadheads, and visionaries—and emerge into the vast urban oasis of Golden Gate Park, easily seen in just a few hours on a Segway or self-guided bike tour. The park is also home to the California Academy of Sciences and de Young Museum, two sights best seen with skip-the-line admission tickets.

Day 3: National Parks, Wine, and Whales

Just beyond the bay lie several essential day-trip destinations. Wine lovers can spend a day in the internationally renowned Napa and Sonoma valleys, exploring by bus, train, private car, or bike, while nature enthusiasts can embark on an epic day in Yosemite, one of the US’ first national parks. Guided Yosemite tours leave San Francisco early in the morning and return after dinner, including time to revel in Gold Rush towns, hike among giant sequoias, and spectacular park highlights such as Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and El Capitan. If you’d like more time on the coast, journey down to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Carmel, or try a whale-watching trip out to the Farallon Islands.

From rolling hills and coastal hikes to colorful Victorian homes, San Francisco is a traveler’s paradise packed with activities, both in and around the city. Don’t miss a tour of San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods, from bohemian North Beach to stately Russian Hill. And there’s nothing quite like a sail on San Francisco Bay for views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the city’s beloved skyline.

Beyond city sights, San Francisco day trips abound. Wine lovers rave about Napa and Sonoma valleys, while outdoor enthusiasts appreciate Muir Woods and Yosemite National Park. With so much to do, it’s best to plan ahead and prebook your tickets to the most popular experiences. See the list below for our top picks for your San Francisco vacation. 

Sunny autumn skies in San Francisco often clear away the summer fog while warmer temperatures tend to linger. Visiting in September through November yields myriad options for exploring, whether it involves the city’s nightlife, innovative food, or wineries and parks beyond the bay. Here’s how to relish what San Francisco has to offer in autumn.

• Spend Thanksgiving on a San Francisco Bay cruise with a holiday feast.

• Sip wine in the Sonoma and Napa wine country during a day trip across the Golden Gate.

• Gaze up at giant redwood trees in Muir Woods and browse the boutiques of charming Sausalito.

• Hop off and on a Big Bus tour combined with a ferry to Alcatraz to explore numerous attractions and neighborhoods.

• Stimulate the senses on a walking tour of the Mission District ’s colorful murals and top-notch eats.

• Groove to the city’s nightlife, from North Beach classics to clubs in the Castro.

• Brave San Francisco’s ghostly streets after dark during a historical walking tour of its haunted past.

• Marvel at the fall leaves of Yosemite National Park and cozy up in a campsite overnight.

• Glide into evening aboard a sunset bay cruise with unbeatable views of the illuminated city skyline.

• Bicycle along the scenic San Francisco waterfront and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge.

San Francisco is a beautiful city, but there’s nothing like the awe-inspiring natural wonders of the nearby Yosemite Valley, including towering peaks, roaring falls, and bountiful wildlife. Here are your options for making the most of a day trip from the city.

Highlights

• See the top sights (El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Glacier Point, Tunnel View, and more) with the help of a naturalist tour guide.

• Learn about the famous national park’s natural and human history, including an overview of major landmarks and local wildlife.

• Relax and enjoy the scenery on your own, or with a guide on a hike.

• Enjoy roundtrip transportation from San Francisco, plus pre-arranged meals, to make the most of your limited time.

• Combine your trip to Yosemite with a stop to see the giant sequoia trees at Sequoia National Park on the way back to the Bay Area.

Things to Know

• Yosemite National Park is located 200 miles (322 kilometers) east of San Francisco, about a four-hour drive away. The scenic drive takes travelers through California’s Central Valley.

• Yosemite tours range from private and small-group excursions to larger group bus tours.

• Day tours typically last about 13 to 15 hours, so prepare for a long day.

• Most tours include hotel pickup; some also include free time to explore Yosemite independently.

With Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley just a one- to two-hour drive from San Francisco, it’s easy to pop up from the city for a day of tasting wine and exploring the rolling vineyards. Here are your options for wine tours with transportation from SF.

Napa Valley Wine Tours

California has many wine regions, but Napa has long been the star of the show with its highly renowned wineries and celebrity restaurants such as the French Laundry. The valley stretches along Highway 29, dotted with cute towns like St. Helena, Rutherford, Yountville, and Calistoga. Day trips to Napa often include a stop for lunch at the Oxbow Public Market or a casual but upscale restaurant in Yountville or St. Helena. For something a little different, book a tour that includes a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train.

Sonoma Valley Wine Tours

Sitting just west of Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley stretches along Highway 12 and takes in the towns of Sonoma, Kenwood, and Glen Ellen. Day tours often include a stop in the town of Sonoma, whose large square is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and tasting rooms where you can enjoy lunch and more wine.

Combo Tours

It’s common for tours to include a bit of both Napa and Sonoma valleys or give you the option to select the region you’d like to visit if you book a private, customizable tour. Alternatively, combine a Sonoma Valley wine tour with a stop at Muir Woods National Monument to see the grove of towering redwood trees.

Things to Know

• Tours vary on whether they include wine-tasting fees in the price, so be sure to check the Inclusions and Exclusions.

• Tasting fees at most wineries range from $10 to $20 and are sometimes waived if you purchase a bottle.

• Napa and Sonoma sit north of San Francisco, but not all tour routes take you over the Golden Gate Bridge, depending on the tour’s starting point and destination.

• Many wineries do not allow group tours on larger vehicles, so if you have particular wineries you want to visit, book a private tour with access to smaller boutique wineries.

Two days in San Francisco are enough to visit its main tourist-circuit sights and the neighborhoods that give the city its undeniable character. There’s also time to heed the call of the bay, with Alcatraz and Sausalito luring urbanites across the water. Here’s how to maximize two days in SF.

Day 1: Explore Some Neighborhoods

**Morning:**Start today near Union Square, a central spot with easy access to iconic areas and attractions such as Chinatown, Grace Cathedral, and the St. Francis Hotel. A cable car ride takes you through cosmopolitan and old-school neighborhoods at a leisurely pace, while hop-on hop-off bus tours allow you to see more attractions in less time—some even go across the Golden Gate Bridge.

**Afternoon:**For low-key exploring on your first afternoon, culinary or cultural walking tours let you easily get to know San Francisco neighborhoods with local expertise. North Beach and Chinatown are the main players, but if you’re ready to venture farther out, head to the Mission, where you’ll find multicultural cuisine, eclectic shops, and beautiful alleyway murals.

**Night:**San Francisco has all the nightlife offerings of a world-class city. Edgy crowds congregate in Lower and Upper Haight, while the cool tech kids meet Burning Man types in SOMA. If around on a Thursday, it’s worth prebooking admission to California Academy of Sciences’ adults-only NightLife events, which offer music and cocktails while visitors explore the museum after hours.

Day 2: Cross the Bay

**Morning:**Your second morning is a perfect time to venture out onto the bay. Early-access Alcatraz tours should be booked well in advance, as they let you explore the infamous island-prison before most crowds arrive. If you get started early enough, you’ll have time to celebrate your morning accomplishment with a champagne brunch bay cruise afterward.

**Afternoon:**For lunch, take a ferry to Sausalito, a charming bayside town full of shops and galleries across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Muir Woods is another popular destination north of the city, offering an urban escape with old-growth redwood groves. Some tours visit both Sausalito and Muir Woods in a single afternoon.

**Night:**There is no shortage of memorable ways to spend your last night in San Francisco. Dine and dance to live music on an evening bay cruise, or choose a more casual nighttime bus tour—some travel in Volkswagens decked out in hippie gear, while others stop for illuminated city views from urban gems such as Treasure Island or the Presidio.

There are more ways to see San Francisco than you can count, but some are undeniably romantic, from Champagne cruises to private tours customized just for you. If you’re visiting the City by the Bay with that special someone, here are a few ideas to explore with your sweetheart. 

Cruise (or Fly Above) the Bay

Sip bubbly while cozied up to admire views of the shimmering city skyline from the deck of a yacht or catamaran. Options include dinner with dancing or a private sail at sunset. Being on the water is romantic enough, but soaring over the Golden Gate on a seaplane flight is unparalleled. 

Sightseeing Made for Two

See all the highlights aboard a vintage vehicle with a dedicated guide, then catch a cable car followed by dinner for two. Alternatively, the Rose Garden at Golden Gate Park is ideal for strolling hand in hand. Hop on a Segway and set the pace, making your way to Ocean Beach for the sunset. 

Cuisine and Craft Cocktails

San Francisco's culinary offerings really couldn’t get any better. You won’t go wrong with a prix-fixe menu at a top-rated restaurant or a food tour that introduces you to various tastings—and neighborhoods. Get acquainted with the cocktail scene, too. A small group keeps the atmosphere intimate.

Share a Sundae at Ghirardelli Square

Chocolate isn’t just for Valentine’s Day. Local chocolatiers and artisan bakeries throughout the city make boutique creations daily. Ghirardelli Square is a San Francisco landmark, known by chocolate lovers worldwide. Share a sundae with your sweety and taste a variety of colorfully wrapped bites at the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop.

Because of its steep hills, narrow one-way streets, and exorbitant parking prices, San Francisco is one city where it’s better not to have a car. Fortunately, public transit is available, San Francisco is a bike-friendly city, and numerous tours—including hop-on hop-off bus tours—make it a breeze to get around. Here are your best options for navigating San Francisco.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

To avoid the confusion of navigating public transit—without breaking a sweat on a bike tour—hop-on hop-off bus tours are the most convenient way to get around San Francisco. Tours typically stop at top attractions, such as Union Square and Pier 39, and may include optional upgrades for trolley rides or night tours.

Biking Tours

With its temperate weather and bike-friendly streets and bridges, there's no better way to explore San Francisco than on a bicycle. Guided bike tours explore the city's top attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, while daily bike rentals offer the flexibility to explore on your own.

Walking Tours

Walking tours are the best way to visit San Francisco's historic neighborhoods at a slower pace. Be sure to book more popular walking tours in advance, including excursions to Chinatown and North Beach—the old stomping grounds of the Beat writers.

Ferry and Sailing Tours

Whether you want to go to Alcatraz Island or nearby Sausalito, ferries are a great way to visit San Francisco's top attractions while taking in skyline views from the bay. Because San Francisco Bay cruises are popular, be sure to book your sunset sail, whale-watching excursion, or Alcatraz tour in advance, to secure seats. 

Public Transit

San Francisco's public transit system consists of a network of buses, light-rail trains, and streetcars. Known to locals as Muni, the system will get you anywhere in San Francisco, but expect to wait for a seat on the bus during peak commuting hours. To avoid the hassle of buying tickets, book a city pass in advance, with Muni transit included. And don’t miss a ride on a historic cable car. 

Regional Trains

To travel between San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley, plan to take Bay Area Rapid Transit (known to locals as BART). Fares vary by distance traveled, so be sure to confirm with a station agent—or check at the vending kiosks—before you purchase a ticket. To save a few bucks, plan to take BART to the airport—it covers both Oakland and San Francisco. 

If you have just one single day to spend in San Francisco, you’re in luck. It’s a dense, walkable city, so you can easily make the most of a short stay by sticking close to the center, skipping day trips, and diving into the tried-and-true attractions. Here are some ways you can best experience San Francisco in one day.

Morning: City Market

Start your day at the Ferry Building, where guided Ferry Plaza Farmers Market tours are a great introduction to the city’s food culture outside the restaurant circuit. The market spills out from the Ferry Building onto the concourse, where chefs, locals, and visitors come to gather ultra-fresh ingredients for their meals. After sampling the food, check out the building itself, a 19th-century landmark with a great nave and 4-faced clock tower. If you also want to see Fisherman’s Wharf or Market Street, the city’s restored streetcars run from here to both places.

Afternoon: SF by Land or Air

There are several ways to quickly cover a lot of ground in San Francisco. Hop-on hop-off bus tours are a convenient way to get oriented and see a lot—from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Palace of Fine Arts and Lombard Street—in a short amount of time, while bike tours allow you to get outside and catch views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The cable cars are another option—although mainly frequented by tourists and stray commuters, they’re fun relics that have been using the same cable system since the 1870s. For the adventurous set, seaplane and helicopter tours showcase the whole city—and more—from above in half an hour or less.

Night: The Bay and Wharf

After you’ve said hello to the sea lions and taken a spin on the carousel at Fisherman’s Wharf, you have options. Visit the Musée Mécanique or Maritime Museum for family-friendly outings, or opt for a Segway tour to get closer to the Golden Gate Bridge and journey as far as the Marina district. Once evening settles in, say goodbye and goodnight to the city by getting to know the eateries and bars in Chinatown and North Beach, or dance to live music while enjoying San Francisco Bay views on a dinner cruise.

Spring is ideal for visiting San Francisco, before the summer brings the fog and the crowds. Travelers visiting between March and May will find plenty of outdoor activities—from coastal road trips to bay cruises—to enhance their sightseeing. Here are a few ways to explore the city streets and beyond.

• Check out San Francisco’s craft beer scene and sample its microbrews.

• Ride a double-decker hop-on hop-off bus through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and disembark to explore at your leisure.

• Carve out a few hours to visit top attractions like Alcatraz and Muir Woods.

• Treat your taste buds on a foodie tour of North Beach on foot.

• Speed around town by private vehicle and get to know San Francisco’s personalities, from hippie to hipster.

• Zip along the waterfront on a Segway tour with views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

• Explore Fisherman’s Wharf with attraction passes and a cruise on San Francisco Bay.

• Tour the Napa Valley and savor the scenic views while you sip world-class wines.

• Cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway on a day trip to Monterey Bay and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

• Go whale watching and search the waters for migrating gray whales and humpbacks.

San Francisco's stratospheric cost of living may make headlines, but there are still ways to explore the City by the Bay even without a tech-stock windfall. From historic walks and picnics in Golden Gate Park to world-class culture and wine country day trips, here's how to experience it all without breaking the bank.

Take a Historic Walk

At 49 square miles, San Francisco is a compact city, and its most charming neighborhoods are easily walkable. It’s free to soak in the distinct ambiance of North Beach, Chinatown, the Mission District, and Haight-Ashbury on a stroll past quirky cafés, bookstores, alley murals, and Victorian mansions. If aimless ambling isn't your style, walking and bike tours showcase each neighborhood’s hidden history. 

Ride Muni, BART, or a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft dominate San Francisco streets, but there are cheaper ways to get around. Two public transit systems (Muni and BART for short) connect all corners of the Bay Area with a combination of trams, streetcars, buses, and underground trains. Within San Francisco proper, hop-on-hop-off-bus tours stop at all the major city landmarks and are a wallet- and user-friendly way to get from A to B.

Look for Package Tours and City Passes

If you don't mind shelling out a bit more at the outset, combo tours can actually save money compared to visiting top attractions individually. Attraction passes are also a great value if you plan to visit multiple ticketed sights such as the Aquarium of the Bay, Madame Tussauds, SFMOMA, bay cruises, and more. Insider secret: If tickets to Alcatraz are sold out for the dates of your trip, you can often still visit the Rock last minute by booking a package tour.

Find a Discount Day Trip

When you've decided to forgo the expense and hassle of car rental (including San Francisco’s famously steep hills and parking tickets), it's still possible to visit popular Bay Area day-trip destinations on a budget. Cost-effective shared bus tours can get you to Muir Woods, Sausalito, and Napa wine country for guided or independent exploring of Northern California's natural treasures.

Although Yosemite National Park can be visited on a long day trip from San Francisco, an overnight stay allows travelers to see more of the park at a relaxed pace. Here’s how to explore the best of Yosemite Valley’s offerings on a multi-day tour from San Francisco.

Highlights

• Take your time exploring the area by opting for an overnight stay, rather than spending eight hours on the road (it’s a four-hour journey each way from San Francisco).

• Overnight tours allow for time to check out popular sights such as the scenic Merced River, El Capitan, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Tunnel View, as well as hidden corners of Yosemite park that most visitors miss. 

• Stay the night at some of the area’s top lodging, either at a hotel inside the national park or just outside. 

• Immerse yourself in some of America’s most dramatic natural scenery, including towering giant sequoias and stunning waterfalls such as Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Falls.

Overnight Tours with Hotel Stays

Two-day tours generally include a choice of hotel accommodations inside or just outside of the park. Popular park hotels include the iconic Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly known as the Ahwahnee Hotel) and the Yosemite Valley Lodge (formerly the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls). Small-group tours ensure attention from a tour guide, while the amount of free time offered varies by tour option.

Overnight Camping Trips

Overnight camping tours allow travelers to immerse themselves in nature. Knowledgeable tour guides lead organized activities, while free time is usually offered for independent exploration. All camping gear is typically provided.

Things to Know

• Yosemite National Park is located about 200 miles (322 kilometers) east of San Francisco.

• Travelers can choose a guided or semi-guided tour, based on the desired level of flexibility.

• California offers mostly mild weather, but during winter and on cool evenings, you’ll want to have warm clothing. Winter tours can include time for ice skating and snowshoeing.

• Tours include round-trip transportation from San Francisco. Some options include food and drink, while others leave it up to your discretion.

Using San Francisco as a base, take a tour up or down the stunning Pacific coast of California. Whether you are looking for surfing spots, rugged scenery, food, history, or marine life, here are a few tours that will highlight the area’s best.

Full-Day Tours

Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea, neighboring towns on the south end of Monterey Bay, about 120 miles (193 kilometers) south of San Francisco, are the most popular day-trip destination. Attractions include Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and Cannery Row in Monterey and the shops and restaurants of idyllic Carmel. Pebble Beach is also in this area, part of the 17-Mile Drive along the Pacific coast. If you’d rather head north of the city across the Golden Gate Bridge, Point Reyes National Seashore and Tomales Bay, known for oysters, draw both locals and visitors on day trips.

Multi-Day Tours

Enjoy more time on the California coast by opting for a 2- or 3-day tour that may take you as far south as Los Angeles. Check out the amusement park activities of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk; take in the dramatic scenery along the coastal stretch of Big Sur, particularly the Bixby Bridge; visit Hearst Castle; and explore the Mediterranean-like atmosphere of Santa Barbara. Monterey and Carmel are typically included on these multi-day tours as well.

Things to Know

• Highway 1 is the iconic California road that snakes along the coast from top to bottom, but it’s two-lane in most sections and can be heavy with traffic; note that some tours take different routes to reach destinations, meaning you might not drive along the coast the entire time.

• Multi-day trips can be either one-way or round-trip; make sure to check those details to suit your travel plans.

• Most visitors head south of San Francisco on these kinds of tours, so if you’re looking for something a little more remote, head north instead past Sonoma County and toward Mendocino.

The San Francisco Bay Area, widely recognized as a foodie haven, is home to some of the top culinary cities in the United States (and the world)—including the birthplace of California cuisine. Take your taste buds on a tour of the following areas and sample their incredibly fresh, diverse flavors.

San Francisco

From the dumplings of Chinatown to the Italian eateries of North Beach and the world-famous taquerias of the Mission District, there are plenty of global and local eats to be had in San Francisco. Quite simply, one of the best ways to explore and experience the city is through its food. Food tours often focus on a specific neighborhood, culture, or theme.

North Bay

North of San Francisco lie the farms, vineyards, and creameries that bring the best local and artisanal products to California tables. A trip to the North Bay allows you to taste these top-notch bites, from cheese and produce to oysters and wine, at the source. An easy day trip from San Francisco, many tours will include transportation alongside tastings.

East Bay

The East Bay city of Berkeley is home to much more than the famed university. Its district known affectionately as the Gourmet Ghetto is home not only to Alice Waters’ famous restaurant, Chez Panisse—credited as the birthplace of California cuisine—but several of the highest-quality food producers in the world. Tours offer a sampling of the area’s many specialties, with an emphasis on local, organic, and seasonal ingredients.

San Francisco is a great city for walking, but when the weather doesn’t cooperate, it’s important to know where to take cover. Don’t let precipitation (most common in winter and spring) dampen your sightseeing. Here's how to make the most of a rainy day during your holiday by the bay.

• Board a bus, minivan, or private vehicle for a sightseeing tour of the city and stay dry.
• Discover legendary and contemporary artworks at the de Young Museum, Legion of Honor, or Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).
• Shop for gourmet goods from Bay Area food purveyors at the Ferry Building Marketplace, which boasts four dozen merchants including an independent bookstore.
• Take restless kids to the California Academy of Sciences (Golden Gate Park), Exploratorium (Pier 15), Aquarium of the Bay (Pier 39), or the Walt Disney Family Museum (Presidio)—and skip the line with a booked ticket.
• Spend the day shopping at Union Square department stores and luxury boutiques, and check out premium retailers at Westfield San Francisco Centre.

While San Francisco is known for its many, many restaurants, it’s worth saving one meal for a lunch, brunch, or dinner cruise, simply for the chance to be out on beautiful San Francisco Bay. Here’s what you need to know about SF dining cruises.

Highlights

• Cruises range from two to four hours—easy to fit into your sightseeing schedule.

• A cruise on the bay provides an up close view of Alcatraz Island.

• Some cruises glide under or right up to the Golden Gate Bridge for a photo op you can’t get elsewhere.

• Depending on the time of day, you can look for sea lions or dolphins in the water or admire the twinkling city lights.

• Most boats depart along the Embarcadero, either near Fisherman’s Wharf or the Ferry Building, which can be reached from the major hotel areas by cab, streetcar, or cable car.

Lunch and Brunch Cruises

Daytime cruises typically feature a buffet lunch or brunch so you can select what you’d like to eat and spend your time enjoying views of Sausalito, Angel Island, Tiburon, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco skyline, including the Transamerica Pyramid. Most cruises include nonalcoholic beverages with alcohol available for purchase; a brunch cruise typically includes sparkling wine for mimosas.

Dinner Cruises

Dinner on the water takes your meal up a notch, whether you’re after a romantic evening or celebrating a special occasion with family or friends. Watch the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge and the city lights start to brighten the night as you enjoy a multicourse meal, which is typical of dinner cruises. Some include wine while others offer alcohol for purchase. For something really special, opt for a helicopter tour and San Francisco dinner cruise combo.  

For a quintessential San Francisco experience, catch a ride up and down the city's hills on a classic cable car. From the views of the bay to the charming historic cars, this is one of the best ways to see the sights in SF. Here are your options.

Highlights

• See the best of San Francisco on its most iconic form of transportation.

• Ride the official cable car on its established routes, or take to the roads in a motorized cable car for more flexibility.

• Many tours will combine a cable car ride with other means of transportation to cover a lot of ground while still offering the iconic cable car experience.

• Motorized cable car tours often include commentary featuring San Francisco history and fun facts.

Independent Cable Car Rides

Three main cable car lines run through the city: California, Powell–Mason, and Powell–Hyde. Lines to purchase tickets are often long, as each car only carries about 30 passengers. Book a city tour that includes a cable car ticket so you can explore independently without having to wait in line for your ticket, or choose to ride the less crowded California line rather than the ones that run up Powell.

Sightseeing Cable Car Tours

See the city and tackle its famous hills from the comfort of a motorized cable car. You'll pass top sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Chinatown, and Fisherman's Wharf with flexibility to hop on or off as you'd like. Or, choose a more structured tour with an expert guide, either a group tour or one with a private chauffeur.

Combo Tours

For extra flexibility, select a tour that combines a ride on a hop-on hop-off motorized cable car with a visit to Alcatraz. Other cable car tours also include a bike rental so you can cycle along the San Francisco waterfront and see areas unreachable by road.

A unique alternative to driving across, biking over the Golden Gate Bridge is a must-do in San Francisco, offering great views of the bay and seaside towns on the other side. To help you choose the right bike tour for you, here are your options.

Guided Bike Tours

Guided excursions offer an easy route and live commentary on the history, culture, and landmarks of the San Francisco Bay Area. Learn where to find tasty eats, interesting shops, and the best spots for photo ops as you pedal from Fisherman’s Wharf and over the Golden Gate in the company of other travelers from around the world. Depending on the tour you choose, you may even keep your bike rental for a full day so that you can continue on your own after the guided tour.

Independent Bike Rentals

Explore at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Bike rentals typically include a map, a bike lock, and suggested points of interest for your ride, then leave you with the freedom to shape your itinerary along the way. You might bike along the waterfront Embarcadero before heading to the bridge and taking photos of the city from the turnouts along the way. Once you make your way across the bridge to the North Bay, you can grab a bite to eat in the seaside town of Sausalito before deciding whether to ride back to San Francisco or take your bike on the ferry to return by boat (and skip the steep uphill ride back to the Golden Gate Bridge).

Combo Tours

Make the most of your time with tour options that combine a Golden Gate Bridge biking excursion with a visit to another top San Francisco attraction — after your bike ride, cruise to Alcatraz Island to visit the infamous former prison; walk among California’s towering redwood trees at Muir Woods; or browse the waterfront cafes and boutiques in Sausalito.

December through February can bring fog and crisper temps to San Francisco’s generally mild, temperate weather—perfect for cozying up with a hot beverage or doing some holiday sightseeing. Many visitors choose to venture farther afield to the snowy wonderlands found in the nearby mountains. Here are some options for exploring SF in winter.

• Get into the holiday spirit with a festive cable car tour of the city’s dazzling lights.

• Glide under the Golden Gate Bridge during a holiday dinner and dancing cruise on San Francisco Bay.

• Warm up with a legendary drink on a pub crawl in bohemian North Beach.

• Hover above San Francisco landmarks on a scenic helicopter tour.

• Ride a double-decker bus past top attractions for evening sightseeing.

• Visit Alcatraz Island and learn about the former penitentiary and its infamous inmates.

• Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the California Academy of Sciences after exploring Golden Gate Park.

• Take the entire family to the Aquarium of the Bay and hang out with sharks, rays, octopus, jellyfish, river otters, and more.

• See Yosemite’s granite peaks sprinkled in snow and admire the national park’s majestic waterfalls.

• Go skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling at Lake Tahoe.

The coastal highway from San Francisco to the Monterey Peninsula is one of the most beautiful drives in California. Whether you plan to explore the peninsula’s quaint towns or learn about its rich history, here’s how to make the most of a day trip.

Highlights

• Relax and enjoy the scenery of the Pacific Ocean’s iconic, rugged coastline during the drive down Highway 1.

• See unparalleled exhibits of marine life from all over the world at the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium.

• Step into a John Steinbeck novel by exploring Monterey’s Cannery Row and Fisherman’s Wharf.

• Stop off at Pebble Beach Village to visit the Pebble Beach Golf Course and see the stunning, coastside 18th green.

• Get a glimpse of early California history at the old Spanish mission of Carmel.

• Visit Carmel-by-the-Sea and the unbelievably scenic 17-Mile Drive, including the photo-worthy Lone Cypress.

Things to Know

• The gorgeous drive from San Francisco to Monterey down the Pacific coast takes about four hours.

• The return trip to San Francisco via the inland route (past the Silicon Valley tech campuses) takes about 2.5 hours.

• A private day tour allows you to customize your own itinerary and receive the undivided attention of your guide.

San Francisco and the Summer of Love may be forever linked in the world’s cultural memory, but these days, the city’s more of a tech hub than a hub for grooviness. Fortunately, you can still explore the neighborhoods where flower power blossomed.

Highlights

• Hop on a Summer of Love–themed hippie bus and see some of San Francisco’s most beautiful outdoor areas like the Presidio, Golden Gate Park, as well other sights made famous by Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead, all set to a groovy soundtrack with a far-out tour guide.

• See sights like Haight Street and the Castro at your own pace by taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

• Explore San Francisco like a pro on a self-guided tour, driving a classic Volkswagen convertible Bug equipped with GPS.

• Sip your way through the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood on a craft-beer walking tour that’s limited to just 12 drinking buddies.

• Take a ride on a classic cable car that’s been retrofitted with wheels to explore different neighborhoods, then hop off for guided walking tours of Civic Center, Alamo Square, the Haight-Ashbury, and Golden Gate Bridge.

San Francisco’s culinary scene trots the country and the globe, from the cafes of North Beach and eateries in Chinatown to classic taquerias of the Mission District. Foodies and casual diners alike find authentic and critically acclaimed cuisine influenced by the city’s Italian, Chinese, and Latino immigrants.

Must-Try Dishes

Starting in North Beach, the city’s Little Italy, try shellfish stew called cioppino —it’s a San Francisco original. Of course, there’s nothing quite like a large slice of wood oven-fired pizza, with dough made fresh before your eyes. Traditional dishes such as gnocchi (dumplings) and house-made pastas are always on the menu. Delicatessens serve classic Italian sandwiches while cafes are known for gelato and cannoli. Meandering into Chinatown, it’s dim sum that’s the star attraction, from multicourse sit-down meals to mom-and-pop shops serving up individual dumplings. Empanadas, tacos, and Mission-style burritos are made daily in one of San Francisco’s most diverse neighborhoods. Gourmet desserts range from freshly made doughnuts to horchata-flavored cupcakes, or opt for the classic pan dulce (Mexican pastry) at a local bakery.

Must-Do Experiences

• Sip a cappuccino at Caffé Roma in North Beach and learn how coffee is roasted on-site.
• Observe fortune cookie production at the Fortune Cookie Factory and taste a variety of dim sum dishes on a food walking tour of Chinatown.
• Sample Mission District cocktails on a guided tasting tour that pairs food with drinks.
• Meet artisan food purveyors at the San Francisco Ferry Building, known for its oysters, artisan breads, and farm-fresh cheeses, to name a few.
• Combine stops at city landmarks, from Coit Tower to the Women’s Building MaestraPeace Mural, en route to beloved San Francisco restaurant.