Experience the Charm of San Francisco rich in cultural delights. From the Iconic Golden Gate to Lively Fisherman’s Wharf: San Francisco, Where Every Moment is a Postcard Waiting to Happen!
Judy guided us through the coastal park of San Francisco over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. She was very knowledgeable and funny with some great stories. We were lucky enough just to be on the tour by ourselves. Check in was very easy and equipment and explanation on how to use our bikes was good. Can highly recommend this tour.
We really enjoyed the San Francisco tours we booked with CheapTixTickets. Everyone else we talked to on our tours said they paid alot more for their tickets . So we know we got good value. Will recommend to all our other friends.
We booked the Muir Woods and Bay boat tours, both were very enjoyable and highlights of our stay in San Fran.
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Our most recommended things to do in San Francisco
Indulge in the most exquisite culinary tours and wine tastings in San Francisco – discover unique flavors and experiences that will tantalize your taste buds.
Nourish your taste buds and uncork new adventures with top culinary tours and wine tastings in San Francisco, where each experience promises a journey beyond the palate.
Fulfill your taste buds with Francisco's top-rated wine country eateries, where flavors blend into unforgettable experiences – discover the hidden culinary gems awaiting you!
The must-see attractions in San Francisco are: California Academy of Sciences San Francisco Zoo Aquarium of the Bay Exploratorium Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco See all must-see sights in San Francisco
San Francisco, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene, offers a variety of tours that cater to every interest. Here are some of the best tours in San Francisco:
Alcatraz Island Tour: Visit the infamous former federal prison. The tour includes a ferry ride to the island and an audio guide detailing the history of Alcatraz and its notable inmates.
Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour: Bike across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito, enjoying breathtaking views of the bay and skyline. Many tours allow you to return by ferry, offering a different perspective of the city.
San Francisco City Tour: These guided tours, which can be bus, van, or even Segway tours, offer a comprehensive overview of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Painted Ladies.
Chinatown Walking Tour: Dive into the rich culture and history of one of North America’s oldest and largest Chinatowns, including visits to temples, markets, and tea shops, often with food tastings included.
Cable Car Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: Experience San Francisco’s iconic cable cars with the flexibility to explore the city’s sights at your own pace, including Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Ghirardelli Square.
Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour: Escape to the serene Muir Woods National Monument to marvel at ancient coastal redwoods, then visit the charming town of Sausalito for shopping and waterfront dining.
Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour: Spend a day tasting some of the world’s best wines in the famous Napa and Sonoma Valleys, with most tours offering visits to multiple wineries and vineyards.
San Francisco Food Tour: Explore San Francisco’s culinary scene through its diverse neighborhoods, such as the Mission District for Latin cuisine or North Beach for Italian delicacies.
San Francisco Night Tour: See the city light up at night, with tours often including the Bay Bridge lights, the illuminated skyline, and vibrant nightlife districts.
Ghost Tours: Discover the haunted history of San Francisco with nighttime walking tours that explore the city’s most eerie legends and ghost stories.
Street Art and Graffiti Tour: Venture into neighborhoods like the Mission to see stunning murals and learn about the artists and cultural history behind the city’s vibrant street art scene.
Silicon Valley Tech Tour: For tech enthusiasts, tours to Silicon Valley offer a glimpse into the headquarters and landmarks of major tech companies, including Google and Apple, and insights into the area’s innovation culture.
These tours offer a blend of adventure, culture, history, and natural beauty, providing visitors with a comprehensive and memorable experience of San Francisco.
San Francisco’s location offers an array of diverse and exciting day trips and excursions, allowing visitors to explore the rich landscapes, historic sites, and charming towns of Northern California. Here are some of the best options:
Muir Woods National Monument: Just a short drive from San Francisco, this park is home to ancient coastal redwoods, offering serene hiking trails and a break from the urban hustle.
Napa Valley and Sonoma County: World-renowned for their wineries and vineyards, these regions offer wine tastings, gourmet dining, and beautiful landscapes. Many tours offer round-trip transportation from San Francisco.
Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Drive down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to these coastal towns, known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and the stunning beauty of Carmel’s white sandy beaches.
Yosemite National Park: Although a bit of a longer trip, Yosemite’s breathtaking vistas, waterfalls, and hiking trails make it a worthwhile day trip or overnight excursion.
Sausalito: Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito offers waterfront dining, art galleries, and beautiful views back towards San Francisco. It’s easily accessible by car, bike, or ferry.
Santa Cruz: Known for its boardwalk, beaches, and surf culture, Santa Cruz is a laid-back coastal city with amusement parks, museums, and natural beauty.
Berkeley: Home to the University of California, Berkeley, this city offers a vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and the renowned Berkeley Botanical Garden.
Point Reyes National Seashore: A bit farther out, this coastal area offers beautiful hikes, stunning ocean views, and the chance to see wildlife such as elephant seals and tule elk.
Silicon Valley: For tech enthusiasts, a trip to the heart of the technology world can include visits to the campuses of companies like Google and Apple, as well as the Computer History Museum.
Half Moon Bay: A charming coastal town known for its beaches, golf courses, and the annual Mavericks surf competition.
Alcatraz and Angel Island Combo Tour: While Alcatraz is closer to San Francisco, combining it with a trip to Angel Island offers a mix of history, hiking, and panoramic views of the Bay Area.
Gold Country: Explore the historic towns of California’s Gold Rush era, such as Sonoma, with their quaint shops, historic sites, and beautiful scenery.
Each of these destinations provides a unique glimpse into the natural beauty and cultural richness of Northern California, making them perfect for day trips or longer excursions from San Francisco.
San Francisco offers a variety of kid-friendly tours that are both educational and entertaining. Here are some of the best tours to consider when visiting the city with children:
Alcatraz Island Tour: Fascinating for older kids, this tour includes a ferry ride and an audio tour of the famous prison. It’s a captivating lesson in history.
California Academy of Sciences Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Kids can enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at one of the largest natural history museums in the world, featuring an aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest.
San Francisco Duck Tours: An amphibious vehicle tour that explores the city streets before splashing into the San Francisco Bay, offering a unique and fun perspective of the city.
Cable Car Ride and Museum: A ride on the iconic San Francisco cable cars is a must-do, and the Cable Car Museum offers a look into the history and mechanics of these famous cars.
Golden Gate Park Segway Tour: For families with older kids, a Segway tour through Golden Gate Park can be a fun and different way to see the sights.
Exploratorium: Not a tour per se, but this interactive science museum is a wonderland for kids, offering hands-on exhibits that explore art, science, and perception.
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens Tour: The zoo offers guided tours where kids can learn about various animals and their habitats.
Bike Tours: Families can enjoy guided bike tours across the Golden Gate Bridge and around other scenic areas of the city, suitable for older kids.
Children’s Creativity Museum: Another interactive museum that encourages creativity and innovation in children through art, technology, and media.
Pier 39 Sea Lion Tour: Learn about the famous sea lions that reside at Pier 39. The tour often includes educational components about marine life.
Chinatown Walking Tour: Explore the vibrant streets, history, and culture of San Francisco’s Chinatown, including visits to temples, markets, and tea shops.
San Francisco Fire Engine Tours: An exciting tour for kids, exploring the city on a vintage fire engine.
These tours offer a mix of education, adventure, and fun, catering to different ages and interests and ensuring that families have a memorable time exploring San Francisco.
San Francisco, with its diverse landscape and mild climate, offers a wealth of outdoor activities that cater to all interests. Here are some of the best outdoor activities to enjoy in the city:
Golden Gate Bridge: Walking or biking across this iconic bridge provides breathtaking views of the city and bay.
Golden Gate Park: Explore this massive park, home to gardens, museums, picnic spots, and beautiful trails for walking or cycling.
Alcatraz Island Tour: Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island and explore the historic prison, gardens, and incredible views of the San Francisco Bay.
Cable Car Rides: Experience this historic mode of transportation and enjoy scenic views of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39: This bustling area offers shopping, dining, street performances, and a chance to see the famous sea lions.
Lands End Trail: Hike along the coastline for stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean.
Twin Peaks: Drive or hike up to these two hills for one of the best panoramic views of San Francisco.
Dolores Park: Join locals in this popular park for picnics, people-watching, and enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Sausalito: Just across the Golden Gate Bridge, this charming town offers beautiful waterfront views, art galleries, and boutiques.
Beaches: Visit Baker Beach or Ocean Beach for a relaxing day by the Pacific Ocean, ideal for sunbathing, picnics, and walks.
Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Paddle around the San Francisco Bay or along the coast for a unique view of the city.
Yerba Buena Gardens: Enjoy the outdoor art, gardens, and free cultural performances in this urban oasis.
These activities showcase the natural beauty and urban charm of San Francisco, making them perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike.
San Francisco offers a variety of engaging indoor activities perfect for rainy days, ensuring that your visit remains exciting and enjoyable regardless of the weather. Here are some of the best options:
Exploratorium: This interactive science museum offers hands-on exhibits that engage both children and adults, making it a fun and educational experience.
California Academy of Sciences: An architectural marvel, this museum houses an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one living roof.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): Art enthusiasts can enjoy an extensive collection of contemporary and modern art in this world-renowned museum.
Aquarium of the Bay: Located at Pier 39, this aquarium focuses on local aquatic animals from the San Francisco Bay and neighboring rivers.
Asian Art Museum: Home to one of the most comprehensive collections of Asian art in the world, it’s a great place to immerse yourself in different cultures.
The Walt Disney Family Museum: Discover the life and legacy of Walt Disney with interactive galleries featuring early drawings, cartoons, and films.
San Francisco Opera or Symphony: If you’re interested in music or performing arts, check the schedule for performances at the War Memorial Opera House or Davies Symphony Hall.
Alcatraz Island: While it involves a short ferry ride, much of the Alcatraz tour is indoors. Explore the infamous prison with its rich history.
Ghirardelli Square: Indulge in some of San Francisco’s famous chocolates and enjoy shopping and dining in this historic landmark.
Bookstores and Cafes: San Francisco has a variety of charming bookstores and cafes, perfect for relaxing with a good book and a cup of coffee.
Each of these activities offers a unique way to experience the culture and history of San Francisco while staying dry and comfortable indoors.
