San Francisco Things To Do

Be the first to get:
– Free Weekly Travel Deals
– Expert Vacation Ideas
This Week's Top 25
Flight Deals
Hotel Deals
Vacation Deals
Cruise Deals
Car Rental
Smart Luxury Deals

iStock International

Things To Do

An amalgamation of culture and ethnicities from Japanese to Italian, San Francisco's offerings are as diverse as the people who comprise the city. Whether it's visiting Capone's old stomping grounds or aimlessly wandering through one of the many Asian neighborhoods (a recent census revealed that over one third of the city’s population is Asian), it's easy to find ways to fill your days.

FREE Issue of Sherman's Travel Magazine
Smart Splurge    Great Value
Alcatraz Island
From Pier 33, ride an Alcatraz Cruise ferry (www.alcatrazcruises.com) to the infamous US fort turned federal penitentiary. Tours explain the island’s colorful (and scary!) history. Book ahead as ferry tickets can sell out up to a week in advance during peak season.
San Francisco, CA; 415-981-7625; www.nps.gov/Alcatraz
Tags: family | tour | history | boat tour
Golden Gate Park
See the park’s Japanese Tea Garden, de Young Museum and Observation Tower (www.deyoungmuseum.org), and rare, tropical plants at the Conservatory of Flowers (www.conservatoryofflowers.org). For the ultimate experience, visit on foot or bike.
San Francisco, CA; www.nps.gov/goga
Tags: family | architecture | history | view | gardens | editor pick
Pier 39
Come for incredible scenic views, wacky street performers, and California sea lions, plus shopping at over 110 shops, dining, gaming in the arcade, or wildlife-spotting at the aquarium.
San Francisco, CA; 415-705-5500; www.pier39.com
Tags: family | aquarium | wildlife | entertainment | view | restaurants
San Francisco Seaplane Tours smart splurge
A Golden Gate tour is nice, but a Champagne Flight is spectacular. Passengers sip champagne at sunset while soaring above the coastline – the most romantic 30-minutes of your life, guaranteed.
242 Redwood Hwy.; Sausalito, CA; 415-332-4843; www.seaplane.com
Tags: romantic | tour | smart splurge | view | airplane
Yerba Buena Gardens great value
Most events at the gardens are free including jazz concerts, opera, spoken-word events and children’s programming. The children’s garden, public art museums and historic carousel are also worth visiting.
San Francisco, CA; www.yerbabuenagardens.com
Tags: family | free | outdoors | history | great value | gardens | nature
Exploratorium
Learn about science at their many exhibits – be sure to test your sense of touch in the pitch-black tactile dome. Tues-Sun 10am-5pm.
Marina 3601 Lyon St.; San Francisco, CA; 415-397-5673; www.exploratorium.edu
Tags: family | museum | educational | editor pick
Twin Peaks
It’s a bit of a hike, but the sweeping city, bay and ocean views are worth it. Miss the fog by heading up in the early morning.
By car: Turn right on Twin Peaks Boulevard off of Portola, Market St.; San Francisco, CA
Tags: family | outdoors | view | nature
Legion of Honor
Immortalized in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo, this Greco-Roman-style stone structure looks like something you would expect to find in an ancient Grecian town; inside you’ll find collections of European artists, including work by Rodin, that span four centuries. The Legion of Honor occupies one of the highest points in the city: hike to its edge for a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Straights. Tues-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm; free admission first Tues of each month.
Lincoln Park; 34th Ave. and Clement St.; San Francisco, CA; 415-750-3600; www.famsf.org/legion/index.asp
Tags: family | culture | museum | views | art
Compare Rates
  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Packages
  • Cruises
  • Cars
Enter your trip details
 
 
 
Enter your trip details
Step 1
 
 
 
Enter your trip details
Step 1
 
 
 
Enter your trip details
Step 1
 
 
 
Enter your trip details
Step 1
 
 
   
 
Compare Rates
  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Packages
  • Cruises
  • Cars
Travelers:
Travelers:
 

Deals

Related Articles

  • Top 10National Park Lodges
    Nothing says "summer escape" like a visit to a national park – plan on sleeping over in style
  • Top 10City Hotels from Under $100
    These city hotels offer great location, plenty of character, and even a few luxe extras – all at surprisingly affordable rates!
  • Top 10Cities for Foodies
    Let our tastebuds wander the globe in search of sustenance
  • Top 10Fall Destinations
    Make the most of the season, whether you're a leaf-peeper, a wine-taster, or a city lover
  • Guide 101California Wine Country 101
    An excercise in gourmet, picture-perfect indulgence