DESTINATION GUIDE

Things To Do In San Francisco

Bay breezes, skyline views, legendary venues, and day trips you will still be talking about next year. Compare tickets, book must-do tours, and stitch together a San Francisco trip worth bragging about.

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Concerts & Venues Shows & Arts Sports Bay Cruises & Alcatraz Neighborhood Tours Wine Country & Day Trips Beaches & Outdoors Festivals By Month FAQ

Concerts & Venues

From historic halls to waterfront nights, San Francisco's concert calendar is packed year round. Book early for summer amphitheater shows.

Major Venues

Chase Center (Mission Bay)
Oracle Park (select concerts)
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
The Warfield, The Fillmore, The Masonic
Shoreline Amphitheatre (Mountain View)
Greek Theatre (Berkeley) and Frost Amphitheater (Stanford)

Shows & Arts

Broadway tours, stand up, ballet, symphony, and indie theater keep the lights bright across the city.

Classic Rooms

Orpheum and Golden Gate Theatres
Davies Symphony Hall and SFJAZZ Center
Castro Theatre (special events)

Sports

Ballpark sunsets, buzzer beaters, and Bay area rivalries make San Francisco a must for sports fans.

Home Teams & Venues

San Francisco Giants (MLB) at Oracle Park
Golden State Warriors (NBA) at Chase Center
San Francisco 49ers (NFL) at Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara)
San Jose Sharks (NHL) at SAP Center (South Bay)

Bay Cruises & Alcatraz

Golden Gate and skyline cruises, sunset sails, and the island everyone asks about. Alcatraz day and night tours are limited. Book timed tickets early.

Neighborhood & City Tours

Cable cars, Chinatown alleys, Mission murals, North Beach cafés, Painted Ladies, and the Ferry Building. See it all with a guided loop.

Don't Miss

Chinatown and North Beach food walk
Golden Gate Bridge vista stops (Crissy Field, Marin Headlands)
Haight Ashbury and Victorian architecture tour
Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 sea lions

Wine Country & Day Trips

Napa and Sonoma tastings, Muir Woods redwoods, Yosemite day trips, and Highway 1 coastal drives to Monterey and 17 Mile Drive.

Beaches & Outdoors

Fog or sun, the views always deliver. Pick a coastal walk and bring layers.

Quick Picks

Land's End trail and Sutro Baths
Baker Beach and Presidio overlooks
Golden Gate Park (gardens and museums)
Angel Island hiking and ferry

Festivals & Big Weekends

Hotel rates spike for tentpole events. Book early for these signature weekends.

Outside Lands in August, Golden Gate Park multi stage festival
Fleet Week in October, air shows and waterfront events
SF Pride in June, parade and citywide stages
Chinese New Year Parade in January or February, largest outside Asia
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in October, free festival in the park
Bay to Breakers in May, citywide costumed race weekend

San Francisco By Month

Weather shifts by micro climate. Layers always win.

January through March: Clear views after rain, theater and museum season
April through June: Blossoms and bridge walks, early festivals
July through September: Foggy mornings, sunny afternoons, peak shows
October through December: Warm days, Fleet Week, and holiday lights

San Francisco FAQ

Do I need a car?

No. Stay central and use Muni, cable cars, rideshare, or tour transport for day trips.

Where should I stay?

Union Square or SoMa for theaters and arenas. Fisherman's Wharf for bay cruises. Marina or Nob Hill for views.

How early should I book Alcatraz?

Reserve weeks ahead for weekends and holidays. Night tours and combo tickets sell fastest.

How do I save?

Bundle attractions, go midweek, and compare marketplaces for tickets and tours.