The Best Things to Do in San Francisco, Ranked
San Francisco's top-rated experiences in one list — from Alcatraz and Bay cruises to the Golden Gate Bridge bike ride and Yosemite — ordered by real traveller review scores.
Available
15 options
Avg. rating
4.6 - 29,057 reviews
From
$22 USD
Cancellation
Free up to 24h before
Best Things to Do: what to know before booking
San Francisco's top-rated experiences in one list — from Alcatraz and Bay cruises to the Golden Gate Bridge bike ride and Yosemite — ordered by real traveller review scores.
- Availability
- 15 ticket options compared
- Starting price
- Tickets currently start around $22 USD before checkout fees.
- Rating signal
- Compared options average 4.6 stars across 29,057 traveler reviews.
- Location
- Across the city — most headline sights cluster on the northern waterfront, with day trips departing central SF
- Best time
- Spring and autumn for clearer skies; book Alcatraz and Yosemite as far ahead as you can
- Ticket note
- Most are date- or time-stamped; check each booking
Best Things to Do in San Francisco
Sorted by review signal, price, and availability. Tap any card to book through the provider checkout.
Everything you should know before you book
San Francisco rewards a mix of island history, on-the-water views, hilly neighbourhoods, and big-nature day trips. This ranking pulls the city's highest-rated bookable experiences so you can build a shortlist fast, whether it's your first visit or your fifth.
Book the marquee tickets ahead. Alcatraz routinely sells out a week or more in advance, and Yosemite tours and weekend Bay cruises fill quickly. Everything below is bookable with instant confirmation and, on most options, free cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in San Francisco?
Alcatraz Island is the essential first booking because it sells out days ahead, but a Bay cruise and the Golden Gate Bridge bike ride round out the classic San Francisco trio. This list ranks them all by traveller reviews.
How many days do you need in San Francisco?
Two days covers the city highlights; three lets you add a Yosemite, Muir Woods, or wine-country day trip. See our 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-day San Francisco itineraries.
Is San Francisco expensive for tourists?
It's on the pricier side for US cities, but multi-attraction passes (CityPASS, Explorer, All-Inclusive) cut the cost if you're hitting Alcatraz, a cruise, and several museums.