Top 25 Things to Do in San Francisco for New Visitors

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San Francisco is a city that blends iconic charm with adventurous spirit. Whether you’re into breathtaking outdoor views, high-adrenaline thrills, or relaxing weekend getaways, the Bay Area has something for everyone. Here’s your complete and SEO-optimized guide to fun things to do in San Francisco area, including attractions, prices, hours, nearby markets, parks, upcoming events, and a 5-day itinerary.

🪂 1. Skydiving Adventures (Skydive California)

Jump from 13,000 feet for the ultimate adrenaline rush. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

🎈 2. Napa Valley Hot Air Balloons

Scenic sunrise flights over vineyards include light breakfast. Flights begin at 6 a.m.

🤿 3. Scuba Diving in Monterey Bay

Marine sanctuaries make it a diver’s paradise. Tours 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

🛥 4. Whale Watching Tours (Half Moon Bay)

Seasonal boat tours for humpback and gray whales.

🏄 5. Ocean Beach Surfing

Surf or watch pros tackle the Pacific waves. Surf shops nearby for rentals.

  • 📍 Google Maps

  • 🎉 Nearby: Beach Chalet, Great Highway Park

🎢 6. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo)

Theme park with rollercoasters, animal shows, and water rides.

🚲 7. Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour

Ride across the iconic bridge with rental or guided tours.

🧗 8. Planet Granite SF

Indoor rock climbing gym with auto-belay and bouldering options.

⛸️ 9. Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling

A favorite for families and couples, combining ice skating and bowling in one location.

🎳 10. Mission Bowling Club

Retro-style bowling with local eats and live DJs on weekends. Open noon–midnight.

🌺 11. Golden Gate Park

Botanical gardens, museums, and trails make this park ideal for families and nature lovers. Open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight.

  • 🌐 Official Site | 📍 Google Maps

  • 🎉 Nearby: De Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park Band concerts (Sundays) 

🏛️ 12. Alcatraz Island

Tour the historic prison via ferry and enjoy audio stories of famous inmates. Ferries run 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

🎡 13. Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf

Packed with seafood spots, shops, and sea lions, this area is lively from morning till night.

🪐 14. California Academy of Sciences

Indoor rainforest, aquarium, and planetarium in one amazing location. Open 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.

🏞️ 15. Twin Peaks

Get a sweeping view of the city skyline, perfect for sunsets and photos. Accessible all day.

  • 📍 Google Maps

  • 🎉 Nearby: Castro Theatre LGBTQ+ Film Fest (July 5–7)  

🎭 16. SF Symphony & Opera

World-class performances year-round in Civic Center.

🌊 17. Sausalito Ferry & Waterfront

Take a scenic ferry and explore this artistic seaside town.

🎨 18. SFMOMA

Seven floors of modern art with rotating exhibitions. Open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

🍷 19. Sonoma Valley Wine Tour

Ideal for wine lovers, offering tastings and vineyard tours.

🎮 20. Musée Mécanique

Vintage arcade on Fisherman’s Wharf with 20th-century games.

🍓 21. Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Fresh produce, artisan foods, and waterfront views.

🏕 22. Angel Island State Park

Accessible by ferry; offers hiking, history, and views.

🏖 23. Baker Beach

Relax, picnic, or snap Golden Gate photos from the sand.

  • 📍 Google Maps

  • 🎉 Nearby: Lands End Trail, Battery Chamberlin

🛶 24. Stow Lake Boating

Rent pedal or rowboats in Golden Gate Park.

🎥 25. Castro Theatre

Classic movie palace showing cult films and hosting special events.

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