Top 25 Things to Do in San Francisco for New Visitors

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.

• 🌐 Skydive California | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Nearby: Livermore Premium Outlets 

🎈 2. Napa Valley Hot Air Balloons

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

• 🌐 Napa Valley Aloft | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Nearby: Napa Art Walk, Oxbow Market 

🤿 3. Scuba Diving in Monterey Bay

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

• 🌐 Breakwater Scuba | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Upcoming: Cannery Row Jazz Fest (July 6–7)

🛥 4. Whale Watching Tours (Half Moon Bay)

Seasonal boat tours for humpback and gray whales.

• 🌐 HMB Whale Tours | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 June–August Peak Migration

🏄 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.

• 🌐 Official Site | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Summer Splash Fest (July weekends) 

🚲 7. Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour

Ride across the iconic bridge with rental or guided tours.

• 🌐 Blazing Saddles | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Nearby: Crissy Field, Presidio Picnic (Sundays)

🧗 8. Planet Granite SF

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

• 🌐 Planet Granite | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Nearby: Mission Rock Park

⛸️ 9. Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling

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

• 🌐 Official Site | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Nearby: Yerba Buena Gardens Festival (Live Jazz, Theater) 

🎳 10. Mission Bowling Club

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

• 🌐 Official Site | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Nearby: Dolores Park, Valencia Street Night Market 

🌺 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.

• 🌐 Official Site | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Nearby: Embarcadero Street Performers, Ferry Building Marketplace

🎡 13. Pier 39 & Fisherman’s Wharf

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

• 🌐 Official Site | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Upcoming: July 4th Waterfront Fireworks Show  

🪐 14. California Academy of Sciences

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

• 🌐 Official Site | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Nearby: Music Concourse, De Young’s Summer Art Nights 

🏞️ 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.

• 🌐 SFSymphony.org | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Upcoming: Summer Concert Series

🌊 17. Sausalito Ferry & Waterfront

Take a scenic ferry and explore this artistic seaside town.

• 🌐 Golden Gate Ferry | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Live Jazz Nights, Sausalito Art Festival (Early July)

🎨 18. SFMOMA

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

• 🌐 SFMOMA | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Nearby: Yerba Buena Rooftop Garden

🍷 19. Sonoma Valley Wine Tour

Ideal for wine lovers, offering tastings and vineyard tours.

• 🌐 Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Events: Barrel Tasting Weekends

🎮 20. Musée Mécanique

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

• 🌐 Official Site | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Nearby: Hyde Street Pier Maritime Events

🍓 21. Ferry Plaza Farmers Market

Fresh produce, artisan foods, and waterfront views.

• 🌐 Ferry Building | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Saturdays & Tuesdays

🏕 22. Angel Island State Park

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

• 🌐 Official Site | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Ranger-led tours and picnic areas

🏖 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.

• 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 Duck feeding, waterfall trails

🎥 25. Castro Theatre

Classic movie palace showing cult films and hosting special events.

• 🌐 Official Site | 📍 Google Maps

• 🎉 LGBTQ+ Film Festival (July 5–7)