San Francisco is a vibrant city that offers a lot of exciting things to do both within the city limits and in the surrounding areas. There’s always something new to discover, from iconic landmarks and cultural attractions to outdoor adventures and annual events.

Here are some suggestions for things to do near San Francisco:

1. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and is worth a visit. Take a walk across the bridge or rent a bike and ride across. There are also plenty of lookout points where you can snap a photo of the bridge and the city skyline.

2. Explore Golden Gate Park

This 1,000-acre park is one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions. There are many things to do here, including visiting the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

3. Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island.

Alcatraz Island was once a maximum-security prison and is now a popular tourist attraction. Take a ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf to the island, explore the prison cells, and learn about its history.

4. Visit Muir Woods

Muir Woods is a beautiful national park outside San Francisco. It’s home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world, including the giant redwoods.

5. Go wine tasting in Napa Valley.

Napa Valley is one of the world’s premier wine regions and is just an hour’s drive from San Francisco. Take a guided tour of some of the region’s best wineries and sample their award-winning wines.

6. Go hiking in Mount Tamalpais State Park.

Mount Tamalpais State Park is located just north of San Francisco and offers some of the best hiking trails in the area. The park is also home to breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay.

7. Attend the San Francisco International Film Festival

The San Francisco International Film Festival is the oldest in the United States and is held annually in April. The festival features a wide range of independent and international films.

8. Visit the Exploratorium

The Exploratorium is a science, art, and human perception museum on Pier 15 in San Francisco. The museum features over 600 interactive exhibits that will engage visitors of all ages.

9. Go to a Giants game at Oracle Park.

Oracle Park is the home of the San Francisco Giants and offers stunning views of the bay. Grab a hot dog and a beer, and cheer on the home team.

If you’re planning to stay in the area for an extended trip, consider exploring nearby accommodations like summer rentals in San Francisco for a convenient and relaxing experience during your visit.

San Francisco hosts world-famous festivals and events throughout the year.

Here are 8 of the most popular festivals and events:

1. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival is a free annual music festival in Golden Gate Park. The festival features over 100 musical acts and is a must-see for music lovers.

2. Chinese New Year Parade

Held in February or March, this parade is one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of China. It features colorful floats, lion dancers, and firecrackers.

3. San Francisco Pride

This annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebration in late June features a parade, parties, and concerts. It’s one of the most significant Pride events in the world.

4. Outside Lands Music Festival

This three-day music festival in Golden Gate Park in August features a diverse lineup of famous and up-and-coming artists.

5. Fleet Week

In October, Fleet Week celebrates the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. The event features air shows, ship tours, and other military demonstrations.

6. Eat Drink SF

This food and wine festival is in August and features some of the city’s top chefs and mixologists. Attendees can sample food and drinks from some of San Francisco’s best restaurants and bars.

7. San Francisco International Film Festival

The oldest film festival in the United States, this event is held in April and features independent and international films.

8. How Weird Street Faire

This colorful street festival in May celebrates San Francisco’s eclectic culture. It features music, art, and plenty of eccentric costumes.

These are just a few of the many annual festivals and events in San Francisco. Whether you’re interested in food and wine, music, culture, or celebrating diversity, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant and exciting city.

What are the top 50 landmarks in San Francisco, CA?

  1. Golden Gate Bridge
  2. Alcatraz Island
  3. Fisherman’s Wharf
  4. Lombard Street
  5. Palace of Fine Arts
  6. California Palace of the Legion of Honor
  7. Coit Tower
  8. San Francisco City Hall
  9. Cable Cars
  10. Chinatown
  11. Haight-Ashbury District
  12. Mission Dolores
  13. Golden Gate Park
  14. San Francisco Bay
  15. AT&T Park
  16. Oracle Park
  17. Ferry Building Marketplace
  18. Sausalito
  19. Muir Woods National Monument
  20. Mount Tamalpais State Park
  21. Berkeley Hills
  22. University of California, Berkeley
  23. Tilden Regional Park
  24. Oakland Museum of California
  25. Lake Merritt
  26. Jack London Square
  27. Oakland Zoo
  28. San Francisco Zoo
  29. De Young Museum
  30. Exploratorium
  31. Walt Disney Family Museum
  32. Alamo Square
  33. Baker Beach
  34. Lands End
  35. Fort Funston
  36. San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
  37. Ghirardelli Square
  38. San Francisco Botanical Garden
  39. Japanese Tea Garden
  40. Muir Beach
  41. Stinson Beach
  42. Angel Island State Park
  43. Bay Bridge
  44. San Francisco Cable Car Museum
  45. Painted Ladies
  46. Filbert Steps
  47. Ferry to Angel Island
  48. USS Hornet Museum
  49. Pacifica State Beach
  50. San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Note that this is not an exhaustive list, and many more landmarks are worth exploring in the Bay Area!