How to Tackle San Francisco as a First Timer
With so much to see and do, it's easy to get overwhelmed when planning a trip to San Francisco. From exploring the hilly streets and pastel-colored Victorian homes to sailing on the bay and hiking in the redwoods, here's how to make the most of your time in San Francisco.
See the Sights
Though San Francisco is a manageable size, with its steep hills and limited public-transit options, sightseeing tours are the best way to see the city's iconic sights. Book a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour for the most flexibility, or opt for neighborhood walking tours to slow down and uncover the city's past.
Visit the Museums
Marvel at revered paintings, sculptures, and photographs at San Francisco's art museums, including the Legion of Honor and de Young museums. Book advance tickets to avoid weekend lines, and join a gallery tour for insight into the works on display. Best of all, a ticket to either museum is good for same-day admission to both.
Hike in the Redwoods
One of the most fantastic features of San Francisco is hiking just a stone's throw from the city. Don't miss the old-growth trees in Muir Woods, over the Golden Gate Bridge in Mill Valley, including towering redwoods and sequoias. Because public transit won't take you there, book a tour that includes a hike and stops at nearby waterfront towns.
Go Wine Tasting
Sip California's famous wine just north of San Francisco at two of the most celebrated wine-producing areas in the country: Napa and Sonoma valleys. Take a wine-tasting tour to avoid the worry of driving yourself. Group tours offer a great value, and private tours let you choose the vineyards you'd like to visit.
Bike Over the Golden Gate Bridge
Perhaps San Francisco's most notable attraction, the Golden Gate Bridge should be on every visitor's itinerary. Don't miss the chance to bike over the bridge—several guided tours will lead the way, or you can rent a bike and head over on your own.
Sail on San Francisco Bay
Feel the wind in your hair with a sail on San Francisco Bay, where you can enjoy views of the Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Book a sailing excursion for a romantic cruise with drinks, or, for a bit of history, opt for an Alcatraz Island tour—you get to see the infamous prison island and enjoy views of the bay on your included ferry ride.
35 Tours and Activities
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San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch
2393
For one of the best wine country tours from San Francisco, combine a visit to Northern California wine country with a Muir Woods experience for a truly fabulous day out. This Super Saver provides two popular tours at one discount price, allowing you to see and taste the delights of Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties. You’ll begin with a walk through Muir Woods National Monument with an informative guide to stare up in wonder at the towering redwood trees. Then you'll visit three wineries, with wine-tasting included. You’ll also cross the Golden Gate Bridge and have free time on Sonoma Plaza to buy lunch if you haven't opted to upgrade to the lunch option.
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From
$159.00
Price varies by group size
From
$159.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito)
2964
Wander through an ancient coastal redwood forest and explore the artistic bayside enclave of Sausalito on this half-day tour from San Francisco. Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to visit Muir Woods, home to some of the oldest and tallest trees on Earth. Then, soak up stellar views of the San Francisco skyline and browse art galleries along the Sausalito waterfront. At the end of your tour choose between getting dropped off at Union Square in San Francisco or taking the Sausalito ferry back to San Francisco.
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From
$73.00
From
$73.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise
707
Sail across San Francisco Bay at twilight to admire the city skyline as it begins to light up for the night. With an experienced captain at the helm, you’ll glide past Alcatraz Island and cruise underneath the Golden Gate Bridge.
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From
$90.00
From
$90.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Guided Bike Tour
419
On this San Francisco bike tour, you’ll cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge from the city to the waterfront town of Sausalito. With a guide, ride from Fisherman’s Wharf to Marina Green and Crissy Field, and stop at Fort Point and Vista Point for photo ops of the bridge and San Francisco Bay. The 3-hour guided tour ends in Sausalito, where you are free to bike more on your own and return to the city at your leisure (either bike back or purchase a ferry ticket). This tour includes use of the bike for the full day.
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From
$55.00
From
$55.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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San Francisco Museum of Modern Art General Admission Ticket
74
SFMOMA houses more than 33,000 modern and contemporary works of art on seven floors. See paintings, sculptures, photography, architecture, design, and media created by masters. Plus, with two restaurants and a cafe, it’s easy to take a break whenever you’re in need to regain some extra energy.
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From
$25.00
From
$25.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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de Young Museum General Admission Ticket
35
Enjoy general admission to San Francisco’s de Young Museum, home to one of the city’s most prominent art collections. Seated in Golden Gate Park, you have the chance to explore the rare artifacts of the permanent collections, as well as sculptures and paintings. Upgrade your ticket to include entrance to the Special Exhibits. Be sure to stop at the Hamon Observation Tower before heading out, and enjoy spectacular views of the famed Twin Peaks and the San Francisco skyline. With this ticket, you can also enter the Legion of Honor Museum at no extra cost.
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From
$15.00
From
$15.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Full Day Bike Rental from Fisherman's Wharf
48
Discover San Francisco on your own schedule with a 1-day bike rental. Visit the crooked path of Lombard Street, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Golden Gate Bridge and other culturally rich and unique San Francisco neighborhoods. This self-guided trip gives you the opportunity to create your own itinerary as you explore the beloved City by the Bay. The entire fleet of equipment is sanitized regularly and curbside pick-up is available to ensure that your rental experience is safe and enjoyable.
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From
$32.00
From
$32.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Legion of Honor Museum General Admission Ticket
28
Explore one of San Francisco’s most prominent art collections with admission to the Legion of Honor Museum. Set in the headlands above the Golden Gate Bridge, the building’s stunning neoclassical exterior is modeled after the Palais de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris. Inside, discover an impressive collection of ancient Mediterranean art, European paintings and sculptures, and the most extensive assemblage of works on paper in the American West. Upgrade your ticket to include entrance to the Special Exhibits. Your ticket also allows you to enter the de Young Museum at no extra cost.
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From
$15.00
From
$15.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise
329
Admire San Francisco and its surrounding sights from the water on a San Francisco Bay sailing cruise. Onboard a catamaran, sail past the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, legendary Alcatraz Island, and the hamlet of Sausalito. Take advantage of great photo ops while you soak up the sea breeze during this scenic tour.
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From
$72.00
From
$72.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Muir Woods Expedition Tour of Coastal Redwoods
60
Experience the majesty of Northern California’s Coastal Redwood Sequoia trees at Muir Woods. This half-day tour takes visitors to some of the Bay Area’s most peaceful spots. Spend 1.5 hours beneath some of the tallest Redwood trees in the world, take a short hike, or just enjoy the views. Then stop for lunch in Sausalito and opt to take the scenic ferry ride back to the city, or be driven across the Golden Gate Bridge. Ideal for visitors looking to get out of the city and spend some relaxing time in the forest.
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From
$85.00
Price varies by group size
From
$85.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Small Group Napa Valley Tour for Wine Lovers
140
Escape for a day in the wine country on this exclusive Napa Valley winery tour from San Francisco. Your small group tour visits three estate wineries, beginning with Castello di Amorosa. A private guide, leads you to discover the winemaking process and learn the differences among the varietals. Enjoy the Napa Valley regions of Yountville, St. Helena, and Rutherford. Stop for photos at the “Welcome Napa” sign and the Golden Gate Bridge.
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From
$239.00
Price varies by group size
From
$239.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Small Group San Francisco Sunset Experience
9
Start your tour from the bustle of Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 and continue along the Embarcadero waterfront as you pass by the iconic Ferry Building. Then, travel across the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island for a 45-minute stop to enjoy views of the San Francisco skyline. As the sun goes down, relax with a drink at Mersea restaurant, a highly popular restaurant among visitors and locals. You will have the opportunity to order food in advance, if you wish.
After enjoying the San Francisco sunset at Mersea, your tour proceeds with an intimate night tour, which takes you to see the best spots in San Francisco.
Cross the Bay Bridge to catch an unforgettable view of the city lights, then drive through the Financial District up to Nob Hill, where you will stop at the ornate Gothic style Grace Cathedral. Cruise through the back alleys of Chinatown, and savor the aromas of Italian dinners in North Beach as you drive along Colombus Avenue. Your tour ends back at Fisherman’s Wharf.
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From
$65.00
From
$65.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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San Francisco Tech Walking Tour - Small Group
2
Find out how San Francisco became the tech capital of the world! Why did everything start here? What is the secret recipe for success that everyone comes to learn? This tour will take you on a 2-hour journey through the Financial District of San Francisco. All of these questions and many more will be answered and you’ll be able to feel the startup spirit as we walk through the city. We will talk about the people that came here as college dropouts, made it big and are changing the world today.
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From
$39.00
From
$39.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco
2591
Escape to California’s famous wine country on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Taste regional varietals at multiple wineries in Napa and Sonoma, including both big-name and family-run estates. Learn about the winemaking process during guided tours of vineyards and barrel rooms, and savor the area’s gourmet culture with a stop for lunch in charming Sonoma Square Plaza.
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From
$149.00
From
$149.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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The Ultimate Day in the Bay Including Muir Woods
401
Enjoy an insider overview of San Francisco on this excursion that includes a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Muir Woods National Monument. You are driven around the city in a small group to see its diverse neighborhoods and geography, stopping several times for breathtaking photo ops of famous sites and memorable stories. This local-led tour visits culturally significant neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Haight-Ashbury, as well as the large homes of Pacific Heights. After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, guests will visit the towering redwood trees of Muir Woods and the beautiful waterfront town of Sausalito for lunch (own expense).
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From
$125.00
From
$125.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Bike the Golden Gate Bridge and Shuttle Tour to Muir Woods
68
Enjoy two of San Francisco’s top activities in one day on this 6-hour combo experience that includes biking across the Golden Gate Bridge and transportation to Muir Woods National Monument (entrance fee not included). When you reach Sausalito at the end of your bike ride, just hop on a shuttle for the ride to the redwood trees of Muir Woods.
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From
$85.00
From
$85.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More
Muir Woods and Sausalito Half Day Tour
18
Experience Muir Woods National Monument and the quaint waterfront town of Sausalito on one half-day tour. Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge on a guided day trip that includes pickup in a convenient central location in downtown San Francisco, transportation to Marin, and National Park entrance fees. Enjoy free time among the ancient redwoods, then explore Sausalito at your own pace before returning to San Francisco by ferry.
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From
$79.00
From
$79.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Small Group Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour
76
Hike the redwoods and sip on world-class wine on this Muir Woods wine country day trip. Led by an expert guide, enjoy views of the San Francisco Bay and Marin Headlands as you travel to the trails of the famous Muir Woods. After admiring groves of California redwoods, head to Sonoma and Napa Valley for an afternoon of wine tasting. There, sample wine and cheese at a handful of notable cellars before returning to your original departure point.
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From
$169.00
From
$169.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Wine Country Small-Group Tour from San Francisco with Tastings
445
Explore Sonoma Valley wine on a small-group tasting tour from San Francisco to boutique wineries, making sightseeing stops along the way. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, enter Sonoma's rolling landscape of golden hills and vineyards, and enjoy a series of guided tastings, learning about Sonoma wine varietals and terroir as you sip. After your time in Sonoma, pause in the artists' colony of Sausalito, with the option to return to San Francisco by ferry for great views across the San Francisco Bay.
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From
$149.00
From
$149.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Private Sonoma and Napa Wine Tour from San Francisco
118
Visit some of the top wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties on this private wine tour from San Francisco. Traveling by private vehicle with your own chauffeur, you'll discover the best of California wine country as you enjoy wine tastings at select wineries. When booking, select the option that suits your group size. Because this is a private tour, your itinerary can be customized.
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From
$485.00
per group
From
$485.00
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Custom Muir Woods and Napa Wine Tour From San Francisco
3
Experience San Francisco sights and Napa Valley wine tasting on a full-day private tour in a luxury vehicle. Create your ideal itinerary with visits to local wineries, a tour of Muir Woods and a stop for lunch or diner (own expense). Add group photos with Golden Gate Bridge backdrop if you choose. Don’t worry about a designated driver, navigating, or logistics, as you relax, take in the views, taste some of the world’s best wines, and get to know the Napa Valley.
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From
$485.00
per group
From
$485.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Sonoma and Napa Wine Tour Including Custom Concierge
6
Enjoy a seamless, stress-free way to explore Napa and Sonoma—and leave the driving to someone else as you indulge in multiple wine tastings—on this private day trip from San Francisco. Meet your driver in the morning, hop aboard your luxury vehicle, and head into wine country. Upon arrival, visit multiple wineries, and enjoy in-depth tours and tastings (additional expense) before returning to the city.
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From
$156.00
Price varies by group size
From
$156.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour
2387
Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks with a choice of 2 different passes. Explore the city's 49 square miles, including stops at big-name attractions like Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts and Union Square. Go at your own pace, hopping off at any of 16 stops, exploring at your leisure, and then hopping back on when you're done. Choose the Premium pass to include a night tour or a Deluxe pass for an additional 24 hours of hop-on-hop-off and a night tour.
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From
$40.50
From
$40.50
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More
The Perfect Blend: Napa and Sonoma Combo Wine Tour from San Francisco
288
Get a taste of Northern California wine country on this full-day tour of Napa and Sonoma County. Led by an expert guide, you’ll stop at three boutique wineries to sample delicious reds and whites. As you travel through the countryside, you’ll learn the history and viticulture of this world-class region. Your tour will conclude with drop-off at your hotel in San Francisco.
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From
$189.00
From
$189.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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- How to Get Off the Beaten Path in San Francisco
- Food Lover's Guide to the San Francisco Bay Area
- San Francisco Museums After Dark
- San Francisco Dining Cruises
- Don't-Miss Dishes in San Francisco
- How to Spend a Rainy Day in San Francisco
- Biking Across the Golden Gate Bridge
- How to Tackle San Francisco as a First Timer