10 TOP Things to Do in Bay Area (2025 Activity Guide)

North Beach featuring street scenes and cycling

California State Capitol showing heritage architecture

South of Market which includes a city, a park and skyline

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Most popular experiences in Bay Area

Tours & day trips

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San Francisco Night Tour

Free cancellation available

History & culture

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San Francisco: Inside Alcatraz Tour with Bay Cruise

Private & custom tours

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GoCar San Francisco Tour

Free cancellation available

Adventure & outdoor

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Hidden Stairways of San Francisco

Free cancellation available

Classes & workshops

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Turkish Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop

Free cancellation available

What to do in Bay Area

Popular places to visit

Stanford University

4.5/5(34 reviews)

Enjoy the student vibe around Stanford University, a top university in Palo Alto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Golden Gate Park

4.5/5(323 reviews)

Sit for a while and relax among the trees, flowers and wildlife in this popular park, right on San Francisco's doorstep.

Pier 39

4/5(364 reviews)

Head to the waterfront for thrilling rides, captivating street performers and plenty of souvenir shops. But the main draw has to be the resident sea lions.

Golden Gate Bridge

4.5/5(362 reviews)

Don’t drive it, walk it. Walking this 2.7 kilometre iconic bridge is a real experience, best appreciated on two legs.

Treasure Island showing landscape views, a sunset and a river or creek

San Francisco Bay

4.5/5(145 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at San Francisco Bay, a popular spot to commune with nature in San Francisco. Make some time to visit the shops while you're in the area.

Oracle Park

4.5/5(24 reviews)

Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.

Alcatraz Island

5/5(247 reviews)

Now a National Park, this rocky island was once home to one of the most feared prisons in the United States.

Moscone Convention Center

4/5(13 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the fascinating museums and notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Santana Row Shopping Center

4/5(1 review)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home with a trip to Santana Row Shopping Center, a favourite shopping spot in San Jose. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Areas of Bay Area

Fisherman's Wharf

5/5(4 area reviews)

Travellers love Fisherman's Wharf for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Jones St and Beach St Stop or Jefferson St & Taylor St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay.

Union Square

4/5(287 area reviews)

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco

3/5(52 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

South of Market

3.5/5(113 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from Oracle Park to Chase Center – discover South of Market, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nob Hill

4.5/5(78 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from Grace Cathedral to SF Masonic Auditorium – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Downtown San Jose

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Jose. You can visit top attractions like San Pedro Square and St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica, and jump on the metro at Santa Clara Station or St James Station to see more of the city.

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