Fun Even in the Fog
San Francisco, with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge and historic Fisherman’s Wharf, is a treasure trove of unique things to do. Despite the tech boom’s transformation of the cityscape, the free-spirited soul of San Francisco still thrives in neighborhoods like the Mission District, the Castro, and Haight-Ashbury. Local guides bring you closer through tours and activities that showcase the city's resilient spirit and rich culture. Enjoy tranquil bike rides in Golden Gate Park, vibrant food tours in Chinatown and North Beach, and nearby escapes to Napa Valley, Yosemite, and Muir Woods, among other unforgettable experiences — all while earning Marriott Bonvoy points.
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Discover why people leave their hearts in SF with these iconic experiences.
Sunset sails, brunch, up-close views of Alcatraz and more.
Escape to Napa and Sonoma for a day of wine tasting with round-trip transport.
Explore multicultural menus across neighborhoods on food tours.
Visit natural (and UNESCO-recognized) wonders on day trips from San Francisco.
For a city that only spans seven-by-seven miles, there’s plenty of things to see and do. Luckily, you can pack a lot into a weekend.
Start the morning at Fisherman’s Wharf before the crowds, as vendors set up for a busy day and fresh sourdough bread wafts from the classic Boudin Bakery. While most locals tell you to avoid the tourist center, there’s a quirky charm to the area, which opened in 1978. It’s also the launching point for most San Francisco Bay cruises, including Alcatraz.
Further down the Embarcadero, it’s a chance to choose your own adventure. Rent bikes and pedal along the San Francisco Bay Trail. Snag tickets to a Giant’s baseball game at Oracle Park. Walk to a special exhibit at the SFMOMA.
For those who want to see it all in a day or two, take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. It’s an affordable way to hit all the big sights and allows you to explore at your pace. (It’s also more fun than waiting for ride shares or taking public transportation.)
For an off-the-beaten-path experience, pack some snacks and head to the Sutro Baths at Lands End for a hike with stunning ocean views and a peek into San Francisco's history. If it’s a warmer day, which can happen especially in September, take a dip at Aquatic Park where the bay waters are calm (albeit cold). Finish off your nature walk or hike with a stop at the Beach Chalet, a casual restaurant and brewery with ocean views and a biergarten. From here, you gain easy access to Golden Gate Park for more natural wonders.
Kick off your day by ambling through the majestic Palace of Fine Arts, a true architectural gem, then meander over to Golden Gate Park for a tranquil boat ride on Stow Lake. As you float past serene landscapes and man-made islands, keep an eye out for the elegant swans that grace these waters.
In the afternoon, make your way to Twin Peaks for one of the city’s most stunning panoramas. The view from here, with the cityscape sprawling below and the bay in the distance, makes for a perfect backdrop for a memorable moment.
Come evening, immerse yourself in the intimate culinary delights of North Beach, the city’s beloved Little Italy. Post-dinner, enjoy the bohemian ambiance of Vesuvio Cafe, a historic spot favored by poets and artists alike. Cap your night with a stroll along the Embarcadero, where the Bay Bridge lights up the water, adding a twinkling finish to your San Francisco exploration.
The Mission District is the heart of San Francisco’s culinary scene, a vibrant area known especially for its authentic Mexican taquerias. Here, you can savor the city's best burritos, but it's also a hub for innovative dining. Take a guided tour of the neighborhood’s iconic food. On foot, you will also get up close with a variety of neighborhood murals, colorful expressions of social and political commentary that adorn building facades.
As evening approaches, duck into one of the Mission's dive bars, where neon signs light up the interiors with a gritty glow, offering an authentic taste of San Francisco’s nightlife. Trendy spots like Delfina dish out artisanal pizzas, while Flour + Water explores modern Californian cuisine. With its mix of classic and contemporary, the Mission embodies the diverse and adventurous spirit of San Francisco’s food scene.
When you're exploring with kids, you're in for plenty of San Francisco treats. Here are a few of the top places in San Francisco that are perfect for the whole family.
Golden Gate Park invites you to disconnect from the urban rush.There’s something for everyone here: playgrounds, the California Academy of Sciences with its living roof and planetarium, and boat rentals on Stow Lake. In 2020, the city made the JFK Promenade a car-free zone, transforming the park into an urban wonderland. Here, people glide on roller skates, baristas serve coffee from cozy parklets, and musicians fill the air with melodies. Wander along the paths to encounter your own sort of magic, be it impromptu yoga classes, dance parties, and art installations that blend seamlessly with nature.
Some of the most beloved attractions of San Francisco live in this park, including the Japanese Tea Garden, the de Young Museum, and the Music Concourse. Don’t miss the historic carousel near the Koret Children’s Quarter, or the fairytale-like Conservatory of Flowers.
Pier 39 may be what comes to mind when out-of-towners think of the San Francisco waterfront, but there’s plenty more to be discovered. A must-visit is the Exploratorium at Pier 15 along the Embarcadero. It's an interactive science and art museum that fascinates children and adults alike. From optical illusions to hands-on physics experiments, it’s a place where curiosity runs wild. A short walk from there, the historic cable cars await to take you on a memorable ride up the steep city streets, a real thrill for the little ones.
For a unique twist, consider a day trip to Alcatraz Island. It’s intriguing for older kids, steeped in history and mystery, and offers some of the best views of the San Francisco skyline.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back day, head to Crissy Field for a picnic and kite flying with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s less crowded than some tourist spots and gives kids plenty of space to run around.
Whether it's the misty, gray summers (thanks to what locals playfully call Karl the Fog) or the crisp, quiet winters, every season in San Francisco has its own charm.
Spring in San Francisco is arguably the best time to visit. The weather begins to warm, and the city shakes off its winter chill. April is perfect for exploring the blooming beauty of the Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park without the summer crowds. In May, you can catch the annual colorful spectacle called Bay to Breakers, a quintessential San Francisco experience where a festive parade of costumed runners winds through the city.
June brings Pride Month, one of the city's most vibrant and meaningful celebrations. Notably, the San Francisco Pride Parade and Festival draw visitors from around the globe for a weekend of parades, performances, and parties. Whether or not you are visiting during the festivities, don’t miss the chance to take a walking tour of the Castro to learn more about Harvey Milk, as well as the community efforts and small businesses of this LGBTQ+ neighborhood.
Contrary to popular belief, summer in San Francisco often starts with foggy mornings and cool temperatures. While the temperatures may be cooler or unpredictable, there’s no shortage of things to do in San Francisco during the summer. The Fillmore Jazz Festival in early July transforms Fillmore Street into the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast.
Meanwhile, August brings the popular Outside Lands to Golden Gate Park for a 3-day festival of huge headliners, up-and-coming artists, and plenty of locally acclaimed food and drinks.
As the summer fog begins to lift in September, the city celebrates the SF Fringe Festival, an eclectic gathering of adventurous and often experimental performances.
October in San Francisco is what many locals would call the real summer. It’s a perfect time for sunnier explorations of the city’s many outdoor attractions. From renting bikes to cross the Golden Gate Bridge for a day in Sausalito to hopping in a VW van for a sunny ride along the coastline and through the Haight, it’s a great time to maximize time outdoors.
Fleet Week is one of the most notable events of the month, complete with air shows featuring the Blue Angels, ship tours, and military demonstrations.
October also marks the annual Litquake, San Francisco’s literary festival, which spans ten days of readings, workshops, and literary walks across the city. For those who want a deeper dive into San Francisco’s Beatnik history, opt for North Beach literary tours to learn about Allen Ginsberg and his contemporaries.
November ushers in the holiday season with unique shopping opportunities like the Renegade Craft Fair. Meanwhile, December might be chillier, but the city's festive lights and celebrations, such as the Union Square Christmas Tree Lighting, make it a magical time to visit.
Winter in San Francisco is mild compared to much of the U.S., with temperatures rarely dipping below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This "off-season" period is ideal for avoiding the usual tourist crowds and for enjoying the city’s indoor culture. January’s SF Sketchfest brings together comedians from around the world for a three-week celebration of comedy in venues across the city.
In February, celebrate Chinese New Year, one of San Francisco's most dramatic and delightful events. The parade, boasting over 100 entries, culminates in a 250-foot-long Golden Dragon ("Gum Lung") meandering through the streets. Chinatown walking tours delve deeper into the history and the traditions held by the oldest Chinese-American community in the United States.
For those who want to see Yosemite, the towns of Highway 1, or the Napa-Sonoma wine country without the crowds, this may be the best time to go if you can handle some winter weather.