FREE THINGS TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO

  • 1. Golden Gate Bridge – Stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building, this well-known bridge is the gateway to San Francisco.
  • 2. Lombard Street – San Francisco’s most famous winding street showcases eight sharp switchbacks and stretches down a steep slope from the Presidio East to The Embarcadero.
  • 3. Pier 39 – From amazing views and a sea of sea lions to chowder bread bowls and California wines, your visit to San Francisco starts at PIER 39. Kick off your visit by exploring two levels of dining, entertainment, shopping and attractions, all surrounded by unbeatable views of the city and the bay. Take it from the world famous sea lions: a visit to San Francisco starts at The PIER.
  • 4. Fisherman’s Wharf – The historic Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s must-visit spots. Even getting there is an experience in itself—you can hop on a classic cable car from downtown. Dine at a scenic waterfront restaurant (try the famous sourdough bread bowl), explore the area’s shops and art galleries, check out the street performances and don’t miss the historic WWII submarine—the USS Pampanito. You can catch all these highlights on a walking, bike or big bus tour. Stay for the magnificent sunset views and if you’re lucky, you might even spot the mischievous sea lions at Pier 39.
  • 5. Golden Gate Park – The third most visited park in the United States, this green urban space has plenty of gardens, wildlife, museums, and art to enjoy.
  • 6. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre – Designed to look like a Greco-Roman ruin, this structure was originally built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. It’s now a prime events venue.
  • 7. Twin Peaks – Standing over 900 feet above the city, these two hills offer hikers sweeping views of San Francisco’s main sights – highly recommended at sunset.
  • 8. Ferry Building Marketplace – A city landmark transformed into a gourmet food emporium and farmers market.
  • 9. Chinatown – San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the largest Chinese enclaves outside Asia. The best time to visit is during Chinese New Year, when the area comes alive with a grand celebration. Enter through the much-photographed Dragon Gate and take your time to explore the winding back alleys. Don’t miss China Live, a multi-story building filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and a food demonstration hall. Before you leave, stroll down Grant Avenue, the main tourist thoroughfare lined with shops. Restaurants here get really crowded at dinnertime; reservations are highly recommended.
  • 10. Cable Car Museum – A museum to San Francisco’s beloved cable cars, with a subterranean walkway that lets you see the moving cable.

BEST NON-FREE THINGS TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO

  • 1. Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco – Travel by minibus from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park on a small-group day trip to one of the most visually stunning places on earth. This full-day itinerary takes you through the orchards of the Central Valley to Yosemite Valley, stopping first for a stroll through a grove of giant sequoias. Find plenty of photo ops of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Fall, and more. Numbers are limited to 15 passengers to ensure a personalized experience.
  • 2. Alcatraz San Francisco Bay Cruise with Night Option – This convenient package gives you access to two separate essential San Francisco experiences—a visit to Alcatraz Island, and a sightseeing cruise. Instead of waiting in long ticket lines, this time-saving option helps you explore San Francisco more efficiently. Take a ferry to Alcatraz Island where you can go inside the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary and enjoy an audio guide. A San Francisco Bay cruise is also included with views of Pier 39’s sea lions, the waterfront area, and the city’s skyline. Please note, children 4 years old and younger do not need purchased tickets.
  • 3. Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco – 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.
  • 4. Alcatraz Ticket: San Francisco, Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour – Discover the best of San Francisco with an unforgettable experience that lets you fully enjoy your vacation while we take care of everything for you. This all-inclusive adventure combines the city’s top attractions, the tranquil beauty of Muir Woods, and the history of Alcatraz. Explore iconic neighborhoods like Chinatown, North Beach, and Fisherman’s Wharf, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll among the towering redwoods of Muir Woods, and savor a lunch break in the charming bayside town of Sausalito. Let us handle the details so you can enjoy your vacation.
  • 5. Big Bus San Francisco: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour – Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco’s most famous landmarks with a choice of 3 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. You can upgrade to a 2-day ticket with a guided city walking tour or pick the option which includes entry to either The Flyer or the 7D Experience at Pier 39.
  • 6. San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch – Visit Northern California wine country and Muir Woods for a truly fabulous day out. This Super Saver provides two popular tours at one discounted price: Begin with a walk through Muir Woods National Monument, then tour three wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys, with tastings included. You’ll also cross the Golden Gate Bridge, with a stop for a photo opportunity. Guests can buy lunch if you haven’t upgraded to the gourmet lunch option.
  • 7. San Francisco City Lights Cruise – Bypass the line and head directly to the gate with your prebooked tickets. This sunset cruise takes you across San Francisco Bay with outstanding views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Relax while background music sets the tone. Watch the sunset or select a twilight cruise during winter months.
  • 8. Golden Gate Bay Cruise – Explore one of California’s most iconic settings from the beauty of San Francisco Bay. This narrated Golden Gate Bay cruise journeys alongside Alcatraz and Angel Island State Park, past the shores of Sausalito and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. You can choose to view the sights from inside your boat or out on deck.
  • 9. San Francisco Love Tour – Hop on a ‘70s-era VW bus and get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today. Starting and ending at Fisherman’s Wharf, this 2-hour sightseeing tour takes you around the city, including Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. See the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to ‘60s classics. So settle into a neon-blue seat and dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.
  • 10. Alcatraz Island Tour Package Inside – Combine a full-day bike rental with tickets to Alcatraz and a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods in a single package. Start off with a guided bus tour over the bridge and to the Muir Woods National Monument, where you can take in the stunning views of the San Francisco skyline. Then, head out to Alcatraz on the ferry with your prepaid ticket; buying in advance avoids sold-out days or times, which are frequent. Tour the island with your included 3-hour audio tour, then head back to San Francisco where you can explore further on your own with a 24-hour bike rental.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT

BARS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT