35 Things to Do in the Bay Area from Events to Tours to Attractions

Why not go beyond San Francisco? There are so many things to do in the Bay Area. It is bursting with iconic landmarks, stunning hikes, world-class museums, and family-friendly fun.

From crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and exploring Alcatraz to wandering Muir Woods or riding coasters at California’s Great America, every corner offers something unique.

Here are 35 top picks across San Francisco, Marin County, Oakland, Monterey, and beyond.

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1. Golden Gate Bridge

Distinction in SF: One of the most beloved and recognizable landmarks, at the city's northwest corner

The Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County. It is a popular stop for tourists from around the world.

It's one of the best things to do in the Bay Area, and you will not want to miss it!

You can drive, walk, or bike across to check out this fantastic structure. It's 1.7 miles across and is free for pedestrians and cyclists. My favorite part of visiting is soaking in the skyline views of San Francisco. You get an amazing view from the bridge.

After visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, check out the exhibits on the San Francisco side. They explain more about how the Golden Gate Bridge was built, those who helped create this magnificent structure, and other fun facts.

>> Find out more about visiting the Golden Gate Bridge

>> Get some tips to prepare for your walk across

2. Point Reyes National Seashore

Distance from San Francisco: Just over 1 hour northwest on the coast

Point Reyes National Seashore is a stunning tourist destination that gives you the best of California. With an excellent combination of ocean breakers hitting the rocky Pacific coast, fabulous beaches, and fantastic grassland housing diverse wildlife, this place is like no other.

A rich cultural history is here to be explored, and the many different peoples who have inhabited the land here are a story waiting to be told.

With many miles of glorious beaches and unspoiled landscapes, this is one of my favorite places to hike and enjoy the wonders of the wild.

Seasoned hikers can take a 13-mile round-trip hike to see the glorious Alamere Falls. It's tough, but well worth the trek to see this fascinating coastal waterfall. 

From December to May, you can spot migrating whales from the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock, a sight to be cherished.

>> More free things to do around the SF Bay Area

3. Muir Woods

Distance from San Francisco: About 45 minutes northwest 

One of the unique things to do in the Bay Area is to explore some of our gorgeous Coastal Redwoods, and one of the best places to see them is Muir Woods.

This Marin County gem features historic redwood trees up to 800 years old and 300 feet tall. I enjoy strolling along the flat, easy-to-use trails, which allow you to slowly walk among the giants and imagine everything that's happened worldwide since these they started growing.

They are green and lush all year, so you can visit them no matter the season. This tour takes you there quickly from San Francisco without the hassle of arranging transport.

>> Learn more about visiting Muir Woods

>> Find my tips on how to get here from San Francisco

More Great Muir Woods Tours

4. Tilden Regional Park

Distance from San Francisco: About 30 minutes east near Berkeley

Tilden Regional Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the East Bay area. It makes for a wonderful family day out with a wide variety of attractions.

The miniature steam train takes children and adults for a stunning park tour, and the vintage carousel is a true delight. 

The Botanic Garden houses the most extensive collection of native Californian plants in the world, some of which are rare and endangered. 

The Lake Anza Swim Beach is a beloved place for local youth. Fishing on the lake is year-round! There are camping facilities, too.

With almost 40 miles of trails for walking, biking, and horse riding, Tilden Park has something for everyone.

5. Alcatraz Island

Distance from San Francisco: 25-minute ferry ride in the bay

Another fantastic stop in San Francisco is Alcatraz Island. This former military and federal prison sits on an island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay and is open daily for visitors.

This adventure starts with a 25-minute ferry to the island and a chance to walk through the central prison with a self-guided audio tour. My favorite part is spending some time after the tour to explore other open parts of island on my own. 

On my visits, it's fascinating to learn about some of its most famous prisoners, including Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and Robert "The Birdman" Stroud. I'm sure you've heard about all of them in the past, but it's a surreal experience to be there and think about how these three famous men spent their time here. 

It's a great way to look into the Bay Area's past.

>> Find out more about taking a tour of Alcatraz Island

Great Alcatraz Combo Tickets

6. Stinson Beach

Distance from San Francisco: 40 minutes northwest on the coast

The beautiful sands of Stinson Beach are accessed by a steep and winding road that leads to the car parking area. This famous beach is an ideal place to get away from the frantic activity of the city.

Located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the beach is popular with families who come here to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and the Pacific Ocean waves.

There is no camping on or near the beach, but if you're looking for more nature experiences, there are many exciting trails for hikers and mountain bikers to explore that start from Stinson Beach and take you around scenic Mt. Tamalpais State Park.

Fishing is a popular beach activity, and surfers and windsurfers come here to enjoy the perfect waves.

Try to get to Stinson Beach before midday, as car parking is limited as the spaces fill up quickly.

7. Safari West

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 10 minutes north in Santa Rosa

One of the most exciting attractions in the Bay Area is Safari West, which brings the Serengeti to wine country! This fabulous tourist attraction allows visitors to take a day safari or to stay in one of their great glamping units.

They also offer wine and dining events where you can enjoy California's best wines with an African theme. With close to 900 animals and more than 90 species within the park, you will see wildebeests in herds, fascinating giraffes, zebra, cheetahs, and many more exotic species native to Africa.

The whole family will be thrilled when taken on a safari by a knowledgeable guide. Family favorites include the cute ring-tailed lemurs, the fearsome rhinoceros, a wide variety of birds, antelopes, and the curious fennec fox with oversized ears!

A popular attraction, booking in advance is recommended.

>> Visit their official site to learn more

8. Lombard Street

Distinction in SF: The "crookedest street in the world" in the Russian Hill neighborhood

If you're in San Francisco, this free postcard-perfect attraction is worth a stop to take in the beauty of the city's steep hills and awesome views. 

You can drive down this curved brick road or, what I typically do, walk down the stairs on either side. In the spring, summer, and fall months, you can also admire the gorgeous flowers and gardens inside each hairpin turn.

I recommend taking one of the excellent guided tours of Lombard Street if you want to learn even more about this interesting attraction. 

>> Find out more about visiting Lombard Street

9. California's Great America

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour southeast in Santa Clara (next to the 49ers Levi's Stadium)

California's Great America is the premier amusement park in the Bay Area, with more than 60 rides and plenty to keep a family entertained for many hours.

I recommend setting aside a whole day if you wish to enjoy Great America. Tickets include access to South Bay Shores Waterpark, which adds to the variety with extreme water slides, wave pools, and more.

Among the most popular attractions is RailBlazer, an unusual and exciting single-rail rollercoaster.

There are rides suitable for small children as well as those that will attract the thrill-seekers in the family! There are many places to dine within the park, and you can also take in an entertaining show or special event.

The park caters to groups, so if there are many of you attending, book a group, especially in advance. This amusement park packs everything in, so plan and decide which rides you want to enjoy in advance.

>> Visit their site for more information

10. Palace of Fine Arts

Distinction in SF: One of SF's most photogenic parks, located in the waterfront Marina District

The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is the only historic building still standing from the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition. Its ornate Roman-style archictecture gives you a feel for what it must have been like to attend this important event.

Today, you can walk along the path to admire the colonnades from up close. I recommend standing underneath its great dome to check out the intricate details.

I love grabbing lunch along Chestnut Street and then coming to the lawns in front of the lagoon to have picnics here, too. The park is open every day and free to visit.

>> Find out more about the Palace of Fine Arts

11. Winchester Mystery House

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour southeast in the city of San Jose

The Winchester Mystery House is one of the South Bay’s most unusual and fascinating attractions. Imagine a house with 10,000 windows, 2,000 doors, and 47 staircases!

Built by Sarah Winchester, heir to the rifle fortune, the sprawling Victorian mansion is filled with architectural oddities—staircases that lead nowhere, doors that open into walls, and windows overlooking other rooms.

The design reflects both her eccentric vision and the legends surrounding her life. Stories abound of paranormal activity in the building, and it is regularly seen in the top 10 'haunted houses.'

Visitors can explore the beautifully crafted rooms and lush gardens, and learn the history behind the myths. Part haunted house, part architectural marvel, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that blends mystery, history, and curiosity in every corner.

>> More about visiting this Bay Area gem

12. Santana Row

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour southeast in the city of San Jose

San Jose's showpiece retail outlet, Santana Row, is a place where high-end brands and local shops come together in one open-air plaza with European-style plazas, fountains, and sidewalk cafés.

In addition to stores, it boasts a fantastic choice of dining options, luxury spas, and entertainment, including a state-of-the-art movie theater.

Santana Row is home to frequent events, from live music to festive celebrations. It's worth checking the website to see what is happening when you visit.

I like the 'Sip and Stroll' offer, where you get a cocktail from one of many bars and then take a walk down the Row. There are various activities catered to kids, so it's a family-friendly place where everyone can get involved.

This part of the Bay Area is also much warmer than San Francisco, making the outdoor setting a perfect escape from the fog. 

>> Visit the Santana Row website to check out current offerings

13. Golden Gate Park

Distinction in SF: A sprawling urban oasis blending gardens, museums, trails, and iconic landmarks

Another Bay Area gem spans half the length of San Francisco, from Ocean Beach all the way to the legendary Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. It's a great escape to wander in nature and take a break from the city.

Golden Gate Park is the 1,000+ acre man-made park where you'll find our prized California Academy of Sciences, as well as the Japanese Tea Garden, the de Young Museum, and the Botanical Garden.

You can also grab some lunch and craft brews at the Beach Chalet or check out the Conservatory of Flowers.

The park hosts huge annual events, including the Outside Lands and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festivals.

>> Find out more about visiting Golden Gate Park

14. Oakland Zoo

Distance from San Francisco: About 30 minutes east in the Oakland hills

Established over 100 years ago, the Oakland Zoo remains a vital institution for animal conservation and makes for a thrilling and educational outing for families.

This popular East Bay attraction is known for its expansive natural habitats and interactive experiences. Their 850 animals range from native grizzly bears, bison, and condors to African chimpanzees, giraffes and lions.

Families love the interactive Children’s Zoo, complete with petting areas and play zones. Set high in the hills, another highlight is the Skyride gondola, which offers sweeping Bay Area views.

With rides, scenic trails, and diverse exhibits, the Oakland Zoo offers a full day of adventure for all ages.

15. Sports Teams

Distance from San Francisco: Varies 

The SF Bay Area is home to more than half a dozen professional sports teams. Here in San Francisco you will find the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park and the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center.

In the South Bay, football fans will find the 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, as well as Sharks hockey and Earthquakes soccer in San Jose.

In addition to our professional teams, you will also find some semi-pro and college teams.

>> Find out more about all of our top local sports teams

16. Rosie the Riveter Park

Distance from San Francisco: About 30 minutes northeast in Richmond

The famous image of Rosie the Riveter represents the many women who gave their time during World War II to work in the shipyards of the USA. Rosie the Riveter Park honors and celebrates this vital and historic contribution with a wonderfully evocative dedicated memorial.

Visit the excellent Education Center and Theatre, where you can take in films showing these dedicated women's importance.

Go aboard the SS Red Oak Victory, the last ship built in the Kaiser Shipyard, which has been restored and preserved over the years.

Rosie the Riveter Park is an entertaining and moving experience that history lovers like me will especially appreciate.

It is open daily and admission is free.

17. Sausalito

Distance from San Francisco: 15 minutes north along the bay

The cute waterfront town of Sausalito is another one of the fun things to do in the Bay Area. Here, I typically do a little shopping, taste some local wines, or grab lunch along the waterfront for sweeping views of downtown San Francisco and the SF Bay Area.

It's easy to take the ferry or the bus from San Francisco to get here. If you take a bike tour over the Golden Gate Bridge, you will end up here and can take a ferry back.

The town is small, so most people spend just the morning or the afternoon here.

It's also a great trip with a visit to Muir Woods. This combo tour is an excellent option for those staying in San Francisco. 

>> Find a list of the best things to do in Sausalito

18. Theater Performances Around the Bay Area

Distance from San Francisco: Varies

If you want to check out a theater performance, you will find dozens of options around the Bay Area. San Francisco and San Jose offer performances by traveling Broadway theater companies throughout the year.

Smaller theaters in San Francisco, Marin County, Berkeley, and Oakland offer local and international performances.

No matter what time of year you visit, you will find a variety of performances on stage.

>> Find a list of top upcoming theater performances around the Bay Area

19. Napa Valley

Distance from San Francisco: About 1 hour north, inland

Visiting Napa Valley is a treat for wine lovers! What I love to do more here is sample various wines, tour wine-making facilities, and learn more about this world-famous region.

Don't like wine? You'll still find a ton of fun activities in wine country, including scenic hikes, delicious food, and both boutique and outlet shopping.

It's easy to get here either by car or with a guided tour. I recommend half-day or full-day tours for those visiting San Francisco for the first time, as you can sample as much as you want and leave the driving to someone else!

>> Check out this great one-day tour

>> Find out more about visiting Napa Valley

More Great Napa Valley Tours

20. Silicon Valley

Distance from San Francisco: About 50 minutes south

Silicon Valley is the famous birthplace of several well-known technology companies. It's where you will find the headquarters of Meta (formerly Facebook), Google, and Apple.

In recent years, it's become a hot spot for techie-loving travelers!

While most companies don't allow you to step on campus, some offer a small public space in the form of a visitor center or drive-by photo stop.

There are guided tours from San Francisco that will show you Meta headquarters, Stanford University, the legendary HP garage, Steve Jobs's home, Google headquarters, the Computer Museum, and the Apple Visitor Center.

>> Find out more about Silicon Valley tours

21. Fisherman's Wharf

Distinction in SF: The city's lively waterfront district, packed full of attractions

Fisherman's Wharf is one of the most popular districts to visit in San Francisco. It's home to Pier 39 and its resident sea lions, Ghirardelli Square, and the Aquarium of the Bay.

It's one of our most touristy districts, but I always find something fun and new to do each time I visit.

Other activities in this small but fun area include bay cruises, whale-watching experiences, and many shops and restaurants.

You can sip on Irish Coffee at the famed Buena Vista Cafe or grab a bowl of clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin Bakery.

It's also a popular place to stay when visiting San Francisco since there is so much to see and do here.

>> Find out more about what there is to see and do in Fisherman's Wharf

>> Find a list of some of the best places to stay here

More Fun Things to Do in Fisherman's Wharf

22. Downtown Berkeley

Distance from San Francisco: About 25 minutes east, across the Bay Bridge

This East Bay city is a cultural hub that combines art installations, fine dining, eclectic shops, and many other attractions.

Downtown Berkeley is famous for its selection of international cuisine, great bars, theaters, and other entertainment centers. This is a fun choice for a great night out or a romantic meal.

Other places to visit include the UC Berkeley campus and the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. The wonderful Tilden Park is also right next door.

It's easy to get from San Francisco to Berkeley on BART.

23. Sonoma County

Distance from San Francisco: About 1 hour north, inland

Sonoma County is another fantastic place to sample local wines. This county is home to several wine regions, including Dry Creek, Russian River, and Alexander Valley.

There are more than 400 wineries in Sonoma County, producing a wide variety of wines, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. You'll also find some fantastic producers of Chardonnay, Syrah, and sparkling wines.

It sits to the west of Napa and is a great alternative when visiting Northern California wine country.

24. Angel Island

Distance from San Francisco: 30-minute ferry ride in the bay

Angel Island State Park is a popular destination for its history and nature trails. It was once an immigration detention center for people arriving from China.

Once home to the Coast Miwok indigenous people, the park is now largely grassland and coastal marsh. It is a fascinating place to visit!

The island boasts its own unique species of mole - the Angel Island Mole - and is home to a controlled herd of deer, which visitors are keen to spot. 

You can learn more about the history of the island and its military usage at the visitor center and a few museums on the island.

It's also a fun place to hike, picnic, and photograph the surrounding area.

>> Tips to visit Angel Island

25. Festivals and Street Fairs

Distance from San Francisco: Varies

Our Bay Area festivals and street fairs also attract people from around the world. From film festivals to large outdoor music events, you will find amazing picks all year long.

Some of the largest in San Francisco include Outside Lands, the International Film Festival, and the Chinese New Year Parade and Festival.

Others throughout the Bay Area include Bottlerock in Napa, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and Passport to Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma.

>> Find a calendar of upcoming festivals and street fairs

26. Marin Headlands

Distance from San Francisco: 15 minutes north, right on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge

Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Marin Headlands is another one of the fun things to do in the Bay Area.

It features the Point Bonita Lighthouse, relaxing beaches, and several fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown San Francisco.

What I do when I visit is explore its hiking trails, check out some of its old military batteries, and soak in the views all around SF Bay.

It's open for visitors all year long and is one of the best outdoor activities in the Bay Area.

27. Livermore Valley Wine Tasting

Distance from San Francisco: About 1 hour east

In addition to Napa and Sonoma, the Bay Area is also home to a few lesser-known wine-making and wine-tasting regions. One of my favorites is Livermore Valley!

Its rolling hills and lush landscape offer a serene place to sample wines.

Many of the tasting rooms are small and personal. The last time I tasted here, the owner of 3 Steves and his son offered us a tour of their facility and the chance to sample some of their tasty wines.

The exciting thing is that some of these facilities have been around much longer than the more famous Napa wineries, as Wente started production in this region in 1883!

They are more than just the oldest facility in Livermore Valley. They are "the oldest continuously operating, family-owned winery in the United States."

28. Additional Bay Area Hiking Options

Distance from San Francisco: Varies

In addition to Muir Woods and Point Reyes National Seashore, you will find hundreds of unique places to go hiking. They range from short urban hikes, like Twin Peaks in the city, to longer hikes, such as those in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley.

You'll find both flat hikes, such as that along Crissy Field on San Francisco's northern waterfront, to some with steep inclines, such as the Dipsea Trail in Marin County.

My favorites include the walk at Lands End, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and in and around Mt. Diablo.

>> Find some of my favorite urban hikes around San Francisco

>> Best spots to see coastal redwoods

29. Año Nuevo State Park

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 20 minutes south on the coast

Visiting Año Nuevo State Park is one of the more unique things to do in the Bay Area. The park's beaches are a favorite spot for elephant seals!

Every year, they return to this area for breeding and then later for molting. The one- to three-year-old elephant seals also use it to rest as they grow. It's called the "Fall Juvenile Haul Out."

Throughout the year, they offer guided tours that allow you to learn more about these magnificent creatures. The breeding season is the busiest time of the year, and you usually need to have a tour reservation before you arrive to see them.

30. Shoreline Amphitheatre

Distance from San Francisco: About 45 minutes south in the city of Mountain View

One of the best places for live music in the Bay Area is the Shoreline Amphitheatre. This open-air concert venue brings in big names every year.

You'll find a variety of genres, from pop to country to jazz. Past performers to grace this stage include Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and many more.

Located in the South Bay, this venue offers more than 22,000 seats. About a third of these are reserved seating, with most tickets for general admission on the lawn.

Their season runs from around late May to October every year.

31. San Francisco Bay Area Museums

Distance from San Francisco: Varies

The San Francisco Bay Area is also home to dozens of world-class museums. In San Francisco, you will find fine arts museums, including the de Young Museum and the Legion of Honor.

You will also find the California Academy of Sciences, the Asian Art Museum, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Others beyond San Francisco include the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito, the San Jose Museum of Art, and the Oakland Museum of California.

>> Find a full list of museums in San Francisco

>> Great list of free SF Bay Area Museums

32. Painted Ladies

Distinction in SF: Historic neighborhood with Victorian architecture and skyline views

One of the best things to do in the Bay Area is to admire our historic Victorian homes, also known as Painted Ladies.

Built in the mid- to late 1800s, these ornate buildings survived several large earthquakes and are featured in numerous TV shows and movies.

The most famous set is along Alamo Square Park in San Francisco. It's a set of six identical houses with one larger, unique home at the end, where the builder lived.

They are referred to as the Seven Sisters or Postcard Row.

Painted Ladies refers to any historic Victorian with three or more colors, so you'll find dozens of Painted Ladies around the neighborhoods west of Van Ness Street.

>> Find out more about visiting Alamo Square

33. Alameda

Distance from San Francisco: 25 minutes east across the Bay Bridge

The quaint city of Alameda is primarily located on the largest island in the SF Bay. Its former Neptune Beach resort was famous for being where the popsicle was first sold!

Attractions today include the art deco Alameda Theatre, a wonderful, historic building that must be seen. The city also hosts a 4th of July parade believed to be one of the oldest and longest-running in the USA.

Other festivals include the Park Street Spring Festival in May, the Art and Wine Faire in July, and the Park Street Classic Car Show, which is among the biggest in the USA with over 400 exhibits.

Visitors to Alameda Island can take in museums and other establishments that tell the important story of this beautiful island.

34. Ferry Building

Distinction in SF: Historic waterfront building featuring gourmet markets

You will find the Ferry Building on the east side of downtown San Francisco. Opened in 1898, this building initially served as the main ferry building for those commuting into San Francisco from the East Bay.

Over the years, it fell into disrepair as more and more people used cars to get into the city. However, in 2002 the city decided to rehab this beauty and return it to its former glory.

Today, the Ferry Building receives hundreds of ferry passengers from East Bay and Marin County daily. It's also full of gourmet shops, high-end restaurants, and some offices on its upper level.

It's a fun place to grab some lunch, sample some local ice cream, or have dinner outdoors on the waterfront with sweeping views of the Bay Bridge and the Embarcadero.

>> Find out more about what there is to see and do in the Ferry Building

35. Mt. Diablo

Distance from San Francisco: 1 hour 30 minutes east

The towering image of Mount Diablo is visible from afar, with its multiple peaks high in the East Bay mountain range. 

The Park encompasses many protected reserves, and is popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and sightseers.

The views from the summit are impressive! The Sierra Nevada range is visible on clear days, as are no fewer than eight bridges, including the Bay Bridge and the world-famous iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

The mountain is one of the essential historic sites in US history and overlooks the legendary Gold Rush region. It is still used as a reference point for surveys of this part of California.

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