KEY2 Pick
Historic Site • $$
Alcatraz Island
The former federal penitentiary in the bay, reachable only by the official ferry and best booked weeks ahead.
Best for: History / Sightseeing
Experiences in San Francisco
Shows, flights, drives and private access — the reasons to leave the hotel.
KEY2 Pick
Landmark • $
Golden Gate Bridge
The Art Deco span everyone comes to see, best walked or biked from the vista point at sunrise.
Best for: Sightseeing / Photography
Museum • $$
California Academy of Sciences
A living roof, planetarium, aquarium and rainforest dome under one Golden Gate Park building.
Best for: Families / Rainy Day
Market • $$
Ferry Building Marketplace
A restored 1898 terminal turned artisan food hall, with a Saturday farmers' market that spills onto the Embarcadero.
Best for: Food / Shopping
Landmark • $
Lombard Street
Eight switchback turns down Russian Hill, best experienced on foot to skip the crawling car queue.
Best for: Sightseeing / Photography
Questions, answered
What are the best experiences in San Francisco?+
The KEY2 editors' top picks for experiences in San Francisco are Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge. Every listing in this guide is individually vetted, with hours, prices and booking links.
Where can I find good-value experiences in San Francisco?+
For $$-level experiences in San Francisco, consider Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate Bridge, California Academy of Sciences, Ferry Building Marketplace.
Do I need to book experiences in San Francisco in advance?+
The most popular experiences in San Francisco fill up days or weeks ahead. Every KEY2 listing includes a direct reservation or booking link where one is available.
More San Francisco guides