Essential San Francisco

Experience the best of San Francisco with City Experiences! Visit Alcatraz Island, take a sightseeing or dining cruise in the San Francisco Bay, explore the city with a walking tour, enjoy package deals and more.

  • Easter on the Water

    Create memories that last forever this Easter
  • Walking Tours & Food Tours

    Explore San Francisco's food, drinks, and history

Recommended Experiences in San Francisco

  • City Cruises

    Sightseeing and dining cruises, iconic attractions, private events, and more
  • Alcatraz City Cruises

    Official partner of the National Park Service and the only way to get to Alcatraz Island
  • Walks

    Beautifully designed tours in cities around the world
  • Devour Tours

    The best food & drink experiences for curious travelers
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How to Celebrate Mother’s Day in San Francisco

Quick question: What did you get your mother for Mother’s Day last year aside from a card and flowers? If you can’t remember, she probably can’t either, and is that

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Alcatraz City Cruises Announces Spring Tour Offerings Including Extended Hours And First-ever Island Scavenger Hunt

Experience “The Rock” this summer with guided tours of the famed San Francisco landmark, community day celebrations, commemorative anniversaries, and a special scavenger hunt with the chance to win $200!

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Best Time to Visit Alcatraz

Alcatraz, initially named Isla De Alcatraces, or the island of the Pelicans- rarely has any pelicans! The name was meant for Yerba Buena Island but ironically someone had difficulties with

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Top Comedy Clubs in San Francisco

When you think of San Francisco, you probably think of the Golden Gate Bridge, the hilly streets, and its foggy climate. However, if you do not also think about performing

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Coolest Places to See in Berkeley, California

Berkely, with its counterculture history and dynamic foodie and art scenes, has a certain vibe. “A culinary hub, socially diverse and culturally progressive, Berkeley offers a vibrant mix of neighborhoods,

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Best Spots to Play Ultimate Frisbee in the San Francisco Bay Area

Grab your Frisbee and book your ticket — San Francisco has plenty of great places to toss the disc around. Listen: Just because you might have played a ton of

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Meet Our Crew: Guest Services & Security Supervisor April Molina, City Experiences San Francisco Pier 33

When in San Francisco, visiting the famous Alcatraz Island prison is a must. To reach the island, you’ll take a boat or cruise from Pier 33 (otherwise known as Alcatraz

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A Brief History of San Francisco’s Little Italy

Located close to Chinatown in northeastern San Francisco near Telegraph Hill, the Financial District and Russian Hill, North Beach was once home to one of the most important Italian immigrant

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San Francisco’s Best Cocktail Bars – Water View Included

Soaking up the views of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the cities and rolling mountains surrounding the bay is one of the best parts of visiting San

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9 Unique Ways to Celebrate a Birthday in San Francisco

Happy birthday! Offering everything from a thrilling nightlife scene to outdoorsy adventure just minutes from the city center, San Francisco is a fun, festive, and endlessly exciting birthday party destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top things to do in San Francisco?

From water tours to land tours, there are so many fun activities to do in San Francisco, California! One great way to see the city is from the water on a tour boat. For example, some boats offer sightseeing tours, with visits to the famed Alcatraz prison. There are also romantic dinner cruises and party boats if you’re looking for a more festive evening. If you’d rather stay on land, there are plenty of options for tours as well.

What do I need to know before visiting San Francisco?

San Francisco is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. There are also many great areas within the city itself. This includes:

  • Financial district: The financial district of San Francisco is home to many of the city’s tallest buildings. This includes the Transamerica Pyramid, which is the tallest building in the city
  • Chinatown: One of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco, Chinatown is home to a wonderful community full of amazing things to do. There are many great shops and restaurants to explore here.
  • Fisherman’s Wharf: This is a must-see for any visitors to San Francisco. Fisherman’s Wharf is home to many seafood restaurants as well as other attractions such as Pier 39.
  • Alcatraz Island: Located in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island was once home to a federal prison. Today, it is a popular tourist destination with many interesting things to see and do.

When planning your trip to San Francisco, be sure to keep these great places in mind!