Top San Francisco Outdoor Activities

Ride a GoCar all over San Francisco as it navigates for you and provides a guided tour. Take as long as you like to explore the city with a storytelling car as your guide — what Time Magazine has called "one of the coolest inventions of the year." Let this tiny car show you what the city is all about, learn about its history and visit sites like the Presidio, Coit Tower, Chinatown and Lombard Street. Pick up your car at one of two convenient locations: Union Square or Beach Street near Fisherman's Wharf.

Explore the famous groves of the Northern California redwoods on this tour of Muir Woods. Departing from Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, a local guide drives you over the scenic Golden Gate Bridge and into the moist air of Muir Woods National Monument. Crane your neck to admire these 1,000-year-old trees standing 260 feet (80 meters) tall. Afterward, enjoy a drive through the charming town of Sausalito before heading back to the city.

Riding across the Golden Gate Bridge in a tour van leaves you free to take in the epic views instead of focusing on the driving. This tour takes you from downtown San Francisco to Muir Woods and Sausalito—two of Marin's top attractions—in a single day. You'll have free time to explore both sites, making this organized option a great choice for independent travelers.

Conquer San Francisco's urban jungle on this 3-hour urban hike. Trek your way up Tank Hill and Kite Hill, spots favored by locals for great city views, and stroll through hidden forests. Visit the Seward Street Slides to play like a local kid and take spectacular photos from the top of Twin Peaks. Between the forests, lush greenery and hidden pocket parks, you'll find it hard to believe you're in the midst of one of the country's busiest cities. Learn urban legends, history and culture from your local hiking guide.

Take in two of the San Francisco Bay Area’s top destinations, Muir Woods and Sausalito, on a 4-hour morning tour from downtown San Francisco. Drive through the Presidio and across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods National Monument where you have some time to walk among towering old growth redwood trees. Next, head to Sausalito for a stroll along the picturesque waterfront, which is full of great boutiques, cafes and restaurants. You can opt to remain on your own in Sausalito or return on the coach.

Explore San Francisco with this 2-day combo: a guided bike tour plus admission to Alcatraz Island. Venture to the infamous prison in the afternoon to hear audio commentary about former inmates like Al Capone. On the prior day, cycle along the waterfront from Fisherman’s Wharf and ride over the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito via the car-free national park bike path. Your tour includes a full-day bonus bike rental.

Explore all the San Francisco Zoo has to offer at your own pace with this full-day admission ticket. Go to the Leanne B. Roberts African Savanna exhibit, and spot animals native to Africa such as giraffes, zebras, and kudus. Stop by Penguin Island to watch the adorable Magellanic penguins. Check out and learn about more than 250 species that call the zoo home. 

Get up and out to rent your GoCar before noon for a cost savings on this great way to explore San Francisco. After rider orientation, zoom off into the city for a whirlwind tour that covers much more ground than you could on foot. Use the provided map to make a route that focuses on the sights that interest you, and return your car by noon to continue your day exploring.

Experience the thrill of skydiving without jumping from an actual aircraft. You’ll have similar adrenaline-pumping conditions during your 60-second free-fall (twice), except it takes place inside an indoor vertical wind tunnel. Head to the state-of-the-art skydiving facility at iFLY San Francisco Bay, where you’ll participate in a training session and personalized flight with the help of an instructor.

So many adventures to have in San Francisco with so few funds. If the pocketbook is feeling a touch light then consider these invigorating smartphone-guided scavenger hunts. The three-hour events force adventurers to solve clues and navigate the city streets; plus all the SF scenery you can absorb during the journey. Pricing is per individual but teams must book together to be in same adventure.

Learn to surf in Pacifica, a picturesque town on the California coast just south of San Francisco. Your expert instructor covers all basics so that you can begin to catch some waves. Learn how to read the ocean, paddle out, pop up, balance and ride the waves, along with the etiquette of the surf world. Start practicing on the beach and in shallow waters before heading further out, with the assistance of your instructor available throughout your 3-hour lesson. Choose a morning or mid-day lesson that suits your schedule, with all necessary equipment provided.

Take to the sky and soar over San Francisco on an exhilarating helicopter tour. During the flight, get an unbeatable perspective of iconic attractions like Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, the Embarcadero, the city’s famous hills, and the San Francisco Bay. During suitable weather conditions, experience the thrill of flying under the Golden Gate Bridge.

The California coastline is dramatic, iconic and rugged, but also difficult to enjoy when you're trapped behind the wheel of a car rental. So take this day trip to Carmel and Monterey, and enjoy the cliffside and ocean views from the window seat of your coach.

Experience San Francisco like a true local on a sunrise photography tour. Have the city and it’s iconic sights to yourself before the crowds descend and take photos of the city’s many sights and scenes bathed in early morning light. Tour San Francisco’s famous beaches and landmarks, and see hidden secrets with your photographer guide. This tour is ideal for photographers at all levels from those just starting out to seasoned pros.

On most shore excursions you're relegated to cityscapes in ports of call. However this half-day tour of the Muir Woods National Monument will get you out of the urban jungle and into some of northern California's most-famous redwood country. Pass over the majestic Golden Gate Bridge with dramatic views of the Marin headlands, and eventually drop down into Muir Woods to wander the loamy soil beneath centuries-old coastal redwoods. Choose from tours at several different start times, and bring comfortable walking shoes.

One of the best ways to experience San Francisco’s incredible array of attractions is on two wheels. Embark on your own independent bike tour with this 24-hour bike rental, beginning from either Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square. Pedal your way to iconic sites such as the ‘Painted Ladies’ of Alamo Square, Golden Gate Park, and the corner of Haight and Ashbury. A provided map and suggested bike routes help you to avoid the city’s notorious hills and get you wherever you’d like to go easily. Take in views of San Francisco Bay along the Embarcadero, bicycle to the Pacific Ocean or even cross the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and return via ferry. The choice is yours.

Fly in a helicopter over San Francisco's most famous landmarks on this scenic tour. Fly over the city's neighborhoods, then head for Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Continue towards Angel Island and the Marin Headlands while you enjoy choreographed musical accompaniment and informative commentary from your expert pilot. 

Cycle through San Francisco and across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge on this guided bike tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll ride along the waterfront, passing Fisherman’s Wharf and the historic Presidio. Then admire the city skyline from the Golden Gate Bridge, with views of Alcatraz and the long stretch of the Pacific on the opposite side. Your tour will conclude in Sausalito or Tiburon, where you can explore before taking the ferry back to San Francisco. Your bike rental is valid for 24 hours to continue sightseeing on your own.

San Francisco attracts eager visitors from across the world, but the city’s walking tours can lack a certain excitement. On this tour, challenge your friends and family on an engaging treasure hunt through the city. Bring your problem-solving skills to the fore, follow a series of mysterious clues with your guide, and see San Francisco in a fun and active way—with a whole host of games and surprises along the way.

Take a relaxing afternoon sailing cruise aboard a traditional sailboat on the San Francisco Bay. Cruise past landmarks such as Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, the Sausalito waterfront, and Golden Gate Bridge, and see the San Francisco skyline on your way back to Pier 39. Includes two drinks, and personalized attention from the crew and captain.

Despite its many hills, San Francisco is a fun city to explore by bike, and this 24-hour bicycle rental allows you to see it at your own pace on a self-guided tour. Pick up your bike at a convenient Fishermans Wharf location, then go where you like, perhaps riding through the city and across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and Tiburon. Your rental includes maps and use of equipment such as helmet and lock.

This Tour will take you across the Golden Gate Bridge and stop at the north Vista Point for pictures, walk during 1h30min among old growth coast redwoods of the famous Muir Woods National Monument Park (entree fee $15 not included for and free for 15 and under. As well free up to 4 people if you have the National Park pass). Then we will stop for an hour and admire the beautiful seaside Mediterranean style City of Sausalito you you. The transportation will be in a luxury brand New Mercedes Sprinter Van with only 11 passenger total. The toll and parking fees is included. You will have a particular attention from your tour guide during all your trip.

Visit Yosemite National Park on this day trip from San Francisco. Upon arrival in the state's most famous national park have, lunch (own expense) or skip straight to the park to begin exploring. Follow your guide bus tour of the area and discover the park's charms on your own during your visit. Pickup from select San Francisco hotels is included.

Explore San Francisco’s beautiful Golden Gate Park on this 2.5-hour Segway tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll pass top attractions like the Japanese Tea Gardens, the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences. All equipment is included, as well as a safety training. Cover even more ground on a Segway as you soak up Golden Gate Park's rich history and hidden gems from your guide.

Wander through an ancient coastal redwood forest and explore the artistic bayside enclave of Sausalito on this half-day tour from San Francisco. Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to visit Muir Woods, home to some of the oldest and tallest trees on Earth. Then, soak up stellar views of the San Francisco skyline and browse art galleries along the Sausalito waterfront. At the end of your tour choose between getting dropped off at Union Square in San Francisco or taking the Sausalito ferry back to San Francisco.

Admire San Francisco from the air on this seaplane adventure from Sausalito. Aboard a 6-passenger plane, you’ll fly over the bay, taking in views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Muir Woods and more. See downtown San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf, and soar past Angel Island. Everyone gets a window seat on this 30-minute flight, and transportation is available from Fisherman's Wharf.

Fly by helicopter from the San Francisco Bay Area to Wine Country during this tour. Enjoy views of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Wine Country's rolling vineyards before touching down at one of the area's most prestigious wineries. Enjoy a guided tour of the property, tapas and a wine tasting. With your small group limited to 6 people, learn about the winery's world-class varietals and all the love and labor that goes into making the perfect cabernet. When your excursion is over, travel back to San Francisco by helicopter.

Explore Monterey, Carmel, and the Pacific Coast Highway without the hassle of renting a car during this full-day tour from San Francisco. Wind down the coast through Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, 17-Mile Drive, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Pickup and drop-off at downtown San Francisco hotels included. This small-group tour is limited to 15 passengers.

San Francisco is undoubtedly a hilly place, and this challenging 5-mile walking tour doesn’t shy away from the steepness. Instead, it takes you off the beaten path and onto some of the city’s stairways for an incredible exploration of several neighborhoods and downtown attractions. While meandering through SF’s Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill and North Beach neighborhoods, you’ll come upon some hidden gems, jaw-dropping views, and world-famous sites. Climb to Coit Tower via the Filbert Street Steps; ascend Lombard Street, often referred to as the crookedest street in the world; and discover a tiny park overlooking St Peter and Paul Church, where Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio took their wedding pics after tying the knot at San Francisco City Hall.

On this 3-day Yosemite camping tour, visit Yosemite National Park with an experienced guide, spending two nights in a tent at a campsite. Enjoy the stunning natural sights of the park, such as Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, and go hiking amid the giant sequoia trees. With both guided portions and free time to explore the park on your own, this tour provides a convenient and balanced way to experience one of America’s favorite national parks. Previous camping experience is not required!

Experience the majesty of Northern California’s Coastal Redwood Sequoia trees at Muir Woods. This half-day tour takes visitors to some of the Bay Area’s most peaceful spots. Spend 1.5 hours beneath some of the tallest Redwood trees in the world, take a short hike, or just enjoy the views. Then stop for lunch in Sausalito and opt to take the scenic ferry ride back to the city, or be driven across the Golden Gate Bridge. Ideal for visitors looking to get out of the city and spend some relaxing time in the forest.

Explore the streets of San Francisco on two wheels. This easy guided bike tour takes you to many of the city’s most notable neighborhoods and attractions. Pedal past the Transamerica Pyramid and through bustling North Beach; peruse the Mission and Castro districts and the Haight-Asbury, home of 1960s hippie counterculture; and visit popular sites such as Fisherman’s Wharf and AT&T Park. Your guide will provide information and history on local landmarks en route, and there’s also a stop for lunch (added cost). At the end of the tour there’s even time to do your own exploring.

Discover San Francisco on your own schedule with a 1-day bike rental. Visit the crooked path of Lombard Street, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Golden Gate Bridge and other culturally rich and unique San Francisco neighborhoods. This self-guided trip gives you the opportunity to create your own itinerary as you explore the beloved City by the Bay. The entire fleet of equipment is sanitized regularly and curbside pick-up is available to ensure that your rental experience is safe and enjoyable.

On this San Francisco bike tour, you’ll cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge from the city to the waterfront town of Sausalito. With a guide, ride from Fisherman’s Wharf to Marina Green and Crissy Field, and stop at Fort Point and Vista Point for photo ops of the bridge and San Francisco Bay. The 3-hour guided tour ends in Sausalito, where you are free to bike more on your own and return to the city at your leisure (either bike back or purchase a ferry ticket). This tour includes use of the bike for the full day.

Drive down one of the most scenic roads in California on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing the mansions of Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy free time to explore Monterey, where you can stroll down Steinbeck’s Cannery Row or visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Browse the ritzy boutiques of Carmel-by-the-Sea and get a glimpse of Silicon Valley’s tech campuses on the return drive to San Francisco.

Admire San Francisco’s top attractions as the sun sets over the city on this 3-hour evening bike tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll pedal past Crissy Field, Fort Mason and Fisherman’s Wharf before heading across the Golden Gate Bridge for the sunset. Your guide will provide fun and factual commentary about the city’s rich history as you continue on through the Presidio, making stops at the Palace of Fine Arts and more. For an even more relaxing ride, upgrade to an electric bike.