Top Outdoor Activities in San Francisco

Top Outdoor Activities in San Francisco

Don’t forget to pack a camera as you explore the great outdoors of San Francisco — there’s a good chance you’ll snap your family holiday card. With so much to offer in this city by the Bay, we’ve collected a few of the top outdoor activities in San Francisco to feed everyone’s spirit of adventure regardless of age.
Photo Credit: Doc Miles Photography
Two people are riding in a yellow and black GoCar, a small three-wheeled vehicle, on a coastal road. The compact design with an open cabin offers an exhilarating way to experience the scenic hills, greenery, and body of water under a clear blue sky—truly among the top outdoor activities in San Francisco.
Photo: Courtesy of GoCar Tours San Francisco

GoCar SF Tour

Pickup at either Union Square or Beach Street near Fisherman’s Wharf
Price: Starting at $92 per group of 2

You won’t wan’t to miss this unique opportunity to sightsee San Francisco via GoCar, regarded by Time magazine as “one of the coolest inventions of the year” due to the fact that your guide is the car itself. Explore at your own pace as the two seater GoCar provides commentary, just like a local would, on the history of the most iconic sights in SF, such as Presidio, Colt Tower, Chinatown, Lombard Street, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, or wherever else strikes your fancy, the options are endless.

Two cyclists ride on a scenic trail overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, one of the top outdoor activities in the city. The skyline and a bay filled with sailboats are visible in the background. A yellow road sign warns of an 18% downhill grade. The cyclists are wearing helmets and sports attire.
Photo: Courtesy of Blazing Saddles San Francisco

GGB Guided Bicycle or E-Bike Tour from San Francisco to Sausalito

2715 Hyde St, 2715 Hyde St, San Francisco
Price: Starting at $55
Enjoy the cool ocean breeze as you bike through the waterfront of San Francisco and pass through Fisherman’s Wharf and the history rich Presidio, then enjoy the best views of the city from the Golden Gate Bridge. You get to keep your bike for 24 hours, so continue exploring at your own pace at the end of the tour in Sausalito or Tiburon, then enjoy a ferry ride back to the city with more phenomenal views along the way.
Aerial view of Alcatraz Island surrounded by water. The island features historic prison buildings, walkways, and a few greenery patches. The murky waters around the island show varying shades, indicating different depths. Visiting Alcatraz is one of the top outdoor activities in San Francisco on a clear day.

Photo: Courtesy of @Sailing314 via Instagram

The One Day in San Francisco Tour with Alcatraz

710 Beach St, 710 Beach St, San Francisco
Price: Starting at $179
This super time efficient tour will allow you to see the most classic areas of San Francisco all in one day, starting at Fisherman’s Wharf, then venturing off to the best neighborhoods in the city where you will hear amusing stories about their histories. After the ride, enjoy a peaceful walk through the mighty redwoods of Muir Woods for just over an hour, then have a quick snack break in Sausalito before departing for Alcatraz.
A sailboat with a silhouette of a bear on its sail glides through a calm body of water under a partly cloudy sky. In the background, the city skyline of San Francisco with several tall buildings is visible, including one pyramid-shaped structure. The water is slightly choppy—one of the top outdoor activities in San Francisco.
Photo: Courtesy of Adventure Cat Sailing

San Francisco Bay Sailing Cruise

Adventure Cat Sailing Charters, Pier 39 Dock J, San Francisco
Price: Starting at $64
San Francisco wouldn’t be the place it is without the Bay, so we highly recommend you spend some time soaking in the sea breeze from the sea, and this cruise is a great way to do so. Sail past the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the beautiful Sausalito, and more from the comfort of a catamaran.
A man and a woman ride Segways on a path in front of a rock sign that says "Golden Gate Park." They are both smiling, wearing helmets, with the man in a yellow jacket and the woman in red. The backdrop features lush trees and greenery, showcasing one of the Top Outdoor Activities in San Francisco.
Photo: Courtesy of San Francisco Segway Tours

Golden Gate Park Segway Tour

Check in desk located behind Temple of Music next to bike rentals, 82 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118
Price: Starting at $79
Speed through San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park on a tour led by a local and learn about its history via Segway (after you go through safety training and gear up of course, and don’t worry, riding is easy to get the hang of and will result in an efficient way of travel that’s loads of fun). You will pass legendary places like the California Academy of Sciences and the Conservatory of Flowers.
A group of people on a boat are seen against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, one of the top outdoor activities in San Francisco. The sun sets behind the bridge, casting a warm, golden light on the water. The boat's sail and railings are visible in the foreground.
Photo: Courtesy of Adventure Cat Sailing

San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Adventure Cat Sailing Charters, Pier 39 Dock J, San Francisco
Price: Starting at $80
Spend an unforgettable evening on the San Francisco Bay and watch the sun go down while sailing with an experienced captain. You will go past both Alcatraz island and the golden gate bridge.
A breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The iconic red suspension bridge spans across a fog-covered bay with the cityscape and hills visible in the background under a sky painted with hues of blue and orange during sunset, showcasing one of the top outdoor activities in San Francisco.
Photo: Courtesy of Doc Miles Photography

San Francisco Sunrise Photography Tour

Pickup from most hotels and vacation rentals
Price: Starting at $300
The best souvenir to bring home is a memory, so make your memories last forever by saving them as photographs. Beat the crowd during this early morning sunrise photography tour and be guided to the best photograph opportunities like Baker Beach, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, and more.

If you book an activity Local Getaways might earn a commission — prices subject to change.
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