Top Ways to Get The Best Views of San Francisco and Have Fun at The Same Time

Everyone should have the opportunity to appreciate the stunning sights available in San Francisco. Whether you choose to sightsee by land, air, or water is up to you. Here are some great tours you should go on to maximize your time in the Bay Area.
Photo Credit: San Francisco Helicopters
Two sailboats with people onboard glide through the water at sunset, with the silhouette of a large bridge and mountainous landscape in the background. The sky is painted with hues of orange and yellow as the sun sets on the horizon, reminiscent of an evening after one of the top food tours 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: $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 water, and this cruise is a great way to do so. Sail past the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Sausalito, and more from the comfort of a catamaran.
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: $80

Spend an unforgettable evening on the San Francisco Bay and watch the sun go down while gliding through the water, led by an experienced captain. You will go past both Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.

A group of people stand by a waterfront at dusk, capturing photos of a city skyline illuminated against the evening sky. The skyline features tall buildings and a prominent bridge on the left, with the water reflecting the fading light. This spot is near one of the top food tours in San Francisco.
Photo: Courtesy of @redandwhitebaycruises

Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Bridge-to-Bridge Cruise

Red and White Fleet, Pier 43, 5, San Francisco
Price: $48
This sightseeing cruise will take you to the two most well known bridges in the bay; the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge. You’ll also pass iconic landmarks like Alcatraz, Coit Tower, and more, all while listening to recorded commentary about San Francisco’s history and culture.
Aerial view of San Francisco at sunset, featuring the city skyline with the Salesforce Tower prominent, the Bay Bridge to the right, and the surrounding bay and mountains in the distance. A marina with numerous boats is visible in the foreground, reminiscent of gatherings for the Best Annual Events in San Francisco.
Photo: Courtesy of San Francisco Helicopters

San Francisco Vista Grande Helicopter Tour

Hotel Zephyr, 250 Beach St, San Francisco | Hilton San Francisco Union Square, 333 O'Farrell St, San Francisco
Price: Starting at $305
Get a birds eye view of the most iconic landmarks via helicopter with informative and entertaining commentary. This ride covers anything and everything you would want to see in the Bay, including Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Coit Towers, Angel Island, etc.
Two bikers bike uphill with a view of the bay, the Golden Gate bridge and San Francisco in the background.
Photo: Courtesy of Blazing Saddles San Francisco on Facebook

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

2715 Hyde St, 2715 Hyde St, San Francisco
Price: Starting at $55
Cycle by the waterfront of San Francisco and pass through Fisherman’s Wharf and the historic 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 embark on a ferry ride back to the city with more phenomenal views along the way.
A group of five women wearing sailor hats sits around a table on a boat, smiling and raising glasses in a toast. The table is covered with plates of food, drinks, and a centerpiece. The ocean and clear sky are visible through the windows behind them—it's as if they've just come from one of the Top Food Tours in San Francisco.
Photo: Courtesy of cityexperiences.com

San Francisco Premier Brunch Cruise

City Cruises San Francisco, Pier 3, Hornblower Landing, San Francisco
Price: $128
Spoil yourself to a relaxing cruise across the Bay featuring a hearty breakfast buffet, onboard music, and unlimited complimentary mimosas and sparkling wine if you’re of age. Admire sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Angel Island while having a delicious meal.
A yellow Bay Voyager boat carries a group of tourists wearing red coats and life jackets with a tour guide pointing to seals on a dock.
Photo: Courtesy of Bay Voyager on Facebook

San Francisco Bay Adventure Boat Sightseeing

Bay Voyager, I, Pier 39, San Francisco
Price: $99
Embark on a nautical journey and tour the Bay via boat and enjoy up close views of iconic landmarks like Alcatraz, Coit Tower, the Presidio, and the Golden Gate Bridge while learning about them through commentary provided by your captain. You will be given gear to ensure you stay dry and warm throughout the ride.

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