Top San Francisco Arts & Design

Take in panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz Island, and sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, on a relaxing San Francisco Bay cruise. Sit indoors or savor cool bay breezes from an outdoor deck and experience San Francisco in a new way. This ticket allows you to skip the line and go straight to the gate. Access an audio guide via your smartphone or other device.

Take a journey around San Francisco's top sights in a retro way with this small-group tour by vintage Volkswagen bus, decorated with long eyelashes so you can't miss your tour vehicle. You'll pass by neighborhoods like Chinatown, Union Square, Pacific Heights, North Beach, Haight-Ashbury, the Marina, and Hayes Valley, plus see the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Civic Center, and more.

Explore one of California's most iconic settings from the beauty of San Francisco Bay. This narrated Golden Gate Bay cruise journeys alongside Alcatraz and Angel Island State Park, past the shores of Sausalito and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. You can choose to view the sights from inside your boat or out on deck.

Ensure a smooth visit to San Francisco’s Exploratorium by pre-booking your admission ticket. Pass by ticket lines and spend more time engaging your senses and delve into a world of discovery through hundreds of interactive exhibits for the whole family. Explore the amazing realms of physics, anatomy, human perception, and Earth’s ecosystems through inquiry-based displays that delight and inform visitors of all ages.

Visit San Francisco’s historic Presidio District, and learn about the man behind the Disney classics, when you prebook admission tickets to The Walt Disney Family Museum. Benefit from seamless admission, and then admire Walt’s early cartoons and films, hearing about his life through videos and narration from the animator himself. Don’t forget to check out views of the Bay from the museum’s glass wall before you go.

Enjoy easy skip-the-line access to the California Academy of Sciences with this pre-paid ticket. Walk right in to explore the museum's 4-story rainforest, planetarium, and aquarium, plus the new Tiny Chef, Big Impact exhibit celebrating small actions for the planet.

Prebook general admission to San Francisco’s de Young Museum—located in Golden Gate Park, and home to one of the city’s most prominent art collections—and have the freedom to explore its galleries at your own pace with this convenient visiting option. Upgrade your ticket to include entrance to the Special Exhibits. With your ticket, you can also enjoy same-day entry to the Legion of Honor Museum at no extra cost.

Get more out of your time in the Mission District with this private tour that offers a flexible meeting location for a stress-free experience in San Francisco. Your guide knows the area well, and packs in visits to famous street-art areas, delicious food trucks, and even a local-favorite donut shop. Plus, you’ll learn all about the Mission’s vibrant history as you go.

“There is nothing like this anywhere!“ Step into San Francisco's Ultimate Weird House, dubbed "the most unusual house in the city, if not the universe" by the San Francisco Chronicle. Embark on a psychedelic odyssey through nine curious installations, where Alice in Wonderland meets 1001 Arabian Nights in a whirlwind of art and imagination. This "connectatorium," offers a globetrotting, time-traveling journey of self-discovery unlike any other experience in the city. Expect an adventure filled with sensory overload and surprises behind every magical door. Are you ready to look inside?

The Alcatraz Island Tour offers a unique glimpse into the historic former prison, accessible via a scenic ferry ride from Pier 33 in San Francisco. This package includes admission to Alcatraz Island and an award-winning 45-minute audio tour of the prison, providing insights into the lives of infamous inmates and the prison's storied past. Visitors can explore the island at their own pace, allowing ample time to absorb the rich history and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline. This tour is a must for history buffs and those seeking a deeper understanding of one of America’s most notorious landmarks.

The American Bookbinders Museum in San Francisco invites visitors to explore the rich history and craft of bookbinding. Open Tuesday through Saturday, this unique museum showcases hand-binding tools from the 1600s to the industrial machines of the 1800s. Engage with self-guided and audio tours, featuring interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that enhance your understanding of book creation. Discover special rotating exhibits like 'Design for a Modern Century,' reflecting the influence of Art Deco on book arts. This museum is perfect for book lovers and history enthusiasts looking to appreciate the art of bookmaking.

Discover the art, architecture, and history of downtown San Francisco on this small-group guided walking tour. Skip hours of research and let a guide show you around the central business district, highlight architectural gems such as the London Paris National Bank and JP Morgan Chase, along with public art and public spaces such as Salesforce Park.

Check out the Painted Ladies on this private tour in San Francisco. These popular homes aren’t open all the time, so grab your chance to view them on this tour. Your guide will tell you all about the history of the interiors and the families who lived inside the homes. Tour for around an hour, and then you are free to continue exploring San Francisco.

Sail across San Francisco Bay at twilight to admire the skyline as it begins to light up for the night, and enjoy a perspective on the skyline that few other visitors get to see. With an experienced captain at the helm, you’ll glide past Alcatraz Island and cruise underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. As you go, you can also enjoy one complimentary beverage to accompany your sightseeing, or purchase additional drinks from the onboard bar.

Save time and money with the San Francisco CityPASS®, which gives you admission to your choice of four top attractions: the California Academy of Sciences and Blue & Gold Fleet San Francisco Bay Cruise, de Young Museum + Legion of honor, Aquarium of the Bay, Exploratorium, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art — SFMOMA, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, or The Walt Disney Family Museum.

Learn the stories behind the Bay Area's most notorious former federal penitentiary on a fascinating “Escape from the Rock” cruise around Alcatraz. Listen to audio recordings via your own device, with stories from ex-prisoners and guards about daily life on “The Rock.” Admire views of other San Francisco Bay highlights—including the Golden Gate Bridge—en route. This admission ticket allows you to skip the line and go straight to the gate.

Explore Alcatraz Island like never before with this exclusive package that includes official admission and round-trip ferry tickets. Accompanied by a unique companion audio guide, your journey unfolds with captivating narratives about the island’s history, hidden gardens, and powerful stories of resistance. From the moment you board the ferry at Pier 33 to your return, enjoy immersive storytelling that enhances the official Cellhouse audio tour. This experience reveals insights often missed, providing a deeper understanding of transformation within this historic site. At checkout, you can select the Alcatraz Night Tour option, which includes evening ferry service, guided introductions by park rangers, and access to areas not open during the day. With fewer visitors and special programs, the night tour offers a more intimate and immersive experience of the island. Night option is not available Sundays and Mondays. This is a self-guided tour with an exclusive audio companion guide.

Learn about the history and culture of the Haight Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco with this puzzle game. Download the game onto your smartphone and use it even when you are offline. Solve clues and puzzles all over the neighborhood and learn about the history along the way. Play the game at your own pace.

Visit Northern California wine country and Muir Woods for a truly fabulous day out. This Super Saver provides two popular tours at one discounted price: Begin with a walk through Muir Woods National Monument, then tour three wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys, with tastings included. You’ll also cross the Golden Gate Bridge, with a stop for a photo opportunity. Guests can buy lunch if you haven't upgraded to the gourmet lunch option.

Save money on some of San Francisco’s top attractions, with a flexible pass to two, three, four, or five landmarks or experiences. Choose your favorite activities from more than 25 options, including cruises, tours, bike rentals, and museum outings. Plus, use the handy digital guide to help you independently navigate the Bay Area at your own pace.

Enjoy a new way to experience one of San Francisco's premier attractions when you book after-dark tickets to the Exploratorium, available exclusively on Thursday evenings. After regular visiting hours end, the Exploratorium turns into an adults-only destination for intellectual discovery. Visitors aged 18 and older can dance, mingle, and explore while sipping on cocktails (own expense, aged 21+ only) and discovering the museum's interactive exhibitions.

See a side of San Francisco that many visitors overlook—and soak up the city’s local feel—on this small-group walking tour. Pick between morning and afternoon start times, and meet your guide in the Inner Sunset neighborhood. Over the course of 2 miles (3 kilometers), you’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll as you ascend hidden staircases, explore secret gardens, and soak up the city’s picturesque views well off the tourist track.

One of San Francisco’s most storied neighborhoods, the Mission District is home to off-beat sights not always apparent to independent travelers. With this small-group walking tour, visit the district’s top sights and hidden gems, including the oldest church in San Francisco, the famous “golden” fire hydrant, Victorian homes, and the Balmy Alley murals. Don’t fret about finding a meal—stop at bakeries, taquerias, and cafes, and enjoy lunch at an Oaxacan restaurant (included).