Top San Francisco Arts & Design in 2026

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.

Go beyond the movies and gain a deeper understanding of the man behind some of the world’s most beloved animated characters at The Walt Disney Family Museum. Located in San Francisco’s historic Presidio, the museum brings Walt Disney’s life and creative legacy into focus through early cartoons, films, personal stories, and recordings in his own voice. Before you leave, take in sweeping views of San Francisco Bay from the museum’s glass-walled galleries.

See San Francisco’s most famous waterfront landmarks from the water on a bay cruise that combines iconic views with onboard flexibility. Sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, pass Alcatraz Island, and take in panoramic views of the city skyline while listening to stories and insights through an app-based audio guide. With skip-the-line boarding and indoor and outdoor viewing areas, it’s an easy way to experience the bay from a different perspective.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Uncover San Francisco’s haunted history on this thrilling ghost-hunting tour, complete with your own EMF detector. Explore eerie alleys, historic neighborhoods, and infamous sites like Gold Rush cemeteries and Chinatown’s old red-light district, while hearing chilling tales of paranormal activity, murders, and mysterious deaths. Perfect for thrill-seekers, this tour blends ghost stories with true crime and the city’s darker past.

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.

As you explore these sightseeing gems in the city, let the spirit of San Francisco unfold before you—a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural wonders into an unforgettable tapestry. Enjoy your journey through the enchanting streets of the City by the Bay! As you embark on your sightseeing adventure a city that enchants with its iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and unparalleled beauty. Whether you're exploring the bustling Union Square or savoring chocolates at Ghirardelli Square, each of these San Francisco highlights promises a unique and memorable experience, showcasing the city's diversity and charm.

Discover the story behind the magic at The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco’s Presidio. Explore 40,000 square feet of galleries dedicated to Walt Disney’s life, achievements, and creative journey, from his early days as an animation artist to the creation of the Disney empire. See original drawings, animation artwork, films, historical artifacts, music listening stations, and interactive displays that bring his legacy to life. Marvel at a detailed 12-foot model of Disneyland and learn how Walt’s ideas transformed entertainment and storytelling. Exhibitions share fascinating stories about his family, career, challenges, and greatest accomplishments, offering a deeper look beyond the famous characters and films. With a digital audio guide available in multiple languages, you can explore at your own pace. Perfect for Disney fans, families, animation enthusiasts, and curious travelers, this museum offers an inspiring and memorable journey through the life of Walt Disney.

Visit two of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most popular destinations without the hassle of driving, parking, or securing reservations on your own. Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to explore the towering redwoods of Muir Woods, then spend time in Sausalito, known for its waterfront views, art galleries, and laid-back charm. Return to San Francisco by coach or choose the flexibility of a ferry ride across the bay.

Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks with a hop-on hop-off bus pass valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Visit big-name attractions such as Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts, and Union Square. Explore at your own pace, hopping off at any of the stops along two routes. Upgrade to the 48-hour tour for a digital Chinatown walking tour and a panoramic sunset tour, or the 72-hour tour, which also includes a bay cruise.

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.

Hop on a '70s-era VW bus and get to know the hippie past and hipster vibe that make up San Francisco today. Starting and ending at Fisherman's Wharf, this sightseeing tour takes you around the city, including Chinatown, North Beach, the Castro, the Mission, downtown and more. See the homes of The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, while listening to '60s classics. So settle into a neon-blue seat and dig your shoes into groovy shag carpet. Each bus accommodates up to just six people.

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.

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.

Discover a world of wonder and exploration with the California Academy of Sciences Ticket in San Francisco, an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages. This all-in-one attraction brings together an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and living rainforest under one innovative roof. Walk through a four-story tropical rainforest filled with butterflies and birds, come face to face with sharks and vibrant marine life, and enjoy fascinating planetarium shows that take you on a journey through space. Interactive exhibits make science fun and engaging, while the iconic living roof and location in Golden Gate Park add to the experience. Perfect for families, science lovers, and curious explorers, this ticket offers a full day of discovery, learning, and excitement. Book now and experience one of San Francisco’s most inspiring attractions.

Filoli is an unforgettable estate experience just outside San Francisco. Wander through 16 acres of vibrant formal gardens, explore a grand 54,000-sqft Georgian mansion, and discover miles of scenic nature trails where Dambo's giant Troll, Rose Wonders will be nestled in Filoli's Natural Lands. Originally built in 1917, Filoli offers a rare blend of cultivated beauty and wild landscape, now amplified by this incredible outdoor exhibition. It’s a perfect day out for all ages—where families can reconnect, kids can explore, and friends can roam. Enjoy a Garden Pop™ or sip a curated cocktail from one of Filoli’s seasonal pop-up bars. This historical California landscape bridges art, nature, and sustainability.

Go beyond the usual sights and discover how San Francisco became the city it is today. This walking tour explores North Beach through the immigrants, artists, writers, musicians, nightlife pioneers, and countercultures that shaped the neighborhood—and the city beyond it. From Little Italy and Beat-era bohemia to Broadway nightlife and punk, you’ll connect famous landmarks with unexpected stories and see how creative communities take root, evolve, and leave their mark. Led by a local storyteller with deep ties to San Francisco’s arts and music scene, this is history with an insider’s perspective. Groups are capped at just 10 guests, making the experience more conversational, personal, and responsive to your interests.

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.