Top San Francisco Outdoor Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tired of the urban cityscape and feel like you need a breath of fresh air? Then jump on this San Francisco day trip by bus, and visit some of the world's tallest trees at Muir Woods National Historic Monument, only minutes from downtown. One moment you'll be kicking your way past the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito, and a short while later wandering beneath the majestic canopy of centuries-old California coastal redwoods.

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.

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.

Enjoy two of San Francisco’s top activities in one day on this 6-hour combo experience that includes biking across the Golden Gate Bridge and transportation to Muir Woods National Monument (entrance fee not included). When you reach Sausalito at the end of your bike ride, just hop on a shuttle for the ride to the redwood trees of Muir Woods.

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.

Tour San Francisco in an open-air safari jeep, then visit Alcatraz during this half-day urban adventure. With your small group, cruise through the city, passing landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks, then winding through the city's diverse neighborhoods. Disembark at Pier 33 to board your Alcatraz cruise, then take the self-guided audio tour to learn about the prison's rich history. Pickup at your hotel in San Francisco is included.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Experience some of the Bay Area’s top attractions on this Alcatraz and Muir Woods tour that also includes a stop in Sausalito. At Muir Woods National Monument, stare in wonder at the coastal redwoods, some of the tallest trees on Earth. Soak up the charm of seaside Sausalito, and experience Alcatraz in one of two ways—admission to the prison, which includes the ferry ride to Alcatraz Island and the audio tour.

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.

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!

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.

Travel by minibus from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park on a small-group day trip to one of the most visually stunning places on earth—considered the crown jewel of America’s national parks. This full-day itinerary takes you through the orchards of the Central Valley to Yosemite Valley, stopping first for a stroll through a grove of giant sequoias. Find plenty of photo ops of Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. Numbers are limited to 15 passengers to ensure a personalized experience with your knowledgeable guide.

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. 

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.

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.