San Francisco - the name conjures up all manner of evocative and world-famous sights. From the majestic Golden Gate Bridge and the imposing walls of Alcatraz, to the legendarily hilly roads and the streetcars which wind their way on them. Even if you’ve never visited the city, San Francisco’s photogenic qualities and a multitude of movie appearances mean you’ll already have pictures in your mind of many of its most popular attractions. So when you do visit, as much as you’ll be eager to see those sights for yourself, some of you will no doubt also be looking to embrace something a little bit unique. Activities and sightseeing opportunities that speak to you as a person - whether they happen to be a tourist hot-spot or not. And these 10 activities are sure to chime with travelers eager to mix things up a bit and experience something a little less ‘touristy’ during their visit to this beautiful Californian city.
1. Beginners' surfing session in Pacifica (from USD 124.0)
Surf’s up! Who hasn’t seen footage of surfers on the Californian coast and thought, ‘I’d quite like to try that one day?’ Well, now’s the chance, with this three-hour beginners surfing session. Taking place in Pacifica, a little to the south of San Francisco, those who give this mesmerizing sport a try will be shown the basics by an experienced instructor, who will teach you everything from push up techniques to reading the wave conditions. There are separate morning and afternoon sessions, so you’ll be able to fit it around whatever else you have planned for that day. What’s more, it is aimed at everyone from complete beginners to those who have picked up some of the basics but wish to improve. And you won’t have to worry about any annoying extras - as the equipment rental is included in the price.
Beginner Surfing in San Francisco at Pacifica Beach
Duration 2 hours 30 minutes
2. San Francisco Segway Tour (from USD 79.0)
Are you looking for a memorable way to tour the famously hilly streets of San Francisco in the open air, but eager to avoid the huffing and puffing of a bicycle tour? Then why not try the fun of a Segway? These iconic two-wheel scooters form the basis of this three-hour tour, which passes such famous landmarks as the Golden Gate Bridge and Fishermen’s Wharf, and also provides plenty of views of Alcatraz and the ocean. Past tour participants loved the “awesome” guide and “informative” tour, although, arguably, the element that put the biggest grin on people’s faces was the Segways themselves, and the chance to glide around so many city streets.
San Francisco: 2.5 Hour City Segway Tour
Duration 2.5 hour
3. Three-hour sunset bike tour (from USD 55.0)
Rather than simply hopping on a bus for a guided tour, why not opt for two wheels and embark on this well-reviewed three-hour bicycle trip around some of the city’s most popular spots. This includes biking along the coast and across the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge on its designated cycle lane, and riding past a number of the city’s well-known piers as well as the Palace of Fine Arts. Previous tour participants loved the ride - despite the hills - as well as the “wonderful” and informative tour guide. The views are also spectacular, especially when combined with the sunset.
San Francisco: 3-Hour Sunset Bicycle Tour
Duration 3 hour
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
The Guest Suite, a Romantic Garden Retreat in NOPA
San Francisco, California, United States
Grand and Cozy 1920's SF Studio
San Francisco, California, United States
ENTIRE HOME, 2 bedroom, sleeps 4+, great location!
San Francisco, California, United States
4. Sixty minute glow yoga session for all abilities (from USD 30.0)
Seeking a little relaxation for body and mind but bored of lounging about in the sun? Then try a little yoga with a qualified instructor. This 60-minute session on Vinyasa yoga is aimed for all levels - so even if you’ve never tried it before, you’ll not be made to feel left out. The teachers even cater to their classes towards an individual yoga experience. And, with the session running for just one hour, you’ll be able to slot it amid any other activities you have planned in the North Beach area. And there are a couple of different days every week when sessions can be booked, offering a little flexibility within the window of your travel plans.
Glow Yoga
Duration 1 hour
5. Scavenger hunt fun at Pier 39 (from USD 34.0)
Pier 39 may be one of San Francisco’s famous landmarks, but why not try something a little different when you take in its sights. This two-hour walking adventure begins at the pier and poses a series of clues and challenges to turn your visit into a memorable game and scavenger hunt. What’s more, while part of the fun will be pitting you against other challengers, you can go as fast or as slow as you like - with ranks only based on your travel time and puzzles. This gives you every chance to enjoy some of the sights and the food and drink of the local eateries while you play.
San Francisco Pier 39 Puzzling Adventure
Duration 1 to 3 hours
6. Modern art museum trip (from USD 117.0)
Combining the best in modern art with the chance to recreate it for yourself, this session will appeal to all art lovers out there. During the three-hour long event, participants will wander the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art alongside an artist and 10-year San Franciscan native. The artist will take you through the art in the museum’s exhibitions before later heading to a local cafe or park, where you’ll get the chance to set about recreating your favorite piece. So, not only will you get to enjoy the work of modern art masters you’ll get the chance to translate your feelings into an abstract art of your own and end up with a unique souvenir of your trip.
Recreate the Moderns with an Artist
Duration 3 hours
7. San Francisco rocket-boat ride (from USD 29.0)
Get ready to rock and roll as you speed through the waters of San Francisco Bay at up to 55mph (81kph). This 30-minute speedboat ride tears around the picturesque bay, with popular music and a narrator providing entertaining tunes and informative titbits of information as you hurtle past the likes of Pier 39, Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge. This popular Rocket Boat ride also features moments where you’ll be able to snap selfies and pictures of the sights. Ponchos are also provided to help keep you dry amid the high-speed spray. This popular ride also won plenty of plaudits from impressed passengers, who called the trip “a total blast” and praised the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the “amazing twists and turns” in the bay.
San Francisco RocketBoat Ride
Duration 30 minutes
8. Learn the art of massage (from USD 117.0)
If there’s one thing that holidays are particularly good at, it’s escaping the pressures of working life and for easing away the stresses that build up during the daily grind. Naturally, massages are one particularly appealing part of many a holiday, but have you ever considered learning the techniques for yourself? If you have, then this two-hour massage lesson for couples will be a perfect way to while away part of the day. The experienced tutor - who has been massaging for 12 years - will help participants learn how to relieve and reduce daily tension, pick up the likes of deep tissue, Thai and Swedish massages, and more.
Learn The Art Of Massage!
Duration 2 hours
9. Wacky walking adventure game
Another option for those looking to turn their sightseeing into a fun little game, this two-hour walking challenge uses a special app to navigate various city streets, throwing in fascinating facts and a little wacky fun that will ensure you and your friends - old and new - create plenty of fond memories. There will also be a remote guide only a call away, should you need any help during your adventure. You can also choose to break your journey mid-adventure for a drink or meal en route at one of the local eateries or bars, ensuring the fun lasts for as little or as long as you like.
Wacky Adventure Walk Game - San Francisco, CA
Duration 2 hours
10. Flyboard over San Francisco Bay (from USD 146.0)
Channel your inner thrill-seeker and soar through the air like a bird with a stint on a Flyboard. These spectacular contraptions, which use powerful jets of water to soar dozens of feet above the sea, are a whole lot of fun - and will surely appeal to the more adventurous and fun-loving of visitors. The experience itself lasts 40 minutes, 30 of which will be on the water, and you’ll be given instructions by a certified instructor. It’s the closest you’ll ever get to the feeling of riding on Back to the Future’s iconic hoverboard - with the added fun of the open water.
Flyboard Over San Francisco Bay
Duration 40 minutes
Time to get off the beaten track
There are many memorable ways to experience a city as large and as famous as San Francisco, and those who opt for a more unique experience will find plenty of ways to pass the time in style.