San Francisco welcomed roughly 26 million visitors in 2019, many seeking the city’s famously bold outdoor and urban adventures. If you’re searching for adventurous things to do in San Francisco, the city’s compact 7×7 footprint, dramatic coastline, iconic infrastructure like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, steep hills, and patchwork microclimates make it an unusually concentrated playground for active travelers. Too many visitors default to museums and cable cars and miss out on physically engaging options that show the city’s raw character. If you’re after thrills, scenic views, and experiences you won’t forget, these 10 adventurous things to do in San Francisco deliver from the waterline to the skyline. The list is organized into three parts—outdoor & waterfront, urban & cultural, and unique Bay Area experiences—so you can pick the kind of adrenaline you want. Ready to start? Let’s begin with the outdoor waterfront adventures.
Outdoor & Waterfront Adventures
The waterfront is where you’ll find many of the most physically active adventurous things to do in san francisco, from steep coastal hikes to salt-spray kayak trips. The Golden Gate Bridge spans about 1.7 miles and the whole city often gets called the “7×7” for its roughly seven-by-seven-mile size, so big experiences are close at hand. Water activities require respect for tides and currents, and the city’s microclimates mean sun and fog can appear within minutes—plan layers and guided options where appropriate. These suggestions mix popular must-dos with a few lesser-known ways to see the Bay safely.
1. Bike the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
One of the most iconic things to do in San Francisco is to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito.
The bridge itself is roughly 1.7 miles long and opened on May 27, 1937, and the typical route starts near Fisherman’s Wharf, follows the waterfront onto the bridge, and finishes in the charming harbor town of Sausalito. Expect 2–3 hours for a comfortable pace with photo stops and a ferry return. Mornings are best for lighter winds and clearer views. Bring a helmet, layered clothing for wind, and check ferry schedules for your return.
- Rentals and services: Blazing Saddles, Parkwide Bike Rentals.
- Return options: Golden Gate Ferry or Sausalito ferries back to the city.
- Pro tip: book a bike map or guided option if you want a relaxed outing.
2. Kayak under the Golden Gate and around Alcatraz
One little known activity in the city is kayaking under the Golden Gate and paddling around Alcatraz. This trip delivers rare angles on the city.
Most guided sea-kayak trips last about 2–3 hours and include a safety briefing, wetsuit recommendations, and a skilled guide who reads currents and fog. Paddlers get close-up views of Alcatraz and the underside of the bridge, a perspective you won’t get from the ferry. Operators require a baseline of fitness and will cancel or reroute if conditions are unsafe, since near-shore currents and weather change quickly.
- Operators: City Kayak and local outfitters such as Sea Trek Adventure.
- Recommended gear: neoprene layers, waterproof bag, and a snug life jacket.
- Safety tips: stick with guides, wear a wetsuit in colder months, and heed launch/return times.
3. Hike Lands End and the Coastal Trail
The Lands End and Coastal Trail is very accessible for those seeking to blend some adventure with a blend of history and wild coastlines.
The trail is roughly a 3-mile round-trip route linking Lands End Lookout, the Sutro Baths ruins, and cliffside viewpoints like Eagle Point and Mile Rock Beach. The path mixes packed dirt, stairs, and rocky viewpoints with mild elevation changes, and fog or spray can make sections slick. Look for the Lands End Labyrinth and bring sturdy shoes. Whale-spotting season runs December through April if you want a chance to see migrating whales offshore.
- Highlights: Sutro Baths ruins, Lands End Labyrinth, Mile Rock Beach.
- Trail notes: expect wet sections, wear layered clothing and good hiking shoes.
- What to bring: water, a windproof layer, camera, and sunscreen for clearer days.
4. Surf or beach-run at Ocean Beach
For active locals, ocean Beach offers a rugged coastal run or challenging surf session.
Ocean Beach runs about three miles along the city’s western edge and faces open ocean swells, which create powerful waves and strong rip currents. Water temperatures average near 55°F, so a wetsuit is recommended for paddling or surfing. The shore is popular with experienced surfers and long-distance runners along the Great Highway; beginners should seek lessons with local surf schools.
- Beach facts: three-mile shoreline, cold water around 55°F—wetsuit recommended.
- Activities: surf lessons from local surf schools, running along the Great Highway.
- Safety: use a board leash, check rip current info, and avoid solo swims.
Urban & Cultural Thrills
City-based adventures pair movement with culture, and they make for memorable days without a long drive. The historic cable-car system is one such attraction, and the steep climbs across neighborhoods deliver unexpected vistas. Plan for footwork—walking mural routes or hill climbs can be strenuous—and mix cultural stops with active elements for a satisfying day.
5. Ride the historic cable cars and climb Nob Hill
Riding the historic cable cars and climbing Nob Hill is a classic for both tourists and SF locals.
The first cable car system was developed in 1873 by Andrew Hallidie, and today three lines operate across the city: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California. Riding means holding on during steep grades and hopping off to walk up or down Nob Hill for panoramic views. Historic hotels and landmarks like The Fairmont and Grace Cathedral reward the climb with photo ops.
- Historical facts: cable car system origins, 1873 (Andrew Hallidie).
- Operational lines: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, California.
- Practical tips: buy a multi-ride pass, avoid peak mid-day crowds, and bring layers for changing weather.
6. Street art and a food crawl in the Mission District
A 2–3 hour route through Clarion Alley and Balmy Alley mixes bold murals—many born from community activism—with stops for tacos, pastries, and coffee. Anchor the crawl with well-known spots like La Taqueria for tacos and Tartine Bakery for pastries so you have real, delicious checkpoints between mural clusters. The murals span decades and styles, making every block a new visual chapter.
- Must-see murals: Clarion Alley, Balmy Alley, neighborhood poster projects.
- Food highlights: La Taqueria (tacos), Tartine Bakery (pastries).
- Suggested timing: mid-morning to early afternoon to avoid the busiest meal lines.
7. Join a night Alcatraz or Presidio tour for a spookier view
Alcatraz functioned as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963, and night tours (run through National Park Service–contracted operators) offer a moodier, less crowded experience than daytime ferries. Book well in advance since popular nights sell out months ahead. Presidio night walks led by local historical groups add eerie landscapes and hidden wartime sites to the mix. Bring a warm jacket and sturdy shoes for uneven paths and ferry approaches.
- Historical fact: Alcatraz as a federal prison, 1934–1963.
- Booking: use Official Alcatraz Island tickets and reserve early.
- Practical tip: carry a small flashlight, dress warmly, and expect restricted access in some areas.
Unique Bay Area Experiences
Some of the city’s most memorable adventures cross into the surrounding Bay Area, offering vertical forests, cliff launches, and aerial perspectives. Many of these are half-day trips from San Francisco and often require reservations or shuttle planning. They pair well with a drive or public-transit leg and make for excellent photo opportunities.
8. Hike among old-growth redwoods at Muir Woods
For those looking for something more peaceful and physically engaging, consider hiking among old-growth redwoods at Muir Woods.
Muir Woods features coastal redwoods that can reach about 250 feet and trunks wider than 20 feet across in old-growth stands. The site offers accessible loop trails, raised boardwalks, and interpretive signs. During peak season, visitors often need reservations and should use the shuttle or timed-entry system to avoid parking shortages. A popular pairing is a post-hike lunch in Sausalito.
- Tree facts: some redwoods reach about 250 feet tall.
- Visitor logistics: reservations and shuttle options are commonly required—see official guidance before you go (Muir Woods reservations and shuttle info).
- Tips: arrive early, expect cooler temperatures under the canopy, and bring water and layers.
9. Try tandem paragliding or hang gliding at Fort Funston
Fort Funston’s cliffs and steady coastal wind make tandem paragliding or hang gliding one of the memorable activities the city has to offer.
The launch area offers reliable lift for cliff flights, and local clubs and certified tandem operators run flights for first-timers. Operators will list weight limits, require waivers, and provide a safety briefing. Typical tandem flights catch several minutes of cliff lift and can extend if thermals cooperate, and bookings are recommended well in advance.
- Site fact: Fort Funston has consistent coastal winds ideal for cliff launches.
- Expectations: tandem flights include an operator briefing, weight checks, and several minutes of lift (longer with thermals).
- What to wear: windproof jacket, secure shoes, and minimal loose items.
10. Take a seaplane or helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view
Taking a seaplane or helicopter tour is one of the quickest ways to capture the sweep of San Francisco.
Typical tours run 15–30 minutes and circle the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, and the Bay bridges, offering dramatic photo opportunities. Options include helicopter services such as BLADE and local seaplane charters that depart from the waterfront. Morning flights often provide the clearest visibility. Note that flights are a premium experience with weight limits and minimum-age policies.
- Durations: most flights last about 15–30 minutes.
- Operators: look for reputable helicopter services and licensed seaplane charters.
- Photo tips: morning light is best, wear polarized sunglasses, and secure your camera strap.
Summary
- Plan timing: book Alcatraz and Muir Woods in advance and aim for morning slots for clearer views and lighter winds.
- Respect conditions: water adventures need guided operators and awareness of currents; paragliding and aerial tours have weight and safety rules.
- Packing basics: bring layered clothing for microclimates, sturdy shoes for coastal trails, and wetsuits or neoprene for cold-water activities.
- Mix activities: combine a Golden Gate bike ride with a Sausalito ferry lunch or pair a Lands End hike with a Mission food stop for variety.
- Start small: pick one adventure, check logistics and weather, book required reservations, and enjoy an active, authentic side of the Bay.
