Day Trips to Take and Things to Do in San Francisco

Famous for its cable cars, bustling waterfront, and celebrated food and arts scenes, San Francisco offers a memorable vacation. But outdoor adventure is another San Francisco claim to fame, so pack a jacket for the unpredictable weather and get ready to walk, hike, and bike.

Take an Outdoor Walking Tour

The best way to explore San Francisco’s diverse neighborhoods is on foot. Starting at Marriott Vacation Club^®, San Francisco, in Fisherman’s Wharf, take a self-guided or group walking tour to see the city’s most popular waterfront attractions. Sample chocolate at Ghirardelli Square, watch sourdough bread rise at Boudin Bakery, and see harbor seals basking in the sun at PIER 39.

For classic San Francisco vistas, head across town to grassy Alamo Square Park. Here, the Painted Ladies — a row of rainbow-hued Victorian homes — make for Instagram-worthy shots.

Bike the Golden Gate Bridge

First opened in 1933, the Golden Gate Bridge is a modern wonder of the world and San Francisco’s most iconic sight. While you can appreciate its grandeur from a car, try renting a bike near your home-away-from-home and following a designated bike path to the bridge. Cycle 1.7 miles across the bridge, taking in its soaring towers and water views, then ride into Sausalito and take a ferry back to San Francisco.

Explore an Urban Nature Oasis

Find an oasis in the city at the sprawling Golden Gate Park. Lounge on the grassy lawns or find your zen in the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States, complete with ornamental plants, koi ponds, pagodas, and blooming cherry trees. In the park’s lauded San Francisco Botanical Garden, you can amble through 8,000 different plants from New Zealand, Australia, Central America, and beyond.

Go Sailing on The Bay

Don’t visit the City by the Bay without getting out on the water. Avoid the crowds by chartering a private cruise from PIER 39 to sail around Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, and the San Francisco waterfront. You can even sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and look for seals in the choppy waters.

Is human-powered adventure more your speed? Book a kayak tour that departs from South Beach. Paddle along the banks of Oracle Park in McCovey Cove and down Mission Creek without getting rocked by big waves.

Hike to Old-Growth Redwood Trees

Take a day trip beyond the city and find a preserved stand of old-growth, coastal redwood trees at Muir Woods National Monument. Go early to see these 600-year-old giants shrouded in dense morning fog, or spend a sunny afternoon walking flat forest paths like the Bohemian Grove Trail.

For a challenge, venture up the valley crest on the Dipsea Trail. This path is steep in parts, but the 9-mile trek is worth the views of redwoods and the Pacific Ocean. If you’re making a day of the trip, you can tack on a few extra miles and hike to Stinson Beach to enjoy the surf splashing your hike-weary feet.

Where to Stay

Marriott Vacation Club, San Francisco, is located in the historic Fisherman’s Wharf district. It’s within walking distance to celebrated shopping and dining venues, including PIER 39, Ghirardelli Square, Anchorage Square, the National Maritime Museum, Hyde Street Park, and more. This property offers modern guestrooms ornamented in San Francisco-themed decor.