Discover San Francisco.
Live pulse, upcoming shows, and hand-curated local spots across San Francisco. Choose what you want to do or plan a bespoke day.
What are you looking for?
Happening Today
Live music, markets & day pop-ups
Tonight's Guide
Evening shows, comedy & dinner vibes
This Weekend
Festivals, popups & outdoor escapes
Sunday Chill
Patios, markets & relaxed strolls
Date Night Ideas
Cozy spots, intimate drinks & views
Rainy Day & Indoor
Museums, arcades & cozy cafes
Free & $0 Sights
Parks, overlooks & free days
Under $20 & Budget
Budget eats & cheap local fun
Family & Kids
Parks, interactive science & fun
Live Music & Gigs
Concerts, jazz halls & indie shows
Comedy & Improv
Standup cellars & laughter clubs
After 10 PM
Speakeasies & late-night diners
Upcoming Events & Shows in San Francisco
California Academy of Sciences: NightLife (21+)
Explore the 4-story living rainforest, Steinhart Aquarium, and Morrison Planetarium after hours with craft cocktails, live DJ sets, and special science demonstrations.
Son Rompe Pera Live
The acclaimed Mexican garage-cumbia marimba-punk band Son Rompe Pera performs an energetic live set at The Independent in San Francisco.
Courtney Barnett: Creature of Habit Tour
Australian indie rocker Courtney Barnett brings her witty storytelling, raw guitar hooks, and the Creature of Habit Tour to the legendary Fillmore stage.
Chasewest & Black House Radio at 1015 Folsom
Tech house sensation Chasewest headlines a multi-room club night with Black House Radio, state-of-the-art lighting, and heavy bass in SOMA.
Alemany Farmers Market
Known as 'The People's Market', Alemany is the first farmers market in California, providing fresh seasonal produce, specialty Asian greens, and budget-friendly ingredients directly from regional growers.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market (Foodwise)
San Francisco's premier California-certified farmers market, featuring over 100 regional farms, artisanal bakers, purveyors, and celebrated food stalls along the Embarcadero waterfront.
de Young Museum: Free Saturdays for Bay Area Residents
Enjoy free general admission every Saturday for residents of all nine Bay Area counties, exploring permanent art collections, sculpture gardens, and the 9-story Hamon Observation Tower.
HYDEFM Presents: Connie (SF Debut)
Underground electronic station HYDEFM hosts NYC-based DJ and producer Connie for an intimate, high-vibe dance party with deep grooves in the Monarch basement.
Iconic Local Gems in San Francisco
Palace of Fine Arts
★ 4.8Monumental Greco-Roman rotunda and colonnades mirrored in a tranquil lagoon
Constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, this architectural masterpiece in the Marina District features a towering classical rotunda, sweeping colonnades, weeping willows, and a peaceful lagoon inhabited by swans and ducks. It offers a romantic, serene sanctuary perfect for strolls and architectural photography.
Twin Peaks
★ 4.7Spectacular 360-degree panoramic vantage point above San Francisco
Rising nearly 1,000 feet near the geographic center of the city, Twin Peaks provides an unmatched 360-degree panorama of downtown skyscrapers, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the East Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It is an unforgettable stop for photography, sunset watching, and feeling the brisk marine breeze.
Ferry Building Marketplace
★ 4.6Historic waterfront landmark with world-class artisanal foods and bay views
Set inside a restored 1898 transit hub at the foot of Market Street, the Ferry Building is the epicurean heart of San Francisco, showcasing local merchants selling gourmet cheeses, sourdough bread, craft coffee, seafood, and fresh pastries alongside panoramic views of the Bay Bridge.
Japanese Tea Garden & Golden Gate Park
★ 4.5Tranquil koi ponds, arched moon bridge, and classical pagodas
Originally created as an exhibit for the 1894 Midwinter International Exposition, this is the oldest public Japanese garden in North America. Stroll tranquil pathways surrounded by manicured bonsai, azaleas, stone lanterns, a Zen dry garden, and a traditional teahouse serving green tea and Japanese confections.
The Painted Ladies & Alamo Square
★ 4.4Iconic Postcard Row Victorian houses framed against the modern skyline
Perched on the eastern slope of Alamo Square Park, this famous row of colorful Queen Anne-style Victorian homes stands in striking contrast to the modern downtown skyline behind them. The park's rolling grassy lawns make it one of the city's favorite destinations for relaxing picnics and classic San Francisco photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco
What are the top things to do in San Francisco?
San Francisco offers a vibrant mix of live concerts, stand-up comedy shows, historic sights, culinary food halls, and scenic parks. Check our live guides for real-time recommendations.
How do I find free things to do in San Francisco?
Browse our free guide to discover $0 admission public parks, free museum days, outdoor markets, and community events across San Francisco.
Can I generate a custom itinerary for San Francisco?
Yes! Use whattodowheretogo's AI Trip Planner to create a personalized, time-optimized schedule matching your budget, group size, and interests in seconds.