If you’re heading to the Bay Area this summer, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fun experiences and places to visit. From the hustle and bustle of San Francisco to the serene Sonoma and Napa valleys, there’s something for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups of all kinds to enjoy!
Biking by the bay, wine tasting, seaplane tours, sailing trips, and so much more, we’ve dedicated this blog to highlighting just some of the best experiences and fun places to visit during the summer in the Bay Area.
Scroll down to find our picks! And if you have any questions about our San Francisco tours, please contact us for the answers you need.
Go for a Gorgeous Bike Ride by San Francisco Bay
What better way to soak up the summer sun than with a leisurely bike ride along the picturesque San Francisco Bay? Don’t worry, you won’t have to tackle the city’s famous hills here! But, of course, you can always take on the challenge if you want — or rent an e-bike to make much lighter work of the inclines.
The waterfront area is relatively flat and has numerous scenic, well-maintained paths. Rent a bike from one of the many rental shops scattered along the waterfront and embark on a journey that’s as long or as short as you like.
Just some of the more easy-going routes include:
- Golden Gate Park Loop
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Embarcadero Promenade
- The Wiggle
- 3rd Street and Battery Bike Path
- Presidio Loop
- Angel Island Bike Path
- Ocean Beach via the Gran Highway Bike Path
Remember to pack a picnic and take a break to savor the fresh coastal breeze and panoramic vistas. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, exploring the Bay Area by bike is an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling invigorated and inspired.
For even more active adventures, check out our tips for the best urban hikes in and around San Francisco.
Experience San Francisco’s Cultural Scene at Stern Grove Festival
Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of San Francisco with the Stern Grove Festival, a beloved tradition that has been delighting audiences for almost 90 years. Held annually in the lush surroundings of Stern Grove Park (or Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove, to give its full name), this free outdoor concert series features an eclectic lineup of music, dance, and performing arts.
Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, head to the Parkside district, and join other festivalgoers as they gather under the towering eucalyptus and redwood trees to enjoy world-class performances in a laid-back atmosphere. From jazz and blues to classical and world music, there’s something for every taste at the Stern Grove Festival.
Soak up the sunshine, groove to the music, and make unforgettable memories with friends and family at this iconic summer event.
Enjoy Free Admission Days at San Francisco Museums
Discover more of San Francisco’s rich cultural heritage with free admission days at some of the city’s most renowned museums. From the iconic de Young Museum to the fascinating Exploratorium, there’s no shortage of world-class exhibits and galleries to explore.
On select days throughout the summer, many museums offer free or discounted admission, making it the perfect time to immerse yourself in art, history, and science without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or curious explorer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With so many museums to choose from, the only limit is your imagination!
But don’t forget — even though admission is free, you must still reserve your spot in advance on the respective museum’s website.
- SFMOMA offers free admission for Bay Area residents between 4 pm and 8 pm on the first Thursday of every month. All guests aged 18 years old or younger can enter for free at any time.
- De Young Museum and Legion of Honor offer free admission on the first Tuesday of every month to the general public.
- Asian Art Museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month to the general public.
Looking for some museum inspiration? We think you’ll love our blog Where is the Best Place to See Art in San Francisco?
Leave the City Behind on a Sonoma and Napa Valley Wine-Tasting Tour
Indulge your senses and treat yourself to a day of luxury with a wine-tasting tour of Sonoma and Napa Valley. Embark on a scenic journey across the Golden Gate Bridge, through the Marin Headlands, and into the rolling vineyards of California’s breathtaking Wine Country. Here, you will visit award-winning wineries and boutique estates surrounded by picturesque countryside.
Listen as expert vintners guide you through tastings of their signature varietals. Learn about the art of winemaking, from grape to glass, and discover the unique terroir that gives each wine its distinctive flavor profile.
Savor the bold reds and crisp whites of Napa Valley, or explore the diverse varietals of Sonoma County, from lush Chardonnays to elegant Pinot Noirs. With breathtaking views and world-class wines, our tasting tour of Sonoma and Napa Valley is an experience not to be missed.
Take to the Skies on a San Francisco Seaplane Tour
Experience the Bay Area from a whole new perspective with a thrilling San Francisco Seaplane Tour. Take to the skies and soar above iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the sparkling waterfront of downtown San Francisco.
Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you glide effortlessly over the shimmering waters below. Marvel at the breathtaking vistas unfolding before your eyes and capture unforgettable aerial photos of the city’s skyline and California’s natural beauty.
There’s no bad view of San Francisco, but a seaplane tour offers all the best angles! All you have to do is choose which of the four routes you prefer:
- Golden Gate Tour: 30-minute flight – Baker Beach, Golden Gate Bridge, Downtown, and more.
- Greater Bay Area Tour: 45-minute flight – Golden Gate Tour, Stinson Beach, Muir Woods, and more
- NorCal Coastal Tour: 60-minute flight – Tomales Bay, Pt. Reyes Lighthouse, Downtown, Angel Island, and more.
- Sunset Champagne Tour: 40-minute flight – Bay Area Tour at Sunset with champagne included.
Feel the Romance of a San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour
Set sail on a one-of-a-kind adventure with a San Francisco Bay Sailing Tour. Climb aboard a modern, comfortable catamaran and feel the gentle sway of the waves as you cruise by Alcatraz Island, beneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and past the historic waterfront of Fisherman’s Wharf.
Relax on deck and soak up the sunshine as you glide across the sparkling waters of the bay. Keep an eye out for playful dolphins, majestic pelicans, and other marine wildlife that call these waters home.
You can choose between daytime and sunset sailing tours, with each option providing its own magic. Cruises on the bay are consistently rated as one of the top five things to do in San Francisco. After your experience, you’ll understand why!
Cheer on the Giants at Oracle Park
Experience the thrill of America’s favorite pastime with a visit to Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Join thousands of passionate fans as you cheer on the home team and soak up the electric atmosphere of a Major League Baseball game.
From the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of game day at Oracle Park. Grab a hot dog and a cold beer and settle into your seat as you watch the action unfold on the field below.
Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fan or just looking for a fun day out with friends and family, a trip to Oracle Park is a quintessential Bay Area experience.
As we near the end of this guide, you can find even more vacation inspiration in our blog What are the Most Unique Things to Do and See in San Francisco?
Don’t Miss Out on Our San Francisco Tours This Summer!
We hope our picks for fun places to visit during the summer in the Bay Area have inspired you to start planning your own adventure. Be sure to browse our full range of San Francisco tours to discover even more about experiences in and around our home city.
Do you have any questions for us? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for all the information you need.
