San Francisco Museums After Dark
San Francisco boasts a world-class museum scene, but many visitors don’t realize that some of the city’s top museums come alive at night. At regular after-hours events, adult travelers can mingle over cocktails and get a new perspective on exhibits, all without the daytime crowds. Here’s what you need to know to attend.
California Academy of Sciences NightLife
Every Thursday night the Cal Academy hosts NightLife, a ticketed adults-only event featuring special exhibits, themed cocktails, guest DJs, and live performances. Explore topics ranging from health to the environment and wander the science museum’s aquarium, planetarium, 4-story rainforest, and natural history exhibits.
Exploratorium After Dark
The Exploratorium’s Thursday night event makes for an educational night out on the town. Art-making, science, and technology are the focus, with music and a cash bar adding to the fun. Check out the hands-on exhibits and museum theater at this ticketed event, then take in the Exploratorium’s waterfront views, set on the Embarcadero facing the bay.
718 Tours and Activities | All San Francisco Tours
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Straight to the Gate Access: Golden Gate Bay Cruise
665
Explore one of California's most iconic settings from the beauty of San Francisco Bay. This narrated Golden Gate Bay cruise journeys alongside Alcatraz and Angel Island State Park, past the shores of Sausalito and beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. You can choose to view the sights from inside your boat or out on deck.
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From
$38.00
From
$38.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Tour
2327
Ride a double-decker sightseeing bus to San Francisco's most famous landmarks with a choice of 2 different passes. Explore the city's 49 square miles, including stops at big-name attractions like Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts and Union Square. Go at your own pace, hopping off at any of 16 stops, exploring at your leisure, and then hopping back on when you're done. Choose the Premium pass to include a night tour or a Deluxe pass for an additional 24 hours of hop-on-hop-off and a night tour.
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From
$40.50
From
$40.50
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco
2528
Escape to California’s famous wine country on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Taste regional varietals at multiple wineries in Napa and Sonoma, including both big-name and family-run estates. Learn about the winemaking process during guided tours of vineyards and barrel rooms, and savor the area’s gourmet culture with a stop for lunch in charming Sonoma Square Plaza.
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From
$149.00
From
$149.00
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San Francisco Dinner Dance Cruise
250
Spend an evening on the San Francisco Bay during this dinner cruise, including a 4-course gourmet meal of fresh, local ingredients prepared on board. After dinner, dance to the live band or enjoy the nighttime views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline from the exterior deck.
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From
$154.20
From
$154.20
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket
139
Gain admission to the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, located at Pier 39 between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Alcatraz ferry landing. A general admission ticket provides direct access to all of the aquarium’s main exhibit areas, which house more than 20,000 sea creatures. Learn what is typically found in San Francisco Bay and the nearby Pacific, including sharks, river otters, and even octopuses. The aquarium features interactive exhibits, as well as walk-through glass tunnels where schools of anchovies and fluorescent jellyfish swim overhead and around you.
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From
$29.25
From
$29.25
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Muir Woods & Sausalito Half Day Tour (w/ upgrade option: Sausalito Ferry)
2906
Wander through an ancient coastal redwood forest and explore the artistic bayside enclave of Sausalito on this half-day tour from San Francisco. Travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to visit Muir Woods, home to some of the oldest and tallest trees on Earth. Then, soak up stellar views of the San Francisco skyline and browse art galleries along the Sausalito waterfront. At the end of your tour choose between getting dropped off at Union Square in San Francisco or taking the Sausalito ferry back to San Francisco.
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From
$73.00
From
$73.00
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Alcatraz Inside with Fisherman's Wharf Lunch Credit
113
Guarantee your visit to Alcatraz when you book in advance. Relax aboard your ferry transportation and return at a time of your choosing. Afterward, use your food voucher at a preselected restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf.
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From
$140.00
From
$140.00
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch
2314
For one of the best wine country tours from San Francisco, combine a visit to Northern California wine country with a Muir Woods experience for a truly fabulous day out. This Super Saver provides two popular tours at one discount price, allowing you to see and taste the delights of Marin, Sonoma and Napa counties. You’ll begin with a walk through Muir Woods National Monument with an informative guide to stare up in wonder at the towering redwood trees. Then you'll visit three wineries, with wine-tasting included. You’ll also cross the Golden Gate Bridge and have free time on Sonoma Plaza to buy lunch if you haven't opted to upgrade to the lunch option.
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From
$159.00
Price varies by group size
From
$159.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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Face masks provided for travelers
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Yosemite National Park and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
1871
Discover the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada on this full-day trip to Yosemite National Park from San Francisco. Travel aboard a comfortable van through historic Gold Rush towns to reach the park, where you’ll be amazed by supersized natural wonders like Yosemite Falls and the granite cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan. Take a hike among ancient sequoia trees, and enjoy several hours to explore the park’s wonders on your own.
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From
$189.00
Price varies by group size
From
$189.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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Face masks provided for travelers
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Alcatraz with San Francisco Bay Cruise
49
You will explore INSIDE the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary on Alcatraz Island with America’s most ruthless criminals, including Al Capone.
The ferry will leave on time at the specific time you booked. You have to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time at Pier 33. Walk, bike, take public transportation, or drive (as a last resort as it can be challenging to find parking), with easy access from anywhere around the Bay!
On the island, follow the Cellhouse audio tour “Doing Time” (45 minutes) available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
Also included is an amazing 60-minute SF Bay Cruise Adventure. Sail past the famous PIER 39 sea lions and along San Francisco’s historic waterfront, revealing the city’s fascinating skyline.You have the flexibility to go on your cruise on any day at any available departure. You will receive the schedule for this tour.
Those are 2 separates tours.
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From
$139.00
From
$139.00
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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GoCar San Francisco Tour
459
Ride a GoCar all over San Francisco as it navigates for you and provides a guided tour. Take as long as you like to explore the city with a storytelling car as your guide — what Time Magazine has called "one of the coolest inventions of the year." Let this tiny car show you what the city is all about, learn about its history and visit sites like the Presidio, Coit Tower, Chinatown and Lombard Street. Pick up your car at one of two convenient locations: Union Square or Beach Street near Fisherman's Wharf.
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From
$81.56
per group
From
$81.56
per group
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Muir Woods Tour of California Coastal Redwoods (Entrance fee included)
286
Explore the famous groves of the Northern California redwoods on this tour of Muir Woods. Departing from Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, a local guide drives you over the scenic Golden Gate Bridge and into the moist air of Muir Woods National Monument. Crane your neck to admire these 1,000-year-old trees standing 260 feet (80 meters) tall. Afterward, enjoy a drive through the charming town of Sausalito before heading back to the city.
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From
$85.00
From
$85.00
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Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Bridge-to-Bridge Cruise
314
On this San Francisco bridge cruise, get an up-close look at the city’s two engineering marvels—the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge—as you travel across San Francisco Bay. See major city sights like Alcatraz, Coit Tower, and the Ferry Building, and listen to recorded commentary about the city's legendary architecture while you glide under both bridges.
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From
$48.00
From
$48.00
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Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Bay Cruise
90
Enjoy a relaxing outing on San Francisco Bay with a cruise. Take in panoramic views of the city skyline, marvel at Alcatraz Island, and journey beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Choose to sit indoors or savor cool bay breezes from an outdoor deck and experience San Francisco in a whole new way from the water. You can even learn about the sights that you're seeing from a free audio tour—available on any personal wifi-enabled device. This ticket allows you to skip the box office line and go straight to the gate.
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From
$34.00
From
$34.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Bay Twilight or Sunset Cruise
764
Bypass the line and head directly to the gate with your prebooked tickets. This sunset cruise takes you across San Francisco Bay with outstanding views of the city skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island. Relax while background music sets the tone. Watch the sunset or select a twilight cruise during winter months.
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From
$50.00
From
$50.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive - Full Day Tour from San Francisco
1474
Drive down one of the most scenic roads in California on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Cruise along the coast-hugging Highway 1, passing the mansions of Pebble Beach on the iconic 17-Mile Drive. Enjoy free time to explore Monterey, where you can stroll down Steinbeck’s Cannery Row or visit the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Browse the ritzy boutiques of Carmel-by-the-Sea and get a glimpse of Silicon Valley’s tech campuses on the return drive to San Francisco.
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From
$85.00
From
$85.00
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Face masks provided for travelers
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San Francisco Bay Sunset Catamaran Cruise
674
Sail across San Francisco Bay at twilight to admire the city skyline as it begins to light up for the night. With an experienced captain at the helm, you’ll glide past Alcatraz Island and cruise underneath the Golden Gate Bridge.
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From
$90.00
From
$90.00
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Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Yosemite National Park - Full Day Tour from San Francisco
559
Visit Yosemite National Park on this day trip from San Francisco. Upon arrival in the state's most famous national park, have lunch (own expense) or skip straight to the park to begin exploring. Follow your guide bus tour of the area and discover the park's charms on your own during your visit. Pickup from select San Francisco hotels is included.
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From
$185.00
From
$185.00
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California Academy of Sciences General Admission Ticket
418
Enjoy easy access to the California Academy of Sciences with this pre-paid ticket. Walk right in to enjoy the museum's 4-story rain forest, planetarium, and aquarium. Avoid wasting your precious vacation waiting in the long lines to purchase tickets for this exhibit-packed museum. Your admission includes all shows and exhibits, and is a perfect activity for families.
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From
$36.95
From
$36.95
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Alcatraz Inside and One Day Bike Rental
78
Get two classic San Francisco experiences—a bike ride starting at Fisherman’s Wharf and a visit to the notorious prison island of Alcatraz—in one combined tour package. Take a scenic ferry ride to Alcatraz Island, where you can explore at your own pace on a self-guided audio tour. Use the flexible 1-day bike rental on the day of your choosing and enjoy a safe ride with a helmet included.
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From
$120.00
From
$120.00
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Straight to the Gate Access: San Francisco Escape from the Rock Cruise
48
Learn stories behind the Bay Area's most notorious former federal penitentiary on a fascinating 'Escape from the Rock' cruise. Board a boat for a journey through the bay while listening to audio recordings (available in several languages) from ex-prisoners and guards about daily life on 'The Rock.' Learn about the Birdman of Alcatraz and the infamous 1962 'Alcatraz Escape,' and come to know why Alcatraz instilled fear into the hearts of even the worst-of-the-worst criminals. Tours are accessible on any of your own wifi-enabled iPads, smartphones or other devices. This ticket allows you to skip the box office line and go straight to the gate.
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From
$42.00
From
$42.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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San Francisco Vista Grande Helicopter Tour
284
Fly in a helicopter over San Francisco's most famous landmarks on this scenic tour. Fly over the city's neighborhoods, then head for Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Continue towards Angel Island and the Marin Headlands while you enjoy choreographed musical accompaniment and informative commentary from your expert pilot.
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From
$280.00
From
$280.00
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Face masks provided for travelers
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Napa & Sonoma Valley Tasting Experience w/ 3 Wineries (All tastings included)
118
For wine enthusiasts, the Sonoma and Napa Valleys are often the pinnacle of the North American wine experience. However, for the uninitiated, choosing where and when to go can be a little daunting. This coach tour shuttles you in style to famous wineries in northern California and stop for lunch in Downtown Sonoma Square or Yountville, where you'll find a bevy of dining options and boutique shops for exploration.
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From
$135.00
From
$135.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Wine Country Small-Group Tour from San Francisco with Tastings
405
Explore Sonoma Valley wine on a small-group tasting tour from San Francisco to boutique wineries, making sightseeing stops along the way. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, enter Sonoma's rolling landscape of golden hills and vineyards, and enjoy a series of guided tastings, learning about Sonoma wine varietals and terroir as you sip. After your time in Sonoma, pause in the artists' colony of Sausalito, with the option to return to San Francisco by ferry for great views across the San Francisco Bay.
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From
$149.00
From
$149.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
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Face masks provided for travelers
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