15 Best Things To Do In San Francisco at Night (Including San Francisco Night Tours)
Are you looking for fun things to do in San Francisco at night? Want to enjoy an evening in San Francisco and enjoy all the tours and night events in San Francisco?
Awesome! The San Francisco skyline at night is incredible! On our last trip, we wanted to see what San Francisco at night had to offer. I am excited to share some of the fun things we did as well as the best things to do at night in San Francisco.
In this post, we are going to focus on some of the best San Francisco night tours, where to take in the San Francisco views at night, and basically, all the fun things to do in San Francisco at night!
Let’s plan a fabulous San Francisco night out and learn what to do in San Francisco at night!
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1. Alcatraz Night Tour
One of the most popular things to do in San Francisco at night is an Alcatraz Tour. The Alcatraz Night Tour has some special ranger-led tours not available during the day.
Alcatraz Night Tour Information
Tours are offered Tuesdays – Saturdays. During the winter the tour leaves at 3:50 pm. This may seem early but this will give you plenty of time to explore. The last boat leaves the island at around 8:40 pm.
Alcatraz Night Tour Includes
- Ferry Ride to/from Island
- On-board Narration
- Cellhouse Audio Tour
- Optional Programs and Exhibits
- Guided Tours and Talks
The Alcatraz night tour also has a special longer route that circles the island giving more information.
Can I Get Last-Minute Alcatraz Night Tour Tickets?
Maybe, The Alcatraz night tour sells out weeks in advance. This is true for summertime and holidays. Even during winter, you will need to book at least 3 weeks ahead.
Here is a tip if you really want to visit head to Pier 33 at 9 am when they open. They may have stand-by tickets. They do not have stand-by tickets for daytime tours but they may have a few for nighttime.
Book A Combo Tour
Another option is to book a combo tour. These tours may have availability. A few good options include:
- Alcatraz Night Tour + Fisherman’s Wharf (April – September)
- Ferry Building Food Tour and Alcatraz (Only Daytime Tickets)
- Alcatraz Inside and City Tour (Daytime Only)
What are the Alcatraz Night Time Tour Times?
You will depart at 3:50 pm or sometimes 4:45 pm during holidays and during the winter. During the summer the departure times are around 5:55 pm and 6:30 pm.
Is There an Alcatraz Ghost Tour?
Well, going on an Alcatraz at night tour is creepy and hearing the stories from the national park rangers adds a huge perspective of the types of people who lived and died in the prison.
At night you also get to view the hospital which is super creepy. But the only official tours are led by the National Parks Service.
2. Golden Gate Bridge at Night
The Golden Gate Bridge is amazing at night. It is one of the best places to get those San Francisco views! You can look across and see the Bay Bridge all lit up as well as the beautiful city lights.
Golden Gate Bridge Hours
Summer: 5 am – 8:00 pm
Winter: 5 am – 6:30 pm
The Golden Gate Bridge is a great place to spend your evening in San Francisco. You can enjoy the sunset and walk across the bridge.
The bridge is 1.7 miles each way, so you will want to give yourself enough time to walk in each direction. You could also ride bikes across the bridge.
Our Experience
My husband and I love to run. This was the highlight of my last trip. We ran the entire bridge. It was an incredible experience. The bridge has lights so you can see just fine.
We continued our run down towards Chrissy Fields and you get an even better San Francisco view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
It was an unforgettable experience!
After you enjoy this evening activity in San Francisco you can head out for more fun things to do in San Francisco at night.
3. Bay Bridge Lights
The less famous bridge in San Francisco is the Bay Bridge. It was given a beautiful makeover and now hosts one of the most artistic light displays in the Bay area.
The Bay Bridge Lights are viewable from dusk to dawn. Checking out this San Francisco night view is a must.
Book A San Francisco Night Tour
You should book a San Francisco night tour that offers fantastic views of the bridge.
4. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus San Francisco Night Tour
I love the idea of a hop-on-hop-off bus tour at night. I wanted to do this so bad the last time we went to San Francisco. There are designated times. We were meeting someone for dinner during the times so we couldn’t fit it in.
San Francisco Night Tour Bus
The tour is 90 minutes long. It will take you to all the major tourist sites so that you can get the best San Francisco views.
The ticket usually includes both the day and night tour however if you are looking just for the San Francisco night bus tour this link will be slightly cheaper.
5. San Francisco Sunset Cruise
If you are looking for San Francisco evening activities that will blow your mind consider a sunset cruise.
Book A San Francisco Night Tour
One option is to book a catamaran ride. This cruise is a great way to spend your evening in San Francisco. It will take you near Alcatraz, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and provide incredible views of the San Francisco night skyline.
If dinner and a boat ride sound like a perfect way to spend your evening in San Francisco then booking a dinner cruise is a great option. This yacht will take you around the bay while you enjoy dinner, dancing, and the San Francisco night views.
This is the perfect San Francisco night tour!
6. San Francisco Night Tour
There are so many fun things to do in the Bay Area at night. But if you want to do some San Francisco night sightseeing booking a San Francisco night tour is perfect.
San Francisco By Night
There are a few options. You can book a more personalized San Francisco night tour or if you are just in town on business and want to see all the best places to go in San Francisco at night a sightseeing shuttle might be a good option.
7. San Francisco Ghost Tour
If you are looking for things to do at night in San Francisco, have you considered a San Francisco ghost tour?
There are many San Francisco ghost tours available to check out. The haunted San Francisco tour is one of the most popular. It is a fun way to hear all the scary secrets of San Fran and a great way to experience SF at night!
More San Francisco Ghost Tours
- Dark Secrets of San Francisco Ghost Tour
- San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour
- Walk With Spirits: Haunted Pub Crawl
- Exquisite Ghost Haunting Tour in San Francisco
This is one of those San Francisco night activities that are perfect to do in October!
8. Chinatown Segway Tour
If you are looking for an adventurous thing to do in San Francisco at night consider a booking a segway tour that starts in Chinatown.
This tour will not only guide you through Chinatown but a guide will take you to Little Italy and the Embarcadero. This 2.5-hour tour will give you amazing San Francisco night views of the lights of the Bay Bridge.
You can also grab some delicious Chinese Food in Chinatown.
Best Chinese Food in Chinatown
- Chong Qing Xiao Mian
- Chubby Noodle
- Mensho Tokyo
9. San Francisco Little Italy
Little Italy is where you will want to spend a night in San Francisco. The food in this area is amazing! There are so many great restaurants. In fact, some of the best restaurants in San Francisco are in this area.
We ate in this area and loved it! In fact, there are so many restaurants it is really hard to choose!
I felt really safe in this area. There were lots and lots of people enjoying the nightlife in San Francisco.
Little Italy Restaurant Recommendations
- The Stinking Rose
- Joes Pizza
- Golden Boy Pizza
- The Italian Homemade Company
10. San Francisco Museums at Night
There are some fun events in San Francisco hosted by different museums.
Museums San Francisco Night Events
The Exploratorium has an adult-only After Dark Event on Thursday nights from 6:00 pm to 10:00 PM
The California Academy of Science also offers a Nightlife event that is from 6:00 pm -10:00 pm every Thursday.
The Asian Art Museum stays open till 9:00 pm. The Yerba Buena Gardens are open until 10:00 pm.
There are so many great museums in San Francisco, it is also the perfect and fun thing to do in San Francisco at night if it rains.
11. Cable Car
The San Francisco cable cars are a must! Going on the cable cars is a great way to start your evening in San Francisco!
They do stop running at 8:00 pm so in the summer you may not be able to enjoy this San Francisco activity at night. But during the other seasons, you will love taking in the San Francisco views at night!
Riding the Cable Cars
The cable cars were a highlight for me on our last trip. It is really fun going up and down the steep hills!
We waited to get on a cable car at the start of the route. (Near Marina District) We wanted to have the full experience. The line was very long! We had to wait 30-40 minutes to get on. If you walked up a couple of blocks you can jump right on without waiting.
12. Go See a Game
San Francisco is home to every type of pro sports team in the country. There are lots of sport night events in San Francisco.
San Francisco Sports Teams
- SF Giants (Baseball)
- Golden State Warriors (Basketball)
- Oakland A’s (Baseball)
- San Francisco 49ers (Football)
- San Hose Sharks (Ice Hockey)
- San Hose Earthquakes ( Soccer)
You can book your tickets through Ticketmaster.
13. Go To a Play at the Orpheum Theatre
If you love Broadway, San Francisco has a fabulous selection of plays. Going to a play is one of the best things to do at night in San Francisco. It is also a perfect idea if you are planning a girls trip in San Francisco.
Book A Show
They typically only show one show at the Orpheum Theater at a time, but they are some of the best Broadway has to offer. You can book your tickets and enjoy a fabulous San Francisco night out.
Safety Tip
One thing to note. The theatre district is close to Union Square, however, it is also very close to a dangerous area of San Francisco. I would be careful as you exit the play. Do not go walking alone at night in this area. Immediately get a Uber after the show!
14. Pier 39/ Fisherman's Wharf
Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf are some of the top things to do in San Francisco. However, on our last trip, we wanted to see what it was like at night. Everything was closed by 9:00 pm.
I was kind of surprised that all the restaurants and the pier were nearly empty. There are lots of activities near Fisherman’s Wharf and they were all closed. Seriously the only thing opened was In-and-Out-Burger.
Many San Francisco night tours start at Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. So it is a great early evening San Francisco activity to do.
Our Experience
We went in October, so maybe this is different during the summer months? I can safely say that Pier 39 after 9:00 pm is not the San Francisco at-night experience you will want unless there is a special event in San Francisco going on.
15. Tuk Tuk Night Tour
I saved the best for last! Seriously, if you want a complete San Francisco night tour you need to book this Tuk Tuk adventure.
San Francisco by Night
You will be able to stop at 17 spots including the Palace of Fine Arts, Chrissy Field, Lombard Street, Union Square, and more!!!
This tour allows you to bring 5-6 guests and really takes you to some amazing places!
Are you Ready for all the Fun Things To Do in San Francisco at Night
Hopefully, you have decided on a few things to do in San Francisco at night! I like that a few of the San Francisco night attractions are actually early evening. This gives you enough time to do multiple fun things in one night!
The San Francisco views at night are incredible! The San Francisco night tours are also amazing! San Francisco is really a fun vacation!
Want a San Francisco Food Guide?
If you want a list of all the best restaurants in San Francisco, I put together a fabulous list. I can email you a copy!
Facebook Community
Do you have any more questions about planning your San Francisco at Night trip? Join my Travel Community on Facebook. This is a great group that can help answer any travel questions you might have. I also try to add any deals that companies send me as well.
I haven’t been to San Francisco in ages, but it has always been one of my favorite cities to visit. I am bookmarking this post so that I have these great ideas for a fun night in San Francisco in the not too distant future. Thank you for sharing!
Oh good! Have so much fun!
We went to a Giant’s game the last time we were there, beautiful view from the stadium. So many great things to do in San Francisco at night – love it.
That sounds so fun!
I thought Alcatraz was a little eerie during the day, I can’t imagine how it might be on a night tour! What a great list of things to do in San Francisco at night!
I know right!
Night tours in San Francisco looks amazing! Great photos! I love your suggestions for touring in San Francisco!
Thanks! It is such a fun city!
Stunning night tours in San Francisco! Such iconic views!
They are so beautiful!
I love this list of the best 15 things to do in San Francisco at night. I want to do them all. Would especially love the Night Tour at Alcatraz.
That would be awesome!
I love San Francisco. The museum night events sound really fun to me.
There are some fun ones!
We have done so many of these things during the day, but the night time in San Fran looks amazing. Don’t you just love the Palace of Fine Arts all lit up at night?
It was beautiful! I am so glad we went to it!
I’d love to do the Tuk Tuk tour at night in San Francisco. That and Alcatraz with some of the museum night events sounds fun!
Yes, it would be so fun!
I loved our visit to San Francisco! I can’t wait to go back someday. We barely scratched the surface. I really want to see the Disney Family Museum. It wasn’t open for the 24 hours we were there. The perfect excuse to return!
Yes, we have been 3 times and I feel like we do different things we visit.
I would enjoy walking on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco at night. It look beautiful with all the lights.
Yes, so beautiful!
Wonderful suggestions for night yours in San Francisco! This city is high on my travel list. I’d love to visit Alcatraz and the other places too.
San Francisco is so awesome!
San Francisco is on our bucket list, and we have been struggling with things to do at night. Thank you for sharing these great options.
No problem, The food scene is awesome at night!