Many travelers worry there won't be much to do in the Bay Area after dark. My fellow local tour guides and I know from our living years here that there are many fun and interesting things to do.
I've pulled together some suggestions for the best things to do in San Francisco at night, including a top 20 list, museums open late, ways to save money, and much more.
You can find links to these sections immediately below.
- Top 20 Things to Do
- Museums Open Late
- Restaurants + Nightlife
- Sightseeing At Night
- Included in Tourist Passes
- Tips From Locals and Travelers
Here are another couple of posts you might find to be of interest when planning your night out in this gorgeous city.
TOP 20 THINGS TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO AT NIGHT
Free Tours By Foot has provided thousands of walking tours here in San Francisco, and our guides have suggestions for some of the best activities to enjoy in the Bay Area after dark.
Below are our top 20 things to do at night in San Francisco.
Note that some of our other posts will give you lists of things to do at any time such as Things to do in San Francisco and Free Things to Do in San Francisco.
1. Take an Alcatraz Night Tour
Alcatraz is one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, but not many people know that you can visit it at night!
Two-and-a-half-hour evening tours depart Tuesday through Saturday.
Check-in takes place at the following times beginning March 12, 2024:
- 5:55 pm
- 6:30 pm
- 7:05 pm
In addition to offering guided tours from specially trained National Park Rangers, Alcatraz often hosts talks and lectures in the evenings.
Read our post about visiting Alcatraz at night for more information.
Tip: The Alcatraz Night Tours tend to sell out in advance due to their limited availability, so be sure to book your spot in advance!
2. See a Broadway Show in the Theater District
Though Broadway might be more well-known, San Francisco's Theater District offers a variety of award-winning shows.
Past shows have included hits such as Hamilton, An American in Paris, Book of Mormon, and much more.
If musicals aren't your thing, there are several dance and opera performances to choose from.
View a full list of performance art events in San Francisco.
Many nice restaurants and bars are also found in this neighborhood, so allow time for a quick bite to eat before or after the show!
3. Enjoy a Dinner Cruise
One of the best ways to spend an evening in San Francisco is to take a dinner cruise around the Bay.
Check out our full post comparing all of the San Francisco Bay cruises to learn more!
Hornblower Cruises offers a 4-course dinner cruise that is very popular with many visitors to the city (read the reviews).
The cruise departs from Pier 3, which is near Market Street.
We have 50 more ideas for free things to do in San Francisco for you to discover, many of which can be enjoyed in the evening.
4. In The Works | See The Bay Lights 360 on the Bay Bridge
The Bay Bridge is one of the most iconic sites in San Francisco and there's no prettier time to visit it than at night!
For ten years, until March 2023 there was a light show every night. Sadly. this had to be canceled due to the poor conditions of the lights.
Have no fear though, a campaign is raising funds to return with a new and even better light display called "The Bay Lights 360".
Illuminate, who is fundraising for this new public art installation, plans to double the number of LEDs on the bridge. Once completed people throughout San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and Emeryville, amongst other locations, will be able to see it.
The fundraising campaign is nearly complete, and it will take about ten months for installation. Keep an eye on the website for updates.
5. Enjoy Live Music
From small venues to large arenas, a world-class city like San Francisco has several options for those who need to rock it out.
There are too many to list here, so be sure to see this full list of performances taking place in town.
Some of the more popular venues include:
6. Spent a Night on the Town in North Beach
There are many fun bars and clubs in North Beach for those who would prefer to check out San Francisco's nightlife.
Some of the most popular watering holes include Church Key, Red Jack Saloon, and The Boardroom.
Views of the Bay are fantastic in this area so allow time to stroll along the waterfront!
Note that we also visit this popular neighborhood on our North Beach/Little Italy tour!
7. Celebrate San Francisco's Culinary History
San Francisco is known worldwide for its high quality and vast variety of cuisines.
During your visit to the Bay, you have the opportunity to visit some of the best ethnic and international food in the world.
Some of the most popular cuisines that every foodie should try are Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and Mexican.
In our post, learn more about the best international dishes in San Francisco
If you'd like to know more about the history of some of these neighborhoods, join us on our North Beach/Little Italy Tour or Chinatown Tour.
8. Check out a Sporting Event
Regardless of the team you support, it's always fun to go to a baseball game.
AT&T Park is an impressive stadium that offers beautiful views of the Bay.
Click here for ticket information.
Read our full post on how to get tickets to a Giant's game here.
Or, consider tickets to see the A's baseball team. They will be moving to Vegas after the 2024 season so this is the last time to see them in Oakland.
Of course, there are also NBA basketball games with the Warriors or you can catch a Sharks NHL hockey game in San Jose.
9. Explore Chinatown
Chinatown is a great neighborhood to visit at night and in the day.
We offer a daytime tour of Chinatown for those who would prefer to visit then, but it's also a fun area to explore after dark.
As we noted above, San Francisco has some of the best Chinese food in the country, so it's a fantastic place to visit for dinner.
It's also fun to just wander through the colorful streets and do a bit of shopping.
10. Visit the Explorium After Dark
The Exploratorium After Dark is often rated as one of the best things you can do in San Francisco at night.
The popular science museum opens its doors on the first Thursday of every month to adults only from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Enjoy a drink while you explore their pitch-black dome to a fog bridge, a large-scale kaleidoscope, dazzling light displays, mind-bending mirrors, and more!
Tickets to the Exploratorium are included for free with more than one San Francisco tourist attraction pass, allowing you to save some money on admission.
11. Ride the Cable Car After Dark
Riding a cable car in San Francisco is an iconic activity, but taking a ride after sunset offers a special experience.
The city lights twinkle like far-off stars, making every hill and curve a small spectacle.
Streets that buzz during the day have a different rhythm at night. As you traverse the slopes, you might find the evening chill adds a touch of magic to your ride.
You can enjoy a hot coffee or cocoa at nearby cafes to warm up before or after your nighttime ride.
12. Go to a Late Night Movie
Seeing a film late at night is an excellent way to unwind in the city.
The big screen illuminates a darkened theatre as audiences settle in for a cinematic adventure.
Niche films and cult classics often make an appearance, offering viewers a break from the mainstream. Watching a movie in this context feels like a shared secret, as the world outside sleeps on.
You can enjoy artisanal popcorn and ice cream that some theatres offer. It's like a mini-feast for the senses in an intimate setting.
13. San Francisco Ghost Hunt
For those interested in the mysterious, a ghost tour provides a fascinating twist on urban exploration.
Guides lead you through places known for paranormal activity, telling tales that blend history with the unexplained.
You'll find that as the darkness settles, your senses heighten. More than just a tour, it's an encounter meant to pique your insatiable curiosity about the unknown.
This kind of outing gains an extra layer of mystique on a foggy San Francisco night when the mist seems to amplify every sound and shadow.
14. Catch a Show at The Oasis
Oasis is not just a venue; it’s a stage where imagination comes to life through drag shows, cabarets, and live performances.
The atmosphere hums with the excitement of the audience, all eyes focused on the stage.
Each performer adds something unique to the evening, making it a collage of talents. You'll leave with a new appreciation for the art of live performance.
Also, the venue has a full bar, allowing you to enjoy craft cocktails designed to match the vitality of the show.
15. Go to a Comedy Show
If laughter is the best medicine, a comedy show in San Francisco can be quite therapeutic.
The city offers a wealth of options for those looking to chuckle, from well-known comedy houses to smaller, intimate venues.
The material ranges from political satire to everyday observations, and there's usually something for everyone. More than just a source of amusement, a comedy act serves as a window into San Francisco's distinctive culture.
Comedy venues also serve delicious finger foods and craft beers, allowing you to munch and sip as you laugh the night away.
16. Go Skating at the Church of 8 Wheels or the Ferry Building
If you have a love for skating, San Francisco provides two unique venues: The Church of 8 Wheels and the Ferry Building.
Both locations bring their vibe to the skating experience.
The Church of 8 Wheels combines spirituality with spins, offering a truly unique atmosphere.
At the Ferry Building, you can glide across a smooth surface with views of the Bay as your backdrop.
Don't forget to grab a smoothie or a cold drink from nearby vendors, making your skating adventure even more refreshing.
17. Grab a Bite from a Food Truck at Off The Grid
Off the Grid is where food and community come together in an open-air market setting.
You'll find a variety food trucks offering everything from gourmet burgers to international dishes.
As you walk through the market the aroma of grilled meats and spices fills the air.
Many food trucks offer vegan and gluten-free options, so everyone can find something delicious to enjoy.
18. See Ghiradelli Square After Dark
Ghirardelli Square, known for its delicious chocolate factory, offers a completely different vibe when visited after the sun goes down.
The lights from the shops cast a warm glow, inviting passersby to explore further.
Besides the legendary chocolates, you'll find boutique shops and eateries, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely evening stroll.
Don't leave without savoring a world-famous Ghirardelli hot chocolate, which tastes even better as night descends on the city.
19. Take a Sunset Segway Tour
For an unconventional tour experience, consider navigating San Francisco on a Segway as the sun sets.
Rolling through the city on two wheels lets you cover more ground than walking, and the timing allows you to see landmarks as they are softly illuminated by the setting sun.
For refreshments, many tours include short breaks so you can enjoy local snacks.
It's an exciting, dynamic way to take in the city’s scenery while the sky paints itself in hues of orange and pink.
20. Go to An Escape Room
Escape rooms are one of the most popular forms of group entertainment, and The Escape Game has five unique escape rooms.
You and your friends or family must work together to find clues and solve puzzles in a set amount of time.
If you succeed, you get the ‘keys’ to get out of the room. If you fail, well, they still let you out and you will have had a great experience!
Find out more about this great activity here.
Several different museums offer late-night entrance once a week.
Admission to a majority of these museums is included for free with multiple San Francisco tourist attraction passes, so you might not even have to pay full price!
Most of these events take place on Thursday or Friday nights and feature special lectures, performances, and music.
Food and drinks are also served at some of them.
See below for a selection of these museums.
California Academy of Sciences
California Academy of Sciences is a science museum and educational institution that offers late-night entrance every Thursday from 6-10 pm.
The event is called Nightlife. There are fascinating talks on science, as well as entertaining live music performances, are featured.
- Hours | 6 pm - 10 pm
- Day | Thursdays
- Cost | $15-$23.95 per person
- You must be 21 years or older to attend.
You can also visit the California Academy of Sciences for a lower price, and even for free.
Oakland Museum of California
On Friday Nights The Oakland Museum of California has live music, food trucks, and late-night access to their galleries and exhibitions.
This family-friendly event also has hands-on games and activities and plenty of space to set up your picnic blanket.
- Hours | 5 pm - 9 pm
- Day | Fridays
- Cost | Free
Visit the Off The Grid website for more information.
Asian Art Museum
Every Thursday the Asian Art Museum keeps its doors open until 9 pm for special exhibitions, talks, and opportunities to meet the artists themselves.
There is a cash bar serving drinks, as well as a DJ playing music.
- Hours | Until 8 pm
- Day | Thursdays
- Cost | Half off after 5 pm
Check their calendar of events for more information.
Other museums with late-night entry or after-hour events
- Museum of Craft and Design
- Presidio Sessions
- SFMOMA
- de Young Museum
NIGHTLIFE
The only downside to San Francisco's fantastic nightlife is the challenge of choosing where to go out!
There are several different neighborhoods worth visiting.
Some of our favorite places to grab a drink are in Union Square, Mission, North Beach, and SoMa.
San Francisco has several dozens of fantastic restaurants and bars, but nothing quite beats drinking cocktails on a rooftop with a beautiful view.
Check out some recommended bars below.
El Techo de Lolinda
A Mexican bar that offers spicy cocktails made of mezcal, honey, lime, and chipotle bitters.
They have large umbrellas to shade you from the sun, as well as heating lamps to warm you up during the winter.
Their food is also excellent, so be sure to come hungry!
Dirty Habits
Located on the 5th floor of Hotel Zelos, this little cocktail bar is a real hidden gem.
The decor is simple yet elegant, featuring candles and string lights. Food and cocktails both come highly recommended by visitors.
Jones
This simple rooftop bar is located in the heart of the Tenderloin, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in San Francisco.
Though you won't be able to see the waterfront or Golden Gate Bridge from here due to the tall buildings surrounding it, Jones does allow you to enjoy watching the action happening on the streets below.
There are 3 bus companies and 1 Segway company currently offering night tours of San Francisco.
The bus tours are fairly similar in terms of the route they take and the neighborhoods they visit, but they differ slightly in regard to the duration and price.
Below is some information about those tours.
You can also read our full blog post on San Francisco bus tours, including a section on night tours.
Skyline Sightseeing (formerly City Sightseeing)
A live guide narration of San Francisco's most beloved sights. The bus visits the Financial District, Chinatown, North Beach, Nob Hill, Alamo Square, and Embarcadero.
Reviews are extremely positive for this tour, with many praising both the driver and the guide.
- Cost | $43.99/Adults | $34.99/Children
- Duration | 60-90 minutes
Big Bus Tours
This open-top bus tour departs at Fisherman's Wharf and ends at Union Square.
Enjoy views of Grace Cathedral, Golden Gate Bridge, AT&T Park, Treasure Island, and many more sights.
Reviews are generally very positive. Many praise the guides for being funny and informative.
- 2 Hour Panoramic Night Tour
- Cost | $49/Adults | $39/Children
- Duration | 1 hour and 15 minutes
San Francisco Love Tour
This 2-hour tour may be more expensive than the others, but it is sure to be an experience you won’t forget.
The tour bus is a 1970s Volkswagen Bus, decked out as it would have been in the era of hippies.
The tour is a very small group of up to 7 guests so you’ll get to know one another as you get to know the city.
You will cover all the major sights of the city: Fisherman’s Wharf, Marina District, the Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Haight & Ashbury, the Castro District, Mission District, Chinatown, Little Italy, North Beach, and more.
Best of all, because this is a small vehicle, you will get to drive down Lombard Street, the curviest street in the world!
- San Francisco Love Tour
- Time | 5 pm departure
- Cost| $170 for 2 Travelers
- Duration | 2 hours
Fat Tire Tours
Segway tours are another great way to explore the city at night!
Just a few of the highlights of this tour the WWII Liberty Ship, Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset.
- Sunset Segway Tour
- Cost | from $92
- Duration | 2.5 hours
Lucky Tuk Tuk Private Night Tour
If you’re looking for a unique tour of the city, you might enjoy tooling around the city in a tuk-tuk.
A tuk-tuk is essentially a modified electric motorcycle that has been extended to provide seating for up to 5 people (on average). Think of it as a modern rickshaw!
If you split the tour amongst five friends (or 6 if there are children on board), that cost is competitive with the other tours.
And those other tours won't karaoke or the chance to customize your route.
- Night Private Charter San Francisco Lights Tour
- Cost | $380
- Duration | 2 hours
- Cost | $540
- Duration | 3 hours
- Cost | $380
NIGHT ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN TOURIST PASSES
Getting a tourist pass can save you considerable money and time, especially when it comes to night activities.
These are 6 nighttime attractions included in San Francisco tourist passes.
- Exploratorium
- The Flyer SF & 7D Experience
- Hands-On Ghost Hunting Tour of Chinatown
- Madame Tussauds (some days open until 8 pm)
- Murder, Mayhem, and Music: True Crime Tales From the Haight
- Citysightseeing Night Bus Tour
Before buying tickets to any of the above attractions, take a look at our post which compares the different San Francisco tourist attraction passes available to you.
TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS
We usually recommend using Facebook travel groups to find helpful advice about where to go and what to see in any city you might want to visit.
However, when it comes to the Bay Area, the San Francisco Reddit page is actually far more useful.
Here are a few tips to consider:
1. As this user notes, the view of San Francisco from Lombard Street is actually quite nice after dark.
They also recommend grabbing some Italian food in North Beach, which is never a bad idea!
2. Another user suggests biking down the Embarcadero, which makes sense because there are a lot of very well-lit attractions along the way.
Visiting at night also ensures smaller crowds, making it easier to enjoy this activity.
3. If you're looking for a unique place to eat, there are few spots as interesting as the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar.
Not only do they have a lagoon in the center of the restaurant, but you'll also experience tropical rain, thunder, and lighting.
4. San Francisco's nightlife is alive and well. From comedy clubs hosting top comedians to cabaret shows on Saturday nights, there's always something happening.
Neighborhoods like San Francisco's Chinatown offer a blend of cultural experiences and fun things to do, such as sampling dim sum or catching a concert.
This subreddit is also a great place to find advice about the best clubs to visit, as clubbing is undoubtedly one of the most popular activities in San Francisco after dark.
5. Folks often ask if you can go to Golden Gate Park at night.
Golden Gate Park can be explored at night, although many facilities close at dusk. The park, which is under National Park Service management, is one of the best places to experience nature within the Bay Area.
That said, we don't recommend this activity after dark unless you want to go to the California Academy of Sciences or the De Young Museum.
6. We are often asked if the Golden Gate Bridge closes at night.
The Golden Gate Bridge doesn't close at night and remains accessible for those looking to capture the San Francisco skyline or go for a moonlit drive. It offers a unique view of downtown, especially when the city lights are on.
That said, you won't be able to walk across the bridge after dark, only drive.
