Things To Do | The San Francisco Peninsula

Q: Is the San Francisco Peninsula good for families?

Yes. The area offers plenty of family activities , including farms, marine reserves, and parks, along with pet-friendly options for those traveling with dogs. Many attractions are close together, making it easy to plan a full day without long drives between stops. Dog-Friendly Parks

The San Francisco Peninsula is a place to fill a day, a weekend, or a full itinerary, all just minutes from San Francisco International Airport. Hike through redwood groves, walk the sand at a windswept beach, watch big wave surfers take on Mavericks, or spend an afternoon exploring a world class museum. Family activities, outdoor adventures, arts and culture, and easy access to San Francisco itself mean there is always something new to discover here, and it is often quieter and easier to enjoy than the city across the bay.

Whatever draws you here, whether it is the coastline, the food scene, or a break from the pace of the city, the Peninsula rewards those who take their time. Browse the categories below to find your next adventure, from beaches and golf to farms, shopping, and pet friendly outings.

Highlighted Experiences

Explore Culture & History

Get to know the area through its cultural offerings, from world class museums showing off art, history, technology, and science, to a busy harbor district full of entertainment options. History buffs can explore historical sites, including the San Mateo County History Museum, or walk the heritage trail marking the spot where a Spanish expedition first sighted the San Francisco Bay in 1769. Film fans will want to visit Half Moon Bay, home to Mavericks, the legendary big wave surf break where waves can top 60 feet and where the film Chasing Mavericks was shot. Visitors interested in aviation history will enjoy the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, which focuses on Northern California aviation history, Hiller Aircraft, and helicopter history.

Hiller Aviation Museum

Get Outdoors

The Peninsula sits just outside the city, but the outdoor options run deep. Visitors can go horseback riding, visit local farms and ranches, or take in the view from one of the many parks scattered across the region. Golfers have plenty of public golf courses to choose from, and pet owners will find fresh air and green space for their furry companions too. Along the coast, the scenery shifts from deep blue water to dramatic cliffs, with beach towns like Half Moon Bay offering everything from surfing to whale watching, lighthouse tours, and marine reserves to explore.

Harbor Seals at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Unwind & Relax

Find a moment of quiet at Central Park's Japanese Tea Garden, a longtime local favorite, or take in bay views from Seal Point Park. For deeper rest and rejuvenation, the area also offers a range of spa and wellness options, wineries and breweries to keep you refreshed, and shopping that ranges from upscale luxury to local makers.

Woman in purple shirt meditating at beach

Wellness options abound on the Peninsula

All Things to Do Categories

Outdoor Activities

Arts & Culture

Dome_Inside_SanMateCounty_History_Museum

Tours & Sightseeing

Beaches

Entertainment

Golf

View of houses at Green Hills Country Club

Family Activities

Family walking the trail at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in San Mateo County.

Farms & Docks

Pet-Friendly Guide

Man enjoying the bay with golden retriever

Shopping

Spas

Team Building Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do on the San Francisco Peninsula?

The Peninsula offers a wide range of activities, from outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking to arts and culture, beaches, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can spend a day at the coast, explore a museum, or shop at Hillsdale Shopping Center, all within a short drive.

Are there good beaches on the San Francisco Peninsula?

Yes. The Peninsula's coastline includes some of Northern California's most scenic beaches, from quiet coves to the legendary big wave surf break at Mavericks near Half Moon Bay. Many beaches also connect to nearby outdoor activities like tide pooling and whale watching.

Is the San Francisco Peninsula good for families?

Yes. The area offers plenty of family activities, including farms, marine reserves, and parks, along with pet-friendly options for those traveling with dogs. Many attractions are close together, making it easy to plan a full day without long drives between stops.

Dog-Friendly Parks

What outdoor activities are available on the San Francisco Peninsula?

Visitors can hike, golf, kayak, and explore farms and docks throughout the region. The area's mix of coastline, hills, and open space makes it a strong destination for outdoor activities year round, including golf courses with bay and coastal views.

What is there to do on the San Francisco Peninsula for couples or groups?

The Peninsula offers entertainment and tours and sightseeing options suited to date nights or group outings, along with team building activities for corporate groups. Wine tasting, live entertainment, and guided tours are all easy to find within the region.