What is there to do in San Francisco during SF Sketchfest?

Things to Do in San Francisco: SF Sketchfest

The short answer

Between shows, San Francisco has SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art), de Young, Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge, and five more picks across the city and around it. One of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the United States, a few blocks from Montgomery St BART.

SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum of Modern Art)

One of the largest modern and contemporary art museums in the United States, a few blocks from Montgomery St BART. Open 10am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday and Friday to Sunday, and noon to 8pm on Thursday; closed on Wednesday. Visitors 18 and younger get in free.

Visit SFMOMA ↗

de Young

An art museum in Golden Gate Park. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30am to 5:15pm; its Hamon Observation Tower closes at 4:30pm. Treasures of the Pharaohs is on until 31 January 2027, and advance reservations are encouraged.

Visit the de Young ↗

Alcatraz Island

The island in the middle of the bay, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area: allow a few hours for its exhibits, audio tours and daily ranger tours. The only way there is the Alcatraz City Cruises ferry from Pier 33, leaving about every half hour from 8:45am. It often sells out well ahead, so book early. There's no food on the island, and it's closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Hours and seasons ↗ · Plan your visit ↗ · Ferry tickets ↗

Golden Gate Bridge

Walk out over the Golden Gate. From early November to early March, people on foot use the east sidewalk, the side facing the city, from 5am to 6:30pm. The Welcome Center at the southeast end is open daily, 9am to 6pm. Parking is very limited: Golden Gate Transit buses 101, 130 and 150 run from downtown to the Toll Plaza stop.

Walking the bridge ↗ · Visiting the bridge ↗ · Getting there by transit ↗

San Francisco cable cars

Invented here 150 years ago and a National Historic Landmark since 1964. Three lines: two run from Powell and Market to the Fisherman's Wharf area, and one from California and Market to Van Ness Avenue. A single ride is $9 (one way, no transfers); a 1-Day Visitor Passport, $15, covers cable cars, Muni buses and streetcars all day. At the Powell & Market, Bay & Taylor and Hyde & Beach turntables, buy your fare before you board.

Riding the cable cars ↗ · Cable car fares ↗ · All Muni fares and passports ↗

Muir Woods National Monument

A day out among old-growth coast redwoods, the tallest living things in the world. Six miles of trails, with loops of half an hour, an hour and an hour and a half. Open every day from 8am until about sunset. Driving? Parking must be reserved ahead; the shuttle runs only at certain times of year, and there's no phone signal in the woods.

Hours and parking reservations ↗ · Getting there ↗ · Plan your visit ↗

Ferry Building Marketplace

Food shops, restaurants and small eateries under one roof at the foot of Market Street, on the Embarcadero. The building is open daily, 6am to 10pm, and each shop keeps its own hours. The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market runs all year: Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 2pm, Saturday 8am to 2pm.

Visiting the Ferry Building ↗ · The marketplace ↗ · The farmers market ↗

Exploratorium

More than 650 hands-on exhibits in a waterfront museum between Pier 39 and the Ferry Building: blow giant bubbles, run through fog, or crawl through the dark in the Tactile Dome (reservations required). Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday noon to 5pm; closed on Monday. On Thursday nights, After Dark runs 6pm to 10pm for ages 18 and up.

Plan your visit ↗ · After Dark Thursdays ↗

Punch Line Comedy Club

A stand-up club open since 1978, with comedians six nights a week: one more show on a night off the festival. It's 18 and over, with a two-drink minimum per guest, and soft drinks count.

Shows ↗ · Plan your visit ↗