What to do in Brisbane, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Brisbane showing central business district and a city
Brisbane showing central business district and a city
Brisbane featuring a city
Brisbane which includes landscape views
Brisbane featuring a river or creek and a city

Brisbane Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Brisbane has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Brisbane, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Brisbane with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Brisbane

Brisbane is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Brisbane, and make it a breeze to explore Brisbane and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Brisbane to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Brisbane, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Brisbane.

Brisbane attractions

Brisbane has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Brisbane to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Brisbane.

Looking for things to do in Brisbane can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Brisbane or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Brisbane attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. Golden Gate Bridge

Although shrouded in mist for a lot of the time, one of the most photographed bridges in the world is still a stunning sight and something of an event to cross. It inspires awe and fires up the imagination with its size, scale and beauty. This icon of American architecture stretches 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) across the "Golden Gate", the opening of San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean.
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San Francisco showing a bridge

2. Pier 39

Belching, barking and back scratching are hardly the stuff that tourist dreams are made of, unless you’re talking about the colonies of sea lions that bask in the sun and play on their floating docks at Pier 39.
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Pier 39 which includes landscape views and signage

3. Oracle Park

Visit Oracle Park for more than simply watching a San Francisco Giants game. Tour this privately financed ballpark, known for its breathtaking views, charm and character. This is the city’s replacement for notoriously windy Candlestick Park.
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Oracle Park featuring a bay or harbor and street scenes as well as a small group of people

4. Alcatraz Island

For decades (between 1934 and 1963) the name Alcatraz uttered in a courtroom brought up fear, terror and visions of being sent to this austere island fortress. Even from the mainland the rocky island, now a National Park, still evokes powerful images of bleak isolation. It is a foreboding place that once held some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Alvin “Creepy” Karpis.
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Alcatraz Island which includes a coastal town and island views

5. Golden Gate Park

The Golden Gate Park is over three miles (five kilometers) long and about half a mile (800 meters) wide. It was designed in 1871 by park commissioner William Hall, who incorporated winding walking trails that wind through more than 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of beautifully landscaped gardens, woods, and lakes. Golden Gate Park is a lush and laidback refuge from the bustle of San Francisco, stretching all the way from the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to the Pacific coast.
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Conservatory of Flowers featuring outdoor art, heritage elements and a park

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Recommended things to do in Brisbane

Number of things to do
331
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
San Francisco Uncovered Self-Guided Adventure: £3
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Brisbane

Popular places to visit

yerba buena gardens complex

Moscone Convention Center

4/5(13 reviews)

During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.

Moscone Convention Center
Golden Gate Bridge featuring a suspension bridge or treetop walkway, night scenes and general coastal views

Golden Gate Bridge

4.5/5(362 reviews)

Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.

Golden Gate Bridge
Pier 39 featuring street scenes, a city and signage

Pier 39

4/5(364 reviews)

This waterfront attraction offers thrilling rides, innovative street performers and colorful souvenir shops, but it’s the sea lions that win the day.

Pier 39
Oracle Park featuring a bay or harbor and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Oracle Park

4.5/5(24 reviews)

Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.

Oracle Park
Alcatraz Island which includes a coastal town and island views

Alcatraz Island

5/5(247 reviews)

Escape to “The Rock,” home of the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned a reputation as a cold and unforgiving place.

Alcatraz Island
Golden Gate Park featuring a garden and flowers

Golden Gate Park

4.5/5(323 reviews)

This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.

Golden Gate Park
Chase Center San Francisco Skyline Aerial Photography

Chase Center

Catch an event at Chase Center during your trip to San Francisco. Amble around this vibrant area's Chinatown or experience its fascinating museums.

Chase Center
Lombard Street featuring flowers and a garden

Lombard Street

4.5/5(298 reviews)

Often incorrectly called the world’s crookedest street, this San Francisco roadway is an iconic spot to see, photograph and drive down.

Lombard Street
Presidio of San Francisco featuring a garden, a monument and landscape views

Presidio of San Francisco

4/5(26 reviews)

Discover history, culture, open spaces, spectacular views and the Jedi Master Yoda at this former military base.

Presidio of San Francisco

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Brisbane

San Francisco featuring a bay or harbor and a bridge

San Francisco

condensed view of houses in Daly City, San Francisco

Daly City

Frequently asked questions

Is Brisbane worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor activities and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Brisbane. Remember to enjoy the area's blend of awesome attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Brisbane?
Start your day with a visit to Pier 39 and Union Square. Then, tour other parts of Brisbane for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Brisbane?
Pier 39 is one of the top tourist attractions in Brisbane and deserves a spot on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Brisbane?
Three days in Brisbane is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Twin Peaks, SFO Museum and Candlestick Point State Recreation Area are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots such as San Francisco.
Is Brisbane a walkable city?
Some top attractions in Brisbane, like SFO Museum and John McLaren Park, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 3 kms (2 miles) from central Brisbane is The East Side and Downtown South San Francisco is 3 kms (2 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Brisbane with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a fun-filled itinerary makes a big difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Brisbane with kids.

What to do in Brisbane for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or fan of Mother Nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Brisbane for adults including Winery Collective and Van Ness Avenue.
Are there free things to do in Brisbane?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Brisbane is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without getting your cash out. Twin Peaks is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.