Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a surface sensitive and vibrational phenomena characterized by increased Raman scattering from surface plasma resonance (SPR) interaction between molecules that are located on or near roughened metal surfaces and metal nanostructures. First, the commonly fabricating methods (MNPs in suspension; self-assembly; template techniques and nanolithographic) and performance of SERS substrates are reviewed in detail. Second, some applications of SERS to biomedicine and environmental analysis are introduced. It is shown that SERS substrate with highly enhancement factor, good reliability and reproducibility can be fabricated, so that the potential application of this technique can be achieved.