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Best time to visit

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The balmiest weather and moderate crowds make September to October the best time to visit San Francisco. Why not heading to the beach with fresh Fuyu persimmons in your bag? Bargain hunters will be glad to know that many hotels offer deals as the rainy winter takes over the city. December–January offer lots of nature-based experiences like whale watching and spotting thousands of monarch butterflies. Winter celebrations of New Year will blow your socks off with breathtaking fireworks. A relatively dry and warm period from March to May is sated of various parades like St. Patrick’s Day Parade or St. Stupid’s Day Parade. Summertime seems to be all about fun and draws a good deal of tourists from all over the country in hope of eternal sunshine and abyss of activities. And even though chilly fog and sea winds beg to differ, June through August are great for kiteboarding.

119 things to do in San Francisco

Cycling

April–October Activity

Picturesque scenery, varied terrain, and gentle weather conditions attract cyclists to the Golden State

Scenic Road Trips

all year round Activity

Driving along a large number of picturesque roads with stops near the highlights and most unique spots can be a perfect vacation plan

Paddleboarding (SUP)

May–September Activity

One of the most enjoyable and fun water activities is popular all along the California coastline

Point Reyes National Seashore

January–May Nature

If you are looking for a stunning coastal scenery, you are on the right path

Outside Lands Music and Art Festival

August 9-11, 2024 Event

An unforgettable journey filled with music, art, and culinary delights at the highly anticipated festival, where the vibrant spirit of San Francisco comes to life

Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race

March 31, 2024 Event

If you think that tricycle bikes are designed for 3-year-old kids only, you are wrong. Even an adult can have fun riding it if one knows where and when to try it. Annual tricycle races down the curviest street in the world welcome enthusiasts to San Francisco

Beach Season

May–September Activity

A huge number of varied beaches with white sands and clear waters give you the chance to choose a perfect spot within the coastline of the Golden State

Kiteboarding

April–August Activity

Just choose the right season and the right spot to enjoy your favourite water activity in the Sunny State

California State Fair

July 12-28, 2024 Event

The Fair has been attracting people for over 150 years. Come and join this spectacular celebration

BottleRock Napa Valley

May 24-26, 2024 Event

This music festival in Napa Valley combines amazing performances with culinary shows

Monterey Jazz Festival

September 27-29, 2024 Event

Top names of jazz gather together in one place to share their talent among real fans. Don't miss one of the greatest jazz events in the world!

Sea Otter Classic

April 10-13, 2025 Event

Check out these fascinating racing competitions and one of the largest bike expos in the US—this event is a real celebration of cycling

San Francisco Pride

June 29–30, 2024 Event

Huge and spectacular LGBT weekend with over 40 years of history

Monarch Butterflies

mid-November–mid-March Nature

Tens of thousands of North American monarchs head to California for their honeymoon, and wedding night falls on Valentine's Day

Monticello Dam Morning Glory Spillway

November–March Nature

An enormous drain hole which looks a portal into another world is especially impressive during the rainy season

Hawaii Cruises

April–August Activity

Be prepared for adventures when cruising the Pacific

Spring Flowers

March–May Nature

Everyone gets dazzled at the sight of spring floral colours

Сlam Chowder

all year round Food

The finest way to warm oneself up on a chilly summer day is to eat a portion of American clam chowder

Wine Season

July–November Activity

Grape harvest season in SF comes along with beautiful yellow foliage​ and pleasant temperatures

How Weird Street Faire

May 4, 2024 Event

The world’s weirdest show proves that San Francisco is an idyllic spot where you can be your odd self

Land's End Labyrinth

March–November Activity

A secret labyrinth built by a local artist became a lovely attraction for Land's End visitors

Bay to Breakers

May 19, 2024 Event

Have you ever seen a race of 50,0​00 chickens, bunnies, aliens, spidermen, batmen, and other pop-culture heroes?

Monkey Puzzle Seeds

September–October Food

Soft starchy seeds have been feeding humans, rodents and birds since Jurassic Period

Oyster Season

September–April Food

Oysters are consumed in San Francisco and other cities on the California's coast in accordance with “R” myth that determines the oyster season

Point Reyes Whale Watching

late December–January (south) | mid-March–April (north) Activity

Those who venture along the rocky trails will be rewarded with the sight of rare gray whales

Surfing

September–May Activity

Autumn soft offshore breezes create perfect consitions for surfing

St. Stupid’s Day Parade

April 1 Event

Bored with solemn processions? St. Stupid’s Day allows to play a fool in the silliest walk of all times

Fall Stinko Ginkgo

October–December Nature

Yellow fruit of ancient ginkgo trees: aromatic or stinky – you are to decide

Olallieberry

May–October Food

Summer in San Francisco is the best time to fill up one’s vitamin supplies through toothsome olallieberries

Dahlia Season

June–July Nature

Dahlia is an official flower of San Francisco and in ​summer it blooms everywhere

San Francisco Marathon

July 27–28, 2024 Event

A great energetic way to explore the city

American Discovery Trail

all year round Activity

You'll find no better way to discover America than this lengthy hike across 15 states, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. For such a long journey, one needs at least a year of time reserved

Spring

March, April, May Weather

Occasional rains won't spoil the season of bloom

Ladybug Migration in California

November Nature

Everyone loves a ladybug on their hand, but imagine hundreds of thousands! This can happen near San Francisco

Dia de los Muertos

October 31–November 2 Activity

Put on your best black outfit on, paint your face pale white, take a cand​le – ready for the mystic life and death celebration

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 16, 2024 Event

Wear your best green attire and attend St. Patrick’s Day Parade to feel the spirit of San Francisco’s Irish community

Cactus Pear

May–June Food

The spiky peel of the cactus pear covers surpeisingly tasty melon-like juicy pulp

San Francisco Fleet Week

October 7–14, 2024 | Air Show Dates: October 11–13 Event

You have never been so close to the formidable American armed forces

Mustard Flowers in Napa Valley

January–March Nature

The vineyard beds explode with a vivid yellow carpet of mustard blooms creating cheerful vibes among the dull winter colors

World's Ugliest Dog Contest

June 21, 2024 Event

Beauty varies. Even the ugliest living being can make someone happy

Fuyu Persimmons

October–November Food

Latins called Fuyu persimmon “the fruit of the gods”

Plum Trees Bloom

January–February Nature

The look of plum trees rosy blossoms warm hearts in winter

Hunky Jesus & Foxy Mary Contests

April 9, 2025 Event

Half-naked men cross-dressed into Jesus and pregnant women playing Mary—San Francisco's way to celebrate Easter

Summer

June, July, August Weather

"June gloom" is a perfect time to explore San Francisco's bar and restaurant scene

Fogs

June–August Nature

When a misty season arrives, the city and the bay area are covered with thick fog, which sometimes creates spectacular photo opportunities

Union Street Festival

June 1-2, 2024 Event

The highlight of Union Street Festival is the waiters' race

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival

April 13-21, 2024 Event

People come to Japantown to celebrate spring’s arrival and the joys of life in a Japanese way

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

October 4-6, 2024 Event

American country music is mixed with modern genres at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival

The Red Flowering Gum

July–August Nature

In spite of its name, a red gum blooms with bright red, pink, orange and even white flowers

Lunar New Year

February 17, 24, March 3, 2024 Event

Lion dancers, Chinese acrobats, stilt walkers, and the heat of treasure hunt make unforgettable impressions

SantaCon

December 09 Event

Streets and pubs of San Francisco are taken by joyful drunken Santas

Magnolias in San Francisco Botanical Garden

mid-January–late March Nature

You will be carried away by magnolia’s incredible beauty and fragrance

Folsom Street Fair

September 29, 2024 Event

Probably the most kinky event in San Francisco and maybe the whole world

Carnaval

May 25-26, 2025 Event

Carnival introduces Latin-American and Caribbean cultures, which constitute a part of multicultural California

San Francisco Street Food Festival

October 12, 2019 Event

Gourmets will be carried away by San Francisco’s food

Hydrangeas

June–July Nature

Fashionable hydrangeas are abundunt in San-Francisco

Cinco de Mayo SF

May 5, 2024 Event

Cinco de Mayo introduces the best of Mexican culture preserved in San Francisco

Winter

December, January, February Weather

This season is rather rainy and cool, however not freezing

San Francisco 4th of July Weekend Events & Fireworks

July 4 Event

Bay City is a great spot to celebrate America's independence

New Year’s Eve Fireworks in SF

December 31–January 1 Event

Witness breathtaking New Year's celebration with spectacular waterfront fireworks at midnight

San Francisco Restaurant Week

April 5–14, 2024 Event

Enjoy the delicious food with world-class dining community of San Francisco

San Francisco Beer Week

February 9-February 18, 2024 Event

High time to find your favorite brewery!

Alcatraz

all year round Activity

Visit the most sinister attraction in San Francisco Bay

San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM)

April 24-28, 2024 Event

The longest-running film festival in America

Sierra Nevada World Music Festival

June 21–23, 2024 Event

Groove to the sweet vibes of roots reggae and world music

Alameda County Fair

June 14–July 7, 2024 Event

A summer celebration full of carnival rides, lawn concerts, adorable animals, and funnel cakes

Gilroy Garlic Festival

July 13, 2023 Event

A three-day celebration of garlic and other delicious foods

Corgi Con SF

September 14, 2024 Event

A fun day on the beach with hundreds of cute short-legged dogs

Walt Disney Family Museum

all year round Activity

Visit one of the best museums in San Francisco

No Pants BART Ride Day

January 12, 2020 Event

Drop your pants, if you are not too shy

Oakland Restaurant Week

March 14-24, 2024 Event

Ten days to get the best of Oakland's restaurant scene

Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival

October 19-20, 2024 Event

The size of those pumpkins will blow your mind

Christmas in the Park in San Jose

late November–early January Event

This beautiful holiday tradition in San Jose makes Christmas in San Francisco unforgettable

420 Hippie Hill

April 20, 2024 Event

Every year, on April 20 or 4/20, thousands flock to Sharon Meadows to celebrate cannabis culture

Bay Area Book Festival and Family Day

May 4, 2024 (Family Day)| June 1–2, 2024 (Festival) Event

See Downtown Berkeley transform into a literary utopia!

Berkeley Kite Festival

July 25–26, 2020 Event

Come fly a kite in an atmosphere of total fascination!

Stern Grove Festival

June 18-August 20, 2024 Event

Immerse yourself into incredible traditional performances

Macy's Flower Show

April 1–9, 2019 Event

Lose yourself in all of the jaw-dropping flower exhibits

Presidio Picnic

late March–mid-October (Sundays) Event

Lounge on a lawn with mouthwatering delicacies in your hand

Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival

September 14–15, 2024 Event

Celebration in the name of mystery and glory of the moon

Lick Observatory

June–September Activity

Visit the first permanent mountain top observatory in the world

Cool Patch Pumpkins Corn Maze

late September–October Activity

Kick off the holiday season and get lost in the world’s largest corn maze

Great Dickens Christmas Fair

November 23-December 22, 2024 Event

Go back to Victorian London at the historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls

San Francisco Christmas Lights

late November–December Event

Feel the holiday atmosphere in the city and get amazed by the festive lights

Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade

December 1, 2024 Event

A popular holiday event draws spectators from all over Silicon Valley

California's Great America WinterFest

November 29–December 31, 2024 Event

The Bay Area’s newest popular holiday tradition

Calla Lily Valley & Garrapata Beach

late January–late April (best in mid-February–early April) Nature

One of the most picturesque coastal areas in Big Sur

South Yuba River Swimming Holes

March–October Activity

A great way to relax during hot summer days

Memorial Day Weekend

May 25–27, 2024 Event

Visit the largest Memorial Day commemoration on the West Coast

Cherry Blossom

March–late April Nature

Delicate sakura opens the tree blooming season in the Golden State

Shark Fin Cove

all year round Nature

A great sunset spot and one of the best beaches in California

Easter

March 31, 2024 Event

Spiced with local humor, Easter in San Francisco definitely stands out

Napa Valley Jazz Getaway

June 5-9, 2024 Event

A must-do event for a true jazz enthusiast in Yountville

Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival

September 14–15, 2022 Event

The sweetest event in the Bay Area

Kitesurfing and Windsurfing

March–October Activity

Nothing can beat the Windy City in terms of wind sports

Halloween

late September–late October Event

From spooky science in the lab to the Napa Valley ball,—there are a lot of new things to try in October

Labor Day Weekend

August 30–September 2, 2024 Event

Soak up all the fun and joy during the unforgettable three-day celebration

Napa Valley Harvest Season

August–December Activity

Watch Napa Valley come to life with the thrill and rush of the harvest

Almond Bloom

mid-February–early March Nature

The first sign of spring on the Pacific Coast

California Fall Colors

late September–early November Nature

Admire bronze and amber foliage throughout the Golden State

Tarantula Migration

September–October Nature

Watch a fascinating natural phenomenon in California's parks and deserts

Great White Sharks

August–September Nature

As ocean waters warm up, white sharks start their annual migration between Mexico and Southern California

Sailing

year round (best time: July–September) Activity

The vast San Francisco Bay has multiple sailing options for both beginners and professionals

Hummingbirds

March–September Nature

A plentitude of rare treats await the avid birdwatchers in both Southern and Northern California

Fall Colors

mid-October–mid-November Nature

Autumn shows off spectacular foliage in the vineyards of California's Wine Country

Napa Valley Restaurant Week

January 19 - January 23 Event

Discover all the culinary delights and secret eateries at the most famous epicurean’s destination in America

Napa Truffle Festival

January 12 - January 15 Event

Discover some of the finest Californian truffles

FAN EXPO San Francisco

November 29–December 1, 2024 Event

Join tens of thousands of geeks at a three-day comic convention

San Francisco Coffee Festival

November 9-10, 2024 Event

This fest is more than just a coffee event

Mexican Riviera Cruises

November–May Activity

The best cruise destination for the active type of travelers

Benicia Christmas Parade & Holiday Market

December 9, 2023 Event

A great local celebration to kick off the holiday season

Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show

April 28, 2025 Event

"The Coolest Show on Earth" showcases cars, trucks, motorcycles, and aircraft

San Francisco Jazz Festival

June 5–16, 2024 Event

Enjoy over 40 shows in 12 days in The City

Northern California Renaissance Faire

September 14-October 20, 2024 Event

The fictional village of Willingtown comes to life every fall

Artichoke Festival

June 8–9, 2024 Event

A food festival in the "Artichoke Center of the World"

Novato Art, Wine & Music Festival

June 8–9, 2024 Event

An all-weekend celebration of local music, craftsmanship, and wine in the North Bay Area

Mountain View Art & Wine Festival

September 7–8, 2024 Event

An action-packed, multi-cultural celebration of art near Silicone Valley

Portola Music Festival

September 28–29, 2024 Event

Enjoy an exciting 2-day festival in San Francisco full of electronic dance music

Millbrae Art & Wine Festival

August 31–September 1, 2024 Event

An annual Labor Day weekend celebration coupled with an arts & crafts fair

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