Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

San Francisco 4th of July Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in July

By Katie Sagal

One of the best times to visit San Francisco is Independence Day - there's even more going on than usual! From bay cruises to bus tours and scavenger hunts, there are lots of fun and festive activities in the Bay Area. Since 4th of July falls on a Thursday this year, it's the perfect excuse to plan an extra long weekend in San Francisco. If you’re looking for San Francisco 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these ideas! There are many local activities and fun things do in San Francisco in July, including...

  • Fireworks from Fisherman's Wharf
  • SoMA & the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
  • Golden Gate Park Events
  • PIER 39 Activities
  • Sightseeing Cruises
  • and more...

Save on Admission to Popular Attractions

The Go San Francisco pass provides admission to a number of these attractions. Choose as you go from dozens of San Francisco attractions and activities and save up to 45% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and San Francisco attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special July and 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Francisco pass.

San Francisco Fireworks July 4,

Image of City, Metropolis, Urban, Fireworks, By Jay Huang from Pleasanton, USA (Happy New Year 2016) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Everyone's favorite 4th of July activity is watching the fireworks. San Francisco will be setting off fireworks from two locations: from the foot of the Municipal Pier and from the barges north of Pier 39. Fireworks will begin at 9:00 pm. You'll be able to see both sets of fireworks from most central locations. The synced performance is an impressive sight, but for the best views of the firework display, head to one of the following areas:
  • Aquatic Park
  • Ghiradelli Square
  • The Cannery
  • Fisherman's Wharf
  • Coit Tower
  • Angel Island

No matter where you decide to set up camp, make sure to get there early for a good spot. Insider tip: Take public transportation to the area, as surrounding streets will be closed to cars for several hours in advance of the fireworks. Getting In: San Francisco Fireworks are free to watch. If you're opting to use public transit, a 1-Day MUNI Pass is included as an option on the San Francisco Explorer Pass.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Image of City, Vehicle, Yacht, Building, Office Building, Condo, Housing, Urban, High Rise, Apartment Building, Metropolis, If you're looking for some artistic inspiration this July, stop by popular SFMOMA. It's a delightful artistic and architectural experience all around. Enjoy the unique displays and make sure you check out their exhibit on Andy Warhol, spanning three floors and featuring a dozen artworks unique to the museum. The exhibition closes on September 2. Their permanent collections are also quite impressive, with particular strengths in modern and contemporary art. Getting In: SFMOMA tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass.

Explore Golden Gate Park

Image of Land, Nature, Outdoors, Tree, Vegetation, Woodland, Sky, Scenery, Image credit:Douglas Atmore / National Park Service.
It's easy to turn a visit to Golden Gate Park to a full-on day trip. In addition to the number of beautiful biking and walking trails, you can browse through American art at the world-class de Young Museum. Don't miss the chance to see Specters of Disruption, an exhibition exploring disruption within nature, history and myth, culture and technology. Why not pay a visit to the California Academy of Sciences? Ranked one of the 'New Wonders of the World' by Conde Nast Traveler, the Academy is full of things to do. Enjoy a four-story living rain forest and awe-inspiring coral reef ecosystem. Plus, check out immersive space shows that will transport you beyond the boundaries of our planet. In celebration of our nation's birthday, they often have live music and fireworks displays on the 4th of July as well. Getting In: de Young Museum tickets and California Academy of Sciences tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass.

4th of July Celebration at PIER 39

Image of Boardwalk, Bridge, Water, Waterfront, City, Person, Backpack, Urban, Handbag, Bird, People, Pier, Pier 39; photograph by J. O'Neill
Head to PIER 39 for Independence Day fun for the whole family. Enjoy musical performances reminiscent of the 80s and 90s live! There's tons to do on the pier on any given day, so imagine the fun you can have during their 4th of July celebration. Enjoy hours of waterfront fun and expand your explorations to Fisherman's Wharf. See what's new and weird at Ripley's Believe it or Not! or meet some of your favorite celebs in wax figure form at Madame Tussauds. Be sure to stay for the dazzling fireworks display over the San Francisco Bay at 9:30 pm. Getting In: Ripley's Believe it or Not! tickets and Madame Tussauds tickets are both included with the Go San Francisco pass.

Fireworks from Angel Island

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Neighborhood, Water, Waterfront, Newfoundland, Sea, City, Head over to Angel Island for live music, dancing, delicious food, beer and wine, and unbeatable views of the fireworks over the bay. Book your ferry tickets in advance online (this event sells out!) for round trip transportation plus a round trip Tram ride from the Cover to Battery Ledyard for the best views of the fireworks. Insider Tip: Be sure to make your ferry reservations in advance, as this is a very popular spot for locals to watch the fireworks from. Getting In: Angel Island fireworks are free to watch. Angel Island Roundtrip Ferry tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass.

U.S.S. Hornet Museum

Image of Cruiser, Military, Navy, Ship, Vehicle, Watercraft, Photo by U.S.S. Hornet Museum
Celebrate part of America's history by visiting the U.S.S. Hornet Museum. Her namesake stems from one of the first ships in the U.S. Navy and bears the creed: "A Heritage of Excellence". Chock full of stories and fun facts to learn about life at sea, this museum is a can't-miss. The museum will also be hosting a 4th of July party complete with live music, family activities, food and drink and a great view of the Bay Area fireworks. Insider tip: if you decide to visit for the 4th, fireworks will start around 9:15pm and we suggest bringing a warm jacket - it gets a bit chilly on the water. Getting in: U.S.S. Hornet Museum tickets are included on the Go San Francisco pass. The 4th of July celebration is a special event and is separately ticketed.

San Francisco Cruises

Image of Boat, Vehicle, Bridge, Is there anything better than enjoying the warm San Francisco sun from aboard a boat in the bay? Taking a cruise through the bay and under the bridge is a must, especially in the summertime. Choose from several top options, including the Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise, which sails beneath both the Bay Bridge and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Or, choose for a more expansive tour of the Bay with a Golden Gate Bay Cruise. There are also a number of specialty fireworks cruises available during the 4th of July holidays, so keep an eye out for those. Getting In: Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise tickets and Golden Gate Bay Cruise tickets are both included with the Go San Francisco Card. Fireworks cruises are separately ticketed and are not included with the pass.

Madame Tussauds San Francisco

Image of Tree, Conifer, Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Head, Madame Tussauds is the place for fun celebrity encounters, and is one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco. 'Meet' all your favorite stars, from Serena Williams to Taylor Swift. Then, explore the museum's themed areas filled with stars and memorabilia from blockbuster movies, sports, music history, leaders and entrepreneurs. Be sure to spend some time in the Spirit of San Francisco exhibit for a unique way to experience the Bay Area, home to iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street. Getting In: Madame Tussauds San Francisco tickets are included on the Go San Francisco pass.

San Francisco Dungeon

Image of Advertisement, Poster, Baby, Person, Experience 200 years of San Francisco history at the San Francisco Dungeon, a campy attraction that combines hilarious scares with fascinating history. Start on the part thrill ride, part theatrical performance, and be immerse yourself in the spectacle. Get a feel for Alcatraz prison life and see if you have what it takes to escape ‘The Rock,’ as you plunge into the depths of San Francisco’s underground. Getting In: San Francisco Dungeon tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card.

Live Music at Aquatic Park July 4

Image of City, Water, Waterfront, Metropolis, Urban, Boat, Sailboat, Vehicle, Downtown, Harbor, Pier, Cityscape, Office Building, Neighborhood, Condo, Housing, Outdoors, Grass, Photo by California Beaches
In addition to all that there is to do at PIER 39, the city of San Francisco is also hosting a live music show at Aquatic Park. Starting at 6:oo pm, enjoy a free concert in the park and stick around for the 9:30 pm fireworks display. Insider tip: arrive early to secure a good spot on the lawn! Getting in: Admission to Aquatic Park and the performances are free.

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival & SoMA July

Image of City, Grass, Nature, Outdoors, Park, Metropolis, Urban, Person, Campus, Office Building, Garden, Photo credit: San Francisco Travel Association/ Scott Chernis
In an effort to enhance the vitality and quality of life of the Yerba Buena Gardens and San Francisco community, the Yerba Beuna Gardens Festival team hosts a summer long lineup of great events. They have a wide variety of free events like dance performances, kids shows, choral performances, art installations, and much more. All throughout July enjoy mime shows, concerts, jazz festivals and more. For dates and specific events, consult their website. You could also spend the day exploring the SoMa neighborhood (South of Market), a trendy, artsy space with lots to explore. Getting In: Yerba Buena Garden Fest events are free to attend.

Fillmore Jazz Festival July,

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Crowd, People, Male, Man, Photo by Steven Restivo Events
If you love music, then you won't want to miss this iconic local event. The Fillmore Jazz Festival (on its 36th year!) will take Pacific Heights, celebrating San Francisco's long and storied musical heritage. It's also the largest festival of its kind on the west coast - so you know it's a must-see! Enjoy world-class music, sumptuous food, and tasty beverages. The festival runs from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm both days, with performers varying on each day. Getting In: The Fillmore Jazz Festival is free to attend.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in San Francisco in July to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. Remember, the Go San Francisco pass provides admission to many of these attractions. You can save up to 45% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!

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Solo Travel Tips in San Francisco

Traveling alone can be intimidating for some. You won’t have someone to read you the directions, someone to split that massive ice cream sundae with, or someone to frame that perfect Instagram photo of you by the pier. But relax! It’s easy to enjoy solo travel in a place like San Francisco. You’ll find that this city has everything from convenient public transit to many selfie-worthy spots. To make it even smoother for you, we’ve put together a quick guide to traveling solo in this fantastic American city. Should you be planning any solo travel in San Francisco, read these tips before your trip... 1. Use Public Transit San Francisco is a compact city, with many of its top attractions grouped together in neighborhoods like Golden Gate Park or Fisherman’s Wharf. You’ll still need to get between those neighborhoods, however, and that’s where public transit comes in. Driving by yourself is not only difficult but inadvisable in San Francisco, where parking is at a premium and directions are pretty confusing. Their Muni system, run by the SFMTA, has a trip planning feature that can help you navigate the city and figure out which routes to take. You’ll pay less than you would for repeated Uber rides, too. 2. Take a Bus Tour of the City Solo travel in San Francisco could feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the city. The best way to familiarize yourself with the city and learn more about the top neighborhoods and attractions is with a bus tour. We like this hop-on hop-off tour option from Big Bus, which showcases everything from Chinatown to Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square. Included with your ticket is a complimentary city map and a free walking tour of Chinatown. Just be careful when consulting the map in public—it may be better to look discreetly at a map on your phone. 3. Visit the Best Museums Museums are some of the best attractions for solo travel. You can truly tailor your explorations to your own tastes and no-one else’s—no need to worry about what your wife, your best friend, or your kids would rather be doing. So spend hours roaming the SFMOMA, snap endless selfies in the café at the de Young Museum, or film make short videos of tiny creatures in the indoor rainforest at the California Academy of Sciences. All of these are good options for folks traveling alone, with plenty to do and relaxed atmospheres with no pressure to be social. 4. Explore Different Restaurants We know dining alone can be intimidating, but this is the perfect opportunity to try that new fusion cuisine, or indulge in a little cheat day. Explore different culinary hotspots in San Francisco like the Richmond, the Mission, Hayes Valley, North Beach, SOMA, and Marina/Cow Hill. If you’d prefer to avoid sitting at a table by yourself, opt for a booth or a seat at the bar. Most restaurants these days serve their full menu to patrons at bar seats, and you don’t need to order anything alcoholic to sit there. 5. Allow for a Little Spontaneity While planning is key to a successful vacation, it’s equally true that a little flexibility can be invaluable. Sometimes plans change, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate (especially relevant in San Francisco), and sometimes we just change our minds. So leave a little wiggle room in case you want to take in a baseball game after your tour of Oracle Park, do a little shopping in Union Square, or pop into a restaurant in Nob Hill for an afternoon drink and snack. Tip: if you’re looking for a good shopping area, read our guide to San Francisco shopping. 6. Find a Hotel in Union Square You’ll find hotels all over the city, but there are multiple factors to consider when traveling solo. While you won’t be splitting the cost with someone, it’s still important to think beyond price. Stay within your budget, certainly, but it’s often a better idea to spend a little more for a hotel that’s clean, safe, and convenient. We like Union Square as a place for those traveling alone—there is plenty of shopping, dining, and night life there, as well as easy access to mass transit. And be sure to choose a place with plenty of good reviews! 7. Try Something New So you’ve never been much of a wildlife person, or really seen a lot of historical pieces of art. Push your boundaries a little when traveling alone! Go see the impressive array of colorful marine life at the Aquarium of the Bay and reflect on the marvels of biodiversity. Stroll through the Asian Art Museum and wonder how such ancient work has been so carefully preserved. Hop on a cruise to see the Golden Gate Bridge, or just snap photos of the sea lions on Pier 39. Whatever you do, try to fit in at least one thing you wouldn’t normally do per day. 8. Take Lots of Pictures Our last tip is a simple one—take plenty of photos! As a solo traveler you won’t have someone with you who can help you remember the things you did and saw. And although programs, maps, and guidebooks can be helpful, they don’t tell the whole story of your amazing adventure. If you’re relying upon a smartphone, turn on your cloud storage. For those with a digital camera, be sure to bring extra memory cards (or one with a lot of storage). Don’t forget any chargers, either! Save on Things to do in San Francisco While Traveling Solo Make the most of your solo travel in San Francisco with Go City You can save up to 60% vs buying your tickets individually. Plus, you’ll get included admission to the city’s best museums, tours, cruises, and more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too.
Katie Sagal
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Thanksgiving in San Francisco 2019 - Things to Do in November & More

Looking for some things to do on Thanksgiving in San Francisco? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few suggestions for local attractions that will keep you and keep the family busy all weekend. Check out these suggestions for local activities and more seasonal things to do in November. There’s something to appeal to everyone on this list, from musical performances to shopping, and beyond. Here are our suggestions for Thanksgiving in San Francisco activities, including... Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco Bus Tour SFMOMA California Academy of Sciences Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour Indigenous People Sunrise Ceremony and more! Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these San Francisco attractions is included on the Go San Francisco® pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special November events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Francisco® pass. Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco Bus Tour If you're entertaining out-of-town visitors, then you're likely looking for a way to entertain them and show off your city. A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great option for visiting relatives and family groups. It provides the flexibility to learn about the city from your expert tour guides on your own terms. Stay on and soak up the info until you find a destination you want to explore further, from Golden Gate Park to Fisherman's Wharf and beyond. Your tickets are good for an entire day, too, so feel free to use the bus to cater to everyone's different interests. Getting In: Big Bus San Francisco tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) A must-visit attraction this November in San Francisco is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The SFMOMA is filled with the region's best collection of modern and contemporary art, with art rivaling that of the best modern art museums in the world! The newly expanded and redesigned space will maximize your viewing experience, and allow you to see so much more of their amazing collection on display. You'll be able to spend hours here, and will leave feeling totally inspired. Be sure to check out special fall exhibits when you're visiting! Getting In: SFMOMA tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® pass. California Academy of Sciences Image credit: Kathryn Whitney Another one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco (and a perfect way to entertain visiting family) is the California Academy of Sciences. This amazing institution is a wonderland of science, complete with an aquarium, a natural history museum, and an all-digital planetarium. They also host a variety of educational programming and special events, so you're likely to find something new and exciting to see even on repeat visits! Getting In: California Academy of Sciences tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® pass. Napa + Sonoma Wine Country Tour What better way to celebrate the oncoming holiday season than with a few sips of the country's best wine? If you're looking to venture out from San Francisco this fall, then a full day wine country trip is a delightful option that's sure to please. Go on a guided excursion down to Napa and Sonoma, and sample as you go at some of the region's best wineries. You can of course purchase some to bring home with you when you find your favorite! Getting In: Weekday Napa + Sonoma Wine Country Tour tickets are available on the Build Your Own Pass. Go for a Family Bike Ride Fall is the perfect time to ride a bike in San Francisco. While much of the fall foliage is likely to be gone by November, that just means you have more beautiful views of the bare mountains! It's also the perfect opportunity to explore the city and its many top attractions without the rush of summer tourists. You'll especially get to enjoy the parks and seafront trails with fewer crowds. Insider tip: Don't forget to dress in layers! It will be cooler when you begin your ride, but you'll likely warm up pretty quickly once you get going. Getting In: San Francisco bike rental by Blazing Saddles are included with the Go San Francisco® pass. Indigenous People Sunrise Ceremony Alcatraz Island Date TBA Image credit: Native News Online. Previously known as the Unthanksgiving Day Cruise, the Indigenous People’s Sunrise Gathering, at Alcatraz is a significant event to attend this holiday season. It’s an event designed to commemorate the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz by the “Indians of All Tribes” and to honor the tradition of indigenous peoples in the area. It’s a good opportunity for the kids to learn about the nuanced history of this famous holiday and a chance for everyone to give thanks for the things that really matter. If you're thinking about budget, it's also nice that kids under 5 ride for free! This is the only cruise running to Alcatraz on Thanksgiving Day. Getting In: Cruise tickets to the Indigenous People's Sunrise Gathering are not included with the Go San Francisco® pass. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website. San Francisco Tree Lighting Union Square November 29, 2019 Image credit: Union Square San Francisco Facebook page. After Thanksgiving, it’s officially time to start getting excited about the holiday season. Why not all enjoy a few festive attractions that are sure to get the whole family into the holiday spirit? Check out the annual tree lighting in Union Square, scheduled this year for 6:00 pm on the Friday after Thanksgiving. While you’re in the neighborhood, consider a spin on the Union Square ice-skating rink, or at the one in the Embarcadero Center. Getting In: Admission to the Union Square tree-lighting is free. Black Friday Shopping Union Square & Westfield Shopping Center November 29, 2019 Image credit: Union Square San Francisco Facebook page. Many of us probably eschew holiday shopping on Thanksgiving itself. But it’s hard to resist the bargains of Black Friday events. The best places in San Francisco to get shopping done before the winter holidays are Union Square and the nearby Westfield Shopping Center. Union Square has a number of department stores (featuring Macy’s) and smaller independent shops as well. Westfield is a conventional mall, featuring dozens of stores with great deals. Getting In: Admission to Black Friday shopping is free. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission We listed just a few fun suggestions for things to do in November and Thanksgiving in San Francisco 2019. Of course, there are plenty of other activities to help fill your plans. Remember, many of these great options are included on the Go San Francisco® pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the November and Thanksgiving events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go San Francisco® pass. Consider adding a few of these fun options to your November weekend itineraries.
Katie Sagal
San Francisco
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San Francisco Labor Day Weekend – 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

If you're spending Labor Day weekend in San Francisco, you won't be short of things to do. From live music to festivals and bike rides to cruises, celebrate the unofficial last few days of summer in San Francisco. If you’re looking for San Francisco Labor Day weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in San Francisco in September, including... Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise Full Day Wine Country Tour Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Union Square Live And more! Union Square Live Shakespeare in the Park Take in a free performance of a classic play by the world-famous bard in the lovely McLaren Park. Put on by the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, these performances are a summer favorite with locals, with previous performances such as Much Ado About Nothing and As You Like It drawing throngs of crowds. Shakespeare in the park is a lovely way to spend time in the sun while soaking up San Francisco theater. Sausalito Art Festival Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Architecture and The City Throughout September Citywide Sponsored by AIA San Francisco, the largest architectural festival in the country hosts a number of great events on Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy professional architecture tours, film screenings, lectures, exhibitions, and much more. Top tip: Select Architecture and The City events are free; for those events that do require tickets, please visit the event website. Millbrae Art & Wine Festival One of the biggest street festivals in the area, the Millbrae Art & Wine Festival is perfect for adults. This year they’re celebrating their 49th year with tons of great events, exhibits, performances, and more. This Mardi Gras-style celebration is an exciting mix of food, wine, art, and music – don’t miss out! Admission to the Millbrae Art & Wine Festival is free, although you do need to pay for select tastings. Go for a Bike Ride Relax Aboard a Cruise Indulge in a Wine Country Tour You can’t travel to San Francisco without paying a visit to their famed wine country. Hop aboard a bus pop down to Napa Valley and Sonoma and unleash your inner sommelier. Several wine tours even include transportation from main hubs like Fisherman’s Wharf. Bonus, you can enjoy as many wine samples as you’d like! Getting In: Weekday Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour tickets are an option on the Go San Francisco pass - Build Your Own. Visit a Theme Park See some Marine Life Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in San Francisco in September to help you plan your Labor Day weekend itinerary. Remember, some of these great attraction options are included on the Go San Francisco pass, where you can save on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Labor Day weekend events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with Go City®. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in style.
Katie Sagal

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