San Francisco in April

By Robert Heaney
Published: July 18, 2024
Tip of the Golden Gate Bridge peaking out above a cloud of fog

At the peak of spring, the increasingly more pleasant weather of San Francisco in April complements a host of hotly-anticipated cultural events. If you’re looking to experience the best of the Bay Area in the absence of the summertime crowds while also cashing in on everything the season has to offer, this is the trip to beat.

Visiting San Francisco in April

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Average Temperature: 50 - 63°F • Average Rainfall: 6 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day

Now in the penultimate month of its early-year shoulder season, San Francisco maintains a steady flow of traffic throughout April, though still in relatively small numbers. As with much of spring, this is an ideal time to experience the charms of the Golden City without too many crowds, while also cashing in on some off-peak hotel prices when booking sufficiently in advance.

With spring now in full swing, it’s likely you’ll start to see San Francisco’s weather begin to chipper up. Temperatures throughout April tend to flirt somewhere between cool and pleasantly mild, bridging on some warm days if you’re really lucky. That being said, windchill by the Bay is still something to wrap up against, and you’ll want to pack an umbrella for the potential for at least one day of rain per week.

Things to do in April

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No trip to San Francisco would be complete without an obligatory tour of some of its most iconic sights. Taking pride of place are the crimson beams of the world’s most recognizable bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, followed swiftly by the attractive Painted Ladies lining Alamo Square Park.

Though you can certainly explore many of the city’s sights and attractions on foot, you can save yourself some energy with a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour. Operating a central route via many of the Golden City’s most popular destinations, the tour allows visitors to board and alight at their leisure. To sweeten the pot, the tour also offers audio commentary in a selection of major languages, rich with valuable local insight into some of the city’s most interesting history and culture.

Particularly popular around this time of year is Japantown where, alongside its usual charming architecture, restaurants and stores, many can enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival. In a similar vein, San Francisco’s Chinatown stands as the largest and most popular in the country, where you can explore a host of traditional stores and restaurants and even stop in at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to watch employees hand-fold one of the nation’s favorite after-dinner treats.

To make the most of the improving weather, why not take a particularly pleasant day to explore some of San Francisco’s fantastic green spaces? Golden Gate Park makes for a wonderful picnic spot if you can manage to find a free space, while Mission Dolores Park remains more of a serene experience and offers stellar views over the city skyline.

If you’re keen to feed your inner history buff, few experiences match up to a visit to Alcatraz Island. Take a trip into the center of the Bay to explore the hostile remoteness of this former high-security military prison and breathe in the chilling atmosphere of its now empty halls and cell, once home to some of the nation’s most notorious criminals.

Whether you’re visiting with kids or looking to embrace your inner child, the delightful exhibits of the Walt Disney Family Museum are bound to bring about a smile. Over 40,000 square feet of engaging and interactive exhibits explore the life and work of the world’s most famous cartoonist, documenting the evolution of his vision into the family-favorite media empire we know and love today.

What’s On in April

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San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM)

Now the longest-running and most hotly-anticipated film festival in the US, SFFILM champions the world’s finest films and filmmakers with a refreshingly intimate program of marquee premieres, international competitions, compelling documentaries, live music performances and star-studded red carpet events.

For a little over a week each April, visitors to SFFILM can catch a stellar lineup of screenings across many of the Bay Area’s finest venues. Promoting the works of both established names and promising newcomers, the festival offers a wide range of genres and perspectives, bringing light to stories from around the world and helping raise upcoming filmmakers to the limelight.

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival

For the last two weekends in April, San Francisco’s Japantown erupts in celebration of the humble cherry blossoms lighting up much of Northern California. Mirroring the globally-renowned tradition of Hanami in Japan, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival typically draws in around a quarter of a million visitors each year.

A rich schedule of cultural programs, live entertainment, art and crafts, traditional food and drink and a grand parade all come to a head in celebration of springtime. Having run each year since the late 1960s, the festival serves primarily to honor the rich heritage and diversity of the Japanese American community in sharing a cultural snapshot with visitors from both near and far.

Earth Day

Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has grown exponentially as more and more each year into the globally recognized event we know today. San Francisco’s Earth Day brings together a host of environmentally-minded local and national artists, musicians, speakers and performers to frontline an electric, open-air celebration to promote climate-positive action.

Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy an all-star lineup of psychedelic, funk, rock, and global beats while exploring the various different zones of the festival. Family-friendly workshops range from recycled art classes to making solar rockets to yoga and meditation demos, while representatives from a variety of major environmental organizations head talks on making a positive global impact.

Art Market San Francisco

Art aficionados visiting San Francisco in April should take a trip to the Bay Area’s principal contemporary and modern art fair. Over the course of a weekend, Art Market San Francisco hosts over 70 established galleries alongside innovative newcomers from across the country, exhibiting a stellar collection of contemporary and modern artworks in a variety of different forms.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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San Francisco Spring Break 2019 - Things to Do in February & March During Your Vacation

If you’re looking for a spring break destination that combines the best of culture, nature, food, drink, and all around fun, then San Francisco should be your top choice. The amazing selection of available attractions and activities will more than make up for a little sweater weather. Plus, it's an incredibly family-friendly city, with many attractions that are designed with kids in mind. Check out our suggestions for Spring Break 2019 activities. Our listed ideas include top attractions like: The California Academy of Sciences Exploratorium Golden Gate Park Fisherman’s Wharf Six Flags Discovery Kingdom And more! Many of the attractions listed here are included on the Go San Francisco pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top San Francisco attractions and save up to 60% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Enjoy Theme Parks Families on spring break trips will, of course, want to explore the Northern California theme park scene. Kids of all ages love the excitement and delight of an amusement park, and it's a great way for adults to keep them busy while still having fun themselves! California's Great America is a smart choice, with plenty of options for the little travelers like the beloved Planet Snoopy. For the animal lovers, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom has much to offer. This theme park incorporates all your favorite thrill rides with exciting animal encounters and interactive exhibits. See critters from land and sea, and learn more about the natural world. Then, hop aboard exhilarating rides in this 135-acre adventure park. Getting In: Admission to California's Great America and admission to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom are both included with the Go San Francisco pass. Indulge Your Whole Family's Love of Disney We're sure you've got at least one Disney song consistently stuck in your head after the kids' latest binge-watch, so why not visit the Walt Disney Family Museum so you can all learn more about the origins of this media empire. Here you'll find expansive gallery space featuring all kinds of footage, photographs, sketches, and more. You can also learn about Walt's personal life, his grand ambitions, and his creation of some of the most endearing characters of all time. Getting In: Admission to the Walt Disney Family Museum is included with the Go San Francisco pass. Scope out SoMa Another neighborhood that should be on your must-visit list is South of Market, or "SoMa" in local lingo. It’s filled with top quality attractions like museums and galleries, plus some delicious food for lunch and dinner. Start out with a visit to the Yerba Buena Center for Arts, part museum, part community center, and all inspiration. Then, pop into the California Historical Society for another perspective on the area’s heritage. If you prefer sports to high art, then fortunately for you, Oracle Park (formerly AT&T Park) is right in the neighborhood. Take a tour of the park, or, if your spring break falls in or after mid-April, take in a game! Getting In: Admission to the California Historical Society and Oracle Park Tour tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass. Save on Admission We hope you’ve been inspired by this sample itinerary to get out and start planning your perfect San Francisco spring break, whether you want to visit some or many of these popular attractions. While we can’t cover all of your travel expenses, a Go San Francisco pass sure can take a load off when it comes to admission to top attractions. Pick up a three- or five-day pass today and get ready to have the best spring break yet!
Katie Sagal
Bird's eye view of the San Francisco's Lombard Street
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San Francisco in October

Few US cities thrive quite like San Francisco in October. While many other popular destinations begin to simmer down from their summertime peak, the Bay Area continues to enjoy an idyllic fall climate and a plethora of exciting cultural events taking place throughout the month. If you’re looking for a great destination this fall, San Francisco is hard to beat. Visiting San Francisco in October Average Temperature: 54 - 68°F • Average Rainfall: 4 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day Though fall may technically count as San Francisco’s second shoulder season of the year, following the larger waves of tourists throughout summer, that certainly doesn’t mean it’s quiet in October. In fact, fall is easily the city’s second busiest season, maintaining much of its summertime buzz and bustle. With that, you'll want to be sure to book hotels, activities and venues in advance if you want to avoid any potential disappointments. Unlike many similar destinations which thrive on the summertime climate, San Francisco gets some of its best weather during fall. Temperatures typically range between mild and fairly warm throughout October, with some fairly regular sunshine adding to the idyllic conditions for exploring the city streets. Things to do in October Chances are that if you’re visiting San Francisco, you’ll want to explore some of the Bay Area’s most lauded sights. Take a stroll beneath the crimson beams of the Golden Gate Bridge, and snap some classy photos of the Victorian Painted Ladies lining Alamo Square Park. Though you can certainly explore much of the city on foot, one of the best ways to get around San Francisco is atop a Hop-On, Hop Off Bus Tour. Operating a central route passing by many of the city’s top sights, the tour offers visitors a convenient way to explore the Bay Area, accompanied by optional audio commentary in a selection of major languages. Another popular destination is Fisherman’s Wharf, an impressive waterfront complex popular for its brimming selection of unique activities, intriguing stores and delicious eateries. Explore the outlets of the Pier 39 shopping center, admire the impressive celebrity wax figures at Madame Tussauds, and snap some photos of the playful colony of barking sea lions that frequent the area. History buffs visiting the Golden City will be no stranger to Alcatraz Prison, whose chilling cells, once home to some of the nation’s most notorious criminals, now sit open for the public to explore. For a slice of something a little more tame, the California Historical Society and the Contemporary Jewish Museum offer some truly valuable insights into various aspects of San Francisco’s history. If you’re keen to make the most of the often more idyllic weather throughout fall, why not take the chance to take a stroll through the wide-open green space and gardens of Golden Gate Park, or settle down for a picnic with a view over the city skyline at Mission Dolores Park? Be sure to check out the beautiful displays of the Botanical Garden and Conservatory of Flowers, too. For a truly exquisite view over San Francisco’s gorgeous skyline, head to the beautiful art-deco Coit Tower for unobstructed panoramic views right down into the Bay. Alternatively, the Twin Peaks summit makes for a brilliant romantic spot to catch the sunset and spend an evening beneath the stars. What’s On in October Fleet Week Thousands of onlookers flock to Fisherman’s Wharf each October to catch the hotly-anticipated Fleet Week Air Show. Featuring the US Navy Blue Angels alongside a host of other iconic aircraft, both military and commercial, the air show takes place several days throughout the week as the procession of aircraft takes over the skies over the Bay. Accompanying the show are a variety of similar events and activities, including a particularly popular program of special ship tours along the Bay. Visitors can set themselves up on the waterfront to enjoy the Parade of Ships or hop on a cruise to watch the Blue Angels perform up close. Film Festivals The Bay Area is no stranger to its fair share of film festivals held throughout the year, and October is no exception. For a little over a week, the United Nations Association Film Festival takes place across a variety of venues throughout San Francisco, screening a huge program of documentaries covering some of the most pressing issues from around the world, typically centered around an annual theme. Among the most powerful and profound genres of film are short movies, capable of exploring often complex themes in depth within very short time constraints. The SF International Festival of Short Films aims to celebrate exactly that. Over the course of a weekend, this film festival features a variety of screenings from across the world and across a host of different themes. Those with a keen interest in Japanese culture should make their way to Japantown where, for a little over a week in October, visitors can catch the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco. The event offers a great opportunity to explore Japanese culture and features a variety of cultural events, activities and panels highlighting various aspects of modern Japanese pop culture. Litquake Held over several weeks in October, San Francisco’s longest-running literary festival brings great reads and underrated authors to the limelight in celebration of the world of literature. Litquake comprises a vast program of events, workshops, panels and readings held throughout a variety of venues, from bookstores to bars, allowing avid readers to engage with authors and fellow literary nerds alike. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass For a weekend in October, Golden Gate Park transforms into the grounds of the huge and uniquely free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival. Hosting some of the biggest names in the Bluegrass genre, the event draws in thousands of cult followers and new visitors alike, many attracted by the largely untamed and independent character afforded by its entirely non-commercial nature. Urban Art Market The Urban Art Market stands as America’s largest outdoor design festival, with various branching events taking place across the country. Each event centers around sustainable design, community building and supporting local and independent artists. Head to San Francisco’s market in October if you’re keen to explore some responsible fashion, home decor and various other types of independent art products. Halloween You’d be hard-pushed to find a destination in the US that doesn’t go all out for Halloween, and San Francisco certainly won’t be the first to break that trend. Throughout October, the city becomes adorned with all manner of spooky decor, and various venues host their own Halloween parties, activities and events on or around October 31. Keep an eye out for party cruises along the Bay for that true San Francisco Halloween experience!
Robert Heaney
Fireworks over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
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New Year's Eve in San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the USA's finest party towns, with neighborhoods that are characterized by their lively nightlife scenes. We’re talking the Castro’s uber-hip LGBTQ+ clubs, high-end dining in Nob Hill, laidback speakeasies in North Beach and chilled-out arty bars in The Mission. In other words: great for seeing in the New Year with a bang. But it’s not all Cable Car cocktails and morning-after Alka-Seltzers. There are loads of ways to spend New Year’s Eve in San Francisco, and we’ve put together a selection of the best, to be enjoyed with or without a drink in your hand. Read on for art and Alcatraz, ballet and burritos, skating and sightseeing, and much more... In the Daytime... Ride the Cable Car The squeal of the cables, the rattle of the wheels, the great clang of the bell: San Francisco’s colorful MUNI tram cars are a great way to while away a New Year’s Eve hour or two. These painted wooden icons promise a fun-filled rollercoaster ride through the famously hilly city, with photo ops galore along the way. Bag the best snaps by claiming a spot on the narrow external platforms either side of the car – you’ll get the most spectacular views of landmarks like Alcatraz and Lombard Street riding the Powell-Hyde line from Downtown to Fisherman’s Wharf. Spot a San Francisco Icon With so many world-famous landmarks around town, San Francisco souvenir makers must be coining it in. Indeed, you don’t have to look very hard to find a Golden Gate Bridge keychain, MUNI cable car model, Alcatraz ornament, or mug adorned with the colorful Painted Ladies. Heck, you can even get fog globes (like snow globes but with fog, in honor of the city’s famous pea-soupers). Sure, bag the souvenir, but nothing beats the real thing, so make sure to drop by one or two of these veritable SF icons on New year’s Eve. And don’t neglect to say hey to the sea lions at Pier 39 while you’re at it. Bag a Bargain If, once again, Father Christmas failed to find space in your stocking for the designer handbag or brand-new iPhone you so desperately wanted, now’s your chance to take the matter into your own hands. Post-Christmas sales run from 26 December right into the New Year, so this is prime time to pick up a bargain. Hit up the big department stores and malls – Saks, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Nieman’s, Westfield – for some of the best. Take a Hike Sure, it’s a bit hilly, but just think of all the good it will do your calves and glutes! There are loads of great walks in San Francisco, from short sightseeing tours of the Castro’s celebrated LGBTQ+ landmarks, to longer walks that take in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood’s boho vibe and Instagram eye candy of the Painted Ladies. But if you really want to get the blood pumping, try the Filbert Street Steps challenge, a steep climb up 500-or-so steps that takes in sweeping views of Treasure Island and the San Francisco Bay Bridge and promises encounters with talkative Telegraph Hill parrots, quaint cottages and cute formal gardens on the way to Coit Tower at its summit. Get Your Culture Fix San Francisco is home to some of California’s finest museums and galleries so where better to while away a few hours while you wait for the New Year festivities to kick off? Experience one of the planet’s largest collections of modern and contemporary art at SFMOMA, starring Hopper, Kahlo, Klee, Matisse, O’Keeffe, Richter and Warhol, to name but a few, and unleash your inner Einstein at the super-cool Exploratorium on Pier 39, where you can summon up your own sandstorms, get lost in the fog and dance with... yourself. Kids young and old will thrill to the vast range of playable vintage arcades and pinball machines at the Musée Mécanique in Fisherman’s Wharf. Chill Out in The Mission Hands-down one of San Francisco’s hippest ‘hoods, The Mission is a great place to chill and take in the sights on New Year’s Eve. Check out the eye-popping painted murals on Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley, and window-shop the cool indie stores on Valencia Street, where vintage fashions, pre-loved vinyl records and, um, pirate supplies are the order of the day. For lunch, seek out a legendary ‘Mission Burrito’ in one of the district's many authentic taquerias. These edible monsters are famed for their super-soft tortillas, farm-fresh ingredients and medley of Mexican flavors. Heave yours up to Dolores Park and find a spot to tuck in accompanied by panoramic views of the hazy Downtown skyline. In the Evening... Take in a Show Kick off your celebrations in earnest with one of San Francisco’s fab New Year shows. Check out listings for some of the city’s top venues – The Fillmore, The Warfield, The Independent – to find the perfect performance to suit your mood. Or go full glad-rags-and-monocles mode behind the stately colonnaded facade of the War Memorial Opera House, where you can catch world-class performances from the vaunted San Francisco Ballet, Opera and Symphony ensembles. Have a Nice Dinner Book early if you want to secure a New Year’s Eve spot for dinner in any of the city’s top restaurants. We’re talking dinner with a view in upscale Nob Hill – check out the Fairmont’s Laurel Court or Top of the Mark at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins. Or hit up Zingari on Union Square for high-end Italian food and live jazz. Looking for something a little less formal? Chinatown is your friend. Generally considered one of the best enclaves for Chinese food in the US, here’s where you can dine like an emperor on fluffy BBQ pork dumplings, delicate shrimp and chive gyoza, crispy sesame balls and all manner of other umami Chinese treats. Find yourself a tiny, cramped restaurant for a fully authentic experience. Go on a New Year’s Eve Cruise A favorite way to spend New Year’s Eve in San Francisco is aboard a cruise on the Bay. It’s a fine (and unusual) way to ring in the New Year, complete with picture-perfect night-time views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and, of course, the city’s spectacular midnight firework display. Cruise options range from high-end dining experiences to booze-fueled party boats that are strictly for revelers aged 21 and over. Note that at least one of these options has the potential to leave you feeling a little, shall we say, seasick the morning after. Skate into the New Year The Embarcadero Holiday Ice Rink is the city’s largest and offers glittering views of San Francisco Bay, the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge as you glide and swoop, graceful as a drunk swan, across the ice. The rink stays open until 11.30PM on New Year’s Eve, meaning you can skate until late before huddling with the crowds to enjoy the midnight pyrotechnics. The views of the firework display from here – as with just about anywhere along the eastern waterfront – are among the very best in town. Save on things to do in San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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