San Francisco in June

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
The Coit Tower in North Beach, San Francisco

June marks the beginning of San Francisco’s busy summer season, with fine weather, feel-good vibes and festivals galore. Read on for our guide to visiting the Golden City in June...

Visiting San Francisco in June

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Average Temperature: 53–66°F • Average Rainfall: 1 day/mth • Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day

San Francisco summers are curious beasts. One minute you’re basking in glorious sunshine and considering dipping your toes in the Bay’s cool waters and the next a damp, chilly fog has enveloped you and you're wondering why you even bothered slapping on all that sunscreen.

Seriously though, if it’s wall-to-wall sunshine and a California suntan you’re after you might be better off heading a little further south to the golden sands of LA and San Diego. But if a pleasant (and interesting) climate in the high 60s floats your boat, there’s much to recommend San Francisco in June, from street parties to the massive Pride Parade – one of the biggest and best on the planet. And hey, that fog is as much a part of San Francisco’s character as the Golden Gate Bridge, the 49ers and crusty sourdough bread. Lean into it and you might even learn to love it; at the very least your Insta feed will be the envy of all your friends.

Top tip: June is San Francisco’s busiest season, so book your vacation as far in advance as possible to get the best rates on your desired accommodation.

Things to do in June

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With such pleasantly mild weather, June is a great time to explore San Francisco on foot without breaking a sweat. Ok, ok, you’re going to sweat a little: have you seen the size of some of those hills? Pro-tip: you can always save your aching legs by ascending the steeper sections on a bus or – better yet – one of the city’s iconic old-fashioned cable cars.

If the near-vertical climb to the top of Buena Vista Park doesn’t take your breath away, the views when you get there certainly will. Expect sweeping panoramas that include the Golden Gate Bridge and – on a clear day – the dramatic cliffs of the Marin Headlands. Even in the fog, the view from up here is nothing short of astonishing, as the towers of the famous rust-red bridge rise up out of the rolling pea-souper.

Head over to Alamo Park to ogle the Painted Ladies, a picture-postcard row of pastel-colored Victorian houses with the skyscrapers of the downtown financial district gleaming incongruously in the background. There are many more colorful buildings – flamingo pink, oxblood red, mellow yellow – to check out on a walk from here to Golden Gate Park via the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. This lovely part of town wears its strong links to the ‘67 summer of love proudly on its sleeve. Pop some flowers in your hair and get in the groove as you make your way into the park and over to Hippie Hill, now a popular spot for picnicking.

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And now for something completely different. Over on the Great Highway in view of the crashing surf of the Pacific, you’ll find San Francisco Zoo and Gardens. There are over 100 acres to explore here, containing no fewer than 2,000 critters. Spot giraffes, zebras and Marabou storks in the African Savanna exhibit, catch the penguins and grizzly bears at feeding time, meet ferociously cute red pandas and go on an Australian Walkabout with wallaroos and kangaroos. There’s bountiful plantlife here too, with plenty of native Californian and exotic vegetation to discover. Look out for the windswept cypress trees and rare swamp gum eucalyptus.

What’s on in June?

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North Beach Festival

Every month is party month in San Francisco, but perhaps none more so than June, when a veritable explosion of street festivals hit town. The area around Grant Avenue and Columbus is the venue for the bustling North Beach Festival, a two-day extravaganza that includes – deep breath – live local bands and tribute acts, poetry jams, comedy stages, artisan art and craft stalls, wine and beer gardens, street performers and, of course, those all-important gourmet food vendors. And with Grant Avenue also happening to be Chinatown’s main thoroughfare, you can be sure the snacks are going to be really, really good. In fact, we defy you not to make straight for those sweet fluffy BBQ pork buns before doing anything else.

Street Parties Galore!

The Juneteenth event on Fillmore Street ceebrates the abolition of slavery in the States with music, food and much more. Stick around until 4th of July weekend for this historic boulevard’s other great knees-up: the Fillmore Jazz Festival. Meanwhile Haight Street and Union Street both also host their own vibrant street fairs in June, meaning there’s very little chance of boredom setting in.

San Francisco Pride

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Saving the best for last, San Francisco’s Pride parade and festival is one of the biggest and best celebrations of LGBTQ+ people on the planet. Usually taking place on the very last weekend of the month, in commemoration of the Stonewall riots, the festival's focal point is the Civic Center area, where dance stages, fetish booths and drag performers provide the entertainment and the streets are fairly festooned with beautiful rainbow flags.

On Sunday morning, a colorful, joyous parade weaves its way west along the huge boulevard that is Market Street, starting in the morning and culminating in much singing, dancing and merrymaking late in the afternoon. If you’re game, you can continue the party into the wee small hours in the lively bars and clubs of the Mission and Castro districts, where even the crosswalks have rainbow stripes. Note that the Castro is the beating heart of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ community, so it’s fair to say that you can expect loooong queues wherever you go on this particular weekend.

Save on attractions in San Francisco

Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Is San Francisco Safe?

For such a compact city – just seven miles long by seven miles wide – San Francisco packs a heck of a punch when it comes to attractions, shopping and nightlife. Think world-famous icons like the Golden Gate Bridge, the historic wooden cable cars and Alcatraz Island. The parks, museums and expansive Bay views from the city’s 50+ hills ain't too shabby either. But is San Francisco safe for tourists? Read on for our guide... How Safe is San Francisco? In spite of its relatively small size, San Francisco is one of the most densely populated cities in the United States, with knocking on for a million inhabitants. Add to this somewhere in the region of 25 million tourists passing through annually and there is, inevitably, some scope for petty crime. But, in truth, it’s probably no worse than any other city of this kind. As with most major cities there will always be an element of low-level, non-violent crime such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing, with tourists inevitably providing the easiest pickings. Car break-ins are a bit of an issue here but hey, you don’t really need a car to get around and, frankly, parking fees in San Francisco are a form of daylight robbery in their own right anyway. The city has a large homeless population, mainly centered around the Tenderloin district, which can be intimidating for newcomers. Even family friendly North Beach has a slightly seedier side after nightfall, while the crowded piers of Fisherman’s Wharf are where you’re most likely to be relieved of your wallet by an opportunistic pickpocket. But think of these areas as places to be more on your guard than somewhere to avoid entirely. San Francisco is generally safe for tourists and you’re highly unlikely to run into any trouble at all. That said, there’s no harm in taking a few common-sense precautions to avoid appearing vulnerable to would-be thieves. Though rare, natural disasters are not unknown in San Francisco so it’s also worth boning up on what to do in the event of e.g. an earthquake or wildfire, even if the chances of you encountering either on a visit to the Golden City are close to zero. Tips for Staying Safe in San Francisco Opportunists looking to relieve you of your hard-earned vacation cash can mostly be found haunting the busiest attractions, where it’s much easier to melt away into a crowd with their ill-gotten gains. Keep your wits about you in the likes of Fisherman’s Wharf, and especially the ever-popular Pier 39, where tourists gather in their thousands to say hi to the resident sea lion colony and visit the Aquarium of the Bay and other San Francisco big-hitters. The same goes for parts of Downtown and Chinatown, where pickpockets ply their trade and seasoned scammers will try all manner of sob stories to get you to hand over a few dollars. Similarly, the thriving nightlife scene and major yearly festivals that draw revelers from across the globe are great fun, but mean more crowds and easier pickings for... well, you get the general idea. So: stay alert in sketchy areas and be aware of your surroundings wherever you are. Keep valuables out of view and be skeptical of anyone who approaches you asking for money, especially those ‘friendly helpers’ who hang around ATMs, anyone offering to take a nice souvenir photo of you with your very expensive smartphone or anyone with a sob story. Trust your instincts on these – if it doesn’t feel right, walk away. While these may sound obvious, thieves rely on the element of surprise and it’s easy to become flustered when suddenly confronted. Yes, even to the extent of willingly handing over your phone only to watch helplessly as it, and its new owner, melt away into the crowd. In the unlikely event you do lose your valuables to a bag snatcher, scammer or pickpocket, by all means raise the alarm, but it’s really not worth giving chase. Instead, report the incident to police as quickly as possible (your insurers will require a police report) and, above all, try not to let one unpleasant experience spoil the rest of your trip. San Francisco Beach Safety You’ll want to spend plenty of time outdoors on your San Francisco vacation. And who can blame you? There’s that mild climate, perfect for picnics in sprawling Golden Gate Park, boat trips around the Bay, epic climbs up Nob Hill and the quad-crunching Filbert Street Steps (all 500 of ‘em). Not to forget ticking off that most essential of San Francisco activities: a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge to the charming seaside town of Sausalito. And then there are the beaches, from the wild, rugged expanse of Ocean Beach on the west coast, to the sheltered cove at the Aquatic Park. Now, San Francisco isn’t exactly known for reliably sunny weather, what with the ubiquitous summer fogs that roll through the Bay, and surprisingly stiff sea breezes even during peak season. Indeed, the best beach weather is generally to be had in September into early October, when the fogs have abated and you can expect clear skies and temperatures in the high 60s much of the time. First things first: even though it might not feel that warm out, don’t end up looking like a boiled lobster because you didn’t think it was hot enough to burn: the San Francisco sun can be tricky that way, so slap on the sunscreen when you’re going outdoors. Better safe than sorry, and all that. The beaches here are great for lounging and catching some rays, but not for swimming. There is little or no lifeguard presence in the Bay area, and the rough Pacific waters are not safe for swimming due to bone-chilling temperatures and dangerous riptides. Don’t be tempted to go in even if the water looks calm – tourists wading in just three feet of water at Ocean Beach have been swept away suddenly. If you do fancy dipping your toes, the sheltered cove at the Aquatic Park in the National Maritime Historical Park along the north coast is your best bet. Or head over the bridge to Stinson Beach in Marin County, where white sands, relatively calm waters and a lifeguard presence in summer makes for a fun (and safe!) day out. It’s around 45 minutes’ drive from downtown San Francisco. Save on attractions in San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Romantic things to do in San Francisco
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Romantic Things to Do in San Francisco

Here's how to spend Valentine's Day or a special romantic day in the Bay Area. From vineyard tours to museum dates, here's how to fall in love with San Francisco.
Katie Sagal
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
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Where To Stay in San Francisco

Trying to decide where to stay in San Francisco? Will it be the bustling tourist hotspots of Fisherman’s Wharf and the Marina? Busy downtown or sleepy ‘burbs? The hip and happening Mission and Castro districts or the colorful old-school Victoriana of NoPa and the Hayes Valley? Bay or city views? Top or bottom of the hill? Check out our guide to some of the most desirable addresses in town, with ideas for solo travelers, couples and those with a large family in tow. Downtown Easily one of the best places to stay in San Francisco, the Downtown area has countless benefits. Firstly, it puts you within strolling distance of stacks of the city’s bucket-list attractions. It’s where you’ll find, for example, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and the landmark Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, with its soaring clock tower and cavernous interior that houses a bustling marketplace full of cafes, restaurants, cute boutiques and artisan foodie stores. The Embarcadero is also home to some of the neighborhood’s best luxury hotels and rooms with Bay views. The shopping mecca that is Union Square sits at the heart of Downtown, promising high-end boutiques and big brands that are primed to give your credit card a workout. Think Saks, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Chanel, Apple and the Disney Store.There’s also a huge range of dining and drinking options here, satisfying all appetites from steak to sushi, cakes to cocktails. And if it’s great Asian food you crave, look no further than nearby Chinatown, where authentic prawn gyoza and fluffy BBQ pork dumplings may just change your life. Excellent transport connections to the rest of the city also make Downtown a good choice, especially for first timers looking to tick off as many bucket-list San Francisco experiences as possible. Two of the city’s three remaining cable car lines originate here, meaning you can hop on these historic painted carriages for a rollicking, bell-clanging ride across the city’s hills, taking in views of Lombard Street, Alcatraz Island and the Bay as you weave your way up to Fisherman’s Wharf. Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach Fisherman’s Wharf is – to be blunt about it – a tourist hotspot. But not without good reason: here’s where you’ll find good old-fashioned seaside entertainments by the bucketload. We’re talking everything from arcade games and boat rides in the Bay to Madame Tussauds waxworks, an aquarium and a quite dizzying array of family-friendly dining options. Then, of course, there’s the famous sea lion colony at Pier 39. For those reasons, you’ll find Fisherman’s Wharf to be well-served by the big beasts of the hotel world – Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Fairmont – something to suit most budgets, in other words. If you prefer something a little less hectic, neighboring North Beach is a good choice, providing easy access to the thrills and spills of Fisherman’s Wharf as well as having its own not inconsiderable charm. This buzzing district is full of Italian flavor, with some of the city’s best gelato shops, and bakeries selling sweet and crunchy cannoli on nearly every street corner. Its sloping streets are also great for casual exploring: brave souls with calves of steel can take the (approximately 500) Filbert Street Steps up to the iconic Coit Tower. Trust us: it’s worth it for the awe-inspiring views of the glittering Bay far below. The Mission and The Castro A little way south of Downtown, the Castro and Mission districts are hands-down the hippest ‘hoods in town. The Castro is the heart of the city’s (maybe even the planet’s) LGBTQ+ community and you’ll see beautiful rainbows everywhere here: flags, crosswalks, you name it. The nightlife is unsurprisingly ace and the historic Castro Theatre hosts drag nights as well as regular screenings of classic movies and Disney sing-alongs. Between the Castro and the Mission sits Dolores Park, named for the nearby church which – having stood here for more than 200 years – is San Francisco’s oldest building. The park is a lush verdant space, great for people-watching and taking in views of Downtown and the Bay. The Mission’s Latino roots are reflected in many of the amazing, colorful murals that adorn the streets here, as well as in the cuisine. Don’t miss the famous ‘Mission Burrito’: its soft, stretchy tortilla bursting at the seams with farm-fresh ingredients is in a class all of its own. There’s also some fantastic shopping on Valencia Street, with an eclectic mix of thrift stores, fashion boutiques, book and record shops and even a store hawking supplies for would-be pirates. Yes, really. A fine selection of late-night dive bars and upscale cocktail joints also makes for some great nights out here, with a smattering of decent hotels and B&Bs available to rest your head late into the next morning. Top tip: the microclimate in this part of town means the Mission and Castro neighborhoods largely avoid the fogs that regularly roll in across the Bay, especially in summer. What’s not to like? Nob Hill Strictly for those on an A-list budget, Nob Hill is one of the swankiest districts in San Francisco, wth price tags to match. This historic, hilltop ‘hood is blessed with some of the finest architecture in town, including the grand Gothic confection that is Grace Cathedral, some beautiful old mansions and two of the city’s landmark luxury hotels: the Fairmont and the Mark Hopkins. The views of the San Francisco skyline from the Top of the Mark restaurant on the hotel’s 19th floor will truly set your heart aflutter though, alas, the bill may also trigger a coronary in your astonished bank manager. Huntington Park, by the cathedral, is a pleasant green space for people-watching the neighborhood’s wealthy residents, and Nob Hill’s central location means it’s very well placed for accessing attractions all around the city. Bonus: the California cable car line runs from close to the Embarcadero all the way up Nob Hill (and back down the other side), meaning that steep ascent to one of the city’s best vantage points need not be quite so daunting. Save on attractions in San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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