Side-on view of the Golden Gate Bridge spanning The Bay

San Francisco in March

By Robert Heaney

San Francisco in March marks the coming of spring with a month of generally mild and often sunny – if not windy – weather, making for the first of many periods ideal for exploring the unique nooks and crannies of this oh-so-photogenic city. If you’re looking to beat the crowds and don’t mind battling with the windchill and rain, March is the time to visit!

Visiting San Francisco in March

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Average Temperature: 48 - 61°F • Average Rainfall: 10 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day

With spring on the way, the Golden City prepares to usher in its first shoulder season of the year, with somewhat of an upcurve in tourists expected throughout the season. Though you may find the city slightly busier than during the winter months, you should have no trouble still finding some great off-peak hotel deals throughout the month, as long as you book sufficiently in advance.

The transition from winter to spring may not be so evident in San Francisco’s weather in March. Throughout the month, temperatures remain somewhere between cool and pleasantly mild, with just enough regular sunshine to grab those ideal photo ops. Just be sure to wrap up against the inevitable windchill and pack an umbrella for the likelihood of at least two days of rainfall per week.

Things to do in March

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Few trips to San Francisco would be complete without touring some of the city’s top landmarks. Topping the list are, of course, the crimson beams of the Golden Gate Bridge, followed swiftly behind by the Victorian Painted Ladies stationed along the eastern side of Alamo Square Park.

With the Golden City as sprawling as it is, you’ll likely want to find a way to explore without wearing out your feet too quickly. The iconic San Francisco Cable Cars can certainly see you some of the way, but nothing beats a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour for getting you around the city’s top attractions comfortably and conveniently, with optional audio commentary in a selection of languages to boot.

History buffs visiting San Francisco in March will be no stranger to Alcatraz, famously the former site of many of America’s most notorious criminals, and now open for visitors to explore its chilling halls and the surrounding hostile landscape. If you’re looking for something a little on the tamer side, though, then the California Historical Society and the Contemporary Jewish Museum each offer valuable insights into the local cultures and history of both San Francisco and California as a whole.

If you’re looking for somewhere exciting to sink a few hours, then Fisherman’s Wharf should be just the ticket. Among this waterfront complex you’ll find the classic Musée Méchanique penny arcade and the popular Pier 39 shopping center, alongside a variety of charming restaurants, stores and cultural hotspots. Come at the right time and you may even come across the famous colony of playful, barking sea lions catching some rays in a huddle on the corner of the pier.

With the weather turning generally milder throughout March, you may be keen to spend a few hours exploring some of San Francisco’s serene green spaces. The lakes, gardens and trails of Golden Gate Park are undoubtedly the most popular, while Mission Dolores Park serves as a fantastic picnic spot with idyllic views over the city skyline. Be sure to explore the nearby Conservatory of Flowers and the Botanical Garden, too, to see what March has in bloom.

The Golden City’s undulating landscape, impressive skyline and stunning Bay make for some incredible photo ops, but never more so than when you can capture them all together. For some truly exquisite viewpoints, 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 sit beneath the stars for an evening.

Both families and the curious traveler alike are bound to enjoy the likes of the California Academy of Sciences, impressively housing a planetarium, aquarium, natural history museum and indoor rainforest under one massive roof. If that doesn’t quite scratch that itch, then the interactive science exhibits of the Exploratorium should do the trick – just be sure to visit later in the day if you’d prefer to miss the regular school groups.

What’s On in March

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Berlin & Beyond Film Festival

Somewhat of a more niche offering for film buffs visiting San Francisco in March, Berlin & Beyond serves as a gateway for the public to see and experience the German-speaking world of cinema. For roughly a week in March, the festival organizes an extensive program of screenings from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond.

Exploring the history, art, cultures and progress of these German-speaking regions, screenings take the form of everything from independent short films to impressive feature films and documentaries. The festival celebrates prominent filmmakers and screen talents from across the German-speaking world, sharing their work with an annual audience of over 7,000 keen film-goers.

Saint Patrick’s Day

Though few Irishmen would care to admit it, the USA is largely credited with pioneering St. Patrick’s Day celebrations as we know them today, with records as far back as the early 1600s placing St. Augustine in Florida as the potential birthplace of the modern Ireland-centered drinking party. And the nation has only doubled down on the festivities ever since!

San Francisco is no stranger to its fair share of hearty Irish fun, making it one of the prime places to be as March 17 rolls around. You’ll find no shortage of parties, pub crawls, cultural festivals and family-friendly activities throughout the city as thousands of locals and visitors go green for St. Patty’s. The city also hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and block party the weekend beforehand, often giving the keenest of revelers the chance to party all over again!

Red Cross Gala

If you plan on being in San Francisco in March and enjoy any excuse to dress up, you’ll want to grab yourself a ticket to the annual American Red Cross Gala. Held each year to recognize and honor those in the Bay Area that have made a positive impact to help the American Red Cross, this popular fundraising event takes place in San Francisco’s impressive City Hall. Accompanied by the subsequent After Party, the gala promises an evening of cocktails, refreshments, live music, dancing and a general air of merriment.

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San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge illuminated at night
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San Francisco in February

Should you be willing to brave the regular windchill and rainfall of San Francisco in February, you’re bound to find yourself handsomely rewarded. In its winter low-season, the Golden City tends to be quieter than ever, leaving its top attractions and photo ops ripe for the picking. Visiting San Francisco in February Average Temperature: 48 - 61°F • Average Rainfall: 10 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day Continuing to plod through the winter months, San Francisco very much maintains its low-season character. Though you’ll still find plenty of tourists passing through the Golden City, this is one of the best times to explore some of its iconic sights and attractions without the need to battle with huge crowds. What’s more, many hotels tend to operate at somewhat of a discount on high-season rates, meaning you can often grab yourself quite the steal if you book sufficiently in advance! Though famously somewhat cooler than its other California neighbors in the summer, San Francisco maintains a minimum baseline throughout winter. Though you’d be best advised to wrap up for February to combat the inevitable wind chill, temperatures typically flirt between cool and pleasantly mild throughout the month. You’ll also want to pack an umbrella for the likelihood of at least two days of rainfall per week. Things to do in February Naturally, visiting San Francisco should come with the obligatory tour of some of its top monuments and landmarks. Take a stroll among the fiery beams of the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge and sit back with a picnic in Alamo Square Park across from the iconic Painted Ladies. Be sure to also snap some photos of motorists attempting the twists and turns of the world’s most crooked road, Lombard Street. If you’re keen on exploring the city from a new perspective, there are few better ways to do so than atop a popular Bay Cruise, sitting back as you drift by the picture-perfect skyline. And if you’re looking to zip around the city a little faster, a Hop-On, Hop-Off Big Bus Tour operates a convenient route via most of San Francisco’s top sights, accompanied by optional audio commentary in several major languages. Families and the insatiably curious alike can easily fill a day or two exploring some of the Golden City’s brilliant educational centers. Electrify your senses with the interactive science exhibits at the Exploratorium – best experienced in the evening to avoid the rush of school groups. If that doesn’t quite scratch your itch, then perhaps the planetarium, aquarium, natural history museum and indoor rainforest of the California Academy of Sciences will do the trick. Those looking to feed their inner art enthusiast should head to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, exhibiting contemporary art in its various mediums through the work of both well-established and lesser-known artists. In the same vein, complementing the large East Asian influence visible throughout the city, the Asian Art Museum exhibits over 17,000 art pieces from across the Asian continent. If history is more up your alley, make your way to the California Historical Society to gain some fascinating insight into the history of both San Francisco and California as a whole. And to complement the fourth-largest Jewish population in the US, the Contemporary Jewish Museum explores various facets of Jewish pop culture, history and artistic expression. 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, exploring the life and work of the world’s most famous cartoonist. You’ll learn through over 40,000 square feet of engaging and interactive exhibits just how one man’s vision evolved into the family-favorite media empire we know and love today. Some of the best areas to explore in San Francisco largely reflect the city’s large East Asian-descended population. Both Chinatown and Japantown stand as some of the most trendy neighborhoods throughout the city, characterized by traditional architecture from their respective countries alongside various authentic cultural eateries and retailers. What’s On in February Chinese New Year Given its significant Chinese-descended population and its claim to the most impressive Chinatown in America, it comes as little surprise that the San Francisco Chinese New Year celebrations stand as some of the largest and most vibrant in the world. Naturally, the exact month of this celebration differs depending on the year, so be sure to double check if you’re keen to join in. Attracting a crowd of over three million observers from both near and far, the event is marked by various traditional markets, fairs, balls and cultural activities. Topping off the celebration is the famous Chinese New Year parade, featuring performers carrying flags, lanterns and drums along with a procession of colorful floats, not least of all the iconic 28-foot-long golden dragon. Valentine’s Day Whatever your perfect Valentine’s Day date night may look like, San Francisco has you covered. Whether you’re looking to take an intimate cruise through the bay, take a stroll through some of the city’s beautiful green spaces or wine and dine from a unique prix fixe menu under candlelight, there are few better places to treat that special someone to a date to remember. SF Indie Fest Independent cinema fans visiting San Francisco in February are in for a real treat, with almost two whole weeks of the month dedicated to the San Francisco IndieFest. The festival brings to the limelight the independent media usually overshadowed by stiff Hollywood blockbusters, celebrating independent and alternative films and the manpower that goes into them. Throughout the festival, visitors can attend a variety of screenings from both around the world and around The Bay. Those keen to absorb as much of the alternative cinema atmosphere as possible can grab a pass covering the whole event, providing access to all screenings throughout the festival. SF Beer Week Rarely is there a whole week more refreshing in San Francisco than SF Beer Week. Featuring more than 30 San Francisco Brewers Guild members alongside dozens more Northern California craft breweries, this week-long event celebrates the city’s local beer venues by inviting visitors to explore different beers up and down the Bay Area.
Robert Heaney
Blog

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
Blog

Best shopping in San Francisco - Boutiques, outlet malls & more

Where are the best places to shop in San Francisco? Well, to answer that question, we've made a list of the top 12 places and areas to shop in San Francisco, including popular outlet malls, shopping centers, hip boutiques and more.
Casey Makovich

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