San Francisco in March

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

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.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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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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10+ things to do in San Francisco with teens during your California vacation

It's a great city for introducing your kids to the rewards of travel, and there's plenty of excitement around every corner. No matter how uninterested teenagers may seem at first, with this endless list of San Francisco attractions and activities, there's sure to be something that your teen will enjoy.
Katie Sagal
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10+ Things to Do for Halloween in San Francisco

Thinking about spending this Halloween in San Francisco? Check out a few of these festive attractions to get you in the holiday spirit. From tours and parties to special family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone on this list. Keep in mind that some events may require reservations; research the attractions you are interested in. You may need to purchase tickets before you go. All of these attractions are great for families with kids, but exercise caution when it comes to spooky stuff and small children. The San Francisco Dungeon If you want to see something truly spooky and horrible this October, head to the San Francisco Dungeon, where the weird and wild of San Francisco's history come out to play in force. Wander through several lively exhibits with costumed actors, enjoy amazing recreated historic sites, and be more than a little scared by some of the horrific things going on in these recreations. Getting In: San Francisco Dungeon tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® pass. SuperNatural Halloween at California Academy of Sciences This festive family event sees the California Academy of Sciences transformed into a spooky scientific dreamland. From traditional activities like pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating to extra surprises like face painting and magic shows, this event has everything that makes Halloween special. Scientists will also be on hand to demonstrate the “spooky” scientific phenomenon and to encourage the educational element of the event. It’s bound to be a great time for the whole family! Getting In: Admission to SuperNatural Halloween is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Francisco pass. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the event website. General admission to the California Academy of Sciences is included with the Go San Francisco pass. The Great Pumpkin Fest at California's Great America This is one for the younger kids at California's Great America. See Planet Snoopy transformed into the gentle Planet Spooky, where kids 12 and under can trick-or-treat with the whole PEANUTs gang in costume. Various activities include a fun hay maze, creative pumpkin decorating, a play-in-able pumpkin patch, and the chance to watch talented pumpkin-carvers practice their craft. A daytime event, this is great for really little ones who aren't ready for after dark scares. Planet Snoopy is transformed into Planet Spooky where kids 12 & under can show off their costumes as they trick-or-treat along with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the PEANUTS friends. Getting In: Admission to The Great Pumpkin Fest is only $26 for Go San Francisco pass customers. Monster Bash & Haunted Hornet Halloween Hoopla Children’s Creativity Museum The 15th annual Halloween Hoopla at the Children’s Creativity Museum, this popular family event is ideal for kids 10 and under. Filled with interactive performances, festive displays, and seasonal crafts, the Hoopla is a great way to spend an educational and fun afternoon in the beautiful Yerba Buena Gardens. Everyone will enjoy dancing, funny clowns, palm readings, and even more festive activities. Kids can even design their own trick-or-treat bags! Getting In: Admission to the Halloween Hoopla is free. Ghost Tours Spooktacular Halloween Party Japantown Peace Plaza This free, kid-centric event takes place in one of San Francisco’s most charming public squares. Kids will be able to enjoy trick-or-treating, festive crafts, and seasonal games, in addition to Halloween décor and artistic displays. The carnival-like atmosphere continues with additional offerings like a bouncy house, temporary tattoos, and even seasonal face painting. Come in costume! Getting In: Admission to the Spooktacular Halloween Party is free. Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch 1620 7th Ave. Are you a local looking for a convenient place to pick a few pumpkins, or a visitor trying to celebrate the holiday in a new town? Either way, Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch should be your go-to stop for all things pumpkin related. Choose from a wide variety of pumpkins – including some rare varieties not found elsewhere. Go on a hayride through San Francisco, or explore a hay maze. You can even score some gourds, Indian corn, and apple cider. Getting In: Admission to Clancy's Pumpkin Patch is free. Let's Recap So there you have it. Our list of some festive and spooky things to do for Halloween in San Francisco this year. Remember, a number of these options are available on the Go San Francisco pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Halloween 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 mid-fall getaway itinerary.
Katie Sagal

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