San Francisco in May

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Alcatraz Island in San Francisco

With spring drawing to an end ready to usher in San Francisco’s busy summer season, May is a fine time to visit the Golden City, thanks to its mild climate and the kicking off in earnest of the city’s colorful festival season. If it’s pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and affordable accommodation you’re after, May in the Bay could well be for you.

Visiting San Francisco in May

Image of Landscape, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Grass, Park, Panoramic, Building, Cityscape, Urban, City, Person,

Average Temperature: 51–64°F • Average Rainfall: 3 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day

Daytime temperatures in May reach average highs in the mid-60s, meaning it's still cool enough to explore the city on foot. So the chances of looking like you’ve just stepped off a treadmill in those essential hilltop selfies are vastly reduced. There’s also little or no need to remember to pack an umbrella. April showers having apparently purged the clouds of their cargo for the foreseeable future, you can expect a mere three days of rain on average in May.

Better yet, hotel prices have yet to rise for peak season and it’s another month before the tourist hordes descend, meaning shorter queuing times at the big attractions. What more can we say to convince you to spend May in San Francisco? Read on...

Things to do in May

Image of Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Landmark,

Of course no visit to the Golden City would be complete without seeing the bucket-list attractions. The Golden Gate Bridge will be at the top of most itineraries and May is as good a time as any to visit. Better, perhaps, as the summer fogs are yet to roll in and shroud it. Top tip: wrap up warm if you’re planning to stroll out to the middle of the bridge for those picture-perfect Bay views – it can be breezy and teeth-chatteringly chilly up here at the best of times, so stick on your thermals and a fleece. Or two.

Bay cruises are another great way to get a different perspective on the famous San Francisco skyline, and May’s clear blue skies will make for some fine photo opportunities. Most cruises will take in the Pier 39 sea lion colony, the historic waterfront, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. You can also just get straight to the notorious island penitentiary, should you so desire, with a cruise and tour of the facility.

Those rolling historic landmarks that are San Francisco’s painted wooden cable cars can get really busy, and we mean sardines-in-a-can busy, in summer. You’ll likely still find queues in May, but nothing like during peak season. It’s worth the short wait to travel in style, as the bell rings out and your carriage rattles over the San Francisco hills, affording splendid views of the Bay, loopy Lombard Street and the ultra-luxe hotels in swanky Nob Hill, depending which of the three lines you take.

And if the weather gets a little too cool for your liking, duck into any number of world-class museums around the city. Art museums including SFMOMA in the heart of downtown and the striking, copper-clad de Young in Golden Gate Park are among the best in the country. Golden Gate Park is also where you’ll find the California Academy of the Sciences which contains – beneath its living rooftop – a planetarium, an aquarium, a rainforest dome and a huge natural history museum. Embarcadero icon the Exploratorium is the place for interactive art and science exhibits: step into a tornado, get lost in the fog and see the San Francisco skyline modeled from thousands of tiny toothpicks.

Image of Adult, Male, Man, Person, Female, Woman,

What’s on in May?

Memorial Weekend

May sees San Francisco’s festival season crank up a gear as Mother’s Day and Memorial Weekend give locals all the excuse they need to celebrate. Memorial Weekend is the biggie, with a major ceremony at the National Cemetery in the Presidio to honor and remember America’s veterans. Expect a reflective but celebratory tone that includes music, parades, speeches and a 21-gun salute.

Down in the trendy Mission district, it’s all kicking off as the two-day Carnaval Festival rolls into town. This riot of color and sound celebrates the arts and traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean through lively street performances, flamboyant costumes and some of the best street food this side of the Mexican border. Beer and cannabis gardens help you stay mellow and there is, of course, a grand parade through the streets.

Cinco de Mayo

Also held in The Mission (we’re sensing a pattern here), the Cinco de Mayo festival celebrates Mexican and Central American culture and is held annually on – as the name suggests – the 5th of May. Families bring picnics and deckchairs to immerse themselves in the action in and around Valencia Street, where food vendors hawk spicy treats and live bands get the party started with mariachi, salsa, merengue music and more. There are costumed dancers, artists, magicians and street performers galore, and even a petting zoo to keep the kids entertained.

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, People, Skirt,

Bay to Breakers

Bay to Breakers is a 12k fun run that usually takes place on the third Sunday of May. Weaving its way east to west from the Embarcadero to Ocean Beach, it takes in nine of the city’s neighborhoods. Fun-loving San Franciscans have gamely established a tradition for donning fancy dress during the race, which means you can expect to see overgrown chickens, shambling pantomime horses and huge conga-lines in which teams of 13 or more runners tether themselves together for the duration of the race. In other words: it’s great fun.

Get involved yourself: it includes many fun sections like Golden Gate Park, where you might even get to spot the resident buffalo. On the other hand, Hayes Street Hill is an absolute beast that rises over 200 feet above sea level and will challenge even the most seasoned runner. If all that sounds a bit much, you can always just find a nice spot on the sidelines and enjoy all of the fun with none of the exertion.

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.

Continue reading

San Francisco getting around
Blog

Getting Around San Francisco

Heading to the City by the Bay? We put together a go-to guide packed with information for getting around San Francisco and beyond, including getting to and from the airport.
Katie Sagal
Woman reading a map at the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Blog

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
'Painted Ladies' on Steiner Street opposite Alamo Square Park, San Francisco
Blog

5 Days in San Francisco

Spend five days in San Francisco and you’re sure – like the great Tony Bennett – to leave your heart there. Of course you’ll want to tick off the big-hitters like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. There’s time enough for all that, as well as getting under the skin of some of the city’s hipper neighborhoods and getting your fix of San Francisco culture. Heck, our suggested 5-day itinerary for San Francisco even fits in time for souvenir-hunting. Read on for our guide to the perfect San Francisco mini break. Day 1: Hit the Museums There’s no point beating about the bush: San Francisco has some of the finest museums and art galleries in California. Nay, on the entire planet. Indeed, you could easily fill five days here if museum-hopping was all you did, from the mighty collection of American art at the Golden Gate Park’s de Young Museum to the astounding range of (playable) antique arcade games and pinball machines and (often creepy) automata at the Musée Mécanique in Fisherman’s Wharf. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and Exploratorium are two of the very best, as well as being conveniently close enough together that you can do the double in a single day, pausing at the halfway point to stuff your face with authentic dim sum in Chinatown or to lunch on local cheese and sourdough from the Ferry Building’s farmers’ market on the Embarcadero. SFMOMA is the daddy of San Francisco art museums, boasting one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art in the world. As well as crucial masterpieces from the likes of Matisse, Kahlo, Warhol, Richter and Klee, there’s a vast living wall that changes with the seasons, a rooftop sculpture garden and so much more. Over at the Exploratorium on Pier 15, you can interact with all manner of weird and wonderful art and science exhibits: simulate a sandstorm in the Aeolian Landscape, lose your bearings on the Fog Bridge and head for the Recollections installation to dance with an animated version of... you. Day 2: Ups and Downs Thanks to its 11 (count ‘em) hills, San Francisco is quite literally a city of ups and downs, a place where dedicated walkers are rewarded with breathtaking views and buns of steel. Find your bearings by riding an iconic cable car out of Downtown. Both lines go to Fisherman’s Wharf, but the Powell-Hyde line provides the best views of Alcatraz as your painted wooden carriage rollercoasters up and down the hills. You’ll also rumble past the hairpin bends of Lombard Street, the famously crooked road with its bright, floral borders and eight hairpin bends. If you really want to get the blood pumping, take the Filbert Street Steps challenge. There are around 500 steps from the very bottom to where the art deco Coit Tower soars above North Beach. It’s hard work, but worth it for awe-inspiring Bay views that take in Treasure Island and the San Francisco Bay Bridge. You’ll also meet talkative green-and-red Telegraph Hill parrots on the way up, as well as encountering quaint cottages, cute formal gardens and wildflowers galore. Check out the murals that decorate the interior of Coit Tower before whizzing to the top for far-reaching 360-degree views that include Twin Peaks, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Afterwards, go and say hey to the sea lions at Pier 39 before hopping on a cruise to Alcatraz Island for a tour of its infamous cellhouse. Day 3: Snap some San Francisco Icons San Francisco is blessed with some truly photogenic attractions, so if you’re the type who lives to fill your Instagram with pretty pictures, you’re in luck! Start your photo tour at the Painted Ladies, a row of pastel-colored Victorian houses on Steiner Street by Alamo Square Park, the elevated position of which makes for some great pics, with the skyscrapers of the financial district visible in the background. There are plenty more colorful buildings to ogle as you wander down through the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to Golden Gate Park. Here, the pagodas and pavilion in the Japanese Tea Garden and the cute Dutch Windmill are your go-to attractions for the most memorable snaps and selfies. It’s about three miles from here to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, much of that through the wildest sections of the Presidio. Or you can, y’know, take the bus. Either way, getting up onto that big, beautiful bridge should be considered an essential part of any San Francisco adventure. Your Instagram fans will thank you for the effort. Day 4: Shop for Souvenirs San Francisco is a shoppers’ paradise, with everything from upscale department stores to quirky gift shops. Grab a Golden Gate Bridge fog globe from any souvenir store worth its salt, or hit up the museums for beautiful objets d’art like, um, an Andy Warhol skateboard from SFMOMA. The Cable Car Museum is your friend for cool MUNI logo tees and dinky souvenir carriages in every conceivable form: fridge magnet, mug, keychain, ornament, you name it. Head to the City Lights bookstore in North Beach to pick up a copy of Kerouac’s On The Road or Ginsberg’s Howl and Other Poems. There’s no place more appropriate to do so: the store had close links to both writers back in the 1950s. Cookies from the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in neighboring Chinatown are an absolute must for seekers of quirky edible gifts, while the streets around nearby Union Square are where your credit card will take a proper walloping, with major brands including Saks, Macy’s, Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Apple all too eager to help out with your dream shopping experience. Day 5: Hang out in the Mission The Mission is hands-down one of the Golden City’s hippest ‘hoods, a melting point of epic murals, fab coffee roasteries and world-class burritos that no 5-day San Francisco itinerary should be without. Start your visit by simply wandering the streets and marveling at the ubiquity of those colorful painted murals – some political, some in tribute and some, well, just for fun. You’ll find the highest concentrations in and around Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley. Take a stroll down Valencia Street to pick up those last-minute gifts you forgot yesterday. It’s an eclectic mix here, from vintage fashions and second-hand vinyl records to – wait for it – a supply store for wannabe pirates, where eyepatches, whale feed and scurvy medicine are the order of the day. Grab a specialty coffee while you browse, then make straight for the ace local taquerias for lunch. It’s a ‘Mission Burrito’, you’re after, famous around these parts for their soft, yielding tortillas, farm-fresh ingredients and frankly gargantuan size. Take yours up to Dolores Park and find a spot to munch while watching the world go by and gazing dreamily at the hazy Downtown skyline below. 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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.