Shake off the winter blues with a trip to lovely San Francisco this spring. The cherry trees are blossoming, the city streets are re-awakening, and there are loads of fun and exciting special events going on. If you’re thinking about heading to the City by the Bay this season but are stuck on ideas, check out our list of the best things to do in San Francisco this spring for some inspiration, including...
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- California Academy of Sciences
- Napa + Sonoma Wine Country Tour
- AT&T Park Tour
- and more!
Save on Springtime Activities in San Francisco
Regular admission to a number of these attractions is available on the Go San Francisco pass. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all available San Francisco attractions, passes, and prices. Please note, some of these special spring events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go San Francisco pass.
Explore the SFMOMA
Explore the SFMOMA
There's no time like springtime to rediscover what inspires you. So pay a visit for an hour or three to the newly renovated San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), where you'll find yourself entranced by their impressive collections. With a particular focus on modern and contemporary art, SFMOMA is actually the largest museum of its kind - with one heck of an exterior, too! Getting In: Admission to the SFMOMA is included with the Go San Francisco pass.
Visit the de Young Museum
Visit the de Young Museum
Another one of the city's most popular art museums, the beautiful de Young features expertly curated collections of art and artifacts from across time and around the world. Some strengths of the collection include American painting, sculpture, and decorative arts, as well as work from Africa and Oceana. Plus, this is another architectural marvel in the city -- much of the structure is inspired by the nature around it, as you can see (above). Getting In: Admission to the de Young Museum is included with the Go San Francisco pass.
Explore the California Academy of Sciences
Explore the California Academy of Sciences
If you’re in the market for a delightful educational experience for the whole family, the California Academy of Sciences is your must-see destination in San Francisco this spring. In addition to their amazing collection of permanent exhibitions, they also host a number of special offerings each season, including "Expedition Reef," an amazing new planetarium show, and "Gems and Minerals Unearthed," a striking exhibit of truly fascinating and beautiful gemstones. Getting In: Admission to the California Academy of Sciences is included with the Go San Francisco pass.
Napa + Sonoma Wine Country Tours
Napa + Sonoma Wine Country Tours
Now that the weather is finally mild enough to spend some time outdoors, it's time for you to venture to one of the most beautiful places in northern California -- wine country! Take a guided tour that allows you to forgo the hassle of driving and focus instead on the fun of sampling top-notch vino. You won't forget this amazing experience, especially as the sun is shining and the fields are blooming. Getting In: Weekday Napa + Sonoma Wine Country Tour tickets are available on the Build Your Own Pass.
Take in a Baseball Game
Take in a Baseball Game
One of America’s most beloved pastimes is a good old-fashioned baseball game, so why not mark the start of this year’s Major League Baseball season with a visit to Oracle Park and the pennant-winning San Francisco Giants? Their home season opens on April 3 (against Seattle), and you can regularly find tickets available for the remainder of the spring and summer. Want to get a more in-depth look at the park? Try an Oracle Park tour. Getting In: Oracle Park Tour tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass; baseball tickets are separately priced and are not included with the pass.
Go for a Bike Ride
Go for a Bike Ride
Exploring San Francisco via bike may be a little daunting (those hills!) but it’s a refreshing and really quite delightful way to explore this marvelous city. You can stick to city streets for a thorough overview of the urban spaces, or stay along the waterfront and in the parks for an easier route. Golden Gate Park and Fisherman’s Wharf are among the most popular biking spots. So rent a bike and get out there! Getting In: San Francisco bike rentals are included with the Go San Francisco pass.
Enjoy the Beauty of Nature
Enjoy the Beauty of Nature
If riding a bike sounds like too much work, or if you prefer your natural explorations to be a little bit more sedate, a hike or nature walk might be a better option for you and your family. Explore some of the city’s most beautiful green spaces like Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, and even the lovely University of California Botanical Gardens. You also might want to consider the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens, located in Golden Gate Park. It features multiple animal exhibits (including our beloved "Bear Country") as well as botanical gardens featuring native plants. Getting In: Admission to many San Francisco green spaces is free; admission to the UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens and the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens is included with the Go San Francisco pass.
Local EventsSFUSD Arts Festival
Asian Art Museum March 21 - 29, 2020
Asian Art Museum March 21 - 29, 2020
In coordination with the San Francisco Unified School District, the Asian Art Museum presents a showcase of visual and performance art by thousands of students across over 200 different schools. It’s a fun local event, and the best way to get a glimpse of what to see from San Francisco's most artistically talented youth. You can always visit the Asian Art Museum on another day, as well, for a full appreciation of their collections and many varied galleries. Getting In: Admission to the SFUSD Arts Festival is free; other times, admission to the Asian Art Museum is included with the Go San Francisco pass.
Bay Area Craft Beer Festival
Martinez Waterfront April 18, 2020, 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm
This is one for the beer lovers. The Bay Area Craft Beer Festival is back and it’s better than ever. With dozens of international and domestic beers for sampling, plus the city’s best food trucks offering up their wares, you’ll have an amazing afternoon of food and drink to look forward to. Breweries include big names like Ballast Point, Founders, Lagunitas, Sierra Nevada, Firestone Walker, and more. You'll also find smaller local breweries that are sure to wow with flavor. Getting In: Admission to the Bay Area Craft Beer Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Francisco pass.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Civic Center & Japantown April 11-12 & 18-19, 2020 (weekends)
Civic Center & Japantown April 11-12 & 18-19, 2020 (weekends)
With San Francisco’s notable Japanese population, it’s no surprise that the annual Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the state’s most important celebrations of Asian traditions and culture. This super popular event has been delighting locals and tourists alike since 1967, and this year promises to be more beautiful and enchanting than ever. Enjoy two weekends of Asian and Asian-inspired dance and martial arts performances, crafts, food, and exhibits. You'll also get to enjoy multiple parades, a taiko festival, a film festival, and so much more. A truly wonderful cultural experience for the whole family. Getting In: Admission to the Cherry Blossom Festival is free.
Remember to Save on Admission
Did we miss anything? A few things to do in San Francisco in the spring, including some special events, other seasonal activities in March - June. Please note, the spring events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not available with the Go San Francisco pass. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your spring vacation itinerary.