10+ Things to Do in San Francisco in Spring 2020

UPDATED OCTOBER 2024

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

skyscrapers-san-francisco-night-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

de-young-museum-building-exterior

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

academy-sciences-golden-gate-park-aerial

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

panorama-vineyards-napa-valley-california

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

baseball-field-california-mountains-on-white

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

golden-gate-bridge-biking-couple-sightseeing

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

san-franciscos-rose-garden-golden-gate

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

curious-young-asian-chinese-woman-tourist

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)

background-spring-cherry-blossoms-tree

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.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Blog

Visiting the California Academy of Sciences - Admission, Tips & More

The California Academy of Sciences (CAS) is "an aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, and natural history museum--all under one living roof." The building itself is a modern marvel with its 2.5 acre 'living roof' comprised entirely of native plants, grasses, and shrubs. As a bonus, its LEED-certified design makes it the world's greenest museum. Check out our helpful guide for visiting the California Academy of Sciences, packed full of tips for visiting, ways to save on admission, other nearby attractions, and much more. Looking for California Academy of Sciences Tickets? We’ve got you covered – California Academy of Sciences admission is available with the below money saving options, so you can choose the attraction pass that’s right for you: 1. All-Inclusive Pass – All you can do. Includes admission to dozens of attractions. 2. Explorer Pass – Choose as you go. Includes admission of up to 5 attractions. 3. Build Your Own Pass – Select the attractions you want to visit prior to visiting. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Tips for Visiting the California Academy of Sciences Image credit: California Academy of Sciences Get to the Academy early to get a timed ticket to the Planetarium Show and beat the largest crowds. Download the free Academy Insider App for iPhone to enhance your visit. This app contains exhibit info, self-guided tours, a live daily programs feed, museum maps, and more. Outside food and beverages are welcome in the Academy and can be consumed at designated areas in the museum in the indoor Piazza and outdoor eating area. Water fountains are located on level 1 next to the elevators. Dress in layers. The rainforest exhibit is hot and humid so you'll appreciate being able to lighten up a bit when you're exploring. Tips for visiting with a family: Strollers are not available for rent at the Academy, but they are allowed in the museum (with the exception of the Shake House exhibit). Elevators are located next to the Academy Café and the Swamp. Changing tables are available in all restrooms on the museum floor and a family restroom next to the swamp Check the calendar of events online to see if you can coordinate your visit with any fun upcoming events. They often have special events around the holidays, for example, so keep an eye out if you're visiting in the fall or winter. Planning a class field trip? Check out the Academy's grade-specific Free Educator Guides. What to Do There The Academy is home to lots of fun, fascinating, and informative exhibits. In fact, it's the only place in the world where you can explore an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum all under one roof. A few exhibit highlights include: NEW! Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs Image credit: California Academy of Sciences This exciting new exhibit is one for the dinosaur lovers of all ages. It has a specific focus on the Mesozoic era and the fascinating pterosaurs that roamed the skies. Featuring a sample of the 150 different different species of flying dinosaur, it's also an amazing collection of newly-discovered fossils and realistic dioramas. The fossils are a particular highlight of this exhibit. Because pterosaurs were much lighter than other dinosaurs, their bodies have been less successfully preserved over the millennia. Fortunately, this exhibit features fossils from a still-unknown species of giant pterosaur and the first known fossilized pterosaur egg! Tusher African Hall Play the livestream above for a sneak peek at the African Hall's most popular exhibit--a colony of African penguins. In addition to the playful penguins, the African Hall explores other African wildlife and the evolution of the human species with immersive dioramas portraying scenes from 7 million years ago to today. Insider tip: Visit this exhibit around 10:30 am or 3:00 pm to catch the penguins' daily feeding and an informative presentation and feel free to ask the knowledgeable trainers questions. Color of Life Image credit: Kathryn Whitney, California Academy of Sciences Learn about the different roles that color plays among different species of the live animals and environments in this exhibit. You'll be able to explore how color affects animal behavior, how it's used for communication, attraction, choosing a mate, camouflaging, and more to help species survive and thrive. Whales: Giants of the Deep Image © Brandon Cole Check out the massive collection of whale skeletons in the immersive and informative whale exhibit. You'll find out the functions they serve in the ocean food chain, what threatens difference species' well being, and the work that Academy scientists are doing to help protect these large animals. Morrison Planetarium Image credit: Tim Griffith The Academy's 75-foot dome is a way to experience the cosmos like never before on one of the most accurate and immersive digital universes. Shows at the Planetarium explore a range of topics, including traditional star shows and special films, live broadcasts from Academy scientists in the field, or films that explore the fragile ecosystems of the planet Earth. Insider tip: As soon as you arrive at the Academy, be sure to stop by the Planetarium kiosk when you arrive to receive your timed ticket for a show. What to expect: the dome itself mimics the tilt of planet Earth and the frame of the dome supports a NanoSeam projection screen which portrays a seamless picture for a true-to-life view. Visitors have described a sensation of flying when watching a presentation in the Morrison Planetarium. Kimball Natural History Museum Image credit: California Academy of Sciences Experience what it feels like to be caught San Francisco's two biggest earthquakes, a 6.9 and 7.9-magnitude, from inside The Shake House, a Victorian-era "Painted Lady" house. Next, explore what's under the Earth's surface in the walk-through replica that illustrates the forces and phenomena that drive the movement of tectonic plates. Osher Rainforest Image credit: Chris Picon Housed within an impressive, 90-foot diameter glass dome, this four-story neotropical rainforest is the largest of its kind in the world. With temperatures of 82-85 degrees and humidity at 75% and above, you'll feel like you've been transported to an actual rainforest. The dome contains three levels of rainforest from three distinct ecosystems: a Bornean forest floor, a Madagascan mid-story, and the canopy of a Costa Rican forest. In addition to diverse plant life, the rainforest is home to over 1,600 animals, including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies and almost 100 exotic reptiles and amphibians. Steinhart Aquarium Image credit: California Academy of Sciences Get an amazing underwater view of aquatic life. The Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums in the world with nearly 40,000 animals and 900 unique species. Be sure to check out the Philippine Coral Reef, a 25-foot deep tank featuring a large, live coral ecosystem. You'll see colorful fish native of the coral reefs and mangroves of the Philippines, one of the most diverse reef ecosystems in the world. Insider tip: Head to the lower level of this exhibit at 11:30 am or 2:30 pm to catch the daily Coral Reef Dive. A diver will plunge in the tank and answer any reef-related questions. Living Roof Image credit: Tim Griffith Learn about the power of green on the iconic "Living Roof" of the California Academy of Sciences. The roof consists entirely of California native grasses, shrubs, and plants that make an inviting home for many local wildlife, including birds, insects, butterflies, people, and more. The Swamp Image credit: Kathryn Whitney, California Academy of Sciences Meet an albino alligator known as Claude, colorful freshwater fish, reptiles, arachnids, and alligator snapping turtles that live in the Swamp. Go to the lower level of this exhibit for an underwater eye-to-eye view of Claude and more of the Swamp's other wildlife. You'll learn all about Claude's albinism and life in American swamps for alligators, how the alligator snapping turtles have strategically evolved to entice prey, and more. Insider tip: Gather beneath the moss-draped bald cypress to catch a presentation about the life of the American alligator, 3:30 pm daily. Things to Do Nearby The California Academy of Sciences is located in Golden Gate Park, the largest park in the country. Make a day of exploring the park and all the attractions inside by checking off all of the top things to do in Golden Gate Park: Picnic in the park. Find a comfortable spot to park yourself for a mid-afternoon break and take in your surroundings. Explore all things art at the world-class de Young Museum, located right across the way from the CAS and stop by the Japanese Tea Garden and San Francisco Botanical Garden nearby, too. Take a stroll through the Conservatory of Flowers for an up close look at the seasonal blossoms. Rent a bike for the day and use it to make the most of your time at the park by biking around to each attraction and getting to know the trails (the CAS even has a camera security area to lock bikes). Check out the Dutch wind mills near Ocean Beach on the westernmost side of the park. Let the kids run around and get out any extra energy at the Koret Children's Quarter Playground on the easternmost side of the park. Check out our San Francisco neighborhoods guide and plan to visit attractions by area to get the most out of your trip. We also have a guide for getting around San Francisco to help plan, too. Places to Eat Nearby If you're planning to spend the day at the California Academy of Sciences and Golden Gate Park, there are a couple of dining options nearby, including: Academy Café - Head to the Academy Café for an indoor-outdoor setting and family-friendly fare with a menu that highlights local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients year-round. Their menu is a great way to experience the food cultures of California regions and San Francisco. The Terrace - Admission to the Academy gets you access to The Terrace, a farm-to-table dining experience with easy, fast-casual service. Located in the Academy's West Garden, you can dine amidst sculptures by artist Maya Lin and enjoy the weather and beautiful views. Insider tip: Happy Hour is daily from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, buy a glass of wine or beer and get a second free. de Young Café - Located in the de Young Museum, the de Young Café features a variety of American and European classic dining options for morning, mid-day, and afternoon. Pack a picnic - One of the best ways to experience the Golden Gate Park like a local is to pack a picnic lunch and dine al fresco. There are lots of grassy areas, benches, and inviting places to pull up a blade of grass and enjoy a picnic lunch. Save on Admission No trip to San Francisco is complete without experiencing the California Academy of Sciences. Save up to 55% with the Go San Francisco® Card All-Inclusive Pass or San Francisco Explorer Pass®, depending on the pass you choose, on combined admission to the Academy and other top museums, tours, cruises, and activities. Pay nothing at the gate. Or, Build Your Own Pass and save 20% guaranteed when you buy two or more attractions together.
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

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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

Thick check Icon