San Francisco Spring Break 2019 - Things to Do in February & March During Your Vacation

There are few places as lovely in San Francisco as Golden Gate Park. With sweeping vistas of the Bay and the iconic bridge, this urban park is filled with the perfect combination of nature and culture. If you’re interested in the natural world at all, you should also devote an afternoon to the California Academy of Science. It's part zoo, part aquarium, part rainforest, and part planetarium (yes, seriously). This is one unbeatable attraction when it comes to plants and animals! They even have a really cool green roof, for those of you interested in sustainable design. Getting In: Admission to the California Academy of Sciences is included with the Go San Francisco pass.

If the kids love animals, then a sure bet in addition to the California Academy of Sciences is another Golden Gate Park favorite -- the San Francisco Zoo. Featuring critters from around the world and from A to Z, they are host to more than 2,000 endangered and rescued animals. Popular exhibits include African Savanna, Bear Country, Australian WalkAbout, and more! You'll also want to be sure to check out the 100 acres of gardens featuring native California plants. It's a beautiful opportunity to explore Golden Gate Park more, too. Getting In: Admission to the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is included with the Go San Francisco pass.

Head to the world-class de Young Museum for an excellent selection of classical and modern art. They have particular strengths in American art and craftwork, plus a well-curated selection of contemporary pieces. In March, the de Young is also hosting fun annual event called Bouquets to Art, which pairs flower painting and artwork with fresh flower displays. Or, if you prefer a more heavy focus on contemporary and modern art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is a recently expanded marvel that holds more art than you can possibly see in one afternoon. Their extensive and delightful collections feature all the big name greats and plenty of up-and-coming Bay Area artists. Getting In: Admission to the de Young Museum and admission to the SFMOMA are both included with the Go San Francisco pass.

San Francisco’s seaside location is what makes it such a beloved city, and even though you might be a little put off by the chill, you can’t let that stop you from enjoying all the waterfront has to offer. Embark on a leisurely stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf, which is actually one of the best places for people watching in the entire city. There are plenty of attractions here, including the popular Madame Tussauds, which offers fun opportunities for families to explore celebrity and pop culture at their leisure, with the fun of lifelike wax figurines. 

Families with active kids may be looking for something more focused on little visitors. If so, look no further than the Exploratorium, one of the best family-friendly museums in all of California. The Exploratorium hosts hundreds upon hundreds of interactive exhibits, artifacts, and demonstrations for kids to enjoy. They'll play and learn at the same time, and be able to spend hours immersed in the amazing offerings at this museum. Getting In: Admission to the Exploratorium is included with the Go San Francisco pass.

It would be a shame to visit San Francisco without taking advantage of their stunning water views. What better way to see the city skyline, plus its iconic bridges, than on a sightseeing cruise? If you're most interested in local architecture, including the Golden Gate Bridge, then a specialized bridge cruise is a smart choice. For those of you with a strong interest in the eerie Alcatraz, opt for a cruise that escorts you to this intimidating island with a thrilling narrated tour. Getting In: Golden Gate Bay Cruise tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass. For the Alcatraz tour option, purchase your pass directly from Alcatraz Cruises.

There is so much amazing art and architecture throughout San Francisco that it would be a shame to leave the city without exploring it further. For example, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to see the Painted Ladies Victorian homes in person, located just adjacent to Alamo Square Park (although there are other examples of Victorian and Edwardian homes throughout the city, this is the shot you’ve seen in Full House). This is also a good opportunity to explore the artsy district of Haight-Ashbury. Once much edgier than it is today, it’s now a fun place to stroll around in to see local art installations, comedy clubs, and quirky shops.

For spring break trips comprised of older college students or adult couples, one of the most popular things to do in California is visit Wine Country. Of course, families are welcome on these tours as well (keeping in mind that guests must be of age to sample the wine). While it is a bit of a hike out of San Fran proper, it’s totally worth the trek to see some of the most beautiful countryside in the entire state. Opt for a comprehensive tour that takes you from a central location like Fisherman’s Wharf to areas like Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, with their eclectic mix of high tech and boutique wineries. (Guided tours mean you can sample more, too!) Winery visits are also a great opportunity to bring home gifts for friends and family that they’ll actually want – who doesn’t love great wine?