san-francisco-city-hall-illuminated

Thanksgiving in San Francisco 2019 - Things to Do in November & More

By Katie Sagal

Looking for some things to do on Thanksgiving in San Francisco? We’ve got you covered. Here are a few suggestions for local attractions that will keep you and keep the family busy all weekend. Check out these suggestions for local activities and more seasonal things to do in November. There’s something to appeal to everyone on this list, from musical performances to shopping, and beyond. Here are our suggestions for Thanksgiving in San Francisco activities, including...

  • Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco Bus Tour
  • SFMOMA
  • California Academy of Sciences
  • Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour
  • Indigenous People Sunrise Ceremony
  • and more!

Save on Attraction Admission

Regular admission to a number of these San Francisco attractions is included on the Go San Francisco® pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices. Please note, some of these special November events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go San Francisco® pass.

Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco Bus Tour

tourists-while-enjoying-ride-double-decker

Hop-on Hop-off San Francisco Bus Tour

If you're entertaining out-of-town visitors, then you're likely looking for a way to entertain them and show off your city. A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great option for visiting relatives and family groups. It provides the flexibility to learn about the city from your expert tour guides on your own terms. Stay on and soak up the info until you find a destination you want to explore further, from Golden Gate Park to Fisherman's Wharf and beyond. Your tickets are good for an entire day, too, so feel free to use the bus to cater to everyone's different interests. Getting In: Big Bus San Francisco tickets are included with the Go San Francisco pass.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

panorama-museum-modern-art

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

A must-visit attraction this November in San Francisco is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The SFMOMA is filled with the region's best collection of modern and contemporary art, with art rivaling that of the best modern art museums in the world! The newly expanded and redesigned space will maximize your viewing experience, and allow you to see so much more of their amazing collection on display. You'll be able to spend hours here, and will leave feeling totally inspired. Be sure to check out special fall exhibits when you're visiting! Getting In: SFMOMA tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® pass.

California Academy of Sciences

green-snake-california-academy-sciences

California Academy of Sciences

Another one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco (and a perfect way to entertain visiting family) is the California Academy of Sciences. This amazing institution is a wonderland of science, complete with an aquarium, a natural history museum, and an all-digital planetarium. They also host a variety of educational programming and special events, so you're likely to find something new and exciting to see even on repeat visits! Getting In: California Academy of Sciences tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® pass.

Napa + Sonoma Wine Country Tour

panorama-vineyards-napa-valley-california

Napa + Sonoma Wine Country Tour

What better way to celebrate the oncoming holiday season than with a few sips of the country's best wine? If you're looking to venture out from San Francisco this fall, then a full day wine country trip is a delightful option that's sure to please. Go on a guided excursion down to Napa and Sonoma, and sample as you go at some of the region's best wineries. You can of course purchase some to bring home with you when you find your favorite! Getting In: Weekday Napa + Sonoma Wine Country Tour tickets are available on the Build Your Own Pass.

Go for a Family Bike Ride

happy-asian-girl-laughing-camera

Go for a Family Bike Ride

Fall is the perfect time to ride a bike in San Francisco. While much of the fall foliage is likely to be gone by November, that just means you have more beautiful views of the bare mountains! It's also the perfect opportunity to explore the city and its many top attractions without the rush of summer tourists. You'll especially get to enjoy the parks and seafront trails with fewer crowds. Insider tip: Don't forget to dress in layers! It will be cooler when you begin your ride, but you'll likely warm up pretty quickly once you get going. Getting In: San Francisco bike rental by Blazing Saddles are included with the Go San Francisco® pass.

Indigenous People Sunrise Ceremony

Alcatraz Island Date TBA

Image credit: Native News Online.

Previously known as the Unthanksgiving Day Cruise, the Indigenous People’s Sunrise Gathering, at Alcatraz is a significant event to attend this holiday season. It’s an event designed to commemorate the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz by the “Indians of All Tribes” and to honor the tradition of indigenous peoples in the area. It’s a good opportunity for the kids to learn about the nuanced history of this famous holiday and a chance for everyone to give thanks for the things that really matter. If you're thinking about budget, it's also nice that kids under 5 ride for free! This is the only cruise running to Alcatraz on Thanksgiving Day. Getting In: Cruise tickets to the Indigenous People's Sunrise Gathering are not included with the Go San Francisco® pass. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website.

San Francisco Tree Lighting

Union Square November 29, 2019

After Thanksgiving, it’s officially time to start getting excited about the holiday season. Why not all enjoy a few festive attractions that are sure to get the whole family into the holiday spirit? Check out the annual tree lighting in Union Square, scheduled this year for 6:00 pm on the Friday after Thanksgiving. While you’re in the neighborhood, consider a spin on the Union Square ice-skating rink, or at the one in the Embarcadero Center. Getting In: Admission to the Union Square tree-lighting is free.

Black Friday Shopping

Union Square & Westfield Shopping Center November 29, 2019

Many of us probably eschew holiday shopping on Thanksgiving itself. But it’s hard to resist the bargains of Black Friday events. The best places in San Francisco to get shopping done before the winter holidays are Union Square and the nearby Westfield Shopping Center. Union Square has a number of department stores (featuring Macy’s) and smaller independent shops as well. Westfield is a conventional mall, featuring dozens of stores with great deals. Getting In: Admission to Black Friday shopping is free.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

We listed just a few fun suggestions for things to do in November and Thanksgiving in San Francisco 2019. Of course, there are plenty of other activities to help fill your plans. Remember, many of these great options are included on the Go San Francisco® pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the November and Thanksgiving 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 November weekend itineraries.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

San Francisco skyline viewed from the sea
Blog

San Francisco in January

With winter now in full swing, a trip to San Francisco in January is the prime time to experience the Golden City during one of its quietest periods. Though the city never truly loses its famous bustling atmosphere, a winter’s trip is sure to offer you among the most authentic experiences of the city’s famous vibrant culture, stunning landmarks and diverse history. Visiting San Francisco in January Average Temperature: 45 - 55°F • Average Rainfall: 11 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 hours/day Seeing out the brief upsurge in holiday season tourists, San Francisco in January returns to somewhat of a standard low-season flow of traffic. Though you’re likely to come across plenty of tourists year-round, this is when you’re most likely to find the city’s top attractions at their quietest, with many hotels operating slightly reduced, off-season rates. Carrying the torch from December, temperatures throughout January tend to remain somewhere between cool and pleasantly mild. With fairly regular sunshine, you’ll still be able to see much of the city in its full glory, though it’d be wise to pack accordingly for the weather. Warmer clothes certainly won’t go to waste, and it’s always a good idea to pack an umbrella for the likelihood of at least two days of rain per week on average. Things to do in January Some of the best areas to explore in San Francisco largely reflect the city’s large East Asian-descended population. Both Chinatown and Japantown stand as some of the most trendy neighborhoods throughout the city, characterized by traditional architecture from their respective countries alongside various authentic cultural eateries and retailers. Those looking to embrace their inner Dolittle should head to the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, home to over 2,000 endangered and rescued creatures from around the world, alongside 100 acres of tranquil gardens populated with stunning plant species both local and exotic. If you’re keen to get up close and personal with some 20,000 beautiful marine animals, then follow up with a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay. Nothing quite reflects the Golden City like its world-renowned landmarks. If you’re looking for some fantastic photo ops during your trip, you’ll want to take a stroll to the likes of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the Victorian- and Edwardian-era Painted Ladies, the winding curves of Lombard Street and Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll often find a colony of playful, barking sea lions. If you’ve a hunger for the arts, San Francisco has you covered there, too. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art explores various mediums of contemporary art, hosting established artists such as Andy Warhol alongside more experimental pieces. And nestled among much of the largely East Asian influence throughout the city, the Asian Art Museum exhibits over 17,000 art pieces from across the continent, complemented by a selection of delicious and traditional cultural dishes served at the in-house café. Families and the inherently inquisitive alike are bound to get a kick from the Golden City’s wealth of educational hotspots. The California Academy of Sciences, for example, boasts a digital planetarium, an aquarium, a natural history museum and even an immense indoor rainforest. Meanwhile, the Exploratorium stands as the intersection between art and science, offering a wide range of engaging interactive exhibits to scratch your curiosity. History buffs should find their way to the California Historical Society, exploring various facets of the state’s history, with a general focus on San Fran itself. The USS Pampanito and USS Hornet each offer unique insights into American naval and nautical history, while the Contemporary Jewish Museum explores various aspects of Jewish pop culture, history and art. Visitors with an interest in the more gritty side to history likely already know about the former maximum-security prison located in the middle of the San Francisco bay. Famous for its remote location and the host of high-status criminals once confined within its walls, Alcatraz Prison is now open for visitors to explore and breathe in its chilling atmosphere. Take a night tour for an extra creepy experience! What’s On in January Chinese New Year Given its significant Chinese-descended population and its claim to the most impressive Chinatown in America, it comes as little surprise that the San Francisco Chinese New Year celebrations stand as some of the largest and most vibrant in the world. Naturally, the exact month of this celebration differs depending on the year, so be sure to double check if you’re keen to join in. Attracting a crowd of over three million observers from both near and far, the event is marked by various traditional markets, fairs, balls and cultural activities. Topping off the celebration is the famous Chinese New Year parade, featuring performers carrying flags, lanterns and drums along with a procession of colorful floats, not least of all the iconic 28-foot-long golden dragon. Hot Chocolate 15k/5k One of San Francisco’s sweetest annual events typically takes place midway into January, in the form of a hearty foot race through the city. Beginning and ending in Golden Gate Park, the Hot Chocolate route guides runners past many of San Fran’s top attractions, with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and various other treats waiting at the finish line. Sweet stations line the course, offering participants various other sweet treats for that extra kick of energy and satisfaction. SF Sketchfest Featuring roughly two and a half weeks of comedy performances, SF Sketchfest easily stands as one of San Francisco’s largest comedy festivals. Throughout the festival, visitors can catch various daily sketches, workshops, panels and other fun activities among venues across the city, led by a cast of well-known comedians and performers. FOG Design+Art Fair Celebrating some of the most significant creatives and leading contributors to the worlds of design and visual arts, the FOG Fair features dozens of galleries and dealers spanning just about all areas of art and design, from fine art to furniture. Complete with various forums and panels exploring different facets of the industry, this is the prime event for art and design lovers visiting San Francisco in January.
Robert Heaney
Blog

10+ Things to Do at Fisherman’s Wharf During Your Trip to San Francisco

San Francisco is a cultural mecca, filled with art and inspiration at every turn. It’s the perfect vacation destination for couples and families with diverse interests, too, because there truly is something for everyone in the City by the Bay. You can explore unique museums, relax on sightseeing cruises, and discover something new on a tour – all without leaving the popular neighborhood of Fisherman’s Wharf! If you’re looking for things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf and nearby areas during your trip to San Francisco, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour Golden Gate Bay Cruise Aquarium of the Bay Angel Island Round Trip Ferry Madame Tussauds San Francisco Bike Rentals And more! Save on Fisherman’s Wharf Attraction Admission Admission to many of these top San Francisco attractions and activities and more are included on the Go San Francisco® Card. Choose as you go from many top attractions and save up to 60% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Escape From the Rock Cruise Spend 90 exciting minutes on a journey around the country’s most intimidating former prison: Alcatraz Island. Recently voted the top site in America, Alcatraz is filled with stories both thrilling and chilling. Hear all about daring escape plans and the daily lives of prisoners who once inhabited this eerie isle on a fully-narrated cruise – complete with full sound effects! Getting In: Escape From the Rock tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise Sail under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the impressive Bay Bridge on this comprehensive cruise. This exciting 90-minute excursion will escort passengers by major landmarks and attractions, including Alcatraz Island, the Ferry Building, and even AT&T Park. It's actually the only cruise that escorts you under both bridges, so this cruise is a nice unique option. Getting In: Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Golden Gate Bay Cruise A shorter but no less interesting cruise option out of Fisherman’s Wharf is the Golden Gate Bay Cruise. Enjoy an hour filled with informative narration about important local sights and sounds, with chances to see top attractions like Angel Island State Park, Alcatraz Island, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. When you return to port, be sure to keep an eye out for the USS Pampanito (see below for more on that) and the famous Pier 39 sea lions. Getting In: Golden Gate Bay Cruise tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Aquarium of the Bay Animal lovers won’t want to miss this delightful aquarium with a specific focus on the marine life of the San Francisco Bay. Walk through their amazing glass tunnels for a chance to see 20,000 aquatic critters, from petite moon jellies to large sevengill sharks. Kids will especially love the Touch the Bay exhibit! Especially popular exhibits include the jellyfish tank in "Go With the Flow" and the four playful river otters that call the Aquarium home. Getting In: Aquarium of the Bay tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Angel Island Round Trip Ferry Spend some time on Angel Island, one of the top historical attractions in the Bay Area. The island itself is a California Historical Landmark because of its eclectic history, featuring at various points in time military installations and an immigration center. A visit here also provides unparalleled views of the San Francisco skyline. Getting In: Angel Island Ferry tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. USS Pampanito A World War II veteran, this Balao class submarine is today a National Historic Landmark. Enjoy a pre-recorded tour (via headset) that escorts you throughout the ship and highlights each distinct area with fun information. Because this is an historic vessel still undergoing preservation, you'll also get to learn about plans for the future memorial site. Getting In: USS Pampanito tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Ripley’s Believe it or Not! San Francisco Head to Ripley’s for the weirdest experience of your vacation. With dozens of hands-on exhibits and intriguing artifacts, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! is a fun and fascinating place for kids of all ages to explore. Some highlights include duct tape art, wire sculptures, a mummified foot from Egypt, and much more. Adults will particularly love their Toy/Candy Factory, which features all your nostalgic childhood favs. Getting In: Ripley’s Believe it or Not! San Francisco tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. The San Francisco Dungeon Enjoy seeing the dirty details of San Francisco’s shadier side brought to life in a fun and campy way at this attraction. Begin your adventure with a sudden, exhilarating drop down into the attraction. Then, you'll enjoy a 60-minute boat ride that escorts you through the city's dark past. The San Francisco Dungeon also features a number of live theatrical performers who re-enact local top local stories about historical gold mining, old San Francisco gangs, ghosts of Alcatraz, and much more. It's more fun than scary, so it's perfectly kid-appropriate, too. Getting In: San Francisco Dungeon tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour The best way to explore San Francisco begins right in Fisherman’s Wharf with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Learn all about top local landmarks and sites with 20+ stops in Chinatown, Union Square, the Financial District, North Beach, and more. It couldn’t be easier to customize your own trip with the ability to hop on and off, too! Getting In: Hop On Hop Off San Francisco Bus Tour by Big Bus admission is included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Madame Tussauds San Francisco With seven different themed galleries and dozens of wax figures, Madame Tussauds San Francisco is filled with lifelike recreations of actors, musicians, athletes, historical figures, and much more. Be sure to check out the “Spirit of San Francisco” exhibit, which showcases the city’s most significant cultural and historic moments. Getting In: Madame Tussauds San Francisco tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. All-Day Comfort Bike Rental Explore San Francisco on two wheels with a bike rental from Blazing Saddles. This is a very bike-friendly culture, so expect many scenic paths throughout the city streets and along the waterfront – although you should also be prepared for some pretty hilly rides! Take advantage of a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and get a little exercise on your vacation, all while touring this gorgeous city. Getting In: San Francisco bike rentals by Blazing Saddles are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. Musée Mécanique If you love exploring the quirkier side of San Francisco – and trust us, there’s plenty of that to go around – then a can’t-miss attraction is the Musée Mécanique. This delightful little museum features a significant collection of privately owned mechanical musical instruments, figurines, and arcade games – all still in perfect working condition! Getting In: Admission to the Musée Mécanique is free! Activities Departing from Fisherman’s WharfFull Day Wine Country Tour Embark on a day trip out to California wine country with a convenient bus trip that picks up and drops off right on Fisherman’s Wharf. Head out to Napa and Sonoma, where you’ll tour several of the region’s best wineries. Enjoy tours and tastings at each stop, and purchase a bottle (or two!) of your favorites. You’ll learn all about California wine culture, too. Getting In: Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour tickets are an included attraction option with the Go San Francisco® Card Build Your Own Pass. Embarcadero & Nearby AttractionsExploratorium Kids will absolutely love the chance to spend an afternoon at San Francisco’s most interactive institution designed just for them – the Exploratorium! With hundreds of interactive exhibits that range from massive art installations to tiny tinkering opportunities, they'll never run out of things to enjoy. Be sure to check out their rotating special exhibits as well! Getting In: Exploratorium tickets are included with the Go San Francisco® Card. City Lights Booksellers & Publishers Visit one of the most iconic literary landmarks in all of San Francisco – City Lights Booksellers & Publishers. With roots stretching back to the Beat Era, this venue is steeped in history. City Lights offers three stories of amazing literature than spans every conceivable genre, so you’re bound to found something to love among these books. Getting In: Entry to City Lights Booksellers & Publishers is free. The San Francisco Maritime Museum Located in the charming Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building, the Maritime Museum features a wide variety of art and artifacts that reflects on the maritime culture of San Francisco and around the world. It’s the perfect place for anyone interested in maritime history, with its impressive collections of historic maps and photographs, engineer’s drawings, small craft, and so much more. Getting In: Admission to the San Francisco Maritime Museum is free. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there are our top recommendations for things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf and surrounding areas during your trip to San Francisco. Don’t forget – many of these great attraction options and more are included on the Go San Francisco® Card, which helps you save up to 60% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your San Francisco vacation plans.
Katie Sagal
San Francisco
Blog

What is San Francisco famous for?

From iconic sights like the Golden Gate Bridge to its rich and diverse culture, there are lots of places and people that make San Francisco unique.
Seren Morris

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