San Francisco

San Francisco Labor Day Weekend – 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

By Katie Sagal

If you're spending Labor Day weekend in San Francisco, you won't be short of things to do. From live music to festivals and bike rides to cruises, celebrate the unofficial last few days of summer in San Francisco.

If you’re looking for San Francisco Labor Day weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in San Francisco in September, including...

  • Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise
  • Full Day Wine Country Tour
  • Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
  • Union Square Live
  • And more!

Union Square Live

union-square-san-francisco-shopaholic-dream

Tango in the Square with Claudio Ortega and the Bay Area Argentine Tango Associaton. Members of the ensemble hail from Russia, Switzerland, Canada and the US; making this a diverse but also traditional Argentine Tango. You'll be cutting a rug in no time! Admission to Union Square Live is free.

Shakespeare in the Park

Take in a free performance of a classic play by the world-famous bard in the lovely McLaren Park. Put on by the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, these performances are a summer favorite with locals, with previous performances such as Much Ado About Nothing and As You Like It drawing throngs of crowds.

Shakespeare in the park is a lovely way to spend time in the sun while soaking up San Francisco theater.

Sausalito Art Festival

sausalito-just-after-golden-gate

If you’re a fan of art, food, and/or music, this is the place for you. A massive festival that takes place every summer just a short trip across the bay, the Sausalito Art Festival is a celebration of all things creative. This three-day event showcases music from more than 10 different bands, tons of children’s events, and features a plethora of visual arts on display.

Admission to the Sausalito Art Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go San Francisco pass. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the event website.

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival

yerba-buena-gardens-downtown-city-skyline

Various cultural events from music and dance to kids shows will take place over the summer months. The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is a fun and cultural way of celebrating Labor Day weekend. Check their website for a full schedule of events.

What's more, admission to the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is free.

Architecture and The City

Throughout September Citywide

Sponsored by AIA San Francisco, the largest architectural festival in the country hosts a number of great events on Labor Day Weekend. Enjoy professional architecture tours, film screenings, lectures, exhibitions, and much more.

Top tip: Select Architecture and The City events are free; for those events that do require tickets, please visit the event website.

Millbrae Art & Wine Festival

One of the biggest street festivals in the area, the Millbrae Art & Wine Festival is perfect for adults. This year they’re celebrating their 49th year with tons of great events, exhibits, performances, and more. This Mardi Gras-style celebration is an exciting mix of food, wine, art, and music – don’t miss out!

Admission to the Millbrae Art & Wine Festival is free, although you do need to pay for select tastings.

Go for a Bike Ride

asian-girl-tourist-looking-bike-golden-gate-bridge

San Francisco’s pleasant summer weather is just perfect for a relaxing bike ride. Use your pass to acces All-Day San Francisco Bike Rentals by Blazing Saddles and pedal along the waterfront, or get a workout going up those infamous hills. If you aren’t from the area and don’t have your own bike, it couldn’t be easier to rent one right from Fisherman’s Wharf!

Relax Aboard a Cruise

sailboat-san-francisco-sausalito

Enjoy the cool bay breezes aboard a relaxing cruise through the Golden Gate Bay and beyond. Choose from a wide variety of cruises – included some specially-themed summer ones – and take the whole family along. One of our favorites is the iconic Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise.

Indulge in a Wine Country Tour

You can’t travel to San Francisco without paying a visit to their famed wine country. Hop aboard a bus pop down to Napa Valley and Sonoma and unleash your inner sommelier. Several wine tours even include transportation from main hubs like Fisherman’s Wharf. Bonus, you can enjoy as many wine samples as you’d like! Getting In: Weekday Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour tickets are an option on the Go San Francisco pass - Build Your Own.

Visit a Theme Park

amusement-park-san-francisco-califonia

There are few things as quintessential summer as amusement parks or theme parks. There’s something perfect about the roller coasters and Ferris wheels in the summer, especially on a warm afternoon. Take the kids to California’s Great America for the afternoon of their lives, or to a place like Six Flags Discovery Kingdom to enjoy both thrill rides and educational fun. Getting In: California's Great America tickets and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom tickets are included on the Go San Francisco pass.

See some Marine Life

saltwater-rockpool-shrimp-inspect-pereiopods-antennas

At the Aquarium of the Bay, you'll find seven different habitats that represent the ecosystems of the bay area. A favorite of many visitors is the crystal-clear tunnels filled with 20,000 species of sea creatures. Getting In: Aquarium of the Bay tickets are included on the Go San Francisco pass.

Save on Attraction Admission

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in San Francisco in September to help you plan your Labor Day weekend itinerary. Remember, some of these great attraction options are included on the San Francisco pass, where you can save on combined admission vs paying at the gate.

Please note, the Labor Day weekend events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with Go City®. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in style.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Black Friday Giveaway
Blog

Win an Alcatraz Day Tour this Black Friday

WIN an Alcatraz day tour, with ferry transportation and the famous Cell House Audio Tour. Discover the windswept island that has been home to a Civil War Fort, a military prison and one of the most notorious Federal penitentiaries in US history. Cruise to the legendary Alcatraz and get a behind-the-scenes look inside. What’s included You’ll win entry to the Alcatraz Cellhouse along with the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour and to the new permanent exhibition, The Big Lockup: Mass Incarceration in the United States. You’ll also get admission to the New Industries Building which features a compelling exhibit remembering the influential Occupation of Alcatraz by Indians of All Tribes as well as close-up outdoor access to historic spaces like the Eagle Plaza, the Recreation Yard, the Warden’s House and the Officer’s Club. Enjoy stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and explore the surrounding National Park for as long as you like. Then head inside to learn all there is to know about the infamous prison and its tumultuous history. How to enter For a chance to win this incredible prize, all you have to do is purchase any of our San Francisco passes between 9AM Tuesday 22 November 2022 and 11:59PM Tuesday 29 November 2022. Once you’ve purchased, you’ll be automatically entered into the giveaway. Easy! If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll contact you by email by December 15, 2022, so look out for us in your inbox. Click here to view giveaway terms and conditions.
Alice Padfield
Alice Padfield
Skyline Header
Blog

San Francisco Family Vacation Ideas - Attractions, Activities & Things to Do for Summer Vacation

Summertime is one of the best times to visit San Francisco. The weather is at its best, nature is thriving, and the best attractions are open and ready for business. If you’re planning a family trip to San Francisco but aren’t sure which attractions are right for you, check out this list of our favorite family-friendly attractions. Curated by industry experts, they’re the best activities, tours, and museums for family vacations in San Francisco. The top San Francisco summer family vacation ideas include: Big Bus San Francisco Sightseeing Tour California Academy of Sciences SFMOMA Fisherman’s Wharf Madame Tussauds San Francisco Bike Rentals Exploratorium Aquarium of the Bay Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Golden Gate Park Muir Woods Big Bus San Francisco Hop-on Hop-off Tour   One of the best ways to introduce the family to San Francisco is with a guided bus tour of the city. A hop-on hop-off option is both fun and flexible, allowing you to get off when something intrigues you, and get back on when the kids get tired. See the sights from the top deck and then simply hop off to explore the streets. This tour from Big Bus includes more than 20 different stops in all the city’s hot spots, plus a selection of free, guided walking tours that begin at selected stops. Madame Tussauds San Francisco   Speaking of Fisherman’s Wharf... Located in an area of the city we’re sure you’re already exploring, Madame Tussauds is a fun attraction for families. It’s the only place outside of Hollywood where you’ll see so many celebrities. Take a selfie with your favorite A-list celebs – nobody will know the difference! A visit here is a good opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of San Francisco, too. Their Spirit of San Francisco exhibit highlights famous figures from art, music, and literature. The San Francisco Dungeon Learn all about San Francisco's shadier side of history, brought to life in a fun and campy way at this attraction that's part thrill ride, part theatrical experience. You'll see a number of live theatrical performances that re-enact true, local history and take you back in time to the dark days of San Francisco. This is one of the more creepy things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf. But if your kids are interested in history, it's a fun and entertaining way to learn about it! Six Flags Discovery Kingdom A theme park is a great summer idea for families, so why not take a quick drive a bit north of the city to reach the delightful Six Flags Discovery Kingdom? This popular park combines all your favorite amusement park rides – like roller coasters, bumper cars, water rides, and much more – with the educational fun of animal exhibits. Visit the animal inhabitants of Discovery Kingdom all throughout the park, like the playful creatures of Dolphin Harbor, Seal Cove, and the Butterfly Habitat. You also have the opportunity to upgrade to a number of animal encounters to make the day a truly special one. Muir Woods For those families looking to explore the expansive natural world around San Francisco, a trip up to Muir Woods is non-negotiable. Home to the majestic redwood trees, Muir Woods National Park is a wondrous place to explore. You’ll immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of this ancient forest, and get to see an incredible diversity of plant and wildlife all throughout the park. Remember to bring a camera to Muir Woods for pictures – you’ll get no cell reception and this may drain your phone’s battery. Remember to Save on Family Friendly Admission There you go. A few suggestions for attractions and activities for your upcoming San Francisco family vacation. Regular admission to a number of these family friendly attractions are available with a pass by Go City. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your family vacation itinerary. Learn more about our San Francisco passes, attractions and prices.
Katie Sagal

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