San Francisco may be known for perpetual mild weather (and the ever-present fog), but it shines in the spring with blooming flowers, longer days, and warmer temperatures. The vibes in SF are on point this time of year, and there are so many ways to make the most of it—from exploring the best places to see tulips in SF to finding the best SF outdoor festivals and much more.

To make things easy, we've rounded up some of the best Spring events in San Francisco to check off your bucket list! So grab a light jacket and get ready to enjoy all the best things to do in SF this spring!

The Best Things to Do in San Francisco This Spring (2025)

Celebrate Spring at Union Square in Bloom

Union Square in Bloom is back for a fourth year, starting March 22nd with Free Tulip Day! It runs all season long and commemorates the floral legacy of Union Square. The shops and businesses in the neighborhood show out with gorgeous floral displays, special seasonal dishes and cocktails, free concerts, fun pop-ups, and more.

Where: Union Square, San Francisco, CA
More information

Attend the NoCal Cherry Blossom Festival & Grand Parade

Celebrate the return of cherry blossom season in Japantown at the NoCal Cherry Blossom Festival, the largest celebration of Asian tradition on the West Coast! Enjoy art displays, music and dance performances, hands-on crafts and activities, and much more. This year's event takes place on March 12th to 13th and 19th to 20th. It all culminates with the Grand Parade, complete with taiko drummers, dancers, and decorative floats!

Where: 1759 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA
More information

Explore the Balloon Museum

The Balloon Museum, a first-of-its-kind traveling experience, is making its way to San Francisco with the "Emotion Air" exhibition this spring! This immersive inflatable art experience explores the profound relationship between art and emotions through interactive, mind-bending inflatable art. Perfect for a unique date night or a fun spring break outing with the fam!

Where: Palace of Fine Arts: 3601 Lyon Str, San Francisco, CA
More information

Stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the most popular year-round attractions in San Francisco, featuring an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds, and a zen garden. Spring is one of the most picturesque times to visit, with the cherry blossom trees in bloom throughout the garden in March and April.

Where: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA
More information

Jam Out at the BottleRock Music Festival in Napa

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at BottleRock Napa Valley, happening May 23-25! With over 75 bands rocking five music stages, plus celebrity chef collaborations at the Culinary Stage, it’s the ultimate blend of music, food, and wine. Savor gourmet dishes, sip on Napa’s finest wines, and enjoy craft beer and specialty cocktails—all while soaking in the incredible wine country vibes.

Where: Napa Valley Expo: 575 3rd St Napa, CA
More information

Catch Free Concerts at Golden Gate Park's Bandshell

Golden Gate Bandshell Concerts are back for 2025 with a new lineup of free performances in iconic Golden Gate Park, starting March 1st. With over 100 performances coming to SF this season, the series will bring a diverse lineup of performers from R&B, soul, jazz, and funk to big band musicians, string ensembles, indie and psychedelic rock bands, and more!

Where: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA
More information

Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge

If you ask us, the best way to enjoy those extra hours of sunlight after "springing forward" is from the water! Sail under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge with a drink in hand as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean and the city slowly lights up behind you. 

Where: Pier 39 (Gate J, next to the sea lions): San Francisco, CA
More information

See a Rainbow of Tulips at the Queen Wilhelmina Garden

All of Golden Gate Park is gorgeous in the spring, but there's one spot you can't miss. For a few weeks in March, you'll find hundreds of colorful tulips under the Dutch windmill in the Queen Wilhelmina Garden at the west end of the park. The bulbs are donated each year by the Dutch Bulb Growers Association, and the decades-long tradition offers a little slice of the Netherlands in SF.

Where: 47th Avenue and Great Highway at the Dutch Windmill
More information

Catch the Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race on Easter Sunday

The Bring Your Own Big Wheel (BYOBW) Race is one of San Francisco’s most beloved and wacky annual traditions. Held every Easter Sunday, this event sees adults donning costumes and racing down the steep, winding curves of Vermont Street in Potrero Hill on plastic children's Big Wheel tricycles. The race is totally free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis—just bring your own Big Wheel (or similar plastic trike) and be ready for an epic, hilarious ride.

Where: Vermont Street in Potrero Hill, San Francisco, CA
More information

Hit the Sip, Shop, Eat Pop-Up in Oakland

Explore the finest in emerging food, style, and drinks at the spring Sip, Shop, Eat Pop-Up in Oakland on April 13th. The concept is pretty self-explanatory—for one day only, peruse a curated selection of small business shops featuring clothes, jewelry, home goods, and more—plus, enjoy yummy treats, themed photo ops, DIY stations, and more. Tickets include a complimentary mimosa or champagne and a hand-wrapped mini flower bouquet (for the first 100 guests, while supplies last)!

P.S. Don't miss the one in Sunnyvale on March 22nd or in San Francisco this summer on July 19th & 20th!

Where: HJK Arts Center: 10 10th St, Oakland, CA
Get 50% off entry

Have a Spring Tea Party 

Did you know you can attend high tea right here in SF? Neiman Marcus serves afternoon tea every day starting at 2:30. It’s the perfect reason to gather your besties and celebrate spring. The Signature Tea Service includes a pot of tea, a selection of small bites, and fantastic views of the city. Or, stop into The Palace Hotel, where you can take in the richly decorated interior of the Garden Court Restaurant while enjoying an elegant afternoon tea. 

Where: The Rotunda: Level Four, 150 Stockton Street / The Palace Hotel: 85 2nd Streer

Wear Your Costume to the Bay To Breakers 12k Fun Run

Join the Bay to Breakers Fun Run on May 18th and run, jog, or dance your way through the streets of San Francisco. This race is made for everyone, so dress up, bring your friends, and be cheered on every step of the way by SF’s finest crowds!

Where: Start Line: Main Street & Howard Street / Finish Line: Ocean Beach Parking Lot, Great Highway
More information

Cheers to Beer and Good Times at the Bay Area Brew Fest

The Bay Area Brew Fest is back on April 19th, now at the picturesque Presidio Lawn with stunning Bay views! Sample over 200 beers from 70+ breweries, enjoy tasty bites from food trucks and vibe out to live music. Grab a General Admission ticket for all the fun, or go VIP with Early Admission for an extra hour of specialty brews.

Where: Presidio Main Lawn: 95 Anza Avenue, San Francisco, CA
More information

Check out the New San Francisco Flower Market

If you haven't visited the Flower Market's new location in Potrero Hill (which opened this January), spring is the perfect time to check it out. The expansive space is home to the largest wholesale flower market in Northern California and features over 40 vendors, so you can take home a variety of pretty flowers to liven up your space for spring! Public shopping hours are between 8 am and 2pm, Wednesday through Saturday.

Where: 901 16th Street, San Francisco, CA
More information

Sip Cocktail Potions at a Wizard-Inspired Bar

An enchanting bar inspired by your favorite childhood wizards and witches has arrived in SF! Try creative magical cocktails with a full menu of spellbinding cuisine. The space has lots of curated attention to detail, creating an unforgettable experience that's truly miraculous.

Where: 2030 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
More information

Listen to Live Jazz at Stow Lake

Spend an afternoon paddling around Stow Lake and follow it up with an evening of live music in the boathouse. Lakehouse Jazz is a unique and intimate concert experience where you can listen to and learn jazz from some of the best musicians in the Bay Area.

Where: Stow Lake Boathouse: 50 Stow Lake Drive East San Francisco, CA
More information

See a Parade of Boats at Opening Day on The Bay

Kick off boating season at the 108th annual Opening Day on the Bay celebration on April 27th! The event showcases over 100 decorated boats, including yachts, tugboats, fireboats, sailboats, and more, all decorated to the theme "Generations On The Bay." The parade starts at noon and runs just north of Anita Rock off the shore of Crissy Field in the Presidio, and follows along the city front to the first Fort Mason building east of the Marina Green.

Where: You can see it from Crissy Field to Pier 39
More information

Shop the Renegade Craft Fair

The Renegade Craft Fair returns to Fort Mason on April 29th and 30th! Browse unique goods from home decor to beauty products to one-of-a-kind art and everything in between. Over 250 artists and makers from the Bay Area and beyond will be there, so you're bound to find a few treasures to refresh your space for spring!

Where: Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion: 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco, CA
More information

Grab Dinner & Drinks on a Rooftop

Warmer weather means rooftop season is in full swing! Soak in the fresh air and city views at spots like Rise Over Run (above), Charmaine’s, or Kaiyo Rooftop while sipping a floral-inspired cocktail. Bonus points if you catch a sunset over the Bay!

Where: Various locations
More SF Rooftops

Kick Off Baseball Season at Oracle Park

For sports fans, spring means one thing: the return of baseball! Cheer on the San Francisco Giants as they take on the San Diego Padres at their home opener on April 4th! Snack on classic ballpark treats and enjoy the Bay breeze as baseball season swings into action.

Where: Oracle Park: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA
More information

Take a Spring Wine Tour in Napa

Spring is one of the best times to visit Napa Valley—the vineyards are lush, wild mustard flowers bloom between the vines, and the weather is perfect for a relaxing wine tasting. Many wineries also host spring release parties with new vintages and fresh food pairings!

Where: Various locations
More Napa Valley wineries

EXPLORE MORE:
The Best Unexpected Date Ideas in San Francisco
The Best Brunch Spots in San Francisco
The Best Getaway Trips from San Francisco