San Francisco may be known for perpetual mild weather—and the ever-present fog—but it pulls off quite the showing for spring. The city comes alive with blooming flowers, warmer temperatures, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Whether you're a local looking for something new to do or a first-time visitor, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained.

From exploring the city's blooming parks and gardens to sampling delicious food at outdoor markets and festivals to celebrating the return of baseball season, San Francisco offers something for everyone during the spring season. So grab a light jacket and get ready to enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer!

 

19 of the Best Things to do This Spring in San Francisco

See Spring Flowers Around the Bay Area

Beautiful flowers start popping up all over the Bay Area in spring. You’ll see dreamy wisteria throughout San Francisco neighborhoods starting in early May (check out the corner of Mariposa Street and Connecticut Street in Potrero Hill for an especially stunning display), but there are a few special spots worth venturing out for.

Next time you’re driving along Highway 1, taking in the views at Big Sur, pull over and take a short walk down to Garrapata Beach, where you’ll find a valley full of stunning calla lilies in full bloom. You can also see hundreds of tulips (usually in full bloom by March) at the Queen Wilhelmina Garden under the Grand Dutch Windmill at GG Park, and don’t forget to swing by the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden to see over 189 varieties of roses, usually at peak bloom in early May.

Where: Various locations.

 

Go on a Sailing Adventure Under the Golden Gate Bridge

For an evening you won’t forget, take a catamaran sail under the Golden Gate Bridge! Guests can enjoy the exhilaration of the breezy Pacific Ocean air, with the protection and outstanding views from the covered cabin. You’ll sail by Alcatraz Island, directly underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, and head back admiring the city’s famed skyline.

Where: Depart from Pier 39, Gate J, next to the sea lions.
More information.

 

 

 

Check out the Golden Girls Kitchen

This spring, the immersive dining experience inspired by the beloved series, The Golden Girls comes to San Francisco. Expect a menu inspired by the girls’ favorites like Sophia’s Lasagna and The Lanai, a “Miami Style” Cuban Sandwich. You can also sidle up to the Rusty Anchor Bar and select from an assortment of specialty cocktails.

Make sure to snap a photo in Blanche’s Boudoir, complete with shag carpet and a palm print bedspread, or pretend to chat with the ladies through the girls’ yellow kitchen phone. And, perhaps most importantly, don’t leave without a slice of cheesecake.

Where: Trademark: 1123 Folsom St., San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

 

 

Catch a Baseball Bame

Whether you’re a San Francisco Giants fan or root for the Oakland A’s (or if you just enjoy outdoor arenas with hotdogs and brews), spring means the return of baseball. Opening Day is March 30, so head to your arena of choice and root root root for the home team.

Where:
SF Giants at Oracle Park: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA
A’s at RingCentral Coliseum: 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA
More information on Giants games and A’s games.

 

Go to a Happy Hour Inside an Enchanted Forest

Trust us when we say this is not your average happy hour. Thriller Social Club is a Carnival Midway-inspired arcade bar and restaurant with a craft bar and a speakeasy. The decor changes on a quarterly basis, and this spring, you can experience the "Happiest Hour" inside the new Fantasy Forest, where lighted trees, floating mushrooms, and more psychedelic visuals come alive amidst food, beverage, and amusements! 

Where: Thriller Social Club: 508 4th St, San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

 

 

Attend SF’s Carnaval

Carnaval SF celebrates and advocates for the diverse Latin American, Caribbean, and African roots of the Mission District (and the entire Bay Area). Now in its fourth decade of celebration, Carnaval is putting on a free 2-day family festival and Grand Parade to showcase the best Latin American and Caribbean cultural arts and traditions. The festival includes five main stages, 50 local performing artists, and 400 vendors—plus international food, dancing, and sampling sites.

Where: Harrison St & 16th St., San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

See the Blooms at the San Francisco Botanical Garden

Eager to soak up all the greenery and botany spring has to offer? Escape to this unique oasis in the heart of San Francisco, showcasing 8,000 different flora and fauna from around the world. Whether you want to stroll the grounds and see the in-season Magnolias or try Tai Chi or painting in the garden, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Where: 1199 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

Attend the 55th Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry Blossoms go hand in hand with the arrival of spring, blooming for only about two weeks per year. Experience a citywide celebration in Japantown at the NoCal Cherry Blossom Festival, the largest celebration of Asian tradition on the west coast, running from April 8–16.

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

 

Eat at Off The Grid Friday Nights at Fort Mason

The traveling Bay Area gourmet food truck extravaganza, Off the Grid, is back at Fort Mason starting March 24! Every Friday night, you can find over 50 food creators offering creative and delicious bites, plus wine, a full cocktail bar, live music, and more!

Where: Fort Mason Center: 2 Marina Boulevard, San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

See Free Concerts in Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Bandshell Concerts are back for 2023 with a brand new lineup of free performances in iconic Golden Gate Park. 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.

 

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.

 

See a Speakeasy Comedy Show

Voted the Best Comedy experience in San Francisco, The Setup is running a new series of speakeasy comedy shows this spring at The Palace Theater. Intimate and underground, this series showcases comedians featured in The New Yorker, on Comedy Central, SNL, Netflix, and HBO. You never know who might end up performing, so get your tickets now!

Where: The Palace Theater: 644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

 

Wear Your Best Costume At The Bay To Breakers 12k Fun Run

Join the Bay to Breakers Fun Run on May 21 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, San Francisco, CA
Finish Line: Ocean Beach Parking Lot, Great Highway (Between JFK Drive & Lincoln Way), San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

Enjoy an Evening of Jazz at Stow Lake

Spend a warm spring evening at a jazz show right on Stow Lake. Lakehouse Jazz is a unique and intimate concert experience in iconic Golden Gate Park at a hidden boathouse. Listen and learn jazz from some of the best musicians in the Bay Area and enjoy everything from 1920s Swing to Latin Jazz, Funk, Fusion, Hip Hop, and original compositions.

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

 

 

Experience the American Crawfish Feed

Experience a time-honored Southern tradition right here in SF at The Great American Crawfish Feed. For three days, you can indulge in a classic southern-style crawfish boil complete with all the fixings and seasoned to perfection. Tickets include bottomless bags of crawfish, bottomless french fries, and beer and drink specials available for purchase.

Where: Westwood: 2036 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

 

 

Go to a Yoga + Dance Party at the Chase Center

Celebrate fresh starts and new beginnings with Daybreaker, the invigorating morning dance party coming to SF on April 2. Wake up and dance in the iconic Chase center sober first thing in the morning. The experience includes the option of yoga beforehand, and the dance party will feature a DJ, live musician, free coffee, kombucha, and breakfast treats, along with a host of surprise performances.

Where: Chase Center: 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

 

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, San Francisco, CA
The Palace Hotel: 85 2nd St, San Francisco, CA

 

See a Show at The Mellow Haight

The Mellow Haight, a houseplant store by day and a private venue by night, has been curating and producing unique concerts in intimate settings for the past three years. Enjoy a memorable night out surrounded by lush green plants, greenery, and a laid-back vibe. These sessions feature original music and arrangements by the best musicians, DJs, and composers of the Bay Area, as well as touring artists. Always new artists, always a surprise!

Where: 1401 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA
More information.

 

 

Hike to the Point Bonita Lighthouse

Hike along the rugged continent’s edge for views of Bonita Cove, San Francisco, and the Pacific, and make sure to check out the Point Bonita Lighthouse at what feels like the world's end. The tunnel door stands open when the lighthouse is open for visitors, and sunset tours are available on Saturdays throughout the summer, where you can learn all about the history, geology, and ecology of the surrounding area.

Where: San Francisco Bay entrance in the Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA
More information.