Earth Day began over 50 years ago in 1970 when a Wisconsin Senator saw the effects of a destructive 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara. Inspired by student-led anti-war movements, Earth Day was born. Now, 55 years later, Earth Day is often credited with starting the modern environmental movement. Earth Day 2025 is on April 22nd, as always, and there are plenty of great ways to celebrate the planet we live on all month. Check out some of our recommendations below.
Earth Day Events in SF 2025
Earth Day Festival at Yerba Buena Gardens
On Saturday, April 19, Yerba Buena Gardens will host a family-friendly Earth Day Festival. You can expect music, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and more at the festival from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday. You’ll have the chance to learn about nature and the environment during the festival.
Earth Day Celebration at SF Botanical Garden
The SF Botanical Garden will host a lovely celebration in the Great Meadow. There will be eco-friendly crafts and an educational team with plant activities for kids. The celebration will run from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday, April 19, and is free with admission to the gardens.
Bernal Heights Earth Day Stroll
Stroll through Bernal Heights on Saturday, April 19, from 11 am to 3 pm. The walk features special activities along Cortland Ave as you enjoy the neighborhood.
EcoCenter Anniversary
On April 26, check out the EcoCenter’s anniversary party and Earth Day celebration featuring free games, volunteer opportunities, and the chance to learn from community organizers. The event will run from 11 am to 3 pm next Saturday.
Beautiful outdoor spaces in the Bay Area.
Earth Day is a wonderful time to get out and appreciate nature, and luckily, San Francisco and the Bay Area have plenty of stunning places.
Golden Gate Park Trails
We all know and love Golden Gate Park, but chances are that even if you’ve lived here for years, you probably haven’t explored all of the park yet. Check out the Golden Gate Park Loop if you want to go on a great nature walk without leaving the city.
Hawk Hill
Hawk Hill provides one of the most stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay that we’ve ever seen. It’s a 923-foot peak in the Marin Headlands where you can watch hawks circling above, as well as the Mission Blue Butterfly.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Drakes Beach at Point Reyes is about an hour and a half outside of the city. It’s a popular spot for Elephant seal spotting in February and March, but the beach and surrounding views are worth the visit any time of year.
Twin Peaks
These two adjacent peaks in the city stand 922 feet tall, making them second only to Mt. Davidson. The park itself is 64 acres, and you can see breathtaking panoramic views of the Bay by hiking the 0.7-mile trail network to the top. You can also observe plenty of animal and plant diversity during your journey.
Mt. Tamalpais
Mount Tamalpais is a gorgeous hiking destination just an hour outside of the city. Cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge, and you’ll find dozens of beautiful spots in Marin, but Mt. Tamalpais really takes the cake for its panoramic views, grassy meadows, and magical forests.
By Jamie Ferrell and Dana Flynn