Happy spring, San Francisco! While spring weather in the Bay Area can be unpredictable, there are plenty of fun things to do to celebrate the spring season. From looking for wildflowers to attending free events in the city, you have plenty of options to make your spring in SF memorable.
1. Explore beautiful wildflower blooms in the Bay Area
Spring in the Bay Area is particularly beautiful because of the wildflowers blooming throughout the state. Luckily, there are plenty of great places a short drive away where you can see plenty of beautiful wildflowers. Whether you’re looking for a hike, a quick day trip, or want to venture further away, check out our recommendations on where to see flowers blooming.
2. Experience live music at a free Bandshell concert in Golden Gate Park
The free concert series at the Bandshell has started again and will continue throughout the spring. You can listen to great local musicians perform in Golden Gate Park weekly. The series includes singer-songwriter days, jazz and funk music, and reggae Sundays.
3. Celebrate Easter San Francisco-style
Make this Easter your best one yet with San Francisco’s epic lineup of exciting parties, egg hunts, brunches, and activities. Highly-anticipated events include Dolores Park’s famous Hunky Jesus Contest, Salesforce Park’s lively Spring Fling, and the sunrise ceremony at Mt. Davidson, and the legendary Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race. Whether you’re seeking a kid-friendly egg hunt or an adult-friendly bar crawl, we’ve got you covered with our Easter guide.
4. Have a cozy bonfire at Ocean Beach
Bonfire season at Ocean Beach is officially back. Starting on March 1, you can use one of the designated firepits at Ocean Beach to build a cozy bonfire. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the beach, especially when the weather is a little chilly (as it often is if we’re being realistic). The 16 firepits are open to the public between 6 am and 9:30 pm, and no alcohol or glass is allowed on the beach. The bonfires are allowed from March through October.
5. Enjoy a mystery picnic in Haight-Ashbury
A great way to enjoy a nice spring day in SF is definitely with a picnic, and with this event you don’t even have to make it yourself. The self-guided foodie tour includes clues that lead you to the food for the picnic, all from local artisans. It’s a unique way to have a picnic and enjoy a nice day in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.
6. Explore Golden Gate Park’s iconic tulip garden
Every Spring, Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden in Golden Gate Park is filled with colorful tulips. The garden is at the edge of the park near Ocean Beach, making it perfect for a stroll on the water after visiting the garden. The flowers are nestled under the iconic windmill creating a charming scene to visit in the spring.
7. Plan the perfect Mother’s Day
Celebrate Mother’s Day in San Francisco with these lovely weekend plans, ranging from delicious brunch restaurants to family activities. You can visit the Ferry Building for free arts and crafts, enjoy a “pay-what-you-wish” day at the Exploratorium, and catch a special Mother’s Day concert at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell — more details here.
8. Spend a day at a historic estate filled with flowers
Filoli Estate and Gardens is just a short drive south of San Francisco. The country estate has acres of beautiful gardens for visitors to explore. This year the estate planted over 75,000 spring flower bulbs and a spring tea in their beautiful Garden House.
9. Go for a scenic hike in and around SF
You don’t have to go far to find beautiful scenery in the Bay Area. If the winter has made you want to get out and enjoy some nature, check out these beautiful hikes. Some are even right in San Francisco, so you can easily take public transit to the trails. Some of our favorites include Land’s End Trail and the Presidio Loop.
10. Build a bouquet of free tulips in Union Square
Start off spring on the right note with free tulips in Union Square. The event is on March 9, and 80,000 tulips will fill Union Square for people to pick their own and take home. Last year’s event was a major hit, so we recommend getting there early and taking public transit if you can.
11. Go whale watching to spot majestic whales
You can see whales near SF almost all year, but between December and April is Gray Whale Season. If you haven’t seen whales before, we definitely recommend it; it’s pretty awe-inspiring. Plus, you don’t have to go far to find good places to look for them.
12. Enjoy live music at SoFar Sounds
SoFar sounds is a unique live music experience that brings together local musicians in unlikely venues for intimate concerts. You’ll be treated to multiple local performers, and the locations are scattered throughout SF. Upcoming shows include on in the Lower Haight and the Presidio.
13. Check out our guide of things to do on a rainy day
Photo by @derick.daily on Instagram
Unfortunately, spring in San Francisco can mean some rainy days. While the flowers may love it, we have plenty of recommendations for fun things to do when the weather isn’t all sunshine and blue skies. From checking great museums to going roller skating in a beautiful church, there are plenty of ways to make the most of a rainy day.
14. Go to one of San Francisco’s many markets
SF has plenty of markets to check out, including classic weekly neighborhood farmers’ markets with plenty of produce, and more niche markets. Some to look forward to include West Coast Craft, a massive craft fair featuring handmade goods from local creatives. You can find jewelry, art, ceramics, clothes, and more. Plus, the wildly popular Chinatown Night Market is returning beginning in March.
15. Visit Golden Gate Park’s massive LED installation before it closes
Golden Gate Park’s dazzling LED installation Entwined has been delighting San Franciscans for months since it was first installed during the 2023 holiday season. Entwined: Elder Mother features a massive LED tree on JFK Promenade. The 30-foot-tall tree sways with the wind while changing colors. The installation will be on display until April 28, so you don’t want to miss it.
16. Try a new cocktail at a beautiful rooftop bar
San Francisco has plenty of rooftop bars with delicious drinks and even better views. While the winter months are often too cold for a rooftop bar, as spring comes, we can look forward to some warmer days. Check out our full list of recommendations for the perfect spring drinks spot.
17. Check out this stunning hidden valley in Big Sur
Just off the road in Big Sur, a small valley is nestled near the ocean. Accessible via a short trail, the valley fills with hundreds of beautiful calla lilies every spring. Plus, it’s right on the beach, giving you unforgettable views of the coast. The flowers are currently in bloom, and Big Sur is a doable day trip from SF.
18. Check out the free activities at Salesforce Park
Not only is the floating park iconic for its unique design, but it’s also packed with various events for the community. There are many weekly reoccurring evens you can attend, along with more special occasions. The park will even be hosting a family-friendly Spring Fling on march 30.
19. Wander through the beautiful Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park
If you want to be surrounded by flowers and plants but the weather’s not exactly ideal, the Conservatory of Flowers is a great way to spend a chilly spring day in SF. Plus, the Conservatory of Flowers offers free times to visit for residents, so it’s a great way to spend a day while staying in budget. The conservatory is open Thursday through Tuesday 10 am to 4 pm.