Do you have a 3-day weekend coming up in the calendar? Do you have some extra time on your hands after a doctor’s appointment? Whenever we have a few extra hours in the week, we love to use it as an opportunity to appreciate our beautiful city even more. Whatever the reason for your day off in San Francisco, be sure to make the most of it with these fun plans around the Bay Area.
1. Enjoy drinks with a view at a marvelous rooftop bar
Rooftops in San Francisco are few and far between, but we managed to round up some stellar spots to try out when you’re looking to grab dinner or drinks with a view. Whether you prefer a swanky environment with craft cocktails, or a laid-back terrace to enjoy a cold beer, we’re sure you’ll find something on this list that caters to your sensibility. All of these bars offer excellent food menus in addition to the drinks.
2. Explore these fascinating tide pools around the Bay Area
If you’re a California native lucky enough to live on the coast, then you know that tide pooling is an awesome way to enjoy the beach! We’ve put together a list of great tide pools to visit around the Bay Area, so put on your best waterproof shoes and get ready to explore. Tide pooling is a fun activity for kids and adults alike, but remember: you’re a guest in these critters’ habitat, so try not to disturb whatever you find and always watch your step! Be sure to visit at low tide, and watch out for sneaker waves. Check the tide tables here.
- Duxbury Reef Reserve in Bolinas
- Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach
- Bean Hollow State Beach in San Mateo
- And more
3. Catch a Bay Area sunset at one of these essential spots
There’s truly no shortage of excellent places to see a sunset in the Bay Area, but we wanted to get to the bottom of where locals love to watch the sky light up. That’s why we posted an Instagram poll asking for our followers’ best recommendations — they didn’t disappoint, and here we’ve chosen 10 essential spots to check out a sunset! Grab your best friends, bring a picnic or a bottle of wine, and toast to your day off before an incredible view.
- Mori Point
- Lands End
- Mount Tamalpais
- And more
4. Visit one of SF’s coolest new museum exhibitions
Many museum exhibits in San Francisco are refreshed and replaced every single month. We’re keeping tabs on the best new temporary displays including San Francisco Museum of Modern Art exhibitions, fine art at the de Young and the Legion of Honor, and contemporary art exhibits at the Asian Art Museum. Make sure to see these upcoming displays before they’re gone.
5. Enjoy a meal at these charming San Francisco picnic spots
San Francisco is home to some of the best parks and gardens in the world, so there’s no shortage of awesome picnic spots for you to enjoy a meal with friends. Whether you want to support a local cafe and get some amazing food to go, or you prefer to pack your own delicious recipe to enjoy out in the sunshine, you’ll love all of these great options. Some are SF staples, and some are a little less well-known.
- Conservatory of Flowers
- Old Speedway Meadow
- Pine Lake Park
- And more
6. Have a fancy meal at one of SF’s most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a Michelin-starred meal in SF, we’ve put together a list of the most affordable restaurants in the city that have made it into the coveted Michelin Guide. That’s not to say they’re super cheap, to be fair, but you can get a full 3-course meal at some of these spots for under $45. For the best experience, remember to reserve a table in advance!
7. Beat some noobs at these epic arcade bars
Looking to shake up your plans? It could be as simple as finding a great pinball machine! No matter how you want to keep yourself entertained, there’s something for everyone at these awesome arcade bars in the Bay Area.
8. Take a day trip to a spectacular destination
9. Check out the free activity schedule at Salesforce Park
San Francisco’s Salesforce Park is an amazing modern marvel in the Financial District. The verdant oasis rests 70 feet above the street atop the Salesforce Transit Center, and it’s completely free and open for the public to visit at any time. It also hosts a collection of free events every week, including yoga classes, bootcamps, live music, bird walks, garden tours, drum circles. Many of the activities take place on weekdays, but with your day off you might be able to join a class that would otherwise be during your working hours.
10. Explore these colorful mural collections around the city
We love San Francisco for its vibrant, eclectic art scene. But if you’re looking to explore some famous mural collections around the city, it’s absolutely worth taking a stroll through these beautiful alleys and projects. Each one houses a vibrant, diverse display of murals by mostly local artists.
- Balmy Alley
- Umbrella Alley
- And more
11. Eat your way through SF’s excellent ice cream shops
Nothing makes a good day better like ice cream! Have you been to all of these essential spots? Treat yourself to a sweet treat on your day off at these beloved local ice cream shops.
12. Get a breath of fresh air on a stunning local hike
In the Bay Area, a beautiful view is always right around the corner. Whether you’re looking for a quick stroll in the city or a more strenuous day hike in Marin, you’ll love these incredible hikes for a chance to stretch your legs.
- Land’s End Trail
- Presidio Loop Trail
- Mount Davidson Trail Loop
- And more
13. See what’s going on at the Ferry Building
San Francisco’s Ferry Building is one of the city’s most iconic buildings, serving as a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. It’s a center for events, pop-ups, a farmers’ market, and countless excellent merchants who sell their wares daily in the building’s many stalls. We keep tabs on the Ferry Building’s event schedule every month so you’ll never miss out on free events, tastings, and more.
14. Enjoy a pint at one of these 9 lively beer gardens
The Bay Area is home to some of the best craft beer in the country, meaning that it’s cultivated an entire generation of beer lovers and aficionados. When it comes to breweries, we’re hard to beat, but SF’s beer gardens are also excellent places to kick back and try out a flight or sip on your favorite pils and watch the game.
15. Check out the Fort Mason Center event schedule
When’s the last time you paid a visit to San Francisco’s amazing Fort Mason Center? The popular art center hosts numerous exhibitions and events throughout the year, and it’s worth keeping an eye on our monthly guide so as not to miss a fantastic event.
16. Climb these stunning staircases in the city
There’s no shortage of stunning public art pieces in San Francisco, and visitors and residents alike love San Francisco’s iconic staircases. But have you seen them all? Check our list to find out!
- 16th Ave tiled steps
- Hidden Garden Steps
- Lincoln Park Steps
- And more
17. Go shopping at the best vintage shops in SF
Any real Bay Area resident perks up when it comes to sustainable living. The secondhand industry is influencing even the most forward-thinking of fashionistas and home decorators. Do you know where the best thrift shops are in the Bay Area?
18. Treat yourself to a spa day at these relaxing local saunas
San Francisco is known for its famously chilly weather but is luckily also home to some world-class saunas and spas. From Finland to Mexico, saunas have been used for thousands of years. Beloved for their health and therapeutic benefits, especially popular in colder climates. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spa day by yourself or to sweat it out with the whole squad, there’s a sauna for every occasion.
19. Browse the most outstanding local bookstores
Many a San Franciscan loves to curl up with a good book and sip on a cup o’ joe from one of SF’s legendary coffee shops. Not sure where to find your next good read? These famous bookstores around the city are musts for any local bookworm.
20. Take your pick of these weird and wonderful menu items to try at least once in San Francisco
Who’s hungry?! With all the creative people living in this amazing city, San Francisco has an enormous amount of unique and delicious food to offer. Read on to learn all about the weird, wacky, and wonderful menu items in San Francisco that you have got to try at least once! Learn more about each dish here.
- Watermelon beer from 21st Amendment Brewery
- Gourmet quail dishes from State Bird Provisions
- Doomsday Sandwich from Ike’s Sandwiches
- And more