Happy Friday, San Francisco! Below are some of our favorite things to do in San Francisco this weekend. We’re constantly on the lookout for SF weekend plans, so you’ll always have something to do on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you’re looking for seasonal inspiration, check out our spring bucket list and our list of things to do this March in SF.
1. Watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saint Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching on Monday, March 17, and that means that the city’s annual parade is this weekend. You can catch the festive parade on March 15 starting at 11 am this Saturday. The parade starts at the corner of 2nd and Market Street and ends at Civic Center Plaza.
2. Embrace spring in this blooming garden
Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden is starting to bloom with thousands of beautiful tulips. The garden is on the western part of Golden Gate Park near Ocean Beach, and is free to visit. The historic garden includes an authentic Dutch windmill that was donated in 1902.
3. See Paul McCartney’s photographs at the de Young
This weekend in San Francisco, an exciting new exhibition will open at the de Young Museum. Guests are invited to an exhibition of Paul McCartney’s photographs during The Beatles’ first tour between November 1963 and February 1964. The photos allow viewers to see Beatlemania through the eyes of McCartney as the band traveled in Europe and the United States. The fascinating exhibition, titled Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm, opens on Saturday, March 1.
4. Join the “Brides of March” for a bar crawl
A playful pun on the “Ides of March” this bar crawl started back in 1999 in San Francisco. The event invites participants to thrift a wedding dress and join a bar crawl through the city, donning their best wedding attire. The march starts with photos at Washington Square park at 2:30 pm on Saturday, March 15, and proceeds to the Red Window before continuing to more local bars.
5. Attend a free concert in Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park hosts weekly free concerts at the Bandshell starting in the spring and lasting all the way through the fall. The free music series kicked off last weekend, and is officially in full swing. You can see free shows a couple times a week, including on Sundays and Fridays.
6. Hear classical renditions of your favorite songs at a Candlelight Concert
These uniquely intimate concerts deck out your favorite local venues in hundreds of flickering candles, creating the perfect setting to experience live classical music. This year, Candlelight presents us with an incomparable lineup of gorgeous concerts, from tributes to The Beatles and Adele to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Look for these brilliant shows at the Chan National Queer Arts Center, the International Art Museum of America, St. Ignatius Church, and more. You can see SF’s full upcoming Candlelight schedule here.
7. Indulge in a giant croissant at this local bakery
A local San Francisco bakery is serving the biggest croissant in San Francisco, and it’s the perfect way to start a weekend morning. You can order a giant croissant from Le Marias Bakery in the Castro online, and we recommend ordering the night before to be sure they don’t sell out.
8. Explore some incredible vintage shops
SF is well known for its vintage shops, featuring affordable finds and rare gems perfect for avid collectors and casual shoppers alike. Grabbing a coffee, strolling through a cute neighborhood, and browsing some cool vintage stores is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon, and luckily, we have plenty of shops to suggest. Check out our full list of fantastic vintage shops in SF.
9. See the magnolias blooming in Golden Gate Park
Every winter, the magnolias in Golden Gate Park start to bloom to create a beautiful display of flowers. The first blooms were spotted back in January and are starting to come to an end, so now is the time to see them for yourself. Luckily, the gardens are free for SF residents.
10. Have a cozy bonfire at Ocean Beach
You can set up your own bonfire in designated fire pits at Ocean Beach, which are perfect for enjoying the view while you stay warm. The popular bonfire pits will be available through October, so you have plenty of time to cozy up on the beach.
11. Relax at this new SF spa
If you’re seeking a great way to relax and decompress today in SF, we recommend checking out this new spa in San Francisco, complete with cold plunges and a massive sauna. Alchemy Springs offers yoga classes, memberships, or passes for their social spa.
12. Check out this hidden park with an amazing view
Jack Early Park may be tiny, but it delivers a grand view of the bay. This hidden little park in North Beach is reached via a small staircase, which leads to a small perch with a beautiful view of San Francisco. The park is perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon and worth a visit if you’re in the neighborhood.
13. Indulge in fresh Dungeness crab
It’s finally Dungeness crab season here in SF, which means we can have delicious crab fresh from the boats at Fisherman’s Wharf. Many restaurants will also include the local specialty on their menu if you prefer to dine out instead of cooking one yourself.
14. Take an unforgettable day trip to one of these nearby destinations
Here in San Francisco, we’re well-located to enjoy some spectacular day trips around the Bay Area. Read our list for over 30 destinations, from Carmel to Muir Woods. Whether you want to explore local history or enjoy the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone at any time of year.
15. Book a table at one of SF’s best restaurants
We’re lucky to have many amazing restaurants in SF, and the weekend is the perfect time to try one. From award-winning pizza places to fine dining, there’s something for everyone. Check out our complete list, suggested by locals, for the perfect dinner plans this weekend.