The best things to do in San Francisco for an amazing trip.

San Francisco To Do header image 1

Alcatraz Night Tour: An Inside Look At A Night in Alcatraz

May 15th, 2017 · Alcatraz, One Day Tours, Reviews, San Francisco Tours

Alcatraz Island, home of the notorious Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, has been said to be one of the most haunted places in America.  Located just off the coast of San Francisco, Mark Twain once referred to the island’s atmosphere as feeling “cold as winter, even in the summer months”. The island is now a well-preserved and well-funded National Park, and good news for all you fans of the paranormal, you can take a tour of the most haunted prison in the country…at night.

Tickets for the Alcatraz Night Tour can be purchased here through Alcatraz Cruises or by phone (415) 981-ROCK. These tours are in high demand and fill up very fast so try and reserve your spot well in advance. Night tours are limited to just a few hundred visitors each night, so plan ahead. Make sure to arrive early if you want good seats on the ferry, but don’t worry too much about getting a seat inside because you’ll want to catch the sunset views over the Golden Gate Bridge from the deck anyways.

Who’s to say the night tour is better or worse than the day tour, but there are definite advantages to going at night: fewer people, more audio and visual programming not offered during the day, access to normally closed-off areas of the prison, and of course, the naturally eerie ambiance provided by the night.

The boat takes you around the entirety of the island before docking, an added bonus to the night tour – aside from the ghost catching opportunities. Guests have the opportunity to listen to a pre-prison history over the loudspeaker while the captain circles you around the island: you’ll catch views from all angles, and learn a little history, before stepping foot on the island and exploring the prison. Be sure to bring your photo ID, comfortable shoes, camera, and a jacket (and an EMF meter if you have one…)

A night on Alcatraz…

The feeling of pulling up to the island and docking, with the prison towering above you, is indescribable. Alcatraz is unlike any other prison in the world. It’s isolated on an island, but the city taunts in the distance, just out of reach. Almost as if to show the inmates how close, yet so far, they were from their lives as they knew it. To add to its inherently spooky vibe, inmates, guards, and visitors alike have reported oddities around the island – men’s voices, screams, whistles, clanging metal doors and terrifying screams are said to be heard within the cellblocks, especially near the dungeon.

The hospital wing is especially eerie – and another perk of the night tour? You have full access to roam the hospital wing on your own. Just think about every scary movie you’ve ever seen that had anything to do with a hospital, mental patients, or deranged doctors (queue American Horror Story theme song), and then multiply that feeling by 10. Old gurneys, wheelchairs, medical tools, combined with chipped paint and the natural ambiance of the night – needless to say, prepare to be spooked.

While you will be provided with a headset audio tour upon arrival, telling you all about the history of the island and the prison, there’s nothing quite like letting your mind wander while you yourself wander through these hallowed halls. After about 3 hours of exploring the prison, you will be ushered back to the boat and back to the city, with the nightmares to prove it.

Night Tour Tip: Make sure you get back to the dock on time, as the night tour return ferry is the last boat back to the city until morning!!! You wouldn’t want to get stuck on The Rock…

Are you ready for a night on Alcatraz Island? Tell us about your experience on the night or day tours below!

→ No CommentsTags: ·····

The Cable Car History of San Francisco

May 2nd, 2017 · Fisherman's Wharf, san francisco, Transportation, Union Square

San Francisco’s iconic cable cars have become a must-see attraction, but their history is what makes them the true symbol of the City’s spirit.  In the 1870’s, cable cars were simply a daily necessity for commuting the steep hills of San Francisco, and especially in dress shoes & heels!  Workers from around the City would rely on cable car lines like the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason every single day to get to work. The cable cars are incredibly popular with visitors, right up there with Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge. As America’s only mobile National Monument, who wouldn’t want to take a hilly ride?

Andrew Hallidie was inspired by many events to create the Clay Street Hill Railway– the true birth of San Francisco’s Cable Car network. Andrew was shocked to witness horses being whipped mercilessly trying to pull a horsecar up the steep grade of Jackson Street.   The horses later died after slipping on the wet cobblestone. The Clay Street Hill Railway was born as a solution to save the horses from the same fate while increasing efficiency.

William Eppelshimer was an engineer leading the design work, but Hallidie came from a transportation engineering background.   Hallidie’s father invented and patented the “wire rope” cable in Great Britain — likely a great connection to Andrew’s design contribution for San Francisco’s cable cars. Hallidie’s cable car system began testing in August 1873 and began full service in September.   San Francisco’s new cable cars were a massive success, and by 1890, 23 cable cars served San Francisco’s commuters. The cable car system continued to expand over the years, taking over horse-drawn streets, and modernizing technology and transportation.

Cable car technology was revolutionary for its time. The cable cars move by gripping an underground cable– powered by an engine in a central powerhouse. The cable is in constant motion – the grip clamps down on the cable when it needs to slow/stop, and releases as it continues to move. There is also a “grip man” on board the cable car, who is responsible for operating the grip between stops, and ringing the bell to let passengers know upcoming stops/alert oncoming traffic. There is also a conductor/attendant who collects rider fare and acts as a second set of eyes for the grip man.

Technology is ever changing, and by 1892 the first electric streetcars were invented. These street cars proved to be more efficient, and less expensive to build and maintain.  Electric street cars quickly became the preferred method of transportation around San Francisco. The 1906 earthquake destroyed a majority of San Francisco’s cable car infrastructure.  Engineers decided to expand the electric street cars as opposed to rebuilding the damaged cable car lines. San Francisco’s Mayor concluded that electric street cars were essentially half the financial investment and faster too. By 1947, Mayor Lapham declared that all cable cars be put out of service.  Friedel Klussmann had the courage and foresight to form a committee to save the cable cars heritage by highlighting the historical value of San Francisco’s cable cars.

Thanks to Friedel Klussmann and the Citizens’ Committee to Save the Cable Cars, 3 cable car lines remain today in San Francisco: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and the California Street lines. While mainly a tourist magnet, people still use the cable cars for commuting the city, with the final stop being the busy Financial district and popular downtown areas.

 

Learn more about San Francisco’s legendary cable cars here, and be sure to download our free Cable Car Map for your next trip to San Francisco!

→ No CommentsTags:

St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl

March 8th, 2017 · Activities, Uncategorized

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest and best drinking holidays of the year. So what better way to celebrate than with a MASSIVE PUB CRAWL!

CrawlSF has put together not one but 2 PUB CRAWLS this year – the first one on Friday, March 17 and the second on Saturday, March 18. Come have a green beer with us!

Tickets include access to $3 beers, $3 cocktails, and $3 shots at over 15 bars, NO COVER, DJs, dancing, after-parties, and some killer surprises and giveaways! Grab your tickets early before they’re gone!

Friday Tickets       Saturday Tickets

PARTICIPATING BARS

MayesMcTeague’sLush LoungeBlurVertigoPlaylandSoda Popinski’sCabinWreck RoomShanghai Kelly’sRougeBullittTonicRoyal OakHouse RulesBrickyardBar NoneBlue Light and more!

And after you recover from St. Patty’s Day, be sure to follow CrawlSF on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and stay up to date on all upcoming crawls! Happy crawling!

2017 CRAWLS PUB CRAWL SCHEDULE:

3/17: Lepracon Pub Crawl #1
3/18: Lepracon Pub Crawl #2
5/13: North Beach Bar Run
7/4: July 4th Pub Crawl and Hot Dog Eating Contest
8/26: CrawlFest
10/28: Crawloween: San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl
10/31: Adult Trick ‘r Treating Pub Crawl
12/16: Sweatercon: San Francisco Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

→ No CommentsTags: ·····

Hidden Reno Hotspots

February 28th, 2017 · Activities, Get Aways

What comes to your mind when you think Reno? Casinos, nightlife, skiing – but step off the slopes and out of the neon glow and you’ll find Reno is filled with an exciting combination of historic architecture, trendy businesses, and exciting culture – you’re going to wish you stayed a little longer…So, finish up your last hand of blackjack and go check out these fun and unique spots around Reno:

The Basement

thebasement

Beneath Reno’s historic 1933 U.S. Post Office sits an unexpected haven of trendy, tasty, and creative businesses in a shared underground space. Original terracotta walls can be seen on some floors of the building, with terrazzo flooring throughout and marble walls together with ornate cast aluminum. Architect Frederic Delongchamps created this masterpiece of art deco to serve Reno’s postal customers during the depression era.

These underground shops include trendy kitchen supply stores and hip coffee shops with plenty of Instagram-worthy aesthetic; an ultra-trendy denim jean bar, an old-fashioned barbershop, and a handful of other unique shops. By bringing together local merchants who evoke an alternative lifestyle, The Basement is creating a culture of collaboration in downtown Reno. Definitely worth checking out next time you’re in Reno! Visit The Basement for hours, specials, and updates.

The Depot Brewery

thedepot

The Depot is an incredible, newly-renovated spot that combines the fascinating railroad history of the area with top quality and original beers and craft cocktails. The three-story brick building was originally built in 1910 to serve as a railroad headquarters. The building is rooted in the history and identity of Reno and is Nevada’s very first combined brewery and distillery. The building houses the entire craft brewery and distillery operations, and was renovated in the style of the Old West and Nevada’s heritage – respecting the past combined with innovation for a true craft brewing and distillery experience.

A full restaurant menu includes pub and tavern classics with starters, salads, sandwiches, burgers, steak, and more – all crafted with flair. In addition to the beers and whiskeys passionately crafted on-site, the full bar menu includes a selection of cocktails and wine.

The Depot is passionate about using local, quality ingredients and creating – through knowledgeable process and innovative production – a noteworthy craft experience. Visit The Depot Reno for more information, or just stop by and see for yourself!

Beer NV Taproom

Beer NV Taproom is home of over 60 different types craft and import beers on tap – the largest selection in Northern Nevada in fact. Killer happy hour deals, as well as its prime location across from the university, make it the perfect spot to catch game day deals and cheer on your favorite teams.

The people love Beer NV, and Beer NV loves them right back. They are deeply involved in local charities and giving back to the community.

“This community has given us so much support since the beginning and we feel it’s important to give back.” -Beer NV

And don’t be alarmed that you’re not seeing any food on the menu – Beer NV encourages their patrons to bring food with them when they come in for a drink, recommending some neighboring eateries on their website – some will even deliver to the bar! Check out Beer NV for hours and directions, then stop by for a pint or two – with 60+ choices, how could you possibly be disappointed?

pouring-1500x1004

There’s more to Reno than meets the eye, you just have to dig a little. Enjoy!

 

→ 2 CommentsTags: ·······

Personal Restaurant Tours | San Francisco

October 2nd, 2016 · Restaurants

Finding a great place to eat in San Francisco offers a wealth of choices. Everywhere you turn, fine eateries sit alongside joints offering diverse delicacies.   Visitors can sift through tour websites and concierge recommendations, but often end up in overly-popular tourist spots. A new food-guide service connects users to food adventures guided by vetted locals. Savings hours of research and crowds of tourists, these food-based tours allow people to simply arrive and eat their way through San Francisco.

With a desire to connect with locals’ knowledge of the best places to eat, leading founders  seek to provide visitors with an authentic experience. For San Francisco,

Latte

visitors get hidden food adventures and help to bypass tourist spots to find local favorites. New residents, visitors, or even locals who are looking for a new favorite spot can save hours of cruising review sites by simply signing up for one of the adventures based on location, travel dates, and cost.

You can quickly set up your trip right on the website. Just meet your guide and  begin your food adventures. All guides are verified and adventures are quality assured.  You can purchase your adventure package with confidence that it will live up to a foodie’s expectations. Best of all, since the site is continuing to expand in the Bay Area, new tours are being developed all the time. Even if someone has used the site before, new adventures, new guides, and new areas of the city are being added every week– giving returning users an opportunity to discover a taste of San Francisco.

→ No CommentsTags: ·

December Weather in San Francisco

July 8th, 2016 · Weather

Union Square

Union Square

You are thinking about visiting San Francisco in December and want to know what to expect from the weather. Although it’s one of the coolest months of the year in this fabulous city, it isn’t freezing cold. In fact, people from most locations will consider the temperature moderate during this early winter month in the Bay Area.

There is only a ten degree temperature difference between the average high and low temperatures in December. The average low is 47 degrees and the average high is 57. This means that there are no dramatic swings in temperature throughout the day so you’ll mostly know what to expect when you step out of your San Francisco hotel room and you’ll be able to stay in the same clothes throughout the day. Plan for a day with an average temperature of about 52 degrees from beginning to end.

That said, San Francisco is a finicky place with lots of microclimates, so an average of 52 degrees can still feel a lot cooler in one part of the city than it does in another. For example, if you’re downtown at Union Square to do some holiday shopping, it’s likely to be warmer than if you’re out at Ocean Beach or on top of Twin Peaks getting a beautiful view of the city. The proximity to the water, the exposure to wind and a variety of other factors all influence how warm or cold you actually feel in the city.

Winter is the rainy season in San Francisco and you’re likely to experience at least a little bit of rain during a December visit to the city. The average rainfall in December is 4 inches, making it the second wettest month of the year (behind January). Make sure to pack an umbrella and a rain jacket, because it rains about ten days out of the month in December.

The Christmas holiday season is in full swing throughout the city during December. In fact, it all begins just before the month starts, with many large Christmas trees going up the weekend of Thanksgiving. Although you might miss the big tree lighting ceremonies, there’s a good chance that you can catch the annual Menorah Lighting ceremony at Ghirardelli Square (depending on when Hanukkah falls on the calendar in the year that you visit). You can also enjoy many other themed holiday events including the Fantasy of Lights on Union Street, the Filipino Parol Lantern Festival, the SPCA Adopt-a-thon in the Union Square Macy’s window, and SantaCon, a one day event when hundreds of people dress up like Santa Claus and do a pub crawl around the city.

If you enjoy performance arts, December is a great time to visit the city. You can see a classic like the Nutcracker at the ballet. Or you can see a modern favorite like the annual Cirque du Soleil show. The city also has a large number of small theaters that book their calendars with shows in December, including both holiday shows and shows for those who want to ignore the holidays.

And of course shopping is a big draw in San Francisco in December. In addition to the usual shopping areas around Union Square and on Union Street, you’ll find many opportunities to pick up more unique gifts as well. Check the schedule at Fort Mason for at least one weekend of craft shopping where you can buy handmade gifts direct from the artisans. Visit the annual Dickens Fair to purchase a wide variety of one of a kind items while taking in the historic ambience. Each neighborhood in San Francisco offers something different in terms of shopping so put on your walking shoes and get your wallet ready!

Traveling to San Francisco in a month other than December? Check our average San Francisco temperature chart to see what the weather will be during your visit.

By:  Kathryn Vercillo

→ No CommentsTags: ···

November Average Weather in San Francisco

July 8th, 2016 · Weather

Ferry Building

Ferry Building

If you are thinking about planning a San Francisco vacation in November, you probably want to know what the weather will be like. You’re in luck. While the rest of the United States is starting to get really chilly, San Francisco will likely be enjoying moderate weather. You should have plenty of opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities in San Francisco during the late autumn. As a bonus, hotel rates tend to be affordable in San Francisco in November.

The average high temperature in San Francisco is 64 degrees and the average low temperature is 51 degrees. You’ll probably want to pack a windbreaker and some pants since that can feel a little bit cold, especially when the fog is out, but you won’t need a big winter coat or anything like that. The key to packing clothes for San Francisco is always to think in layers and bring along your scarves and hats. That said, you’re going to have a lot of sunny days in San Francisco in November so you want to pack your sunscreen and sunglasses as well.

It’s important to know that November does kick off the winter rainy season in November. The month averages about three inches of rainfall so you might experience some wet days, especially if you get to San Francisco towards the end of November. Luckily there are lots of wonderful indoor activities in San Francisco including a variety of different types of museums, so if you happen to get caught in the rain, you won’t be lacking for things to do.

November is also rich in indoor annual festivals so if you’re looking for something unique to do then you’re going to be happy with your November San Francisco vacation. The first big annual event is the American Indian Film Festival, which takes place the second week of November. This is the oldest festival dedicated solely to Native American filmmaking. November is also the month for the annual Green Festival (for eco-friendly and sustainable solutions), the San Francisco International Hip Hop Dance Festival, and the San Francisco International Automobile Show.

If you come to San Francisco at the end of December, you might have the Christmas holidays on your mind. The city does too! It’s a great place to purchase gifts for others or start your own season of celebrations. Get unique handmade items at the annual Renegade Craft Fair and the Celebration of Craftswomen events. Attend the first weekend of the Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Check out the Embarcadero Center Building Lighting Ceremony when 17,000 city skyline lights get turned on for the holidays. And make sure to visit at least one of the big tree lighting ceremonies that happen at Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square and Union Square.

Of course, Thanksgiving is also in November. What should you do if you’re in town for that? One popular choice is to take a Thanksgiving Day cruise. Another option is to join the Turkey Trot Run in Golden Gate Park. Most San Francisco attractions are open the day before Thanksgiving and many, including a lot of the museums, are actually open on Thanksgiving Day. Of course, the day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday and if you’re interested in holiday shopping then you’ll find lots of great deals in all of the various shopping districts throughout San Francisco.

Traveling to San Francisco in a month other than November? Check our average San Francisco temperature chart to see what the weather will be during your visit.

→ No CommentsTags: ··

Top 8 BART Walkable Activities

July 8th, 2016 · Activities, Transportation

BART Map San Francisco

BART Map San Francisco

While there are many ways to travel around San Francisco (bike, bus, cable car, and even a psychedelic “magic bus”, just to name a few), nothing is more convenient than the Bay Area Rapid Transit, known simply as “BART”. Although small, San Francisco’s simple subway system is ideal for newcomers intimidated by the city’s hilly terrain or the extensive bus network. Whether you’re in town for a week or just the weekend, jump on board for our visitor’s guide to San Francisco Bart Stops and the fun things to see nearby. First stop? Embarcadero.

Photo courtesy of Chris Ruvolo Wikipedia CC

 

Ferry Building Marketplace

BART Stop: Embarcadero

Distance from the station: 0.28 miles

Ferry Building

Ferry Building

 

Built in 1898, this historical shopping plaza is a must-see for any first time visitor to the City by the Bay. Once used as a loading dock for ferryboat travelers and their luggage, the building has since been transformed into a lively marketplace filled with eclectic shops and food stalls.

Insider Tip: The Ferry Building is located on The Embarcadero, a waterfront walkway with beautiful bay views. For the best photos, go at dusk, when the lights from the Bay Bridge form a pretty reflection on the water.

 

The Chinatown Gate

BART Stop: Montgomery Street

Distance from the station: 0.24 miles

Chinatown Gate

Chinatown Gate

The Chinatown Gate, also known as the “Dragon Gate”, is located at the southern edge of Chinatown. It makes for a fun photo opportunity and starting point for exploring Chinatown along Grant Street. Built in 1970 from stone, it is considered to be the “the only authentic Chinatown gate in North America”.

 

Afternoon Tea at the Palace Hotel

BART Stop: Montgomery Street

Distance from station: .01 miles

 

Palace Hotel

Palace Hotel

Step into the Palace hotel, with its high ceilings and gold chandeliers, and you’ll feel as though you have stepped back in time. The hotel’s traditional tea service, which dates back to the 1900s, is a unique and relaxing way to experience turn-of-the-century San Francisco.

 

Insider Tip: Try the inexpensive yet delicious chocolate torte. Yum!

 

Union Square

BART Stop: Powell Street

Distance from the station: 0.21 miles

Union Square

Union Square

Union Square is a great place to rest after a long day of shopping, as it is located between several big-name department stores in the heart of San Francisco’s largest shopping district. Sip coffee at the square’s outdoor café or if the weather is nice, lounge in the sunshine and enjoy a free concert.

 

Insider Tip: Stay at the St. Francis hotel and take a free ride in the glass elevators for a bird’s-eye-view of the square.

 

Yerba Buena Gardens

BART Stop: Powell Street

Distance from the station: 0.25 miles

Yerba Buena Gardens

Yerba Buena Gardens

Photo courtesy of James Maskell via Flickr CC

 

The Yerba Buena Gardens stretches for two blocks and offers a welcomed reprieve from city noise and crowds. The large art installations, butterfly gardens and 50-ft waterfall provide a unique backdrop for an evening picnic.

 

Insider Tip: Come at night for a picturesque view of the city skyline and catch a free concert.

 

Asian Art Museum

BART Stop: Civic Center / UN Plaza

Distance from the station: 0.16 miles

Asian Art Museum

Asian Art Museum

Photo courtesy of Jan Gosmann via Flickr CC.

 

The Asian Art Museum offers the largest collection of Asian art in the world, with ancient artifacts from Persia, Indonesia and Japan, among others. Go on the first Sunday of the month when admission is free.

 

Insider Tip: If you visit on a Wednesday or Sunday morning, stop by the “Heart of the City Farmer’s Market” for some fresh fruit and veggies, conveniently located directly in front of the Civic Center station. Try the cinnamon bread and kettle corn.

Clarion Alley

BART Stop: 16th Street Mission

Distance from the station: 0.1 miles

 

Clarion Alley

Clarion Alley

Photo courtesy of Zervas via Flickr CC

 

For a place to wander after you’ve hit up a few of the Mission’s thrift shops, Clarion Alley provides a mixture of political graffiti and murals left over from the early 90s. It is located between Mission and Valencia streets and 17th and 18th streets and is worth a visit if you are a fan of graffiti art.

 

Insider Tip: Watch out for the homeless and bring a friend along if you go in the evening.

 

El Farolito’s Top Mexican Food 

BART Stop: 24th Street Mission

Distance from the station: Less than a minute walk

Photo courtesy of Eric Mesa.

 

Best San Francisco Burritos

Best San Francisco Burritos

Don’t let the shabby exterior fool you: The authentic Mexican food at El Farolito is some of the best in the city. A Yelp reviewer went as far as to call their food life changing, adding: “Every bite will take you to foodgasmic heaven.” Be prepared to wait in line, however. El Farolito is extremely popular.

 

Insider Tip: Try a carne asada Super Burrito. Your stomach may burst trying to finish it (they’re huge) but your taste buds will love you.

→ No CommentsTags: ·

Bike Sharing in San Francisco

August 10th, 2015 · Activities

san francisco bike bicycleWant to rent an amazing bike, not rental-store junk when you visit San Francisco?  Spinlister is basically the AirBNB of bicycles, where people rent out their bicycles, and the selection is amazing.  This ranges from very basic bicycles to very high-end bicycles used for racing and mountain biking.  Spinlister has produced a guide to biking around San Francisco which includes very detailed routes including:

  • Panhandle ride in Golden Gate Park
  • Valencia Street in the Mission District and Castro
  • Offroad bike trails in McLaren Park

And many more!  If you’re looking for detailed bicycling routes or to rent a cool bike – Spinlister has some great stuff.

→ No CommentsTags: ·

October Weather in San Francisco

June 15th, 2015 · Weather

muir woodsSeptember and October are ideal months for visiting San Francisco if you desire good weather during your stay. October tends to be just a slight bit chillier than September with a tiny chance of rain compared (compared to dry September) but the two months are very similar. There are great events to enjoy in the Bay Area in October including a few of the biggest outdoor festivals of the year. The windiness of the summer months has calmed down and the accompanying biting chill has dissipated. Often there is also a drop in hotel prices in San Francisco during the fall months so you can enjoy the beautiful weather and big events at an affordable price.

The average low temperature in San Francisco in October is 55 degrees. The average high is 69. There is a slight drop in temperature as the month carries on, so the average high at the beginning of October is closer to 72 degrees while the average high at the end of the month hovers around 66. The average lows drop similarly. There is typically very little wind in the city during this lovely month, and although there is an average of one inch of rainfall each October, it’s statistically unlikely that it will rain during your stay. All-in-all October tends to be a predictable month weather-wise. You should still bring a windbreaker and a scarf because you just never know what a day will be like in San Francisco but for the most part you can be comfortable in average autumn clothing.

Since the weather is so nice, October is a terrific month to enjoy outdoor activities. In fact, the most popular October event is the free outdoor music festival Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. It’s one of the most popular free things to do in San Francisco, and the acts include many big names such as Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Ryan Adams, Roseanne Cash, Dwight Yokam and Bela Fleck. If your music tastes trend towards electronica instead of folk then perhaps you’d prefer Treasure Island Music Festival.

Of course, music isn’t all that you can see outdoors in San Francisco in October. One of the year’s most popular events is Fleet Week, when you can head down near Pier 39 to enjoy ship tours and air shows. Perhaps you are more literary than military; October is the month for Litquake, which features over one week of reading/ writing performances and culminates in the LitCrawl where you can stroll from venue to venue to see a variety of spoken word acts. And it’s worth it to head out to Ocean Beach to check out the amazing creativity in the annual LEAP Arts sandcastle contest.

In addition to all of these larger events, there are smaller neighborhood festivals that will allow you to enjoy the good weather in different neighborhoods through the city. The month kicks off with Fiesta on the Hill in Bernal Heights and Castro Street Fair, continues with Union Street’s Wine Walk and North Beach’s Italian Heritage Festival and comes to a close with Potrero Hill Festival. If you want to see a number of different neighborhoods and happen to be a runner, October is also the month of the Bridge to Bridge 7K and 12K races and the Nike Women’s Marathon.

What if the weather does happen to turn chilly for a bit or you just need an indoor activity that will allow you to sit down and rest those feet that can get tired from all of the walking down on San Francisco trips? There are plenty of indoor events in October as well. A few examples are the San Francisco Dance Film Festival, Yerba Buena Arts Night, the Vintage Couture Ball, and Sundance Stampede (an LGBT country dance festival).

Traveling to San Francisco in a month other than October? Check our average San Francisco temperature chart to see what the weather will be during your visit.

→ No CommentsTags: ···