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Published March 12, 2024
The Ultimate San Francisco Spring Bucket List
Tulip fields, outdoor festivals, boat parades, and more! Here's everything to do in SF this spring. 🌷🐇
by San Francisco Bucket List
San Francisco may be known for perpetual mild weather (and the ever-present fog), but it shines in the spring with blooming flowers, longer days, and warmer temperatures. The vibes in SF are on point this time of year, and there are so many ways to make the most of it—from exploring the city's parks and gardens to perusing the seasonal outdoor fairs and markets and much more.
To make things easy, we've rounded up some of the best activities and events to check off your San Francisco bucket list this spring! So grab a light jacket and get ready to enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer!
The Best Things to Do This Spring in San Francisco
See a Rainbow of Tulips at the Queen Wilhelmina Garden
All of Golden Gate Park is gorgeous in the spring, but there's one spot you can't miss. For a few weeks in March, you'll find hundreds of colorful tulips under the Dutch windmill in the Queen Wilhelmina Garden at the west end of the park. The bulbs are donated each year by the Dutch Bulb Growers Association, and the decades-long tradition offers a little slice of the Netherlands in SF.
Where: 47th Avenue and Great Highway at the Dutch Windmill
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Attend the NoCal Cherry Blossom Festival & Grand Parade
Celebrate the return of cherry blossom season in Japantown at the NoCal Cherry Blossom Festival, the largest celebration of Asian tradition on the West Coast, from April 13 to 21. Enjoy art displays, music and dance performances, hands-on crafts and activities, and much more. It all culminates with the Grand Parade, complete with taiko drummers, dancers, and decorative floats!
Where: 1759 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA
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Stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the most popular year-round attractions in San Francisco, featuring an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds, and a zen garden. Spring is one of the most picturesque times to visit, with the cherry blossom trees in bloom throughout the garden in March and April.
Where: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA
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Catch Free Concerts at Golden Gate Park's Bandshell
Golden Gate Bandshell Concerts are back for 2024 with a new lineup of free performances in iconic Golden Gate Park. With over 100 performances coming to SF this season, the series will bring a diverse lineup of performers from R&B, soul, jazz, and funk to big band musicians, string ensembles, indie and psychedelic rock bands, and more!
Where: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA
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Celebrate Spring at Union Square in Bloom
Union Square in Bloom is back for a third year starting March 23! The event runs all season long and commemorates the floral legacy of Union Square. The shops and businesses in the neighborhood show out with gorgeous floral displays, special seasonal dishes and cocktails, free concerts, fun pop-ups, and more.
Where: Union Square
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Partake in the Madness at Bring Your Own Bigwheel
Have you heard of Bring Your Own Bigwheel? It's a wild event where kids and adults deck out their big wheels and race through Vermont Street in Petro Hill. This year's event is on March 31, with young riders under 13 taking to the streets from 2 pm to 3 pm, followed by adult riders from 3 pm to 5 pm. Registration is open now if you're interested in racing your own big wheel, or you can come to spectate and cheer on the racers. Either way, it makes for a fun and hilarious afternoon.
Where: Vermont St at 20th in Potrero Hill
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Have a Spring Tea Party
Did you know you can attend high tea right here in SF? Neiman Marcus serves afternoon tea every day starting at 2:30, It’s the perfect reason to gather your besties and celebrate spring. The Signature Tea Service includes a pot of tea, a selection of small bites, and fantastic views of the city. Or, stop into The Palace Hotel, where you can take in the richly decorated interior of the Garden Court Restaurant while enjoying an elegant afternoon tea.
Where: The Rotunda: Level Four, 150 Stockton Street / The Palace Hotel: 85 2nd Streer
Sip Cocktail Potions at a New Wizard-Inspired Bar
An enchanting bar inspired by your favorite childhood wizards and witches has arrived in SF! Try creative magical cocktails with a full menu of spellbinding cuisine. The space has lots of curated attention to detail, creating an unforgettable experience that's truly miraculous.
Where: 2030 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
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EXCLUSIVE
Wear Your Costume to the Bay To Breakers 12k Fun Run
Join the Bay to Breakers Fun Run on May 19 and run, jog, or dance your way through the streets of San Francisco. This race is made for everyone, so dress up, bring your friends, and be cheered on every step of the way by SF’s finest crowds!
Where: Start Line: Main Street & Howard Street / Finish Line: Ocean Beach Parking Lot, Great Highway
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Hike to See the Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Park
The return of spring means the return of hiking season! Take a trip down to Año Nuevo State Park for fresh air, sand, ocean views, and the chance to get an up-close glimpse of the elephant seals. You'll hike through 3-4 miles of scenic coastal terrace prairie, dune fields, scrub, and ocean bluffs with docents at every viewing area to explain what you're viewing and answer any questions. Guided tours are required through March, but the trail is open for self-guided hikes starting April 1.
P.S. We rounded up 10 more scenic hikes in SF here!
Where: Año Nuevo State Park: The trail starts at the Marine Education Center and theater.
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Listen to Live Jazz at Stow Lake
Spend an afternoon paddling around Stow Lake and follow it up with an evening of live music in the boathouse. Lakehouse Jazz is a unique and intimate concert experience where you can listen to and learn jazz from some of the best musicians in the Bay Area. Pro tip: it makes for a great date night!
Where: Stow Lake Boathouse: 50 Stow Lake Drive East San Francisco, CA
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See a Parade of Boats at Opening Day on The Bay
Kick off boating season at the annual Opening Day on the Bay celebration on April 28! The event showcases over 100 decorated boats, including yachts, tugboats, fireboats, sailboats, and more, all decorated to the theme "Rockin On The Bay." The parade starts at noon and runs just north of Anita Rock off the shore of Crissy Field in the Presidio and follows along the city front to the first Fort Mason building east of the Marina Green.
Where: You can see it from Crissy Field to Pier 39
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Go to a Yoga Launch & Afterparty at The Hibernia
The Hibernia is hosting a Soul Sunday Yoga Launch Day on March 24! The event features two floors of yoga classes with top teachers, musicians, DJs, and local artists. You can try both classic and modern yoga styles in one of the most historic and stunning spaces in SF and then enjoy an afterparty with DJs, dancing, drinks, and positive vibes.
Where: The Hibernia: 1 Jones St, San Francisco, CA
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Shop the Renegade Craft Fair
The Renegade Craft Fair returns to Fort Mason on April 6 and 7! Browse unique goods from home decor to beauty products to one-of-a-kind art and everything in between. Over 250 artists and makers from the Bay Area and beyond will be there, so you're bound to find a few treasures to refresh your space for spring!
Where: Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion: 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco, CA
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