12 Things To Do In San Francisco This Summer – 2023

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1. SUNDOWN CINEMA

Sundown Cinema is one of my favorite events in the city! Laying down on a blanket in the park, snuggling comfortably, eating snacks, and watching a movie- what’s better? Half of the vibe, for sure, comes from the place itself- San Francisco parks are so many and so different. It’s important to remember to bring warm clothes and thick blankets, because it gets pretty cold in the evening sometimes, especially in the parks close to the water.

Here’s the schedule for this summer:

• June 8th (Thursday) @ Alamo Square Park – Invasion of the Body Snatchers
• June 30th (Friday) @ The Presidio Civil War Parade Ground – Top Gun: Maverick
• July 21st (Friday) @ Crane Cove Park – Moana
• August 18th (Friday) @ Dolores Park – Mamma Mia
• September 8th (Friday) @ India Basin Shoreline Park – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
• September 29th (Friday) @ The Ferry Building – Legally Blonde
• October 20th (Friday) @ Jerry Garcia Amphitheater (McLaren Park) – Ghostbusters

2. OFF THE GRID

Off The Grid is California’s largest weekly food truck market night, which is held every Friday between April and November at Fort Mason. There’s plenty of food options, cocktails, deserts, music performances, and entertainment for everyone. Kids and dogs are welcome too!

Just so you know, a little bird told me the Bulgarian Cuisine truck KUKER is supposed to be at Off The Grid this summer which means you can try some tasty Bulgarian food while enjoying live music! And you can ask all my friends who have tried it… It is absolutely delish!

Find more info here!

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“If you want to impress me with your car, it better be a food truck”

– Sounds like me

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3. GO TO A FESTIVAL, CONCERT OR FAIR (OR TO ALL)

Festivals and concerts happen literally everyday in San Francisco and it’s hard to keep up. The good news is that there’s something interesting happening on each day of the week, so it doesn’t matter what days you’re available. You will find something to enjoy.

Some of the most popular festivals in the summer in San Francisco are Stern Grove and Outside Lands. The first one offers many free concerts in June, July, and August, but requires a registration prior. Outside Lands is held in August and includes tons of different artists and bands, who perform in Golden Gate Park.

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List of upcoming street fairs and festivals in San Francisco:

North Beach Festival – North Beach, June 17-18th

SF Juneteenth – Fillmore, June 17th

SF Pride – Civic Center, June 24-25th

Fillmore Jazz Festival – Pacific Heights, July 1-2nd

Nihonmachi Street Fair – Japantown, August 5-6th

Pistahan Parade and Festival – SoMa, August 12-13th

Haight Ashbury Street Fair – The Haight, September 17th

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival – Chinatown, September 23-24th

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Here’s also a list of upcoming county fairs in the Bay Area:

San Mateo County Fair – June 3-11th
Solano County Fair – June 15-18th
Alameda County Fair – June 16-July 9th
Marin County Fair – June 30-July 4th
Santa Clara County Fair – July 26-August 6th
Sonoma County Fair – August 3-13th
Napa County Fair – August 10-13th
Santa Cruz County Fair – September 13-17th

For concerts check TickPick! Sign up now and get $10 off your first purchase! No hidden fees and always pay the price you see before checkout!

Check also GameTime for concerts and get $5 when you sign up with my code: SCORE325176!

4. HIT SOME OF THE BEACHES

Let me be clear from the very beginning. When I say “hit the beaches” I literally mean the beach itself. Because, my dear friends, most likely the water will be too cold for you to dip in. So many people come to San Francisco expecting the usual Californian weather, just to find out that San Francisco has its own weather which is, like we love to say, completely bipolar.

So going to the beach most of the time means bringing towels, blankets, and chairs, enjoying a snack or bonfire (wherever is allowed), watching the sunset, getting some sun. But not really getting into the water, or at least not as much as you would at other Californian spots. That doesn’t mean though that you won’t have a great time! 

5. WATCH A BASEBALL GAME

San Francisco is home of the Giants, so don’t miss the chance to attend a game! Even if you don’t like or understand the sport and the rules, being at the stadium is pretty much enough to have a good time. Add the yummy food and the bay view and I guarantee you- you’ll have a great game date.

Buy game tickets here and get $5 when you sign up with my code: SCORE325176

6. ENJOY A ROOFTOP

San Francisco’s weather is not the best for partying on top of a building most of the time, but there are some really nice places to check out and have dinner or a drink at!

I love CityScape at the Hilton on O’Farrell, Charmaine’s on Market and my favorite- The View Lounge at Marriott Marquis. Prepare yourself that you might not be able to see much though, because the fog in San Francisco is kind of unpredictable and may cover your view completely. Try to enjoy it anyway 🙂

Here are a few more options: Kaiyo Rooftop, Cavana, Hotel VIA, Shelby’s Rooftop Lounge, 620 Jones, and Rise Over Sun at The Line Hotel.If you’re looking for a place to fully dine at with a view- El Techo is one of my favorites!

7. GO ON A HIKE

San Francisco has amazing hikes and trails that you won’t even assume exist in the city. That’s one of my favorite things- finding a spot in the middle of the city that feels like you’re out of there and somewhere completely far away.

Go check the Glen Canyon, Strawberry Hill in Golden Gate Park, Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve, the trails in McLaren Park, the locals’ favorite Lands End. If you’re feeling like going out of the city, don’t miss Hawk Hill or Muir Beach Overlook in Marin Headlands and the National Monument Muir Woods.

8. PICNIC IN THE PARK

There are so many parks in San Francisco that sometimes it’s hard to pick which one to go to. My number one for a picnic is Dolores Park. It’s a party spot with an amazing city view and it’s close to many different food places that I love. Another option is Golden Gate Park, where you can combine your picnic with renting a boat in Stow Lake.

Check also Top 20 Parks in San Francisco!

9. RIDE A BIKE OR WATERBIKE

Riding a bike in the city is a favorite activity for locals and tourists. Don’t miss it out! Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, explore the Marina District or ride through Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach. 

If you want to check out one of the newest city attractions, try the water bikes! They are fun and they provide a great view to the bay, plus a guaranteed workout!

Find the water bikes here!

10. RUN A MARATHON

You don’t need to be an athlete or a professional runner to do it! If you’re aware of your capability and you run often, you should be ready to participate at least in the 5k option. You can check the most popular San Francisco Marathon or the family friendly Bubble Run!

11. FARMERS MARKET, YOGA SESSIONS, AND MORE!

Probably the most popular farmers market in the city is the one at the Ferry Building. You have three chances every week to visit it- on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. You can also check out their other markets or join a yoga class! Stay up to date with what’s happening at the Ferry building here!

12. GO WINE TASTING

If you’re a wine lover you definitely need to go wine tasting when in the Bay Area! Some of the most exclusive and popular wineries are here and it would be a shame if you miss them. Napa and Sonoma are the two counties where you will find plenty of amazing places. Always check working hours and make reservations first, some of the wineries close early and don’t let walk-ins.

Check 10 Iconic Places to Visit in San Francisco if this is your first time there!

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