Spring is here! It’s time to get outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Bay Area. Here are eight of our favorite things to do in San Francisco this spring.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade & Unite SF Celebration
Date: March 14, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m.
Location: The parade begins at 2nd & Market Streets, and goes down Market Street before ending at Civic Center Plaza.
Price: Free to attend!
Details: This St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the oldest in the United States and draws 100,000 people annually. The 175th annual festival kicks off with a Mass at 9:00 a.m., and the festival and parade begin at 11:30 a.m. Attendees can check out the parade, and enjoy food, live music, and special performances and guests at the festival center in Civic Center Plaza! You can learn more about the parade and festival here.
Picnic in The Presidio
Date: Anytime! The park is open 24 hours a day year-round.
Location: The Presidio National Park. You can find details about picnic areas here.
Price: Free!
Details: This spectacular park is a great place to spend an afternoon. Take a walk, bring a picnic, and take in the scenic views. Learn more about The Presidio here.
Renegade Craft Fair
Dates: March 28 – 29, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd.
Cost: Free! Suggested donation of $5
Details: This traveling craft fair brings more than 250 artists, designers and creatives together under one roof. Shop small and explore vendors from San Francisco and beyond at this two day art extravaganza! You can find maps and additional details about the Craft Fair here.
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
Dates: April 11 – 12 & 18 – 19
Location: Various locations around Japantown.
Cost: Free!
Details: The 58th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates Japanese and Japanese-American culture in the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown. The two-weekend celebration has a full line-up with food booths, cultural performances, martial arts, live bands, the annual Queen Program, and more! You can find more information about the festival here.
Bay to Breakers
Date: Sunday, May 17
Location: Starting line is near the San Francisco Bay, a few blocks from The Embarcadero.
Price: Free to watch! Registration starts at $94.15, full details are available here.
Details: Since 1912, more than 2 million costumed runners have run Bay to Breakers, a 12K race from San Francisco Bay to the breakers on Ocean Beach. It is one of the oldest continuously run foot races in the world, but most people come for the spectacle of it all; costumes are encouraged and can get very elaborate! You can learn more about Bay to Breakers here.
Union Street Spring Festival
Dates: TBA, typically the first weekend in June
Location: Union Street between Gough & Fillmore Streets.
Cost: Free!
Details: This street fair is one of San Francisco’s largest each year. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, food and drink, as well as family activities and booths from local vendors and artists. You can learn more as details become available here.
Check out a Giants Game
Dates: The Giants home opener is Wednesday, March 25. You can view the entire regular season schedule here.
Location: Oracle Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza.
Cost: Ticket price varies based on opponent
Details: Nothing says spring like a day at the ballpark. When the weather is nice, grab your friends and head over to Oracle Park to cheer on the home team.
Head out of town for Spring Break
If you’re heading out of town for spring break, we wouldn’t hold it against you. Catching a flight? Just remember to reserve your airport parking spot in advance!
Transportation Tips and Tricks
Street parking and metered parking is in very high demand throughout the San Francisco Area. Pay close attention to any posted signs; parking in a restricted spot could result in a ticket or even a boot. You can find more information on parking and restrictions here here.
If you are planning on parking on the street, we would recommend downloading the PayByPhone Parking app, which allows drivers to pay for parking and extend their time at a meter directly from their mobile device!
San Francisco also has many garages and lots that are available for a fee. You can use SpotHero to reserve a spot in advance and park with ease!
Public Transportation
San Francisco is served by the SFMTA Muni system, which is available for a fee. If you’re going to a large event, consider parking further away in a less busy area and taking public transit to save time and money. You can learn more and view maps and schedules here.
Happy spring, San Francisco!