golden gate bridge view in the fall

Finally, you’ve found it. The exclusive guide on 15 tried and tested fall activities in San Francisco. Whether you are a first-time visitor, a local, or a family, San Francisco in the fall has something to offer for everyone.

Don’t Miss Out on the Best 15 Fall Activities In San Francisco

Summer months get all the attention, but BER months get you the best weather in San Francisco. You are already ahead of common visitors by visiting in the fall. But by quickly going through our list, of our hand-picked fall favorites for you, you’re going to be a superstar. Whether you read it, save it or share it, have lots of fun and enjoy your visit.

1. Best Fall Activities In San Francisco Include Hikes

Our favorite is a hike to Battery Spenser. By hiking here you get THE BEST close-up views of the Golden Gate Bridge. When your eyes meet the orange glow, magic happens. Make sure to go two hours before sunset or sunrise to have the best picnic one hike away to the north side of the bridge. It’s completely free, quick, and worthy. This amazing feature has made a historic impact on San Francisco, and it is a must-see for everyone landmark for everyone.

2. Experience San Francisco In The Fall On A Ferris Wheel

San Francisco Ferris Wheel

There is no fog in San Francisco in the fall, so jump on the largest traveling observation Ferris wheel in America. it’s located in Golden Gate Park and it gives you clear, 360 views of downtown to the ocean between September and November and it’s calling you for a ride. This is surely one of the activities in San Francisco this fall that will please any crowd!

 

3. Beautiful Fall Activities In San Francisco At The Palace Of Fine Arts 

palace of fine arts at dusk

It’s one of the most favorite and recognizable landmarks where quinceaneras, proposals, weddings, and picnics regularly happen. But only a few know there is something else that Palace offers. We are talking about super fun escape rooms activity for groups. We beg you not to miss this jewel when you are In San Francisco, don’t forget about it.  Completely Magical!

4. Ghirardelli Square is the best way to experience San Francisco In The Fall

twighlight view of ghiardelli

 Nestled in the heart of San Francisco, this historic district is famous for its chocolate shops and ice cream parlors. During the fall months, Ghirardelli Square transforms into a festive Autumnal wonderland, with pumpkin-spiced lattes and caramel apples available for purchase. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of fall-themed events, including a Halloween parade and a pumpkin patch. You can’t say you’ve been to San Francisco in the fall if you don’t have hot chocolate at spooky square

5. GoCar Tours Are A Synonym For Silliest Activities In San Francisco

GoCars traveling with the golden gate bridge in the background

If you are running out of time, but need to book something quickly to see all of San Francisco in one day just book a tour with a silly yellow car and get ready to be guided around the city. Fill your cup will all the stores you ever needed to know about San Francisco because you get more than 100 stories in one guide, it’s for sure one of a kind storytelling ride! It can’t get sillier than this. Exciting! 

To get into the fall spirit, even more – check out our Halloween favorite activities.

6. Hidden Fall Activities In The Bay Area 

instagramablel photo of women having tea

San Francisco veterans are usually not aware of secret bars unless they hear about them from a friend. Have your friends told you about the Secret Bar? This is the most magical bar in San Francisco, located on Polk Street. It has the most delicious, creative, and Instagram-able cocktails. It is a great night out activity, a date, or a birthday and it’s just one of the many hidden bars around the city. Start with this one and let us know about your favorite hidden spots in the comments. 

7. The Most Awaited Air Show Happens In San Francisco In The Fall

The whole week is dedicated to it and you guessed it, we are talking about Fleet Week. It’s here and it’s the most awaited fall activity in Bay Area! 

Roof Top Bar Scene in San Francisco

You’ve probably watched Blue Angels perform breathtaking stunts in the sky before, but have you watched their air show dancing on the roof? If not, bring this experience to another level by watching the airshow at the old-fashioned roof party. You get a killer view and an International DJ playing house music. Later that night, follow a hyphy Marine Band to Mission, it’s a show. 

8. Hilarious Activities In San Francisco

pawn shop tapas bar

We dug out a real gem for you. It’s a hidden restaurant but what makes it so fun is the process of getting into it. Once you get into a pawn shop you have to pawn something to a grumpy pawnbroker who is in fact an actor. If you are successful, he will pull an object on a shelf that will transform the shelf into the door that leads to a hidden speakeasy-style tapas restaurant behind the pawn shop. 

During the night San Francisco gets cold in the fall, but the amazing food and crazy fun vibes of this restaurant will warm you up. Once you’re in the restaurant you get to watch others trying to sneak in through the secret entrance behind the shelves. Shh! Come on in. 

9. The #1 Magic Show is in San Francisco In The Fall 

jay alexander posing at a magic performance

Check out the number one Magic Show in San Francisco with Jay Alexander at the Marrakech Magic Theater, it’s the best entertainment show. Your jaw will drop after his mind-blowing tricks. Speakeasy, appetizers, and drinks are all Moroccan styles. Add this unforgettable experience to your San Francisco life. The performance will leave you absolutely speechless! 

10. Fall Activities In The Bay Area That You Never Thought Of

country themed music bar in san francisco

There are many bars in Castro, where you’ve probably had fun, but have you checked out Westwood at Marina? It’s a country-themed music bar where you can eat, dance, listen to live music, ride a mechanical bull, and experience southern vibes. All in one.  They serve you old-style cocktails, crafted drinks and whiskey, appetizer bites, and live music (every Friday). Try not to fall off of the mechanical bull, only a few succeeded. Later in the night join the dance floor crowd at Westwood, they have the speakeasy dance area with bottle service. The crowd is lit. Ride the bull!

In case you are trying to escape the city this fall, the help of the delicious and memorable Cheese Trail will guide your tastebuds to local fall flavors.

11. Kids Choose Pumpkin Patches In San Francisco In The Fall 

scarecrow and a pumpkin patch

The best pumpkin patch is a Clancy pumpkin patch. Family takes a lot of your energy, but a day on a pumpkin patch will definitely recharge you. Name a better activity in San Francisco than carving pumpkins with your family on a Clancy pumpkin patch. We’re waiting. Jokes aside, this is such a fun fall activity in Bay Area.

Visitors can pick their own pumpkins of all sizes and shapes to take home for carving and decorating. You can take hayrides in the city, and explore the corn maze, find ghosts in the trees and scarecrows in the patch.

The Clancy pumpkin patch is open from September to October, and tickets can be purchased online. This sprawling patch has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a perfect pumpkin to carve, some festive fall décor, or just a fun day out with the family. Kids will love exploring the enormous hay maze, while adults can enjoy seasonal food and drinks. And of course, there are plenty of pumpkins to choose from! 

Clancy pumpkin patch is sure to get you into the autumn spirit. So come on down to the Bay Area and enjoy all that the Clancy pumpkin patch has to offer! Spooky! 

12. Explore Boo At The Zoo Activities In San Francisco! 

If your kids love animals, be sure to visit San Franciso zoo in the fall because many baby animals are born this time of the year. The animals are also more active during cooler weather. Go early to see all of the animals and stay for the shows and demonstrations. The animal handlers are very knowledgeable about the animals and can answer any questions. 

The zoo also has a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs. You will go through Sloth-oween, a slow stroll around the zoo’s haunted houses (such as Franken-sloth) which is self-guided. You can also enjoy beer, live music, and a costume parade. There are plenty of fall activities for the whole family to enjoy. If you’re visiting the Zoo for the first time, be sure to check out the daily schedule of Boo at the Zoo events for reservations. And don’t forget to bring a jacket

13. Spooky Fall Activities In Bay Area

Decorated Haunted House in San Francisco

We are talking about spooky visiting Halloween houses. There are plenty of spooky houses decorated for Halloween in San Francisco neighborhoods for kids to check out. In 2020. a silly house owner who happened to be an engineer decided to create a huge mask for his house as a Halloween decoration and it was all on the news

There’s a house in San Francisco that goes all out for every Halloween with a Pirates of the Caribbean theme. It’s located at 24th and Douglas, where they also have live pirate battles a couple of times throughout the day which last for one minute. To find more spooky Halloween houses check out the Divisadero and Page or Masonic Ave and Upper Terrace. Their houses are decorated with spooky spiders, pumpkins, ghosts, and haunted backyards top down. 

14. Fully Experience San Francisco In The Fall by Visiting Stow Lake

pedal boating at stow lake

Visiting Stow Lake is such a magical way to experience San Francisco in the fall. Walking by the lake, rustic bridges, fall foliage, and fog make it look so dreamy and mesmerizing. It is a great way to enjoy the stunning fall scenery. As a first-time activity, it’s great and easy to learn as it doesn’t require any special equipment. The weather is mild and the leaves change color, making it a perfect time to be outdoors.

The crowds have thinned out and the weather is still warm enough to enjoy being on the water. The views from Stow Lake are incredible, and paddling around the calm waters is a great way to relax and take in all the beauty of nature. Rent a pedal boat and see birds at the lake. Stow Lake boathouse is located in Golden Gate Park, it’s surrounded by trees that turn a beautiful shade of orange as the leaves begin to fall. Add this to your list of things to do this season. 

15. The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park 

Japanese Tea Garden Was Created For s one of the most popular fall activities in San Francisco. Every year, thousands of people come to experience the tranquillity of the garden and enjoy a cup of warm tea. The experience is overwhelming and enchanting. The garden is filled with winding paths, beautiful flowers, and tinkling fountains. The air is thick with the scent of green tea and incense. And the sound of traditional Japanese music drifts through the air, adding to the garden’s ethereal atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or a first-time visitor, a trip to the Japanese Tea Garden is sure to be a memorable experience.

The garden is located in Golden Gate Park and was created in 1894 it is one of the oldest public Japanese gardens in the United States. The garden is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Visitors can wander around the gardens, relax by the koi pond, or enjoy a cup of tea at the tea house. The tea house serves traditional matcha green tea and visitors can purchase a cup of tea to go. 

There are so many fun family activities, you just have to remember to enjoy them, even though things don’t turn out as planned sometimes. 

Activities In San Francisco Are Endless! Here Is A Final Fall suggestion

women laughing while riding in a gocar

San Francisco is magical, especially in the fall. The leaves change color, the air gets crisp, and the city comes alive with new energy. There are so many great fall activities to enjoy in the Bay Area, from pumpkin carving to hiking or watching the leaves change color while exploring the Haight-Ashbury area, or enjoying a Golden Gate Bridge tour, in a uniquely-fun, open-air, yellow storytelling guide. Let’s go! 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan. There is something for everyone to enjoy during this magical season. Add some of these activities to your itinerary. You won’t regret it!