There's still six weeks left of summer, plenty of time to fill out your bingo card with some of San Francisco's most essential warm-weather (or freezing, foggy weather, depending on the microclimate) activities.
Some of our favorite experiences have been beloved around here for 40, 80, even more than 100 years. And millions of Bay Areans over multiple generations can’t be wrong.
Ferry to Tiburon for so many oysters.
(Courtesy of @sams_cafe)
For generations, San Franciscans have chased warm, sunny weather across the bay for seafood on its shore. For a postcard-perfect ride across the sparkling water, hop on a boat at the SF Ferry Terminal that drops you at Tiburon’s adorable waterfront. You’ll have a number of options for fresh oysters and other local seafood once there, but the deck at the more than 100-year old Sam’s Anchor Cafe has some of the best views around.
// Sam's, 2700 Main St. (Tiburon), samscafe.com
Head to the park for Sundown Cinema.
(Courtesy of @sfstandard)
San Francisco’s parks are ground zero for a longstanding summer tradition: Sundown Cinema. Cult classic and kid-friendly flicks like The Parent Trap (Aug. 21st), School of Rock (Sept. 25th), and Bettlejuice (Oct. 16th) play monthly through October for free in green spaces around the city. Pack a picnic and a blanket (or four) and get there early to snag a good spot. All movies begin at sunset.
// Details at sfstandard.com.
Kayak or SUP on Tomales Bay.
(Courtesy of @ruiz_brothers_photography)
Get out on the water in West Marin’s bucolic Tomales Bay. On low wind days, its serene waters offer what’s arguably the best kayaking and SUP in the Bay Area. Rent a boat or board from Blue Waters Kayaking (11401 CA-1, Point Reyes Station) or Tomales Bay Kayak Expeditions (12948 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness) for a short paddle or one that lasts all day. Even better, keep your gear overnight and camp at one of the bay’s islands or water-access-only beaches.
Picnic at Dolores Park or Lake Merritt.
(Courtesy of @secretoakland)
For a joyous summer afternoon, go where the people watching is on point. In the city, the obvious choice is Dolores Park, that stretch of Mission greenery where cool kids and families alike soak up the sun. Grab a bottle of rosé and snacks from nearby Bi-Rite Market (3639 18th St.). In Oakland, the festival atmosphere at Lake Merritt will brighten up any average day. Don’t overthink this one: Sometimes summer’s best days are those that require the least planning.
// Dolores Park, 19th & Dolores St. (Mission), sfrecpark.org; Lake Merritt, 568 Bellevue Ave. (Oakland), visitoakland.com
Ride a rollercoaster at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
(Courtesy of @beachboardwalk)
Nothing that says summer in the Bay Area like the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk where classic rides (think, the 1924 wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper), carnival games, and garlic fries convene for a day of sun and fun. Stay late on Thursday and Friday nights throughout the summer to catch an evening concert or movie on the amusement park’s iconic beach.
// 400 Beach St. (Santa Cruz), beachboardwalk.com
See Shakespeare’s work come to life.
SF Shakes' 1987 production of 'Much Ado About Nothing.'
(Courtesy of @sfshakesfest)
Shakespeare in the Park (SF Shakes) is back for its 43rd season with the bard’s take on the Roman Empire, Antony and Cleopatra. The free outdoor production takes the stage in three locations throughout the summer, beginning in Cupertino (now through August 9th) and Redwood City (August 15th to 30th). September 5th, it arrives at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in SF's McLaren Park. Go early for the best seats.
// Details at sfshakes.org
Kick up your heels at Oakland's First Fridays.
Oakland's 2020 Juneteenth celebration.
(Courtesy of @oaklandfirstfridays)
Oakland’s monthly street party First Fridays technically runs year-round, but it’s the event’s summer dates that are deeply etched into our calendar. The next one up is this week, August 7th, an event they've christened Oakland Rides & Town Vibes. First Fridays pack Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to 27th Street with musical artists, comedians, dancers, fashion shows, and more. Come for the entertainment, stay for the food, goods made by local businesses, and other community-based and kid-friendly offerings.
// Details at oaklandfirstfridays.org.
