Summertime in the Bay Area is truly unparalleled. Sunshine slowly gives way to picture-perfect evenings and refreshing summer air, and all you want is to soak it all in! Whether you’re a Bay Area native or visiting for the first time, here’s a quick guide to the perfect summer day in the Bay.
Hang-out in Oakland
First Fridays – Oakland’s First Fridays are family-friendly, community gatherings held on the first Friday of every month. With no entrance fee, visitors can enjoy live music, art galleries and demonstrations, or even skating classes with individuals from the local community.
Jack London Square – The recreational, dining, and commercial area sits right on the waterfront of Lake Merritt and offers endless adventures to explore. Check out their “Live on the Square” festivals every Friday at 6pm for Caribbean music, dance lessons, food, and more!
Movies – Head to The New Parkway Theatre, known for their comfortable seating and unique take on movie theatre food. Also be sure to see the many venues hosting special outdoor showings of films ranging from 70s horror to the latest Disney releases. A quick search on Fun Cheap SF will tell you exactly what’s playing near you.
Visit San Francisco
SF’s annual Pride Festival – Check out the largest gathering of the LGBT+ community in the nation. The historic festivities take to the streets of downtown San Francisco during this unforgettable yearly celebration.
Bar Crawl – The weekly Nob Hill Pub Crawl travels around the legendary SF Nob Hill and Union Square neighborhoods for a memorable night.
Comedy Club – Grab some last minute tickets to The Punch Line SF for a night of laughs with renowned headliners, improv troupes, and more. Dave Chappelle is known to stop by every now and then for surprise shows, so don’t miss out!
Concert – With countless venues hosting artists from all genres– country to EDM to hip hop, there is a musical evening suited to your tastes hiding right around the corner. Check websites like Do The Bay for the latest news on events and tickets!
Pink Elephant Alibi – Bottomless mimosas, need I say more?
Mission District – History, hipsters, and hearty food joints can all be found in the Mission District of San Francisco. Whether you choose to shop at a vintage bookstore or admire the numerous murals, there is something for everyone in this neighborhood
Make a Quick Detour to Berkeley
Enjoy the Sunset – Head back to the shore or the rolling hills behind UC Berkeley, ranked the #1 public university by Forbes America’s Top Colleges 2018, to soak in the vivid colors of a Pacific Coast sundown.
Coffee at a Cafe – Berkeley is home to the original Peet’s Coffee and Tea and Victory Point Cafe, the Bay’s first board game cafe. Both are excellent spots for a cup of Joe or winding down after an eventful weekend. If you have time, we recommend stopping by a Philz Coffee and trying out their Mint Mojito– perfect for a hot summer day!
Spend Some Time Outdoors
Get Some Steps In – The beautiful rolling landscapes and forestry of Northern California make the trails perfect for summertime hikes. Whether taking a short walk around the Palace of the Fine Arts or scaling Mount Diablo in the East Bay, be sure to pack a water bottle with you!
Related Post: 9 Beautiful Hikes Within an Hour of San Francisco
Go to the Beach – Take an umbrella, a picnic basket, and your favorite book to the sunny California shores. Head to Ocean Beach for dogs and beautiful sunsets or Half Moon Bay for a lovely cliffside view.
Dolores Park – There’s always something new to do on this side of San Francisco; the open grounds make it a perfect all-day spot for sunbathing and people watching. Plus, the local favorite, Bi-Rite Creamery, is just a few feet away and makes for the perfect summertime treat!
Landmarks – The iconic Golden Gate Bridge runs across the mile wide straight between San Francisco and Marin county. Visitors can choose to drive, bike, or walk along the bridge and spend an afternoon exploring the attractions at Golden Gate park.
However you choose to explore the San Francisco Bay Area, there is something perfect for everyone in this diverse, historic region. Connect with the community and don’t forget to share all your memories by snapping some photos. Let us know on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook if you tried any of these adventures and how you liked it!
Visiting for the holidays? Here are our favorite San Francisco holiday traditions.