Best Things to Do in San Francisco This Summer
Summer in San Francisco means outdoor fun, local events, and daily adventures across the city. From weekend street fairs to self-guided tours and seasonal programs, there’s something happening every day. Whether you’re visiting or staying close to home, here are some of the best things to do in San Francisco this summer.
How To Spend Your Summer In San Francisco
Visit The Pier 39 Sea Lions
A visit to Pier 39 isn’t complete without seeing the sea lions sunbathing and barking near the docks. Watch them lounge, play, and dive in the bay just steps from shops and restaurants. It’s one of San Francisco’s most lively waterfront spots.
• Website: https://pier39.com/sealions
• Date: Open daily
• Where: Pier 39, San Francisco
• Price: Free
Party At The Stern Grove Festival
Each Sunday this summer, enjoy outdoor concerts in a forested park setting with top musicians across genres. Bring a blanket, pack snacks, and unwind under the eucalyptus trees. Reservations are required, but entry remains free.
• Website: https://www.sterngrove.org
• Date: Sundays, June 15 – August 17, 2025
• Where: Stern Grove Park, San Francisco
Shop The BeChinatown Night Market
Now drawing 10,000–18,000 visitors monthly, the event features 40+ Chinatown restaurants and merchants, Asian-inspired games and activities, and live performances by rising Asian American DJs.
Website: https://bechinatown.weebly.com
Date: August 8, 2025
Where: Grant Ave
Price: Free entry
See The Biggest Artists At Outside Lands Music Festival
This multi-day festival features top music acts, food vendors, and art installations in a spacious park setting. It’s known for attracting global artists and drawing thousands to Golden Gate Park. Plan ahead as tickets sell quickly.
• Website: https://www.sfoutsidelands.com
• Date: August 8–10, 2025
• Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
• Price: Ticket prices vary
Cross The Golden Gate Bridge
Stroll or bike the bridge for sweeping views of the bay, city skyline, and Marin Headlands. A must-do classic outing.
• Website: https://www.sftravel.com/things-to-do/attractions/iconic-sf/golden-gate-bridge
• Date: Daily
• Where: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
• Price: Free
Explore The Japanese Tea Garden
Explore tranquil ponds, stone lanterns, and traditional Japanese landscaping in Golden Gate Park. America’s oldest public Japanese garden.
• Website: https://www.japaneseteagardensf.com
• Date: Daily year‑round
• Where: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco
• Price: Adult tickets starting at $18.75
See Japanese Breakfast at The Masonic
Experience Japanese Breakfast performing live in San Francisco as part of The Melancholy Tour, with support from Ginger Root. This much-anticipated indie-pop act will bring music from their latest album and fan favorites.
• Website: https://japanesebreakfast.rocks
• Date: August 27 & 28, 2025
• Where: The Masonic, San Francisco
• Price: Tickets starting at $40
Enjoy The Water at Sunset Dunes Park
This two-mile linear park opened spring 2025 and offers dunes, walking lanes, bike access, a skate park, art murals lounging spaces and serene ocean vistas next to Ocean Beach. Ideal for fresh air and coastal walk.
• Website: https://sfrecpark.org/1555/Sunset-Dunes
• Date: Daily
• Where: Great Hwy, San Francisco
• Price: Free
Watch a San Francisco Giants Game + Drone Show
Catch the SF Giants playing at one of the most scenic ballparks in the country, with a Pokemon GO themed drone show and exclusive t-shirt.
• Website: https://www.mlb.com/giants/tickets/specials/drone-show
• Date: August 29, 2025
• Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco
• Price: Tickets starting at $39
Visit The De Young Museum For Free on Saturdays
This fine arts museum features rotating exhibits from around the world and offers free general admission to residents of the nine Bay Area counties.
• Website: https://www.famsf.org
• Date: Every Saturday
• Where: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco
• Price: Admission $20 or Free for residents
Take a Tour of the Murals in the Mission District
Explore the rich history and culture of San Francisco through a guided walking tour of the Mission District’s iconic murals. It’s a great summer activity to enjoy art outdoors while learning about local voices.
• Website: https://sfcityguides.org/tour/mission-murals
• Date: Year-round, daily
• Where: Meet in front of Charlie’s Deli Cafe, 3202 Folsom St. at Precita.
Ride A Cable Car Ride To Chinatown
Hop on a cable car and ride through Nob Hill into Chinatown, one of the oldest in the U.S. Walk the markets, grab dim sum, and visit traditional temples.
• Website: https://www.sfmta.com/getting-around/muni/cable-cars
• Date: Daily
• Where: Various locations
• Price: Single ticket $9
Browse Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Held every Saturday outside the Ferry Building, this market features over 100 local vendors offering fresh produce, artisan goods, and prepared meals. Enjoy brunch options and catch free cooking demos at the Foodwise Classroom.
• Website: https://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/farmers-market
• Date: Every Saturday
• Where: One Ferry Building #50, 1 Ferry Plaza, San Francisco
• Price: Free entry
That’s just a sample of what the city has going on. With live shows, free markets, and hands-on activities happening now through the summer, you won’t run out of options. For more summer fun, check out Free Outdoor Movie Nights Return to Union Square with “Cinema on the Square”.
More…
- https://www.thesanfranciscopeninsula.com/blog/stories/post/summer-bucket-list-on-the-san-francisco-peninsula
- https://www.sftravel.com/article/san-francisco-festivals-events-august
- https://www.sftourismtips.com/things-to-do-in-san-francisco-in-august.html
