May Birthday Ideas in San Francisco
Planning a birthday in San Francisco during May offers a variety of options. The city provides activities ranging from outdoor adventures to culinary experiences. Whether you’re organizing a celebration for yourself or someone else, San Francisco has no shortage of fun, easygoing ways to mark the occasion. Here are some birthday ideas to consider when planning your special day.
Birthday Ideas For a May Birthday
1. Picnic in Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park offers expansive green spaces suitable for a birthday picnic. Areas like the Conservatory of Flowers lawn or Stow Lake provide scenic spots for gatherings. Bringing your own food or ordering from local eateries can make the experience enjoyable.
- Location: Golden Gate Park, 501 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
- Website: sfrecpark.org
- Email: rpdinfo@sfgov.org
- Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM – Midnight
- Cost: Free
2. Attend the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival features various performances, including music and dance, throughout May. Attending a performance can add a cultural touch to a birthday celebration.
- Location: Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission St., between 3rd and 4th St., San Francisco
- Website: ybgfestival.org
- Dates: May through October
- Cost: Free
- Contact form
- View the events calendar
3. Visit a Museum
San Francisco hosts several museums that can be interesting to explore on a birthday. Institutions like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or the Exploratorium offer engaging exhibits.
- SFMOMA: sfmoma.org
- Address: 151 Third St., San Francisco, CA 94103
- Tickets: Purchase here
- Email: visit@sfmoma.org.
- Exploratorium: exploratorium.edu
- Address: Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street) San Francisco, CA 94111
- Tickets: Purchase here
- Email: visit@exploratorium.edu
4. Take a Bay Cruise
A cruise on the San Francisco Bay provides views of the city skyline and landmarks. Various companies offer different types of cruises, from sightseeing to dining experiences.
- City Cruises: cityexperiences.com
- Booking: Advance reservations recommended
- Cost: Varies by cruise type
- Contact form
5. Explore Local Cuisine
San Francisco’s diverse culinary scene includes numerous restaurants suitable for a birthday meal. Options range from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.
- Restaurant Recommendations:
b. patisserie - Website: bpatisserie.com
- Location: 2821 California St. @ Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94115
- Hours: Wed t-Fri 8am-4pm; Sat-Sun 8am-5pm
- Email: contact@bpatisserie.com
McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood & Steaks - Website: mccormickandschmicks.com
- Location: 900 North Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109
- Hours: Sun: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Mon: 3:30 PM – 9:00 PM; Tues. – Thurs.: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM; Fri – Sat: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Happy Hour: Mon – Fri 4PM – 6PM
- Make your reservations here
Franciscan Crab Restaurant - Website: franciscancrabrestaurant.com
- Location: Pier 43 1/2Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco, CA 94133
- Hours: 12 PM – 8:00 PM; serving until 9:30 every day
- Email: comments@franciscanrestaurant.com
- Validated parking available; see website for details
Scoma’s Restaurant - Website: scomas.com
- Location: 1965 Al Scoma Way, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Hours: Mon – Thurs: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Fri – Sat: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM; Sun: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Email: seafood@scomas.com
- Complimentary valet parking available; see website for details
China Live - Website: chinalivesf.com
- Location: 644 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133
- Hours: Mon–Thurs: Noon-9 PM; Fri: Noon-9:30 PM; Sat: 4 PM-9:30 PM; Sunday 4 PM-9 PM
- Phone: (415)788-8188
6. Sunset Cruise on the San Francisco Bay
A sunset cruise provides a unique way to celebrate a birthday, offering stunning views of the city skyline and landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge. The golden hour light makes for excellent photo opportunities, especially as the sun dips behind the Marin Headlands. It’s a casual, low-effort plan that still feels special and memorable. There are also several day cruises to choose from.
- Website: sfbayadventures.com
- Sailing Dates: May 2, 4, 10, 11, 25, and 26, 2025
- Cost: Varies
- Email: info@sfbayadventures.com
- Purchase tickets and view upcoming activities here
7. Visit the Japanese Tea Garden
For a peaceful birthday experience, the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park offers serene landscapes and traditional architecture. Late spring means cherry blossoms and vibrant greenery, ideal for a walk and quiet reflection. It’s also a relaxed spot for casual photos or journaling if you want time to yourself.
- Website: japaneseteagardensf.com
- Location: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118
- Hours: Open daily; Winter 9 AM – 4:45 PM; Summer 9 AM – 5:45 PM
- Admission: Gardens of Golden Gate Park
- Contact form
- Note: No pets allowed in the tea garden
8. Attend the San Francisco International Arts Festival
Celebrate your birthday by immersing yourself in diverse performances at the San Francisco International Arts Festival.
The lineup includes both local and international talent, making it a chance to see something unexpected. Some shows take place in smaller venues, offering a more personal atmosphere.
- Website: sfiaf.org
- Dates: April 30 – May 11, 2025
- Location: Various venues in the Mission District
- Email: info@sfiaf.org
- Festival passes are the best option; Prices vary
- View the festival calendar here
9. Explore Alcatraz Island
For history enthusiasts, a birthday trip to Alcatraz Island offers a glimpse into the past with its historic prison and scenic views. The audio tour shares first-hand stories from former inmates and guards, adding depth to the visit. You’ll also get panoramic views of the city and the bay from the island’s edges.
- Website: cityexperiences.com
- Departure Point: Pier 33, San Francisco
- Tickets: Varies for day and night tours
- Note: Advance reservations recommended
10. Dine at Bon Délire
Treat yourself to a birthday meal at Bon Délire, a French bistro known for its modern twists on classic cuisine.
The setting is intimate without being too formal, and the wine list features lesser-known French selections. It’s ideal for a quieter celebration with close friends or a partner.
- Website: bondeliresf.com
- Address: Pier 3, Suite 102, San Francisco, CA 94111
- Hours: Brunch (Sundays): 11:30 AM — 3:00 PM; Lunch: Mon-Fri: 11:30 AM — 2:00 PM; Lunch: Sat. 11:30 AM — 3:30 PM; Dinner: Mon-Sat 5:00 PM — 10:00 PM
- Phone: 415 969-0655
11. Attend Carnaval San Francisco 2025
Join the vibrant Carnaval San Francisco festival for a lively birthday celebration filled with music and dance.
Expect colorful costumes, food vendors, and nonstop performances that bring Latin American and Caribbean cultures to life. It’s an energetic, open-air party where you can dance in the streets.
- Website: carnavalsanfrancisco.org
- Dates: May 24–25, 2025
- Location: 1333 Florida Street San Francisco, CA 94110
- Admission: Free
- Contact form
San Francisco in May provides a range of birthday celebration options to suit different interests. From tranquil gardens to lively festivals, the city offers experiences that can make your special day memorable. Consider your preferences and choose an activity that aligns with your idea of a perfect birthday. If you still need some more inspiration, check out these other event and activities happening in May.
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