How to Enjoy San Francisco in Spring

Contributor

By Zach Chouteau
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (1 Ratings)

San Francisco is exhilarating in the spring.

San Francisco is a superb getaway anytime of year, but the argument could easily be made that the "City by the Bay" is at its best in the spring months. Here are some tips on fully enjoying a spring fling to San Francisco.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Layered clothing
Comfortable walking shoes

Step 1

Enjoy one of the many festive annual events coming to S.F. every spring. Two of the best are the acclaimed International Film Fest, taking place at various venues from late April to early May and the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival—a colorful tribute to the city’s proud Japanese heritage.
Step 2

Take in a baseball game at one of the finest ballparks in the country, AT&T Park, in San Francisco’s relatively new and hip South Beach neighborhood. The season generally kicks off in early April, and plan ahead when possible, as even in an off-year the Giants fill plenty of seats.
Step 3

Make sure to savor a stop at Golden Gate Park, which is a worthwhile visit anytime of year, but particularly nice in spring. Among the perfect pursuits for a cool-but-sunny day: golfing, boating on Stow Lake, meandering through conservatories and arboretums bursting with color, and—perhaps best of all—relaxing at the Japanese Tea Garden at the end of a busy afternoon.
Step 4

If you’ve never made the jaunt to infamous Alcatraz Island, spring is an excellent time for it—not as brisk as a windy winter outing to the exposed "Rock" and not as crowded with tourists as during a summer visit. Ferry service runs several times daily from Pier 41, and once on the island you can take a ranger-led tour or self-guided stroll.
Step 5

"Frisco" (don’t call it that when you get there!) is a great place to dine alfresco, and spring means refreshing outdoor dining weather without the crowds of summer. Among the many charming options: Figaro in North Beach, with a wonderful garden patio; Momo’s, by AT&T Park, particularly boisterous following a Giants’ game; Gitane, tucked away in a little-known alley (Claude Lane) near Union Square or Flipper’s, a funky burger joint in the Hayes Valley district with a popular patio.
Step 6

Consider a side trip to one of several natural wonders in the area. Muir Woods is an excellent choice here, a sprawling haven of towering redwood trees only a 20-minute drive north of San Francisco; another awesome option is Tilden Park in the East Bay, a sprawling regional park with a historic carousel, old-style steam train, delightful swimming area (Lake Anza) and countless hiking trails.
Step 7

The city is a bastion of high-quality performing arts companies, so check out the spring season for one of them if you’re in the mood for some cultural entertainment. Both the San Francisco Ballet and Smuin Ballet are well heralded, and the San Francisco Opera has an outstanding reputation as well.