10 Things to Do in San Francisco in Fall

Autumn in the United States of America begins in the last days of September. Nature is tinged with the characteristic colours of the season, those shades of yellow, orange and ochre that embellish everything. Interestingly, temperatures in San Francisco during these months continue to be quite warm, allowing you to enjoy the many things to see and do in San Francisco.

Among these you can attend the classic concerts at the Treasure Island Music Festival and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, taste the products of the best regional agricultural producers, and toast with the most delicious wines from the wineries of California. It's also a great time for outdoor walks and bike rides around the bay.

For wine lovers, nothing better than visiting the city of San Francisco during the autumn season, when the wine harvest takes place in the vineyards of Sonoma and Napa, just 90 kilometres away.

For this occasion, many wineries hold festivals and special events, where you can taste the best wines, learn about winemaking and experience wine therapy. This event is undoubtedly among the bestwine tastings in San Francisco.

You will be stimulating all your senses at the same time, as in autumn the vineyards are dressed in the most beautiful shades of orange, ochre and gold, contrasting with the green of the hills. An absolutely unforgettable spectacle.

If you would like to immerse yourself even more in the world of California wines, you can hire one of the best guided tours from San Francisco and tour the surrounding wine region. These tours will take you through the Sonoma Valley, past the best and most iconic wineries and taste the best wines, while learning about their production and the history of the city's wine industry.

California is known for its fertile soils and bountiful harvests, so, as with wine, this is harvest time for San Francisco' s agricultural producers.

Their produce is showcased at fairs and farmers' markets as well as on restaurant plates. So, if you want to delight yourself with the best pumpkins, artichokes and aubergines from the farms and orchards around San Francisco, visiting the city in autumn is ideal.

One of the most traditional fairs is the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival, which takes place along the bay.

And if you are a lover of good food and you like to know different flavours, I recommend you to book a guided gastronomic tour in the city of San Francisco. It is a highly recommended experience, as one of the best ways to get to know a place is through its culture and gastronomy.

Autumn strolls in San Francisco have an unparalleled charm. The days are warm and not too windy, the tourist crowds are much smaller than in other seasons, and the views are breathtaking.

If you like water activities you can take a boat ride around the bay or between the Farallon Islands and if you're lucky you might even see some whales around. To enjoy these activities even more you can book a boat trip on San Francisco Bay.

Other great options are to visit the Ocean Beach or take a walk along the Marin Headlands coastline, and why not, check out the amazing National Parks near the city of San Francisco.

Outdoor activities are really almost a must during the autumn in San Francisco, as you will rarely find better weather to enjoy these outings at any other time of the year.

While the excitement of exploring and seeing new places can take your mind off the cold and the heat, there's nothing better than a temperature in between, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your stay.

There's nothing like touring and discovering a city by bike, and even more so when the weather is as pleasant as it is in autumn. If you are a lover of two wheels, I recommend you to take one of the best bike tours in San Francisco, as it is an excellent way to get to know every corner of this wonderful city.

These tours are guided, so you can get to know a bit of the history of the place while, for example, crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Typically, tours across the Golden Gate Bridge last about three hours. They usually start from the city of San Francisco across the bay, from where you can see Fisherman's Wharf and the legendary Alcatraz Prison (The Rock), and then cross the famous bridge to either Tiburon or Sausalito, depending on the tour you choose.

The autumn views of the city skyline you'll get as you cross the bridge will make every pedal stroke on this tour worthwhile.

This is one of the most popular festivals in the city of San Francisco. It takes place every year during the first weekend of October.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass takes place in Golden Gate Park, where, for three consecutive days, dozens of renowned bands and artists give live concerts.

Most of these artists belong to the bluegrass style, although you can also find other styles as well.

The creator and main promoter of this event was the entrepreneur Warren Hellman, who financed it since its first edition in 2001.

A curious fact is that many companies have wanted to sponsor the festival, but Hellman himself rejected the proposals, as his goal was for the show to remain completely free. If you are in San Francisco in October, you have no excuse not to miss this magnificent festival.

Practical information

• Location: to be confirmed
• When it takes place: October 1 and 2
• Price: free

In the second half of October, another great classic concert takes place in San Francisco: the Treasure Island Music Festival.

Born in 2007, this festival offers shows by highly eclectic artists, using the beautiful scenery of the San Francisco Bay as a backdrop.

The event takes place on a small island located between Oakland and San Francisco, where a large stage, stands with the most delicious food, music shows, comedy shows and even a Ferris wheel are set up. Usually rap, hip-hop and electronic musicians perform on the first day, and rock and alternative artists on the second.

Tip: You can get to the show for free by using West Oakland Bart's public transportation.

Practical info

• Location: SF Bay Area
• When it takes place: early October
• Price: free

Since 1971, Opera in the Park has been held in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Opera in the Park is a festival where more than 75 performances of the best opera shows are offered.

Every year, this festival brings together some 20,000 spectators who come to enjoy classical pieces such as Samson and Delilah and Puccini's Madame Butterfly.

Of course, this show can be enjoyed with the whole family. Many take a blanket to rest on the lawn, and others even take the opportunity to have a picnic. But don't worry if you don't have time to prepare a snack, as there are numerous food stands on site with plenty of options for a delicious meal.

This event is organised and developed by the San Francisco Opera, the second largest opera company in the United States.

Practical information

• Location: in Golden Gate Park
• When it takes place: at the end of the first week of September
• Price: free

Another one of San Francisco's food festivals. The Bizerkeley Food Festival is completely dedicated to vegan food.

Come and taste the flavours that some of the main references of this food have to offer, who find in the Bizerkeley Fest the ideal opportunity to show the community their best culinary preparations.

But it's not all about food at this event. In addition to the gastronomic exhibitors, you can enjoy the best live music, talks by great speakers about their work in pursuit of veganism, and an auction whose proceeds go to foundations dedicated to the care and rescue of animals.

Practical information

• Location: 2727 Milvia Street, Berkeley
• When: to be confirmed
• Price: starting at 15 U$S

The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival has been held in San Francisco since 1957, when a small group of artists decided to get together and display their work in the windows of local businesses.

Initially held in Lytton Square, the festival moved permanently to Old Mill Park, San Francisco's iconic redwood grove.

By 1962, the festival began to grow into what it is today, one of the most popular events in the area, where hundreds of artists in the arts from all over the United States gather to exhibit their work and showcase their talent.

The festival, which reflects the spirit and heritage of local artists, lasts two days and takes place during the month of September.

In addition to the most beautiful arts and crafts, you can enjoy live music shows, activities for children and the best food at one of the many stands and food trucks that gather every year at this magnificent festival.

Practical information

• Location: in the Old Mill Park
• When it takes place: September 17th and 18th
• Price: free

Veterans Day is a very important national holiday in the United States, as on this day (11 November) the American people pay tribute and show their respect to the soldiers who have served their country in the various conflicts in which the United States has participated.

If you are lucky enough to visit San Francisco during the month of November, you will be able to witness the imposing parade with which this city joins the national tributes. With school bands, different groups of veterans parade through the streets of the city, where moving ceremonies take place.

With its national significance, this is definitely one of the best things to do in San Francisco in November.

Practical information

• Location: Celebrations throughout the city.
• When: 11 November
• Price: free

Just a few things to keep in mind when packing your suitcase and booking your accommodation.

What is the autumn weather like in San Francisco?

The autumn weather in San Francisco is truly privileged. During the day, temperatures range from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius and rarely drop below 13 degrees Celsius or rise above 28 degrees Celsius.

At night, on the other hand, temperatures are between 10 and 14 degrees Celsius, never dropping below 6 degrees Celsius or rising above 17 degrees Celsius. So planning your trip to San Francisco at this time of year is a great idea.

What should I pack for my trip to San Francisco in autumn?

As with any trip, you should never forget the basics, such as a universal adaptor to charge your electronic devices, a travel bag with personal hygiene items, and if you require any medication along with a mini first aid kit.

Also, in order to get a good night's rest, it would be a good idea to bring a sleeping mask and a travel pillow, which will come in handy on the plane and if you're using other transport during an excursion.

If you find it hard to sleep through the noise of other passengers, I also recommend earplugs or sound-cancelling headphones.

Now for the specifics, San Francisco has very mild temperatures in autumn, so you'll want to pack a light jacket and some mid-season coats for when temperatures are at their lowest, or if you decide to take an evening stroll around the city.

Don't forget good sunglasses and sunscreen for your skin, so you can enjoy your walks outdoors without any problems. Make sure you pack comfortable clothes and good sports shoes in case you decide to take a bike ride or a long walk in the region's amazing National Parks.

How busy is the autumn tourist season in San Francisco?

The crowds in the city of San Francisco during autumn are moderate, allowing you to tour the city and the Bay Area without having to suffer through the crowds.

Even at museums and attractions, this time of year is glorious, as the crowds are much smaller than in summer or spring. Many people don't realise that temperatures in San Francisco remain fairly stable throughout the year, so opting for the summer months rather than autumn doesn't make much sense.

Also, travelling in autumn will give you better prices for accommodation and flights, which start to drop as we get closer to winter.

Is San Francisco an expensive city to visit?

Unfortunately I have to tell you that San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, so eating and sleeping in San Francisco will cost you a pretty penny.

However, if you know where to look, you will always find good options for all budgets.