Though San Francisco is a great pick for summer vacations, it’s also a destination during fall and winter. The city’s charm is uniquely felt in the bite of a cool evening, and as the summer crowds thin, the colder months come alive. We’re screaming it from the rooftops: Fall and winter are great seasons for a San Francisco trip.
October is packed with high-energy events like Fleet Week, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and endless Halloween parties. And November ushers in the twinkling holiday season, while world-famous museums and restaurants beckon.
Welcome to Concierge Corner, where we talk San Francisco with the most qualified minds in hospitality. This month, we spoke with Michelle Arce, concierge at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco. She used her expertise to give insight into what’s happening in the city, and how to get the most out of your trip in fall or winter.
Featured photo: Union Square holiday ice rink, cable car by Ole Schwander, couple walking by George Clerk.
Any fun activities coming up this fall?
Perfect for Halloween, the Haunted Haight Ghost Hunting Walking Tour is celebrating their 20th anniversary and offers tours all year long. The tour leaders are actual paranormal investigators who bring along custom-built, high-tech ghost hunting equipment on the tour.
Taking place at the Palace of Fine Arts on November 9 and 10, the San Francisco International Hip Hop DanceFest was established by Micaya in 1999, and has earned an international reputation as one of the most distinguished and respected presenters of hip hop dance. Any fan of dance should not miss this.
Are you into comics, horror, gaming, sci-fi, cosplay or anime? FanExpo will be at the Moscone Center from November 29 through December 1. You will feel out of this world, and right at home.
How to spend a romantic evening or weekend in San Francisco?
Your hotel concierge would be more than happy to set up your weekend, so make sure to get in touch with us prior to your stay! You may wish to have champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and a rose petal turndown set up in your hotel room to start the weekend off the right way.
The romance can continue with a delicious dinner at one of the numerous Michelin-starred restaurants the city has to offer, followed by live music at the Dawn Club, Mr. Tipple’s or Keys Jazz Bistro. During the holidays, your night can include the Nutcracker Ballet, Colors of Christmas with Peabo Bryson at the San Francisco Symphony or a classical concert by candlelight at Grace Cathedral, followed by a nightcap at one of the city’s gorgeous glass-walled view cocktail lounges.
Which neighborhoods would you recommend that visitors see?
Russian Hill is one of my favorite neighborhoods. Known for its views at the top of the hills, charming Macondray Lane (check out Tales of the City if you’ve never heard of this!), delicious restaurants along Hyde and Polk Streets and the iconic Powell-Hyde cable car which goes right by the original Swensen’s Ice Cream Parlor.
The Castro District is also near and dear to my heart. From the multitude of rainbow flags, fun bars, quirky stores, restaurants with quaint backyard patios and gorgeous Victorian houses, the Castro has something for everyone.
Where to get an iconic or seasonal drink?
Attention all coffee lovers: the SF Coffee Festival is coming to Fort Mason on November 9 and 10. Immerse yourself in this coffee experience where you will enjoy the best specialty roasters and coffee shops with unique beans, learning sessions, a latte art competition, delicious food, local products and live entertainment.
Plus, any of the holiday pop-up bars around the city — Miracle at PCH or Deck the Halls, to name a couple.
For those who don’t drink alcohol, almost every bar has craft mocktails on their menu. If you don’t see them, just ask your bartender!
And what’s special about winter San Francisco trips?
San Francisco is unique in its approach to almost everything, and the winter season is no exception! While our summers can be chilly and full of Karl the Fog (hence Mark Twain’s famous quote about the coldest winter he ever spent), our mild and crisp winters are entirely underrated.
Driving on the Golden Gate Bridge, gazing at the decorated Victorian homes and strolling through one of the winter wonderlands in a beautiful San Francisco hotel lobby is something everyone should experience.
Winter temperatures can range from 45–70 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you can still enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. Yes, we can get quite a bit of rain during these months, but that only means more chances to see a rainbow afterwards.
Best seasonal activities for families?
The California Academy of Sciences is a must-see during the year and especially during winter, when you can watch live reindeer.
Holiday ice skating at Union Square (starting November 6) next to the Macy’s Christmas tree followed by Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco (shameless plug), or ice skating at the Embarcadero followed by late lunch at the Ferry Building marketplace and a walk along the water.
If you like amazing magicians and mentalists, go see Jay Alexander at the Marrakech Magic Theater on O’Farrell. You will find yourself scratching your head all night long wondering how he does what he does.
Illuminate SF Festival of Lights is an ongoing light festival with art installations during the winter months, mostly concentrated along the Embarcadero and free to the public.
Take a Holiday Lights tour aboard a real fire engine, motorized cable car, double decker bus or boat and enjoy winter in San Francisco!
