San Francisco is worth a trip all year round, but springtime in the city promises new blooms, exciting festivals and longer days to enhance exploring its unique charms. So if you’re here for a weekend or in town for a conference, here’s the lowdown on planning the best spring trip to San Francisco.
We asked Theresa Vaillancourt, concierge at Hotel Nikko, for some pointers on spring in San Francisco. As a seasoned hospitality professional, she knows the ins and outs of the city by the bay.
Vaillancourt was born in Montreal, Canada. During the summer of 1971, while attending Our Lady of Peace all girls high school, she and her best friend hitchhiked from San Diego to San Francisco and fell in love with the city. For almost a quarter of a century, Theresa has been at Hotel Nikko working as a concierge.
Featured photo: Cityscape Sky Bar, Queen Wilhelmina Garden by yhelman via iStock, Bay to Breakers by Andres Acosta.
What’s spring like in San Francisco?
The weather pattern changes. At times it can be a little windy, but mostly clear sunny skies. It is generally pleasant, but it can be a bit cooler in the early mornings and evenings. Spring is an excellent time for outdoor activities such as enjoying the blooming flowers and greenery. It is also a great time for wildlife watching such as migrating whales or birdwatching in our local parks and nature reserves.
What are some festivals and fairs during spring months?
Spring in San Francisco is bursting with festivals and fairs. The annual San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blooming of cherry blossoms and Japanese Culture.
Every year San Francisco has an event called Bay to Breakers. This foot race started in 1912 as a way to lift the spirits of San Francisco after the devastating 1906 earthquake. The race spans from the Embarcadero to the Great Highway near Ocean Beach and is famous for its creative costumes and festive atmosphere.
Best places to get a seasonal or iconic drink?
If you are going to indulge yourself with a drink, why not pair it with a great view, ambiance or music? Cityscape, located on the 46th floor of the Hilton, is the tallest sky bar in San Francisco offering a 360-degree view of our city. Top of the Mark located on the 19th floor in Mark Hopkins Hotel is a famous sky lounge, offering panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Chotto Matte is a Japanese Peruvian rooftop restaurant and bar with a chic contemporary atmosphere. Music City is a very beautiful and impressive music venue.
Where is a good place to see blooming flowers?
Golden Gate Park is a vibrant, floral paradise. The San Francisco Botanical Garden offers a stunning variety of flowers such as the rhododendrons and plants from around the world.
You can see tulips blooming typically at the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden. This garden is located near the Dutch Windmill in the northwest corner of the park. In 1902 Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands gifted thousands of tulip bulbs and a Dutch windmill as a symbol of friendship between the Netherlands and San Francisco.
How can visitors make the most of the longer days?
For first-time visitors I recommend walking from Hotel Nikko to Nob Hill. Nob Hill is where the rich railroad barons chose to live and where Grace Cathedral is perched on California Street. Walking down California Street towards Chinatown is dramatic since you can see the Bay Bridge at the end of the street. Chinatown is a fun and colorful place to visit. Grant Avenue runs through Chinatown and meets North Beach, which is also known as Little Italy. This vibrant community is filled with restaurants, coffeehouses and a great bookstore called City Lights Bookstore. It is a historical landmark that specializes in world literature, the arts and progressive politics.
Any other tips for the best trip to the city during the spring?
I recommend to dress in layers such as a light jacket since the weather can be unpredictable. Buy your Alcatraz tickets early since they do sell out. The Muni ticket kiosk next to the Powell Street Cable Car turnaround is now selling day passes at the same price as you would find them online. The San Francisco Public Library offers free walking tours called the San Francisco City Guides. It is a fantastic way to explore San Francisco and learn its rich history. Tips are accepted at the end of the tour. Visit their website to book your tour.
