OUTDOOR AND VIRTUAL THINGS TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO (OR AT HOME)

Like you, we were all excited to put 2020 behind us and start the new year by getting back to the quintessential San Francisco experiences we've missed so much. Unfortunately, we're still in the grips of our ongoing pandemic, and it's in everyone's best interest to keep much of the city shut down until further notice.

However, that does not mean that you can't experience all the great things San Francisco has to offer. Whether you're a local or an admirer from far way, we've got a whole host of ways that you can safely see, taste, hear, and even smell the best of San Francisco.

Bookmark this page, as we'll be adding more activities to it on a regular basis!
A Note About Safety

Be advised that for any in-person events, participants are obligated to follow the vendor's safety protocols. Failure to do so may result in being asked to leave without a refund.

Ongoing Outdoor Experiences

Explore the Presidio (How to Visit Safely)
Parks are vital to our health and well-being, especially in stressful times, and the Presidio of San Francisco has remained open for essential access to outdoor space, fresh air, recreation, nature and scenic views. The Presidio has 24 miles of hiking trails and 25 miles of biking trails ,as well as three miles of scenic coastline, multiple picnic areas, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Presidio Slow Streets allow for even more socially distant space for pedestrians and bikers. Self-guided tours include an Andy Goldsworthy Art Walk and the Tennessee Hollow Watershed Walk. Presidio Golf is open for play, and the Presidio’s lodging is open for essential travelers.

For those who can’t get to the park, Presidio at Home allows you to experience the park wherever you are.

San Francisco Botanical Garden
See Magnificent Magnolias Bloom at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens (How to Visit Safely)

Visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden and see their beautiful and historic magnolias in bloom, now through March. With over 200 specimens to see, San Francisco's cool foggy climate gives the Botanical Garden the ability to grow species from Asia to the Neotropics, and positions the Garden as the perfect place for preserving rare and threatened species.

Peak bloom comes in February, but there's no bad time to visit. The Garden is also piloting a virtual map feature that will allow visitors to learn more about the history, distribution, and conservation of special specimens in the Garden.

Admission is free for San Francisco residents and ranges from $3 to $21 for non-residents.

Jack London State Historic Park
Visit Jack London State Park in Sonoma County (How to Visit Safely)

North of the city in Sonoma County lies Jack London State Park, where more than 29 miles of trails that roam through mixed forests, redwood groves, oak woodlands, and grassy meadows await exploration. The elevation varies from 600 to 2,300 feet, meaning you can get quite the workout! Free docent-guided tours are available, as well as private group and specialty tours. Horseback riding will return in the spring. There is a $10 vehicle entry fee.

Tours

Take A Segway Tour with the San Francisco Electric Tour Company (How to Visit Safely)
The San Francisco Electric Tour Company is offering private group Segway tours for two to eight guests, beginning at their Fisherman's Wharf and Golden Gate Park locations. All tours are operated under their #safetour program with best procedures for safe distancing, clean facilities, masks required for everyone and sanitized equipment. All private group tour participants must be in the same immediate family or COVID-safe bubble. Tours are available for booking Thursdays through Sundays, at 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. Registration cost ranges from $105 to $150 per person.

Enjoy A Discounted Biking Excursion from Blazing Saddles and GetYourGuide (How to Bike Safely)

Experience the best of the bay with this exclusive combination tour package. Your half-day adventure begins with a guided bicycle tour through San Francisco, beginning at the picturesque Aquatic Park in Fisherman’s Wharf. From there, you’ll cycle across the iconic Golden Gate bridge and into Sausalito. The guided portion of the tour ends here, but your all-day bike rental allows you to keep exploring at your leisure. Once you’re done criss-crossing through Sausalito, hop back on a scenic ferry ride to San Francisco. Vouchers for food and drink included. For those that want to Blaze Their Own Trail, daily bicycle rentals are available, as well. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, ride along the Embarcadero or explore Golden Gate Park on your own.

Take a Private Tour With Incredible Adventures (How to Visit Safely)
Incredible Adventures is ready to help you make memories with your friends and family to last a lifetime. Leave the planning and driving to them, and let them take you to enjoy our beautiful Bay Area backyard in both a safe and sustainable way.

This spring, they recommend taking a day to explore Wine Country with your closest friends. Visit as many wineries as you’d like, indulge in a local and fresh picnic lunch, and then drop you back off in San Francisco at the end of the day. Alternatively, gather up your family and embark on a custom tour of Muir Woods, Yosemite National Park or even on a camping trip to Lake Tahoe. Book a tour.
Take A Private Wine, Beer, or Cannabis Tour with Green Dream Tours (How to Visit Safely)

Indulge yourself—safely and legally—with one of these custom excursions from Green Dream Tours. Their wine tours will take you to the legendary vineyards of Napa and Sonoma. Their San Francisco craft beer tours include visits to and tours of breweries. And their cannabis tours will help you gain a deeper understanding of the burgeoning cannabis industry from an insider's point of view. Tours range in price from $99 to $199.

Peddle Around the City with Bay City Bike Rentals & Tours - (How to Bike Safely)
Bay City Bike Rentals & Tours offers bike rentals for all ages, levels and rider types. They always provide high quality bikes and expert, local advice on where to ride, sightsee, and enjoy being outdoors in San Francisco. Rentals start at $32.

Rent A Bike with Unlimited Biking (How to Bike Safely)
Unlimited Biking is offering bike rentals for the entire day for only $20. Cannondale hybrid bikes come with helmets, bike bags, locks and maps. Upgrades to eBikes, road bikes, or any baby/kids attachments available!

Explore Bay Area Backgrounds on a Motorcycle Tour with Native Moto Adventures - (How to Ride Safely)
Fresh air and "knees in the breeze" is the cure for COVID-induced confinement. Native Moto Adventures' one-day tours are six full hours of guaranteed fun that will bring a smile to your face and help you discover roads even long time locals haven't ridden. Enjoy lunch at legendary California biker stops and many scenic photo stops. Certain restrictions apply. Guests must be licensed motorcycle riders.

Arts & Culture

Meet the Artists at SFMOMA
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is committed to partnering with the most forward-thinking artists of our time and bringing their visions to life. Many of these artists share their creative process and their stories in their own words through the museum's collection of artist interviews. The entire collection is available online for you to view anytime at no cost.
Enjoy San Francisco Opera at Home

San Francisco Opera offers free streams of past performances through their website each weekend. Upcoming streaming performances include Richard Wagner’s "Lohengrin" (February 6–7), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s "Così fan tutte" (February 13–14), Giacomo Puccini’s "La Rondine" (February 20–21) and Verdi’s "Falstaff" (February 27–28). Access to on-demand streams are free with registration. Performances are available beginning at 10 a.m. PT on the first day of streaming through 11:59 pm PT the following day.

Dining

Decorate Cookies at The Claremont Club & Spa (How to Visit Safely)
Every Saturday morning at 11 a.m. PT this February, you can practice your finest culinary skills with the bakery team at The Claremont Club & Spa and their partners at East Bay Provisions. This seasonal cookie decorating workshop is held safely outdoors. Admission is $35. Reserve your spot today.

Shopping

Shop Fresh and Shop Local at the Outer Sunset Farmers Market & Mercantile
Explore the weekly Outer Sunset Farmers Market & Mercantile, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Sunday, on 37th Avenue between Ortega and Quintara streets in the Outer Sunset. This festive, family-friendly outdoor market features local farmers, ranchers, food trucks, makers, merchants, live music and children's activities—all spread out over two long blocks to allow for safe distancing. Face coverings and frequent hand-sanitizing/washing a must.

February

Meet the Lovable Residents of the California Academy of Sciences This Valentine's Day - February 12
Happy Penguin Valentines, humans! Join our Species Survival Plan colony of African penguins—and the biologists who care for them—for this very special, scientifically adorable annual tradition. The show starts at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 12. You’ll see waddling penguins nab felt hearts to line their nests (great for pair-bonding), learn about the important husbandry work done by our Steinhart Aquarium biologists, and one lucky viewer will even take home a penguin-painted masterpiece! The $2.99 admission helps to raise funds for the Academy.

Treat Yourself to All Kinds of Self-Care with A Special Virtual Valentine's Day Event from Macy's Union Square - February 12

Macy's Valentine's Day Self-Care Soiree will give you a chance to connect with the talented stylists at the store, as well as Dr. Holly Battey, professional matchmaker. The event will be held at noon on Feb. 12. Admission is free, but you must register beforehand.

See "Tosca" at the Drive-In with San Francisco Opera - February 12 (How to Visit Safely)
Be dazzled by San Francisco Opera's 2009 production of Puccini's "Tosca" at the Fort Mason Drive-In, screening at 5 p.m. on Feb. 12. Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka made her San Francisco Opera debut in this performance, with tenor Carlo Ventre as Cavaradossi and baritone Lado Ataneli as Scarpia. Some opera trivia for you: this production features set and costume designs by Belgian artist Thierry Bosquet, which are based on the 1932 production that opened San Francisco's War Memorial Opera House! The opera is performed in Italian with English subtitles and has an approximate running time of two hours. Tickets are $49 and can be purchased here.

Enjoy A Catered Dinner for Two with Taste Catering This Valentine's Day Weekend - February 13
Taste Catering is serving gourmet meals to go, and their Valentine's Day special shouldn't be missed. Enjoy a delicious, French-inspired meal delivered to your front door. The best part is that for every boxed meal purchased, two additional meals will be donated to those in need. The meals cost $200 per box. Vegetarian options are available. Order yours today!
Give A Little Love with a Special Valentine's Day Concert - February 13

The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation is throwing a virtual, all-star, Valentine's Day concert at 7 pm on Feb. 13. Proceeds raised from the concert will support San Francisco theater artists who have been impacted by the pandemic. Purchase your tickets here.
Channel Your Inner Renaissance Artist at the Claremont Hotel & Spa - February 13 & 20 (How to Visit Safely)

At the Claremont Hotel & Spa, you can decorate your very own Venetian mask. These authentic pieces of art come direct from the famous city itself. The event begins at 2 p.m. each day. Masks can be purchased for $75.

Enjoy A Chauffeured Romantic Beach Picnic for Two on Valentine's Weekend with Gateway Global and Domenico Catering - February 14
This two-hour, all-inclusive, luxury experience for two includes an amazing ocean view on Mirada Beach in Half Moon Bay; one bottle of sparkling brut rosé wine and two keepsake metal flutes with lids; a cheese plate and a chilled gourmet meal for two; one dessert to share and a box of petite fours or chocolate-dipped strawberries. This romantic excursion starts at $399. Book yours today.
Refine Your Palette with Valentine's Day Virtual Experiences from The San Francisco Wine School - February 14

Choose from a number of different wine tasting classes that are perfect for you and your special sommelier. Virtual classes start at $95.

Get Creative at Home with SFMOMA - February 14
SFMOMA is also hosting its virtual Second Sundays, a monthly series that pairs a reading with a librarian from the San Francisco Public Library and a guided art activity you can do at home. Each installment focuses on an artist whose work is in SFMOMA’s collection. New readings and videos premiere on the Second Sunday of each month at 11 a.m. PT and can be streamed at any time after the debut.

Prepare Yourself for a Trip to Outer Space with The Exploratorium - February 15
Have you dreamed of stars and galaxies far, far away? Join Kellie Gerardi, author of "Not Necessarily Rocket Science: A Beginner's Guide to Life in the Space Age", in a conversation with Exploratorium astronomer Dr. Isabel Hawkins about her experiences in the commercial space industry at 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 15. In her book, Kellie takes us on a tour of her nontraditional path in the space industry—from her adventures working at a spaceport to training for Mars to testing spacesuits in microgravity, to building a massive SciComm platform. Admission is free, but an RSVP is required.

Hear from Groundbreaking Black Artists with MoAD - February 16
Join moderator Ashara Ekundayo for her talk with documentary filmmaker Yoruba Richen and writer Maori Holmes at 4 p.m. As part of MoAD's "Blatant" series, their conversation will tackle artists whose creative practices heal communities and save lives. Tickets are free, but a contribution is appreciated.
Join Entire Productions for A Fun-Filled Variety Show - February 18

Entire Productions will broadcast the latest episode of its ongoing variety series, EntireVariety, at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18. Prepare to be dazzled by intriguing, engaging, and interactive segments guaranteed to keep you on your toes. It's perfect entertainment for the whole family. Additional surprise guests and prizes might be announced during the show, too! Tickets are free, but you must register ahead of time.

Experience Venetian Winter Carnivale at the Claremont Hotel & Spa - February 20 & 27 (How to Visit Safely)
The Claremont Hotel & Spa invites you a free Venetian carnivale experience on Feb. 27. Come in your own Venetian-inspired costume, stroll the Claremont's Venetian street scene, and sit in a real gondola for a unique photo opportunity. The event begins at noon.

Celebrate Black Women Entertainers with MoAD - February 21
Sign up to be a part of MoAD's African Diaspora Film Club and join the discussion about this month's selection, "How It Feels to Be Free". This documentary examines the legacy of six of the 20th century's most prolific Black female entertainers. By registering, you'll be granted a link to screen the documentary in the comfort of your own home, as well as access to a discussion with the director at 5 p.m. on Feb. 21.
Enjoy A New Take on An Old Classic with New Conservatory Theatre Center's "warplay" - Through February 23

You can stream a pre-recorded performance of 2017’s critically acclaimed production of "warplay", written by JC Lee and directed by former NCTC Artistic Associate Ben Randle. Inspired by The Iliad and the epic tale of Achilles and Patroclus, "warplay" is a shockingly funny, poetic and radical reimagining of one of the oldest love stories in all of Western literature. There's no cost to tune in!
March

Book A Private Tour of San Francisco with Fogcutter Tours - March 1 (How to Visit Safely) 

Fogcutter Tours reopens March 1, City regulations permitting. The team at Fogcutter crafts one adventure per day for one small group (six guests maximum) The itinerary is open, though you can always count on visiting classic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks.

Group reservations cost $500. Schedule yours here

Explore the Bay Area on a Custom Spark Experiences Tour - March 1 (How to Visit Safely)

Spark Experiences's friendly local experts guide you through the best of San Francisco and the Bay Area on your very own 100% private, custom adventure! Perfect for a special celebration or just a welcome change of scenery, each experience is tailored to the guest, be they curious young professionals or families seeking quality time. Enjoy our clean, sanitary and environmentally friendly Tesla Model X vehicle. We observe local safety protocols, distancing and best practices for your safety and ours. Price varies by destination.

Tune In to A Virtual Play Reading with A.C.T. - March 1 to 7
San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater is launching A.C.T. Out Loud, a new series of virtual play readings featuring enduring works by some of the greatest minds of generations past. The first will be Alice Childress's "Trouble In Mind", available for viewing from Mar. 1 to 7. Tickets for this reading and other performances are available here.

Immerse Yourself in Audio Drama "Interlude" with the New Conservatory Theatre Center - March 1 to 24
In this world premiere by Harrison David Rivers, protagonist Jesse Howard’s must return to his childhood home in Kansas and his conservative parents amidst the pandemic. An audio drama that blends with a visual storyscape for a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience, "Interlude" is a personal and tender snapshot of one man’s search for connection. Tickets are pay-what-you-wish, starting at $0.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au