Autumn is finally here, and with it comes apple picking, pumpkin carving, and (best of all) Thanksgiving! And, if you’re in San Francisco for the fall season, you’re in the right place. No matter if you’re a local or just visiting, the city and the surrounding Bay Area are great places to spend Turkey Day with loved ones. From its spectacular bay views and vibrant neighborhoods to its off-the-charts art scene, delicious dining experiences, and exciting live events, there are a ton of fun things to do in San Francisco for Thanksgiving — so long as you know where to look. If you’re struggling to figure out what to do in San Francisco for Thanksgiving, don’t worry: we’ve got you covered! There’s no shortage of fun and family-friendly San Francisco Thanksgiving activities, and the ones we’ve taken the liberty of listing below are sure to make this year’s celebration one for the history books!
Spend Thanksgiving on the Water in San Francisco with City Cruises
First off, if you don’t already have plans for the big day, we recommend signing up for the San Francisco Thanksgiving Day Premier Brunch Cruise. You and your guests will make this year’s Turkey Day truly special with this unforgettable on-the-water adventure. (After all, it’s not every day you get to enjoy a holiday on a yacht!) Get ready to enjoy a celebratory brunch buffet — with all the trimmings — freshly prepared by the ship’s onboard chef. While you’re out sailing on the harbor, you’ll enjoy out-of-this-world views of San Francisco’s historic waterfront, City Cruises’ distinctive hospitality, full bar service (did someone say mimosas?), and lots of festive décor. The City Cruises team will happily take care of all the details, so all you have to do is soak in the scenic Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and Alcatraz Island views while you enjoy the holiday with your friends and family. Plus, there are plenty of additional upgrades to customize your experience — but we won’t spoil the surprises! Oh, and don’t forget to bring your cameras, since you’ll have a bunch of opportunities to take pictures from the outdoor decks or the climate-controlled interior decks. And, if you’d rather check out the gorgeous sites in the evening, there’s also the San Francisco Thanksgiving Premier Dinner Cruise, which offers the same incredible amenities after the sun goes down, with a Thanksgiving Dinner!
Plan for Thanksgiving Weekend Fun in San Francisco
Now, if you’ve already got big Thanksgiving plans but still want to experience the city from the water at some point during your visit, be sure to book a ticket on the Premier Dinner Cruise, where you and your guests will enjoy a sophisticated and fun evening on the San Francisco Bay with front-row seats to the best sights in the city. The Premier Dinner Cruise features seasonally changing menus along with an outstanding selection of wine, beer, and craft cocktails. And, you can also go for a spin on the dance floor with music handled by local DJs!
Other Fun Spots in San Francisco To Try During The Holiday Weekend
If you’re sticking around for a few days surrounding the holiday, you’ve got to check out some of the incredible restaurants, bars, and event spaces the city is known for. Try starting the evening with a drink at one of San Francisco’s premier cocktail bars. Mixology aficionados should make a point to stop at The House of Shields, one of San Francisco’s oldest bars that opened in 1908. (It functioned as a speakeasy during the Prohibition era, and it’s rumored even to have a secret passageway where guests staying at the Palace Hotel could sneak across the street for a forbidden beverage!) For dinner, you can’t go wrong with any number of the city’s fine eating establishments. Here’s a handy list of some of the best in town!
If you’re looking for fun events to attend while in town, we recommend stopping by one of the city’s many highly regarded comedy clubs — while it might not be the first city in the country you think of when you think of standup comedy, San Francisco is home to some seriously funny venues. One local favorite is Cobb’s Comedy Club, where a handful of the headliners who perform there are regular guests on late-night shows, and many have their comedy specials and big-screen cameos. Punch Line Comedy Club is another great club that has put on shows featuring stars including Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, Ellen Degeneres, Wanda Sykes, Drew Carey, and Chris Rock!
Plan Your 2024 Thanksgiving in San Francisco with City Cruises
At the end of the day, no matter how you celebrate Thanksgiving in San Francisco, just make sure to have fun, spend time with your friends and family, and enjoy the holiday! Let City Cruises San Francisco take care of the planning, prepping, cooking, and cleaning, so you can focus on what’s important this Thanksgiving holiday.
FAQ’s Things to do in San Francisco for Thanksgiving 2024
What are some popular Thanksgiving events in San Francisco?
San Francisco hosts several Thanksgiving events, including the Turkey Trot in Golden Gate Park, where participants can run or walk a scenic 5K. The Embarcadero Center typically lights up with holiday decorations, and the Union Square Ice Rink is a festive place to enjoy skating. Many people also attend Thanksgiving services at the historic Grace Cathedral.
Which restaurants in San Francisco offer Thanksgiving dinner?
Numerous San Francisco restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus, such as Foreign Cinema, Wayfare Tavern, and Scoma’s. Many hotels, including the Fairmont and the Ritz-Carlton, also host elaborate Thanksgiving buffets. Try something adventurous this year with City Cruises and have Thanksgiving on the water! It’s recommended to make reservations well in advance.
What outdoor activities can I enjoy in San Francisco on Thanksgiving Day?
San Francisco offers plenty of outdoor activities for Thanksgiving Day. You can hike or bike along the Golden Gate Bridge, explore Lands End for breathtaking coastal views, or take a leisurely walk through Golden Gate Park. The San Francisco Botanical Garden is another great spot to enjoy the fall foliage and peaceful surroundings
Are there any Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities in San Francisco?
Yes, there are many volunteer opportunities in San Francisco during Thanksgiving. Organizations like Glide Memorial Church, St. Anthony’s Dining Room, and the SF-Marin Food Bank welcome volunteers to help serve meals, distribute food, and assist those in need. These opportunities often fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to sign up in advance.
Original Post Date: October 12, 2023