Everyone who ever steps foot in San Francisco is well aware of the Bay Area’s micro-climate. When summer brings sweltering hot temps across the country, we’re chilling in sweaters and leggings. In the fall, we’re busy enjoying a late summer. When it’s sunny over downtown, the beach is swallowed in fog—but one thing we can pretty much count on is a mild winter without any snow.
That being said, there are still fun ways to get into the winter spirit and make the most of the colder months. Whether it’s capturing a bit of snow fun in the area, making your own winter wonderland at home, or just taking advantage of this city’s inherent natural beauty, here are some cool winter activities to keep you busy in San Francisco all season long.
See also: The Best Peppermint Sweet Treats In SF For The Holiday Season
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333 Post St / (415) 295-1588 / Website
Nothing says “winter fun” like a day spent on the outdoor ice skating rink! The annual Union Square rink is back and ready for action now through Jan. 17, 2022. The calendar is full of funky events; like Flashback Fridays with '80s tunes by Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Madonna and more; and weekly skating lessons from 8 to 9 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. General admission includes skate rentals, but be sure to buy your ticket online in advance, as tickets will not be sold on-site to minimize contact between workers and attendees.
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900 North Point St. Suite F301 / Website
Stop by this historic retail space where one of the original Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory once stood. They're not actually making all the chocolate here today, but they do serve delicious chocolate delights year round. Cup your hands around a warm mug of hot cocoa and float away on the rich, nostalgic taste. You can't go wrong with the classic topped with whipped cream and cocoa powder, but the sea salt caramel hot cocoa and decadent drinking chocolate are two must-try alternatives.
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1199 9th Ave. / (415) 661-1316 / Website
A garden stroll in the winter? Yes please, because some beautiful buds at the San Francisco Botanical Garden only bloom in the colder months. vibrantly-colored flowers, hearty conifers and fauna from all corners of the globe come to life in an inspiring display that'll warm your heart and make for some gorgeous photography. Commune with nature and get excited for the coming spring.
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When the holidays near, you can bet that our vibrantly creative bar scene is the among the first to welcome in the festivities! In true committed San Francisco fashion, several bars go above and beyond with their holiday themes, fully adorning their interiors with shimmery tinsel, radiant Christmas lights, Instagrammable photo spots, and of course, a "nice list" absolutely brimming with playful and perfectly spiced libations. To ensure you don't miss out on any of the limited-time jolly fun, we've compiled the most merry ones to visit.
See our full list here.
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Winter means the holidays, which also entails the joy of shopping around for gifts that you know your loved ones will just cherish. From the high-end retail hub of downtown's Union Square, to more lowkey small businesses and specially-curated boutiques in the Fillmore, Mission, and all throughout the city, San Francisco many eclectic neighborhoods carry something for everyone. If you don't know where to start on where to start on the right location to get specific gifts, we've got your retail roadmap covered.
See our full list here.
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With November being National Native American Indian Heritage Month, a great way to stay warm and cozy indoors while also supporting a heartwarming and storied tradition is by heading to the theatre to catch premier movies at the historic American Indian Film Festival! For over four decades, this highly-anticipated yearly showcase has been highlighting and platforming the most talented and visionary local indigenous voices, and many venues throughout the Bay Area grandly host their captivating films of all genres. Be sure to stay tuned to their upcoming dates to fully laugh, cry, and become powerfully edified in solidarity.
See also: What To Watch For SF's 47th American-Indian Film Festival
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When the weather becomes chilly, San Francisco's caring restaurants are ready to provide you the ultimate comforting meal to nourish you both with their rich and indulgent cuisine, and with their snug and charming interiors. If you're craving a warm and revitalizing reprieve from the winter elements, we have a list of dining destinations that are cozy, bright, and will make you instantly forget about the cold outdoors.
See our full list here.
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Similarly, the cold weather is no excuse not to explore our many delightful bars! The winter in the city is the perfect time to stay toasty in a casual community hangout that thoughtfully provides fire pits or a rustic fireplace. Quench your cocktail and adventurous thirst during this season by gathering around the hearth at these radiant bars among the friendliest of locals.
See our full list here.
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Whale watching tours are offered throughout the year in various Bay Area locations, but the winter months are San Francisco's true prime time whale watching moments. From December through May, you can catch a glimpse of Gray whales, sperm whales, orcas and lots of other sea creatures on the Bay. There are lots of tour groups available, but we recommend the good folks at the Oceanic Society. As America's oldest non-profit to support ocean conservation efforts, they've worked for more than 50 years to create a bond between man and marine life, working toward a healthy future by supporting threatened species and coastal community engagement.
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Various locations in California and Nevada / Website
It’s no secret San Fran’s movers and shakers go to Lake Tahoe in the winter for a wintry getaway. Whether you’re a skier or a snowboarder (or just someone who likes to hang out in the lodge in cute winter clothes), this stunning locale is well worth the three-and-a-half hour drive. Both the north and south sides of the lake are littered with world-class slopes. Heavenly Resort is the most popular with plenty of options for on-site dining, shopping and even daycare, but we encourage you to dig deep to find your own hidden gems, too.
No matter if you intend to do just one (or all!) of these winter activities, San Francisco's diverse liveliness will certainly keep you entertained all season long!
See also: San Francisco's Top Must-Do Fun Winter Holiday Activities
Photography by: Courtesy of Pixabay
