The 5 Best Activities for a Sunny Day in San Francisco

A warm, sunny day in San Francisco is a rare gem, calling upon locals and visitors alike to drop what they are doing to seize the day. The gift of clear skies in San Francisco occurs only once in a blue moon, and on a day like this, vibes in the city are unparalleled. From uninhibited views of the rugged California coastline and Golden Gate bridge, to the warm rays of sunlight that kiss picnickers in the city’s numerous parks, the city is certainly at its best. Whether you choose to take advantage of the conditions by enjoying a trip to the beach, a bike ride through the warm breeze, a pleasant outdoor dining experience, or simply by reminding yourself why you own a pair of sandals and shorts, you’re in for a major treat. The chances of encountering an idyllic sunny day like this are highest during the city’s “Indian Summer”, which occurs from late August through October, when locals thank "Karl the Fog" for his service and wish him a blissful hibernation.

Here’s a list of suggestions for the best activities to take advantage of the good weather:

1. Hit the beach! 

Ocean Beach and Baker Beach are my personal favorites. Ocean Beach is a 3.5 mile long strip of white sand that stretches along the Great Highway with spectacular views of the Marin headlands and coastline, and it boasts a powerful swell that entices advanced surfers year-round. Stop by Hook Fish or Palm City on the way to the beach to pick up some fresh poke or a sandwich with the best filling to bread ratio imaginable. Baker Beach, on the other hand, is arguably more picturesque because it sits alongside the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, but this means it will likely be more crowded with tourists, so pick your poison wisely! Whichever beach you choose, be sure to arrive with a packed cooler because you’ll want to spend the whole afternoon here.

2. Go on a long bike ride through Golden Gate Park. 

Golden Gate Park is truly something out of a fairytale and it is best enjoyed on a sunny day. Take a leisurely bike ride through this park filled with eucalyptus trees bathed in sunlight, glimmering ponds, and endless meadows begging to be frolicked in. This activity can even be combined with a trip to the beach!

3. Take a leisurely Coastal Walk. 

With Karl the Fog in hibernation, take advantage of rare clear views of the coast and Golden Gate Bridge and embark on a coastal walk to take in the magnificent views. I recommend the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, which is just 2.3 miles round trip and runs between the Golden Gate Bridge and Baker Beach. It also offers walkers a glimpse of the secluded Marshall beach. Lands End Trail is a slightly longer hike at 3.4 miles round trip, and features views of 30 miles of California coastline plus the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Sutro Baths, too.

4. Have a picnic.

Visit one of many parks in San Francisco and plant down with a decadent feast for the afternoon. Dolores Park in the Mission District is an excellent choice – it’s covered in rolling grassy hills with phenomenal views of the downtown skyline, and it happens to be located in the heart of Northern California’s Mission Style Burrito territory. If a burrito sounds good to you, stop by Taqueria El Buen Sabor for one of the neighborhood’s best. Bi-Rite ice cream, one of the city’s most highly rated ice cream shops, is also across the street from the park, so you can stop by when you’re ready for your post-lunch sweet treat!

5. Enjoy Sunset from a View Spot. While sunny days in San Francisco are rare, warm nights are even harder to come by. Make the most of the day by rounding it out with magnificent sunset views unobstructed by fog. In America’s most hilly city, there is no shortage of view spots to take in a glorious sunset. My personal favorite (a local’s hidden gem) is on the top of Grandview Park. You’ll need to hike up a handful of zigzagged wooden stairs to get to the top, but the 360 views of the city are worth every step. From the top, you’ll be able to see downtown SF, the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge, Ocean beach, the entirety of Golden Gate Park, the Palace of Fine Arts, and endless other recognizable landmarks.

What’s great about San Francisco’s relatively small size and ease of transportation is that you can take advantage of these 5 top recommendations for a sunny day all in one day if you’re feeling ambitious. But most importantly, if you happen to be in the city for one of these special clear-skied days, just make sure to make the most of it!