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Thanksgiving in San Francisco 2024
by Jill Loeffler •
Are you spending Thanksgiving in San Francisco? If so, I have tons of great recommendations.
There are a lot of fun things to do on Thanksgiving Day and throughout the weekend.
My guide includes top ideas for the holiday, the Friday after and the rest of the weekend.
In 2024, this popular holiday falls on Thursday, November 28.
Several restaurants open their doors to serve up a variety of gourmet dishes. You can also do something a little different and enjoy your meal while cruising around the bay.
In addition, many tour companies run most of their fun adventures throughout the day.
The rest of the weekend (11/29 - 12/1) is also full of activities including a chance to check out our holiday lights and Black Friday Shopping.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Attractions Open on Thanksgiving Day
While many museums and a handful of attractions close this day, you will still find several that open their doors to visitors.
Here are some of our biggest attractions and museums open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco.
Aquarium of the Bay
The Aquarium of the Bay on SF's Pier 39 is open on Thanksgiving Day.
All day long, you can watch their playful jellyfish swim around their tanks, walk through the tunnels within the aquarium or touch a starfish.
It's one of the best family-friendly options this holiday.
Pick up advanced tickets for your visit.
Botanical Gardens
The weather is usually lovely in SF on Thanksgiving and it's a fun time to walk around our colorful Botanical Gardens.
You will find them in Golden Gate Park and admission is free all day long.
California Academy of Sciences
Our most visited museum is also open. The California Academy of Sciences is a perfect stop and a wonderful experience for the entire family.
You can stop by and say hello to Claude, the rare white alligator, walk through the 4-story Osher Rainforest or visit the Steinhart Aquarium.
I recommend buying your tickets in advance for this day as they sell out early.
Golden Gate Bridge
You can stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge 365 days a year.
It's cool and windy this time of year, but it's an experience you will never forget.
Make sure to stop by the Welcome Center for a few souvenirs to remember your visit.
Japanese Tea Garden
Visit one of the oldest Japanese Tea Garden in this US this Thanksgiving in San Francisco.
The gardens are open and welcome visitors all day.
You will find them in Golden Gate Park.
Muir Woods
Another attraction just north of SF that is open every day of the year is Muir Woods. It's home to some of our famous redwood trees that are hundreds of years old.
You can walk along the flat paved paths or get your heart pumping on one of the more challenging trails.
You can also head up on a guided tour and leave the driving to someone else.
You must make reservations in advance. You can also head out on this guided tour.
Twin Peaks
Another fun attraction open all day this holiday is Twin Peaks. From the top, you will get some of the best views of all of the SF Bay Area.
You can climb to the top of one or both peaks or just soak in the views from the parking lot nearby.
>> Click here for hours & more details on attractions open on Thanksgiving
Lunch & Dinner Recommendations
Restaurants in San Francisco offer both traditional and non-traditional dishes for Thanksgiving dinner.You will find dozens of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco.
Many will offer a prix-fixe meal with turkey, dressing, and all of the fixings. Some also offer you the chance to choose a meal from their menu.
Here are a few ideas for this holiday.
- Buena Vista: Fisherman's Wharf, will be offering both a special Thanksgiving Day meal in addition to items off their menu.
- Park Chalet: Ocean Beach
- Zingari Ristorante & Rooftop: Downtown/Union Square
- One Market Restaurant: Embarcadero, prix-fixe meal for $95 per person, children 10 and under $49, excludes taxes, gratuity, and drinks
>> Find additional details on my top picks for lunch or dinner this Thanksgiving
SF Cruises & Tours Running on Thanksgiving Day & Weekend
There are some cloudy days in November, which makes for some great photo opportunities this time of year! This is from the day before Thanksgiving.Most tours run regular schedules on Thanksgiving in San Francisco. You can bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy a lovely meal on a cruise, or head up to Napa for some wine tasting.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Golden Gate Bay Cruise
This 60-minute bay cruise takes you out for a relaxing time on the water. The cruises starts in Fisherman's Wharf. You will then slowly cruise along the northern shore of SF as you make your way to the Golden Gate Bridge.
After you cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge, your boat will turn around and head back under the bridge a second time. You'll then head over to Alcatraz Island.
After a loop around the island, you will return to Fisherman's Wharf.
Along the way, you will listen to narration about SF, our top attractions, and a little about our history.
Learn more and find tickets here.
Go Car Tour
Cruise around SF on these cute, two-seater Go Cars. Their preprogrammed tour will allow you to easily drive past the best attractions where you can make a quick stop for a picture perfect opportunity.
The tour lasts 2 hours and offers audio in six different languages.
Learn more and book yours today.
Visit Top Free Attractions
Spend the day visiting some of SF's top attractions.
On Thanksgiving Day, you will find many of our top free attractions open such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square.
It's a fun day to explore the city on this Hop On/Hop Off tour as you learn more about SF's history.
More about the 24-hour tour option.
Additional Tours Running Thanksgiving Day & Weekend
Hotel Recommendations
Book your hotel early and save! Click the links below to find the best deals currently running during your stay.
Booking: Find great deals all around San Francisco for your upcoming stay!
TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in San Francisco? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
VRBO: Besides hotels, you'll also find some great places to stay locally through VRBO. Book an apartment or a room and feel more like a local. Find some great places to stay on VRBO here.
Are you visiting with kids? Here is a quick guide to the 25 most family-friendly places in San Francisco. All offer a fun experience for both your kids and you!
Shopping Options for Thanksgiving Day 2024
Most of the shops around Chinatown are open on Thanksgiving Day in San Francisco. This showcases some of the fun gifts you will find in shops along Grant Avenue.If you plan on going shopping, I recommend heading over to the Fisherman's Wharf area. Most shops in that area are open this holiday.
Chinatown is another great option as most of the shops and restaurants run their regular hours.
If you head to Union Square, plan on most shops being closed as they prepare for Black Friday.
Ghirardelli Square
The management here lets the shops decide if they want to open or not on Thanksgiving Day.
However, they did confirm that at least some of the shops will be open.
More about shopping at Ghirardelli.
Pier 39
Several shops on Pier 39 are also open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco.
You will find about 75% are open this day and many are open from mid-morning to mid-evening.
You will also find some great restaurants here and don't miss your chance to stop by and check out our famous sealions.
Union Square
A few shops in Union Square area also open, but it's more hit or miss in this neighborhood.
Chinatown
Here you will find inexpensive items such as San Francisco gifts, clothing and jewelry.
Most places are open on the holiday and throughout the weekend. It's a fun place to come for some great bargains!
More about shopping in Chinatown.
Other Fun Things to Do for Thanksgiving in San Francisco
Turkey Trots
You will find several great Turkey Trots around the SF Bay Area on Thanksgiving Day. Top picks include those in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Marin, and wine country.
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
If you want to get out and exercise a bit, there are more than a dozen different ice skating rinks around the bay area. They include San Jose, Monterey, San Francisco, Marin, and rinks around the East Bay.
If you want to find out more, visit this page with my top picks each year.
San Francisco Weather for Thanksgiving
The San Francisco weather for Thanksgiving and the weekend is usually temperate during the day with temperatures in the mid to lower 60s.
It's often partly cloudy with some sun throughout the weekend. At night, the weather will dip into the lower 50s.
The wind here will make both the day and night feel a bit cooler.
I do recommend that you check the weather a few days before you arrive.
November is the start of our rainy season, so it could also be rainy for a day or two this weekend.
>> Find more information on the weather this month as well as tips on what to wear
Details for Thanksgiving Weekend
This is a Dale Chihuly work at the de Young Museum and an example of some of the art pieces they have on display at this fine arts museum.You will find many other fun things to do all weekend long in San Francisco. In addition to fun events this weekend, you will find lots of outdoor activities, additional tours, and museums open throughout the weekend.
Here are just a few additional recommendations for Thanksgiving in San Francisco.
de Young & Legion of Honor
Both of our fine arts museums will be open this Thanksgiving Weekend in San Francisco. The de Young is situated in Golden Gate Park just across the street from the California Academy of Sciences.
The Legion of Honor is on the northwestern side of the city near Lands End.
Both offer several hour of fun for those that love the fine arts.
SF Museum of Modern Art
The SF Museum of Modern Art is also open all weekend long. This modern arts museums features pieces from several well known modern artists including Henri Matisse, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Andy Warhol.
It's located in the South of Market District.
Lombard Street
You can also head over to Lombard Street.
This free, outdoor attraction is open 365 days a year and is a fun sight to see!
Painted Ladies of Alamo Square
Another free, outdoor attraction sits along Alamo Square. The Seven Sisters or Painted Ladies of Alamo Square as they are called are seven beautifully painted Victorians.
Six are almost identical (except for their paint colors) and a larger one sits on the northern end.
If you find just the right spot, you will get that picture perfect view with downtown San Francisco in the background.
SF City Guides Walking Tours
SF City Guides, which is part of the SF Public Library, is also offering a several free walking tours this weekend.
They cover topics and districts such as Fisherman's Wharf, Pacific Heights Mansions, and the 1906 Earthquake and Fire.
The walks are free, but they do request a donation. I usually donate about $12 per person.
Visit their site here for more details.
Little Italy & North Beach Walking Tour
You can also head out on a walking tour to explore San Francisco's famed North Beach District.
On this tour, you will learn all about this Italian district.
From food to history, you will know this place like a local at the end of your tour.
Holiday Lights Tour
This fun, small group tour takes you around San Francisco to see the colorful holiday and Christmas lights. You'll cruise around the streets in a fun, 70s-themed van.
It will take you from Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square and beyond. The tour runs nightly and lasts for around 2 hours.
Wine Tasting in Napa or Sonoma
You can also head up to Napa or Sonoma for a day of wine tasting. Each region is home to several hundred wineries, so you will have plenty to choose from.
You can sample only sparkling wines or spend the day enjoying just reds. It's up to you!
If you don't want to drive, you can also head up with a guided tour. This is one of my favorites.
Events, Theater, and Other Shows for Thanksgiving Weekend in San Francisco
The Chase Center is our largest indoor concert venue and one of many places to catch a show on Thanksgiving Day Weekend.Hamilton at the Orpheum
Tickets: Find tickets for all performances
You are in for a special treat this weekend in San Francisco! Hamilton, the award winning musical, will be on stage at the Orpheum Theatre all weekend long.
You can catch performances on Thanksgiving night at 7:30 pm. Other shows are on Friday at 1 pm and 7:30 pm; Saturday at 1 pm and 7:30 pm; and Sunday at 1 pm.
Fan Expo at the Moscone Center
Dates: 11/29 - 12/1
Tickets: Find tickets for the three day weekend or for individual days
This three-day fandom festival is a great way to meet well known celebrities and interact with other comic, sci-fi, and cosplay fans.
Friday night is a preview and runs from 6 pm to 9 pm.
The full festival kicks off on Saturday (10 am to 7 pm) and runs all day Sunday (10 am to 5 pm).
All events are at the Moscone Center in San Francisco's South of Market District.
Concerts
You will find all kinds of great music events this Thanksgiving Weekend.
You will also find top performances at venues all around the SF Bay Area.
Make sure to check the list below and see everyone that is coming to the SF Bay Area during Thanksgiving weekend as you may want to see more than one.
- 11/29: Leslie Odom Jr at the Golden Gate Theatre at 7:30 pm, find tickets
- 11/29: Latto at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium at 7:30 pm, find tickets
- 11/29: Amigo the Devil at the Great American Music Hall at 7:45 pm, find tickets
- 11/29 & 11/30: Give Thanks Festival: Slander (11/29) and Kaskade (11/30) at the Cow Palace at 8 pm, find tickets
- 11/30: Aerosmith & The Black Crows at the Chase Center at 7 pm, find tickets
- 11/30: Shemekia Copeland at the SFJAZZ Center at 7:30 pm, find tickets
- 11/30: Kasablanca at The Regency Ballroom at 8 pm, find tickets
- 11/30: Fleetwood Macrame at Bimbos 365 at 9 pm, find tickets
>> Find a full schedule of top Thanksgiving weekend concerts.
More Events to Check Out this Weekend
- 11/28 - 12/1: Kimberly Akimbo at the Curran Theatre, find tickets
- 11/29 - 12/1: Waitress at the SF Playhouse, find tickets
- 11/29 & 11/30: Kevin Nealon at Cobb's Comedy Club, 4 shows, find tickets
- 11/30: SF Symphony, Constantine Kitsopoulos - Amadeus, Film with Live Orchestra at 7:30 pm, find tickets
- 11/30 & 12/1: A Whynot Christmas Carol (Preview Performances) at the Toni Rembe Theater, find tickets
Black Friday Shopping in San Francisco
Black Friday is a big shopping day in SF. This is when you'll want to head back to the places with larger retail stores for the best deals.
- Union Square: Here you will find several shops with great Black Friday deals. Macy's is the anchor store here - with several others that surround it.
- Pier 39: This fun Pier in Fisherman's Wharf is a great place to do a little shopping. You'll find gifts for yourself and your family!
Read more about the 7 places I recommend for you to shop on Black Friday.
Find more details, maps and tips for shopping in the Union Square area.
Other Fun SF Bay Area Thanksgiving Weekend Events
Cannery Row Tree Lighting
Cannery Row is home to Monterey's best tree lighting. As well as seeing the tree being lit, you can also meet Santa, his reindeers and hear carolers welcome in the season.
In 2024, the festivities start at 12 pm with a free rend engine ride around Cannery Row.
The lighting is on Friday and starts at 5:45 ending at 6:00 pm. Afterward, you can also visit with Santa from 6 pm to 9 pm.
More events in Monterey this month.
Gobble Con (11/28 - 12/1)
Ready to meet some new people and play a lot of games?
Then this is the place for you with more than 52 hours of board games, role playing, miniatures (even if you don't play games, these are so cute to see), and so much more that your day will fly by without even realizing it.
This event is family friendly and fun for all to attend. It runs from Thursday the 28th through Sunday, December 1.
It's at the Hyatt Regency in Burlingame.
Point Reyes Open Studios
The beauty of Point Reyes is a must see for everyone and especially when the artist allow you in to see their ceramics, painting, sculptures and other pieces of art in person.
If you are looking for gifts for the holidays, or just something for yourself, you will be glad you came and enjoyed this event. The event runs Friday, the 29th to Sunday, December 1st.
The open studio event is free and a great place to buy gifts for the upcoming holiday season.
Gilroy Gardens - North Pole Nights
Gilroy Gardens is truly unlike any other place in the world as it transitions into the North Pole. Enjoy live entertainment, ice skating, gourmet food, and delicious drinks as you take in the winter sights.
There are also some rides that are open during North Pole Nights. This is a family friendly event with Santa, Rudy the polar bear, and other friendly characters.
You will also find a fun NYE dance party and a fireworks show. This event runs specific nights from November 29 through December 30.
Santa Rosa Winter Lights
Santa Rosa's Downtown Courthouse Square is home to this wonderful tree lighting event. Starting at 4 pm on Friday the 29th, Santa will arrive on top of a fire truck for all to enjoy.
There is food and drink for all, including adult beverages, and kids can play in a bouncy house, do arts and crafts, and much more.
It ends at 7 pm.
Santa Rosa Winter Lights then continues throughout the holiday with a skating rinks, Christmas lights, and other fun activities.
Six Flags Holiday in the Park (11/29 - 1/5)
An annual event not to be missed, you will want to experience the shows, games, and rides on select days starting November 29 until January 5. It runs for select days only.
You can meet Santa, and check out the new displays, rides and shows that are only around for this holiday season. You will not believe how much there is to do and see!
Christmas in the Park
Starting on Friday, November 29 at 6 pm and continuing through to the holiday season, you are invited to San Jose's Plaza de Cesar Chavez to watch the beautiful tree lighting at night.
Many special guests will be there to perform and make your holiday experience unforgettable!
The event will run nightly with both walk through and drive through options.
SF Bay Area Kids & Family-Friendly Activities this Weekend
Lake Merritt Boats
Depending on the weather, you might want to take a boat out on the lake in Oakland and enjoy the relaxation and scenery.
You can rent canoes, rowboats, kayaks and more depending on your skill level.
All rentals are cash only.
Oakland Zoo
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Oakland Zoo is a great way to get outside, enjoy lots of wildlife, ride the train, fly over the zoo in the gondola, and check out other events that are going on all day long.
Food and drink is available to purchase. The zoo opens at 10 am each day and closes at different depending on the day you visit it.
The Oakland Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Berkeley's Victory Point Cafe
Want to play a few games and have a few adult beverages at the same time? Then this is where you want to be this weekend.
Costing just $5, and giving you the ability to play as many games as you want, and stay as long as you want, this is a great deal and a great time.
They have a full menu of food and drinks so you can stay all day long and escape the shopping crowds.
Children's Fairyland in Oakland
Time to become a kid again and enjoy one of the most famous places in Oakland's long history at Fairyland.
Open the day before Thanksgiving, and the whole weekend after it, this magical playland has been a joy for kids of all ages for as long as anyone can remember.
It opens at 10 am and closes at 4 pm and you MUST be accompanied by a child to enter and no child is admitted without a parent.
The cost is $19 for adults and $17 for those 1 - 17 years of age.
East Bay Region Parks Family & Kids Activities
There are so many activities happening this weekend that it will be hard to decide which ones to choose.
They range from butterfly exhibits and talks, the Hazel Atlas Mine tour, to Meet the Newts (the rainy season brings out this cute little guys), and so much more.
Check the schedule each day for what seems best for you and your family.
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group!
It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!
