40 Awesome Things to Do in San Francisco in August

Are you looking for the best things to do in San Francisco in August? 

My top picks include include concerts, tours, and cruises around the SF Bay. It's also the perfect time to catch a Giants baseball game or go on a guided walking tour.

If you love to explore on your own, you'll find my recommendations on the top museums and attractions to visit this month.

August is a fantastic time to visit. It's the time of year when you have the best chance to see our famous fog.

We like to call it "Fogust," and it lives up to its name every year.

San Francisco has one of the coolest summers in the US, so this month is a great time to visit if you want to cool off for a few days.

In this article, I've included details for 50 fun things to do in August in San Francisco.

Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

1. Enjoy Top San Francisco Events in August

Some top things to do in San Francisco in August include events, festivals and street fairs.

The biggest event every August is the Outside Lands Music and Art Festival. This three-day festival is at Golden Gate Park and is an amazing experience!

Stern Grove will also have performances Sundays at 2 pm through mid-August. Even though the performances are free, you must register to get tickets before you arrive. They are available one month before each performance.

Other top events in August in San Francisco include the Nihonmachi Street Fair, Pistahan Parade & Festival, and Jerry Day.

>> Find a full calendar for events for August

2. Visit Alcatraz Island

If this is your first visit to San Francisco, I recommend heading out on a cruise to visit Alcatraz Prison.

This former federal prison was home to infamous prisoners such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. 

After your 15-minute cruise from SF to the island, you will spend your first hour on a self-guided audio tour.

This isn't just any old audio tour either. It's engaging, entertaining, and also educational.

Once you complete your self-guided audio tour, you can explore the rest of the island on your own, check out their temporary exhibit, or peruse the gift shop.

You might even see the fog billowing in over or under the Golden Gate Bridge from Alcatraz. It's a fantastic scene to capture with a photo.

• More about visiting Alcatraz
• What you can expect on the night tour to Alcatraz

3. Cruise Around the San Francisco Bay

Whether you are visiting San Francisco for the first or tenth time, taking a bay cruise is a fun way to enjoy your stay.

Most cruises start in Fisherman's Wharf, take you under the Golden Gate Bridge, around Alcatraz, and offer you some interesting commentary as you go. 

Here are three of my top picks for this month.

• Golden Gate Bay Cruise: The most popular is the 60-minute Bay Cruise. It leaves several times a day from Fisherman's Wharf and takes you past the Palace of Fine Arts, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and around Alcatraz. On board, you can listen to narration about San Francisco and its attractions as you cruise along. 
• Bay Sailing Tour with Drinks: This 2-hour cruise is perfect for those wanting a relaxing trip on the water. You cruise around the bay as you enjoy two drinks (beer, white wine, soda, or water). It leaves from Pier 39. 
• Bridge to Bridge Cruise: This is an excellent option if you want to cruise under the Bay Bridge. It runs for about an hour and a half, and the first hour mirrors the Golden Gate Bay Cruise. It then continues along the waterfront and over to the Bay Bridge. It then makes its way back to your starting point. 

Are you looking for a few more options? Find a full list of the best cruises around the bay.

More SF Bay Cruise Options

4. Explore SF on One of These Walking Tours

You will also find several fun and unique daily walking tours in San Francisco.

Exploring San Francisco on foot is one of the best ways to really get to know the city.

Many of these tours are with local guides who know the city inside and out. 

Here are three of my top picks this month.

• Chinatown Food Walking Tour: I love this one because it's one of the best ways to get to know Chinatown. From sampling delicious dim sum to hearing fascinating stories, this one is a must for all visitors.
• True Crime Tales from the Haight: This is great for true crime lovers! Did you know that Charles Mason and Jim Jones once called this district home? Did you know it's also where Patty Hearst was held captive? Learn about these stories and other famous people that lived in the Haight-Asbury District.
• Four Peaks Tour: If you want something to really get your heart pumping, then check out the Four Peaks Tour. It runs for three to four hours and takes you to the top peaks in the Castro District, to the top of Twin Peaks, Corona Heights, and Dolores Heights. During your hike, you will learn all about what made these districts famous.

Are you looking for some additional great walking tours? Uncover my list of other great options all around San Francisco.

More Fun SF Tours

5. Stroll Across the Golden Gate Bridge

August is also a unique time to visit the Golden Gate Bridge.

Our classic fog likes to create a mysterious look in and around the bridge at the start and end of each day.

At times, the bridge might be surrounded by fog all day!

When you visit this time of year, you get to walk through the cool fog or see it as it rolls in around the bridge.

During your visit to this San Francisco icon, make sure also to pick up some gifts in the Welcome Center and learn more about the bridge at its outdoor exhibits. 

• Tips to stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge
• Some great places to get pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge

6. Catch a Theater Performance

San Francisco is a fantastic place to catch a theater performance.

It's one of my favorite San Francisco things to do in August because it's a warm evening activity away from our typically cool, foggy nights.

There is usually at least one traveling Broadway show every August at the Orpheum, Golden Gate, or Curran Theatres.

There are also great musicals and plays at other top venues, such as the San Francisco Playhouse, the American Conservatory Theater, and the New Conservatory Theater.

There are also dozens of smaller theater venues throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area, which allows you to catch a show almost any night of the week.

• Find a list of shows this month in SF

7. Watch the Sea Lions at Pier 39

August is a great time to check out the sea lions on the western side of Pier 39.

This is the time of year when the breeding season is just ending, so these playful creatures start to return to Pier 39.

You will see just a few at the beginning of the month.

They start returning in bigger groups during the second week in August. 

This free activity in San Francisco allows you to see them as they fight for positions on the platforms.

Also, step inside the information center to learn more about this protected species.

• Learn more about San Francisco's famous sea lions

8. Experience Muir Woods

One of the best places to check out redwoods is less than an hour north of San Francisco in Muir Woods.

This famous National Historic Site is busy on any given day, but a trip here is unforgettable.

These massive, historic trees can live to be several hundred years old, and some are even more than 1,000 years old! 

During your visit here, you can stroll along its flat paths with a close-up look at these giants.

You can also check out the visitors center for gifts for yourself and others.

One of the easiest ways to get here is by taking a guided tour. These are three of my top picks:

• Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Trip: This is the most popular Muir Woods Tour. It includes a stop at Vista Point for views of the Golden Gate Bridge on your way to Muir Woods. Once you arrive, you'll have 90 minutes to explore and visit Sausalito. The entire tour is about five hours.
• Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour: If you prefer to head up with a smaller group, this tour is for you! It also includes about an hour and 20 minutes in the park with about an hour to spend in Sausalito. This one includes your entry fee into Muir Woods. 
• Muir Woods, Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: If you are here for only a couple of days or want to try to see it all during your visit, this might be a great option. It combines a trip to Muir Woods with Northern California Wine Country. This tour allows you to visit these popular spots in just one day.

9. Savor Some Clam Chowder

On a cool August day, the best way to warm up is with some clam chowder!

You will find so many great places to enjoy this delicious treat while you are here.

Most places in San Francisco offer New England Clam Chowder, which is cream-based.

You will find a few that offer Manhattan Clam Chowder, which is tomato-based chowder.

I highly recommend ordering your soup with one of our famous sour dough bread bowls.

Even if you can't eat the entire bowl, it's a fantastic way to savor our tasty clam chowder.

• My favorite places for clam chowder in San Francisco

10. Enjoy Free Days at Our Local Museums

Calling all museum lovers! One of the best times to visit our top museums is on a free museum admission day!

Many of our top museums offer free admission at least once a month or quarter. Some smaller museums even offer free admission once a week!

In addition to free days, some museums offer free admission during certain hours. 

Top museums that invite you to visit for free on certain days include the SF Asian Art Museum, the Legion of Honor, and the Conservatory of Flowers.

Make sure to also head to the Japanese Garden first thing in the morning on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday to gain free admission. 

• Full calendar of upcoming free museum admission days in San Francisco

11. Celebrate Labor Day Weekend

The last day or two in August is usually the official kick-off to this popular three-day weekend.

Yes, it signifies that summer is ending, and it's a great time to visit San Francisco!

The holiday weekend is usually jam-packed with activities.

All of the main attractions and museums are open.

It's also when we transition from Fogust to the warm days of September.

You will find sporting events, concerts, and festivals throughout the weekend.

You can also visit Alcatraz, cruise around the SF Bay, or do a little hiking on Angel Island.

• Find out more about what to do for Labor Day Weekend

12. Explore the California Academy of Sciences

Are you ready for an unforgettable museum experience?

The California Academy of Sciences is like no other museum around.

It has a planetarium, aquarium, four-story rainforest, and a natural history museum.

One of its most famous residents is a rare white alligator. You can also step inside one of their exhibits to feel what it's like to be in an earthquake! 

Ensure you leave enough time to experience it all while you are here.

While I spend about two to three hours here, you could spend all day here without getting bored.

The prices for this museum are on a sliding scale, and are more expensive on their busiest days. That's why I recommend buying your tickets in advance. This skip-the-line ticket also saves you time when you arrive.

• Find out more about visiting the California Academy of Sciences

13. Ride On a Historic Cable Car

Ding, ding! All aboard one of our historic cable cars!

These fantastic rolling museums are a must-ride during your stay.

It's one of the best things to do in August in San Francisco as we are the only place in the world with traditional, hand-run cable cars.

Most people think the cable cars will get you anywhere throughout the city, but there are just three lines left.

Two take you between Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf (on different routes) and the third takes you from the Embarcadero to Van Ness Street in Nob Hill.

These open air vehicles are fun to ride and only take about 30 minutes to get from one end of the route to the other.

BUT...with so many people here in August, I recommend setting aside a couple of hours to enjoy them as the lines are LONG this time of year! 

Find out more about what it's like to ride the San Francisco cable cars.

14. Day Trip to Yosemite National Park

To understand the beauty of Yosemite National Park, you must visit during your stay in San Francisco.

August is a great time to see it as the weather is warm but beautiful. 

You can head out on a hike, spend the day exploring Yosemite Valley, or head up the windy road to Glacier Point. 

Some people head over just for the day. It's about a five-hour drive to Yosemite Valley from San Francisco, so while this is a good option for those with limited time, I recommend staying overnight for at least one night if you have the time.

This one day tour from San Francisco is a great option for those that don't want to drive. It will give you a high-level overview of this beautiful national park and allow you some time to explore.

• Here are my recommendations on the best ways to get to Yosemite from San Francisco
• Find some additional things to do during your visit to Yosemite

15. Stop by the Aquarium of the Bay

There is no better way to get to know the plants and animals in the San Francisco Bay than at the Aquarium of the Bay. 

This Pier 39 attraction is one of the best things to do in San Francisco in August.

My favorites here are watching the jellyfish float around their tanks and slowly cruising through the walk-through aquarium.

If you are visiting with little ones, leave some time to check out the hands-on exhibits where they can touch starfish and other small water animals.

It usually takes a couple of hours to get through the entire aquarium.

Here are three ways to pick up your tickets for this attraction.

• General Admission: This skip-the-line ticket allows you to skip the ticket booth and head straight into the aquarium when you arrive.
• Aquarium of the Bay VIP Tour: This VIP tour takes you behind the scenes of the aquarium. You'll spend time in the lab checking in on any injured or sick animals. You'll learn what it takes to keep all the animals healthy, and you'll walk on the catwalks above the aquarium. 
• Go City Explorer Pass: One way to save during your stay is with the Go City Explorer Pass discount card. It offers admission into the Aquarium of the Bay and up to 4 other top San Francisco attractions.

Find out more about what it's like to visit the Aquarium of the Bay

16. Soak in the Views from The Starlite

One of my favorite things to do in August in San Francisco is soak in the views from above. The Starlite is a cocktail lounge with views over Union Square.

It's on the 21st Floor of the Beacon Grand Hotel and has changed hands several times.

The newest version opened in early 2024, and the space is fantastic.

Make a reservation and dress up a bit for your time here.

It's always fun to visit in August when you can watch the fog descend on the city at night, creating a unique view of the lights around the square.

17. Catch the SF Giants in Action

A visit to San Francisco in August is not complete without catching a Giants game at Oracle Park.

This fantastic ballpark sits along the SF Bay and is one of the best places to catch a game.

August doesn't offer your typical baseball weather though, so make sure to bring along a few layers to add after the sun goes down. 

Also, don't eat before you arrive.

Oracle Park has some of the best stadium food in baseball, and it's worth the extra price to enjoy some of it during the game! 

• Find tickets for all August games at Oracle Park
• More details about what it's like to see a Giants game in San Francisco

18. Climb the Filbert Street Steps

Get in on the heart-pumping action of San Francisco's famous staircases.

The Filbert Street Steps offer you the chance to climb one of the steepest hills in San Francisco. 

They take you from the flat streets around the Embarcadero up to Coit Tower. 

I love this climb because of its colorful gardens. Any time of the year, you will find a variety of plants in bloom. 

The two blocks of climbing straight up will get your heart pumping and offer an experience you will never forget!

• More pictures and details about what it's like to climb the Filbert Street Steps
• Find some of my favorite staircases all around San Francisco

19. Tour Our Local Wine Regions

Another one of the best things to do in San Francisco in August is a day trip up to wine country.

Napa Valley and Sonoma County offer amazing tasting experience just over an hour from SF.

August is a great time to visit because the grapes are ripening on the vines, and the weather is warm, but beautiful. 

If it's your first time, I recommend heading up on a guided tour, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the wine.

Here are some of the top-rated wine tours from San Francisco.

• Full-Day Napa & Sonoma Tour: This is a popular pick because it allows you to see Napa Valley and Sonoma in one day. It includes wine tasting at three wineries, a lunch stop in downtown Sonoma (cost of lunch is not included), and a professional guide. It's an all day tour and lasts around 9 hours. 
• Half-Day Wine Excursion: This is great if you are short on time. It includes tasting at two wineries with three to five samples at both locations. This tour lasts for around 5.5 hours.
• Muir Woods & Wine Country Tour: I also like this option for those who are short on time or want to see a lot during their stay. It includes a morning stop at Muir Woods and an afternoon in wine country. Your ticket will include the wine tasting fees, but you will have to pay the entrance fee at Muir Woods. It's a packed day and will last more than 10 hours, but it is a great way to see both locations in a short amount of time.

If you prefer to go on your own, set up reservations for the wineries before you arrive. Some will only take visitors with reservations, while others will allow you in if they have space. The weekends are more crowded, so getting a walk in spot is harder. 

Here are some additional resources.

• More top wine tasting tours from San Francisco
• Ways to get from San Francisco to Napa
• My favorite wineries to visit in Napa

20. Explore Our Hidden Gems

If you are a return visitor, you've probably already visited many of San Francisco's top attractions.

Now, it's time to check out our hidden gems.

There are so many unique little spots to check out, including the Wave Organ, the Columbarium, and our colorful Chinese Temples.

You can also search for our famous wild parrots, climb some of our lesser known mosaic staircases, and explore districts that mostly locals visit.

There are endless opportunities to find hidden activities this August in San Francisco.

• Check out some of the top hidden gems around San Francisco

21. Tour a Painted Lady

This opportunity is one you will want to take advantage of!

Right now, the owner of one of the famous painted ladies of Alamo Square is offering guided tours inside their Victorian! 

The tour lasts about an hour and lets you peek at most of the top three floors within this historic gem. 

The owner will tell you stories about the house and fill you in on little know facts about this popular San Francisco tourist attraction.

• Book your tickets for this special tour today

22. Grab a Beer at a Local Brewery

The craft beer craze is still running hot in San Francisco.

The scene changes frequently, with new breweries opening or the current ones expanding almost every year.

Some of my top picks include:

• San Francisco Brewing Company: This options has a fantastic setting inside Ghirardelli Square. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating. I like both options. Inside you will find sports on TV. I also love their pub food. 
• 21st Amendment: This is another one of my favorite breweries in San Francisco. They are one of the first and are near Oracle Park. You can grab a beer either before or after a Giants game. It's also worth the effort to check them out during non-game days. They are at 563 2nd Street.
• Magnolia Brewing Company: This old school brewery has been a staple in San Francisco for years. They are in the famed Haight-Asbury District and have a great selection of hand crafted beers. Their food is delicious, too. They are at 1398 Haight Street.

Want more recommendations? Find my full list of top breweries here.

23. Appreciate the Curves of Lombard Street

August is also a great time to check out Lombard Street.

It's one of my favorite things to do in August in San Francisco since the flowers are usually still in bloom, making it lovely for photos.

This one-block section of Lombard Street is so popular because of its brick roadway with eight hairpin turns. It's fun to watch people slowly drive down. 

Most people prefer to walk down since the line to drive down can be an hour or two long, especially on weekends and holidays.

• Find out more about visiting Lombard Street in San Francisco

24. Admire Our Murals

San Francisco is full of colorful street art. From Chinatown to the Mission District, you will find more than 1,000 pieces of street art all around the city.

Keep your eyes open for pieces.

You'll see everything, including beautiful fountains, painted walls, statues, and other beautiful pieces almost everywhere you go.

These pieces change out frequently as they age or are damaged, and it's always fun to see the new pieces being created.

Make sure to pay special attention to the hearts around Union Square.

These pieces of art help raise money for San Francisco General and are switched out every few months.

• Where to find additional art around San Francisco
• Best places to find street art in the Mission District

25. Spend Time in Monterey

Did you know that the beautiful waterfront town of Monterey is an easy day trip from San Francisco?

This popular spot is home to Cannery Row and Old Fisherman's Wharf, where you will find plenty of shopping and restaurants.

It's also home to one of the best aquariums in the world, the Monterey Bay Aquarium. 

The waters in Monterey Bay are rich with plants and animals, making it also one of the best places in the world to go whale watching.

You could head down on a guided tour from San Francisco (this is a great one) or drive down on your own for a day or two. 

It's small and quieter than San Francisco, but is full of fun things to do every August.

• Ways to get from San Francisco to Monterey
• Fun things to see and do in Monterey
• Great places to stay for your visit

26. Explore the Presidio

One of my favorite things to do in San Francisco in August is to head over to the Presidio.

This former military base is a fantastic place for outdoor lovers with miles of hiking trails, great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and some lovely beaches for a picnic.

Make sure to spend some time check out one of our newest parks called Tunnel Top.

It offers amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and is a relaxing place to hang out.

The Walt Disney Museum and the National Cemetery are other great places to check out during your visit.

Even though August is cold, it's still fun to check out Baker or Marshalls Beaches for their views.

And, of course, my favorite activity here is to head out on one of its many hiking trails.

• Additional fun things to do in the Presidio
• Tips to visit the Walt Disney Museum
• Where to find out top beaches and what to expect when you visit

27. Hike Lands End

Another fantastic place to hike in San Francisco is the Lands End Trail.

This trail was created decades ago and was originally used for train tracks that took people from San Francisco to the ocean.

Today, it's a well maintained trail with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean.

It twists and turns around the cliff edge and it's a fantastic way to spend a few hours outdoors.

• More about visiting Lands End

28. Watch the Cables in Action

Earlier on my list, I recommended that you take a ride on the cable cars.

For those of you who want to learn how they work, head over to the Cable Car Museum. 

This free attraction shows the live cables in action as they pull the cars around SF's steep hills.

There are also several displays and a video that tell you more about how they work.

You will also learn about their history, including how many original lines there were, how the 1906 Earthquake and Fire damaged many of the lines, and the decades long fight to get them back in service.

• Find out more about what it's like to visit the Cable Car Museum

29. See Colorful Flowers in Bloom

Another fun activity for San Francisco in August is a visit to the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park.

I find this is an overlooked attraction since it's home to dozens of local and international plants. 

You can stroll around its 55 acres as you learn all about flora from regions around the world. Each section of the park focuses on a specific region around the world.

You can also visit free if you arrive between 7:30 am and 9 am daily. 

• More about visiting the San Francisco Botanical Garden
• More to see and do in Golden Gate Park

30. Enjoy Cartoon Art

For those of you who love cartoon art, you must stop at the Cartoon Art Museum in Fisherman's Wharf.

The museums features two major traveling exhibits at a time that switch out three to four times a year. 

The museum is small, but it's worth visiting to check out the amazing exhibits they bring each year. 

Check their calendar of upcoming exhibits before you arrive to ensure the current exhibits interest you. You will find their calendar here. 

• Find out more about what to expect when you visit the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco

31. Listen to Live Music

August is also a great time to catch some live music in San Francisco.

We are lucky to have large and small venues with an amazing schedule of concerts.

Shows here include everything from current pop stars to top indie talent.

You will also find jazz, blues, country, rock, and other genres most nights of the week. 

Some of our top venues include the Fillmore Auditorium, the Chase Center, and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.

We usually have a few outdoor performances in August too at Oracle Park and Golden Gate Park.

• Find a list of upcoming shows for August

32. Party at the California Academy of Sciences

For those of you who are 21 and older and also love science, I recommend checking out the California Academy of Sciences Nightlife event.

It's a chance to have a few drinks and check out this popular science museum when it's adults only.

Each event has a theme that focuses either on the entertainment you can expect or a specific aspect they want to highlight within the museum.

With our cool August nights, this month is the perfect time to check it out. 

These events run every Thursday from 6 pm to 10 pm.

• Find tickets for this Thursday night event

33. See "Dear San Francisco"

Club Fugazi is the place to be this August in San Francisco!

Dear San Francisco is a fast paced, heart pumping acrobatics show the features characters performing in and around top SF attractions.

It brings the city to life and spans from the days of the Gold Rush to today. 

In addition to acrobatics, this 90-minute show also features video projections, spoken word, shadow play, and original music.

It's a true San Francisco classic!

Club Fugazi is in the North Beach District.

• Find tickets to this high-energy performance

34. Search for Ghosts on a Tour

It might seem strange that I'm recommending ghost tours in August.

I love them this time of year as our foggy evenings make them feel spookier! 

Most of these tours focus on stories about San Francisco's dark past, from murders to significant events that have shaped the city we all know and love today.

Some also stop at pubs so you can have a beer or cocktail as you listen to intriguing stories.

Here are just a few of my top recommendations.

• San Francisco Ghosts - Gold and Ghouls Tour: This one hour, one mile walk features dark and tragic stories set in the Union Square and Nob Hill districts. Hear stories from the 1906 Earthquake and Fire and details about the Fatty Arbuckle scandal. 
• The Haunt SF: This 90-minute tour includes some scary stories, from unexplained deaths to Gold Rush murders. You will also get the chance to use their personal EMF detector to search for ghosts along your route. 
• Ghosts, Boos, and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: This is a great one for those of you that love to cozy up to the bar to hear ghost stories. It takes place in Chinatown and surroundings neighborhood. It includes 8 haunted stops with four of those being at pubs. 

Are you looking for additional ghost tours? Here is a full list of all of my favorites.

35. Sip on an Irish Coffee

Head to Buena Vista Cafe in Fisherman's Wharf to sample one of their famous Irish Coffees.

This drink, brought over from Ireland, is a staple at this popular bar and restaurant near the SF Bay.

It's a tasty blend of coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar. 

Buena Vista also has a full pub menu with everything from burgers to pasta. They have some great seafood selections as well. 

• More about the history of Irish Coffee here and the Buena Vista Cafe

36. Eat and Shop Pier 39

I've mentioned Pier 39 a couple of times above, but haven't covered everything it has to offer.

In addition to the aquarium and its famous sea lions, Pier 39 is a great place to grab a meal and shop.

Sitting over the SF Bay, this famous pier is home to dozens of restaurants.

Some of my favorites here include the Eagle Cafe (great spot for breakfast), the Players Sports Grill and Arcade (perfect for families), and the Chowders (top spot for clam chowder). 

Some top shops here include Christmas in San Francisco, Bow Wow Pet Store, and the I Love SF gift shop. 

You could spend anywhere from an hour to all day exploring this top San Francisco attraction in August. 

• More about visiting Pier 39

37. Stop and Smell the Dahlias

August is a great time to check out the colorful Dahlia Garden near the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. 

They expanded its size to offer even more colorful flowers to check out during your visit. 

These beautiful flowers come in a variety of colors including pink, red, yellow, orange, and so many others. 

It's free to visit and is in wonderful bloom at this time of year.

38. Dive Deep in the USS Pampanito

The USS Pampanito is a must visit for military history buffs this August in San Francisco. 

This Balao-class submarine performed six patrols in World War II.

It was then used as a training submarine before becoming a National Historic Landmark.

Today, it calls Pier 45 in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf home and welcomes visitors daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

On your self-guided tour, you'll get a chance to learn all about each space inside this submarine, and your tour will take you both inside and outside the submarine on its top level.

I recommend getting the audio guide to get the most our of the tour. This is still a self-guided tour, but you will learn much more than just walking through this vessel on your own.

• More about visiting the USS Pampanito
• More things to see on San Francisco's Pier 45

39. Enjoy Traveling Museum Exhibits

Not only does San Francisco have world-class museums, but it also brings in some of the best traveling exhibits every year. 

You will find everything from modern art exhibits to shows with pieces that are hundreds of years old. 

Top museums with the best traveling exhibits include the San Francisco Asian Art Museum, the de Young, and the SF Museum of Modern Art.

You will also find amazing shows at the Legion of Honor, the Walt Disney, and the Contemporary Jewish Museum.

• Find a list of upcoming traveling exhibits at San Francisco museums
• More about SF's world class museums

40. Shop for Gifts

If you love to pick up goodies during your stay, you will find plenty of places to go shop in San Francisco.

Many people love to spend time at the shops on Pier 39. You will also find dozens of places to shop in Union Square.

Other top options include Chinatown, where you will find inexpensive items, and the San Francisco Shopping Centre on the corner of Powell and 5th Streets.

These options are close to each other, so you can quickly get from one location to the next.

>> Want more options? Click here for a full list of the best places to shop in SF. 

What to Wear in San Francisco in August

You will find dozens of fun things to do in San Francisco in August. As you pack, include a jacket and some pants for your stay.

SF in August is cool, windy, and foggy part of the day. It's a great place to escape the summer heat throughout the rest of the US this time of year.

During the day, the high temperatures most days reach up to around the mid to upper 60s, with a few days getting into the lower 70s.

At night, the cool fog will take the temperatures down to the mid-50s.

You will want to pack light clothes that are long-sleeved. I typically wear a short-sleeved shirt with a jacket or light sweater.

I almost always wear pants as it's cool and the breeze can make it feel crisp.

If you plan to spend any time on the water, make sure you remember a few warmer clothes as it is even cooler on a boat or ferry.

>> More tips on what to wear in SF in August

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