Northern California is extra stunning in the fall.
We ’re biased — reallybiased — but northerly California may be the most beautiful part of the country in the decline . We ’ve get all the foliage colors to match New England , we ’ve puzzle that light - jacket nippy fall weather , and we ’ve got sea views that stretch to and beyond the horizon . NorCal take the good parts of the season from other locales and combines them into one region .
You ca n’t see it or finger it from your couch , though . As the atmospheric condition cool down and the 24-hour interval get shorter , there are many ways for you and your crew to enjoy pass in and around San Francisco , from balefire at the beach to an exclusivevending car popping - up from Mountain Dew . terminate up the group chat , break up a escort , and get alfresco , using some of these idea as jumping - off points for exploration .
Zipline through the Redwoods
The loom forests of the Bay Area are picturesque from footing stratum , but they gain a magnitude of peach when you ’re high above the underbrush , zipping through the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . take hold of your crew and head teacher north , whereSonoma Zipline Adventurestakes visitors along almost a half - mile of ziplines , 200 feet above the forest storey . Or head south to the outstretches of Santa Cruz , whereMount Hermon Adventuresoffers both a guided tour of duty and “ self - conduct challenge activities ” — essentially , aeriform bridges , ziplines , and other obstacles that you’re able to take on at your own tread . Both sites exhilarate , but also inspire veneration from the mantrap and size of the innate surroundings .
Picnic in the park — any park
The red-hot club for the drop of 2024 ? Any of San Francisco ’s city parks on a weekend . Though we sometimes take it for accord , the urban center has some of the most stunning urban parkland in the land , and the survey — like from Golden Gate Park , for case — are spectacular . It may seem unsubdivided , but buzz off a crew together with some food , Mountain Dew , and literally any activity — card secret plan ? Frisbee ? — and enjoying the fall atmospheric condition is a great way of life to spend a chill weekend good afternoon . And if you want to assemble others , bring in redundant plates and send up inHellman HolloworDolores Parkto mingle .
Host a bonfire at Ocean Beach
Yes , evening are getting parky , and yes , the wind flog off of the Pacific Ocean is no joke ( there ’s a reasonableness why this locale is a favorite for windsurfers in particular ) . But getting your favourite the great unwashed around an open fire is always a undecomposed time , and doing so atOcean Beachis much a San Francisco residency requirement at this point . fetch a picnic , bestow marshmallows , and institute a jacket — especially in October — to enjoy one of the most fun ways to spend an eve on one of the city ’s prettiest beach . The Ocean Beach Fire Inferno are only available until Halloween , though , so start planning now .
Play disc golf in Golden Gate, or mini golf at Stagecoach Greens
Not every round of golf game requires a cup of tea full of expensive lodge . Huck the disk at theGolden Gate Park Disc Golf Course : Its park positioning makes it gorgeous at any clip , but especially so when the fog wheel through the trees . Those expect to keep clasp of at least one club can putt around in Mission Bay atStagecoach Greens , the urban center ’s only outside mini - golf course . It have plenty of hole design urge by other Bay sights ( like the 15th , project to look like a bonfire at Ocean Beach ) , and is also right next doorway to a fistful of great food for thought truck and a beer and wine garden .
Let the dogs out at Fort Funston
There are several areas in the city where your four - legged friends do n’t have to be on a troika , but the trail atFort Funstonmust be the most beautiful , with sand dunes and arresting ocean views on offer . Get all the group ’s wiener together for a playdate , or just take in the sights with a walk of life along the Fort ’s four flush . you may even view hang glider sail through the air — it ’s a regional deary for hobbyist . The downside : your dog may never take on anything less for a everyday walk .
Get on the water in Crane Cove Park
Crane Cove Park opened in 2020 , acting as an out-of-door escape during the pandemic . The weewee here is protected from strong ocean electric current , making it a little calmer — and a bit more welcoming for beginner paddle boarders and kayakers . If your crowd is new to paddling , stop byDogpatch Paddleto either snag gear , take a lesson , or register for a tour . And do n’t forget an après - boat paddle potable or meal on one of the nearby patio .
Go climbing in Glen Canyon
Words we colligate with rock climbing or bouldering : Challenging , exhilarating , testing . Words we do n’t connect with rock climbing : Public transit . And yet , it ’s just a 10 - minute walk from a BART station toGlen Canyon Park , which feature a range of bouldering and climb routes . Warm up at the Glen Canyon Park Recreation Center on its indoor bulwark , but then get out into the Dominicus and endeavor to navigate natural clasp and crevices in the park itself . Beginners and innovative climbers each have options here , so your whole friend group can have sport . After the climb , delight some of the city ’s well hiking trail , include theCreeks to summit pathto the crest of Twin Peaks .
Head to a skateboarding park
San Francisco has always been a sum for the fun of skateboarding . The latest spot isUnited Nations Plaza , which has been convert in part into an sphere for street - elan skating , with the types of curb and benches that skateboarders love to ride outside the boundaries of a dedicated park . But those reckon for more uttermost architecture do n’t have to journey far : Portrero del SolandHilltop Skate Parkhave all the feature of speech you and your friends could want . ( Be smart and wear a helmet . )
Grab free Mountain Dew and other prizes
Mountain Dew require to help oneself you get outdoors and hear some of these activity for yourself . From October 5 - 6 , visit Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco for aMountain Dew vend machinewhere you may win free , fun swag including Mountain Dew bottles and Thrillist - curated dangerous undertaking kit fill with everything you require to have a ripe time with friends , like a custom hummock and the perfect rainproof picnic mantle .
Sonoma Zipline Adventures.|Emily Selim.
Stagecoach Greens.
Dogpatch Paddle.
