List of Fun Things to Do in San Francisco during Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in San Francisco hits different. The city has that crisp, stay-moving fall energy, the tourists thin out just enough to make everything feel accessible, and food, well, nobody here plays around when it comes to food. Whether you are a local plotting a new Thanksgiving ritual or a visitor hunting for one-of-a-kind experiences, San Francisco serves up a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural moments, cozy holiday events, and hands-on Thanksgiving cooking experiences that make the long weekend genuinely memorable.

Below is a fully loaded list of the best things to do during Thanksgiving in San Francisco, including the top Thanksgiving cooking classes, holiday baking events, and uniquely local traditions.

1. Start Thanksgiving Morning with the Golden Gate Park Turkey Trot

Burn some calories before you bless your plate. The annual San Francisco Turkey Trot runs through the fresh fall air of Golden Gate Park. Costumes, families, runners, and walkers all show up, keeping the vibe high-energy and fun.

Learn more here,
Turkey Trot: https://secretsanfrancisco.com/thanksgiving-things-to-do

Layer up, arrive early, and treat it as your warm up for the food marathon coming later.

2. Hit the Scenic Classics While the Crowds Are Light

Thanksgiving Day and the long weekend are perfect for playing tourist without the tourist chaos.
Must-sees:

• Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints
• Alamo Square’s Painted Ladies
• Lombard Street

These remain open and walkable.
Source: https://www.sftourismtips.com/thanksgiving-in-san-francisco.html

Even locals forget how peaceful and energizing these spots feel when the city slows down.

3. Explore Major Attractions, Many Open During the Holiday

If the fog rolls in or the wind hits harder than expected, slip indoors. Many attractions stay open Thanksgiving weekend:

• California Academy of Sciences
• SFMOMA
• Exploratorium

Check schedules here,
https://gocity.com/en/san-francisco/things-to-do/thanksgiving-in-san-francisco

Thanksgiving weekend is one of the rare moments where these spaces feel breathable.

4. Take a Thanksgiving Stroll Through Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39

The sea lions will absolutely still be there. Pier 39 stays lively through the weekend, with restaurants, hot cocktails, and waterfront views that make this stretch worth the walk.

Quick reference,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pier_39

If you want easy scenery without planning anything complicated, this is it.

5. Ease Into the Holiday Season at Union Square

If you want the holiday mood without going full Christmas just yet, Union Square is your move. Thanksgiving weekend brings decorated storefronts, the famous ice skating rink, and that downtown buzz that reminds you you’re in a real city.

More on what’s open:
https://www.themarkersf.com/blog/thanksgiving-weekend-san-francisco

This is also where many people grab their first holiday photos of the year.

6. Take a Thanksgiving Cooking Class or Holiday Baking Class

This is where Thanksgiving in San Francisco stands out. The city has one of the most diverse and creative culinary scenes in the country, which makes booking a Thanksgiving cooking class or holiday baking experience an unbeatable way to celebrate.

The top pick this year, hands down, is the Private Group Holiday Baking Party by BiteUnite. You get hands-on instruction, seasonal recipes, and a fully social, interactive experience that works for:

• Families
• Friends visiting from out of town
• Couples
• Corporate teams
• Anyone bored of the standard turkey routine

Here’s the class link,
Private Group Holiday Baking Party, Gingerbread, Pie, Macaron Classes

This experience ranks high for anyone searching for:

• Thanksgiving cooking classes San Francisco
• Holiday baking classes SF
• Thanksgiving activities for adults
• Team building Thanksgiving cooking events

It is creative, memorable and guaranteed to give you something better than the usual leftovers.

7. Dine Out, Thanksgiving Style

San Francisco restaurants take Thanksgiving menus seriously. Expect traditional plates, modern twists, plant-based options, and some spots that ditch turkey altogether for seafood, prime rib, or experimental holiday tasting menus.

See Thanksgiving restaurant openings here:
https://secretsanfrancisco.com/thanksgiving-things-to-do

If you are hosting guests and want the easy route, this is the smoothest play: reserve early.

8. Acknowledge the Deeper History at the Alcatraz Sunrise Gathering

Every Thanksgiving, Indigenous communities hold a sunrise ceremony on Alcatraz Island honoring Native resilience. It is reflective, powerful, and adds emotional depth to a holiday many people reinterpret.

Details:
https://secretsanfrancisco.com/thanksgiving-things-to-do

If you want something grounding on a day that can often feel commercialized, this is worth attending.

9. Escape to Napa or Sonoma for a Relaxing Day Trip

Wine country in late November is cold, calm, and gorgeous. If you want Thanksgiving weekend to feel slower or more romantic, hop in the car and cruise north.

Options and tips:
https://gocity.com/en/san-francisco/things-to-do/thanksgiving-in-san-francisco

Perfect for couples, small groups, and anyone who needs quiet after Thursday’s chaos.

10. Enjoy Evening Lights, Ice Skating, and City Vibes

Thanksgiving weekend basically marks San Francisco’s unofficial start to the holiday season. Expect:

• Union Square ice rink
• Neighborhood holiday lights
• Pop-up displays
• Holiday concerts or small events

More updates here:
https://www.themarkersf.com/blog/thanksgiving-weekend-san-francisco

Walk, skate, sip, or just roam.

11. Explore Local Markets, Craft Fairs, and Neighborhood Shops

Thanksgiving weekend is prime season for pop-up craft fairs, neighborhood markets, and art vendors. You can pick up unique gifts while supporting small businesses.

Locals suggest checking different neighborhood districts for spontaneous events:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskSF/comments/1800oti/suggestions_to_spend_time_alone_in_sf_on

Bring a tote bag.

12. Expect Moody Weather and Plan Transit Smart

San Francisco in late November is crisp in the morning, mild in the afternoon, and cold at night. Wear layers and check if transit lines have holiday schedules.

A helpful overview here:
https://graylineofsanfrancisco.com/thanksgiving-san-francisco

If you’re driving, give yourself a cushion. If you’re staying in the city, choose walkable neighborhoods like Union Square, SoMa or the Marina.

13. Thanksgiving Activities for Corporate Teams and Groups

If you are organizing a work outing during Thanksgiving week, skip the predictable happy hour and do something interactive. A team-based Thanksgiving cooking class or holiday baking workshop gives your group something fun and social that doubles as a team-building moment.

The BiteUnite baking party is ideal for this. You get structured instruction, a festive environment, and built-in bonding baked into the activity.

Link again for easy access,
https://cloud.biteunite.com/experience/738487-san-francisco-private-group-holiday-baking-party-in-san-francisco-|-gingerbread-pie--macaron-classes

14. Try an Untraditional Thanksgiving Menu

San Francisco always has options for foodies who refuse to follow typical holiday rules. Expect menus featuring:

• Dungeness crab
• Multi-course modern fusion
• Plant-based holiday menus
• Creative desserts
• Thanksgiving tasting menus

Learn more:
https://www.tripster.com/travelguide/thanksgiving-in-san-francisco

If your family prefers something unexpected, this is your playground.

15. Treat the Weekend Like a Mini-Vacation

For locals or visitors, Thanksgiving in San Francisco is the perfect time to slow down and treat the city like a long weekend getaway.

Try:

• A boutique hotel near Union Square
• A nice brunch
• A Thanksgiving cooking class
• A neighborhood walk
• A quiet dinner in the Marina

Holiday itineraries and ideas:
https://www.themarkersf.com/blog/thanksgiving-weekend-san-francisco

Sometimes a change of rhythm is all you need.

Sample 3-Day Thanksgiving Weekend Plan

Thursday

• Early: Turkey Trot
• Midday: Visit Golden Gate Bridge or Alamo Square
• Afternoon: Enjoy Union Square
• Dinner: Book a Thanksgiving restaurant
• Evening: Waterfront walk

Friday

• Morning: Brunch in the Mission
• Late morning: SFMOMA or Academy of Sciences
• Afternoon: Thanksgiving cooking class or holiday baking party
• Night: Ice skating, cocktails

Saturday

• Wine country day trip or shopping local markets
• Evening: Dinner and lights

San Francisco shines during Thanksgiving because the city gives you a mix of tradition, creativity, scenery, and cozy energy. Whether you want nature, food, culture, or something interactive, you can build exactly the kind of holiday you want.

And if you want a Thanksgiving activity that beats the typical family dinner, do yourself a favor and grab a spot in a Thanksgiving cooking class or a holiday baking class.

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