Beat the Winter Blues in the Home of the Golden Gate
Just because San Francisco is the City by the Bay doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself during the winter months. The Bay Area is beautiful all year round, so whether you live here or just planning on visiting before winter is over there are still plenty of things to do and places to see while you’re here. While Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge are still the quintessential “must-see” spots, San Francisco and the surrounding areas are full of beautiful sights and fun activities for the whole family.
If you’re suffering from the winter blues, we’ve put together a list of the best “must-see” spots to help you beat them here in the beautiful City by the Bay.
1. Yerba Buena Gardens Ice Skating
When you think of wintertime, do you think of gliding around on ice skates while hand in hand with the one you love or your kids? Just because San Francisco rarely ever sees temperatures that are favorable for lake skating doesn’t mean you have to miss out on one of winter’s favorite pastimes. Get the kids together for some time out on the ice at the Yerba Buena Gardens or take a group of friends for a game of hockey if you’re game.
2. Point Reyes Whale Watching
The lack of fog and beautiful clear skies of winter make for a great opportunity to do some whale watching at Point Reyes. In addition to the experience of seeing these majestic creatures breaking the water, you can also hike the trails up to Chimney Rock and the Lighthouse for some beautiful views of the water.
3. California Twilight Cruise
Just because it is winter doesn’t mean you can’t get out on a boat during these chilly winter months. The Red and White Fleet offers a California Twilight Cruise for people to get an incredible view of the San Francisco skyline and twinkling Bay Lights. In addition to the sights you’ll see, the cruises also offer appetizers and live music for you to enjoy making it a perfect option for a date night.
4. Illuminate SF
For the second year in a row, Illuminate SF is proving itself to be quite the art installation that stands out amongst the rest. There are 11 permanent and 5 temporary art works created out of lights that will amaze you, no matter what your age may be. Some of the larger exhibits are hard to miss, like the Bay Lights and Bayview Rise, while others are of a much smaller scale yet still worth taking the time to check out. Be sure to take in this incredible display of light and art before it’s over.
5. Alcatraz – Ai Weiwei
Another excellent option for the art lover is the exhibit on Alcatraz by the artist/activist Ai Weiwei. Your ticket to visit this iconic landmark in San Francisco will grant you access to viewing the mixed-media artwork offered by Ai Weiwei throughout the prison island. Guests will be able to see artworks in the New Industries Building, a selection of jail cells in A Block, the Hospital, and the new Dining Hall. To view everything in its entirety, including the prison grounds, we recommend you plan on spending the entire day on the rock.
6. Chinese New Year Parade
While the Chinese New Year itself may fall on February 19th this year, you can take the family into the city for the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Festival and Parade. Everyone will be amazed by this parade that has been named as one of the top ten parades in the world. Immerse yourself and your kids in the culture that thrives so harmoniously in Chinatown and throughout the Bay Area by joining in on the fun.
7. Japanese Tea Gardens
Come out and witness some of the most exquisite architecture our world has ever produced. In addition to the beautiful buildings that dot the landscape of the Japanese Tea Gardens you will also be amazed by the gardens themselves. When you come out for a tour, they’ll take you around to see the Dwarf Tree Collection, Zen Gardens, and a five-story pagoda. No matter what you do, make sure to reserve a spot for one of the three authentic Japanese tea ceremonies held on Wednesdays and Fridays.
While these are just a small selection of the amazing things to see and fun activities to do around the City by the Bay, there is no limit to the amount of fun you and your family and friends can have this winter. Let the experienced drivers of Angel Limos help you make the most of these outings and allow us to put a special VIP spin on your jaunts around the city. You can make memories that will last a lifetime and we will do everything we can to make that happen!
Image Credit: freedigitalphotos.net/Arvind Balaraman
