4 Spring Activities to do in San Francisco
Blooms at the Japanese Tea Garden
1. Visit the Stunning Blooms in San Francisco
I love coming to Golden Gate Park, especially during the springtime! Right now and throughout March, you can find stunning blooms that you absolutely need to visit. Currently, the magnolias at the SF Botanical Garden are in peak bloom, with their dreamy white and soft pink petals on display until the end of the month. You’ll find them primarily in the Camellia Garden and between the Temperate Asia Garden and The Great Meadow.
Come back in mid-March and visit the Japanese Tea Garden to catch the cherry blossoms in bloom! The most picturesque spots are near the drum bridge, koi pond, and pagoda. Next, head to the Conservatory of Flowers, which never fails to have a year-round display of beautiful flowers. In spring, look for their seasonal blooms like tulips and daffodils. Finally, head to the western-edge of the park to the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden beneath the Dutch Windmill. There’s a large grassy area in the center that’s perfect for a springtime picnic surrounded by blossoms.
2. Attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown
The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown takes place over two weekends: April 12-13 & 19-20. I attended this before, and it’s like a giant block party filled with Japanese martial arts, music, performances, art, food, and tons of local vendors and sponsors that flood the streets. It’s such a fun experience, especially with the cherry blossoms in full bloom all around you. The festival is very family-friendly and most importantly, it’s free to attend!
3. Participate in the Festivities for “Union Square in Bloom”
Union Square in Bloom at the Westin St Francis
Union Square in Bloom is an annual spring and summer initiative (March-September 2025) that brings flowers and beauty to the city’s center with impressive displays, fun programming, and free community events. The most iconic event is Flower Bulb Day, where tens of thousands of tulips are given away for free at the center of Union Square. If you can get there early enough, you can pick your own tulips to make a cute little bouquet to take home. There will be more events announced on their website later, so keep an eye out for them!
4. Check out Bouquets to Art at the de Young Museum
The annual exhibition, Bouquets to Art, is coming back to the de Young from June 3–8 2025! They invite floral designers to design floral displays throughout their galleries that are inspired by artwork and architecture from the de Young and Legion of Honor museums. In addition to the displays, they’ll have an opening night reception, flower cart with fresh arrangements for sale, and lectures from designers and authors.
