Fall Is When This California Bay City Finally Gets To Enjoy Beautiful Summer Weather

Typically, travelers flock to California in the summer for sunny shores and warm weather. However, if you've ever stopped in San Francisco during any supposed summer months, you may have noticed you needed a jacket to stop yourself from shivering. Due to the city's positioning along the Pacific Ocean, it invites cooler fog and sea breezes ashore. But somehow, in the fall months, the weather perks up just enough for some extra days of sunshine, and some would argue the best time to visit San Francisco is between September and November. This is because the fog clears away, allowing the temperatures to pitch up to an average of 70 degrees. So no, you're not necessarily going to catch a tan, but the mild but sunny climate is the best weather for exploring the city.

Autumn in this charming California city is nothing short of sweet, with the slower fall season leading to fewer crowds and lower pricing. Instead of freezing in long lines and high winds over the summer, delay your travel plans to fall to get the best Bay Area experience. But what's the best way to spend your time in the city? Here's how to plan the perfect fall trip to San Francisco.

October is an excellent time to set sail in the San Francisco Bay. The skies are clear and the sun is golden, the perfect conditions to hop on a boat. It's also the best time of year to go whale watching. There's nothing like spotting one of the world's largest sea creatures through a pair of binoculars. Back on land, tourists can explore the culinary capital of America without having to wait in long lines for a reservation. Enjoy diverse cuisine scattered across the hilly city, or take advantage of California's vineyard harvest season with a wine tasting tour. You can add the iconic Pier 39 to your San Francisco bucket list for family fun games, epic souvenir shopping, and fresh local seafood.

San Francisco is full of history, from the haunting past of Alcatraz to the engineering marvel of the Golden Gate Bridge. There is so much to learn from locals, and it all becomes easier when you avoid the summer crowds. While these are great activities for any time of year, there are also a plethora of fall-centric activities to explore on a seasonal visit to San Francisco.

If you are going to visit in the fall, you might as well take advantage of the seasonal activities in addition to the classic tourist spots. Some of the best festive fall activities are in the Greater Bay Area rather than the bustling San Francisco metropolis. Out in Woodside, visitors can attend Nightfall at Filoli, a historic estate transformed into a Halloween wonderland. Massive decoration installations, spooky treats, and family-friendly games and costumes await you at this enormous Halloween celebration. A drive out to Half Moon Bay — the "World Pumpkin Capital" — makes the perfect day trip for fall fun. You can also go pumpkin picking at Farmer John's, enjoy the petting zoo or haunted house at Lemos Farms, and try some delicious wines at La Nebbia Winery.

For the fall foliage and leaf peeping, visit the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park or the SF Botanical Garden. Colors usually start changing at the end of October and continue into November. The next time you plan a trip to San Francisco, be sure to gear your dates towards the fall for an underrated trip.