Thanksgiving in San Francisco 2026

Are you spending Thanksgiving in San Francisco? If so, I have tons of great recommendations, since a lot is open on this annual holiday.

In 2026, Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, November 26. 

Several restaurants open their doors to serve up a variety of gourmet dishes. You can also do something a little different and enjoy your meal while cruising around the bay.

In addition, many tour companies run several of their fun adventures throughout the day.

Attractions such as the California Academy of Sciences, the San Francisco Botanical Gardens, and Muir Woods are all open.

Many shops and restaurants in Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, and Chinatown are open, too. 

My guide offers details on the best things to do for Thanksgiving.

It also includes top ideas throughout the holiday weekend. This is when you can enjoy some of the first Christmas tree and other holiday lighting events, more tours, concerts, theater and so much more!

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Planning a trip to San Francisco for Thanksgiving?

Here are a few things I recommend booking ahead for this holiday:

• California Academy of Sciences - It's open, but tickets sell out early. Plan ahead.
• Muir Woods Tour - It's open on Thanksgiving Day and a fun way to burn off some calories before your holiday meal. It's also open all weekend long.
• San Francisco Bay Cruise - A great way to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views all around the bay

San Francisco Weather for Thanksgiving

Before you even arrive, I'm sure you want to know what to pack. Over the weekend, it's often partly cloudy with some sun throughout.

Here is what you can usually expect:

• Typically, daily temperatures are in the mid-to-lower 60s.
• At night, temperatures usually dip into the lower 50s.
• The wind here will make both the day and night feel a bit cooler.

November marks the start of our rainy season, so it may be rainy for a day or two this weekend.

In 2026, they are predicting a wetter-than-normal winter, so there is a possibility it will rain more than usual this holiday weekend. 

>> Before you pack, read this

Attractions Open on Thanksgiving Day

While many museums and a handful of attractions close this day, you will still find several that open their doors to visitors.

Here are some of our biggest attractions and museums open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco.

• Aquarium of the Bay: Located on Pier 39, watch the jellyfish, walk through the aquarium tunnel and touch a starfish; a fun, family-friendly option. Find tickets in advance.
• Botanical Gardens: Located in Golden Gate Park and free on Thanksgiving Day for everyone, stroll through their trees, plants, and flowers.
• California Academy of Sciences: Also in Golden Gate Park, a fun experience for the entire family; stroll through the 4-story rainforest, check out the Steinheart Aquarium, or even enjoy a planetarium show. It's open 9:30 am to 5 pm. Book in advance so you don't miss out! 
• Chinatown: Several restaurants and shops are open in Chinatown
• Golden Gate Bridge: Walk or bike the bridge, open from 5 am to 6:30 pm
• Japanese Tea Garden: Stroll through this beautiful garden, open from 9 am with last entry at 4:30 pm
• Muir Woods: Soak in the beauty of this old-growth redwood forest, book your tour early

What's Closed on Thanksgiving Day

These are all closed on Thanksgiving Day, but reopen the Friday after:

• Alcatraz Island: Every Thanksgiving, they have their annual Indigenous Peoples' Sunrise Gathering (sometimes called Un-Thanksgiving Day) on the island, so it's closed for tours.
• Conservatory of Flowers: Closed for the day
• Most museums, including the de Young, Legion of Honor, SF MOMA, and the Asian Art Museum, just to name a few.
• Union Square shops: Most are closed on the holiday.

Transit Hours for Thanksgiving Day in San Francisco

Both MUNI and BART run on a holiday/Sunday schedule for Thanksgiving Day. This means that there are fewer buses and trains, so you will need to wait a little longer for them.

The cable cars run on Thanksgiving, but less frequently. Usually this time of year, some are already running with holiday decorations.

Golden Gate Transit runs buses, but no ferries are running on Thanksgiving Day.

You can also head here to learn more about getting around San Francisco.

Where to Have Thanksgiving Dinner in San Francisco

You will find dozens of restaurants open on Thanksgiving in San Francisco. 

Many will offer a prix-fixe meal with turkey, dressing, and all of the fixings. Some also let you choose a meal from their menu.

Here are a few ideas for this holiday.

• Buena Vista: In Fisherman's Wharf, offering both a special Thanksgiving Day meal and items from their menu. 
• John's Grill: Historic and classic steakhouse in Union Square, open all day, find a reservation
• Laurel Court in the Fairmont Hotel: Thanksgiving Day buffet with live music, find a reservation
• Park Chalet: Ocean Beach, 3-course Prix Fixe with traditional favorites; details here
• Tommy's Joynt: Open for first-come, first-served counter service, traditional meal, 1101 Geary Boulevard at Van Ness

This is just a small sample of what's open. You don't need a reservation if you want to eat a non-traditional meal. There are plenty of spots available for that.

You can also check out OpenTable for more restaurants open that require reservations or have special meals for the holiday

SF Cruises & Tours Running on Thanksgiving Day & Weekend

Most tours run on regular schedules in San Francisco on Thanksgiving. You can bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, head out on a bay cruise, or head up to Napa for some wine tasting. 

Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

• Golden Gate Bay Cruise: Sail around the SF Bay on this 60-minute cruise, which runs several times a day and heads under the Golden Gate Bridge - twice!
• GoCar Tour: Ride around the city in a fun, two-seater GoCar, they have a few pre-scheduled routes
• Bike the Bridge: Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge this holiday weekend
• Napa & Sonoma Day Trip: Sip wines as you enjoy the cool November weather in Napa; a full-day trip, and it leaves the driving to someone else

Additional Tours Running Thanksgiving Day & Weekend

Hotel Recommendations

Book your hotel early and save! Click the links below to find the best deals currently running during your stay.

Expedia: Check for top hotels all around San Francisco.

Booking: Find great deals all around San Francisco for your upcoming stay! 

TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in San Francisco? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!

Shopping Options for Thanksgiving Day 2026

If you plan on going shopping, I recommend heading over to the Fisherman's Wharf area. Most shops in that area are open this holiday.

Chinatown is another great option, as most shops and restaurants operate on their regular hours.

If you head to Union Square, plan on most shops being closed as they prepare for Black Friday. 

• Chinatown: Most places are open on the holiday and throughout the weekend.
• Ghirardelli Square: Some shops are open here, the management allows them each to decide, but there are always a few open around the square
• Pier 39: About 75% of the shops are open on Thanksgiving Day
• Union Square: A few shops in the Union Square area are also open, but it's more hit or miss in this neighborhood. 

Other Fun Things to Do for Thanksgiving in San Francisco

Turkey Trots

You will find several great Turkey Trots around the SF Bay Area on Thanksgiving Day. Top picks include those in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Marin, and wine country.

Find my top picks here.

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks

If you want to get out and exercise a bit, there are more than a dozen different ice skating rinks around the bay area. They include San Jose, Monterey, San Francisco, Marin, and rinks around the East Bay.

Details for Thanksgiving Weekend

You will find many other fun things to do all weekend long in San Francisco. In addition to fun events this weekend, you will find lots of outdoor activities, additional tours, and museums open throughout the weekend.

Here are just a few additional recommendations for Thanksgiving in San Francisco.

• de Young & Legion of Honor: The de Young is situated in Golden Gate Park just across the street from the California Academy of Sciences. The Legion of Honor is on the northwestern side of the city near Lands End. Your admission ticket allows you to visit both in one day.
• SF Museum of Modern Art: This modern arts museum features pieces from several well-known modern artists, including Henri Matisse, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Andy Warhol.
• Lombard Street: This free, outdoor attraction is open 365 days a year and is a fun sight to see! 
• Painted Ladies of Alamo Square: Another free, outdoor attraction sits along Alamo Square. The Seven Sisters, or Painted Ladies of Alamo Square as they are called, are seven beautifully painted Victorians.

SF City Guides Walking Tours

SF City Guides, a program of the SF Public Library, is also offering several free walking tours this weekend.

They cover topics and districts such as Fisherman's Wharf, Pacific Heights Mansions, and the 1906 Earthquake and Fire.

The walks are free, but donations are appreciated. I usually donate about $15 to $20 per person. 

Visit their site here for more details.

Events & Shows for Thanksgiving Weekend in San Francisco

There aren't any events on Thanksgiving Day, but you'll find everything from Broadway shows to concerts throughout the weekend.

Here are some of my top picks:

• Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers at the Chase Center, 11/29
• Journey at the Chase Center, 11/28
• Fan Expo at the Moscone Center, Dates are TBD
• Ryan Hamilton at the Palace of Fine Arts, 11/27
• SF Opera, The Marriage of Figaro, War Memorial Opera House, 11/27 & 11/29
• Brad Williams at the Palace of Fine Arts, 11/28
• SF 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, 11/29
• Dweezil Zappa at the Castro Theatre, 11/29

SF Bay Area Thanksgiving Weekend Events

• Cannery Row Tree Lighting: Meet Santa, his reindeer, and hear carolers welcome the season; lighting starts at 5:45 pm with the festivities starting at 12 pm and lasting until around 9 pm
• GobbleCon: Burlingame Hyatt Regency SFO, play games with other game lovers, Friday - Sunday, learn more
• Point Reyes Open Studios: Free event, great way to buy unique gifts for the holidays, studios open from Friday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
• Gilroy Gardens - North Pole Nights: Live entertainment, ice skating, gourmet food, and delicious drinks, select dates from November 21 - January 3, learn more
• Santa Rosa Winter Lights: Downtown Santa Rosa, official tree lighting ceremony at the Courthouse, live entertainment, food and drinks, family activities and more, Friday, November 27
• Christmas in the Park: Downtown San Jose at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, enjoy Christmas light displays, family entertainment and more, November 27 - January 1

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