Parks & Beaches
Splish splash! It’s time to grab your swimsuit and jump in. We’ve rounded up some of the best beaches and swimming holes to beat the heat and dive in in the North Bay, East Bay, South Bay, and San Francisco. – Last updated May 28, 2025 North Bay Swimming Holes Heart’s Desire Beach, more...
San Francisco’s Dogpatch neighborhood is set for a major new public amenity with plans to transform a historic industrial site into a vibrant waterfront park. The interim green space, dubbed Prequel Park, will temporarily activate nearly 3 acres along the central waterfront, opening up the area to residents and visitors more...
2025 didn’t bring spectacular rains as in past years, so we can’t expect any superblooms this year. However, there’s still wonderful wildflowers to check out in San Francisco. Thanks to SF Recreations and Parks Department for putting together a list of wildflowers that will be in bloom and natural areas to more...
All regional parks in the East Bay will be open Memorial Day 2025 for annual holiday gatherings and celebratory festivities. Parks are anticipated to be busy and some at full capacity early, so park staff recommend arriving early to secure first-come, first-serve non reservable picnic sites. Park District swim facilities face more...
Thanks to SFist for sharing the news about San Francisco’s brand new soccer team. A new men’s team, Golden City Football Club (GCFC), is set to launch in 2026 or 2027 and will call Kezar Stadium in Golden Gate Park its home. The team will compete in MLS NEXT Pro, a more...
If you’ve ever been stuck in a slow crawl trying to get into the Music Concourse garage at Golden Gate Park, relief may be on the way. Starting May 12, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, in partnership with the SFMTA, will begin a short construction project to improve more...
San Francisco’s latest park addition, nestled along the scenic Upper Great Highway, has a name that perfectly captures its beauty and spirit: Sunset Dunes. The newly christened 2-mile stretch of coastal parkland, set to open on April 12, 2025, is the city’s newest 50-acre outdoor retreat, blending nature, recreation, and community more...
One of San Francisco’s most treasured summer traditions is back—and it’s bigger, bolder, and groovier than ever. Stern Grove Festival, the nation’s longest-running free outdoor music festival, has officially announced its 2025 lineup, and it’s packed with living legends, indie icons, genre-defying stars, and homegrown Bay Area talent. Headlining the 88th more...
Azaleas Bloom at the Japanese Tea Garden Azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons are adding eye-catching pops of color to the Japanese Tea Garden. They are the eye-catching magenta flowers on rounded bushes primarily at the entrance of the Japanese Tea Garden with some more sprinkled throughout. Come by and see them for yourself more...
Embarcadero Waterfront Park Revitalization Moves Forward San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors has approved a plan to revamp Embarcadero Plaza and the adjacent Sue Bierman Park as part of ongoing efforts to boost Downtown’s public spaces. The project is a collaboration between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, Office of Economic more...
For the first time in four months, it’s finally legal again to have a bonfire at Ocean Beach. During the “No Burn” Season (which runs from November 1 to the end of February), bonfires are not allowed, but starting March 1, 2025 bonfires are back through the end of October more...
Illuminate and SF Rec and Park to kick off 5th Season of Free Live Music at the Golden Gate Bandshell on March 1, 2025 with more than 125 performances are planned to celebrate the Bandshell’s 125th anniversary. Illuminate and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department will present more than 125 free more...
San Francisco’s Jackson Playground basketball court is set to receive a temporary art makeover, celebrating the city’s love of basketball as it prepares to host the NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center in February. The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department has partnered with artist Victor Solomon and the Courtside Foundation, more...
San Francisco’s Esprit Park in the Dogpatch neighborhood has reopened following its first major renovation in 43 years. The $8.5 million renovation project, led by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department in partnership with UCSF and local organizations, modernized the park while maintaining its natural atmosphere. The two-acre park now more...
Thanks to San Francisco Botanical Garden for sharing the news that the first of their beautiful magnolias are blooming. One of San Francisco’s most breathtaking natural marvels, the annual bloom of more than 200 rare and historic magnolias with trees reaching 80 feet, is typically at its peak from mid-January through March at the SF Botanical Garden. Velvety more...