Fall Into San Francisco: Seasonal Adventures Starting at Stanford Court

As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to explore the best of San Francisco in fall. From cozy wine tastings to pumpkin patches that are perfect for a weekend outing, autumn in the city is full of opportunities to embrace the season. And there’s no better home base for your fall adventures than the Stanford Court Hotel, located in the heart of Nob Hill. Here’s your guide to seasonal fun, all just steps away from the hotel.

1. Pumpkin Patches Near Stanford Court

Nothing says fall like a visit to a pumpkin patch. Luckily, San Francisco has a few charming spots where you can pick out the perfect pumpkin, whether you're looking to carve a jack-o’-lantern or just enjoy the atmosphere.

• Clancy’s Pumpkin Patches - Enrich a trip to the San Francisco Zoo (open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily) with a visit to Clancy’s Sloat Boulevard pumpkin patch, located near the zoo entrance. Enjoy seasonal decor, live turkeys and a wide selection of various gourds at the organization’s original community garden-adjacent Sunset District location.
• The Guardsmen Pumpkin Patch - Choose a pumpkin, nosh on a caramel apple or other treat, sip cocktails and more at this worthy pumpkin patch, with proceeds to benefit the nonprofit organization in supporting Bay Area at-risk youth. 

2. Wine Tastings in the Bay Area

Fall is also harvest season, which means it’s the perfect time for a wine-tasting tour. San Francisco offers easy access to some of the world’s best wine regions, like Napa Valley and Sonoma. Spend the day sipping your way through these renowned regions, where you can enjoy the changing colors of the vineyards alongside delicious reds and whites.

3. Autumn Hikes in San Francisco

If you’re into getting outdoors, fall in San Francisco is perfect for hiking. With cooler temperatures and stunning views, it's a great time to explore the city’s famous parks and trails.

• Lands End Trail offers sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean, and the vibrant autumn foliage is a bonus.
• Muir Woods National Monument, just a short drive north, is magical in fall with its towering redwoods and peaceful, serene atmosphere.

4. Festivals and Fall Events

San Francisco knows how to throw a party, and fall brings a range of seasonal festivals you won’t want to miss.

• Fleet Week (early October) brings amazing air shows, naval ships on display, and festivities along the waterfront.
• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival (early October) is a free concert event in Golden Gate Park, bringing world-class musicians to the city for a weekend of great music and fall vibes.

5. Fall-Themed Dining

Fall also means seasonal comfort food. If you’re staying at Stanford Court, you’ll want to head to The Mixing Room for cozy, fall-inspired meals, like apple-pie cheesecake or a rich bowl of chowder. Or venture out to one of the nearby Nob Hill restaurants, like AltoVino, for a wine and food pairing that highlights the flavors of the season.

6. Spooky San Francisco: Halloween Fun!

Get into the spooky spirit with some fun, Halloween-themed events and activities around the city.

• The San Francisco Dungeon offers a spooky and thrilling experience with live actors, special effects, and all the eerie vibes you’d expect from a city known for its haunted history.
• Ghost Tours around the city, like those in North Beach and Chinatown, will show you the haunted side of San Francisco, where you can learn about its eerie past.

7. Autumn in the City: Cozy Spots to Enjoy

Need a cozy spot to unwind after a day of fall adventures? San Francisco has plenty of cafes and cozy bars that give off serious fall vibes.

• Huntington Park - located just a short walk up the hill, it's a perfect place to sit on a bench and enjoy the changing colors of the leaves. 
• The Buena Vista Cafe - home of the original Irish coffee to keep you warm while you take in a perfect view of the bay.
• Golden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden - is a peaceful retreat for a warm cup of tea and some quiet reflection surrounded by autumn colors.

 

Whatever you decide to do this autumn in San Francisco, stay at the center of it all when you book with Stanford Court.