San Francisco Winters: What to Do When It's Cold Outside

San Francisco doesn’t do snowstorms, but when the fog rolls in and the breeze picks up, the city leans into its cozy side. Cooler days are the perfect excuse to explore indoors, ride historic cable cars, and experience San Francisco like a local.

Staying at Stanford Court puts you right in the heart of it all, with iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and classic SF experiences just steps (or a cable car ride) away.

Here’s your go-to guide for what to do in San Francisco when it’s cold outside.

1. Step Inside an Iconic Nob Hill Landmark: Grace Cathedral

📍 1100 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108
🚶 3-minute walk from Stanford Court

When the temperature drops, locals head indoors... and Grace Cathedral is one of the most beautiful places to do it. Known for its soaring architecture, stained glass, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a must-see Nob Hill landmark any time of year. Plus, every Tuesday and Saturday, you can join a loving community of Yogis to practice in this sacred space amidst the soaring Gothic columns, glistening stained glass windows, soothing live music, and expert instruction.

✨ Stanford Court guest perk: As part of our #NobHillNeighbors program, guests receive a free yoga mat rental with the purchase of a Yoga at the Labyrinth ticket. It’s a uniquely San Francisco way to slow down, stretch, and reset - and just steps from the hotel. Ask our front desk team for details. 

2. Ride a Cable Car

📍 California St & Powell St
🚶 Out front from the Stanford Court

A cable car ride is part transportation, part history, and on chilly days, it’s one of the most fun ways to explore without feeling the cold. Hop on the California Street cable car just outside the hotel and take a ride downhill toward the waterfront. It's the best way to explore a lot of the city in one quick trip. 

Pro tip: our Discover SF package includes Muni Visitor Passports, making it easy to ride cable cars, buses, and streetcars all day long.

3. Cozy Up with a Classic Irish Coffee: The Buena Vista Cafe

📍 2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109
🚋 Quick cable car ride from Nob Hill

Cold weather calls for comfort! There are few San Francisco traditions better fit for a cold day than an Irish coffee at The Buena Vista Café. Ride the cable car from Nob Hill straight down to Fisherman’s Wharf and step into this historic spot where the city’s famous Irish coffee was popularized.

Warm, cozy, and unmistakably San Francisco — it’s a must when the fog rolls in.

4. Discover Marine Life at the Aquarium of the Bay

📍 Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133
🚋 Cable car ride | 🚶 Walkable once at the Wharf

Once you’re at the Wharf, keep the cold at bay with a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay. Walk through crystal-clear tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays, and thousands of marine animals native to the Bay Area. It's the perfect place for an indoors kind of day!

It’s a fun, easy stop for couples, families, or anyone looking to experience San Francisco’s coastal side without braving the elements.

5. Warm Up at World-Class Museums

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
📍 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103
🚗 12 minutes | 🚋 Transit accessible

Asian Art Museum
📍 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102
🚗 15 minutes | 🚋 Transit accessible

When it’s cold outside, San Francisco’s museums shine. Spend an afternoon exploring contemporary art at SF MoMa or dive into centuries of history and culture at the Asian Art Museum. Whatever your pick, the experience will be similar: plenty of space, warmth, art and inspiration.

End the Day Back at Stanford Court

Cooler weather brings out a quieter, cozier side of San Francisco. Whether you’re stretching it out at Grace Cathedral, sipping Irish coffee by the Wharf, or exploring indoor attractions just steps away, the city always has something to offer.

And after a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than returning somewhere warm and welcoming. Stanford Court blends modern design with classic Nob Hill charm, the perfect home base for cooler San Francisco days.

Be sure to explore our special offers and packages to make the most of your stay, from transit-friendly perks to curated neighborhood experiences. Stay at Stanford Court and experience San Francisco like a local, even when it’s cold outside.