To fully enjoy the outdoor events, music festivals, and sightseeing San Francisco has to offer during the summer, there are a few important things you’ll need to pack. With a bit of preparation, the best of the city will be ready for the taking.
Warm, Windproof Jacket
San Francisco is known for its fog and unpredictable weather. Temperatures during the summer average from54 to 65 degrees F. While you may not be accustomed to packing jackets for summer vacations, you’ll need to bring one with you in order to comfortablyeat outside at our award-winning restaurants, todiscover our many street murals, and towatch live music at the Stern Grove Festival. Not to mention, abeautiful patio brunch with a view of the Bayis much more fun if you aren’t shivering. Opt for something that will keep you warm when it’s windy but is also lightweight. That way, you won’t be saddled with a heavy coat if the sun does decide to poke its head out.
Supportive Walking Shoes
Thanks to its mellow climate and many uniqueneighborhoods, San Francisco is one of the best cities to see on foot. There are a wide array of walking tours available (bothguidedandself-guided) that will immerse you in everything that makes the city great. Supportive walking shoes are just what you need to take an adventure through historicHaight-Ashbury, a culinary walking tour ofChinatownor hopfrom brewery to brewery,sampling delicious beers around the city.
Casual-Chic Clothing
When dressing for your San Francisco summer trip, take a cue from the locals. Their light, layer-able, bohemian looks were influenced by thehippie and counterculture fashion of 1960s San Franciscoand are still popular today because they’re the perfect clothes for the city’s vibe. Leggings, scarves, denim jackets and cardiganskeep you cozy when it’s cool and are easy to remove when the temperatures rise. If you don’t already have the right things on hand in your wardrobe, check out local flea markets, vintage stores and funkyshopping districtsfor threads that will fit right in.
Cross-Body Bag or Daypack
Along with the right shoes and clothes, you need a bag that won’t weigh you down but is big enough to hold your extra layers and all of thequirky giftsyou might find. Plus, having your own bag will eliminate your need for disposable shopping bags and help you embrace the eco-friendly ethos of San Francisco.Homegrown companieslike Timbuk2 and Rickshaw Bagworks make messenger bags and backpacks in many styles that are beloved by locals.
Picnic Blanket
If apicnicisn’t already part of your San Francisco summer itinerary, it should be. With so many beautiful parks and outdoor activities, it’s an opportunity you can’t miss. Be prepared by bringing a blanket to sit on wherever you go. Whether you’re planning to sunbathe on the beach orroast marshmallows around a bonfire, you won’t regret having this essential in your bag.
