How to Do Thanksgiving Weekend in San Francisco

The night before Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to reconnect with friends and family outside of the kitchen. Fortunately, San Francisco offers an endless array of options for a memorable night out. San Francisco's neighborhoods host a wide variety of great bars, from elegant to kitschy to grungy. Enjoy wine from local vineyards, craft beer, and signature cocktails before the hustle and bustle of the big feast. 

• Step back to the 1920s, when Prohibition was in full swing, at Bourbon & Branch. A century ago, this was home to a popular speakeasy. Today, much of that ambiance remains intact.
• San Francisco’s oldest comedy club is a favorite stop for some of the biggest names in stand-up. Spend your evening at the Punch Line Comedy Club for lots of laughs.
• There is no better way to spend your first evening in the Bay Area than a visit to Top of the Mark. Some of the city's best cocktails come with wraparound views of San Francisco.
• If peace and quiet isn’t your goal, check out Audio nightclub. This venue boasts a one-of-a-kind sound system so powerful that music becomes a full-body experience.

San Francisco is a top foodie destination, so you don't need to cook your own Thanksgiving meal. Skip the long grocery store lines and huge piles of dishes to try one of the area’s world-class restaurants instead.

The Bay Area is known for amazing seafood, so feel free to break from the Thanksgiving turkey tradition. Try the Franciscan Crab Restaurant, Fog Harbor Fish House, Scoma's, and others along Fisherman's Wharf for the freshest, most succulent dishes.

San Francisco is a shopper's paradise, so do Black Friday right. The city offers an extraordinary collection of local makers and luxury flagship retail. 

• If you are looking for unique, handcrafted gifts, start your day in the Mission District. This neighborhood is chock-full of boutiques and shops featuring small designers and emerging international brands.
• There are only three Japantowns left in the United States, and the oldest is in San Francisco. One of the most interesting shopping experiences is at The Japan Center. Every nook and cranny of this multi-level shopping mall shows off imported merchandise you can’t find anywhere else.
• Vintage outlets and novelty shops set Haight Street shopping apart. For example, Wasteland offers a massive selection of pre-owned designer clothing, and Love on Haight features the grooviest styles.
• If you love a good discount, visit the Napa Premium Outlets. More than 50 premium brands have storefronts here, selling your favorite items at 25% to 65% off.

There is so much to see and do beyond the bridge. Why not rent a car and visit some of our neighbors in the Bay Area?

• Golfers won’t want to miss an opportunity to visit Monterey County. Pebble Beach attracts enthusiasts from around the globe, and Spyglass Hill may be the most challenging course you will ever play. Spend some time on the gorgeous 17-Mile Drive and be sure to stop for a glass of wine from one of the local vineyards. Monterey's about a two-hour drive away.
• Everyone has heard of Napa Valley, and wine lovers will want to make this their first stop. For a truly spectacular experience, reserve your spot on the Napa Valley Wine Train. The drive is about an hour from the city.
• If you want a true California beach experience, you have plenty of options. Try Half Moon Bay for an artistic vibe, or Santa Cruz for immersion into surfing culture. Half Moon Bay is about 45 minutes from the city, while Santa Cruz is closer to an hour and 15 minutes away.
• If you're after winter weather, visit Tuolumne County. Three hours from San Francisco, this is where you can let your inner snow bunny loose with skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and more.