11 Things to Do in San Francisco in November

San Francisco is a city full of attractions. Its picturesque neighbourhoods, its history and cultural heritage, and the fact that it has been a major focus of the LGBT community since the 1970s, make it a must-see destination among the world's top cities.

Here's what to see and do in San Francisco during your 10-day stay. From festivals to parades to major sporting events, the city has something for everyone. If you don't know where to start, here I have selected for you the 10 things you definitely can't miss in San Francisco during the month of November.

Enjoy one of San Francisco's most interesting and colourful festivals with almost 30 years of history. As you know, the city of trams and slopes has been a worldwide reference point for the LGBT community since the 1970s, with areas such as the Castro neighbourhood, where the commitment to one's identity and sexual diversity is very much alive.

The traditional Sundance Stompede festival is a country music and dance event by and for the LGBT community.

With contests, live music and fun parties throughout many of San Francisco's dance clubs, this festival celebrates diversity while enjoying one of the most typically American musical styles.

Practical info

• Date: at the end of November.
• Location: in different clubs around the city.
• Price: from 15 U$S.

The NBA season usually starts in October and ends in April, so November is the perfect month to enjoy an experience like this and feel like a real American.

In San Francisco, the professional team is the Golden State Warriors and their home court is the Chase Center. So, of course, I recommend you to go and watch them there and soak up the completely crazy and passionate atmosphere.

Golden State Warriors tickets usually sell out very quickly, as there are many fans, both American and tourists, who want to enjoy the different games every year. So I recommend you to book them online in good time.

The Day of the Dead is one of the most popular Mexican holidays in the United States. Far from being a sad event and beyond its name, the colours and general merriment are the driving force of this festival where we remember those who are no longer with us.

The city of San Francisco lives this day with parades and a multitude of people made up as skeletons through the streets, with flowers and carrying the traditional offerings.

The Sugar Skull figure, the typical skull decorated with hundreds of colours, is the star of the festival and you can get all kinds of handicrafts with its image. Taking part in this event is a great way to mingle with the locals and have a truly unique experience.

Practical information

• Date: 2 November
• Location: in the SF Bay Area and Mission District
• Price: free

During the first days of November, some of the most important museums in the city of San Francisco open their doors for free:

• Conservatory of Flowers: is a large botanical greenhouse located in Golden Gate Park.
• De Young Art Museum: has some of the best exhibits of European art and anthropology.
• Asian Art Museum: contains over 18,000 works, some as old as 6,000 years.
• California Academy of Sciences: one of the largest natural science museums in the world, with incredible exhibits such as a planetarium and a rainforest.
• SFMOMA: the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art contains pieces by such famous artists as Andy Warhol, Pollock and Frida Kahlo, among others.

It is an opportunity not to be missed to get a taste of the artistic and cultural side of the most famous city on the West Coast of the United States.

In the month of November, San Francisco's nights are illuminated in the stunning Illuminate SF Festival of Lights, an event that brings together a multitude of local and other artists from around the United States to create the most amazing and original art installations, where light is the protagonist.

You can enjoy this festival in two ways: on foot or by booking a night bus tour of San Francisco. If you go with children or older people, I recommend the second option without a doubt, otherwise both of you may get overtired.

Practical information

• Date: from the first days of November.
• Location: all over the city.
• Price: free.

Get ready to experience with all your senses the Taste of Mountain View, food and wines culinary festival, an outdoor event where you can sample the finest flavours of local cuisine.

With plenty of food stands, wine tasting and the best craft beer, this is the perfect opportunity to stroll down Castro Street, one of the most colourful and picturesque streets in the city, and grab a bite to eat in an atmospheric setting that's perfect for the whole family.

Keep in mind that in November the temperatures are very pleasant, so this type of outdoor event is ideal. So, if you still want to continue tasting exquisite wines, I recommend you book a wine tour in San Francisco, where you'll be able to try some of the most unique artisanal wines.

Practical information

• Date: around 9 November
• Location: at 500 Castro Street
• Price: starting at 30 U$S

If you're into healthy living and outdoor sports, what better way to put yourself to the test than to run a massive marathon across the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge while enjoying the best views of the entire San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island.

Because not everything on holiday is about eating and shopping. You can take the opportunity to join the Golden Gate Half Marathon, an event that has been going on for 20 years and is attracting more and more people every year.

With a distance of more than 21 kilometres (13.1 miles), this is one of the most important marathons in the city of San Francisco and a good opportunity for a unique experience as well as a great workout. If you feel it's too much, don't worry, there's an alternative 5-kilometre course, where you don't get to cross the bridge. But that doesn't mean you have to give up the views, as you can also take a bike tour of the Golden Gate Bridge during your stay.

Practical information

• Date: early November
• Location: the starting line is at the Aquatic Park Waterfront.
• Price: free

While San Francisco doesn't have a parade of huge inflatable characters like New York City, you can still celebrate Thanksgiving like a local.

Few festivities are as intensely celebrated as this one, though of course most places close their doors, since it's one of those celebrations that's best experienced with family or friends. But don't let that discourage you, as there are a few restaurants that will allow you to experience the true spirit of Thanksgiving, even as a tourist:

• Anzu Restaurant: offers only on this date the typical menu of baked turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, in addition to the usual dishes of the restaurant, which specialises in Japanese food.
• One Market Restaurant: You can find the classic Thanksgiving dinner or lunch with roast turkey, pork and mushroom risotto, as well as the traditional pumpkin pie. Reservations are recommended.

Practical information

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated every year on the 4th Thursday in November. It's a day to give thanks for what we have, the friendships we treasure, the food we put on the table and, above all, the freedom we enjoy.

Oh, and one more thing, don't forget that the Friday after Thanksgiving is the world-famous Black Friday, where practically everything is 50% or 60% off.

If you're one of those who can't help but succumb to the shopping frenzy, some of the best places to take advantage of the incredible discounts this day are Pier 39, Union Square or Westfield Shopping Center.

In November, San Francisco is already getting ready to celebrate Christmas. That's why you can experience all the magic of the holidays right in the heart of the city: Union Square.

From ice skating, to watching the lights of the imposing Christmas tree being turned on, to admiring the decorations of shops like the traditional Macy's, Union Square is the ideal place to start experiencing Christmas in San Francisco.

The little ones can visit Santaland and have their picture taken with Santa himself. With the most glittering Christmas decorations, Union Square Holidays are the ultimate holiday.

Practical info

Here's the info below if you want to go ice skating in Union Square.

• Date: from 3 November
• Location: in Union Square
• Price: starting at 19 U$S

With Christmas so close, everything starts to look like a Dickensian fairy tale. San Francisco knows it and that's why in November it gives you the opportunity to enjoy the great Great Dickens Fair, a place where you will truly feel part of a story by the great English writer.

This Christmas fair recreates in detail the Victorian London of Dickens' stories, while allowing you to watch shows, enjoy delicious food, listen to Christmas carols, and much more. All this is done by perfectly characterised actors who will help make the fantasy come true.

A perfect event to enjoy with the whole family and, of course, a great plan if you are looking for things to do with children in San Francisco.

Practical info

• Date: from 19 November
• Location: at Cows Palace
• Price: to be confirmed

If you're a coffee lover, the SF Coffee Festival in San Francisco in November is a delicious experience that's sure to keep you awake.

This major festival, as you can imagine, brings together year after year the biggest fans of one of the West's favourite beverages: coffee.

With representatives from the best coffee shops around San Francisco, and the chance to buy coffee from all over the world, the SF Coffee Festival is an event with many nuances, where you can also enjoy the best live music and delicious pastries.

Practical info

• Date: usually in the second week of November
• Location: at the Fort Mason Center Festival Pavilion
• Price: general admission is around $24 USD

Before I say goodbye, I would like to give you some useful tips to make your trip to San Francisco in November perfect.

What is the weather like in San Francisco during November?

San Francisco keeps its temperatures mild even in November. With lows of around 15 degrees Celsius and highs of around 24 to 25 degrees Celsius, you couldn't ask for better weather to visit the city.

Ideal for walking from end to end, enjoying the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and strolling around nearby towns such as Sausalito or Oakland, don't expect too many rainy days either.

What should I pack for my trip to San Francisco in November?

Since the weather is so nice, you won't need to pack a warm jacket. I do recommend some jumpers, light cotton jackets and, most importantly, comfortable shoes.

San Francisco is perfect for walking, so having the right footwear is the key to enjoying your trip 100%. As San Francisco is not a city where it rains often, you can do without your umbrella and mackintosh.

I'm sorry to say that San Francisco is considered one of the most expensive cities in the United States. That doesn't mean that everything is expensive, as there are always options for all budgets. It's just a matter of researching where, when and how to shop.

However, keep in mind that November is not considered high season in San Francisco, so you may be able to find some good accommodation options without having to go too far from the city centre.