Source: Adam Brinklow, Curbed SF
In this 49-square-mile patch of land we call San Francisco, there's more to do on a winter day than watch Netflix from the comfort of your bed. Here at Curbed SF, however, we think that our city possesses the kind of beauty and interest that never grows old, especially when chill sets in the air. In fact, we think winter is the best time to enjoy Baghdad by the Bay, soon after the hordes of tourists head home.
We have put together a list of 20 places that will have you falling in love again with the City by the Bay. Some are familiar friends, some are recent discoveries, and others you may have stayed away from because they are for aforementioned tourists. All of theses spots have this in common: They are worth visiting again and again.
1 Yerba Buena Ice Skating Rink
Do your best Brian Boitano impression here at Yerba Buena's very own ice skating rink. While the holiday rinks in Union Square and Embarcadero close up for the season, this year-round facility is the perfect place to show off your graceful movies on the ice. And, hey, if your figure skating moves aren't so hot, you can always throw a few rounds at the bowling alley next door.
2 Take the ferry to the Oakland where it's warmerLook, San Francisco is going to be cold this season, which, for some of us, is a great thing. But for many folks, glacial temperatures are not fun. And with that, head over to the Ferry Building, hop on a ferry, and go east! The considerably warmer climates of the East Bay are calling your name.
3 Whale Watching at Point ReyesThe best time to catch a California grey whale begins in mid-January. And the best place to see these majestic creatures is 10 miles right off the Point Reyes shore. Sure, you could walk along the coast and, good luck permitted, possibly see a few rise to the surface. But the best way is to take a boast cruise to spot some of these beautiful whales en route home.
4 Frank Stella's Prints at the de YoungThe de Young Museum's latest exhibition showcases the American artist’s experimental printmaking over a twenty-five-year period starting in 1967. The noted artists use of unabashedly vicid colors could prove just the trick for winter doldrums.
5 Pore over the designs at Black & GoldFrom midcentury delights to eclectic finds, this furnishing store in the Castro is more than just that—it's a museum of the past with a distinct eye toward the future. Big, bold, bizarre, and swoon-worthy treats await at this tucked away treasure on Noe.
6 Head over to ChinatownIf you don't already live there—and lucky you if you do!—one of the best times to check out Chinatown is in the winter, shortly after the tourists leave. The same could also apply to the Castro, the Marina, and the Haight, but Chinatown deserves special attention. Unique architecture and intriguing alleyways await inside one of San Francisco's best neighborhoods. Of particular note is Portsmouth Square San Francisco.
7 Rainy day walk along the EmbarcaderoWhile some cherish a sunny day in Dolores Park, others prefer the tranquility and pensive aura of a rainy day around the city. Armed with an umbrella and a good pair of rain boots, take a stroll along the Embarcadero during the wetter times. The bay is gorgeous. The restaurants inviting. And the crisp air feels exhilarating. An ideal way to get into the winter spirit.
8 Bayview Opera HouseFounded in 1888, the Bayview Opera House is the oldest theater in the city. After being closed for three years, it received a much-needed renovation to the tune of $5.7 million. Gone are the trees and brick wall that used to cover its gorgeous facade. Today it can be seen from the T-Third Street line. Now it's great place to hang out and check out some choice performances.
9 Presidio Pet CemeteryStarting off as a place for military families to bury their pets, this cemetery is official full and no longer accepting—ahem—lodgers. But you should check it out as it's a lovely, moving tribute to our best friends, While the majority of animals buried at the pet cemetery are dogs and cats, there are also parakeets, canaries, pigeons, macaws, rabbits, hamsters, rats, lizards, goldfish, and mice.
10 Church of 8 Wheels
The Church of 8 Wheels describes itself as a "rolligious" experience. Once the Sacred Heart Church, it is now a holy rolling skating rink. Get your wheels on soon and enjoy the stained glass windows and gothic architecture as you glide around the floor, as there's plans afoot to turn this site into a condo.
11 Lyon Street Steps
The Lyon Street Steps offer up some of the choices views of the bay. Ideal for joggers or those who like to wander around the city willy-nilly. Sadly, personal trainers and fitness classes have monopolized them as of late, but that doesn't mean the athleisure-free among us aren't welcome. And in the wintertime, it's even better for those of us not into public workouts.
12 Atelier YarnsFrom beginning knitting to advance crocheting, let the fun folks over at Atelier Yarns help you strengthen your scarf-making game.
13 Heath CeramicsFor designophiles, Heath Ceramics is a must-visit. Their showroom on 18th Street is, in our opinion, the most pleasant Heath experience to be had. You can browse tableware, tile, furniture, and books in the light and bright space. What is more, there is an adjacent Blue Bottle cafe. Perfection.
14 Napier LaneThe Filbert Steps on Telegraph Hill offer astounding views of the bay and bonkers million dollar-plus homes. But the highlight has to be Napier Lane, a small stretch of adorable homes, overgrown flora, and hidden ornaments.
15 16th Avenue Tiled StepsThe stunning mosaic steps in the Sunset are greater than the sum of its parts.
16 Castro TheatreThe Castro Theatre celebrates 94 years this year. This iconic theater in the heart of the Castro is not only an architectural wonder to behold, but they also run first-rate movies and hold film festivals on a regular basis. Don't miss Peaches Christ's star-studded cult movie screenings.
17 Lilac Mural ProjectWhile Clarion Alley draws a bigger touristy crowd, the lesser known (albeit equally fantastic) Lilac Alley boasts some the greatest street art in the city.
18 The Octagon HouseThis eight-sided house was built in 1861 as the home of the McElroy family. Today, it is owned by National Society of Colonial Dames of America in California (the group who saved it from destruction) and it is a decorative arts museum.
19 Haas-Lilienthal HouseTo step inside the Haas-Lilienthal house is to get a glimpse of upper-middle-class life in 1886 San Francisco. The Haas family lived here with a small army of servants, and they meticulously maintained the home, its fixtures, and furniture through the generations. In 1972, the family donated it to the Foundation for San Francisco’s Architectural Heritage. Today, it's a time capsule you can see.
20 140 Maiden LaneThe distinctive building at 140 Maiden Lane is Frank Lloyd Wright's only San Francisco project. He designed it as a gift shop for V.C. Morris in 1948, creating a winding ramp that historians believe was the prototype for his masterpiece spiral walkway at the Guggenheim Museum. For the moment, the interior is not on view, as the building is for rent. However the city is working to landmark the space, so it will remain intact when the next owner takes over.