Top 15 Activities in South San Francisco, CA

South San Francisco is a city with a population of approximately 64,000 individuals, located in San Mateo County within the San Francisco Bay area. Despite its designation, the city is not a part of the adjacent San Francisco.

Regarded as the Biotech Capital of the World, South San Francisco boasts exceptional weather, picturesque views of the San Bruno Mountains and San Francisco Bay, and a multitude of attractions both within the city and its vicinity.

The city is home to various parks, dining establishments, cafes, cultural sites, and shopping venues, including Westborough Square and Southwood Shopping Center. Additionally, its central location allows for convenient access to nearby metropolitan areas, with San Francisco merely 20 minutes away.

Throughout the year, South San Francisco hosts numerous festivals and events, including the celebrated Festival of Lights.

Here are 15 outstanding activities to explore in and around South San Francisco, California.

1. Learn About Local History at the South San Francisco Historical Society

Featuring two distinct locations, the South San Francisco Historical Society is an essential destination for those interested in exploring the area’s rich history.

The first venue is the Historical Society Museum, which showcases an array of exhibits, including various artifacts, historical school yearbooks, archival newspapers, maps, period clothing, and photographs.

The second venue is the Plymire-Schwartz Center, where exhibits are displayed in a beautifully restored colonial-style house built in 1905. Visitors will find period furnishings and other antiques, providing insight into life during that time.

2. Go Hiking at San Bruno Mountain State Park

The defining feature of San Bruno Mountain State Park is the mountain itself, where hiking emerges as the most sought-after activity.

The park’s trails offer some of the most breathtaking views, including a panorama of the four-mile ridge and San Francisco Bay. Visitors can explore the remnants of a Nike Missile early warning system, once utilized for detecting incoming enemy aircraft.

The park is also home to diverse plant life, rare butterflies, and an array of wildlife, enriching the hiking experience in this unique habitat.

In addition to hiking, visitors can engage in picnicking and recreational activities such as volleyball or Frisbee in designated meadows. The park offers facilities, including picnic areas equipped with barbecue pits and restrooms.

3. Enjoy Good ‘Ol American Comfort Food at Cafe 382

Cafe 382 represents a wonderful setting to enjoy meals at any time of the day, whether it be breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This relaxed, family-operated establishment specializes in classic American fare enriched with contemporary touches. The ingredients are sourced locally, ensuring freshness.

The diverse menu features an extensive array of options, including salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta dishes, and entrees such as fried chicken, fish & chips, grilled New York Steak, and salmon. Outdoor dining is also available, and happy hour is observed on select days throughout the week.

4. Visit the Wind Harp and Hear Music Made by the Wind

Constructed in 1967 and towering at 92 feet, The Wind Harp is a striking structure positioned atop a hill in South San Francisco.

This tower serves as more than a mere architectural feature; it is indeed a monumental wind harp, recognized as one of the largest in the world.

The sound produced by the structure is a result of the wind, making it advisable to visit on breezy days for the fullest auditory experience. While at the site, take in the remarkable views of the city and San Francisco Bay.

5. Slip into a Peaceful Oasis at the San Mateo Japanese Garden

Created by Nagao Sakurai from the Imperial Palace of Tokyo, the San Mateo Japanese Garden offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city environment.

This exquisite Japanese tea garden features blooming cherry trees, bonsai trees, and Japanese Maples. Additional elements include a koi pond with wooden bridges, a gazebo, a teahouse with garden views, and a meditation area showcasing a pagoda and waterfall.

6. Hike or Bike the San Francisco Bay Trail

As of this moment, 356 miles of the planned San Francisco Bay Trail have been completed, with expectations for it to eventually extend 500 miles along the picturesque shorelines of the bay, offering a completed section for public use.

Whether you opt to walk or cycle, the journey along this trail offers breathtaking scenery and opportunities to observe native wildlife.

The trail features both paved and gravel paths, guiding visitors past neighboring cities, parks, museums, and cultural landmarks.

7. Browse the South San Francisco Farmers’ Market

There exists a unique charm in browsing a market on a sunny morning, and the South San Francisco Farmers’ Market encapsulates this experience, making it an ideal locale for discovering quality local produce or simply immersing oneself in the community vibe.

At this market, a wide assortment of fresh, locally-sourced items is available, from berries and vegetables to fruits.

In addition, visitors can explore vendors offering honey, eggs, artisanal cheeses, homemade baked goods, seafood, and handcrafted soaps.

8. Sample Local Craft Beer at 47 Hills Brewing Co.

Upon entering 47 Hills Brewing Co., guests are welcomed into a warm and friendly environment where locals and visitors gather over enjoyable experiences and craft beer.

Since 2012, master brewers have been employing innovative brewing techniques inspired by traditional practices to produce a distinctive range of beers.

Unique offerings such as Pink Boots, Marzen Amber Lager, Farmhouse Ale, Yelling at Cars, and Industrial Slime can be sampled in the on-site taproom.

The establishment also houses a kitchen with a diverse selection of snacks and dishes prepared using locally-sourced ingredients.

9. Learn About Local Wildlife at the CuriOdyssey

Perched above the beautiful San Francisco Bay, CuriOdyssey, located in nearby San Mateo, serves as both a science museum and a native animal rescue center showcasing 25 recreated natural habitats for rescued wildlife.

The facility also features a large aviary home to over a dozen native California birds. Within the Invertebrate Corner, visitors can view a live beehive and various invertebrates.

The science and wildlife center provides numerous interactive exhibits, allowing guests to deepen their understanding of the center’s mission, the animals, and their natural environments.

Adjacent to CuriOdyssey is the Coyote Point Recreation Area, where guests can partake in various outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, windsurfing, cycling, and picnicking.

10. Take a Trip up Sign Hill

If you were unaware that South San Francisco is recognized as an industrial city, the inscription on Sign Hill will certainly awaken that realization. Prominently displayed on the slopes of San Bruno Mountain are the words “SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO THE INDUSTRIAL CITY,” crafted from painted concrete.

These words have captured the curiosity of visitors since the 1920s, inviting them to ascend the slope of the mountain to view the inscription up close.

Sign Hill is listed as a Historic Place and serves as a city park encompassing over 30 acres of green space and approximately two miles of hiking trails.

11. Go Paragliding with Bay Area Soaring

Paragliding has become a favored outdoor pursuit in the San Francisco Bay Area, with Bay Area Soaring offering exhilarating paragliding experiences in nearby Daly City.

Experience is not required, as a skilled tandem instructor will accompany you throughout the journey. After a brief orientation on safety and the fundamentals of paragliding, you will soar high above the bay.

As you glide gracefully through the sky, keep an eye out for sea lions basking on the shore and other local wildlife inhabiting the scenic landscape.

12. Learn to Shoot Arrows at Pacifica Archery

Whether you are a seasoned expert aiming to refine your skills or a novice eager to learn the fundamentals of archery, Pacifica Archery caters to your needs.

This family-operated establishment has been selling archery equipment and providing lessons to beginners since the late 1990s. Their pro shop offers all necessary equipment upgrades.

An indoor archery range is available, along with equipment rentals and instructional classes.

13. Kick Back in Orange Memorial Park

Orange Memorial Park in South San Francisco is a delightful green space offering a wealth of amenities for visitors to enjoy.

The park features various sports fields, an indoor swimming pool, picnic areas, a sculpture park, a playground, tennis and basketball courts, along with a skate park.

A variety of events are hosted throughout the year, including performances such as the Concert in the Park.

14. Escape Into the Wilderness at Skyline Ridge Preserve and Horseshoe Lake

Skyline Ridge Preserve offers an untouched natural environment, encompassing more than 2,100 acres of wilderness on a serene ridge.

This nature area features 11 miles of trails for hiking and cycling, showcasing stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and potential sightings of diverse bird species.

While exploring, visitors will also encounter the picturesque Horseshoe Lake, Alpine Pond, and a nature center.