For many families, Father’s Day will be extra special this year in San Francisco. That’s because for the first time in two years, you and others will have more options on things to do. What’s more, there will be less restrictions on what you can and cannot do. For example, you won’t have to wear a mask in public places unless of course, you want to. Moreover, the practice of social distancing in restaurants, bars and venues is easing off. With all this in mind, have you already made plans for this coming Sunday? If not, here are a few ideas to get your started on your planning for Father’s Day.
Have a Backyard BBQ
Having a barbecue is certain to be among the most popular things to do on Father’s Day. However, for this occasion, do you want your father or spouse to do all the work? On the other hand, does he want to do the grilling or food preparation? After all, this is his day to essentially do whatever he wants to do. Ultimately, the decision is his to make to help out or relax in your hammock or lounge chair. Either way, he gets to eat and drink what he wants!
Beer Tasting
Having a glass of beer is yet another popular thing to do on Father’s Day. In this case, San Francisco has a nice selection of beer gardens and breweries. Although you may already have a favorite, there are others that deserve your attention. For instance, there is Biergarten in Hayes Valley and Zeigeist in the Mission District. That’s not to mention additional favorites like Barbottle Brewing Co. and 21st Amendment Brewery. If that’s not enough, dad might like to go on a craft beer walking tour. If so, you need to book sooner than later. Lastly, don’t overlook a brewery tour, notably tour and tasting at the legendary Anchor Brewing.
Father’s Day Golf
Does your father or spouse like to play golf? If so, have you already made reservations at his favorite San Francisco golf course? Not only will top spots like the Olympic Club and TPC Harding Park be busy but every other local golf course. In the event you haven’t already booked reservations for a round of golf, you need to start looking now. Fortunately, you have some options for him to play. Take for example the public golf courses at Lincoln Park and Golden Gate Park. In addition is the very popular nine-hole Gleneagles course at McLaren Park. Whatever your choice is, it’s important to realize that booking a reservation needs to be done as soon as possible.
Juneteenth San Francisco
Over Father’s Day weekend, you can also enjoy Juneteenth celebrations in San Francisco. In fact, there are several events going on this weekend. For instance, there is the Juneteenth SF Festival in the Fillmore District. Yet another important event will be Juneteenth: Freedom Day at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD). In addition, another Juneteenth Festival will be happening on Saturday. at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. If that’s not enough, the SF Black Wall Street Juneteenth will be held on Sunday at Gillman Park. Among the other notable events Juneteenth events on Sunday is the Black Man Run at the Sports Basement Presidio.
North Beach Festival
One of San Francisco’s most popular festivals just so happens to fall on Father’s Day weekend. In fact, the North Beach Festival is one of the city’s largest and there is no admission free. Held on Saturday and Sunday, the festival will feature gourmet food, arts and crafts and live music and comedy acts. Additionally, you can enjoy crafted beers in the beer garden or see the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday. Who knows, you might even bump into a friend or two at the festival.
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See A Broadway Show
If you have children, why not take dad and the kids to see a Broadway show? In other words, would everyone want to go see “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”. This Tony Award-winning show is currently being held at the Curran Theatre near Union Square. In fact, there are tickets still available for the Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. That’s to say nothing of “Hadestown” at the Orpheum Theatre on Market Street. If you’re too busy to see a Broadway show on Sunday, the national tour of “The Prom” opens at the Golden Gate Theatre June 21.
See A Movie
The summer movie season is already in high gear with blockbusters like “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Jurassic World: Dominion”. With that in mind, does your dad/spouse/loved one want to see a movie? If so, you can see those or movies already screening or opening this week. In addition to Top Gun and Jurassic World, you can take him to see the new “Dr. Strange” movie. Even the “Bob’s Burger Movie” might be fun as are the upcoming new movies. If you have kids, the new “Buzz Lightyear” opens this week and will obviously be in high demand. Check the movie listings for theaters like AMC Metreon 16 and AMC Kabuki 8 in Japantown. Of course, you have additional choices, like the Castro Theatre and Alamo Drafthouse. Unfortunately, the AMC Van Ness is no longer in business.
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Visit A Restaurant
Like every other thing that requires a reservation, you should book a restaurant as soon as possible. In this case, the choice is yours and your father or significant other. On the contrary, what if your restaurant is already completed booked for Father’s Day dinner? Fortunately, there are many outstanding restaurants still taking reservations for Sunday, June 19. At this present time, Waterbar, Epic Steak and Mastro’s all have openings. Even vegetarian restaurants like Baia and Greens Restaurant have openings. That’s not to mention more popular spots like China Live, John’s Grill and Bouche.
OpenTable
However, due to high demand, this may have already changed by the time you decide to book. A good place to start looking is OpenTable, where you can see what restaurants are available. At the same time you can see what times are open and you can book right online. Moreover, you can check directly with your restaurant of choice. Of course, if you your favorite spot isn’t available for a sit-down meal, you may be able to order out.
Wine Tasting
San Francisco often has a reputation for catering to a “wine and cheese” crowd. Although that’s description is sometimes used negatively, it’s not always a bad thing. In fact, it’s a great thing, especially if dad wants to go winetasting. For the most part, the best wine tasting is at a winery in Napa or Sonoma counties. However, why waste gas to drive over the Golden Gate Bridge when you and dad can taste wine in San Francisco? In fact, you can taste some of the Napa Valley’s finest wines right in Union Square! To clarify, you can taste wines from Chateau Montelena at its tasting room inside the Westin St. Francis. Another spot you may like, especially if you’re visiting from out of town is in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood. That’s where you will find the Winery Collective, inside the Argonaut Hotel.
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Watch The Warriors In the NBA Finals
Last but not least, is this sporting event that may or may not happen. That’s because either the Golden State Warriors or Boston Celtics can still win the championship before then. However, if the NBA Finals are to go to a Game 7, it’s going to be at the Chase Center. If this is the case, this may be the premier thing to do on Father’s Day. Although this may be true, Warriors fans are likely hoping it doesn’t have to get to a Game 7.
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012-2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC, NJ.com and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.