Best Things to do in South San Francisco For Event Attendees

Known by locals as “South City,” South San Francisco has a unique cultural narrative all its own. Visitors to the city frequently get caught up in the traditional things to do in San Francisco such as Fisherman’s Wharf and Golden Gate Park, getting off San Francisco proper’s beaten path offers authentic slices of Bay Area life that many visitors never get to experience. Following are just four of the many interesting things to do in South San Francisco. 

Oyster Point Marina 

Bay Area visitors who want to get some time on the water can join a whale watching tour at Oyster Point Marina or charter a boat for a private lunch or dinner cruise with a group of fellow travelers. Thanks to the region’s notable biodiversity, various whale species migrate through the Bay at different times of the year, so there’s always something to see. Oyster Point Marina is also the terminal for the San Francisco Bay Ferry, so those who don’t want to charter a vessel can opt for a ferry ride instead. 

It isn’t necessary to be on the water to enjoy spending time at the marina, however. With plenty of walking trails, picnic areas, and a fishing pier, the area offers plenty of activity options, including relaxing in the shade and watching the wild geese, boats, and kite surfers in the bay. 

South San Francisco Historical Markers & Walking Tour

The Historical Society of South San Francisco sponsors two official walking tours that can be taken separately or together. Each tour last approximately 45 minutes, are about a mile and a quarter long, and cover 11 historical sites. The Historical Society also cultivates a museum featuring period clothing, oral history tapes, old telephone books, magazines, and newspapers and many more memorabilia items that provide a view into what daily life was like for past residents of South San Francisco. 

Burlingame Avenue 

One of the best things about exploring beyond San Francisco proper is experiencing the smaller communities that provide visitors to the area with a variety of things to do San Francisco residents are fortunate enough to enjoy on a daily basis. Burlingame is just six miles from the San Francisco city limits and offers abundant small town charm as well as a craft culinary scene worthy of a world-class urban environment. The West Coast icon Salt & Straw, a boutique ice cream and frozen yogurt chain where patrons can purchase small-batch sweet treats made with locally sourced ingredients, is just one of the many quality culinary options found on Burlingame Avenue. 

Situated between California Drive and El Camino Real, Burlingame Avenue is fondly referred to by locals as “The Avenue,” or more informally, “The Ave.” It’s a vibrant district that’s very pedestrian friendly and packed with independently owned shops, galleries, and eateries. The Avenue also offers brand name outlet shopping featuring many national and international designers.

San Bruno Mountain State Park

Additionally, those who need a respite from all the movement and activity found in the urban parts of the Bay Area can get a quick nature fix at San Bruno Mountain State Park — with miles of trails, park visitors can walk as much or as little as they like. There are comfortable outdoor seating areas, restrooms, and barbecue and picnic areas. Climbing to the top of San Bruno Mountain offers a spectacular view of San Francisco.

Please contact our San Francisco conference center for more information about things to do in South San Francisco or any other questions relating to your upcoming visit to the Bay Area.