Looking for birthday ideas in San Francisco? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you're planning a celebration for yourself or someone special, there’s a ton of stuff San Francisco can offer you that’ll make celebrating another trip around the sun memorable.
From sailing on the bay to uncovering urban secrets on a scavenger hunt, and from serene park picnics to dynamic arcade bars, the city has something to cater to every interest and age.
In this guide, we'll uncover the most creative and enjoyable birthday ideas in San Francisco, ensuring your celebration is nothing short of spectacular.
Get ready to explore the best activities and destinations that will make any birthday in San Francisco truly unforgettable!
And just so you know, nobody pays us to be listed here. They’re just our recommendations to you, so you can find the best things to do in San Francisco. No affiliate links, just personal opinions!
The Best Birthday Ideas in San Francisco
Go on a Scavenger Hunt in San Francisco’s Coolest Neighborhoods
Location: Various
Looking for birthday ideas that you can do with any number of people at short notice? This is for you.
Scavenger hunts like these are the perfect daytime activity to add a little something to your birthday celebrations – especially if you have a dinner reservation or plans for the evening and you want to get the party started early.
All you need is a phone with WhatsApp installed, some comfortable walking shoes and a good bunch of people to deliberate puzzles, riddles and clues with and you’re set! The clues get sent directly to you, and it’ll be up to you to unlock the next clue to find hidden gems and local hotspots, making each clue a discovery of its own.
Practical Information: For booking and specific routes, visit CityDays. Tickets cost $20 per person and include optional recommended cafe and bar rest stops.
Hit up San Fran’s Best Rooftop Bars
Location: Various
Elevate your birthday celebrations with breathtaking views and cocktails at San Francisco’s top rooftop bars.
In a city like San Francisco, it’d almost be rude not to enjoy a stunning view with your birthday drink - no matter what your preferred beverage is. Like with anywhere, where you choose to go can depend on your own preferences, but I’ll list my favorites in case you need some inspiration:
Cavaña: One of my favorite newer hotspots! Friendly vibes and the bartenders are outstanding.
Rise over Run: FYI: The best seats in the house are by the outdoor fireplace. Smaller food menu if you want to eat while you’re here but I always have a great time.
Kaiyō: More of a restaurant with an awesome blend of Japanese and Peruvian flavors (an unexpectedly awesome combination I have to say). The views are stunning and there are heaters for when SF’s temps drop.
El Techo: A hidden gem in a touristy area. Yes, prices are a little higher (but, that’s the area). Comfortable, chill vibes if that’s your scene.
Practical Information: Most bars are open late, but it's best to check individual websites for exact hours and potential cover charges.
Take on an Outdoor Escape Room Challenge
Location: Various
If you’re the adventurous type, escape rooms are probably nothing new to you.
Puzzles, riddles, and the challenge and satisfaction of saying: “we did it!” are probably core memories of yours. But we’re betting you’ve never done one that's the size of a San Francisco neighborhood before.
Outdoor escape rooms like these are very similar to the indoor experience, except you get to enjoy the fresh air, learn a little about your surroundings and take breaks whenever you want. You also get to decide when you play, who you play with and with nearly no planning at all - which is great if you find out you have to entertain a bunch of your friends or family on your birthday unexpectedly!
Practical Information: For booking and specific routes, visit CityDays. Tickets cost $20 per person and include optional recommended cafe and bar rest stops.
Plan a Picnic in One of SF’s Most Beautiful Parks
Location: Various
Working with a lower budget for your San Francisco birthday ideas? Price is no indication of how much fun you can have, and I’ll prove it.
San Francisco is teeming with beautiful parks, nearby nature reserves and stunning places to sit back, relax, and enjoy your birthday with as many or as few people as you want: all it takes is a hamper, some planning and a little organization.
Picnics are especially great if you’re working with limited space at home (or you share an apartment) and it’s super useful for cleaning up afterward - plus, you can jazz up a picnic cost effectively.
If you’re worried about people getting bored, bring along some games (or download some apps to your phone), bring along a ball, a pack of cards or pick a theme and run with it.
Here are my favorite picnic parks in San Francisco:
Crane Cove Park: Awesome and unique park in the Dogpatch neighborhood. Bring your Kayak or SUP if you’ve got one. Picnic tables and a grill, plus a grassy patch if you prefer picnic blankets.
Lafayette Park: Perfect if you have a dog, kids, or both! Plenty of space to run around and never too crowded.
Dolores Park: One of the best places to get nice views over the city. Easily accessed with public transport which is a bonus if you don’t have a car, plus plenty of street food vendors around the area if you don’t want to carry too much with you.
Practical Information: Parks are open from dawn to dusk. No entry fees, but certain areas may require reservations for large groups.
Challenge Your Friends or Family at an Arcade Bar
Location: Emporium, Free Gold Watch, Musee Mecanique
Add a touch of nostalgia to your San Francisco birthday ideas by visiting the city’s best game bars!
I probably don’t need to tell you why game bars and arcades are awesome birthday venues - they’re fun, relatively inexpensive and oftentimes inclusive - but, as we all know, bars are not created equally.
I’ll be totally honest with you and admit that I’m not a hardcore gamer, but if like me you enjoy casual games, somewhere laidback to hang out and have a good time, then I have some tips where you might want to go:
Emporium: 21+ only so, not for you if you plan on having kids or teens accompanying you. But if you’re an adult, this is your playground! Pool tables are free to use and the games are awesome.
Free Gold Watch: A pinball player’s paradise. Seriously, they’ve got every kind of pinball here (and some other vintage games). There’s also ping pong tables out the back, check ‘em out!
Musee Mecanique: A total hidden gem on Fisherman’s Wharf that’s more of a museum but you can play with the exhibits! Vintage games, most of which will cost you no more than $0.25-0.75 each.
Practical Information: Check websites for opening hours and any cover charges. Musee Mecanique offers a unique blend of historical exhibits and playable games, open to all ages.
Fun Birthday Ideas in San Francisco
Check Out San Francisco’s Under Appreciated/Hidden Gem Museums
Location: Various
Finding San Francisco birthday ideas doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of finding out what’s beyond your backyard - and by that, I mean visiting some of San Francisco’s hidden treasures.
Now, a few names spring to mind immediately, but by all means, check out what’s on at the world-famous museums (they’re famous for a reason). On the off chance that you’re looking for something a little different, here are my favorites:
The de Young Museum: A famous example but so worth your while. And even if you don’t want to go inside, go to the observation deck - it’s free!
Cable Car Museum: You don’t have to be San Franciscan to be amazed at the mechanics of trolleys. And, yes, it’s super interesting if you’re a vehicle enthusiast!
Blackhawk Museum: Incredible museum with 6 varied, interactive exhibits (cars, photography, nature’s hidden worlds). There’s something for everyone and there’s bound to be a bunch of stuff you’ve never noticed before.
Practical Information: Most museums offer free sections or exhibits; however, some exhibits may require admission fees. Check individual museum websites for hours and specific pricing details.
Hit Up the Karaoke Bars
Location: Doremi in Japantown, The Mint Karaoke Lounge, Martuni’s
What’s a birthday without some music? In my experience, there’s nothing like some karaoke to get the party started. Especially if “your” song happens to be Queen or Springsteen. I don’t make the rules.
Oh, and by the way – San Francisco’s karaoke scene might look a little plain in comparison to other cities. Don’t mistake a lacking decor for a bad bar – that’s just the way we do it here.
Some cool karaoke spots I love:
Doremi: No website so just look it up on Google maps. Inexpensive karaoke bar in Japantown with private rooms, reasonably priced and it’s BYO which is a huge bonus.
The Mint Karaoke Lounge: If you don’t mind getting up on a stage, this is for you. There’s a sushi restaurant next door where you can get food, the bar itself has super welcoming vibes. It’s cash only so make sure you have some handy.
Martuni’s: If you’re confident in your abilities - or have a great sense of humor, head here. Your backing soundtrack is a superstar pianist and there are no words - just the top of your head and your confidence in your memory!
Practical Information: Prices and booking conditions vary. Check each bar's website for opening hours and reservation policies.
Go on An Urban Adventure to Uncover SF’s Secrets
Location: Routes vary across San Francisco
Looking for San Francisco birthday ideas that turn you and your friends or family into a bunch of trivia detectives? This is for you.
Transform your birthday into a thrilling quest with an urban adventure across San Francisco. Discover the city's secrets, from historic landmarks to modern marvels, through an engaging, self-guided journey that combines the fun of a scavenger hunt with the intrigue of a mystery walking tour.
These routes are awesome for groups who enjoy walking, finding new cool hidden spots and putting in some teamwork!
Practical Information: For routes and booking details, visit CityDays. Prices may vary based on the adventure chosen and the number of participants.
Take a Tufting Class with Tuft.SF
Location: Tuft.SF Studio
Get creative on your birthday with a unique tufting class at Tuft.SF.
Perfect for both beginners and craft enthusiasts, these classes offer hands-on instruction in the art of rug making, letting you create custom, cozy textiles. If you’ve never taken a tufting class before, this is a fun way to try something new - and if you have tufted before, this is a great chance to let your friends or family in on your hobby.
Obviously, the major benefit of this is that you’ll come away from your class with a gift to yourself - a rug and some great memories.
Practical Information: Advance booking is required. Visit Tuft.SF for class schedules, prices, and more information on what you’ll need to bring or what's provided.
Perfect Your Batting The Baseball Academy’s Batting Cages
Location: The Baseball Academy, San Francisco
Looking for birthday ideas in San Francisco for sports enthusiasts? I recommend you swing into fun at The Baseball Academy’s batting cages.
Now, you don’t need an excuse to go down to your local batting cages, but depending on how old you are, it might have been a hot minute since you last entered one.
Perfect for all ages and especially if you’ve got some pent up steam, this is an activity that gets you moving and reliving that childhood nostalgia of smashing it (figuratively) out of the park!
Practical Information: Visit SF Baseball Academy for hours and pricing. Reservations may be required, especially for larger groups or during peak times.
Create a Masterpiece at a Paint ‘N Sip with Paint Nite
Location: Various venues across San Francisco
If you’re looking for fun birthday ideas, unleash your creativity with a brush in one hand and a drink in the other at a paint ‘n sip session.
For those who have never done a paint ‘n sip, the idea’s very straightforward: you go along to a BYO painting workshop, learn how to paint, and then come home with a masterpiece.
Companies like Paint Nite provide all the materials you need, all you’ve got to do is bring along your favorite beverage – and you can bring along a friend (or book a session for just you and your friends!).
No experience necessary, just bring your enthusiasm!
Practical Information: Check Paint Nite for upcoming events, locations, and ticket prices. Advanced booking is recommended as these popular events tend to fill up quickly.
Hit The Water in an SUP or Kayak
Location: Dogpatch Paddle, San Francisco
Honestly, kayaking might be one of my favorite water activities I’ve tried, and stand up paddle boarding isn’t far behind (although my balance isn’t great!).
Perfect if you’re looking for active ideas to celebrate your birthday, water sports gives you the chance to burn off some energy and have a good laugh in the great outdoors.
If you don't have your own gear, don’t worry! You can get a rental pretty cheap at Dogpatch Paddle, who are based in Crane Cove Park. This place is awesome for beginners as the launching spot is in a protected cove away from motor vehicles.
Practical Information: Visit Dogpatch Paddle for rental rates, operating hours, and safety information. Booking in advance is advisable to ensure availability.
Catch a Show at the Magic Patio
Location: The Magic Patio, San Francisco
Step into the enchanting world of The Magic Patio for a spellbinding birthday experience.
This hidden gem in San Francisco offers intimate, mesmerizing magic shows that captivate audiences under the stars. Perfect for those looking to add a touch of mystery and awe to their celebration, the performances are both intimate and interactive, ensuring a memorable evening for all – and expect a few surprises!
Practical Information: For show schedules, ticket prices, and more details, visit The Magic Patio. Advanced booking is essential as shows tend to sell out quickly.
Laugh Your Way into a New Age at SF’s Comedy Clubs
Location: Punch Line, Cobb’s, The Knockout in San Francisco
Brief Description:
Celebrate your birthday with a night of laughter at some of San Francisco’s best comedy clubs.
We know how to laugh and put on a show here on the West Coast, and I’ll prove it to you. The venues might be a bit more laid back than you’re used to - and there are fewer comedy clubs now than there were before.
Nevertheless, my favorite spots remain, so if you need some inspo, check out Punch Line, Cobb’s and The Knockout (this place only has a show every third Friday of the month).
Practical Information: Punch Line and Cobb’s generally have performances nightly. The Knockout features comedy every third Friday of the month. Check individual club websites for showtimes and ticket prices; booking in advance is highly recommended.
Shoot Arrows at The Oldest Range in The Country
Location: Golden Gate Park Archery Field, San Francisco
Did you know that Golden Gate Park is home to the oldest public archery range in the whole of the US?
If you’re looking for birthday ideas in San Francisco that are a little out of the ordinary and include a historical sporty twist, head on over to Golden Gate Park.
Perfect for both beginners and experienced archers, this venue offers a chance to test your precision and focus in a beautiful, natural setting. And, hey, it’s Golden Gate Park, so there’s plenty to keep you busy once you’ve hit the bullseye.
Practical Information: For more details on operating hours, equipment rental, and any possible fees, visit SF Rec & Park. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for larger groups.
Find More Things to Do in San Francisco with CityDays
Whatever your interests are, there’s always something new for you to discover and do in San Francisco.
In fact, you don’t have to go out of your way at all to find them - you just have to know where to look.
Discover San Fran’s secret sites and noteworthy nooks by playing one of our San Francisco scavenger hunts, exploration games or urban adventure games!
Are you looking for corporate scavenger hunts? Read more about our San Francisco team-building activities and contact us for more details.