The nights are getting darker earlier and Christmas is drawing near. What are the best things to do in SF in November? We bring you this list of our recommendations so you can make the most of your time this month. From Turkey Trots to Craft Fairs, via some big sports matches, we have it all for you right here.

1. VISIT ONE OF OUR AMAZING MUSEUMS (DATES THROUGH NOVEMBER)

For several days of the month (and for some special people on every day of the month) many SF museums are free. We have great museums (partly because of all the rich people that have lived here) – you should make the most of these opportunities.

Exploratorium: free admission for EBT cardholders and San Francisco Medi-Cal or CalFresh recipients. Also free for California public school teachers.

SF Botanical Gardens: free admission second Tuesday of every month.

Japanese Tea Gardens: free Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10 am.

De Young Museum: free first Tuesday of every month, also free every Saturday for Bay Area residents.

SFMOMA: free first Thursday of the month for Bay Area residents.

Legion of Honor: free Saturday’s for Bay Area residents and free Tuesday’s for all.

2. GO TO A CONCERT BY CANDLELIGHT (DATES THROUGH NOVEMBER)

These concerts are held in various locations around San Francisco, including St Ignatius Church, Grace Cathedral and the Hibernia. There’s nothing nicer than listening to great music, played by a live orchestra, in a beautiful setting. And then there’s the candlelight too…

Tickets available here.

3. NOTORIOUS SF: SCANDAL & CRIME TOUR (EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT)

When better than the winter nights to experience our Notorious SF: Scandal & Crime tour. San Francisco has a fascinating criminal history, that goes back to the Gold Rush era, when Vigilance Committee’s took over the “policing” of the city (which is where the term ‘vigilante’ likely originated). There were several red light districts in the downtown area in the nineteenth and early twentieth century, opium dens were tucked into the basements of many of the alleys in Chinatown and sailors had to be wary, lest they woke up on a strange ship, having been shanghaied in the infamous Barbary Coast neighborhood (which is where that term was invented too). And we haven’t even mentioned the Fatty Arbuckle Scandal yet…

Join us as we go on a cold-case true crime investigation into San Francisco’s dark past – and get cocktails in a couple of historic bars. Every Saturday night, at 6pm. Tickets available here.

4. ENJOY SOME LIVE COMEDY (DATES THROUGH NOVEMBER)

We could all do with a good giggle right now, in fact many experts say that there’s nothing better for easing tension than a good belly laugh. Cobb’s, the legendary North Beach comedy club, has a series of shows throughout the month. Did I mention they’re free (although there is a two drink minimum)?

Tickets available here.

5. ENJOY THE SAN FRANCISCO FERRY BUILDING (ALL MONTH)

The Ferry Building is one of the city’s most iconic buildings, serving as a hotspot for tourists and locals alike. It’s a center for events, pop-ups, a farmers’ market, and countless excellent merchants who sell their wares daily from the building’s many outlets. During the course of the month there are a ton of events going on, including Ferry Friday’s (with live music performances), outdoor yoga and a flea market.

Information available here.

6. WATCH A GAME (DATES THROUGH NOVEMBER)

Why not enjoy some good old-fashioned gridiron this month? The San Francisco 49ers have several games this month, including playing their big rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, as well as the New Orleans Saints.

Tickets available here.

The Golden State Warriors are also playing local rivals the LA Clippers too, as well as the San Antonio Spurs.

Tickets available here.

7. EXPERIENCE THE SF TURKEY TROT (NOVEMBER 24)

You might be aware that November is the month of Thanksgiving here in the U.S. The SF Turkey Trot is now in its twelfth year and is a great event for all the family. It’s held in the Golden Gate Park.

Information available here.

8. VISIT A CRAFT FAIR (NOVEMBER 5-6)

The Renegade Craft Fair pops up in different cities around the U.S. over the year – Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Austin – and in November it visits SF. Fort Mason is taken over by stalls, food trucks and pop-ups of varying types. There’s no entry fee, although donations are encouraged.

Information available here.

9. SEE THE INSIDE OF A PAINTED LADY (ALL MONTH)

Most visitors to San Francisco are aware of the Painted Ladies, beautiful Victorian homes built in the 1890’s on Alamo Square. The park is always full of people taking in the view – and taking those all important photos for Instagram. How about going inside one of them? Longtime resident George Horsfall owns the blue one and offers daily tours at 4pm. It’s a very special experience that I can’t recommend enough.

Information available here (tell George we sent you :-).

10. GO ICE-SKATING (ALL MONTH) 

San Francisco normally has a bunch of pop-up ice-skating rinks over the winter period and it’s a great way to have fun AND get some exercise. However this year the locations at the Embarcadero and Civic Center don’t seem to be operating. Nevertheless the Union Square one is open and it is a great spot for it.

Informations available here.

If you have any feedback on the 10 Best Things to Do in SF in November please email us or reach out on social media, we’d love to hear from you.

– By Damien Blackshaw (Twitter)