How to Spend New Year's Day in San Francisco | San Francisco Travel
F Line in Fisherman's Wharf
The F Line goes down Market Street, along the Embarcadero and by Fisherman's Wharf.

How to Spend
New Year's Day in San Francisco

Our list of things to do and places to eat will help you kick-start the new year in San Francisco style.

What better way to start the new year than at some of San Francisco's top attractions and favorite restaurants? While others may be spending the day in their pajamas, we know ambitious visitors like you want to get out there and make a strong start on Day 1 of this coming year. Here are a few great places that we know will be ready to welcome you.

Things to Do
The Flyer and 7D Experience

PIER 39

Both of these exciting and eye-popping attractions will be open on New Year's Day. In The Flyer, you'll get an incredible bird's-eye view of San Francisco. The 7D Experience gives you the chance to explore alien worlds, haunted carnivals, and more through their interactive films.

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Aquarium of the Bay

PIER 39

Aquarium of the Bay is the perfect playground to kick off the new year. Feed a bat ray, watch river otters play, and walk through the underwater tunnels to discover the wonders of the San Francisco Bay's ecosystem and its inhabitants.

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A family looks at sea life inside a tunnel at the Aquarium of the Bay
Discover all sorts of amazing sea life at Aquarium of the Bay.

City Cruises by Hornblower

Pier 3

Book yourself a New Year's Day Champagne Brunch Cruise to welcome the new year. Celebrate with a festive brunch buffet, free-flowing champagne, live entertainment and spectacular bay sights including the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline. Boarding begins at 11:30 a.m. and the two hour cruise is from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

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The Exploratorium

Pier 15

The Exploratorium will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those who want to be creative and curious at the start of the new year. Their more than 600 hands-on exhibits will get your thought muscles flexing. What's more, the Exploratorium is perfect for the whole family.

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Exploratorium

Madame Tussauds

145 Jefferson St.

This is your chance to get closer than ever before to your favorite celebrities and icons. Shoot hoops with Steph Curry, sing a melody with Beyonce or swoon over George Clooney. Madame Tussauds is a playground for all selfie lovers and is open on New Year's Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Museum of 3D Illusions

55-61 Jefferson St.

Are you looking to survive a lava eruption, or hang from the side of one of San Francisco's skyscrapers? The Museum of 3D Illusions has dozens of illusions that play with your perception while making for an amusing photo op. 

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Where to Eat
Bistro Boudin

160 Jefferson St.

There's no better time to enjoy clam chowder in a Sourdough bread bowl than on the first day of the year. In addition to amazing cuisine and regional wine, their full service restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf offers some of the best views of Alcatraz and Angel Island. Open on New Year's Day from noon to 9 p.m.

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Clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl
San Francisco is famous for a number of iconic dishes including clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.

Blue Mermaid

495 Jefferson St.

Start the year off right with a delicious brunch and bloody mermaid and mimosa at the Blue Mermaid Restaurant & Bar, located within The Argonaut Hotel. They'll be open all day, serving breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m.; brunch from 11 to 4 p.m.; and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. 

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Cioppino's

400 Jefferson St.

Cioppino's is a Fisherman's Wharf tradition that's a go-to spot 365 days a year. Cioppino's will be open New Year's Day, accepting reservations and walk-ins. Regular menu offerings like their signature Cioppino and award-winning clam chowder will be served.

Make A Reservation

Cioppino

Jasper's Corner Tap and Kitchen

401 Taylor St.

Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen, located in the Hotel Spero, offers unique and innovative American food, handcrafted cocktails, and 18 locally brewed beers. They will be open from 7 a.m. (for you ambitious early birds) to 9 p.m. (for you cool night owls).

Make A Reservation

John's Grill

63 Ellis St.

A landmark restaurant, John’s Grill opened in 1908 and quickly became a staple in San Francisco that celebrities often frequent. Known for its seafood and steaks, John's Grill is certainly a treat to have on New Year's Day. Lunch is served from 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dinner is served from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m.

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The New Spot on Polk

2401 Polk St.

Head to The New Spot on Polk for a family-friendly restaurant serving a wide variety of American diner cuisine. Get cozy under their covered outdoor seating area, where your four-legged friends are warmly welcomed. The New Spot On Polk restaurant will be open on New Year's Day from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The full menu will be served.

Make A Reservation


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