San Francisco, a buzzing metropolis in California, boasts both urban culture and fresh air activities. December is mild, around 51 degrees F, but the weather is highly changeable, often varying between neighborhoods. Snow in December is rare, but it does rain, averaging 3.1 inches, and storms are common. Your best bet is to wrap up in warm layers to enjoy San Francisco’s seasonal beauty.
Go Crabbing
For a fresh air activity with the promise of tasty crustaceans at the end of the afternoon, try crabbing. California crabbing season opens in November, and the pier at Pacifica is a prime spot. Dungeness crabs are the best catch, and a license is not required so long as you fish from the pier. You’ll need a crab ring, gauge, bait and a bucket to put your catch in. According to "The Kitchn," rotisserie chicken with bones is the best delicacy for attracting the crabs.
Whale Watching
In winter you can catch a glimpse of gray or humpback whales as they make their way south to Mexico from their feeding grounds in Alaska, passing the coast off San Francisco. Many boats and tour operators offer half- and full-day trips to see the whales. Alternatively, try to spot them from the shore. San Francisco’s Owl Trail begins at the north end of Muir Beach and gives great views of the ocean. Mori Point in Pacifica also offers panoramic ocean views from 100-foot cliffs.
Indoor Skydiving
If it’s too wet for outdoors activity, experience an adrenaline rush in the safety of the indoor iFLY. This flight simulator center uses wind tunnels generating speeds of more than 120 miles an hour to suspend you in the air and imitate the extreme skydive, without the risk. The technology was formulated by the military for skydive training. Flight packages include safety training, padding, helmet and flying suit and a pre-flight instructional video.
Get Close to the Fishes
Visit San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39, dedicated to the diversity of aquatic life in the Bay and its surrounding waters. This is an all-weather activity, open 364 days a year. The aquarium features more than 20,000 marine species in crystal-clear tunnels. Spot moon jellies, brown sea nettles and schools of anchovies and sea stars, and peer at the Giant Pacific Octopus. Hands-on activities include shark feeding and presentations from interpretative naturalists.
Take a Local Food Tour
San Francisco is a culinary destination showcasing a variety of innovative and healthy foods. For a walking tour in December that’ll warm you up, whatever the weather, try a tour of San Francisco’s foodie neighborhoods to discover local bakeries, cafes and restaurants. Local Tastes of the City Tours offers tours of North Beach food hot-spots, Chinatown and Night Tours. On the North Beach tour, you can sample Italian-style breads, authentic cappuccinos and locally produced meats.
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