Looking for fun things to do this summer near San Francisco? Take a trip down to The San Francisco Peninsula, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in the Bay Area, farmers’ markets with locally grown produce from one of the Coastside’s 50 working farms, and all kinds of outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, or golfing. Check out our top things to do in the summer, from family vacation ideas to kid-friendly activities to perfect adult experiences.
1. Attend BraveMaker Film Festival (Redwood City)
If you're a film lover or just looking for an inspiring cultural experience this summer, don’t miss the BraveMaker Film Festival in Redwood City. Taking place July 10–13, this highly anticipated event celebrates bold, independent filmmaking through a curated selection of documentaries, narratives, and short films that spark conversation and challenge perspectives. Beyond the big screen, the festival also features insightful panels and talks from filmmakers and industry experts—making it a must for storytellers, creatives, and curious minds alike.
3. Hit The Beach
With nearly 60 miles of the Pacific Ocean coastline, the beaches on The San Francisco Peninsula are a must-see. From Pacifica down to Pescadero, you’ll find several beaches along famous Highway 1 that are worth a stop. Many of these beaches are also pet-friendly. Take a road trip and stop in Half Moon Bay to explore the charming downtown, or head south to Pescadero and see the famous Pigeon Point Lighthouse.
4. Unwind at Summer Nights at Filoli
Head to Filoli any Thursday evening this summer for a magical garden experience during their Summer Nights series. Traditional Irish music will play at the Pool Pavilion and refreshing, cold drinks like margaritas will be available at the Bluebird Bar. The Cochinita food truck will also serve delicious tacos, burritos, fried plantains, and more. Filoli is a great family-friendly place to visit for a relaxing day of exploring vibrant flowers and watching the sunset.
5. TROLLS: Save The Humans at Filoli
The unique and wonderful "TROLLS: Save the Humans" special exhibition at Filoli opens June 7 and runs through November 11. It features six activist Trolls that have come to teach humans how to rediscover nature and inspire humans to be good stewards of the earth.
This all-new touring exhibition featuring Thomas Dambo’s signature folklore-inspired Troll sculptures are built from reclaimed materials and will delight visitors of all ages. The outdoor exhibition will fuse fairytales, whimsy, and monumental scale to inspire visitors to explore themes such as recycling and reusing trash, the importance of plants and gardens, art and more.
These giant creatures will be located within Filoli's Natural Lands for guests to discover on their adventures through the property. Meet the six Trolls and learn about Thomas Dambo here.
Tickets are now on sale.
6. Sleep Under the Stars at Top Campgrounds
The warm summer nights on The San Francisco Peninsula are a perfect time to go camping. There are several campgrounds in the area under glorious redwoods and even on the beach. If you’re looking for more of a glamping experience, Costanoa Lodge+Camp+Resort might be for you! Nestled on acres of undisturbed wilderness, Costanoa offers several tent bungalows with the amenities of a lodge and restaurant on site. Check out these top campgrounds to learn more.
7. Check Out the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford
For art lovers, the Cantor Arts Center is a great cultural experience for all ages. The collection spans 5,000 years and features more than 38,000 works of art from around the world, including rotating exhibitions. Marvel at one of the largest collections of Rodin bronze sculptures outside of Paris, displayed inside the museum and in the outdoor Rodin Sculpture Garden. Their Art for All program is an inclusive and fun space for all ages to learn about artwork through hands-on activities. The museum is open Wednesday - Sunday from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and admission is free. While you’re there, we also recommend stopping by Stanford’s Arizona Cactus Garden.
8. World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica
August 2, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM PST
Live & In-Person | Linda Mar Beach, Pacifica, CA
Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at the World Dog Surfing Championships in Pacifica! This unique and beloved event brings together the top canine surfers from around the globe to ride the waves—all for a good cause. Join us for a fun-filled day at the beach featuring the main surf competition, charity fundraisers, vendor tents, family-friendly activities, and plenty of four-legged excitement. Whether you're cheering from the sand or competing with your pup, it’s a splash you won’t want to miss!
9. Enjoy Live Music at Frost Amphitheater
Enjoy an outdoor performance at the beautiful Frost Amphitheater on Stanford University's campus. Performances include Imua Hawaii Music Festival, Tiësto, The Rose, and more. View the full summer lineup here.
10. Visit The Foster Museum in Palo Alto
After you’ve stopped by Stanford, be sure to head to The Foster for a cool respite from the heat. This beautiful museum features the watercolor collections of artist and explorer, Tony Foster, who sets out on wilderness expeditions that can take several years to complete painting projects. On display is Tony Foster’s 16th Journey, “Exploring Beauty”, which chronicles worldwide sites nominated by leading scientists, explorers, writers, and environmentalists as “the most beautiful places in the world”. Another Journey captures the Four Corners region of the Southwest and features landscapes that are sacred to Native Americans, Catholics, Mormons, and New Age practitioners. The museum is open by reservation Tuesdays - Fridays from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM and Saturdays - Sundays from 12:00 - 4:00 PM.
11. Enjoy Live Music in the Park
Perhaps nothing speaks to summer more than a warm night outdoors enjoying live music. There are plenty of opportunities to catch a live performance for free here on the Peninsula. Favorites include Music on the Square every Friday evening in beautiful downtown Redwood City, outdoor live music on weekends at Half Moon Bay Brewing Co., Friday Night Wine & Music at Barterra Winery, and the Central Park Music Series in San Mateo.
Looking for more fun things to do in the summer? Be sure to check our events page for the latest and greatest on The San Francisco Peninsula.