San Francisco is famous for many things, one of which is its fog. Yes, the San Francisco fog is a popular element that adds a bit of mystery, beauty, and romance to this bustling city. The soft, flowing fog typically creeps in around the bay, harbor, and the Golden Gate Bridge, creating a unique landscape unlike anywhere else in the world.
While most think of California as sunny California, most don’t realize that the cooling, dense fog can be seen, on average, 108 days out of the year. And while you might think this mostly happens during the fall and winter months, summertime is the best time to see the fog roll in.
For visitors, particularly for photographers, knowing where, when, and how to view the San Francisco fog are common questions, so we’re going to help answer them!
But first, why so much fog?
The fog primarily visits during the summertime when the cold wind off the Pacific Ocean meets the heat of inland California. As heat rises, the cool ocean breeze from the ocean displaces and creates the fog.
When to see the fog
As previously mentioned, summertime is the best time to see the fog, from June through August. But while it is common to see the fog during the summer months, it is not an everyday event. Like most fog anywhere, it tends to come in during the morning and then burns off by afternoon and then returning again in the evening.
Where to see the fog
There are many different places and ways to experience the fog, whether it is walking through it or viewing it from afar.
For an up-close view of the fog rolling in across the Golden Gate Bridge, visitors get spectacular views from Crissy Field, Marina Green, East Baker Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf. A fun way to experience the fog is to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, through the thick of it.
Discover here more ways to view the Golden Gate Bridge.
For a peak experience, rise above the mist to gain vantage points atop a Bay Area hill. Enjoy the scenic overlooks at Mt. Davidson, Mt. Tamalpais, Bernal Heights Park, or on top of the Berkeley-Oakland hills at Tilden Regional Park.
Stay at Inn San Francisco
One of the best ways to view the San Francisco fog is right from our own rooftop at the Inn San Francisco. As one of the many amenities we offer here at the inn, our rooftop deck provides 360-degree views, plus comfortable seating and tables where you can enjoy spectacular views both day and night. Take in the sites and scenes of San Francisco with a stay in one of our charming rooms and enjoy 15% off your stay August 16th through October 31st!
