Guide to Mother's Day 2008 in San Francisco
Some ideas for treating mom to a special event or day on May 11, 2008
- Mother's Day Dining, Flowers & Spas
- Mother's Day Chocolate & Gifts
- Mother's Day for Wine Lovers
- Mother's Day on the Bay
- Mother's Day - Events & Outdoors
See the San Francisco May Event Calendar for additional exhibitions, concerts and theater performances around the city.
Mother's Day at the Museum
If your mother is into art and exhibits, a museum day and a meal makes a great gift. Possible itineraries if you're unfamiliar with San Francisco's museum scene:
Itinerary #1: Jazz Brunch at the Legion of Honor, followed by museum exhibition (included with brunch), and -- if your mother is a walker -- a stroll with a view on the Lands End Trail (accessible from the Legion).
If walking isn't an option, have brunch and drive part of the 49-mile scenic tour along the coast. (Read more about the Legion of Honor.)
Itinerary #2: Brunch at the Garden Court (Palace Hotel) followed by a visit to one of several May exhibitions at SF MOMA . . . or a trip to one of the smaller museums in the Yerba Buena Gardens area.
If you're hungry again afterward, make a stop at Samovar Tea Lounge on the Upper Terrace of YB Gardens for some tea, light fare, and a view of the SF skyline.
Itinerary #3: Breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Inner Sunset and a walk to the San Francisco Botanical Garden or the de Young Museum, depending on the weather or your indoor/outdoor preference. The de Young also has a bright atrium of a cafe for rest and sustenance.
Itinerary #4: A meal in Hayes Valley (and a dessert from Miette Patisserie or Citizen Cake) -- and then a visit to the Asian Art Museum at Civic Center. Also consider the Civic Center area performing arts venues (opera, symphony, ballet).
Activities for Mothers With Young Children
Especially if you're new to town, check out some of the top kids attractions in the Bay Area.
The 2008 Mother's Day Bay Cruises can also be fun for the kids -- keeping in mind they can get a bit pricey when you factor in the whole family.
This year, KFOG's Kaboom festival at Piers 30/32 falls on May 10 -- the day before Mother's Day. If you want to take in an early celebration with the kids, Kaboom has a children's stage featuring:
- Boswick the Clown (4:30-5:00pm)
- DW Wilson's Magic Show (5:15-5:45pm)
- The Daffy Dave Show ( 6:00-6:30pm)
- Jeremy the Juggler (6:45-7:15pm)
- P&T Puppet Theatre (7:30-8:00pm)
At the San Francisco Zoo kids can piggyback on their parents bikes for the Zoo's annual Mother's Day Bike About.
In the Lake Merritt area of Oakland, Children's Fairyland has performances for children every weekend -- in addition to storytelling, arts and crafts, and puppet shows. Lake Merritt is also the country's oldest nature sanctuary so children can learn to appreciate and observe the many species of Bay Area birds (photos) that congregate there.
Cultural Lectures & Events
Both the Commonwealth Club and City Arts host notable speakers who pass through the San Francisco area, including politicians, celebrities and academic experts. Check the websites for upcoming schedules.
Mother's Day Comedy
I've taken my mother to a number of comedy shows over the years and the evening is always a big hit . . . although I do regret showing her a bit of The Aristocrats. (She may be avant-garde but that's a bit too out there for mom.)
The Clubhouse won't break the bank if your mom is into stand-up. Shows range from $5 to $10 and the The Clubhouse is easy to reach at Mason & Geary (near Powell Street BART & Muni).
Both the Punchline and Cobb's Comedy Club showcase known headliners. You'll have to book in advance for known entities because they do sell out.
Theater & Performance on Mother's Day
See the San Francisco Main Event Calendar for May 2008, which includes:
Walking Tour with Mom
If your mother is in town, loves to walk, and doesn't know San Francisco very well, a great way to introduce her to the unique historical and cultural elements of our city is through a Guided Walking Tour.
Sports & Outdoors Gifts
For San Francisco Giants fans, check out the regular season schedule and the Giants store for team merchandise and gift cards.
Also: general sporting goods stores and sports merchandise.
If your mom is more of a do-it-herself outdoors person, some water and bay activities and lessons:
Kayak Lessons & Rentals | Sailing Lessons | Windsurfing and Kiteboarding Lessons.
OCSC Sailing in Berkeley also offers moonlight sails, Wednesday night sails, and various events for members.
For land-based sports:
Public Golf Courses in SF | Golf Membership Spot (golf & country club memberships | San Francisco Public Tennis Courts | Tennis Clubs | Bay Area Horseback Trail Rides | Climbing Walls & Gear
