San Francisco, the City by the Bay, continues to push boundaries, redefine urban culture, and attract millions of visitors annually. With groundbreaking attractions, rejuvenated parks, and a thrilling sports lineup, 2025 promises to be a banner year. Whether you’re an art lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or a sports fan, the city’s vibrant offerings will inspire you. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new and exciting in San Francisco.
A Dazzling Return: Bay Lights Shine Brighter Than Ever
This winter, the iconic Bay Lights art installation on the Bay Bridge makes a triumphant return, bigger and brighter than ever. Originally designed by world-renowned artist Leo Villareal, the 1.8-mile display—darkened since March 2023 due to weather damage—will be reborn with nearly 50,000 advanced LED lights. These will adorn the bridge’s northern edge and wrap its cables, creating mesmerizing wave-like patterns visible from more vantage points across the Bay Area.
Thanks to the efforts of Illuminate, the nonprofit organization spearheading the project, over $10 million has been raised through private donations and crowdsourced campaigns. The new lights, engineered to withstand harsh conditions, promise an even more captivating experience for locals and visitors alike. San Francisco’s waterfront will again gleam as a beacon of creativity and resilience.
Captivating Attractions to Watch in 2025
Counterculture Museum
Opening in the spring of 2025 at the historic intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets, the Counterculture Museum will celebrate San Francisco’s role in shaping cultural revolutions. From the Beat Generation to LGBTQ+ rights, this museum will serve as a vibrant tribute to the movements that defined an era.
Smurfs: The Adventure
The whimsical world of The Smurfs arrives in Fisherman’s Wharf in Spring 2025. This interactive attraction is designed for all ages, allowing fans to step into the Smurfs’ forested village. Visitors can help Smurfette, Papa Smurf, and the gang defend their home from Gargamel by engaging in games and challenges. This highly anticipated experience will coincide with the release of the new Smurfs film featuring Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette.
Photo Booth Museum
Nestled in the Castro district, the Photo Booth Museum is a nostalgic nod to analog photography. Opened in December 2024, the museum showcases historic photo booths dating back to the 1930s, offering visitors a unique opportunity to capture timeless memories while learning about the evolution of these quirky contraptions.
Transformative Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Presidio Tunnel Tops and Outpost Meadow
San Francisco’s Presidio welcomes a new addition in July 2025 with the opening of Outpost Meadow. Spanning 1.5 acres, this extension to the popular Presidio Tunnel Tops offers shaded seating areas, bike parking, food trucks, and gardens. Families and nature enthusiasts can enjoy even more green space in the city’s historic park.
Great Highway Park
A two-mile stretch of the Great Highway is transformed into a 17-acre recreational park along Ocean Beach. By spring 2025, this area will be permanently car-free, featuring street murals, sculptures, and restored dunes. Named a “must-visit destination” by The New York Times, this park represents a bold vision of post-pandemic urbanism.
Treasure Island Waterfront Park
The ongoing redevelopment of Treasure Island takes a giant leap forward with opening a six-acre waterfront park this summer. This sustainable project is part of a more significant transformation that includes 300 acres of parks, trails, and open spaces. Visitors can look forward to new restaurants, public art installations, and panoramic views of the Bay.
India Basin Waterfront Park
In one of the city’s most significant park transformations, the southern portion of India Basin Waterfront Park opened recently, creating 10 acres of public space in Bayview-Hunter’s Point. The park features new piers, a floating dock, trails, a food pavilion, and the historic Shipwright’s Cottage, now serving as a welcome centre.
Golden Gate Park’s Japanese Tea Garden
The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park unveiled a redesigned plaza in late 2024. Featuring serene paths and black pines cultivated by award-winning designer Hoichi Kurisu, the new plaza also offers a gathering space for cultural events like taiko drumming and bonsai demonstrations.
World-Class Sports Events
San Francisco’s sports scene is set to reach new heights over the next 18 months with a star-studded lineup of events:
- NBA All-Star Game (February 16, 2025): Held at the Chase Center, the weekend will feature fan-focused celebrations throughout the city.
- SailGP San Francisco Grand Prix (March 22-23, 2025): High-octane sailing returns to the Bay.
- WNBA Debut (May 16, 2025): The Golden State Valkyries kick off their inaugural season at the Chase Center.
- Laver Cup (September 19-21, 2025): Tennis legends will compete at this elite event.
- 2026 Super Bowl (February 8, 2026): Levi’s Stadium in nearby Santa Clara hosts the iconic game.
- 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches (June 13-July 1, 2026): Six matches will electrify Levi’s Stadium.
Cutting-Edge Amenities: SFO Leads the Way
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is setting new standards for inclusivity with the launch of its Sensory Room, designed to accommodate neurodiverse travellers. Open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Harvey Milk Terminal 1, the room offers activity areas, a calming zone, and a life-size aircraft interior for acclimating to the flying experience.
Additionally, SFO’s $2.5 billion Harvey Milk Terminal 1 has been fully completed, featuring expanded check-in areas, new concessions, and seamless connections to all terminals post-security.
2025 Milestone Anniversaries
Several of San Francisco’s iconic institutions will celebrate significant anniversaries in 2025:
- 150th Anniversary of the Palace Hotel
- 110th Anniversary of the Panama Pacific International Exposition
- 60th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead
- 40th Anniversary of the GLBT Historical Society
- 25th Anniversary of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
These milestones highlight the city’s rich cultural heritage and ongoing influence on art, music, and history.
A Bright Future for San Francisco Tourism
With over 23 million annual visitors contributing $9.3 billion to the local economy in 2023, San Francisco remains a top U.S. destination for leisure and business travellers. From art installations and parks to sports and cultural events, the city’s evolution reflects a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Plan your San Francisco adventure today by visiting San Francisco Travel.
Explore the Future of San Francisco. Experience the City’s Transformation Today.
Written by: Bridget Gomez
