Daylight saving time ended on Sunday, November 1 and the clocks moved back one hour. That means a little extra sleep that weekend and a sunset that shows up earlier than you are ready for. In San Francisco that is not a bad thing. The city has plenty going on once the lights come on and some of the best of it only happens after dark.
Here's how to make the most of it.
Museums With a Drink in Hand: Exploratorium After Dark
Every Thursday night the Exploratorium at Pier 15 trades its daytime school groups for an adults only crowd. From 6 to 10p.m. you can wander hundreds of hands-on exhibits about science, art and perception with a cocktail in hand and the bay right outside the door. It is the kind of night out that feels like a date, a group hangout and a field trip all at once.
Note: After Dark is 18+ and tickets are around $20. Buy ahead because sessions can sell out.
Science and Cocktails: NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences
If you want a bigger night out, head to Golden Gate Park on a Thursday. NightLife turns the California Academy of Sciences into a grown up playground with live DJs, bars throughout the museum and a new theme every week. You can walk past the aquarium, the rainforest, and a lot of live animals with a drink in your hand, which is not something you get to say very often.
Note: NightLife runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and is 21+. Bring a physical photo ID and plan to arrive before the 9 p.m. last entry.
Watch the Bridge Light Up: The Bay Lights
The Bay Lights are back and the earlier sunset means you no longer have to stay up late to see them. The rebuilt installation by Leo Villareal stretches 1.8 miles along the western span of the Bay Bridge and lights up every night from dusk to dawn. The Embarcadero is one of the best places to take it in. Grab a coffee or a snack, walk along the water and watch the whole bridge shimmer.
Note: Treasure Island is a quieter spot with an open view of the bridge if the waterfront feels busy.
Quiet and Glowing: The Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is beautiful in the daytime but it might be even better at night. The rotunda glows over the lagoon and the reflection on the water makes the whole scene feel a little unreal. It is free and low-key and it works for a first date, a solo walk or a quick photo stop on your way home.
Note: The grounds stay open until midnight. Bring a jacket because it gets cold by the water and watch your step on the dim paths around the lagoon.
Come Home to the Mission
Sometimes the best night out is the one close to home. The Mission comes alive once the sun goes down with late dinners, taquerias, bars and live music all within walking distance of each other. You do not need a plan. Start with dinner on Valencia and see where the night takes you.
Note: Weekend evenings fill up fast, so get to your first stop early.
Staying at Neighbourgood Mission means you're staying in one of the best neighborhoods in the city with easy access to everywhere after dark takes you.
Daylight saving time ended on November 1 but San Francisco after dark is only getting started. Pick a night, pick a spot and let the early sunset work in your favor.