San Francisco: 10 Fun Activities to Do After Midnight

San Francisco is a sleepy city, but that doesn’t mean the party has to stop when the clock strikes 12. Here are our top 10 things to do if you’re out late in the City by the Bay.

By: Tamara Palmer

Grab a Burrito Nightcap

El Farolito is the unofficial post-bar nightcap in the Mission District. This burrito joint is popular local hangout on Saturday through Wednesday until 2:30 a.m., and on Thursdays and Fridays until 3:30 a.m.

Go Bowling

Knock down some early-morning pins at Presidio Bowling Center, which is open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, or try Lucky Strike, which closes at 1 a.m. on Thursdays and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Both bowling alleys serve alcohol, but Presidio Bowling Center serves beer and wine; whereas Lucky Strike is the place to go for an after midnight cocktail.

Witness the City’s Midnight Glow

Drive up to the top of Twin Peaks and park to see San Francisco’s bold skyline light up the sky, including, including the Bay Lights art installation on the Bay Bridge.

Play Miniture Golf

Mini golf offers a different kind of late-night clubbing. Open on Fridays and Saturdays until 1 a.m., Urban Putt combines beer, wine and gourmet bar bites with a high-tech, 14-hole course for the ultimate mini-golf experiencing.

Keep the Party Going

Head to The Great Northern or Public Works to dance until 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. (respectively) on Fridays and Saturdays. In San Francisco, these are 2 of the most popular spots to hear the best live acts and DJs, spinning hip-hop and electronic music.

Eat Tasty Korean Food

Korean “grill-it-yourself” havens are open longer than most restaurants in town. Every day, patrons at Korean Village Wooden Charcoal Barbecue House can get a meaty protein fix until 3 a.m. Cocobang is another option that serves hungry night owls on Sundays through Wednesday until 2 a.m. and on Thursdays and Fridays until 4 a.m.

Catch a Midnight Flick

Consult the Clay Theatre’s calendar to find out what the movie theme is for Midnight Madness on Saturdays. The theme changes each week.

Order Pizza at the Window

After the bars close on Friday and Saturday in North Beach, the action migrates to the Golden Boy Pizza window, which serves up enticingly thick square slices until 2:30 a.m. For some, it’s the perfect place to stop after a long night of drinking beer, wine or cocktails.

Devour Fresh Donuts

Prepare for the lines at the 24-hour Bob’s Donuts after midnight on weekends. It’s well worth the wait to sample these tasty fried treats, including the raised sugar donut, French cruller, cinnamon roll and apple pandowdy.

Laugh Until You Cry

Tickle your funny bone! Stay up and laugh into the wee hours of the morning at PianoFight, where locals and out-of-towners can enjoy Night Moves, San Francisco’s only weekly midnight comedy show. The laughs begin on Saturday at 1:30 a.m.