An unforgettable way to experience the city from the water

We’re always drawn to the water—whether it’s swimming, paddling, or just cruising along a coastline—so when the chance to spend a day boating in the San Francisco Bay came up, we were all in.

We recently drove up to San Francisco for a long weekend to celebrate my cousin’s wedding. We’ve visited him several times over the years and have always loved the energy of the city—vibrant neighborhoods, amazing food, iconic views, and that unmistakable coastal breeze. What made this trip even more special was that so much of our extended family was in town for the celebration too.

A Boat Day to Remember

The couple planned a full weekend of fun events leading up to their Monday wedding, and Sunday was reserved for what turned out to be one of the highlights: a boat day in the Bay.

Now, if you know San Francisco, you know the weather has a mind of its own. June is often called “June Gloom”—cloudy, breezy, and unpredictable. But we lucked out with clear skies and sunshine the entire weekend. That said, boating on the Bay is never a warm-weather guarantee. The wind kicks up quickly and the temperature can drop fast once you’re on the open water.

We recommend packing a backpack with extra layers like we did, as we definitely ended up bundling up once the boat got moving. Pro tip: always bring layers when boating in San Francisco—think jackets, hoodies, even beanies if you're sensitive to wind. The one thing we forgot? Sunscreen! Our sunburned faces were a painful reminder that even cool, breezy days can bring strong UV rays. Next time, we’re also bringing hats for added sun and wind protection.

Planning a Bay Boat Trip

My cousin organized the entire experience and generously treated everyone, but if you’re planning your own boating adventure in the Bay, we highly recommend checking out Boatsetter.com. It’s like Airbnb for boats—you can rent directly from owners, and many listings offer the option to include a captain (perfect if you’d rather relax than steer).

Expect a wide range of boats, from small pontoons to luxury yachts, and be sure to choose a boat with indoor seating or covered areas if you're not sure about the weather.

Bay Sights & Wildlife

The Bay is absolutely beautiful, with a mix of natural and urban views. We were lucky enough to spot porpoises, seals, tons of seabirds, and even a whale—a rare and magical treat! Sailing past Alcatraz Island was surreal (especially if you’ve done the audio tour before), and of course, gliding under the Golden Gate Bridge never gets old. We also cruised past the Bay Bridge, which is just as striking in its own way.

One of our favorite areas is Sausalito, a charming waterfront town with art galleries, great coffee shops, and a laid-back vibe. Although we didn’t stop there this time, we’ve visited in the past and absolutely loved it. It’s a great spot to explore before or after a boat day.

As we wrapped up the trip, we sailed right by Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. There happened to be a game going on, and hearing the cheers from the water was such a cool, unexpected experience. The stadium looks incredible from the Bay—definitely a unique perspective you won’t get from land.

Final Thoughts

San Francisco is one of our favorite U.S. cities, and getting out on the water only made us love it more. If you ever get the chance to boat around the Bay, take it. It’s a completely different way to see the city—from the sea lions to the skylines—and it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Just remember: bring your layers, pack sunscreen, and don’t forget to look up—there’s a lot of beauty in every direction.