Rachel NippMother’s Day comes around every May. It’s a time to celebrate your mom, your wife, or perhaps yourself. If you’re in the Bay Area or planning a trip there with Mom, there are plenty of things to do to celebrate her and all she does.
Think about what she likes when plotting out your Mother’s Day celebration. Does she hate crowds? Love bottomless mimosas? Relish the great outdoors? Curate the perfect day from our list below of top things to do in San Francisco and the surrounding area this Mother’s Day.
Spa Day
Mom spends the rest of the year taking care of everyone else. Help her indulge in some self-care this Mother’s Day with a relaxing day at the spa. Join her for a mother-daughter bonding moment or send her with a gift card for some much-needed alone time.
Pearl Spa and Sauna is a Korean-style, women-only spa located in Japantown, San Francisco. Pearl Spa features a jjimjilbang bathhouse in addition to services like body scrubs and massages. You can book online in advance or purchase a gift card.
Boat Ride on the Bay
Nothing is as unique to San Francisco as a boat ride out on the bay with the Golden Gate Bridge beaming in the background. There are many boat ride types to choose from, making this a great option whether Mom prefers an adventurous ride out at sea or a relaxing sunset cruise.
SF Boat Rides offers tours ranging from voyages to Alcatraz to private wine-tasting yacht charters. Gather the family together or take Mom out for some one-on-one quality time while learning more about the bay. No matter which tour you select, the views are going to be breathtaking.
According to Rey Zegri, the owner at SF Boat Rides:
“We have a bunch of tours running [for Mother’s Day] … Whale watching, wine tasting, sunset cruises, and speedboat.
We also have two different special brunch sails in the morning on either Adventure Cat Sailing or San Francisco Sailing Co. They include mimosas and light snacks.”
Make sure to sign up now!
Delicious Brunch
Brunch is almost always a safe bet. Who doesn’t love amazing breakfast food at a nice restaurant? Keep in mind that Mother’s Day brunches are popular and restaurants tend to book up quickly, especially in a large city like San Francisco, so it’s good to plan ahead. The Bay Area is known for its wonderful array of cuisine, whether you’re looking for a classic pancake brunch or something a little different.
Lokma is a top-recommended Turkish restaurant known for its mix of Mediterranean dishes and California staples. Enjoy their Sunday brunch menu, which features a blend of breakfast and lunch foods as well as sides, sweets, and drinks.
Picnic in the Park
If you’re looking for something that’s more low-key or budget-friendly, an outdoor picnic is the way to go. Gather the family or spend some quality time with Mom and take her out to enjoy the spring weather.
There are several great places to explore in San Francisco that are perfect for a picnic. Pack a basket with her favorite charcuterie and sit in Alamo Square Park in front of the Painted Ladies or by the bay at Golden Gate Park.
Day Trip
Have some time to get away this Mother’s Day? There are so many sights to see near the Bay Area, and it’s the perfect place for a day trip. We recommend packing up and taking Mom for a tour in Napa Valley, which is a couple of hours north of the city. There are several bus tour options to consider so that nobody has to be the designated driver as you set out on a day tasting the best wine in the country.
Dinner on the Town
For all the foodie moms out there, there are plenty of fabulous dinner places to choose from in the Bay Area. Your fine-dining options include everything from its signature cioppino (seafood stew) to authentic Chinese dishes in Chinatown. You know best if she’ll love a bustling, trendy restaurant or a relaxed, hidden find.
Foreign Cinema is one of our favorite recommendations for a culturally rich night out eating California-Mediterranean fare while watching films. Explore their menu, which has favorites like oysters and caviar as well as fresh takes on classic entrees and more.
Outdoor Stroll
Want to get outside instead of or in addition to grabbing a meal this Mother’s Day? San Francisco and the Bay Area in general are beautiful places to explore. If she’s visiting from out of town, take her around town and show her all the famous sights as well as your personal hangout spots.
Filoli House and Garden is a gorgeous place to visit, with an estate and gardens boasting a rich history. Explore the house, see what’s blooming in the gardens, then visit the on-site shopping and dining options.
Jewelry Shopping at Shane Co.
If you’re looking to treat Mom to an extra-special Mother’s Day, take her jewelry shopping at one of our three Shane Co. locations in the Bay Area. We have jewelry stores in San Mateo, Walnut Creek, and Cupertino. Jewelry is a great option for Mother’s Day, whether you want to pick something out for her as a gift or just enjoy the shopping experience together.
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
If you’re looking for a gift, check out our Mother’s Day gift guide and our gift quiz. Here, you’ll find both popular and personalized suggestions Mom is sure to love. Here are a couple of surefire gift ideas when it comes to jewelry shopping for Mother’s Day.
Gemstone Jewelry
Gemstone jewelry is gorgeous, with a wide array of colorful options, and it also holds special meanings. For example, each month is associated with a different birthstone. Get Mom a gift with her own birthstone or those of her children for a sentimental gift she’ll cherish.
Personalized Jewelry
Personalized jewelry, which may include selecting your choice of colorful gemstones, is another way to give Mom a meaningful gift. Shop engravable styles to give her something with a memorable message, or pick out charms that speak to her style and values. While she’s sure to appreciate any piece of stunning jewelry, a personal touch goes a long way.
A Sweet Card
To top off your jewelry gift, we recommend personalizing it with a card. You may want to make the card by hand and incorporate your gift somehow, or you may want to pick one out just for her. While moms love sparkly diamonds, they also love sweet sentiments that remind them of how much you care.
If you’re looking for something special or want some extra help while shopping, book an appointment to meet with an expert jewelry consultant.
Rachel Nipp
Anna Gionet