By Chloe Mulliner, on April 7, 2015

Starting summer in San Francisco

It was 1967, the Summer of Love, in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury, and the eccentric counterculture was in full force. Bell-bottomed hippies flashed peace signs, flower children danced to the beat of drum circles, and free spirits strummed guitars along the sidewalks. June jump started the summer with the Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival, and the nearby Monterey Pop Festival, which further ignited the hippie revolution. 

June 1967 was an epic summer in San Fran, and June 2015 is looking to follow in its footsteps. This June 20th, a day before the summer solstice, throw up a peace sign and dabble in the best things to do in San Francisco. Sail on the bay or sip some vino, but whatever you do, “be sure to wear flowers in your hair.” 

Sunrise: Time’s a wasting. Soak up every second of the longest day by rising with the sun at 5:48 a.m. Brew some java and then saunter over to the San Francisco Zen Center for the Summer Solstice Ceremony. Chant some “words of the season” with a Buddhist teacher, and you’ll be set to face the summer months. 

Morning: While Forest Gump ran for an impressive three years, two months, 14 days, and 16 hours, your endurance may not be up to his standards. Everyone’s got to start somewhere though, so begin your training at the San Francisco Summer Solstice 6, 12, & 24 Hour Run. Pacific Coast Trail Runs is hosting this around-the-clock run at Crissy Field with a scenic course by the lagoon. 

Midday: Anchors aweigh! As part of the worldwide Summer Sailstice event, SailSFBay is welcoming you out on San Francisco Bay to sail in celebration of summertime. Get underway in your own sailboat or join one of the charters that are skimming the bay all afternoon.  

Viewfinder Tip: Pinot Days is hosting Marin County Regional Seminar and early access to the festival from noon to 1 p.m.

Afternoon: Drink up the sun, or at least some vino, at Pinot Days. This palate-pleasing event boasts the largest gathering of pinot noir producers. Sample bold and aromatic flavors from more than 80 winemakers worldwide. The Grand Festival Public Tasting at Metreon Mall lasts from 2-5 p.m. 

Evening: There’s no party like a Beethoven party. Kick off summer at the Beethoven Marathon, a concert featuring Fourth Piano Concerto, Choral Fantasy, and the Fifth and Sixth Symphonies, which the famous composer debuted in1808. The Davies Symphony Hall will host the four-hour concert starting at 7 p.m.  

Sunset: Even locals get mesmerized by the sunsets in San Francisco. If you’re not feeling the Beethoven set, hike Lands End Trail and watch the sun dissolve into the Pacific Ocean at 8:35 p.m. From the trail, relish views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. 

Whether you lived through the original Summer of Love or you’re a tourist staying at one of the hotels in San Francisco, channel some 1967 into this year’s solstice.  

Here’s what you missed during the 2014 San Francisco summer solstice:

-We picked up some fresh produce and artisan foods at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

-We climbed aboard a San Francisco Bay Cruise.

-Summer Solstice Celebration took place at the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

-The day wrapped up with dinner at Trattoria Contadina and drinks at Cantina. 

What’s your idea of the perfect summer day in San Francisco?