Five Signs that it's Spring in San Francisco

Spring has sprung, and unlike most of the country, San Francisco's weather isn't the best indicator of the fairest season's arrival. Instead, we have to look a little closer to find differences between now and a 70 degree day in January.

1. It's Crazy Costume Season!
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Easter Celebration in Dolores Park marked the beginning of what I like to call "costume season." Other signs of this most colorful time of year include the How Weird Street Faire, the Cinco de Mayo festival, and, of course, Bay to Breakers.

3. Tourists Venturing Into Your Neighborhood

A slightly warmer clime means tourists galore. Most of them can be found in the usual spots: Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, etc. But the growing mass of tourists means that some of them will inevitably get lost or overly adventurous and end up at, say, the corner of 24th and Mission looking utterly bewildered. Not to worry; once they see the mass of hipsters and Mexicans, most of them will retreat back to their hotels.

4. A Funny, Slightly Suffocating Smell
Sure, the fires are only in Santa Barbara now, but it's only a matter of time before they spread over to our neck of the woods. And once they do, expect that familiar burning smell. And running up some of our city's larger hills without wheezing? Forget it.

5. A Mass Influx of Houseguests
That's right--it's not just random tourists cramming into our city right now. Your mom, dad, sister, and best friend are all angling to get some space on the couch now that it's stopped raining. Get ready to play tour guide for the next few weeks.