This year, Mothers Day is returning this Sunday, May 12, and there is no shortage of local events and activities to honor mothers and mother figures in the Bay Area. Whether you are excited for a special brunch, city-wide event, or family friendly activity, the Bay Area is the best place to celebrate your loved ones.

Though Mother’s Day has its roots in ancient Greek, Roman, and Christian celebrations, its modern interpretation comes from the early 20th century, where Anna Jarvis, daughter of the founder of the Mother’s Day Work Clubs, sought to create a holiday to honor the sacrifices mothers made for their children. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson established the second Sunday in May as a national holiday, and it has since become one of the largest commercial and sentimental holidays for Americans.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in the Bay Area:

1. Mother’s Day Brunch: Arguably the most popular way to celebrate this holiday, enjoy the wonderful cuisine that the Bay Area has to offer with your family! Head to Foreign Cinema or Brenda’s French Soul Food in San Francisco, or enjoy Angelica’s and Son & Garden on the peninsula for a tasty and filling brunch. Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance!

2. SF Ferry Building: Head to the San Francisco Ferry Building for their exciting Mother’s Day celebrations! They will host family-friendly workshops all day where you can create pop-up cards, jewelry, dried flower bouquets, cookie decorations, and more! When you are finished, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the San Francisco Bay.

3. Mother’s Day Women of the Bay Afternoon Sail: Join your mom aboard an 80-foot schooner for a relaxing sail around the SF Bay while celebrating the mothers and women that have shaped local history. Enjoy the Bay from a different perspective and enjoy the wonderful town of Sausalito when you return! Reserve your spot here.

… and many more! We hope you and your loved ones enjoy this weekend of celebration and reflection!

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