San Francisco has no shortage of fun things to do, which is why it's such a popular tourist destination. For a large city, the number of outdoor activities is impressive, and a visitor would be hard-pressed to fit them all in during a single trip. Whatever your preference for active entertainment, you'll find something to your liking in the "city by the bay."
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge
Whether you walk, run or bike across, a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge is a giddy and memorable experience. On a sunny day and even on some cloudy days, you will likely be joined by lots of other walkers, bikers and hikers, many with camera in hand. Remember that you must use the designated sidewalks, and, if you're on foot, you can only cross during daylight hours; cyclists can cross the bridge 24 hours a day.
The Golden Gate Bridge
P.O. Box 9000
Presidio Station
San Francisco, CA 94129-0601
415-921-5858
goldengatebridge.org
Learn to Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP)
SUP is a relatively new but easy-to-learn water sport that combines surfing with paddling. All you need is a pretty good sense of balance and a willingness to give it a try. Beginners can take a lesson and be out on the water in a few hours. For the more adventuresome sportsperson, try windsurfing or kiteboarding, a cross between parasailing and windsurfing and a popular sight in the San Francisco Bay.
Boardsports School and Shop
1200 Clay Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
415-385-1224
boardsportsschool.com/index.htm
Watch (or Run) the San Francisco Marathon
The San Francisco Marathon is one of the premier marathons in the world. Held in July, it attracts thousands of runners hoping to complete the 26.2 mile course. There are also two half marathons held the same day, a 5K race and the Munchkin Kids Run, which benefits the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center. For spectators, there are buses that drop you at various points along the course to cheer someone on or just to watch.
The San Francisco Marathon
PO Box 77148
San Francisco, CA 94107
888-958-6668
thesfmarathon.com
Visit Fisherman's Wharf
At Fisherman's Wharf you have the option of spending the day on land or on water, or both if you're so inclined. In addition to walking tours, where you can view and learn about old sea vessels that are on display, take to the sea yourself for a ride out to Alcatraz or Angel Island. There are also shops and restaurants along the Wharf, so there should be something to keep everyone busy for the day.
Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District
The Cannery at Del Monte Square
2801 Leavenworth Street 2nd Floor B-16
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-673-3530
visitfishermanswharf.com
Take a Segway Tour
To really see a lot of San Francisco up close, a Segway Tour might be your best bet. In three hours, led by a tour guide, you pilot your Segway to a number of different parts of the city. Since you've likely never driven a Segway before, the company provides safety instruction and training before letting you loose on the road.
City Segway Tours
505 Beach Street, Suite 50
San Francisco, CA 94133
877-734-8687
citysegwaytours.com/san-francisco
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