San Francisco has long been a popular destination for health-oriented travelers, as the city is famous for its environmentally conscious attitude, open-minded denizens and challenging hilly terrain that puts your cycling legs to the test. After exercising, visitors can partake in healthy cuisine at several eco-friendly restaurants.
Local Food
For delicious, healthy Thai food, head to Osha Thai Restaurant in the Mission. If you get hungry while touring the financial district, stop by Mixt Greens, which specializes in "eco gourmet" cuisine. Weird Fish, which has been written up in the New York Times among other places, serves meals prepared with locally-grown vegetables and primarily farmed, sustainable fish.
Outdoor Activities
Rent a bike and explore the city. As big cities go, San Francisco is actually quite small---only about seven miles on each side---making it easy to get around by peddling, despite the steepness of the hills. Alternately, hike up to Twin Peaks to enjoy stunning views of the city. If the weather is nice, you might want to explore one of the city's many beaches---though swimming is not recommended, due to the notorious rip tides that affect the area. You can also take a tour of the harbor---this is one of the best ways of seeing San Francisco.
Places to Stay
The Hotel Triton is a hip hotel founded by artists in the early 1990s. It is a consciously eco-friendly hotel, using "green" cleaning products and environmentally-friendly rooms and suites. A percentage of all profits are given to the Trust for Public Land. Another green accommodation is the Hotel Carlton, located near City Hall.
Spectator Sports
Catch the San Francisco Giants in action at the idyllic AT&T Park in the SoMa district. The San Francisco 49ers play their home games at Candlestick Park in the city's southeast. If you're more into college sports, the University of San Francisco has baseball, basketball, soccer and volleyball teams, while San Francisco State University offers such sports as baseball, basketball and soccer.
Warning
If you intend to do a lot of hiking in the Bay Area, be sure to check for ticks after each trek. Ticks carrying Lyme disease are very common in this part of the United States. If you develop a rash around the site of a tick, seek immediate medical attention and ask for antibiotics.
References
- "San Francisco"; Time Out; 2008
- "Lonely Planet San Francisco"; John Vlahides; 2010
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