Summer in San Francisco opens up many possibilities for getting outdoors and enjoying this fascinating city by the bay. Although tourists flock to popular attractions, such as Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, savvy travelers also venture to lesser-known venues that reflect San Francisco's adventurous California spirit and multi-faceted personality.
Hiking and Biking
San Francisco's temperate climate brings out veteran athletes and weekend warriors, who take advantage of area hiking, biking and walking trails. For amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, take a hike on the trails near Lands End and in the area near Sea Cliff and the Legion of Honor. Another option is to walk or bike along Crissy Field out to Golden Gate Bridge, stopping for coffee or to browse at several local bookstores near the bridge. The city's notoriously steep hills provide a workout for even the fittest of visitors.
Music and Dance
Although San Francisco is filled with musicians year-round, summer lures eclectic bands and international singers for local concerts. In lower Pacific Heights, check out historic venues, such as The Fillmore, host to the Grateful Dead, the Psychedelic Furs and many other legendary bands. The photos alone are a lesson in music history. Outdoor summer concerts at Stern Grove, located at 19th Ave. and Sloat Blvd., feature a mixture of music including jazz, orchestra and Hawaiian. Bring a healthy gourmet picnic and arrive early for front-row seats at Stern Grove's free events.
Parks and Zoos
A trip to San Francisco is not complete without spending time at Golden Gate Park. In summer, stroll through the Conservatory of Flowers or rent a paddle boat or rowboat and cruise across Stow Lake. Continue your journey by exploring Strybing Arboretum, the Tulip Garden and the Polo Field. Stop for lunch or a refreshment at the Japanese Tea Garden, a touristy but quintessential San Francisco tradition. For families, the San Francisco Zoo has lions, tigers, primates, a petting zoo, as well as a miniature train ride and vintage carousel ride.
Museums and Galleries
Art and sculpture aficionados should be sure to visit the 1,100-piece Fisher Collection, "Calder to Warhol," at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and other exhibits that are part of the museum's 75th anniversary celebration in 2010. Other must-see San Francisco museums include the California Academy of Sciences, the Exploratorium at the Palace of Fine Arts, the Asian Museum and the Walt Disney Family Museum. Visitors also should check local newspapers for private galleries offering tours of smaller collections.
Food and Dining
San Francisco is a Mecca for international food, whether visitors are looking for healthy regional cuisine or exotic samplings from around the world. Walking tours of specialty neighborhoods such as North Beach, Little Italy or Chinatown attract travelers looking for San Francisco favorites. The city also caters to visitors and locals who appreciate fresh, organic selections, many from California farmers. Look for lunch and dinner spots, such as The Plant, Blue Barn, NOPA or many others for a friendly ambiance and regional specialties and wines from the Napa and Sonoma valleys.
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