San Francisco is packed with healthy and fun things to do. The weather seems to be just right most of the year for moving around outdoors, especially if you don't mind a little fog. The bay area and waterfront are great places to hike and bike. Golden Gate Park offers a plethora of outdoor activities, as do nearby National Parks.
The Park
Golden Gate Park is known as "San Francisco's Giant City Park" and offers miles of things to do. You can walk the length of the park to Ocean Beach. In the park you can ride bikes or even roller blade along the water. The Arboretum features flora from around the world and offers a two-mile looped walk. The park also provides paddle boat rentals at Stow Lake so you can get your feet moving on the water.
The Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is arguably the most well-known bridge in the world. You can take advantage of its span and views by biking the bridge on the west side. The city provides protected, one-way bike lanes back and forth across the bridge. Bring a jacket since it can be rather cold and windy as you bike across. At mid-span you will be more than 200 feet above the iconic San Francisco Bay. Your round-trip bike ride will be 3.5 miles, although you will have the option to continue on into Sausalito on the other side.
The Heights
San Francisco is a fantastic place for some uphill walking and sightseeing. Guided walking tours that will take you to new heights include Nob Hill, Telegraph Hills, Mt. Davidson and Pacific Heights Mansions. There's nothing like walking inclines to get your heart rate and on this tour you'll see historic homes landmarks such as Alamo Square and Mission Murals. Tours are free and last about an hour or two depending upon location. Some uphill tours are more strenuous than others, so consult the official San Francisco City Guides schedule for details.
The Beach
San Francisco offers you a brisk walk along the beach at "Crissy Field." There is no charge for parking on the waterfront at Fort Mason. After walking along the beach for one mile you will be directly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way you will see windsurfers out in the surf. After your two-mile walk, you will get to enjoy a great view of The Harbor from the Crissy Field Overlook. You also have the option of walking the sanctuary at National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center, which is located on the western end of San Francisco's Crissy Field.
The Presidio
The Presidio is a park that includes the San Francisco side of the Golden Gate and connects the Marina and Richmond districts. The entire Presidio has been set aside as a National Historic Landmark. The park offers a great bay shore path for jogging. During your run you'll admire the historic architecture, sandy beaches and even earthquake-damaged buildings from the 1906 quake. The Presidio is a former U.S. Army base and your six-mile jog will take you through a national cemetery and a tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers of Roosevelt's Honor Guard.
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