The San Francisco Bay area encompasses nine counties, including the San Francisco and San Jose metropolitan areas as well as several other communities in Northern California. The bay area community as a whole is full of active inhabitants who frequently take advantage of a warm, pleasant climate. With the nearby bay beckoning, there are many fun and healthy activities to enjoy in this region.
Yoga
Yoga is extremely popular throughout the bay area, and is an excellent activity for soothing and strengthening both body and mind. From free classes in the park to specialized, intensive courses offered from studios around the bay, yoga enthusiasts will have a variety of options from which to choose. For a wide selection of cheap classes, check out the Donation Yoga website. This organization is committed to providing courses for all levels of income, beginners and experts alike.
Walking Tours of San Francisco
San Francisco offers plenty of walking tours that combine history, entertainment and healthy exercise all in one. Try the Barbary Coast Trail, a 3.8-mile tour of San Francisco, connecting 20 historical locations throughout several major districts located in and around the downtown area. This tour may be done with or without a guide; when done independently, participants may download audio tours to an MP3 device and/or print guide maps for additional reference. For a more alternative tour, check out FOOT, a comedy-oriented tour that integrates city walks with interactive games and reenactments from quirky tour guides.
Cycling
Cycling is a great way to get around the Bay Area, with more than 201 miles of bicycle lanes and special paths in the city of San Francisco. The Bay area on the whole provides all kinds of scenic routes along the water and inland, from short, relaxing rides to long and challenging expeditions. The hilly terrain of the bay area provides some excellent exercise opportunities, while level paths are also available. Now bike-accessible, cycling is a great way to experience the Golden Gate Bridge.
Fly a Kite
The San Francisco Bay is a place where flying a kite is not just for little ones; rather, it has developed into a competitive sport as well as a popular outdoor activity for all ages. The most popular kite-flying location is Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina, where locals may be seen flying their kites on any day of the week, weather permitting. This is also the site of the annual Berkeley Kite Fest, featuring the latest in kite engineering and design as well as a number of competitions.
Farmers Markets
Wherever you are in the Bay Area, you will have a farmers' market nearby to check out fresh, seasonal produce and enjoy a healthy meal or a cheap snack from one of several vendors. The Alemeney market, for example, in the Mission/Bernal Heights area, is one of the oldest farmers markets on the bay and is open year round from dawn to dusk. If you are walking around Berkeley, you will have a few markets to choose from, including the North Berkeley Farmers' Market on Rose and Shattuck, featuring organic fruits and vegetables from a collective of small, local farms.
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