Built on 44 hills, San Francisco is a haven for fitness enthusiasts who value the chance to workout and sightsee. With more than 350 stairways that help pedestrians get from one street level to another, this Northern California city provides ample opportunities for casual urban exercise while exploring the area's true gems. San Francisco is a place the single traveler can enjoy without ever feeling lonely.
Views Worth a Hike
Coit Tower is a scenic lookout on Telegraph Hill that offers breathtaking views of San Francisco. The famously crooked Lombard Street leads up to Telegraph Hill, where the 378 "Filbert Steps" await eager hikers. Marvel at the beautiful architecture and lush yards along the way. Look out for the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill and enjoy the fact that no out-of-shape companion spoils the moment. Less known (and therefore less crowded) but equally mesmerizing is the view from Corona Heights adjacent to the Field Museum. To get there, work your glutes and thighs while walking up the stairs on Castro Street to Roosevelt Street.
Roller Skating in Golden Gate Park
Roller skating in Golden Gate Park is a traditional San Francisco activity dating back to the 19th century. Home to a million trees, an ancient carousel, a bison herd, a Japanese Tea Garden and the oldest Victorian greenhouse in the United States, Golden Gate Park might be the most diverse park in the country. It is not surprising that this is where roller soccer, or soccer on skates, was invented. You are invited to join the players in their fast, quick and exciting game. Other popular small-wheeled diversions in the iconic park are roller dance and the weekly Sunday skate events, when the park is closed to automobile traffic and 5,000 to 10,000 skaters take over the roads. Skate rentals are available.
Cycling in the Bay Area
Take advantage of the many bike rentals downtown and ride the 1.7 miles across the Golden Gate Bridge. Bike and walk lanes are separated from the automobile traffic. For a relaxed ride, turn to your right when you hit the North Shore, cruising past picturesque houses and pristine waterfront views on your way to Sausalito, a lovely village with a Mediterranean feel. More ambitious cyclists head to the left after crossing the bridge and bike uphill into the Marin Headlands. Bicycle maps and route recommendations based on your fitness level are available at the bike rental stations.
Body and Brain Exercise at the Exploratorium
Once called "by far the best science museum in the world" by "Scientific American" editor Dennis Flanagan, the Exploratorium isn't just a museum where you passively consume knowledge. This museum offers many hands-on experiences that require your active participation. For example, in the Exploratorium's "Tactile Dome," you walk, crawl and slide through complete darkness, trying to identify objects while finding your way to the exit. The "Dance Walk" exhibit is described as an exhibit you can dance with. It challenges both your body control and mind.
Playing Disc Golf
Ten different disc golf courses await players in the Bay Area. To succeed at disc golf, players attempt to place flying discs into metal baskets with different throwing techniques. Like traditional golf, this game offers a rewarding outdoor experience that challenges your focus, technique and body control. A partner is not required to play disc golf.
Shuffleboard After Dark
Going out alone at night may be awkward but the many shuffleboard pubs in San Francisco are ideal places to meet new people and make friends. Simply join in by sliding the puck across the shuffleboard table. Enjoy some light physical activity while making conversation in a cozily cramped bar.
Tips for Visiting San Francisco
Mark Twain once wrote, "The coldest winter I ever spent, was a summer in San Francisco." Tourists tend to underestimate the chill from the Pacific Ocean during the summer. Make sure to bring long pants, a warm sweater and a jacket or windbreaker when traveling to San Francisco to prevent becoming uncomfortably cold.
Walking is the most convenient way to discover San Francisco. Walking is economical, healthy and prevents stress and frustration from lack of parking. The largest local newspaper, the "San Francisco Chronicle," publishes information about walking tours of the city in each Sunday edition.
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