No matter what time of year you’re planning on visiting San Francisco, you won’t be short on fun, challenging things to do. True to its liberal heart, the city offers plenty for folks from all walks of life, and unlike many big cities, is something of a haven for health-conscious people. If you happen to be visiting the city with friends, stay healthy by embarking on an itinerary of fun, fitness-oriented activity.
Walking, Biking and Hiking
With its steep hills, walking in San Francisco will give you quite a workout, and it’s arguably the best way to see the city—not to mention one of the most environmentally friendly means of transportation. The only question is: where to start? Explore one of the country’s most famous Chinatowns. The Haight Ashbury district is a must for anyone curious about the hippie subculture. Of course, the Golden Gate Bridge is the city’s emblem. As for cultural institutions, don’t miss the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The San Francisco Zoo is recommended for travelers with young children.
Given that the whole city is only seven miles by seven miles, exploring San Francisco by bike isn’t a problem, provided that you have very strong legs, capable of pedaling up the city's very steep hills.
Hiking enthusiasts will want to hit the trails in one of the city’s green spaces. Golden Gate Park is the most famous urban oasis in the Bay Area and is a must for any visitor to San Francisco. Another worthwhile trek is Twin Peaks, which offers some of the best views over the city. The Bay Area Ridge Trail is a 400-mile-long path that curves its way through the mountains surrounding the Bay Area.
Other Outdoor Fitness
While swimming is not recommended at most of San Francisco’s beaches, owing to rip currents, very strong, experienced swimmers will survive at China Beach.
If you feel like riding the waves while you’re in town, Ocean Beach is quite popular among surfers.
For golfing enthusiasts, San Francisco offers an array of 9-hole and 18-hole courses. Among them are the Presidio Golf Course and Club House, which offers special packages for visitors, and the Lincoln Park Golf Course, which has been in existence since 1895 and is a national historical landmark.
If tennis is your game of choice, you can play indoors or outdoors at the San Francisco Tennis Club.
Indoor Fitness
In case of bad weather, maintain your fitness regimen at one of the city’s gyms. The San Francisco Bay Club has all the standard equipment, plus squash, yoga and Pilates programs. San Francisco also boasts a Gold’s Gym and a 24 Hour Fitness.
Healthy Eating
San Francisco is a health food lover’s paradise. For hearty Californian cuisine, head to Pisces on Judah Street in the Outer Sunset neighborhood. Burma Superstar, on Clement Street, is the place to sample Burmese cuisine. Both restaurants feature numerous options for vegetarians.
Spas and Wellness
Rest and rejuvenate at one of San Francisco’s health spas. Kabuki Springs and Spa, in the middle of Japantown, features a traditional Japanese communal bath, as well as saunas and steam rooms. Tru Spa is another good bet; it has been lauded by the likes of "Allure" magazine.
References
- “Time Out San Francisco”; Ros Sales, editor; 2008
- “Lonely Planet San Francisco”; John Vlahides; 2010
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