One of the most beautiful cities in America, San Francisco makes demands of you that few other cities will; you must walk in order to see it. However, to walk here is great exercise. If you are not in shape, you will know it immediately, so pace yourself. Any explorer touring San Francisco can find ways of getting more fit, so enjoy the city's activities and events without getting too exhausted.
Seasonal San Francisco
From film festivals to ethnic celebrations to a foot race that's been going on for almost a century, San Francisco has something for everyone. You'll want to plan your visit around special events, or just come to explore so that you'll know how best to "do San Francisco" the next time.
The Big Spring Event
Every third weekend in May, San Francisco holds its ING Bay to Breakers 12K foot race, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011. Starting on the bay, near the Embarcadero, it winds its way to the breakers at Ocean Beach. Tens of thousands of fine athletes from all over the world team up with locals who come in costume, to celebrate the spirit of San Francisco.
If you're a runner or just a really strong walker, plan to take part in this historic happy event which was originally started to help San Franciscans recover from the devastating earthquake of 1906. Six years later, in 1912, the city fathers decided to host a Cross City race to boost morale and show that San Francisco was back. It's been going ever since.
Sign up for the On Course newsletter to receive registration reminders. The Bay to Breakers is always accompanied by a fitness expose.
Summertime
In July, San Francisco hosts a Triathlon and a 5k-to-10k race on Treasure Island. This is fast becoming known as the Biggest Loser Triathlon because so many of the contestants on the TV show come to participate in the San Francisco Triathlon. It features all the best scenery of the bay area, as the two-day Sports Fitness Expose, makes its way around the city.
Autumn is a Great Time in San Francisco
Every fall, usually in September, San Francisco's famous Chinatown hosts the Autumn Moon Festival, a street fair that has become a 20-year-old tradition. There is dancing in the streets, especially the lion dance, and Asian food and culture of all sorts.
Kicking off the month of October is Litquake, San Francisco's massive Literary Festival, a nine-day celebration of authors.
In November, the American Indian Film Institute hosts its American Indian Film Festival, a 35-year-old tradition in San Francisco.
Winter is Victorian Magic
From Thanksgiving until right before Christmas, the Cow Palace goes Victorian, with the Great Dickens Christmas Fair. More than 700 players on six stages and in street theatre transport you to Charles Dickens' beloved London. Since 1970, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair has made the holidays special in San Francisco.
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