Nestled between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean about halfway down the California coastline, San Francisco is home to more than 800,000 people and an array of fitness-related activities. You won't have to search long to find ways to stay healthy on your Bay Area visit: San Francisco is home to a handful of farmers markets that offer fresh, organic foods, as well as outdoor opportunities that allow you to combine exercise with sightseeing.
Hiking
You can find scenic hiking trails without leaving the San Francisco city limits. Presidio of San Francisco, a park on the northern tip of the city that's within the confines of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, has several trails that provide views of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The Bay Trail is a 4.3-mile hike that stretches from the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge to the eastern edge of the Presidio. The California Coastal Trail stretches 10.5 miles along the coast, 2.7 of which are atop the bluffs inside the Presidio grounds. Along the way are lookout points with ocean views.
Bicycling
Bicycling is a popular activity in San Francisco, with the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition boasting more than 11,000 members and helping to create accommodations for bikes throughout the city. The coalition helped gain bicycle access across the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as establishing more than 200 miles of bike paths and lanes in the city. What that means for you is that nearly everything in San Francisco is accessible by bicycle, so hit one of the city's many bike shops—there are more than a dozen in northern San Francisco alone—to rent a bicycle and helmet, and hit the road.
Farmers Markets
It's easy to come by healthy foods in San Francisco, particularly with the city's many farmers markets. San Francisco is home to more than a dozen markets, including the Valencia Farmers Market, the Bayshore Farmers Market and the Heart of the City Farmers Market, but if you only check out one, go to the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Located just north of the Bay Bridge, the Ferry Plaza market attracts about 25,000 shoppers each week. The market has nearly 40 regular vendors selling fresh, healthy and organic foods such as fruits, vegetables and dairy products. You'll also find vendors serving up healthy meals, such as grilled meats and sandwiches.
Parks
San Francisco is home to dozens of parks and recreation areas, including the 1,017-acre Golden Gate Park, which stretches all the way to the Pacific Ocean in the northwest part of the city. The park offers an array of recreation activities: tennis and basketball courts; horseshoe pits; a disc golf course; trails for walking, running, bicycling and rollerblading; and ball fields and picnic areas. Golden Gate Park also has an equestrian center with stables, fly-fishing pools and lakes, a stadium and polo fields.
Running
San Francisco has an active running community, and it's easy to see why, with its mild weather and many paved paths. Run along the paved 3.5-mile multi-use path at the Golden Gate Promenade and you'll get in a good workout while taking in the sights. The trail stretches from Fort Point U.S. Coast Guard Station to the San Fransisco Marina Yacht Harbor at the north end of the city. You'll take in views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay along the way.
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