San Francisco, with its stunning location near the mouth of a beautiful bay, has often been regarded as one of America's most beautiful cities. This fact, along with the moderate climate, has made the City by the Bay a place where residents enjoy being outdoors. City activities for outdoor enthusiasts vary widely, from sailing and kayaking on San Francisco Bay to visiting the zoo or arboretum.
Climb Telegraph Hill
San Francisco is notorious for some of its extremely-contoured hills that have been featured in more than one thrilling movie scene. Anybody who has driven in the city can verify that the steepness of the city's hilliest places has not been exaggerated. To experience this unique geographical feature first hand, hikers can make the climb up to and including the Coit Tower that sits on top of Telegraph Hill. Be sure to begin the walk at the Filbert Steps on the Embarcadero. There are approximately 800 steps in all.
Beach Run
Head to Ocean Beach on the west side of the city and take a nice slow jog along the five miles of sandy Pacific shoreline. Running is definitely beneficial exercise, and few places are more conducive to running than a smooth and breezy oceanside sandy beach. Ocean Beach also offers a fine view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The beach can be reached by public transportation, bike, or private vehicle. The only thing that Ocean Beach lacks is an exotic name.
A Leisurely Stroll
For an easy-going activity, a walk through the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park might be just the relaxing activity to finish off a tour of the City by the Bay. The garden was begun by the Hagiwara family in conjunction with John McLaren, who supported the idea of such a garden in San Francisco. The Hagiwara family worked on the gardens until their incarceration during WWII. Since the 50s the garden has been redesigned and reworked to create the botanical and sculptural masterpiece that exists today. While at the garden, be sure to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea.
Bike the Golden Gate
San Francisco is often rated as one of America's most bike-friendly cities. Why not take advantage of the situation and take a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Begin by following the bike path from Fisherman's Wharf to the bridge, then cross the Golden Gate on the sidewalk. Next, coast downhill to Sausalito, which makes a great dining stop. From here take a ride to Old Mill Park to view the redwoods. To complete your tour, you can take the ferry from Tiburon back to San Francisco.
Vegetarian Restaurants
Good exercise requires good nutrition, and to find the latter, you might want to visit one of the many vegetarian restaurants now located in the Haight-Ashbury section of town. The famous "Hippie Days" have long gone, but the enterprising spirit has not left. For a taste of vegetarian cooking visitors can try the Herbivore-Earthly Grill Vegan Restaurant, the Love N Haight Deli & Cafe, the New Ganges Restaurant, the Thep Pnamon, the Axum Cafe, Ali Baba's Cave, or the Hanabi Japanese Restaurant.
Member Comments