San Francisco Bay is known for its beautiful coastline, moderate climate and health-savvy residents, making it the perfect place for health enthusiasts. San Francisco's government promotes physical fitness among its residents, and the Bay Area has plenty of places to exercise outdoors in sunshine or fog. The region is also home to acres of farmland yielding fresh produce that will engage your taste buds and fuel your body.
Parks
In the Bay Area's busy cities, escaping to a park gives health-conscious people a chance to unwind and exercise in a peaceful setting. Golden Gate Park has hiking trails for all skill levels, with plenty of places to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Take a walk with the family or enjoy a solo bike ride in the fresh air. Golden Gate Park also has places for hang-gliding and kite-boarding.
Meanwhile, Berkeley's Tilden Regional Park has horseback riding trails and a lake for people who want to take a swim on a warm day.
Beaches
Whether you want to get active at the beach or enjoy the sunset at the end of a long day, the Bay Area has a beach to match your style. Golden Gate Recreational Area has a handful of beaches, some that allow dogs and others that have ideal surfing conditions. San Francisco's four-mile Ocean Beach is a beautiful place for a walk or run, but Frommer's guide to the city warns that strong tides make swimming a dangerous pursuit. Swimmers should head to Stinson Beach, just north of San Francisco, which has lifeguards on duty from May to October.
Sunday Streets
On scheduled Sundays once a month, San Francisco comes alive with "Sunday Streets" devoted to physical fitness. The government shuts down various streets in the city and frees them up for residents to walk, jog, skate or cycle through them. Mayor Gavin Newsom says that it is a free, safe way for people to come together in their love of health. Free activities, such as yoga and tai chi, are available along the way for participants who want to try something different.
Cooking Classes
San Francisco's reputation as a health-conscious city makes it a popular place for healthy cooking classes. Whatever type of food you prefer, you are bound to find a class that suits you. Master chefs teach Chinese recipes at the Wok Shop, while Kitchen on Fire hosts a variety of classes, from French cooking to family meals. Some chefs hold classes out of their homes and throw private cooking parties if you want to surprise someone special. The San Francisco Vegetarian Society recommends vegetarian cooking classes at Millennium Restaurant, the Learning Annex and Compassionate Cooks.
Farmers' Markets
The Bay Area hosts dozens of farmers' markets for people to enjoy fresh air and fresh produce. While several are held on week days, weekend farmers' markets draw the biggest crowds. On Saturdays mornings, Sunnyvale and San Mateo host year-round farmers' markets. Mountain View, Palo Alto and Japantown in San Jose have Sunday morning farmers' markets every week of the year. Each market has a unique character. One of San Francisco's most famous farmers' markets, the Ferry Plaza Farmers' Market, is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and draws 25,000 people a week, including famous chefs. Shoppers enjoy views of the Bay while browsing vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers.
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