With its scenic bay, the famous Golden Gate bridge and a bohemian reputation, San Francisco is a popular visit to live and visit. It's the city where mountain biking and blue jeans first took off. Thanks to California's balmy climate, there's ample opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and do it cheaply.
Walk
San Francisco provides well for walkers. The Barbary Cost self-guided walking tour goes through some of the city's oldest neighborhoods. It is just under four miles long including a short cable-car ride. Download the route from the website. Alternatively, take a walking tour of the Chinatown. It departs at 10:00 a.m. from Old St. Mary's Cathedral and costs $30. Hikers can enjoy free walks alongside the ocean or head out 11 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge to the Muir Woods National Monument, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Swim
The sea around San Francisco can be cold and rough. Ocean Beach attracts surfers, with the weather being better in early spring and late fall. Less experienced swimmers enjoy taking a dip in the north shore's Aquatic Park. There are a number of public pools in the city--eight indoors and one outdoors.
Cycle
The city has popular cycle and mountain bike trails. Try Golden Gate park or the bayside Embaradero or go "off road" on the Great Highway Road. For route ideas visit the Gate Trails website (see Resources). San Francisco has a number of cycle rental businesses. Blazing Saddles is one option and their website has route maps you can download.
Skate
The recently opened Potrero del Sol skate park on San Bruno avenue is a haven for skaters. The Embarcardo is also a busy skating venue. On Sundays, John F. Kennedy Drive is closed to vehicles and the traffic comes not from cars but inline skaters. San Francisco has its own ice skating club and it runs club ice sessions.
Local food
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market sells nutritious fresh produce direct from the seller and is free to browse. It is run by CUESA, the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture. The market opened in 1993. It runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For sale are cheeses, breads, prepared foods, preserves and meats.
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