Locals call December “rainy season” in the bay area. Nonetheless, you can find plenty of year-round activities afforded by the temperate climate like cycling, urban hiking and running. You can also find some seasonal activities as well. Whether you want to run or walk a 5K, find an unusual way to test your swimming skills, or compete with some of the fittest people around, you can find it in San Francisco in December.
Walk or Run
You can find four races in San Francisco in the month of December. Try the 4M Ferry Building run, which goes along the waterfront starting at the Ferry Building downtown and ending in the Aquatic Park near the Wharf. The Arts and Sciences 5K walk and run goes on a scenic course through Golden Gate Park. If you want to work off your Christmas food consumption, sign up to run a 5K on December 26th in the Mission District. Check with Running in the USA for specifics on these dates or other races as they are scheduled.
Ice Skate
It seldom gets below freezing in San Francisco, but for those who like some ice in their winter, especially during the December holiday season, there are three outdoor ice skating rinks in the city. Take the kids to the San Francisco Zoo and then enjoy the outdoor rink there. In downtown San Francisco, you can find an ice rink in Justin Herman Plaza at the Embarcadero downtown near the Ferry Building. In Union Square, near the main shopping district in the city, you can find the ice rink near the city’s Christmas tree. Check with each rink for fees and hours of operation.
Cycle Around the Bay
Different Spokes is the LGBT cycling group in the city that is open to all riders of different levels of ability. Members ride together regularly and guests are always welcomed. Cyclists from around the city join Different Spokes to take part in a ride around the city and across the bay. The December ride offers different routes with lengths varying from 27 to 59 miles. Check with Different Spokes for date and time of the December ride as weather sometimes forces date changes.
Polar Bear Swim
The waters of the San Francisco Bay drop to temperatures below 50 degrees in December. That does not stop hearty swimmers from taking a dip. In the month of December you can join in the annual Polar Bear Swim, sponsored by The San Francisco Dolphin Club, an athletic association dating back to 1877. The challenge is a designated quarter-mile swim in the bay. The event frequently garners media attention as swimmers dive into the cold waters. Contact the Dolphin Club directly for registration information.
December Dancing
There is something for everyone who likes to dance in San Francisco. The city offers a variety of dance clubs where you can move to whichever groove you choose. You can take the kids to the Dance Along Nutcracker in the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts where they can pick out a costume and dance along to the most famous holiday musical of them all. Check local listings for just what options are available for adults on any night of the month in December, from ambient to salsa, live rock to hip hop DJs in gay clubs, straight clubs or mixed clubs. To challenge yourself to see just how long you can dance, check out the 24-hour dance party at The End Up on New Year’s Eve.
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