Posted in San Francisco
August 27, 2016
The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In San Francisco Who Loves The Outdoors
If you live in San Francisco, it’s hard not to love the outdoors. I mean, have you seen this city? How can you stay inside all day when you’ve got all those epic hills, expansive green spaces, gorgeous beaches, and one of the world’s most iconic landmarks? Here’s our ultimate San Francisco outdoor bucket list for fun in the sun.
Get up close and personal with San Francisco's most iconic landmark. Cyclists have access to the bridge’s sidewalks 24 hours a day. Rental bikes are not available at the bridge, but there are several places to rent around the Fisherman’s Wharf area.
Since you're biking over the Golden Gate, why not ride downhill all the way to the charming Marin town of Sausalito? Browse cute boutiques and art galleries, load up on saltwater taffy, and sit serenely on the dock of the bay.
San Francisco has nearly 30 miles of trails (pretty impressive for it's small size!), which means there are plenty of epic hills to climb and fertile forests, lush parks, and sandy beaches to trek through. You'll find plenty of natural treasures, quirky man-made gems, and unparalleled views along the way.
Exploring San Francisco's largest park could take days. This gorgeous strip of land takes up much of the city's western side and is actually 20% larger than New York's Central Park! There are so many things to explore here, from the De Young Museum to the Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden to the Conservatory of Flowers. There's also the Dutch windmills, Stow Lake, and even some roaming bison.
A look around at the abandoned ruins of what was once a luxurious facility holding the world's largest indoor swimming pool is a truly unique San Francisco experience. Located on the edge of the Pacific at Lands End, Sutro Baths offers the urban explorer everything they could possibly want: dramatic sea views, perilous ledges, and a haunted cliffside tunnel.
Starting at Sutro Baths, take the Coastal Trail leading towards Mile Rock Beach. Once at the Mile Rock Beach sign, descend the first set of sandy stairs, then walk straight ahead to find this scenic labyrinth created by artist Eduardo Aguilera.
A city of epic hills means a city of impressive (and sometimes intimidating!) staircases. And there are a bunch located throughout the city that are just as pretty to look at as they are tough to walk up.
There are so many nooks and crannies to discover throughout the scenic and historic Presidio. Catch breathtaking views of the Pacific, the bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge; take a stroll down Lovers' Lane; sunbathe on the beach; pass by military landmarks and the San Francisco National Cemetery; and hunt for interesting sculptures like this Spire constructed from the trunks of cypress trees.
Every summer sees an even more impressive lineup of artists and dancers performing amid the eucalyptus trees in Stern Grove on the western edge of the city. It kind of feels like a camp performance — on a totally epic level. Then, in October, comes the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, a three-day event in Golden Gate Park with a killer lineup.
Mount Sutro, located near the geographical center of San Francisco, is a true natural oasis that includes 5 miles of multi-use trails that snake through a dense, often foggy, forest.
Marshall’s Beach is a hidden stretch of sand that offers iconic views and a serene setting that’ll quickly take you far away from the concrete jungle.
From Crissy Field to Dolores Park to Yerba Buena Gardens, there are plenty of scenic patches of grass throughout the city to sit back and enjoy a nice picnic with family and friends.
There’s nothing like sleeping under the stars with the great Golden Gate glistening in front of you. Of course, you can also pitch your tent oceanside, or maybe even inside a redwood tree. Yep, that’s the sort of experience you can get camping in and around San Francisco.
See the World Champion Giants play with the San Francisco Bay sparkling in the background. And, more importantly, stuff yourself silly with gourmet hot dogs, garlic fries, beer, and wine.
Beautiful beaches and a quaint downtown make Half Moon Bay a favorite day trip from San Francisco. Then, head a little further south to sample cheese at a goat farm in Pescadero.
Located in the middle of the San Francisco Bay is Angel Island, an old U.S. Army post that's since been turned into a state park offering excellent hiking trails, gorgeous beaches, and stunning views.
After all that adventuring, you deserve to sit back, soak in the sun, and sip on a drink.
Okay, so why are you still sitting there? Get out there and enjoy San Francisco at its finest!
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