So we’ve all been self-isolating due to COVID-19 for a while now, restrictions are relaxing a bit and things are slowly opening back up, which includes mostly outdoor essential resources, like walking and hiking trails, beaches, and etc. And I’m sure, like me, you’re probably itching to get out, but still want to follow protocol to protect yourself and others during this time.
I want to share some of my favorite outdoor activities in the Bay area, which you could probably find something similar to do in your hometown, just to get out, get fresh air, and enjoy life, while still following social distancing protocols. And since international travel is restricted at the moment, an alternative is enjoying some domestic or local gems by taking a road trip to beautiful northern California.
Go for a Run or Bike Ride on the Golden Gate Bridge
When visiting the city, making it to the Golden Gate Bridge is a no brainer, it’s pretty much San Francisco’s most iconic landmark. It’s the second longest suspension bridge in the U.S., with 1.7 miles, which is perfect for a quick run. You could also ride a bike to get across and to the other side of the bridge. If you don’t own a bike, no problem. Bike rentals are available to rent and located all throughout the Fisherman’s Wharf for $8 per hour or $32 per day. A bike ride to the Golden Gate Bridge from the Fisherman’s Wharf is about an 8-mile ride. It’s usually cold and very windy on the bridge, so dress wisely. The views are amazing on the bridge, overseeing the Pacific Ocean, so take it all in while enjoying your jog, walk, or bike ride.
Take a Walk Through the City’s Popular Landmarks
San Francisco could easily be one of the best walkable cities in my opinion. It’s only a 7×7 mile peninsula, so everything is pretty close-knit and accessible by foot. With all the hills in the city, just walking to the nearby grocery store can get your heart rate going, which is a bonus in my opinion. My favorite pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods to enjoy a walk in are:
Chinatown
It is the largest and one of the oldest Chinatowns in the U.S. and outside of Asia. The streets and alleys are full of dim sum joints and other traditional eateries. The culture is so robust, you’ll feel like you’re actually walking the streets of China. Make sure you stop by the SF Chinatown Gate and snap a pic.
Russian Hill District
I love walking in this neighborhood because of its signature San Francisco attractions and namesake incline hills, gives for the best views. It’s also where the infamous Lombard Street is located, also known as the crooked road, which is another one of San Francisco’s popular landmarks. Start your walk from the bottom to the top, for a great way to exercise, when visiting the Lombard Street.
Telegraph Hill
To describe Telegraph Hill, I will say it’s an eccentric neighborhood, because of its art-deco style. When walking through Telegraph Hill, you must hike up to the Coit Tower. It’s a great way to get active by climbing the stairs (all 400 of them), and when you reach the top, the panoramic views of the entire city makes it all worth it (there is an elevator to the top of the tower, if you don’t want to climb the stairs). There are also hundreds of South American wild parrots that have inhabited Telegraph Hill, how they got there is a mystery, but if you’re lucky maybe you’ll spot one.
Explore the Fisherman’s Wharf
Taking a stroll along the pier after eating a crab or clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl from Boudin, with a view of the Bay and Alcatraz at a distance, is a good vibe. It showcases a different side and charm of San Francisco. It’s great for long walks along the coast and you can stop at different piers. Pier 39 is a popular one, with a lot restaurants with the best seafood, shops and street performers. You can even stop to watch the sea lions. As I mentioned earlier in the post, you can rent bikes here or just enjoy a stroll in the breeze. Honestly my favorite thing is probably the seafood, especially the chowder and then walking it off (blogpost coming soon on reviews and rankings of my favorite chowder spots).
Picnicking in Alamo Square Park
The first thing that comes to mind when I go to the Alamo Square neighborhood is the Full House TV series. This is because across the street from Alamo Square Park, are the Painted Ladies, which is a line of historical Victorian homes on a hill, known from the opening intro of the show, and is another popular landmark. It’s also been seen as the house in the movie, Mrs. Doubtfire. The grassy square park is a perfect location to spread out and have a picnic in the middle of the day. There are also plenty of benches in the park. Overall it’s a chill vibe picnic location in the city, which has many parks for picnics.
Head to Land’s End Beach
Getting out on the water is one of the best outdoor activities to do in the city. Land’s End is one of my favorites. You can pretty much rule out sun bathing on the beaches in San Francisco, because you’d be lucky to even find any sun. You can also rule out swimming for the most part, due to chilly temperatures and high currents. You’re probably wondering, “well what’s the fun in that?” But the Bay has some of the most unique beaches, which makes you feel like you’re somewhere else far away from home, so enjoy the stunning views and scenery of the Sutro Baths, cliffs, trails and rocky shoreline. You can also get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge from a distance.
Take in the Beauty of the Muir Woods National Park
Muir Woods is just a short 40 minute drive from San Francisco. The 3 best ways to get there are: by bike, bus or ferry, with an entrance fee of $15 for adults. You’re probably wondering why you can’t just drive there. Well, you can, but the parking is very, very limited and parking spots sell out quickly, so plan ahead if you plan on driving. Once you arrive to the park, you will be overcome by the famous Sequoia trees, with plenty of trails for the nature lovers.
There is a little bit of something for everyone in the Bay Area, which is what I love most about it. I definitely recommend a trip at some point. You will literally get ALL the views, and they’re definitely postcard worthy. In the meantime, hopefully you can incorporate some of these activities and find a way to enjoy the outdoors in your hometown, it just takes a little exploring to find the gems in your backyard. Social distancing regulations are still in place in a lot of states and cities, so be sure to look up the current laws and regulations in place before you visit.
