12 Unique San Francisco Adventures That Will Change How You See the City Forever
San Francisco holds a few surprises around every corner and provides far more than just postcard-perfect views. To really get a taste of what San Francisco is all about, you have to look a little deeper than the Alcatraz tours and cable car rides and get involved in some more adventurous pursuits that really show the city’s soul.
If you’re a local wanting to spice up your weekend plans or a traveler seeking something different from the usual, then this guide is for you. Let’s go on a ride through San Francisco you might not have thought of before.
Kayaking Under the Bay Bridge
Paddling across the San Francisco Bay is breathtaking, but under the Bay Bridge is something else. Sunrise tours punctuate the light that dances on the waves of the water which brings a fresh view of the city skyline. A report from San Francisco Baykeeper says that efforts to keep water clean here have made kayaking safer and more enjoyable than ever.
Walk the Mosaic Stairs of Golden Gate Heights
They are magnificent tiled staircases that have gone unnoticed. The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps and the Hidden Garden Steps use common stairways to create dazzling works of art. They’re great for taking photos and enjoying the creativity of the local artists who helped design them.
Visit the Wave Organ
The tide becomes a musician as this acoustic sculpture built into the jetty near the Marina plays an eerie tune as the waves crash against its pipes. Sit on the rocks with a snack and listen to the ocean’s symphony. This is completely meditative.
Go on a Nighttime Chinatown Ghost Tour
While San Francisco’s Chinatown is famous for its colorful history, it also echoes stories of the supernatural. To find out about its eerie legends of forgotten tunnels and haunted buildings, join a ghost tour after dark. It’s a spooky, but fascinating way to connect with the city’s past.
Roller Skating Through Golden Gate Park
For outdoor fans, Golden Gate Park is paradise, and riding here totally feels like time-traveling to the disco era. The park holds an informal roller skating party every Sunday for anyone to join in. It’s both fitness and fun, with lots of laughter in the mix.
Explore the Murals of the Mission District
An open-air art gallery, the Mission is home to murals that tell the stories of its communities. Among the best are Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley which are both full of vibrant works celebrating everything from activism to personal expression. Public art like this creates community ties and sparks dialogue, according to a San Francisco Arts Commission study.
Ride a Cable Car at Dawn
Beat the midday rush and enjoy the city’s famous cable cars at first light. The crisp morning breeze and empty streets make the ride all the more wonderful. You can start at the Powell-Mason line since it’s usually less crowded.
Explore a Gourmet Food Crawl in the Ferry Building
There’s no place more dreamy among food lovers than the Ferry Building Marketplace. Each vendor has something special to offer from oysters to farm-to-table to creamy gelato. “It’s not about eating at the Ferry Building, it’s about understanding San Francisco’s rich food history,” food critic Soleil Ho said.
Learn About the Sutro Baths Ruins
Once a grand public bathhouse, the bones of the Sutro Baths sit haunting and unresolved above the Pacific Ocean. It’s a place for introspection, photography or just watching crashing waves. As fascinating as the site itself, the history of the baths goes back to 1896.
Cycle Across Angel Island
Just a short ferry ride outside the city, Angel Island provides sweeping views and a large dose of history. There are bike trails from easy to challenging with stops at historic landmarks like the Immigration Station, which processed thousands of immigrants.
Get to Know San Francisco’s Jazz Scene
San Francisco has a great jazz heritage, and live jazz is still a regular event at SFJazz Center and Black Cat. Enjoy music and a cocktail. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, music reduces stress—here’s your soulful cure.
Beach Bonfire at Ocean Beach
A beach bonfire epitomizes San Francisco. Take marshmallows, blankets, and good company to Ocean Beach. Check the weather forecast and local fire regulations to ensure you are putting safety first.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
