Grand View Park
Sometimes it just takes one off-kilter encounter to make you realize the need for a little break from city living. A week ago, I had my very own — major players included a truck blocking traffic, my bike, and an unexpected pig carcass being hauled across the street.
It’s those kinds of run-ins that sometimes prompt an urge to suddenly be at one with nature, double rainbow style. Getting away, though, can be tough, especially for those who are at the end of their rope and don’t have a car to boot.
Grand View Park, tucked away off Moraga Street in the Inner Sunset, provides you with a fix and your quads with a challenge. The view is great – all of San Francisco and beyond lies in sight on a clear day – and chances are there’ll be three or four other people up there, two of whom are toking up.
Just don’t get carried away. Up here, oxygen is sparse and emotions run high. It’s tempting to roll all the way down the huge sand dune, and it’s tempting to engage in long conversations with lecherous strangers just because they’re the only other people up there.
But if you look to the left, there are those bright green parrots chilling on a telephone wire on a break from their usual spot near Coit Tower. There’s all of Golden Gate Park straight ahead, and even a little line of obnoxious yellow segways roaming along. There’s another pig carcass crossing the street, way down below. And there, right next to you on the lone bench, a prospective make-out partner. Good spot indeed.
Grand View Park
Moraga Street & 14th Ave.
[Inner Sunset]
Photo Credit: Jason C.