Top 50 Uniquely Covid-Safe in-the-flesh Things to Do in the Bay!
Businesses and artists have all had to get super creative in these trying times in order to stay afloat, so we at Broke-Ass Stuart have created this epic list : “Top 50 Uniquely Covid-Safe In-the-flesh Things to Do In the Bay” so we can stay sane & safe amidst “ The ‘Vid” while supporting our fellow businesses. Make sure to check the COVID-19 recovery blueprint and follow shelter-in-place protocols while you’re out, if you haven’t already!
Now, before we all go mad, here are some creative, in the flesh Broke-Ass Things to turn this depressingly stationary holiday season into one to remember:
1. Seward Street Slides- 70 Corwin St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Get in touch with your San Francisco inner child again, by bringing a piece of cardboard box for your “ tuchus” (Yiddish translation for butt) and slide down this oddly dangerous and steep slide. It’s great for a date because you get that adrenaline pumping and can slide down into your date’s masked and sanitized arms. These giant slides are made of concrete and tucked away in the Seward mini park, which is located in the Castro. Perhaps you can bring a young niece/nephew/child to not look totally out of place?? (just kidding, adults also can and do have fun over here). A short distance away is Kite Hill Park which provides a breath-taking view of the city and the panorama is totally worth the huffing and puffing to get to the top.
2. Ride Horses on Beach – 2152 Olympic Way Daly City. (650) 991-4224 to book! Your can pet the horses for free or for $60 cash only, ride these gorgeous beasts 7 days a week 9:30am, 12:30pm Mon – Thurs, 10am,12pm, 2pm weekends, and $10 Pony Rides throughout the day. You’re 6 feet apart so it’s one of the few activities where you’re allowed to take that mask down for a bit and let that wind hit your face safely. It’s gorgeous views where you can catch whales, stunning ocean views, with beautiful well-treated horses, perfect for a small group. You can meditate or picnic on the Fort Funston beach afterwards or on any cliff.
3. The Midway – https://themidwaysf.com/reservations/ – 900 MARIN ST. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124 In light of Covid, the Midway is unable to host indoor concerts with live music, but instead they have summoned their creative energies to bring outdoor distances dining experiences with music and local artists and beyond. It’s one of the few places where you feel pre-pandemic with supported artists and music.
4. STOW LAKE BOATHOUSE-Address: 50 Stow Lake Drive Phone Number: (415) 386-2531 Hours: Every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Website: http://www.stowlakeboathouse.com/ Experience the serenity of a trip across Stow Lake at Golden Gate Park in a row boat, electric boat or pedal boat from the historic Stow Lake Boathouse. Equipped with a fleet of American-made vessels, the Boathouse rents out options that seat one to six passengers (depending on the type of boat chosen). Overall, many people find a Stow Lake boat ride one of their most enchanting park memories. Stow Lake Boathouse rental rates are as follows: Row Boats – $22.00/hour / Pedal Boats – $27.50/hour / Electric Boats – $37.50/hour / 4-6 Passenger Pedal Boats – $37.50/hour
5. Spark Social SF – 601 Mission Bay Blvd North – SPARK Social SF is a food truck park, beer & sangria garden, and event space located in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood. They collaborate with 150+ unique street food vendors to create a different dining experience every single day. Spark has also reopened for outdoor recreational groups. Up to 12 adults, including staff, can be in each group. There can be up to 2 groups in the same area. Everyone must wear face coverings and stay 6 feet apart. Activities should not involve any contact sports, contact between people, or shared equipment.
6. Mini Golf at Stagecoach Greens – Right across the street from SPARK, play an action-packed round of 18-holes at the city’s first and only outdoor mini-golf course! Stagecoach Greens celebrates the San Francisco experience, and the story of Boom and Bust in the West. Trek the Emigrant Trail, mine the Gold Rush, ride the 1906 quake, blast through the infamous Sutro fog, and test your luck at the Dragon’s Gate! Currently a Tee-Time is required to play the course!
8. BUS STOP BARBER SHOP- 428 11th St. @ Division St. San Francisco, CA 94103 Open daily from 10am-6pm, The Barber Collective is our answer to shaggy heads and hungry stomachs, hosting 20+ barbers from some of SF’s most in-demand shops, plus a bar and food trucks. Mandatory masks, extra sanitization, touchless payment, and outdoor cuts make customer safety and physical distancing a breeze inside our 18,000 square foot space. Appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome, and entourages are welcome to enjoy eats from the food trucks and drinks from the bar in addition to haircuts. https://shops.getsquire.com/book/the-bus-stop-barbershop-san-franciso/barber/
9. DRIVE-IN MOVIE @ FORT MASON FLIX – How cool is it to attend a drive-in?? Presented by and housed on Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture (FMCAC)’s historic waterfront campus, FORT MASON FLIX is a pop-up drive-in theater showing hit movies six days a week, from family favorites and cult classics to blockbusters and arthouse cinema. To support non-profits whose in-person programming has been canceled, special screenings will be held in partnership with local film festivals and other non-profit organizations. These screenings will allow Bay Area non-profits to use the drive-in as a pop-up fundraiser and convene their communities for a special night of programming. Organizations interested in participating in this innovative program should contact Sales@FortMason.org Win free tickets: To celebrate the launch of FORT MASON FLIX, DoTheBay is hosting an exclusive giveaway: a complimentary car pass, plus a food and drink voucher to the movie screening of the winner’s choice. Enter to win at DoTheBay.com/FLIX
10. Outdoor Drag Show BRUNCH with the infamous Camille Tow, Amoura Teese and Nitrous Oxide & – Buena Vida Cantina – 860 Folsom St San Francisco, CA 94107 415 921-9112 Saturdays 1pm (3pm shows to be determined). Now this is an incredibly fun way to enjoy your day! Imagine eating incredible food, outdoors, while Camile Tow jumps high into the air and drops the splits onto the concrete, all whilst in clear protective mask over her bright pink makeup and 5 inch stilettos. It was attending this show where for one special brunch, it felt like SF again. Don’t forget to bring those dollar bills to tip the dancers. To reserve your spot, email : brandon.blackmon@rocketmail.com or https://www.exploretock.com/buenavidacantina
11. Rent Your own small and spaced movie theatre.AMC Movie Theatres are available for private auditorium rentals. AMC allows rentals of up to 20 people. According to its website, rates start at $99, excluding tax, and increase to $349 depending on the movie, the theater’s location and any other add-ons like food and drink. To rent: https://www.amctheatres.com/rentals
12. Check out the Faery Door – 7 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. Tony Powell, has installed faery doors in secret locations around the Bay Area. He also published a children’s book on the faeries who live behind the many doors and how to find magic in the everyday. Some visitors to the faery door will leave offerings for the wee folk, things like bells, shells, rocks, acorns, tiny treats, and tiny rolled up messages. To see a Faery door, go to the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, and then start your search. The location of the door is kept secret to preserve its whimsical mystery, but Powell gave this clue to the San Francisco Chronicle: “Go west from the original fairy door, though not quite due west since that would take you into the Japanese Tea Garden. It’s around the other side of the garden, then down a little ways. There’s a little trail and on it you’ll find a rather long eucalyptus log, about 16 or 18 feet long, under a yew tree. It’s on the westward end of the log.”
13. Paddle board or canoe at Crane Cove Park- 18th street and, Illinois St, San Francisco, CA 94107. Crane Cove Park will offer the opportunity for locals to embark on easy-to-access paddle boarding adventures — a sentiment evident by the quasi-new Facebook group dedicated to nearby paddle boarders, Dogpatch Paddle Club.Crane Cove Parks stretches along the shoreline between 19th and Mariposa streets; easy parking to the park’s access points can be found along Illinois Street. Spanning over seven acres, the park also includes two historic cranes, as well as one of the last remaining shipbuilding slipways in San Francisco, a two-acre multi-purpose lawn (with picnic and barbecue areas), and a new sandy beach. There is access to the Blue Greenway, a portion of the 500-mile, region-wide Bay Trail, and find kick-off points for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding.
14. Learn to Kayak on the Bay
$45/hour for a single kayak and if it’s one of those rare gorgeous days in SF where Carl (the fog) is nowhere to be found, you should not hesitate to get yourself out on the water and whip yourself around the bay. No experience required but it is a workout if it’s even a wee bit windy, so be prepared to put your back into it. Guided tours (including a “moonlight” tour and a fireworks tour when there’s a home game – though, not sure if it’s every home game) or you can just take the kayak out on your own.
citykayak.com / (415) 294-1050
14. Bernal Streets Swing –@ Bernal Heights Park – 3400-3416 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110
While Bernal Heights Park is a favorite spot of locals, many visitors do not know of its existence. Every time I take one of my out-of-town friends here, they end up thanking me for introducing me to this spot, which they otherwise would not have known about. You absolutely cannot go wrong with the view here, where you can see 360 degrees around the city. You can see the downtown skyline, Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, and beyond here.
15 Make your own Tea party in Japan Town. – Crown & Crumpet-1746 Post Street San Francisco, California, 94115. 11-12:30 pick ups. Japan town businesses were hit pretty hard due to the Vid, so although this tea shop is temporarily closed, you can pick up, grab tea and walk over to the Japan Town square and have a proper tea with a friend! You can also grab snacks from this Pop-Victorian Hello Kitty in Wonderland, hallucinating through the eyes of Barbie. If that’s not clear enough a description, this marvel is not too far from a Beatrix Potter-inspired shabby chic carnival explosion. A Care Bears-colored looking glass, the dazzling prevalence of polka dots, precious boutique relics and British ephemera give way to multi-tiered trays of finger sandwiches, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and confections worthy of a duchess’s palate. http://www.crownandcrumpet.com/
16. Church of 8 Wheels –554 Fillmore St. Admission is $15 and skate rentals are $5. E-mail your event requests IN DETAIL to rose.miles5@gmail.com The Church of 8 Wheels is reopen at 25% capacity, which translates to 37 skaters in its 6,000-square-foot rink, according to David Miles Jr. Miles, who’s overseen outdoor roller disco events at Skatin’ Place in Golden Gate Park for decades, and has long been touted as the Godfather of Skate. As the only indoor skating rink in San Francisco, the Church of 8 Wheels doesn’t appear to fall under any specific category in the city’s reopening plan. It’s technically no longer a church, though places of worship have been permitted to reopen at a 25% capacity or up to 100 people. Want to take the party outside? On Fridays, the Rollers host an alfresco 12-mile skate that kicks off at Ferry Plaza.
17. CHRISTMASVILLE IN THE WOODS PHOTO experience in Oakland – Phone: (510) 463-1426/LeahMarieStudio@gmail.com This year at Christmasville in the Woods your family will get to experience the story of Santa Claus in a private and safe environment. This unique offering allows one family at a time to enjoy Santa while practicing social distancing and safety protocols. Let’s celebrate the Holidays like never before. Leah Marie is Santa’s favorite photographer! She is experienced in capturing the most precious moments. You will walk away with amazing images of your family and each image will be personally edited to perfection. With over 10 years of experience photographing children, pets, family portraits, headshots, personal branding & more, she has come to be known as one of the best photographers in the Bay Area. Learn more at LeahMarieStudio.com
18. The Three Gems – 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. TUCKED INTO A GRASSY MOUND in the Osher Sculpture Garden at the de Young Museum, James Turrell’s “Three Gems” is a secret space to contemplate the sky. Created in 2005 for the opening of the new museum, the piece features a concrete stupa containing a curved bench wrapping around the open space, allowing visitors a seat to view the sky or stars through the oculus at the top. The small changes in the blue are enhanced through the vantage point, as clouds drift in and out, and the color of the room warms and cools.
19. CHECK OUT ALL MARIN COUNTY HAS TO OFFER – Just north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin County is one of the popular day trips from San Francisco. A car is required to get to most spots in Marin, except for Sausalito, which is accessible by ferry from San Francisco. For Muir Woods, reservations are required for the paid parking at Muir Woods, as well as for the shuttle service from Sausalito (ideal for those traveling without a car). A spectacularly scenic but difficult winding coastal drive along Highway One (about 30 to 45 minutes from Muir Beach) leads to Stinson Beach, appreciated for its 3.5-mile-long sandy shoreline. The town owes its Bohemian ambience and touch of flower-child flair to the locally owned shops and organic restaurants. Stinson Beach also has excellent facilities, including picnic areas and barbecue pits. To experience the wild, natural beauty of Marin County’s coastline, continue driving six miles north of Stinson Beach to the Point Reyes National Seashore on Tomales Bay. There are hidden coves, sandy beaches, nature trails with sweeping ocean views, and protected estuaries that are ideal for kayaking. If you’re into “bird- voyeurism”, Point Reyes is home to lots of avian species, including the snowy plover, northern spotted owl, peregrine falcon, and brown pelican. Continuing farther north is Bodega Bay, a fishing village and laid-back resort area (27 miles north of Point Reyes Station in the Point Reyes National Seashore) where Marin County borders Sonoma County. Beach lovers and outdoor folks will enjoy the natural environment. Bodega Bay is a top destination for taking nature walks, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and surfing.
20. Visit the Bison- BISON ROAM IN A PORTION of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. The first bison, named Ben Harrison, was purchased by Park Superintendent John McClaren on February 26, 1891. His arrival in the city coincided with the historical nadir in bison population, a time when the species’ risk of extinction loomed large. A female mate by the name of Sarah Bernhardt soon followed. The tradition of the time dictated that the bison receive the monikers of their political contemporaries. The original herd included superstars such as Grover Cleveland, Bill McKinley, and Bill Bunker. Over the last 120 years, more than 500 bison have been born into the Golden Gate herd, and due to efforts throughout the country, the animals are no longer at risk of extinction. The park itself is most easily accessed via 19th Avenue, which runs through the grounds. The bison paddock is located along John F Kennedy Drive, between the Golden Gate Park Municipal Golf Course and Spreckels Lake. Please note that John F Kennedy Drive is closed to automobile traffic on Sundays.
21. SF Fairmont Hotel Roof garden / Penthouse Suite – 950 Mason St. San Francisco.
Most don’t know that anyone can go out into the roof garden of the Fairmont if you buy an expensive water or snack. The lobby bathrooms are also marvelous. When I lived in Nob Hill, no joke, my neighbor would walk a block away to take dumps in this bathroom he loves it so much. You see the 6,000-SQUARE-FOOT PENTHOUSE SUITE from the roof garden, which costs a whopping $18,000 a night — has been the temporary home for countless celebrities, including Prince Charles of Wales, Presidents Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy, Tony Bennett, Mick Jagger, Alfred Hitchcock, and, most recently, YouTuber Casey Neistat. Among its many luxury features is a two-story circular library, complete with a narrow red spiral staircase allowing you to reach two floors of books. Behind one of the shelves on the second floor is a secret door leading to a dark corridor that some say leads to the hotel’s roof. The door is disguised as a bookcase, and there are a few rumored uses for the passage hidden behind it.
22. Socially Distant Wine Tasting via WINE TRAIN – 1275 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559 – Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 7PM Menu: places.singleplatform.com / Reservations: opentable.com / Phone: (707) 253-2111 Crowded tasting rooms with standing-room only bars are a thing of the past. Tastings will take place in personal tasting areas at least six feet from other groups and as of November 17, tastings will only be allowed OUTDOORS. One not so broke-ass options is the gorgeous wine train which is a super schmancy experience.
23. Go to ” Fancy Taco Bell” and explore Pacifica & Half-Moon Bay- which is an underrated GEM – Nature lovers can drive 30 miles south of San Francisco (via the scenic Highway One) to Half Moon Bay. Tucked away behind rolling hills, this oceanfront town fronts a stretch of wild, rugged Pacific coastline. It’s a great place for walking along the beach, hiking, golfing, fishing and bird-watching, or to enjoy a seafood meal by the harbor.
24. F*** it, go camping in Yosemite – The most emblematic sights of Yosemite are Yosemite Falls, an amazing 2,425-foot waterfall, and Half Dome, the sheer-faced granite mountain. The trail to the top of Yosemite Falls and the all-day trek up to Half Dome are among the most challenging hikes in Yosemite, suitable for those in good physical fitness. Easier trails include the hike to Vernal Falls footbridge and the loop around Mirror Lake, a pleasant spot sheltered by granite walls. Yosemite National Park has two historic lodges (The Majestic Yosemite Hotel and the Big Trees Lodge) and the modern Yosemite Valley Lodge. More hotel accommodations are found outside of the park. For those who prefer camping, there are rustic cabins and campgrounds throughout the park. It’s recommended to make reservations for all types of overnight accommodations, including cabins and campsites, well in advance.
25. Janis Joplin Tree & Hippie Hill – Golden Gate Park San Francisco, California, 94122. NOW THE BEST PLACE IN the park to find impromptu drum circles and enthusiastic pot smokers, the gentle grassy slope known as “Hippie Hill” once attracted Janis Joplin to play her guitar in the shade of the tree that now bears her name. The hill has enjoyed its reputation for mellow lounging and music dating to the city’s epic age of the Hippie. One observer of 1960s San Francisco culture noted, “To this hill streamed the endless river of young persons drawn to San Francisco in search of personal freedom, in search of peace in time of war, or possibly just in search of Acapulco Gold, incredibly good marijuana that wholesaled at $65 a kilo.”
26. Tenderloin National Forrest – 99 Cohen Pl, San Francisco, California – A PREVIOUSLY DRUG AND TRASH riddled alleyway in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood is now a colorful and verdant oasis, dubbed the Tenderloin National Forest. Yes, this is a real place! In 1989, an artistically driven nonprofit called the Luggage Store Gallery annexed the adjacent alley, which the city ended up leasing to the group for $1 per year. Soon the area was transformed, bringing a speck of nature and art to what was long one of the San Francisco’s most notorious neighborhoods. Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
27. Creep Around the Mission Dolores Cemetery – Mission Dolores was founded in 1776 and is the oldest intact building in San Francisco. The mission was part of a string of Spanish settlements called the Camino Real. The settlements drove north from Mexico up through what is now the Sonoma wine country. The site houses an active Catholic church and grounds which include the historical Mission Dolores cemetery. The cemetery pays tribute to the first nation Miwok’s who were the city’s original citizens and who, ironically, were eradicated partly due to disease and expansionism brought in by the Spanish. It also has grave-markers for other notable people who were instrumental in the establishment of San Francisco. The Mission is on Dolores street. The suggested donation is $7 and the Mission is open most days from 9am-4pm(ish). Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and New Years.
28. Palace of Fine Arts – You can’t go wrong at the Palace of Fine Arts. I had a friend get everyone on a Spotify channel, and do their own silent disco distanced out and it was brilliant. Local architect Bernard Maybeck’s pièce de résistance, this Greco-Roman rotunda is one of the only surviving structures from the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. Being here feels like you’ve stepped onto a movie set watching the swans skim across the reflections of the Greco-Roman columns and rotunda of the Palace of Fine Arts. Originally constructed of wood and burlap for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition, the structures were so beloved they were preserved and rebuilt in the 1960s. Bonus: The Palace is an easy, descending walk from the also-picturesque Lyon Street Steps.
29. Go URBEX hunting on Angel Island. Angel Island is located in the middle of the bay, just north of Alcatraz. It’s now a state park, but its past is layered with military history. It was a military post during the civil war, an immigration station, a WWII Japanese internment camp and cold war missile site. Most of the structures related to these military endeavors are abandoned, but the park itself is open for business. Angel Island is also a great activity in SF for hiking and nature, and their trails will give you 360’ views of the San Francisco bay: Take the ferry from Pier 39 and bring a bike for a self-guided tour. Bring a lunch and plan to spend the better part of a day exploring the island. Check out this Angel Island State Park guide more information. Adult Round Trip Ticket – $19.50 Child Round Trip Ticket (5-11) – $11Senior (65+) / Disabled Round Trip Ticket – $11 To book Ferry: https://tickets.blueandgoldfleet.com/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=BGFTKTGP&c=ANGTKTS
30. Peephole Cinema- 280 Orange AlleySan Francisco, CaliforniaUnited States – HIDDEN IN AN ALLEY IN the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District lies a literal hole in the wall theater. Peeking inside the small peephole reveals a cinema that plays a constant stream of silent film vignettes. Those willing to crouch down and crane their necks to peer into the small hole (bring sanitizer) will be rewarded with an endless loop of short films. These short films and animations run all day and night, so come any time and enjoy this little gem the Mission District has to offer. Peephole Cinema is easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. A small sign with an eye on it dangles down from a red wall. Beneath it, you’ll find the peephole accompanied by a small list of the films being shown. There aren’t any other signposts, so most people stumble across the peephole by chance or find it via word of mouth. The small theater is the work of Laurie O’Brien, who created the Peephole Cinema in 2013 as a novel way to showcase films. O’Brien, who was originally trained as an animator, wanted to find a way to bring animations to a wider audience. She has also installed other similar cinemas in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. She recently put one in San Francisco’s airport. Although films run at all times, any alley can seem ominous at night so it’s best to go during lighted hours
31. Off the Grid. – Shopping Music and entertainment Upper Haight NOTE: The Presidio location is temporarily closed. Off the Grid events can be found all over the Bay Area but two locations, in particular, are not to be missed: The Presidio and Fort Mason. Both locations—Thursday evening at the Presidio’s Main Post and Friday evening at Fort Mason—hold a weekly event with firepits, cabanas, and DJs (or live music). Sunday afternoons, the Presidio picnics again in a popular family- and dog-friendly event full of lawn games and activities for little ones.
32. Coit Tower steps – NOTE: Coit Tower the venue is temporarily closed but the stairs to it are not! There are two sets of steps: the Filbert Street Steps and the Greenwich Stairs. We always go up the Filbert Stairs and walk back down the Greenwich ones, but you can do it either way. Lace up your walking shoes and let’s get started!The stairs are visible right across the street from the intersection of Sansome and Filbert Streets. You’ll see some apartment buildings with a stairway between. Start climbing…but don’t forget to look behind you as you climb. The views of the Bay Bridge are stunning. Coit Tower was added to the San Francisco skyline in 1933, this monumental love letter to the city remains an iconic welcome. Named for Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy eccentric whose $118,000 bequest to the city resulted in the tower’s construction, the tapered, fluted tower stands 180 feet tall at the crest of Telegraph Hill. At top is the tower’s observation deck with 360 degree views of San Francisco and the Bay. A rotunda at its base, which is covered in Depression-era WPA murals depicting socialist images that were painted by more than two dozen artists, some of whom studied under Diego Rivera.
33. Cause burritos make everything okay -This one is also pretty obvious, but it should still be said: Now more than ever, we all need the joy that is a ginormous and filling Mission burrito. A burrito to rule them all. All of our favorites, La Taqueria, El Farolito, are Taqueria Cancun (okay, a little more Bernal than Mission, but beggars/choosers and whatnot) are still open for takeout. Your dating life may be on hold, but luckily you can still cuddle up with a ginormous Mission burrito.
34. Bay Area Discovery Museum– 557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965 Phone: (415) 339-3900 Wednesday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.Member Hour: 9 – 10 a.m. Closed Monday – Tuesday. The Bay Area Discovery Museum is one of the best places to take kids, designed to transform research into early learning experiences that inspire creative problem solving. 7.5 acres of natural beauty inspires families to engage in a world of possibilities. Framed by the majestic backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge, the museum is a space for imaginations to run wild. Every curated detail of our exhibits brings creative thinking to life for all stages of childhood. Navigate winding tunnels to develop physical and intellectual risk-taking skills. Feel the rush of cold-water tide pools that surprise and awaken curiosity. Imagine new worlds by transforming into a spider, a ship captain, or a bridge builder.
https://www.510families.com/day-trip-sausalitos-discovery-museum/
34. Alcatraz (At night) – Only the outdoor tour is available at this time.
While there aren’t as many tourists, checking out Alcatraz is actually a really interesting experience. The Alcatraz Night Tour is a unique program limited to just a few hundred visitors per evening. It includes special programs, tours, and activities not offered during the day. Roundtrip ferry transportation, a live boat narration, a guided tour from Dock to Cellhouse, the Cellhouse Audio Tour, a keepsake souvenir brochure, recreation use fee, and a variety of special programs and presentations offered only at night. https://www.alcatraztickets.com/
35. Stroll the Goldsworthy Line & Lover’s Lane. This peaceful little favorite spot of mine, located in the Presidio. The logs are part of an art installation by Andy Goldsworthy and they line a wavy path through the eucalyptus trees. The Presidio is part of the national park system and it’s the largest urban national park in the US. They have twenty four miles of hiking trail, with plenty of cool spots for taking pictures.Google “Goldsworthy Line” to find the location and be aware that parking will be tricky on the weekend.
Visit ‘Entwined’ in Golden Gate Park – 240 John F Kennedy Dr, San Francisco, CA 94117 Free Admission Website
36. Visitors will enjoy a new art installation this holiday that will transform Peacock Meadow into a forest of otherworldly shapes and ever-changing light. The work, created by San Francisco artist Charles Gadeken, will honor Golden Gate Park’s 150th Anniversary.Dec. 10 through Feb. 29. Times vary, though best visited after 6 p.m.34 Illuminate SF Festival of Lights Guests will be able to observe 43 striking public light art installations across San Francisco’s 17 neighborhoods from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve Nov. 26 – Dec. 31 See website for public art locations. Times vary, though best visited after 6 p.m. Free Admission/ https://illuminatesf.com/
37. Tis the Season for Science at the California Academy of Sciences Visitors will create decorations, enjoy outdoor snow flurries, and meet two impressive reindeer in the outdoor garden at the California Academy of Sciences. Social distancing and masks will be enforced. Advanced reservations are required. Nov. 20 – Jan. 3 Monday – Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118$34.50 General Admission for adults, $30 for students and seniors, $27 for children Website.
38 . Bike down Golden Gate Park – London Breed closed a large portion of John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park to vehicles. Frankly, we think this should be how it is all of the time, regardless of if we are supposed to stay six feet apart from each other, but for now it does make social distancing much easier. Our favorite walk is from the park entrance to the beach with stops at the Redwood Grove, Prayer Cross, and Bison paddock along the way. Fall isn’t the best time for the gardens since most things aren’t in bloom, but the roses do bloom for one last time in September. It’s also the last time to enjoy the flower beds at the Conservatory of Flowers, so be sure to arrange at least one picnic there.
39. Urban hiking- you’re ready to go beyond regular walking tours and actually hike through San Francisco and beyond, we’ve got options and space for everyone. My favorite hike is The Lands End Trail “hike” — it’s very mellow, so it’s more of a walk — is the perfect SF activity for three reasons: 1) It’s an easy way to appreciate how beautiful this place is thanks to views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and coastal terrain; 2) There are tons of only-in-SF hidden treasures, like the rock labyrinth, Mile Rock Lighthouse, and abandoned Octagon House; and 3) It’s an urban hike, which means you get to bask in SF’s natural beauty and get in a “workout” at the same time. While you’re there, check out Sutro Baths, the ruins of an enormous ocean-filled swimming facility destroyed by a fire in 1966 and the USS San Francisco Memorial.
Another option is the new Crosstown Trail, which offers you the chance to bike, hike, and run along a 17-mile route that crosses diagonally through San Francisco. Venture through some of the neighborhoods, parks, and cultural sites that make this city special. Between Sutro District and Lincoln Park.
40. Eat your way through the Ferry Building – The historic Ferry Building is a pretty stunning piece of architecture (completed in 1898 and the largest construction project in SF at the time), but what’s really amazing about it is all of the delicious artisan food, lots of which is available right now since both the inside and outside are open to visitors (not for dining, but for buying). There is outdoor dining though: get lunch on the water at Hog Island Oyster Company or a delicious burger and milkshake on Gott’s Roadside’s patio. The Ferry Building has also created a huge outdoor dining space for al fresco dining with views of the Bay (complete with a very busy janitorial staff), so you can pick up food at any of the to-go spots and enjoy it immediately. The beloved farmers market that’s operated by CUESA is still popping up on Thursday, Tuesday, and Saturday, so you can also shop for high-quality products from small, sustainable growers and producers who need your support now more than ever.
41. Walk up to Twin Peaks without worrying about getting hit by a car In “normal” times, most people drive up to the Twin Peaks, the second highest point in SF (922’), but the one with the best views by far. If they want to get the really good 360 degree views, they have to hike a short trail to the north or south peak overlooks, but basically the heavy lifting is done for them. Unfortunately, there’s not a great way for pedestrians to ascend that doesn’t feel a little dangerous since it involves walking next to traffic. However, the winding road up to this scenic overlook is currently closed to all cars, which makes it the perfect time to do this urban hike, get your heart rate up, and take in this city in all of its glory.
42. Oakland Zoo – (510) 632-9525 9777 Golf Links Road Oakland, CA 94605. – I say go to Oakland zoo, as there is really no comparison with the Gondola open 10-4pm . Oakland Zoo is home to over 750 native and exotic animals. Our newest attraction, California Trail, features a stunning Gondola ride, 8 animal habitats, The Landing Café with sweeping views of the Bay Area, and more! Due to the popularity of the Zoo, particularly on weekends and holidays, limited parking fills quickly between the hours of 10:30am to 2:00pm.
43. GO TUBING on the Russian River – Sonoma County Regional Parks are open during the pandemic, though some park facilities and services remain closed to reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission. For more information about visiting parks safely, please see the summaries below and refer to these frequently asked questions.To learn about allowed uses at specific parks, see this parks status list. The list is updated regularly as conditions evolve.
44 – SKIING/ Snow Shoeing – Head to South Lake for a solo ski adventure. The Ski Lake Tahoe resorts usually open in mid-November, with Heavenly Mountain Resort scheduled to open Wednesday, November 27, 2019. Most ski resorts open just before or on the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The resorts remain open through mid to end of April.
45. Check out the Tide Pools – California tide pools are some of the best in the country. A low tide is sure expose your family a magical little world no matter the season. Sea urchins, anemones, sea stars, and even octopus are especially visible during these times when the moon’s pull is especially strong. Where are the best tide pools in California? Here are some of my personal favorites, starting south and working north up that magnificent California coast.
1. Cabrillo National Monument2. La Jolla Cove3. Crystal Cove State Beach
4. Little Corona del Mar Beach
6. The Best Tide Pools in Northern California
7. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Beach
46. “ARF” at the Seals – You’re going to think I’m kidding, but hanging out with the seals is an inherently pleasurable activity. They make me feel less fat and blob like, because they’re the only animals more lazy than I feel during COVID. It’s a short walk down PIER 39, which is also fun and unique to check out without all the crowds. Trust me, a little “ARF” can go along way for your mental health.
47. BUY NOTHING DAY! – Check out Facebook’s infamous “ Buy nothing San Francisco” and go into the physical world and GIFT ITEMS, COLLECT TREASURES. This is an incredible group where we come together, help others find things they need, give away (SANITIZED) items you don’t need, and it’s a phenomenal way to feel part of a community, witness true giving spirit, and its really fun to be a part of.
48. Park-let-loose at Hayes Valley Shared Streets – Hayes Valley has transformed with tons of parklets for their iconic restaurants. Proxy, has personal trainers, impromptu musicians from SF Symphony who play, and lots of SF characters. Every weekend, the city has shut down Hayes street to allow the community to safely partake without cars. Come grab a ritual coffee or Project Juice green juice, Souval, and meditate under the infamous “Tara Mechani”, Burningman statue that has occupied the center of Patricia’s Green. Although the locals kindly call this grassy area “ Patricia’s Latrine” due to all the animals defecating in this small area, this wooden structure allows for a perfect place to meditate, relax, and safely feel part of the community, while distancing in it.
49. Manny’s Phone Banking – 3092 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103 Phone: (415) 533-8051
Manny’s is a people-powered and community focused meeting and learning place in the heart of San Francisco that combines a restaurant, political bookshop, and civic events space. Manny’s is providing covid-safe outdoor phone banking stalls, food to go, and so much soul!
https://www.welcometomannys.com/calendar/
50. LIVE COMEDY SHOWS!! 7:30p Show – “HellaSecret” Outdoor Comedy Show & Cocktail Night (San Francisco) Thursdays – 7:30 pm | Cost: $15* | Secret Location (SF) Get ready for SF’s very first fully-dedicated outdoor comedy club – part of our new pop-up (and socially-distant) comedy shows at unique outdoor spots all across the bay. We’ll take over a new venue and you’ll get an email with the secret location the morning …https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hellasecret-outdoor-comedy-cocktail-night-tickets
51! BROKE ASS STUART’S VERY OWN 40th BIRTHDAY ROAST (presented by Chameleon Cold Brew)-
Broke-Ass Stuart is turning 40, so to celebrate his impending midlife crisis, the Bay Area’s funniest icons and cultural influencers are going to be roasting roasting him online. It’s all going down on 12/16 at 7:30pm and the best part is that it’s 100% FREE! That said it’s also a fundraiser to help keep BrokeAssStuart.com alive, so there will be opportunities to donate. The best part is that 10% of the donations will be going to the Coalition on Homelessness, so you’ll be doing a double mitzvah!
RSVP for your FREE ticket right here.
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