Things to do in San Francisco

If ever there is a time that you are at loose ends with nothing to do-here are a few ideas that won’t break the bank-it may relieve some of the pressure for planning longer, more expensive trips and events.

A few hours

  • Window shopping on West Portal Avenue
  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or lunch out
  • Walk through St. Francis Woods-enjoy the beautiful homes and manicured lawns
  • Walk the stairs in Forest Hill
  • Get the treatment at a local spa
  • Walking tours by San Francisco Heritage-there are a few really interesting ones such as-‘Walk the Fire Line-Van Ness Ave.’ (currently the fourth Saturday of the month) or ‘the Pacific Heights walking tour (on Sundays) www.sfheritage.org or (415)441-3004 for a list of tours and times.
  • Stroll through the San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum, 9th Ave. at Lincoln www.sfbotanicalgarden.org (415)661-1316
  • ‘Beach Blanket Babylon’ at Club Fugazi-always featuring a juicy current event www.BeachBlanketBabylon.com
  • Children’s art classes, at Fort Mason www.childrensartcenter.org or (415)771-0292
  • Children’s storytime at the West Portal Clubhouse, over the Muni Tunnel, download the interim services guide at http://sfpl.org/librarylocations/branches/westportal.htm

A day

  • Muir Woods-hike
  • Point Reyes Lighthouse-tour and hike
  • Cruise the Santa Cruz beach boardwalk
  • Angel Island-hiking, cycling, picnicking (415)435-1915
  • Alcatraz tour-they also have evening tours www.nps.gov/alcatraz (415)705-5555
  • Exploratorium-hands on museum of science, art and perception. (415)563-7337
  • Spend the day touring San Francisco’s fine museums-MOMA, Asian Art Museum, and the Palace of the Legion of Honor to name a few
  • Visit the San Francisco Zoo
  • Napa-wine tasting (make sure you have a designated driver)