Best Things to Do in San Francisco

For more information: nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/landsend.htm

Arguably the most scenic walk in all of San Francisco, this cliff-side trail along the Pacific attracts photographers, fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the world. Don’t miss the visitor’s center at the end for a warm up cup of Joe and some great historical and interactive exhibits. 680 Pt. Lobos Ave.

Every Sunday from 11-4 the Main Post Lawn at the Presidio of San Francisco becomes a giant picnic area surrounded by the city’s famous food trucks. Bring a blanket and tuck into anything from Burmese BBQ to a waffle porkwhich. There are even personal windbreaks set up on the lawn to keep you cozy. Main Post Lawn, the Presidio; offthegridsf.com.

Every Thursday evening from 6-10 the California Academy of Sciences transforms into one of the best cocktail parties in town. Sip a specialty cocktail under the skeleton of a blue whale while a DJ spins dance music. Or check out one of their special themed nights like the How To Workshops where you might learn how to slice sushi or silkscreen a t-shirt. 21 and over only; 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park; calacademy.org/nightlife.

There's nothing like looking back at Bagdad by the Bay from the water. The most budget-friendly boats are the ferries crisscrossing the bay, but for capturing the pure romance of the place, sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge on an Adventure Cat catamaran is hard to beat. Pier 39; adventurecat.com.

At the Alamo Drafthouse, opened in late 2015, they take movies seriously (first-run films, surround sound, and a large screen) and they take food seriously (hand-friendly food, warm chocolate chip cookies) and then they put them together. You order from your seat and the waiters are specially trained to be as unobtrusive as possible, meaning you can order that second beer without missing a line. 2550 Mission St.; drafthouse.com/sf.

Every Sunday JFK Drive, Golden Gate Park’s main thoroughfare, is closed to cars. Out come the bikers, strollers, skaters, runners, and dancers. Enjoy the park’s quieter, calmer side but be sure to check out the roller-disco enthusiasts at 6^th Ave. from 1-5, and the lindy dancers (including free lessons) in front of the DeYoung Museum from 11-2. Golden Gate Park; goldengatepark.com.

One part bowling alley, one part sports bar, and one part hipster hangout, the Lucky Strike is an adult playground (that serves both hand-battered mini corn dogs as well as kale and beet salad) with DJs, big screens and private suites for parties. 200 King St.; bowlluckystrike.com/locations/san-francisco/.

The long skinny Tomales Bay, perfect for a San Francisco day trip (it's located about 90 miles northwest of the city), is a food-lover’s hot spot. Visit Cow Girl Creamery in Pt. Reyes Station, sample local delicacies at the farmer’s market every Saturday. And then head for the mother lode in Marshall: oysters fresh from the water at Hog Island oyster farm. Shuck your own at one of the waterfront tables for $5 (plus oysters) or order at The Boat, the farm’s outdoor restaurant. 20215 Highway 1; hogislandoysters.com/visit/marshall.