San Francisco - Alison Bing [171]
BAKAR FITNESS & RECREATION CENTER Map
415-514-4545; http://mbfitness.ucsf.edu; 1675 Owens & 16th Sts; day pass $15; 5:30am-10pm Mon-Fri, 7:30am-8pm Sat & Sun; 22, T
As outdoor pools go, the view from the dizzyingly high 25yd rooftop pool is enough to make you forget you came here to swim. Located at the UCSF Mission Bay campus, it’s lovely and modern, with six lanes and an adjacent patio, and you can get a fresh perspective on everything from the ballpark to the Bay Bridge. A second pool, one level below, offers water-based exercise classes. Both are available for private parties.
KORET POOL
Map
415-422-6821; www.usfca.edu/koret; Parker Ave & Turk St; adult/senior & child under 17yr $15/10; 6am-9pm Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm Sat & Sun; 5, 31
For a serious lap swim, head to this Olympic-sized pool, at the University of San Francisco, with 40ft ceilings and oversized windows. Admission includes use of the full gym as well.
Return to beginning of chapter
TENNIS
There are free public tennis courts all over San Francisco – the courts at Mission Dolores Park are especially popular. For other free public courts, contact the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department ( 415-831-2700; www.parks.sfgov.org; 9am-4pm). The 21 courts in Golden Gate Park charge $4 to $6 for adults, and kids under 18 are free. Call for weekend reservations ( 415-753-7131; 4-6pm Wed, 9am-5pm Thu & Fri), ideally at 4pm on the Wednesday before.
Return to beginning of chapter
WHALE-WATCHING
Whale-watching season peaks mid-October through December, when gray whales migrate from the Bering Sea to Baja California – the longest annual mammal migration in the world. Because the whales tend to cruise along the coastline, they’re easy to spot from land. Point Reyes, north of the city, is the prime whale-watching spot. The whales pass again on their way home in March, but they’re further from shore on the northbound journey.
OCEANIC SOCIETY EXPEDITIONS
Map
415-474-3385; www.oceanic-society.org; Bldg A, Fort Mason Center; per person $100-120; office 9am-5pm Fri-Mon, trips Sat & Sun; 22, 28, 30
The Oceanic Society runs ocean-going boat trips – sometimes to the Farallon Islands – during both whale-migration seasons, with top-notch naturalists providing keen insight. Cruises depart from Fort Mason and last all day. Kids must be 10 years or older. Reservations required.
Return to beginning of chapter
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
ICE SKATING & BOWLING
When the weather’s not cooperating, San Franciscans in search of fun – especially local parents – keep bowling and skating in their back pocket. At this writing, the fate of the old Presidio Bowl was up in the air; do an internet search to see if it’s still operating when you’re here.
YERBA BUENA CENTER ICE SKATING & BOWLING Map
415-820-3532; www.skatebowl.com; 750 Folsom St; skating adult/child/senior $8/5.50/6.25 plus $3 skate rental, bowling per game $4.50-6, per hr $25-35; bowling 10am-10pm Sun-Thu, to midnight Fri & Sat, check website or call for skating times; & Powell St;
* * *
JAILHOUSE SWIM
Once each summer, SF’s hardiest swimmers participate in the Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim. They ferry to Alcatraz, then dive into the bay’s icy water to swim 1.5 miles back to Aquatic Park. Entry costs $175. Reserve at least three months in advance by calling Envirosports ( 415-868-1829; www.envirosports.com; PO Box 1040, Stinson Beach, CA, 94970), which also provides race information. In October, you can join the 1.5-mile Treasure Island to YMCA (ti2Y) swim, organized by the Embarcadero YMCA ( 415-957-9622; www.ymcasf.org/embarcadero; 169 Steuart St; & Embarcadero). The cost is $85 if you register before July 31, $95 after.