San Francisco - Alison Bing [172]
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Built on the rooftop of the Moscone Convention Center, the ice and bowling centers are a huge draw for families. Unlike most rinks, this one is bright and naturally lit with walls of windows; the bowling alley is small but serves beer.
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YOGA
You’ll never see so many people walking around with rolled-up blue yoga mats as you will in San Francisco. Some locals are pushing for yoga competitions in the Olympics, while others are appalled, saying this defeats the purpose entirely. Regardless of your viewpoint, you’ll find hundreds of studios in SF to support it. If you’re a serious devotee of a particular tradition, you’ll find it in SF with a quick internet search. Many local gyms also offer classes.
IT’S YOGA Map
415-543-1970; www.itsyoga.net; 307a 5th St; drop-in classes $15-18; & Powell St
Some call it a factory, but we like It’s Yoga for its big classes – ideal for shy types who don’t like being singled out for adjustments of posture. It’s all about Ashtanga here, which focuses on breath, flow and power. Classes are held in large rooms with big windows with lots of light. Reserve online for the busiest late-afternoon classes from Monday to Friday.
YOGA TREE Map
415-647-9707; www.yogatreesf.com; 1234 Valencia St; drop-in classes $17; 10am-10pm; 24th St Mission
Yoga-lovers will find instant community in this clean, warm, colorful studio, which has personable, high-quality instructors, great deals on introductory classes (three sessions for $20) and drop-in classes, primarily in Hatha yoga. Massage and private lessons are available too, and there are three other locations to choose from: the Castro, Hayes Valley and Stanyan St.
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OTHER ACTIVITIES
SF rebels against the mainstream in just about every way possible, and its sporting and leisure activities are no exception. The following are a smattering of alternative options, from circus arts to hang-gliding. If you like a bit of hand-holding or enjoy group activities, such as kayaking, surfing and camping, contact the University of California San Francisco’s Outdoors Programs ( 415-476-2078; www.outdoors.ucsf.edu), which are open to the public and a great way to meet people.
CIRCUS CENTER TRAPEZE
Map
415-759-8123, ext 810 for trapeze enrolment; www.circuscenter.org; 755 Frederick St; 2hr workshop $42; 71, N;
If you’ve ever dreamed of running away and joining the circus, indulge your fantasy at this serious circus-arts school, where students learn everything from Chinese acrobatics to the flying trapeze. Neophytes can arrange one-off courses in trapeze, but be warned: if you fall in love, you may end up enrolling in the school’s Clown Conservatory – the only clown-training school in the US.
CITY KAYAK Map
415-357-1010; http://citykayak.com; South Beach Harbor; kayak rentals per hr $14-26, 3hr lesson & rental package $49, tours $59-69; N, T
We can’t say enough about the view of San Francisco from the water, and one of the best ways to see it is from a kayak. If you’re new to paddling, it’s best to stick to the waters near the Bay Bridge; if you’ve some experience, opt for a trip to the choppy waters beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, or for a moonlight tour. Adventurers can set out alone with all-inclusive rentals; aspiring newbies can take lessons and get their sea arms, then head out alone or with an escorted tour – check the website for details.
FLYCASTING CLUB Map
www.ggacc.org; McLaren Anglers’ Lodge & Casting Pools, John F Kennedy Dr, Golden Gate Park; 5, 9
Across from the buffalo paddock in Golden Gate Park, sheltered from the breeze by tall cypress and eucalyptus trees, there’s an impressive set of casting pools, complete with targets, for the general public to use. You can stroll in and watch flycasters out in their waders, gracefully setting a fly from a thin line that looks about a mile long. Check the website for dates and times of free casting lessons.
LAWN BOWLING CLUB Map
415-487-8787; http://sflb.filesforfriends.com; Bowling Green Dr, Golden Gate Park; 7, 44, N
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