San Francisco - Alison Bing [174]
World Naked Bike Ride (www.sanfrancisco.worldnakedbikeride.org) takes place in early June to protest US dependence on fossil fuel. A clever compromise for shy types: body paint. When the city threatened to ban nudity at the annual Bay to Breakers race in May, everyone freaked out, demanding it continue. And so it does.
September’s Folsom Street Fair is not for the faint of heart. Some horrified out-of-towners have complained to the SF Police Dept about the ubiquitous public sex at the fair, which is not legal; we’ll see if they do anything about it. Honorable mention for unmentionables goes to Berkeley for its clothing-optional controversies: perhaps the most famous is the sad story from the early ’90s of UC Berkeley student Andrew Martinez (Google it); more recent displays, such as ‘Boobs Not Bombs’ protests, push at the city’s anti-nudity ordinance. Score one for San Francisco values.
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SAN FRANCISCO HANG GLIDING CENTER
510-528-2300; www.sfhanggliding.com; Mt Tamalpais; 2hr intro lesson $160, per person $295-325
Soar above the Marin Coast from the Bay Area’s highest peak for spectacular views over Bolinas Lagoon and Point Reyes. But first you have to get yourself to Mt Tamalpais. The thrilling 2-mile flight from Mt Tam to Stinson Beach includes instruction, and lasts anywhere from seven to 30 minutes, depending on the winds. Alternatively, try paragliding, which is similar but you float beneath parachute-like material not attached to a fixed wing. Location and times vary; be sure to call ahead for details.
SAN FRANCISCO MODEL YACHT CLUB Map
415-386-1037; www.sfmyc.org; Spreckels Lake, Golden Gate Park; 5;
Kids go nuts for the impeccable scale-model yachts that sail on little Spreckels Lake. The parade of tiny ships is serious business for collectors, who lovingly build and maintain their crafts in the adjacent clubhouse, and occasionally throw miniature regattas (check the website). While you’re here, look for tortoises on shore: Spreckels Lake is where many locals dump their unwanted turtles.
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
San Francisco is among the top-10 fittest cities in the US. And where there’s fitness, there are aching muscles: massage therapy is big business in SF. Independent salons and spas are sprinkled around town, with the highest concentrations at Union Square, the Upper Fillmore and the Marina. Most top-end hotels also have in-house spas; for maximum swank, we recommend the St Regis Hotel. The following list includes spas, salons and gyms. Women: San Francisco men are generally polite in gyms, but if you’re squeamish about working out with guys, opt for a gay gym, where you’ll be totally ignored (Click here).
BARBER LOUNGE Map
415-934-0411; www.barberlounge.com; 854 Folsom St; services $10-80; 10am-8pm Tue-Fri, 9am-6pm Sat; 12, 27; & Powell St
Kick back in an ultra-comfortable, art deco–style leather barber’s chair for a classic straight-razor shave, haircut or moustache trim. A spin on the classic barbershop, Barber Lounge caters primarily to men, but also offers services for women, from makeup to mani-pedis. We love the masculine vibe and clean, high-ceilinged urban-design setting – a great alternative to prissy salons.
BELLA PELLE SKIN STUDIO Map
415-362-6384; www.bellapelle.com; 9 Maiden Lane; facials $65-150, waxing $20-155; 8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat, 11am-5pm Sun; & Powell St
This cheery-bright spa is a chic treat, with lovely details like free mimosas and muffins on Sundays. The down-to-earth staff pampers, whether you’re braving a wax job (they do ’em all here) or lying back for a top-notch facial, the spa’s specialty. They also make their own high-quality scrubs, balms, custom-blended makeup, and even a numbing cream.
DIPIETRO TODD SALON Map
415-674-4366; www.dipietrotodd.com; 2239 Fillmore St; haircuts about $100; 10am-4pm Mon, to 6pm Tue-Fri, to 5pm Sat; 22
When you need a fabulous haircut to go with your spiffy new outfit, book