City guide: San Francisco

The ‘Bay City’ has interesting architecture, great shopping, world-class museums and attractions, plenty of nightlife and countless excellent restaurants. It has also been voted one of the US’s greatest walking cities, and one of the ten healthiest places to live. So why not take advantage and enjoy a healthy break by visiting the sights on the many walking and cycling trails and work off a few calories exploring the steep city streets, abundant open spaces and waterside attractions.

Best Place to Stay

BE KIND to the earth as well as your body and check into the Good Hotel. A hotel with a conscience, it has well-priced rooms with minimalist styling and eco-friendly touches like platform beds made from reclaimed wood and chandeliers constructed from reused Voss water bottles. There’s also a recycling bin in every room and all bathrooms are fitted with kitsch Japanese-style toilet-top sinks. Situated in the SoMa district, one of San Francisco’s most stylish areas, it’s close to many attractions and good transport links.

www.thegoodhotel.com

Best Open Space

GOLDEN Gate Park is not only a strikingly picturesque destination but is also full of outdoor and indoor attractions, including the Botanic Gardens, the Academy of Sciences, Buffalo Paddock and the Japanese Tea Garden. With more than 1,000 acres to roam, it outdoes New York’s Central Park for size, so offers plenty of space to stretch your legs. The western end of the park is a cultivated wilderness that backs on to the crashing waves of the Pacific. While visiting the Dutch Windmill and Tulip Garden, drop into the Beach Chalet for lunch and enjoy the view as surfers ride the break, or soak up the sun on the garden patio. A healthy selection of fish dishes and salads sits alongside a few American favourites from the grill. If you’ve earned a drink, the onsite microbrewery has an excellent selection of tasty organic brews.

www.golden-gate-park.com

Best for a Rest

TAKE a break and watch others be active at the AT&T stadium, home to the legendary San Francisco Giants. The passionate local fans will help you along if you’re not sure of the rules and etiquette, while there is plenty to keep you amused between innings – be careful not to get caught on the kiss-o-cam. To rest your legs while exploring, pick up a San Francisco City Pass to enjoy free transport for a week and ride the iconic cable cars up the steep streets. The pass also includes a cruise of the bay and VIP entry to many major attractions such as the Modern Art Museum and Aquarium.

www.sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com, www.citypass.com

Best for a Rainy Day

DRESS for the weather and head to the Presidio, on the northern tip of the San Francisco peninsula. Historically an old military base, in 1996 it was transferred to the National Park Service and has been redeveloped as a space for all. In one of the historic hangars you can enjoy an aerial extravaganza on the 42 conjoined trampolines. House of Air hosts numerous trampolining activities for all the family. If you are feeling very energetic, try trampoline dodgeball.

www.houseofairsf.com

BEST PLACE TO EAT

WITH all this activity, you will surely have worked up a healthy appetite, and chef Steven Rojas at Chez Papa Resto will certainly cater to your needs. Set in an elegant warehouse-style dining room in the heart of the Civic Centre, it has a rich ambience and service that is second to none. Refined French classics such as a delicious and fresh kobe beef tartare or a twist on the classic French onion soup lead into succulent mains such as roasted rib-eye steak with sweetbread gremolata or grilled duck breast with fennel purée. The winelist is extensive and the knowledgeable waiters can help you make the perfect pairings.

www.chezpaparesto.com

BEST WAY TO SIGHTSEE

HOP on two wheels and enjoy a leisurely eight-mile cycle from historic Fisherman’s Wharf over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. And it’s not just a workout, as the guides at Blazing Saddles are full of geographical and historical facts. Learn about anything from earthquakes to how much housing cost in the 1800s (a lot) while you enjoy magnificent views of the bay and city. Back at Fisherman’s Wharf, be sure to sample some fresh seafood and the famous local Dungeness crab at one of the many eateries. Alioto’s has a great view over the marina and the menu includes its speciality seafood sausage.