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Active Things to Do in San Francisco

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- 1
  
  1. Coit Tower
  
  Towering view on top of Telegraph Hill
  
  Landmarks
  
  North Beach
  
  Nile Expert Tip: The trek is entirely worth it; take the Filbert Steps (at the corner of Filbert and Kearny streets),...
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- 2
  
  2. Alcatraz Island
  
  Legendarily inescapable prison worth the tourist crowds
  
  Landmarks
  
  Fisherman's Wharf
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- 3
  
  3. Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals & Tours
  
  Bike rental in San Francisco
  
  Biking
  
  North Beach
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- 4
  
  4. Angel Island State Park
  
  State park in the bay
  
  Recreation & Natural Areas
  
  Marin County
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- 5
  
  5. Golden Gate Golf Course
  
  Nine holes in the Park
  
  Golf
  
  Golden Gate Park/Sunset
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- 6
  
  6. Presidio of San Francisco
  
  Large Park of Old
  
  Picnics, Parks & Gardens
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- 7
  
  7. Crissy Field
  
  Wide open spaces
  
  Picnics, Parks & Gardens
  
  Marina/Presidio
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- 8
  
  8. Golden Gate Bridge
  
  An architectural icon capping off the San Francisco Bay
  
  Landmarks
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- 9
  
  9. Aquatic Park
  
  Swim in the bay
  
  Landmarks
  
  Fisherman's Wharf
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- 10
  
  10. Yoga to the People
  
  All Bodies Rise!
  
  Mission/Bernal Heights
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See all 1281 Things to Do in San Francisco: 1 2 3

The Best of NileGuide
San Francisco could possibly be the most active city in the United States, thanks to a relatively mild year-round climate, butt-kicking hills, bike lanes galore, and infinite outdoor activities. Visitors can join in on all of the playfulness; it's a great way to meet the eclectic mix of citizens who call San Francisco home.

Not surprisingly, many popular tourist attractions involve being active. The one thing you absolutely can't miss is walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. The bright city skyline resides on one side and the vast swath of Pacific Ocean and craggy, untouched Marin Headlands lie on the opposite side. Everybody remembers their first time and the views are breathtaking. Just remember to bring layers.

Biking is a cool and easy way to get around the city, it's often more stress-free than taking the somewhat clunky public transit! Blazing Saddles is a popular bike rental outfitter with multiple convenient locations. Take your bike to Ocean Beach via blissful Golden Gate Park or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge and return via ferry from stunning Sausalito. You can even bike out to the Marin Headlands and further afield. If you take the ferry out to Angel Island, you'll be rewarded with many well-maintained bike paths and fantastic views of the city and the East Bay.

Whether you're advanced or a beginner, Golden Gate Golf Course provides a beautiful, 9-hole course for a small price. All holes are par 3 and the 9th hole has you driving towards the Pacific Ocean. More seasoned golf pros with fatter pockets will want to check out the Presidio Golf Course or the technically challenging Harding Park course.

Crissy Field is one of San Francisco's veritable playgrounds. Locals flock here to run, bike, or play volleyball, among other activities. If you really want to stamp yourself as an honorary local, join the crazies who swim in Aquatic Park. Yes, it's actually the Bay, it's freezing, and many hardcore San Franciscans do laps sans wetsuit.

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