While weekends in San Francisco often involve large crowds, long lines, and plenty of tourists the city takes on a different look during the week. Everything moves a little slower, the sun shines a little brighter, and you begin to feel like the city is all yours. For those mornings when you wake up in need of a day off, consider these options to surround yourself with the things that made you fall in love with San Francisco in the first place.
Shuck your own oysters at Hog Island Oyster Company | Courtesy of Elaine Choi
Dolores Park
While there is entertainment value in spending a weekend afternoon in Dolores Park especially when it comes to people watching there’s nothing quite like enjoying a lazy weekday afternoon in an empty Dolores Park. Take advantage of a Tartine with no line, grab a pastry and a cup of coffee, take your favorite book and revel in the thought that all of your peers are at work while you admire the San Francisco city skyline.
If you can manage to convince your friends to take a day off of work, consider driving up north and making a visit to Hog Island Oyster Company. Call ahead to reserve a table by the water, pack a picnic basket and soak in the sun as you spend the afternoon shucking your own oysters, drinking wine, and spending some much needed quality time with friends.
Hungover from an unexpected Sunday fun-day? You can opt for the hair of the dog approach, but sometimes the best way to shake it off is to sweat it out. Explore the ruins of old military bunkers, batteries, and other defensive structures scattered throughout the area in solitude. As you’re hiking, don’t forget to look back and enjoy the views of the city. Take the day to re-center yourself in preparation for a productive four-day week ahead.
If you’d rather spend the day in the city, consider making a day on Valencia Street in the Mission. Start by visiting Bradley, the slow bar barista at Fourbarrel for your morning caffeine fix. Then mosey on over to all the novelty stores that Valencia street has to offer. Stock up on pirate supplies at 826 Valencia and learn about taxidermy at Paxton Gate. End the day with a beer or a bloody Mary while people watching on the back patio at Zeitgeist.
While it continues to snow in other parts of the country, take advantage of California livin’ by enjoying a day at the beach. Start the day early with a coffee, coconut water, and Toast at Trouble Coffee before you head to Ocean Beach to sink your toes into the sand as you wonder how you could ever leave the West Coast. Once you feel like you’ve had your Vitamin D fix for the day, enjoy lunch at Outerlands. Weekends here get busy, so weekday lunches are the ideal time to enjoy the restaurant’s locally sourced, organic fare.
