The Seal Rocks is a group of small rock formation islands in the Lands End area in SF. They are…read morelocated at the north end of the Ocean Beach and near Sutro Baths. It's a very iconic photo spot, and I like how quiet it is there.

Why do I put up with the Cali crap? High taxes, High crime, Insane politics???…read more It is because of special places like Seal Rock, Land's end, and Sutro Baths! I will miss you when I leave but the smell of that salty ocean air will always be with me.

One of the cherry blossom trees at Lake Metson is in full bloom. The other one hasn't started to…read moreflower yet. Lake Metson is a long hike from the closest parking lot by the cycling track. It is best to bike here.

This lake is so green. So quiet and beautiful! It is small although…read more Highly recommend it.

Sun 8/29/21 hiked Rancho Corral De Tierra for the first time. Parking I went to Etheldore & Ranch…read moreRd, El Granada almost 1hr drive for me in Fremont. Free parking, but u can only park on the side of the road, not allowed on their driveway or in the Ranch areas. We walked in, past the Equestrian Center & stable, went up the Spine Trail. Suppose to be only 4 miles RT, but we made it longer by going further up on Spine Trail and getting lost cuz of trails with no signs! Near the top it's super steep and way overgrown w/ lots of poison oak, we didn't make it to the top. Views were just ok, was foggy. When the fog cleared a bit, could see the Ocean and some views. Will update when I go back.

Fire prevention efforts clear paths at local trails National…read morePark Service removes undergrowth By August Howell Nov 11, 2020 "Crews have cleared the undergrowth along a trail through Rancho Corral de Tierra. Coastsiders hiking through Rancho Corral de Tierra may notice how wide portions of the trails became last month. The changes to the trails began in late September when the National Park Service began its annual "wildland fuel reduction project" at Rancho Corral de Tierra, the 4,000 acres of federally protected parkland that sprawls in between Montara to El Granada. While the fire prevention maintenance itself was not unusual for the National. "

So glad someone at our hotel recommended this gem. This is a gorgeous park--thanks Nancy…read morePelosi!!--and a great way to see the bridge and get some fresh sea air. When we were there there were lots of great food trucks, only bummed we'd eaten before we arrived. Bathrooms were clean and the park pristine.

This trail is a little confusing because All Trails, the Presidio website, and Google Maps all have…read moreslightly different versions of where the trail goes. I think the most concise is starting at the Presidio Gate then go to the bridge and back which is about 5 miles and takes about 2 hours. This is the one reflected on the Presidio's website. I like this trail because there is a lot to see and stop off at such as the newly opened welcome center and Tunnel Tops Park, Disney Museum, Battery Bluffs Park, Pet Cemetery, Crissy Field Overlook, and of course the Golden Gate Bridge. The hike is always interesting and good for taking people that get bored easily or who don't want something too strenuous. While there is an inclination at some points it's mostly a walk. Along the promenade are views of the bay and Alcatraz, Angel Island, it's definitely one of the more beautiful hikes in the city.

** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. **…read more I didn't know San Francisco had its own Fountain of Youth. OK, I knew we had one, but I thought it was at the Red Door Spa near Union Square. But I guess Elizabeth Arden isn't the only one holding the key to your eternal childhood. This spring, according to Ohlone legend, apparently allows women sipping its water to pump out kids over a long life. I don't know what the water does to those of us who don't reproduce, but it is a congregation place for COVID-weary teachers needing to take their charges on a field trip. Why not? After all, there's a stone well from which presumably the water springs and plenty of flora and streams in which the kids can frolic to the delight of their teachers. Of course I did not partake of the frolicking as I didn't want to get 5-10 at Folsom State, but I still enjoyed the bucolic setting from a distance. RELATED - Exploring the Marina? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2HyFdzC

El Polin Spring has a very short trail appropriate for a leisurely stroll. During the winter the…read morecreek runs through but it's pretty much dry for the rest of the year. Bathrooms are located at the base as well as about 5 parking spots. During the weekend unrestricted parking is available on the street however it's permit only during the week. At the beginning of the trail there are a couple of picnic tables and remnants of the base of an Adobe house from colonial days. You can always hear lots of birds chirping and it's populated with wildflowers in the spring. The trail is a loop about a quarter of a mile which is good for people that want to get out for something short. To hike farther, at the loop take a left and there is a trail that goes up by the playground. This trail can circle around with the Lovers Lane trail which is about 1.5 miles. Another option is to take a right before the spring which goes up to the Ecology Trail which you can circle around as well.

This is the best hike for views of the bridge. I thought the Batteries to Bluffs trail was amazing…read morebut Golden Gate Promenade has unobstructed views the whole way and it's also less likely to be foggy. The best place to start is at the parking lot for the San Francisco Yacht club. Get a donut at Dynamo Donuts which is this really cute donut hut there and eat at the benches looking out at the ocean. From the parking lot the trail goes east and forks where you can take the beach trail or a cement paved path. The cement path is very flat, this is probably better for running or biking than hiking unless you want a really level walk. To the Warming Hut Park Store and back is about 3 miles. For something longer, you can go to Fort Point or up to the bridge which adds about half mile. Keep in mind it's always pretty windy and cold here. Even when it's sunny and other parts of the city are warmer it's always best to bring a sweater.

** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. **…read more Actually I didn't know this trail had an official name, but of course, what else would it be called with the iconic landmark in constant view? I have to admit of the over 300 miles that make up the San Francisco Bay Trail network, the two-mile stretch between Fort Point and the St. Francis Yacht Club is easily the most menopausally Instagrammable as it encompasses the most predictably picturesque portion of the bay with Alcatraz, Angel Island, and southern Marin making the ideal composition for a most familiar selfie backdrop. Gratefully in the age of COVID, the pavement is wide enough to allow for social distancing, but of course, enclosed spaces like the Warming Hut and Fort Point are locked up for my safety. But nothing is preventing you from walking on Torpedo Wharf to get a closer look at the bridge or rolling around on Crissy Field except perhaps the omnipresence of canine fecal matter (photo: https://bit.ly/3siOp0F). But don't let that stop you from coming here. OK, maybe the naked fat guy dancing on the East Beach, but it's a good reminder to wear a second mask. Just pull it over your eyes as you walk by. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

For getting in shape on backpacking trips, high altitude treks, or a cardio workout Rodeo Valley…read moreTrail cannot be beat. The trail leads up to Hill 88 ( amazing spooky place with breathtaking views) but you can turnoff and head over to the FAA tower. This hike is roughly 7 miles with 2000 feet of altitude ascent....that's where you get your training. Stunning views abound!! You can seriously make countless permutations of hikes: Go down to miwok stables up to Wolf ridge blah blah blah. 12 mile hike no worries. Highly recommended with plenty of parking and nice bathrooms at the trail head.

There are a couple of parking lots that you can start this hike from. You can easily do a shorter…read moreor longer variation of this hike. We decided to start at the parking lot nearest to the visitors center. As you head up the hill you will get beautiful views of the valley and the beautiful hills above you. But then as you turn and start walking on the side of the hill over the tunnel you will start to spot Golden Gate Bridge from the distance. From there with every turn you make the view just gets better until San Francisco Bay opens up to you in all its glory. You get to see Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, Alcatraz, San Francisco, and Golden Gate Bridge. And this is where you realize that all that elevation gain 987 feet was totally worth it. Personally we have done longer hikes and have even gained more elevation for a lot less of a view. When your done soaking up the views it will be time to descend down into the valley. What I found interesting was how much more greener and lush with vegetation this side of the valley is. During this trail we had to cross two non-busy streets. The loop is complete once you get to the parking lot. This loop is 5.6 miles long.

"We opened the gates to all the world and said, 'Let all men who want to be free come to us and…read morethey will be welcome." Those are the words from President Woodrow Wilson carved on the stone overlook. Show this to some narrow-minded people as a reminder. Located on the northwest side of the Presidio, Immigrant Point Overlook is named in honor of the immigrants who made the journey through the Golden Gate as their new home. Just imagine yourself on this spot of Yerba Buena as you saw ships sailing into this land. It has sweeping views of the Marine Headlands, Point Bonita, Mt. Tamalpais and even Pt. Reyes on a clear and glorious day. If you're hiking and biking around The Presidio, it's a great place to stop, rest and obviously enjoy the view. There's some picnic tables across the overlook to eat your lunch and relax before you continue on your journey. If you're driving, it's worth a stop and you might spot some whales and even dolphins swimming in the Pacific Ocean if you're lucky. The Presidio is filled with so many gems and nuggets, and this is certainly one of them. It's worth a stop and visit. You can take out-of-towners here and call it 'Undiscovered San Francisco' as it's certainly not a known tourist path and it's off the beaten path. But I like taking paths that are less traveled. This is also a good starting to take another path down towards Batteries to Bluffs Trail. Ah, but that's another adventure waiting to be written. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 26

While some ex-Presidents build walls to feed their egos, other ex-Presidents welcome immigrants…read morewith open arms: "We opened the gates to all the world and said "Let all men who want to be free come to us and they will be welcome." What a difference a century and the advent of reality TV makes. That quote from Woodrow Wilson is carved into the stone of the overlook wall. I got there by climbing the connector trail up from the Battery to Bluffs Trail. Arriving at the outlook, I felt like I was on a balcony awaiting the Pacific to make a curtain call. It's more inspirational than Inspirational Point. RELATED - Exploring the Presidio? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3ALAAfr