San Francisco Kayaking

With the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, the San Francisco Bay Area offers nearly infinite opportunities for water activities. Sea kayakers can visit many of the area's 48 islands, each with a unique habitat and ecology. Blue Waters Kayaking in Point Reyes offers classes, rentals, and tours that include moonlight paddles and camping trips. Tomales Bay is the largest unspoiled bay along California 's coastline and a popular destination for kayakers. Kayakers can paddle along the forested hills and rock cliffs of Tomales Bay and along the Point Reyes National Seashore. Some of the bay's secluded beaches are only accessible from the water. Drakes Estero is a popular excursion for kayaking and wildlife viewing.

San Francisco Golf

San Francisco is home to six municipal golf courses. Lincoln Park , a par 68 course opened in 1928, offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city. Sharp Park is another municipal course, offering Pacific Ocean views. The course meanders inland and seaside and is lined with old growth cypress and pine trees. The Presidio Golf Course and Clubhouse is newly renovated and open to the public. Located in the heart of San Francisco , the historic Presidio has hosted Teddy Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower. Eucalyptus and Monterey pines enhance the course, along with views of the surrounding cityscape. The Golden Gate Park Golf Course offers nine holes in an urban setting.

San Francisco Fishing

The San Francisco Bay and surrounding areas offer many opportunities to catch “the big one.” Several species pass through the area during their various migrations. Bay fishers catch halibut, sturgeon, stripped bass, and leopard shark. Sport fishing charters are available from several operators. Most of the fishing boat operators supply bait and equipment. Golden Gate Park 's Angling and Casting Club offers casting pools designed for both fly and plug casting. The casting pools are considered by many to be some of the finest in the country, but they are just for practice and tournaments; they are not stocked with fish. Stow Lake , also in Golden Gate Park , acts as the park's main reservoir and is popular with fly fishers. Pier fishing is available in several areas including the San Francisco Municipal Pier.

San Francisco Hiking

Just north of San Francisco Bay, Point Reyes National Seashore covers over 70,000 acres of pristine coastland with 147 miles of trails and four designated camping areas. A few miles north of San Francisco , Muir Woods National Monument offers trails from one to six miles, with varying degrees of difficulty. Hikers won't soon forget the awe inspiring ancient redwood forest of 1000 year old trees, some as tall as 260 feet high.

San Francisco Biking

Angel Island , a half-hour ferry ride from Fisherman's Wharf, offers miles of hiking and biking trails and beaches. The Bay Trail bike path travels from the Golden Gate Bridge to Fisherman's Wharf. The Golden Gate Park is very conducive to bike travel, with seven miles of paved trails that pass by gardens and waterfalls. The fact that parts of the park are closed to car traffic on Sundays makes cycling in the park even more enticing. Bike rentals are available at several locations near the park.