Exploring Golden Gate Park: Walking and Biking Tips for Active Travelers in San Francisco | A Fit Girls Guide to San Francisco
San Francisco is a city that offers endless opportunities for exploration, but if you're looking for a way to get some fresh air and exercise, Golden Gate Park is a must-visit destination. With ponds, museums, and gardens, the park has something for everyone. Whether you prefer to walk or bike, there are plenty of paths to explore. In this blog, we'll share tips to help you make the most of your visit to Golden Gate Park.
Walk or Bike Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a large urban park located in San Francisco. Within the park are ponds, museums, gardens and other attractions. The perimeter of the park is approximately 7.3 miles, which is a bit long for a walk, but the perfect distance for a bike ride. If you are wanting to enjoy the California weather and get a walk in anyways, there are paths that allow you to walk certain portions of the park rather than the entire perimeter. Check out this link for a map of the park.
Carry a Refillable Water Bottle
Within our normal routine at home most of us are pretty good at staying hydrated, but hydration is just as important while traveling. Whether you are exploring the city itself, checking out different parks, or doing some local shopping, we recommend carrying a refillable water bottle. We found only a handful of water bottle filling stations throughout the city, but plenty of water fountains to fill up at.
Cool Down in Museums
California is known for its great weather and mild climates, but if you happen to be there on a particularly hot day we recommend checking out some museums. Not only are museums a great way to experience the culture of a new city, but it is a great way to meet your step goal! Below are a few of our favorite museums in the San Francisco area:
De Young Art Museum
Conservatory of Flowers
California Academy of Sciences Natural History Museum
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Museum of the African Diaspora
San Fran Food Scene
Our dietitians are just like everyone else in that we love checking out the local food scene when traveling. San Francisco is known for some great foods like chocolate (San Fran is home to the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory) and clam chowder sourdough bread bowls. With foods like this, it is sometimes tricky to meet produce goals. We found it especially difficult to find meals with produce in the middle of the day when we are out and about. Our pro tip is to load up on produce at breakfast before heading out for the day, and again at dinner when winding down for the day.
Golden Gate Park is an iconic San Francisco landmark that offers something for everyone. From biking the perimeter to exploring museums, there are plenty of ways to stay active while taking in the sights. Don't forget to stay hydrated, take breaks to cool down in the museums, and load up on produce to fuel your adventures. With these tips, you're sure to have an enjoyable and healthy visit to Golden Gate Park.