7 Magical Spots for Stargazing in SF (When It’s Not Fogged Over)

Let’s be clear: it’s not easy to see stars in the city. There’s light pollution, of course, which can make it near-impossible to see stars at night. And, if it’s not downtown lights killing the dark, we’ve got Karl, the good old fog here to block any visibility of the sky at all. But, there is a healthy medium between the two, and remote spots in the city that, when clear, offer ample stargazing opportunities. While they might not rival the views of the sky in Montana (or, honestly, even some spots in the East Bay), they’re certainly worth hitting up if you don’t want to leave the city and still want to gaze upon the glory of a star-studded evening. Some of these are even ones the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers hold their star parties at, so, you know—they’ve got some legitimate backing to them.

Here are the places to head right around sunset time with your outer layers and your telescope (obviously, if you have one) for a view of the sky that’s simply heavenly.

Point Lobos Near Lands End

This is one of the few places the SF Amateur Astronomers actually hosts their star parties, andthe SF Sidewalk Astronomers recommend it, too. That, and the fact that it’s pretty far from the city toward the ocean guarantees you’re bound to see more above you on a clear night.

Stow Lake

7×7 recommends Golden Gate Park’s Stow Lake, where tall trees block out city lights.

Twin Peaks

Good news: there are already telescopes at the top of Twin Peaks. Head up on a clear night for a cool view.  

 Grandview Park

They call it Grandview for a reason: Three hundred sixty degree views of the city give you a high vantage point for looking out below and a great one for looking up at the sky above.  

Bernal Heights Hill

As one Yelp reviewer notes, “Nighttime can feel a little creepy because it’s nature in the dark, but it’s perfect on any fireworks holidays (sans fog) or for some rudimentary stargazing (you’d have to get pretty far out of the city to avoid light pollution entirely), but it’s dark enough in the immediate vicinity for basic constellation-identification.” That’s definitely on the right track for some good city gazing.

We do also have to add an epic review of Bernal Heights Hill on Yelp that we think could be applied to stargazing (it even mentions gazing in one of the verses):

“Up that road
Up that hill
Up into the Heights of Bernal
Where you gaze
Amongst the Gods and clouds
Onto the view that is forever eternal.”

‘Nuff said.  

Presidio Grounds

The San Francisco Amateur Astronomers will head out here, and for good reason: there’s very little development in this area, which is prime for some dark, dark night. Just maybe bring a flashlight, because we’re serious when we say it gets dark. 

The San Francisco Bay

Or, get on a boat and sail away from the city lights altogether. The open water offers some pretty ample darkness for stargazing. Don’t forget to bring a jacket!  

[Featured Image: Eugene Kim via Flickr]

Article and images sourced from http://www.upout.com/blog/san-francisco-3/7-magical-spots-for-stargazing-in-sf-when-its-not-fogged-over?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=UpOutSF&utm_campaign=freepost

Ready, Set, Run: 4 Excellent Long-Distance Running Routes in San Francisco

Try our 6-mile Golden Run and wind up taking in the mad view from Fort Point. (Courtesy of Surfline.com)

Jefferson Airplane's Paul Kanter, himself an SF native, said, "San Francisco is 49 miles surrounded by reality.” Why not take in some of those culturally steeped miles at a comfortable jog? Here are four great routes for running in paradise. 

The Golden Run (6 miles)
Strap on your favorite sneaks and hit the pavement—you'll soon see why we like to call this route the Golden Run: It's easily accessible, serene, and scenic beyond belief—think skyscrapers of age-old bark, oceanfronts, and man made marvels. Consider taking out your earbuds to take in the sounds as well as the sites (which include the free-of-charge museum at Fort Point, once used as a masonry to protect the bay from incoming warships).

 The Details:

• Start at Julius Kahn Park, just off W. Pacific Ave. You can parallel park across the street.
• Running along W. Pacific Ave., you’ll find a pathway onto Ecology Trail, just before Arguello Blvd. Stay your course about one-half-mile until you come to Moraga Ave.
• Take Moraga Ave. to Infantry Terrace, which merges into Sheridan Ave. after a quarter-mile. Keep on Sheridan until it becomes Patten Rd.
• Take a left at the intersection of Patten and McDowell Ave. toward Old Mason St. (You’ll hit a bit of construction as you approach the 101, so hug the sidewalks.)
• Keep on Old Mason St. until it becomes the San Francisco Bay Trail / Marine Drive. You will soon find yourself at the foots of Fort Point.
• Take a breath and enjoy the views of the bay. Now, turn it back around to complete your nearly 6-mile loop.

Editor's tips:

• Due to the mildly hilly nature of this route, do some calf and quad stretches prior to setting off. You'll thank yourself later.
• Get an early morning start to beat the traffic in and out of Presidio, and even take advantage of the seaside sunrise at Fort Point. To extend your mileage, try exploring the outer stretches of the Ecology Trail.

(Photo courtesy of Etsy Ketsy)

Molehills to Mountains (2 miles)
Oh, the high-incline workout—mentally and physically trying, and essential to any runner’s regimen. That feeling of having charged up a hill like a gazelle...it leaves one breathless! Cruise over to Twin Peaks and conquer the mountain. It'll be brutal on your glutes, but a picturesque panorama at the summit is an Instagram-worthy reward.

The Details:

• Park your car near the public restrooms. Lace up, and take a gargantuan gulp of Gatorade.
• This is a there-and-back circuit, so you’d be hard-pressed to get lost. Just hug the far shoulder of Twin Peaks Blvd. for roughly three-quarters of a mile.
• Stop at the intersection of Midcrest Way and Panorma Drive, also known as Creek to Peak. Turn around, and head back up the paved rollercoaster.
• If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, you can run down—or up, if you’re heading back—the unmarketed dirt trails that cut off of Twin Peaks Blvd.

Editor's tips:

• Focus on calf and inner-thigh stretches prior to taking off to avoid too much strain on your quads and calf muscles.
• Bring plenty of water or sports drink—this is an incredibly testing run.
• Look out for uneven ground where the pavement meets the dirt.
• Go early morning or just around sunset for prime hilltop views.
• Enjoy your well-deserved Odwalla bar from one of the free viewing stations. 

Skyline Meets Coastline (2+ miles)
A simple and lovely city run, this two-plus-mile loop is both low in elevation and conveniently located near some great after-run treat shops. Plus, there's ample parking. Be sure to stop for a hot minute to catch your breath at China Basin Park, and bring your pup for playtime at Mission Bay Dog Park.

The Details:

• Beginning at Mission Creek Garden, take the trail leading out of the recreational area and follow it until you hit Fouth St.
• Veer left back onto Channel St.
• Turn left onto Third St. and cross the awesome drawbridge.
• Turn right onto the wide, paved trail where; follow this for the better part of a mile.
• Snake through the trail at The Mission Bay Dog Park (on your lefthand side on Berry St.).
• Keep on the trail, passing under Highway 280, and find yourself back at Mission Creek Garden.

Editor's Tips:

• Practice being conscious of your breathing patterns while on this run. No headphones. 
• At 2.25 miles, this is a great route for doing looping/time-trial paces. 
• Take this route in the evening hours to ensure easy parking and sunset sky over the waterfront.

(Courtesy of Miguel Vaca)

The Green Three (3 miles)
A treadmill has nothing on a path charted through the trees and flowers of Golden Gate Park. The Green Three, as we call it, is a breathtaking run for both the novice and well-seasoned athlete. Combing through what is arguably some of SF's most luscious landscape, runners will be treated to a kaleidoscope of scents and scenery. Look out for yellow warblers and well-meaning garter snakes basking in the sun.

The Details:

• Starting at the Conservatory of Flowers, you’ll veer onto the sidewalk toward Stow Lake.
• Cross the pedestrian strip, and follow the lake’s shore till you find yourself at Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 
• Take a sharp left just before MLK hits Lincoln Way, and keep along the trail you see out of your periphery.
• Follow the crunch of leaves beneath your deliberate feet toward Nancy Pelosi Dr., eventually passing the National Aids Memorial Grove.
• Cross the street to your four-wheeled salvation. It’s a breeze, really.

Editor's Tips:

• Try some core strengthening exercises after your run to improve stamina and the integrity of your running posture.
  
• At  3 miles and change, this is a fantastic route to see how well you’d fair running a 5K. 
• Run this route on the weekend when you can fully take advantage of the area. Afterward, stop in and breathe the moist air at the Conservatory of Flowers.

5 Perfect Spots to Chill Outdoors in SF

On a sunny day in San Francisco, chillin' outside is a must.

Getting your heart rate up is great and all, but sometimes you're just in the mood to let the drinks flow, enjoy the sunshine, and chill. These five spots around the city are ideal for doing just that.
Fort Mason
If your idea of chillin' involves bocce ball, corn hole, music, dancing, and drinks then Great Meadow Park at Fort Mason is the spot for you. With a huge grass lawn, lots of people to enjoy the festivities with, and good vibes all around, you can’t go wrong here. Learn more.
West Bluff
Lay out on the grass or dive into a picnic while enjoying close up views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the West Bluff Picnic Area at the north end of Crissy Field. If you stick around for sunset, you’ll catch one of the best views of the bridge that the Bay has to offer. Learn more.
Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park 
Not too many people know that you can rent a rowboat at Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park, but you can. And you should! In our book, a liesurely boat ride counts as chillin' and this is about as chill as it gets. Bring some food and drinks and enjoy a day in the park. Learn more.
Ocean Beach
Spend the day chillin' in the sun, playing in the waves, and watching the surfers at SF longest stretch of sand. The best part about spending the day here is you can make your claim on a bonfire pit before they're all snatched up which means the chillin' can continue long into the night. Learn more.
Dolores Park
Didn't get enough of the lawn party at Fort Mason? Then head over to Dolores Park. This part of the city is usually the sunniest and has a huge tiered lawn that is ideal for setting up for the day with your friends and enjoying the warm weather. Learn more.


Article and images sourced from http://www.7x7.com/play/5-perfect-spots-chill-outdoors-sf