When I can spot a weekend day with no commitments on our calendar, I guard it like it’s The Federal Reserve. Keeping it safe and close and not easily penetrable frees up time for Just Us. Often we’ll go for a hike, check out a museum or go on a mini adventure.
On a recent Sunday, we spent the afternoon at Baker Beach in San Francsico. This is an area not regularly travelled by tourists. You won’t find souvenir shops, post cards, or sweatshirts with SF logos on them. You will find, old San Francsico, quiet neighborhoods, and some of my very favorite first memories of San Francsico from more than 20 years ago.
We started out with a beautiful drive down The Great Highway from Fort Funston to The Cliff House, winding through Sea Cliff to Baker Beach. When I lived on Lake Street years ago, I would often walk down 25th Avenue through the narrow neighborhood streets to a somewhat secluded staircase only locals know about that leads you down to Baker Beach and the stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.
At Baker Beach, you can play in the sand dunes, build sand castles, jump in the water and body surf the often large waves. All while blinking your eyes and pinching yourself sitting on one of the most iconic and picturesque beaches in all of California. I kept telling my kids, “you guys are so lucky to grow up here!” Of course it wouldn’t have been Silicon Valley if we didn’t spot someone with a drone photographing the scene. It was fun to watch him and chat with him about how the drone works. On the western end of the beach, you will find a stream that is perfect for little ones to play. You will find lots of families in that area with kids under 4.
Baker Beach is part of the National Park Service, located in the Presidio of San Francisco. The main parking lot is located off of 25th Avenue. There are picnic tables and restrooms.
Never stop exploring, even the smallest of outings can feel like a micro adventure and leave you refreshed and reconnected. Have fun exploring your city!
