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The Warming Hut
Categories: Flowers & Gifts, Coffee & Tea, Bookstores [Edit]
Presidio Building 983Marine Dr & Long Ave
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 561-3040
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
House of Bagels
- 207 reviews
- Neighborhood:
- Outer Richmond
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62 reviews for The Warming Hut
Review Highlights
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I new in town and not know every place. Most time I eat home becuz many place in the merica don't a like my style. But today I was a hungery and I see this a place "The Worming Hot" and I diside to check its out.
I walking in the side and I looking round. In the service ther was a byootiful gerl! She has a the painting on the skin and a blond hair and she very lovely! Most gerls in my contree wear a the burka but here gerls they like to lets it all hangs out, you knows what I say?
She very frendly and asks what I like and I thinks. I see this thing which is for eating and I wonder! In my contree we has nothing like a this. But this a thing is like a the magic turban! I ask the lovely gerl what is it and she say "moofen". I ask what is a this? And she tells me its like bread but not bread. Is sweet but not too sweet. Is yumme but healthy too! So I gief her the money and I eats the thing. It is byootiful! I never had some thing so delishes before! Is like a reminds me of the seax the first time. Oh so very nice, ay yay yay!
After I eats I needs to use the toilet. And the toilet at "Worming Hot" is byootiful! Very very nice the deed! Very soft on my behinds. I likes a very much!
I very much enjoy this food and this place! I go back here. I be back, haha! I hopes the gerl is there next time. I can tell she likes a mine style!
I was out walking my gorgeous cockapoo (Fifibell is her name) on a brisk morning recently, Brandenburg Concerto No.3 in G (my favorite) playing spritefully in my ears.... when I felt a little growl in my tummy.
Luckily, my pangs of hunger were sated swiftly by the little enchanting haven of a coffee shop known to mortals as "the Warming Hut".
Simply sublime!
Even from the beach Fifibell and I could smell the freshly baked goodness wafting from it's billowing doors.
As if under siren spell, we eagerly sought sustenance there.
Greeted cordially by the most charming of young blonde pixie-like ladies, we were received with hearty benevolence!
I didn't need to ask the staff anything about what they had or where things were in the cafe, because I simply used my eyes to read the fine menus and signs there (which look hand painted! wow!)
The service was delivered with ethereal relish.
I asked the blonde pixie lady for a muffin, and she delightfully provided me with a decadent yet organic handmade treat that melted in my mouth!
I bought four of them!
Its deliciousness was bested only by the amazing customer service I received from this more than helpful angel in barrista form.
This is my new favorite place! Fifibell and I will be back regularly for our muffin fix, and hopefully get to chat with that really cool blonde chick who works there. What fun!
Here is a little tourist shop for all you knick nacks and last minute Crissy Field needs. Usually I'm running past this hut on my weekend clearing my head sessions.
Been doing alot of that lately.
Inside you will find hot coffee of all kinds, tasty muffins, croissants ( http://www.yelp.com/bi...) and something to tie you over if you are out there exercising or taking in the sunshine.
I talked with one of the cashiers and she was very friendly. She told me that all profits benefit the National Parks Service. The day I went, the cash registers were 'a ringing for sure!
Great little stop, even if you buy nothing at all.....
Dear manager of The Warming Hut, where, oh where, do you find these people you hire to work behind the counter? I went in today after walking my dog on the beach, the only reason being that I was freezing and in desperate need of a hot beverage. A young blond woman, short hair, tattooed neck, seemingly bitter as all hell at having to wait on people stared at me while waiting for me to place my order. This was the scene:
Me: Do you have any low fat muffins?
Bitter chick: (a blank stare at me, followed by a blank stare at the pastry case, followed by a snarled lip and a head shake in my direction).
Me: If not a muffin, do you have anything else low fat on the menu?
Bitter chick: (head drops, sighs, eyes look up at me, lip snarls, head shake).
Me: I'll just have a coffee, then.
Bitter chick: (Silence. Rings up total and waits for me to figure out what total is by reading amount on cash register).
Me: Thanks (I hand her money)
Bitter chick: (Silence. Takes money with one hand someone hurts herself opening register with other hand, and shouts an expletive in my direction).
Me: Are you alright?
Bitter chick: (throws me a look telling me she hates me, her job and her life in general and continues her expletives).
I suppose some people give this place more stars because when they are walking the cold foggy beach desperate for a warm beverage and shelter this place seems positively heaven scent. But, pick this place up and move it anywhere else and I would bet no one would ever enter this place much less bestow it with stars.
It is a touristy gift shop first and foremost. The food is forgettable. The coffee: I would just as soon drive home and make my own. But the real downside is the service and I hope the manager reads this and knows that just because you have a captive audience of sorts, you still owe some common courtesy to your customers.
Oh, and blond bitter chick, you've got the whole cool edgy look going, but totally ruin it with your attitude. I truly hope you find a job outside of the service industry that makes you (and your customers) less miserable.
$16 for two sandwiches would normally cause my ass to pucker a little bit, but that didn't happen for a couple of reasons: 1) the sandwich I had was really, really good and 2) substantial enough to fuel a 20 mile bike ride. I didn't get a chance to peruse the shop to my liking, but for what it was worth, the curry chicken salad sandwich and the turkey one that my plus one ordered were both very, very good.
Other yelpers are spot on about the non-existent friendliness of the staff, but when you're hungry enough to pay 8 bucks for a sandwich, a couple of eyerolls here and there are gonna be the least of your worries.
Love that you can grab sandwiches or coffee to go and chill with a perfect view of the ocean and the Golden Gate bridge.
I love this place, the view, the environment, and the friendly staff.
+: One hot day here I got a Popsicle. I love popsicles made out of real fruit. Another day I had a slice of chocolate cake. The chocolate cake was soo rich. Today I had the ham and cheese croissant because I wanted something savory. Be sure to have your croissant warmed up! I love the cheese warm...The shuttle bus (Presidigo) stops right in front of my office and I can take it to a little pass Stitwell Hall, I get off and have a short little walk to the warming hut. Hmmm I do enjoy grabbing something sweet and sitting on the concrete thing on the edge of the water and enjoying my pastry or cake.
-: I wished they would pay for attention to roasting the coffee beans, but I am not sure if they roast their own beans! The beans taste burnt though! This place is very small! and there is not much seating So if you are coming on a very cold/foggy day I suggest that you be sure to layer up since it will be hard to find seats. But there is a bunch of seating outside if not inside!
We decided the bike across the Golden Gate Bridge on our vacation, and of course they day we chose to due this it was raining. We took a break at the warming hut to dry off and get something hot to drink. They have a really nice bookstore inside. As for the drinks, they are reasonably cheap. We had the hot choclate and chai tea latte. I was extremely dissapointed when i saw them poring out my chai tea from a container, its pretty easy to make, c'mon. This place does serve the purpose of warming u up though.
When life used to be simple, I went to Crissy Field almost everyday to run or even just have a quiet moment by myself while admiring the Golden Gate Bridge and the ocean. I used to run by Warming Hut after work but it was always already closed.
Today life is wonderful but more complicated. Relationship and demanding work do not give me the luxury of being able to jump in my car on a whim to go to Crissy Field everyday. In fact, I haven't been to Crissy Field in at least 2 years.
But today I made it back. Yes, I did not go to work today and I had one precious day to spend it as I wished. I chose to drive back to Crissy Field. Since I knew I couldn't run the 3-5 miles anymore without practice, I walked the 1.1 mile trail (2.2 miles round-trip) to the Warming Hut.
This is a very cool, nature-loving, environmental friendly bookstore with the majestic Golden Gate Bridge in its backyard. It looks like a warehouse from the outside but you will find wonderful things inside that has something for everyone-- for foodies, children, hikers, campers, families, for tourists and Bay Area locals.
It is a bookstore and a cafe as well.
The bookstore sells:
1. Books about San Francisco: hiking, eating, places of interests, etc.
2. Recipes books about organic cooking and San Francisco Restaurants
3. Wallet and purses made out of recycled materials
4. Books about nature and preserving the environment
5. Toys you will feel good giving to your little friends (such as View Master of San Francisco sights--remember having that toy as a kid?)
6. Organic lavender soaps and lotions
7. This is a great place to buy souvenirs that are tasteful and useful that you will not be embarrassed to send to your out of town relatives.
The cafe has free drinking water for the thirsty hiker/runner. It also sells:
1. Drinks, coffee and tea
2. Awesome California-inspired sandwiches such as Curry Tuna and Brie on Baguette, soups and salad
This place to me is like the cookie house in the "Hansel and Gretel" story. It provides warmth and cozy shelter from the cold San Francisco weather whether you are just walking or running along the trail.
Crissy Field and Warming Hut are good places to spend a part of your day to quiet your soul, find some peace or just hide from your co-workers (just like what I did today.)
**************
Warming Hut is open Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
I love tourist trap gift shops. I love the gimmick of it and how everyone considers buying things they really don't need or even want. Also there seemed to be a booming business of food going on but I focused more on the souvenirs. I didn't end up buying any but just the fact that I considered needing a purse made out of maps of SF made me happy.
So I was recommended this place and since it's located in the Presidio, I had imagined it would look rustic and sort of tucked away and quiet and maybe like like a little Yosemite get-away. Ok, I know, I am in the city, but the Presidio is like a little get-away. I thought it would be unique and like a little cafe as though I were somewhere in Scandinavia, Wrong!
I do recommend going here one day, maybe go on a mid week-day morning and start walking and when you do feel like taking a little break then head over here. Just to check out the stunning view. I was here on labor-day weekend and it seemed congested obviously trying to maneuver between others cars and dozens of pedestrians. I have a tip for you city! Have you thought about monitoring the traffic in this area because it seems quite dangerous and very un-pedestrian friendly? Well, maybe just because of the holiday? I dunno, this is the city so it's expected of course. But I fear for the tourists' lives! Being a local, I have never stepped foot on Long Drive. But it was magnificent to see how the bridge was like dropped right before my eyes. I even thought to myself how horrific the view would be to see somebody jump off. That would be really up close and personal for the whole entire world to see. So if anybody thought about their last life, then you would sure make a big scene for your last waking hours.
Anyhow, The Warming Hut was sort of like a tourist gift shop with an espresso bar. There really wasn't a lot of personality and flair to the place. It really was ordinary and really not the place I would choose to catch up with friends. I felt strange conversing with my other single gal pal.
But it's straightforward and their coffee really isn't bad. It does the job and if you do want to check out the amazing views outside, just go and then when you need your coffee fix, take that cup to go! But if you're eager to check out a local flavor of the city, go elsewhere.
Suprisingly good and affordable sandwiches, coffee, hot chocolate and pastries at an affordable. prices.
They call it the aptly named Warming Hut for a reason.
Step outside on a foggy windy cold san francisco Summer Day.
This place is appropriately named - a great pit stop to 'warm up' on those typical San Francisco days. I've only tried their coffee - though they do have snacks and a hot dog stand outside. Their coffee hits the spot.
Great gift shop filled with quality San Francisco souvenirs.
I love the picnic-jog park surrounding the warming hut, featuring a grand view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's one of my favorite places in town.
Beautiful location, EXCELLENT COFFEE and a superb gift shoppe with a great Bay Area bent selection of kids books 'n educational toys, books about area wildlife, food and cooking, crafts made from recycled materials....
Incredible bay views including the GG Bridge, Ft. Point, Alcatraz. A fun mix of locals fishing/crabbing from the pier out front or otherwise recreating and visitors to our fine land. And did I mention EXCELLENT COFFEE? Worth a detour, that coffee.
I *love* the Warming Hut! I need it. I want it. They have books. They have coffee. I am warm.
Wait a minute. The line is forever. I can't get my coffee. Without my coffee I can't look at the books. Now I am upset. And I am really warm.
I leave the Warming Hut with no coffee and no books and continue my walk. But at least I am now warm.
While the staff is rarely friendly, the coffee is delect and the location divine! Nothing like walking down for a cup of coffee and petting all the pooches outside. They have a few interesting gift ideas too.
Re-purposing the Warming Hut as a coffee shop was a stroke of brilliance. It is at the end of Crissy Field's long beach-front, and right where the vista of the Golden Gate goes from beautiful to Spectacular.
One of the great in-the-know treats for locals is to come here on a sunny day and grab a cup of something hot, then either stroll onto the pier, or slouch on the nearby grass berm, or walk out and watch the surfers try to catch the break next to Fort Point.
The cafe is operated in conjunction with a gift shop that sells some nice historical titles covering the Presidio and San Francisco.
4 stars for what it is... a nice escape from the cold and wind while having a nice day out. I really like the merch, and they did a fine job with the setup. The prices are a bit high, too little seating for a normal busy day. But I adore it. 4 stars.
5 stars for the following dig.
It is incredibly difficult to find irony in the operating and real universe. It is quite literary for the most part.
I am not sure if I am correct.... but the fact that an electric car burnt down the warming hut while it was charging seems to be at least.... if not ironic.... depressingly amusing.
Such a great location to sit and have a coffee or light snack if you're visiting the area. The hut does look like it used to be a barn, but inside its warm and nice. They have lots of yummy things to curb your hunger and a nice selection of books for tourist or locals wanting to know more about the area. Also, there is an awesome view of the GGB and ample space to have a impromptu picnic in the area. Don't forget your sunscreen.
Great spot for a BBQ.
There's a little amphitheater sheltered from the wind, with bathrooms, and complete with little kids rolling down the grassy knolls through multifarious breeds of dog-doo.
You can drive right up with all your most cumbersome BBQ gear, coolers, etc; you've got the bay, Alcatraz, and the mighty Golden Gate in all her glory.
All you really need after that is to get hit in the head with a frisbee and then you'll know, "you're in San Francisco."
Auf.
I was ready to eat when we arrived here.
We had walked all the way up the beach from the Letterman Center, and something about the waves and the fresh breezes was making me hungry.
My Lady ordered a turkey sandwich with mayo, and with no mustard, and they made one fresh for her on the spot. I ordered the tuna sandwich, which was about twice as large as I expected. The nine grain bread was fresh and delicious. A large tea for My Lady and a single latte for me, rounded out the bill to $19.25.
While we were in line, we watched a young girl try to negotiate with her father for a brownie. She didn't get one, but it was interesting to see the different approaches and moods she assumed in the process.
Later, I circled back and bought us a brownie for $1.63. The clerk agreed with me that the tax laws in S.F. are unfathomable.
The interior was warm and calm, and there was enough seating despite it seeming like an afterthought in a corner of the gift shop. Most of the "gifts" were books.
I noticed a woman sitting in the dining area with two small children, and offered her my "Guide to the Parks." She looked confused, so I explained to her that the Guide was mine for joining the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. As she was still hesitant, I added that I had another copy at home. Once she understood that this was a gift, and that it caused me no loss, she beamed brilliantly as she accepted the book.
Out in back, the restrooms were small, but the lines moved very quickly.
We took some time to walk onto the fishing pier, and to notice what everyone was catching that day. The giant cleats and bollards prompted me to imagine what type of ships had docked here when the Presidio was an Army base. That fantasy expanded as I tried to remember how the whole base had looked when it was active.
On a cold, foggy morning in SF, the Warming Hut saved my life.
It's super warm in here, & it's just a good place to just kick it with your friends sippin' on coffee or any one of their many choices. I had a chai latte, & my friends & I just sat next to the window, people watching. One of those moments where you see a great variety of people up early, doing their thing, from crabbers to joggers to kids to the BBQers to the good ol' hot dog man. And their sandwiches are incredible. INCREDIBLE.
Technically, the only thing we consumed here was an English Breakfast tea (organic, touch of bergamot, refreshing), but the atmosphere prompted me to review it. It is truly a San Francisco warming hut. After a long stroll against the bay winds from the Marine Park to the bridge, walking into the Hut was like walking into sophisticate respite. Interesting books, coffee mugs that didn't reek of Pier 39 souvenir shops, cozy tables in the corner... its worth walking to just to hang out for a while.
Just another reason why SF is the such an awesome city.
I go here almost every day I go to work, which is almost every day. Delicious coffee, friendly staff, and tasty local pastries. The interior is bright and airy feeling, a refreshing, vibrant, but still relaxed-paced coffee break. A beautiful view of the bay, the bridge, the headlands, and great tourist watching.
The perfect walk for a break from work.
(Can I plug my office's amazing Crissy Field location?)
I've eaten almost everything here (before I decided to dramatically reduce my dairy and meat intake) and while a little pricey, they do use excellent, fresh ingredients with an eye towards the local and organic, I believe. There is a huge portion of goat cheese on whatever salad it is that has it.
The selection of books and other eco-minded products is kind of cool, too, if you're not looking for a coffee break.
The Warming Hut reopened on December 3, 2007. You can now stop by and enjoy the stop after a good walk along Crissy Field.
When I first moved to the Marina back in '97, Crissy Field was still a fenced-off, asphalt-covered Army airfield where they used to land choppers. It was hideous. If you wanted to walk along the beach, you did so knowing that this eyesore was right behind you - it kind of took the charm out of the whole scene. But thankfully, all that has changed, and now a walk along Crissy Field is a wonderful experience.
At the end of that walk - or rather the midpoint for many - is the Warming Hut, a quaint little place that seats maybe 20 people or so. It offers up a variety of coffees and pastries, as well as the usual touristy knick-knacks you find in National Park shops (which this is). The coffee's not great, but it's not bad - same with the pastries.
But I stop off here not for the quality of stuff I get, but because it's nice to sit down and take a break, take in the scenery, have a chat, get recharged and then head back on out into the beautiful surrounding area. Warming Hut is perfectly placed, and recommended.
Be careful: tourists have discovered Crissy Field, so expect it to get crowded on nice days.
What I love about this place is the kid's lunch. It's cheap and just the perfect amount of food. My pick: the kick-ass peanut butter sandwich, with carrot sticks, and milk. Yum!
I've also found some nice gifts here--it's a good spot to get mugs, postcards, magnets, t-shirts, and (although I haven't bought one) beautiful framed silk screen prints of the Golden Gate National Parks designs by artist Michael Schwab. I also found a beautiful leather-bound book of National Parks maps there, which I had never seen before.
Plus, it really is a great place to go with out-of-town friends to get something to eat or drink and soak in the great views.
***********UPDATE 2/1/07***************
The Warming Hut was closed because of an electrical fire. The park service is trying to fundraise to open it up again. Here's an article about the fire:
http://www.sfgate.com/...
Also, here's a link in case you want to donate to help rebuild the hut: http://www.parksconser...
While it's closed, the Crissy Field Center will be open 7 days/week (it has a cafe & bookstore).
I really like the Warming Hut.
Now, I'm not the type of person to brave Crissy Field on the weekend. However, during the week I'm game. I guess I'm pretty lucky to have a job where I have time off during the week.
It's a lovely stop while hanging out with the little one. A snack and a cup of coffee while we walk along the promenade and go down to the beach.
I haven't really checked out the gift shop part but, the couple of different sandwiches I've gotten have been rather tasty.
Decent coffee and snacks? yes.
Touristy? yes.
Full of kitschy over-priced knickknacks? yes.
Sales benefit Golden Gate National Parks? Fantastic! I'll take four of those souvenir magnets please!
I love this place! Going to THE WARMING HUT after a long walk down Crissy Field has become a weekly ritual for me. During the holidays, they have the BEST mint mochas around...far far far superior than Starbucks (highly overrated BTW).
Don't hesitate to check this place out.
i walk crissy field several times a week, and often get coffee here. one question:
what is up with the ATTITUDEY short haired red head that woks to till? she took my drink order and STARED AT THE TIP JAR. finally i put some change in... only then she decided it was ok to make my coffee. ummm... seriously?!? the tipping situation is really going too far.
whats next... the dry cleaner?!
There was a french bulldog puppy leashed out front that kept leaping against its restraint trying to catch a pigeon.
How does that not get 4 stars or better?
Great place, beautiful location, delicious food.
What a great find this was. This place is really cute and has tasty food.
The curry chicken salad sandwich was awesome!!! Very tasty on a fresh cibatta roll. Possibly one of the best I've had yet.
They also have great hot drinks. Great weekend hangout while chilin around Crissy field.
Update: The Let's Be Frank hot dog cart was in this month's issue (November) of Gourmet - San Francisco's Best New Restaurant!
There is a hotdog cart outside the Warming Hut on weekends now. They serve the healthiest hotdog you can buy - The Omega Dog - with all organic grass-fed beef, onions, condiments, etc. The buns are even baked at a local bakery! It's the best hotdog I've ever had! Pretty steep, but hey, if I can pay $4 for a coffee, I can pay $5 for an amazing hotdog.
Definitly worth checking out on a Saturday or Sunday.
PS. I work there, so come say hi! I swear my review is unbiased...Seriously! I grew up in NY and consider hotdogs a way of life. I have abandoned Hebrew National for these guys. Mention Yelp - If I'm there (Jeff), I'll give you a discount!
Got to love the Warming Hut. A glowing light at the end of a long walk on the beach at Crissy Field. They have a great selection of tasty sandwiches (I love the chicken curry) and always do a well-executed cappucino. However, the mounds of whipped cream on top of their tasty hot chocolate are enough to make me skip the caffeine in their coffee drinks.
As a very significant bonus, they have an incredibly well-curated selection of books, games, stationery, lotions, soaps and just generally cool gifts. If you are the type of person who likes San Francisco, likes the National Parks, and finds yourself walking in Crissy Field, chances are you are going to LOVE what awaits in the retail section of the Warming Hut. They have their demographic nailed. And I guess I am squarely in it, as I can't help but spend about $60 every time I'm there. But it's for a good cause--support your Parks and shop at the Warming Hut.
Update...
Unfortunately the Warming Hut has been closed due to a fire since January 2007.
After many months of no activity, repair & construction has finally commenced. They will give no word on an expected opening date, but it's just nice to see them working on it.
I hope they restore it to its former glory, as this is a perfect place to meet up with a friend, grab a snack/cafe/tea and go for a walk. Location & views are second to none. Also a great place to pick up a small gift -- there has always been such a creative collection of goods here. And you don't have to battle crowds or worry about parking.
The right concept at the right place and at the right prices. The organic food actually tastes good and after suffering the chilly bay air, it is a nice place to grab a warm drink and even a bite to eat.
Nice selection of things to buy for "San Franciscany" type of presents to send to out of towners.
Food staff is nice, friendly, funky and interesting to look at. Shop staff were always pleasant and helpful.
Yeah, the bathrooms are average and outside the building, but if you want something nicer, go down the road to the Sports Basement.
There is also some hot dog stand out front all the time (guilt prohibits me from enjoying each time I'm there... did have one once though :)
Get the Turkey Sandwich. It is one of the best in the city and the environment can't be beat (provided you are dressed properly for the sun/rain/fog/cold/hotness)
That is all.
Great location, and a cute combo tourist shop/restaurant. Pretty expensive though, and the bagels keep getting smaller and smaller. Also, they toast the bagels on a panini-warmer rather than a toaster, which takes forever.
Mostly worth recommending because it's the starting and finishing location for the Golden Gate Running Club's weekly run on Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. (http://www.goldengater...). Great running club, okay place to grab a bite and drink afterwards.
Update, 1/8/2007: They got a bagel toaster! Huzzah! Now if they just increase the size of their bagels 33%, I'll up my rating to 4*.
Coffee and sandwiches at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. I'm not even going to review this - the next time a sunny day comes along just get your ass over there!
** BART'S WORD ON THE STREET UPDATE **
This is a great little cafe in an amazing location, but I'm taking one star off because on several occasions I've seen the staff be very rude to customers, especially around closing time. I was there last Sunday at 4:40 at watched staff literally yelling at customers - as though the customers had done something deliberately wrong by being in the store 20 minutes before closing time!
In any case you folks need to chill out.
Although the line is always long (weekends), but quite fast, the location is the best to sit and relax.
The capp. was okay and they have plenty of trinkets and stuff, maybe a new wallet? or a magnet for the fridge?
The staff here though, although tons of questioning tourists, they somehow manage. big props.
One of my favorite places in San Francisco. You can't beat the view. And it's everything the name implies: a warm little break from the wind and the fog on the bay. This is one of those places that makes you glad you live in the Bay Area. It definitely gets crowded, but it's a nice crowd. Families, dogs, cyclists, and tourists all out for a walk along the shore.

