Gayatri Institute and Healing Arts
Neighborhood: Lower Haight

604 1/2 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117

Claire C. writes: I took Oliva D.'s advice and sought out Christie as she was a) highly recommended and b) very close to my house.  I was NOT dissapointed, in the last two months I have gone to see her three times, yes THREE times she is such a good massage therapist.…

EBM Kung Fu
Neighborhood: North Oakland, Rockridge

6300 Shattuck Ave
Oakland, CA 94609

Karin S. writes: This place is my second home.  But I never recommend it to anyone, and I'm not recommending it to you now.  Here are some reasons not to come:

1. The regular curriculum is tai chi, kung fu, kickboxing, and wrestling.  Do you really want to do all…

Crocker-Amazon Playground
Neighborhood: Excelsior

Geneva Ave & Moscow St
San Francisco, CA 94112

Ben N. writes: One of the most expansive and complete playgrounds in the city, Crocker-Amazon will meet all your sporting needs. From basketball, baseball, football, bocce ball, and tennis. You can also find a small skate park, children's playground, and a staffed…

The Corner Studio
Neighborhood: Mission

2100 Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

Dunzo S. writes: A most excellent pilates studio. Hands down my favorite.

I have tried many studios in SF and this is my stand-by.  Nicole and Liz are extremely knowledgable, approachable, and give an advanced mat class that kicks your ass. As former professional…

Reach Fitness: San Francisco Personal Training
Neighborhood: SOMA

215 Fremont
7A
San Francisco, CA 94105

mama J. writes: Work hard, play hard.  That has been my motto for, well, my life.  Call me type A or alpha female (but don't call me Shirley), I don't usually do things halfway.  

When it comes to working out...well, that's no exception to my "go big or go home"…

Studio Rasa

933 Parker St
Berkeley, CA 94710

Freyja F. writes: I love Studio Rasa, not only is it a gorgeous space and a wonderful community, but the classes and teachers are fantastic too.  My favorites are Pilates, Acroyoga and Anusara yoga and I still have to try the rest.  There is a great selection to…

Ice Chamber Athletic Performance Training

544 Cleveland Ave
Unit D
Albany, CA 94710

catherine b. writes: A Russian novel could be based on the angst that is the whole of my experience towards 'recreational' exercise. I always hated it, I'd do a half-assed job of it at the gym, and then I would feel guilty for not going more or for not doing a better job…

OneTaste Urban Retreat Center
Neighborhood: SOMA

1074 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Dan C. writes: I went here to see a presentation by a former prostitute and porn star.  I thought it would be interesting to hear the story of someone in that line of work.  She didn't really talk about her career.  Instead she talked about orgasms.  She really…

Japantown Bowl
Neighborhood: Japantown, Pacific Heights

1600 Webster Street
San Francisco, CA 94101

Johnny C. writes: I'm not a politico, I'm not an altruist, or a preservationist, or a stuckinmywaysist ... but I do like my shit to stay where it is ....and that goes double for that all too hallowed temple of Americana:  BOWLING! DON'T MESS WITH BOWLING PEOPLE!!…

Club One
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA

1455 Fillmore St
Fillmore Center
San Francisco, CA 94115

mokirobinson m. writes: I'm learning to get over my naked people phobia here.  There seems to be more lounging, hair drying, chatty naked women here than any other gym I've been to.  Apparently there is nothing that cannot be done for vast stretches of time while completely…

Blue & Gold Fleet
Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf

Pier 41
San Francisco, CA 94133

Craig E. writes: The ferry to Tiburon is awesome!!  They serve booze and it's super fast, BART could take some pointers from the ferry fleet on how to run their transit system!  It's such a beautiful ride from the Ferry Building to Tiburon, I would highly recommend…

24 Hour Fitness
Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf

350 Bay Street
San Francisco, CA 94133

Nance W. writes: This is the best location I've been to so far!

- Clean
- Less crowded
- Machines & weights more available
- No meat heads competing and flexing in mirrors
- More respect with privacy - Less people will stare at you!

I felt most comfortable coming here…

Port of Oakland Marinas
Neighborhood: East Oakland, Fruitvale

Harbor
Oakland, CA 94601

Ann L. writes: I went there 2/19/05, it was a rainy day so the views weren't that great.  Nice flat walk around.  Go to Middle Harbor Shoreline Park on a nice, sunny day.  Probably will go again because the visitor's center was closed and there's Nellie's Soulfood…

DJ's Martial Arts & Fitness Unlimited
Neighborhood: Lower Hills

4116 MacArthur Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619

shannon w. writes: I have been training with Sifu Doug Jones, and Sihing Damond Troupe since 2003, and it has changed my life in many profound ways.
Sifu is a caring, and positive teacher that expects your very best, and will help you to achieve it, mentally and…

Golden Gate Live Steamers
Neighborhood: North Berkeley Hills

Grizzly Peak Boulevard & Lomas Cantadas
Berkeley, CA 94705

Rinky A. writes: This is more fun than a barrel of monkeys!  Every Sunday (weather permitting) you can ride these trains between 11-3.

The train folk are so enthusiastic and friendly; their enthusiasm is contagious!  And it is hard to tell who is having more fun-the…

Endurance Performance Training

8 Madrona Street
Mill Valley, CA 94941

Peter F. writes: Exceptional training, if you want to drastically improve your triathlon times or biking performance, this is the best place in the bay area if not california. The e-cyclying classes are a great starting point. personalized to your abilitiy based on…

Alice Street Community Gardens

Between 3rd & 4th Streets and Folsom & Harrison
San Francisco, CA 94103

Gourmet G. writes: This small urban garden easily earns five stars for providing seniors and disabled youngsters from the area with a worthwhile community project. Individual plots of land are located beneath a nine-story, hand-painted mural. Visitors are welcome to…

Marin Bocce Federation in Albert Park

550 B Street
San Rafael, CA 94901

Bucky K. writes: How does one review an establishment or business when there isn't a yardstick in which to measure it by? I've been to numerous tacquerias. Numerous coffeehouses. But numerous Bocce Ball courts?? Nope. Only one. What I did find out quickly about Bocce…

Old Course: Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay Golf

2 Miramontes Point Road
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Kristina R. writes: Oooh, these guys make me SOOO mad!  They get three stars, only because of their fab golf course (designed by Arthur Hills)  and yummy fancy restaurant...and the spa's nice too...and the views...

BUT.  I was the chairperson of the Spring Raffle at my…

Douglass Dog Park
Neighborhood: Noe Valley

27th and Douglass Blvd
San Francisco, CA 94131

anna c. writes: Douglass is a nice, spacious dog park. The pups just love to roam around and sniff out new scents. I like that there is a group (www.fuddp.org) that watches over this park. The pups had a lot of fun at their fund raiser, Dogtoberfest, over the…

George Sterling Park

Hyde St. and Larkin Street
between Lombard and Greenwich
San Francisco, CA 94109

T-Bone L. writes: Are there tennis courts with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge?  Are there tennis courts with a view of Alcatraz?  You bet your sweet ass there are.  Alice Marble Tennis Courts sit atop the George Sterling Park which sits atop a reservoir.  The courts…

Golden Gate Park Children's Playground

Near Park Entrance at Haight and Stanyan Streets
San Francisco, CA 94117

Josua P. writes: I must be getting old. You know how I know this? Because I'm starting to say shit like, "When I was a kid..." or "I remember when..." a lot more.

Lately I've been hanging out at a lot of playgrounds with The Kid and have noticed a trend. The old…

StreetWars: Killer

San Francisco, CA 94101

Marsha Z. writes: Good kill, guys...Good kill.  But 3 to 1?  I was at an obvious disadvantage.  Admit it:  I practically ran into your arms.

StreetWars (streetwars.net) has been such a paranoia inducing experience.  The place you'd assume to feel safest, your home, was…

Burton Park

1070 Cedar Street
San Carlos, CA 94071

Meliss S. writes: This park has it all.  Three tennis courts, two horse shoe pits, four basketball courts, two baseball fields, a youth center and two playgrounds; one for babies and one for older children.  And along with all of that it has lots of empty grass fields…

Demetrios Demetriades BA, NASM, IFT, CPT & ACSM
Neighborhood: Union Square, SOMA

747 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Susan S. writes: Demetrios is an amazing trainer!  He keeps the trainings interesting and challenging.  I've recently moved to New York and wish I could have taken him with me!  I give him a "10".

Core Flow Fitness
Neighborhood: Oakland Hills

Montclair Womens' Cultural Arts Center
1650 Mountain Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94611

jill k. writes: janet welsh's classes are absolutely amazing.  core flow, which is a combination of dance, pilates, and yoga, is one of a kind, and one of the best workouts i have had.  

janet, as a person, is dynamic, knowledgeable, and down-to-earth.

you will have…

Presidio National Park

Building 201
Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123

Caroline C. writes: Great place to play frisbee after visiting the exploratorium.

San Pedro Valley Park

600 Oddstad Boulevard
Pacifica, CA 94045

Steven N. writes: This is a real hidden gem because not only is it a nice park in its own right but the trails connect to Montara Mountain and Sweeny Ridge.
The Montara Mountain connection is pretty easy just hike up to the top and you'll find a fire road that is the…

Atha Yoga
Neighborhood: Castro

66 Sanchez Street
San Francisco, CA 94114

Audra K. writes: As Dan A. stated in his review... Kristie has spoiled many of us, including my parents from Washington, DC. They still reminisce the first time I brought them to yoga at the James Howell Studio in Duboce Triangle in 2002. Now when my mom visits me in…

Crunch Hills Plaza
Neighborhood: SOMA

345 Spear St
San Francisco, CA 94105

aspasia s. writes: The Crunch e at the Hills Plaza is a gem for Crunch's chain of gyms.  It is situated by the Embarcadero.  This is my early morning gym where I drag myself at the wee hours of the morning for a couple of miles treadmill run while gazing at the Bay…

Embarcadero Center Holiday Ice Rink
Neighborhood: Financial District

4 Embarcadero Center
Justin Herman Plaza
San Francisco, CA 94111

Jack H. writes: Feelin' bah Humbug?  

Just Go Here.  Be quiet.  Stop.  Watch.  In spite of the cheesiness and cliche' aspect, your Scrooge persona will instantly and inexplicably be washed away.  Let it go.

Just stand.  Watch the smiling children skate.  Some…

San Francisco Bay Trail

San Mateo to Foster City
San Mateo, CA 94401

Jennifer W. writes: The Bay Trail, when it is finished, will be a five star feat.  Being able to cycle all around the Bay on one simple, unending strip of smooth concrete will, someday, be life changing.

In the meantime, it is a great trail, or there are good and great…

Pacifica Skatepark

540 Crespi Drive
Pacifica, CA 94044

Mark C. writes: This is a great little park that's perfect to skate if you're old like myself and just enjoy carving around and having fun. Went today and it had maybe ten people, tops; and a perfect mix between the more experienced and better skaters and little…

Maddux Park

Maddux Drive at Kensington Road
Redwood City, CA 94061

Geoff D. writes: Pristine little park geared for midday outings with young kids.  Maddux sports a couple of climbing structures, shaded picnic tables and a little water feature / sandbox area.  The park's best feature for parents and nannies is that it's fenced in…

Relay For Life

Crissy Field
July 14-15, 2007
San Francisco, CA 94101

Monika M. writes: Relay For Life is a great chance to hang out with friends, stay up all night, and go camping in the city...all for a good cause.  Last year they put on a great concert with local bands, had cancer survivors speak, and had an emotional luminaria…

China Camp State Park

Route 1 Box 244
San Rafael, CA 94901

margot b. writes: Took a nice little hike here last weekend. Loop trail about 5 miles, not too grueling at all. Parked just outside the gates of the China Camp Village and it was free. Don't think the hike took more than 2 hours, maybe less.

My husband works on the…

Urban Pilates by Brooke Gardberg
Neighborhood: Mission

351 Shotwell St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Jean W. writes: Stay Hot! That's why you should do pilates. Some pilates instructors are obsessed with their dance background, some realize P is a whole new discipline that's unfolding as we speak. I think Brooke is registered in some sort of federation. She's an…

Recreational Sports Facility RSF
Neighborhood: UC Campus Area

2301 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA 94709

vivian c. writes: I got sweaty with a nobel laureate and a know-it-all, 18-year-old pre-med today.  That's not a euphemism for kinky, brainy sex.

Richmond District YMCA
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond

360 18th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94121

zee-bin z. writes: i'm not your typical gym-type.....actually i hate going to the gym. see i've been a member at just about every gym you could join. i pay the initiation fee, the sign-up fee, the monthly fee, the transfer fee , the quitting fee, etc....and i go for…

Cupid's Span

The Embarcadero at Folsom Street
Rincon Park
San Francisco, CA 94107

Ed U. writes: I like art. Any art. Or  maybe more accurately, anything that is designed to provoke the senses. Toward that end, I think "Cupid's Span", a 2002 sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, fulfills that purpose.

When I first saw the bow and…