It’s a good year to be a San Francisco sports fan. Sure, the Giants didn’t make the playoffs, but the FIFA World Cup is coming to the Bay Area this summer. Well, technically San Francisco Bay Area Stadium is in Santa Clara, but it’s totally doable to stay in the city itself, and with most of the games in the evening, you’ll have your days free to explore.
For a dose of nature in the city, head to Crissy Field. Located within the Presidio, and formerly an Army airfield, it offers amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the bay — a great place for a beach walk and people watching. If you’re looking for more of a hike, Tennessee Valley in Marin County (just north of S.F. proper) offers options from pretty flat to manageably hilly. On a typical route, you’ll encounter the gorgeous landscape and wildlife, and end in a cove that’s perfect for a picnic.
For more urban pursuits, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, semirecently renovated, is a beautiful space with 20th-century art and prominent contemporary exhibitions. The Legion of Honor and de Young are nicely different from SFMOMA, with collections of European, American, ancient art, textiles, and more. Also cool: Hitchcock filmed much of “Vertigo” at the Legion of Honor.
I’ve always liked Japantown to shop (Kinokuniya has books and gifts), eat (plenty of choices for sushi, izakaya, soba, udon), and catch a movie (the Kabuki, now on AMC). S.F.’s Japantown, or Nihonmachi, is the largest such community in the country, and speaks to the city’s status as a major entry point for Asian immigrants.
And, honestly, don’t overthink it — Alcatraz is pretty fun.