Whether you have a few hours to yourself on a family vacation or just moved to San Francisco to start college, you may be looking for fun activities for young adults. While much of San Francisco's downtown area is devoted to business, other parts of the city offer plenty of fun things to do and interesting places to explore.
The San Francisco area offers plenty of surfing opportunities for beginners and experienced surfers. If you don't have your own, rent a board and wetsuit at one of San Francisco's many surf shops. The employees at these shops will also be able to provide you with information on surfing lessons. If you have surfed before, consider braving the often choppy waters of Ocean Beach on San Francisco's Great Highway. This popular surfing beach offers some thrilling rides for the experienced surfer---but beware of rip tides. If you're new to the sport, consider venturing further south to Pacifica or Half Moon Bay, where shallower and calmer beginner-friendly beaches abound.
Aqua Surf Shop
2830 Sloat Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94116
415-242-9283
aquasurfshop.com
Golden Gate Park offers a lot more than footpaths and the occasional bench. As you wander through its 1,017 acres, you will stumble across many hidden gems. At Stow Lake, you can rent a paddle boat and paddle around the island in the center of the lake. The de Young Museum houses dozens of pieces of fine art and hosts visiting exhibits. The California Academy of Sciences offers an in-depth view of the natural world and includes an indoor four-story rainforest. This park is also an ideal place to ride your bike, play golf (regular or Frisbee), go fly fishing, try your hand at archery, and more.
Golden Gate Park
Park Presidio Bypass Drive and Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-831-2700
sf-recpark.org/index.aspx?page=60
People often speak as if Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf are miles away from one another, but in fact these two areas are within a few blocks of each other. Pier 39 offers plenty of fun activities once you've had your fill of watching the sea lions. Find your way out of a mirror maze or see how high you can jump on a bungee trampoline. If the sea lions left you wanting more contact with ocean-dwellers, visit the Aquarium of the Bay. At Fisherman's Wharf, you'll have your pick of several museums, including a wax museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum. If you're hungry, visit Ghirardelli Square for various chocolate treats.
Pier 39
Beach Street & The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-705-5500
pier39.com
Fisherman's Wharf Merchants Association
Taylor Street & Jefferson Street
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-674-7503
fishermanswharf.org
San Francisco offers a vibrant music and cultural scene geared toward young adults. The Haight, a neighborhood once known for its hippie culture, is now a popular place for teens and young adults to hang out. Here you'll find record stores, vintage clothing shops and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. If you're at least 21 years old and in the mood for hip, live music, wander east along Haight Street until you hit Divisadero Street, and turn left. In a few blocks you will see The Independent on your right. This small club often hosts shows by famous visiting musicians, and many nights you will see other young adults lined up down the block.
Haight Street & Ashbury Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
lovehaight.org
The Independent
628 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
415-771-1421
theindependentsf.com
