Now that it is a New Year it is time to make those pesky resolutions. The secret of successful New Year’s Resolutions is choosing things that you actually want to accomplish. I have compiled a list of fun activities, each with a link providing more details, to transform your New Year’s Resolutions into a fun adventure. Make this your best year ever!
Eat more chocolate – it is found to be healthy in moderation. San Francisco has spawned a number of Chocolatiers beginning with Ghirardelli. Read about an Artisan Chocolate Walking Tour that you can enjoy solo or with some friends.
Drink more champagne – Northern California has local bubbly producers practically in our own backyard. Read about my favorite picks and spend a day exploring, touring and tasting. Stop by the Bubble Lounge for a glass of champagne and read about some favorite haunts for sipping bubbles.
Celebrate local, fresh food – If you haven’t visited one of the gourmet food trucks roaming our streets then you just haven’t lived. Off the Grid features a collection of food trucks in a central location. New this month there will be four trucks at Pier 27/29 on Thursday and Saturday’s from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Get some exercise – Walk along the picturesque Embarcadero Waterfront where it won’t feel like exercise but a fun excursion. Hike the stairs to Coit Tower for a nice workout, where you will be rewarded by panoramic views. Then stroll through North Beach, aka Little Italy. Explore Land’s End and the myriad of trails along the Pacific Ocean. Visit Glen Canyon Park and indulge your inner rock climber.
Play Tourist – Check out some neighborhoods that you aren’t familiar with. The Mission’s 24th Street corridor is an authentic Latino district where you can find specialty foods, music, and clothing. If you are feeling adventurous start at the eastern end of 24th and walk west to Noe Valley. Stop frequently to peruse shops, dine, and absorb the rich culture.
Get some Culture – Visit Fillmore Street Jazz District for some live music. Be transported to Asia without the long flight via Japantown. Spend the day in Golden Gate Park, our version of Central Park.
Ride the Cable Car – this is one our best forms of transportation, think of the trip as a traveling museum. Avoid walking those steep hills and disembark to explore Nob Hill.
Don’t be afraid of Fisherman’s Wharf – it isn’t just for tourists. Read about places that locals love.
Visit the Wine Country more often – with Napa and Sonoma an hour away, there is no excuse not to visit more often. Discover the Carneros Region best known for sparkling wine, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drive all the way up the Napa Valley and chill out at Calistoga’s famous hot springs resorts. Discover Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County where you feel as though you are in Europe.
Beachtime – While our beaches are rarely warm, they are beautiful and provide views while walking along the sandy shores. Half Moon Bay is a mere thirty minutes away but feels miles away. Continue south along the coast to Santa Cruz where you can find out what the locals enjoy. Monterey and Carmel are only a short drive south for views, restaurants, golf, and shopping.
Walk on the Wild Side – Experience wildlife on a water safari at Moss Landing where spotting sea otters, seals and birds becomes an obsession. If you haven’t been to the San Francisco Zoo lately then you don’t know what you are missing. And if you have ever dreamed of going on an African Safari but don’t have the time or money, then visit Safari West in Sonoma for all the adventure without the long flight.
Art Matters – Visit museums more often this year where you will discover something new and inspirational. Make it your mission to check out some new museums near Yerba Buena Gardens including SFMOMA.
Play the Ponies – Golden Gate Fields offers more entertainment with live racing, Dollar Days, and special events. Read about what to expect when visiting the track.
Time for Tea – Get dressed up and enjoy afternoon tea at one of these venues. If you enjoy polo and tea, then visit Tal-y-Tara where you can combine both in a cozy tea and polo shoppe.
Fast forward to the end of 2013, reflecting on the success of your New Year’s Resolutions you will be surprised how easy it was.
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About the Author: Karla is the author of several travel columns covering wine, food, horse racing, and exotic car events, as well as undiscovered travel locations. Discover more from over 350 travel articles of places to explore.
©Karla Erovick 2013 article
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