Playing a quick round of nine holes of golf on a foggy morning near enough to the ocean beach to hear the waves is why I love the Golden Gate Parks Golf Course. This is a short par three course, but the holes are beautifully laid out through a cypress and pine forest in the dunes. This little gem of a golf course is public, meaning play is relaxed and without fuss. It has a welcoming feel for all levels of players and if you get paired with a couple of the old regulars you will definitely hear a story or two about how "San Francisco used to be".
My favourite time to play here is early morning when it is almost 100% guaranteed to be foggy. The fog gives the course an intimate feel, particularly when, as can often happen, you are the lone player out in the early morning. Holes 4, 7 and 9 are long enough to test any player's skill, as long as you don't get distracted by the sound of the mile rock fog horn. If you are playing on weekdays, you can often just walk on, but Fridays, weekends and evenings, you'll need to make a reservation through the city's reservation system.
Find your way with 158 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
You might notice that each brick on this staircase at San Francisco's Coit Tower has a name written on it. Here's the forgotten story behind those names.
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"CA Coastal Trail" in Francisco is a calm, easy and beautiful hike that includes quite a few Bay Area landmarks - and all next to the ocean...
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Lloyd Lake in Golden Gate Park is a peaceful escape with the historic Portals of the Past — a quiet and calm spot to relax and enjoy San Francisco’s charm.
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"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
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Thanks to "Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe" in San Francisco, I can now find some of my favorite comfort food including the piroshki any time I want!
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San Francisco loves City Arts and Lectures! And, I love it too. Now I can go to the Nourse Theater and enjoy inspiring speakers and discussions.
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"Swensen's Ice Cream" in San Francisco hasn't changed since 1948. It's the chain's first store and I sill buy bulk ice cream here when I'm in the area...
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"Pug Sunday" in San Francisco is on the first Sunday of every month. Four-legged and two-legged creatures alike welcome the new month at Altaza Park.
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The Louise M Davies Symphony Hall is a beautiful space of culture and concerts. There's always something and fresh to enjoy by the SF Symphony here!
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"Victoria Pastry Co." has prompted me to travel across San Francisco solely to enjoy one of its famed cannolis. Walking into it is a test of self-control.
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"Oracle Park" in San Francisco is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America. With panoramic views of the bay, it's uniquely San Franciscan...
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"Golden Boy Pizza" is far and away the best pizza place in San Francisco. I know this is a bold claim, but everything about it is perfection...
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158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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