The journal

Where to go on this water, what to bring, and what the shoreline you are launching from used to be.

A kayaker on bright water with the downtown San Francisco skyline behind.On the waterThe Perfect San Francisco Outdoor Adventure ItineraryYou’ve got one full day in SF, or you live here and you’re done with the same Saturday loop. You don’t need Marin, you don’t need a car, and you don’t need…

On the water

All 14

Where to go, what you will see, and what a day on the bay is actually like.

Paddlers on the water at Crane Cove on a clear day.On the waterEnd of Summer Activities in San Francisco: Get Outside Before FallA paddleboarder under the Bay Bridge, seen over the bow of a yellow kayak.On the waterSUP Rental San Francisco Bay: Everything You Need to KnowA line of kayaks on open water with the downtown San Francisco skyline behind.On the waterBest Things to Do on SF Bay This Summer

Sauna and plunge

The barrel sauna, the cold water, and what the two of them do together.

Two people standing in front of the barrel sauna after a session.Sauna and plungeCold Plunge in San Francisco: What It Does and Where to Try ItThe barrel sauna in the room at Crane Cove, plants around it and a bench in front.Sauna and plungeSauna and Cold Plunge in San Francisco: Why Fall Is the Best Time to StartThe barrel sauna at Crane Cove, the deck in front of it and the towel rail beside.Sauna and plungeThe Waterfront Sauna at Crane Cove

Giants game days

Paddling McCovey Cove, and the neighbourhood around the ballpark.

A line of paddlers on the water in front of Oracle Park.Giants game daysThings to Do Near Oracle Park San FranciscoTwo paddlers in a yellow kayak in front of the brick wall of Oracle Park.Giants game daysKayaking McCovey Cove on Giants Game Day

Skills and safety

All 7

Tides, weather, routes and the things worth knowing before you push off.

Three young paddlers standing on paddleboards under the Bay Bridge.Skills and safetyPaddleboarding San Francisco: Beginner’s GuideChildren in life jackets on the beach beside a paddleboard.Skills and safetySan Francisco Water Sports for Beginners: Everything You Need to KnowTwo paddlers on boards in front of the Bay Bridge in flat winter light.Skills and safetyWinter Paddling in SF

The waterfront

All 7

Crane Cove, Mission Creek and the working shoreline they were built on.

Inside the shop at Crane Cove, boards on the orange wall and the counter beyond.The waterfrontHow Dogpatch Paddle Started: 6 Years on the BayKayakers rafted together on the water with the downtown skyline behind.The waterfrontCrane Cove Park San Francisco: Visitor GuideThe lawn at Crane Cove Park with the shed and the gantry crane behind.The waterfrontPier by Pier: The Cranes of Crane Cove

Groups and events

All 5

Birthdays, team days and the logistics of getting a group on the water.

A group in yellow kayaks rafted together with the city skyline behind them.Groups and eventsBirthday Party Ideas in San Francisco: Get Your Group Out on the BayA large group on the beach at Crane Cove in life jackets, arms raised, the gantry crane behind them.Groups and eventsPrivate Kayak Events on San Francisco Bay: How to Plan YoursTwo people in a white sea kayak holding their paddles above their heads.Groups and eventsBachelorette Party San Francisco: Take It Outside

Gear and kit

All 7

Boards, paddles and what to wear, tested on this water.

A rack of paddle blades in blue and yellow.Gear and kitDo I need a Carbon Fiber Paddle?Two paddlers standing on the beach beside two inflatable paddleboards, the Pier 70 shipyard cranes behind them.Gear and kitPaddle Board AttireA rider on a Onewheel board on a San Francisco street.Gear and kitA Month With My Onewheel…

Camps

All 9

Summer camp on the water, for kids who have never paddled and kids who never stop.

A young paddler sitting on a paddleboard with legs stretched out, the Crane Cove shed behind.CampsTeen Outdoor Adventure Camp San Francisco 2026Young campers on bright paddleboards on the water at Crane Cove Park.CampsBeginner Paddleboard Camp for Kids in San FranciscoA group of teenagers on the path above the beach, arms round each other.CampsBest Outdoor Summer Camps in San Francisco 2026

News from the water

Twice a month: what is on at Crane Cove and Mission Creek, and what is coming up next.

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