In addition to Golden Gate Park and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (discussed earlier in this chapter), San Francisco boasts more than 2,000 acres of parkland, most of which is perfect for picnicking or throwing around a Frisbee.

Smaller city parks include Buena Vista Park (Haight St. between Baker and Central sts.), which affords fine views of the Golden Gate and is also a favored lounging ground for gay lovers; Ina Coolbrith Park (Taylor St. between Vallejo and Green sts.), offering views of the Bay Bridge and Alcatraz; and Sigmund Stern Grove (19th Ave. and Sloat Blvd.) in the Sunset District, which is the site of a famous free summer music festival.

One of my personal favorites is Lincoln Park, a 270-acre green on the northwestern side of the city at Clement Street and 34th Avenue. The California Palace of the Legion of Honor is here , as is a scenic 18-hole municipal golf course. But the best things about this park are the 200-foot cliffs that overlook the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. To get to the park, take bus no. 38 from Union Square to 33rd and Geary streets, and walk a few blocks.