Where San Franciscans Go to Escape the Collapse of Society

If these SF anecdotes prove anything… it’s that nature is, in fact, healing (and great for bolstering our collective mental health).

It’s almost comical at this point to say that the world is churning in uncharted waters, plunged into a daily riptide of what-if statements that ebb and flow between economic collapses and housing shortages, to climate crisis woes and the (potential) takeover of artificial intelligence. But… yea… here we (still) are.

Climate change is already affecting food security in three ways:
🌡️ increasing temperatures;
🌧️ changing precipitation patterns;
🌪️ greater frequency of extreme hazards;
Check out the @IPCC_CH report ➡️ https://t.co/6HPGDM1uUl pic.twitter.com/TCTQS0dhs5

— UNDRR (@UNDRR) April 18, 2023

But that’s not to say you can’t still find pockets of cool calm to escape the detritus of an increasingly entropic world— especially here in the Bay.

Access to Mother Nature and the great outdoors is essential to human health; walking through green spaces and outdoor venues is literally proven to increase our moods and general outlooks on life.

And fellow San Franciscans to ask where they’re going these days to clear their minds and forget about the world’s issues.

So, when you’re feeling a bit stir-crazy cozied up to your WFH setups, or just need a place to escape your ruminating thoughts around the collapse of modern-day society, check out these vetted serene spots recommended by your neighbors.

“For peace and quiet, I love to go on a walk through the Richmond to cafés off the beaten path. Fifty/Fifty is one of my favorites!” — Anthony Rogers

“I love walking around the steps of Grace Cathedral.” — Shelby H.

“I like the trail between the Golden Gate Bridge and Baker Beach. You pass the old gun batteries in the Presidio. It’s a coastal trail and blends both the California Coastal Trail and the Battery to Bluffs Trail. On some mornings, after I drop off my daughter, I run through Ghirardelli, Fort Mason, Chrissy Field, then left onto the trail. The view is amazing and in the early morning, there aren’t a lot of people.” — Raesue King

“I like walking along Ocean Beach, especially the Upper Great Highway for a few miles when it’s car-free. — Shelby K.

“I really love walking to Pioneer Park and looking at Coit Tower. Also, the landscape around the Conservatory of Flowers is so beautiful — and you can still walk and see them. Get a blanket and just soak up the sun with some new flower friends in their front area.” — Eric C.

“Kite Hill! I’ve meditated and done yoga there a few times.” — Brian B.

“I really like going to Baker Beach when I can. It’s really calming, and I can always bring a book or my noise-canceling headphones to chill out with.” — Franko Salvatore

“Batteries to Bluffs Trail is great. It’s never really that crowded either.” — Matthew D.

“Corona Heights Park. And in the mornings, I like to sit atop the rocks and see the sunrise. It’s calming and centering, for sure.” — Melissa E.

“Glen Canyon Park and Mt. Davidson is a double whammy you can hike in an afternoon, easy. When I’m feeling stir-crazy, it’s my favorite escape to put on my shoes and walk through each. Mt. Davidson is also San Francisco’s highest peak, so the views are breathtaking. In a poetic way, hiking up to its summit is like actively getting out and above the stuff in your head.” — Jamie McDowell

“A bike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge is something I can still do to clear my head and find some calm.” — Justin Melbourne

“The Panhandle reminds me that my city is very much alive when I go on my post-work walk. I’ll admit — it’s not exactly quiet. But my soul feels rested and at peace there. Sometimes, there’s a jazz concert or solo pianist playing at the basketball courts. There are always people doing yoga or reading on the grass. When you’ve been kept inside all day and staring at a screen, especially for someone like me who lives alone, it’s hard to convey how nice it is to see actual human beings doing their thing.” — Julia Licata

“I like to go out to Sutro Heights Park when I need some calm and peace. There are the ruins of an old house there that you can walk up into that has a beautiful view of the coast and the ocean, and that is my secret place.” — Rachel Azana

“Golden Gate Park during the weekday. There’s even bison — what’s not to love?” — Eoin McMillan

Feature image: Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons