Hiking
While still sunny, San Francisco's day temperatures start to cool in August and make for perfect hiking weather. The Bay area has dozens of hikes at every level of difficulty. Try the two-mile Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline trail, which skirts the edge of Oakland's famous wetlands. Bring a camera, as you may see egrets or pelicans. Those who want a picturesque view of San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge can take the three-mile Crissy Field hike, which winds under the bridge and includes breathtaking views of the bay itself.
San Francisco Hiking Club
P.O. Box 14065
San Francisco, CA 94114
(650) 615-0151
http://www.sfhiking.com
Golfing
World-class golfing awaits, with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the nearby city skyline and San Francisco Bay. While the winds often start picking up speed in August, golfers of all playing levels will find a challenging and enjoyable course within the city limits. Try Harding Park, designed by Willie Watson over 80 years ago and recently renovated in 2009. Rates start at $35. Budget golfers will enjoy Presidio Golf, where rates start at just $8 on weekdays. Don't let the low price distract you, as Presidio offers some of the city's best golfing on over 6,500 yards populated by massive Monterey pine trees.
Harding Park
99 Harding Road
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 664-4690
http://www.harding-park.com
Presidio Golf
300 Finley Road
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 561-GOLF
http://www.presidiogolf.com
Sailing
Don't just look at the famous San Francisco Bay when you could be on it in a luxurious yacht or sailing your own boat. August is prime sailing weather, though the nights can be cool and sailors should pack a light coat or sweater. Those who want a worry-free trip on the bay can rent a catamaran with one of the bay's many tour companies, including Adventure Cat Sailing Charters. Prices start at $30 per person. Depending on your tour, the price can include food, drinks and a stunning view of California's famous August sunsets. The more adventurous may wish to learn how to sail their own sailboat with veteran sailor Captain Kirk. Prices start at $130 an hour and include lessons on the bay, including how to steer your own catamaran.
Adventure Cat Sailing Charters
(800) 498-4228
http://www.adventurecat.com
Captain Kirk's Sailing Adventures
(415) 328-6480
http://www.sfbaysail.com
Festivals
The streets of California's fourth-largest city are regularly the site of massive festivals. Catch the excitement at these events, found only in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. August is the last month to see the free Stern Grove Festival (sterngrove.org), launched in 1938 to celebrate the performing arts. Held in the Sigmund Stern Grove outdoor amphitheater, the festival runs all summer. August visitors who enjoy eclectic films will also catch the end of the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival (fest.sfjff.org), featuring award-winning Jewish films from around the world. Finally, those who don't have the time or budget to travel to Hawaii can get a glimpse of paradise at the San Francisco Aloha Festival (pica-org.org), where you can watch authentic Hawaiian entertainment and dine on delectable Hawaiian food. For more information on these festivals and others, contact the San Francisco Visitors Bureau.
San Francisco Visitors Bureau
Visitor Information Center
900 Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94102-2804
(415) 391-2000
