Explore that splotch of green on the map between Baker Beach and Crissy Field and you’ll find hiking trails, Yoda, a centuries-old adobe wall, and some fascinating art projects. What started as a Spanish fort built by Ohlone conscripts in 1776 is now a treasure hunt of surprises. Begin your adventures at the Main Post to get trail maps at the visitor center and inquire about site-specific art installations by Andy Goldsworthy.

Grab air with pro skaters blasting ollies off San Francisco's best concrete bowls. Downsides: the bathroom is sketchy, and graffiti on the concrete can make for a slippery ride. Wait for a clean area of the bowl to bust big moves and leave room for little skaters in kneepads. For gear, hit up nearby Mission Skateboards.

The sun sets over the Pacific just beyond the fog at this blustery beach. Most days are too chilly for bikini-clad clambakes but fine for hardy beachcombers and hardcore surfers braving riptides (casual swimmers, beware). Ocean Beach allows bonfires in 16 artist-designed firepits until 9:30 p.m.; no alcohol permitted. Stick to paths in the fragile southern dunes, where skittish snowy plover shorebirds shelter in winter.

Everyone loves this easy-access cove, flanked by the massive comma-shaped Municipal Pier, where fishermen cast their lines and lovers wander hand in hand. Eccentricity along Fisherman’s Wharf is mostly staged, but here it’s real: hardy swimmers dive from the concrete beachfront into the blood-curdling waters of the bay, aging hippies mumble conspiracy theories on the grassy knoll of Victoria Park, and wistful tycoons contemplate sailing far away from their smartphones.

America's legendary coast-to-coast Lincoln Highway officially ends at 100-acre Lincoln Park, which served as San Francisco's cemetery until 1909. The city's best urban hike leads through Lincoln Park around Lands End, following a partially paved coastline trail with glorious Golden Gate views and low-tide sightings of coastal shipwrecks. Pick up the trailhead north of the Legion of Honor, or head up the tiled steps near 32nd Avenue. Book in advance for scenic Lincoln Park Golf Course.

At 312 acres, McLaren is the second largest park in San Francisco proper, and arguably the most underrated. There are some 7 miles of trails (including the lovely Philosopher’s Way) that spread over forests, fields, and excellent hillside views of the city. This is a wilder park than Golden Gate, and is great for urban hiking, bird-watching, and spotting the random coyote.

You haven't seen San Francisco until you've seen it from the water. Newbies to kayaking can take lessons and paddle calm waters near the Bay Bridge; experienced paddlers can rent kayaks to brave currents near the Golden Gate (conditions permitting; get advice first). Sporty romantics: twilight tours past the Bay Bridge lights are ideal for proposals.

This quality bike-rental shop cleverly gives you the choice of paying for your rental or taking the cost as credit for purchases (valid for 72 hours) at sporting-goods store Sports Basement, in the Presidio en route to the Golden Gate Bridge. Guided 2.5-hour bike tours of the Golden Gate Bridge include all-day bike rentals ($23-30 extra per person).