I need to relax. Really need to relax. No wait, not that much.
August 2, 2013 11:03 AM Subscribe
Excluding spas and meditation, what are the most relaxing but entertaining/engaging things to do in the Bay Area this weekend?
Mrs. Eschatfische and I would like to do something supremely relaxing this weekend, but we're perhaps somewhat picky about what's relaxing versus non-relaxing, even in the same category of relaxing things.
To provide an example, we find spending an hour sitting in the dark listening to music at Audium as being relaxing. However, neither of us found spending an hour in a floatation tank to be relaxing in the slightest.
Another example: we find Forbidden Island to be a relaxing place to get drinks, even when it's kind of busy. However, we've never, ever found going to Smuggler's Cove to be relaxing.
The old Academy of Sciences was relaxing to visit, but the new Academy of Sciences certainly isn't. (And we've been to virtually all of the Bay Area's museums at this point, but would potentially be interesting in a particularly relaxing new exhibit.)
A lot of what we find relaxing has to do with a lack of crowds, a dim or dark atmosphere, just enough music or intellectual stimulation to keep our minds busy, and a laid back and friendly or otherwise casual vibe.
Outdoors things are fine, but longish hikes or lots of standing is out for me right now.
Any thoughts?
Mrs. Eschatfische and I would like to do something supremely relaxing this weekend, but we're perhaps somewhat picky about what's relaxing versus non-relaxing, even in the same category of relaxing things.
To provide an example, we find spending an hour sitting in the dark listening to music at Audium as being relaxing. However, neither of us found spending an hour in a floatation tank to be relaxing in the slightest.
Another example: we find Forbidden Island to be a relaxing place to get drinks, even when it's kind of busy. However, we've never, ever found going to Smuggler's Cove to be relaxing.
The old Academy of Sciences was relaxing to visit, but the new Academy of Sciences certainly isn't. (And we've been to virtually all of the Bay Area's museums at this point, but would potentially be interesting in a particularly relaxing new exhibit.)
A lot of what we find relaxing has to do with a lack of crowds, a dim or dark atmosphere, just enough music or intellectual stimulation to keep our minds busy, and a laid back and friendly or otherwise casual vibe.
Outdoors things are fine, but longish hikes or lots of standing is out for me right now.
Any thoughts?
My favorite outdoor spot is Mt. Tam. You can drive to the top in about 40 minutes from San Francisco. With a 10-20 minute hike you can walk over a small hill from the parking lot to have an amazing view of the bay. Walk 30 seconds off the trail and you will probably not see another person while you are there. I enjoy bringing a picnic / book and relaxing there for an hour or so.
posted by Phredward at 11:27 AM on August 2, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by Phredward at 11:27 AM on August 2, 2013 [2 favorites]
Not quiet, but an early morning walk across (or halfway across) the Golden Gate bridge, while things are still misty, is unearthly and weird and worth doing. (When not misty, the views are fantastic of course.)
posted by fingersandtoes at 11:36 AM on August 2, 2013
posted by fingersandtoes at 11:36 AM on August 2, 2013
Go and hang out at the beach in Alameda. The weather will be great, the views are fantastic, it's easy to park and it's super mellow.
posted by bobdow at 12:35 PM on August 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by bobdow at 12:35 PM on August 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
Is Sonoma too far? Grabbing some cheese, wine, fruit, and bread from the local shops and eating it in that grassy downtown square is supremely relaxing for me, as is the drive out there.
posted by homodachi at 5:14 PM on August 2, 2013
posted by homodachi at 5:14 PM on August 2, 2013
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Have lunch at the Red Tavern on Clement Street (as long as you're schlepping out to the Richmond) Pelmeni dumplings. Pickles. Finished off with tea and preserves. Arrrggghhh.
Another dark and quiet place for lunch is the Oak Room at the St. Francis.
A drive down State Road 9 is beautiful, dark and tree lined. It's not quite San Francisco, but it's worth the drive.
Those are some of my favs.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 11:13 AM on August 2, 2013