by Ben Gorman

Created on: April 07, 2007   Last Updated: December 04, 2008

Ah, San Francisco......

Some years ago, I had the great good fortune to live in "the city" for about six years. Having led a moderately mobile life thus far, I have sojourned, for varying periods of time, in a wide range of cities- from hamlets of about 700 people to megalopolises of umpteen millions. My experience may not be world-class, but I can say with certainty that my favorite city of large size is San Francisco.

It is an international, cosmopolitan haven for progressive thought and action that happens to be situated in one of the more beautiful locales in the United States. That natural beauty is what first drew me to San Francisco (let's not talk about that special someone who was waiting there for me) and it's what kept me there so long, despite discontent with my job and the high cost of living (let's not get get into the departure of that special someone from my life).

So my suggestions for things to do in San Francisco in springtime will tend to be related to the land and the natural beauty of the place. Put on your comfortable walking shoes: here we go!

1. If you're anything like me, you need to take in a good, long view now and again, especially when you arrive at a new place and want to get your bearings. The best view in and of San Francisco, for my money, is from Twin Peaks. It's a twin-topped hill located at about the geographical center of the city. It's not so terribly high (about 920 ft.) but the view, on a fresh spring day, with the air spring-cleaned by the Pacific westerlies and the sun warm at your back (afternoon is best), is nothing short of spectacular. I often walked up there from my nearby Noe Valley digs (a good workout but not very taxing if you're fit) and just sat and stared out over the city and the Bay. Views westward are partly obstructed by slightly higher Mt. Davidson, but on a clear day you can take in a panorama spanning the Golden Gate to San Bruno Mountain, so you don't feel cheated at all.

2. Since your view of the Pacific was obscured at Twin Peaks, you can make up for it with a leisurely stroll along that wild western shoreline bordering the Great Highway. Start at the north end at the Cliff House (the fourth edifice bearing that name to be built on that rocky promontory since the mid-1800s) and delight yourself with a breathtaking view of Ocean Beach, extending southward, uninterrupted, for several miles. On your walk, you can find sand dollars and seashells and you might be lucky enough to spot a dolphin at play or

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