A full moon lights the sky Saturday, meaning this weekend's nighttime is prime time for a moonlit paddle, seaside soak, or cinema classic in the park.
Film buffs and outdoor enthusiasts share common ground this Saturday when San Francisco's Dolores Park hosts Mel Brooks' comedy classic Young Frankenstein. The big screen beams under the city sky at SF's last Film Night in the Park for the season. Bring warm blankets, some munchies, a $5 donation, and low-seated lawn chairs. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition will have valets on hand to secure your two-wheelers, so pedal on over. The movie starts at 8:00 p.m.; get there by 6:30 for the best seats. Remember to scream, "It's alive!"
More info: Film Night in the Park
Moondrops on the bay surround you and the city shimmers on the horizon. What could be finer than a 360-degree paddler's-eye panorama of San Francisco by night? This Saturday, UCSF Outdoor Programs' Sausalito Moonlight Paddle gives participants sea to sky scenery — with sunset and moonrise views of the city; you'll also take in Mt. Tam, the Sausalito houseboats, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Angel and Treasure Islands. Paddles are open to all (though USCF members get a discount off the $65 price). Double-seat kayaks are used, so bring a friend — or make a new one there. You supply the muscle; nature will do the rest. Just reserve a space before 5:00 p.m Friday.
Alternative: If this popular paddle's sold out, try City Kayak in San Francisco. Their full-moon trip paddles around Cupid's Arrow, AT&T Park, and, depending on the weather, Treasure Island.
Rough week? How about a post-sunset seaside soak? Visit the secluded natural hot springs at Steep Ravine, about one mile south of Stinson Beach on Highway 1. The easiest way to reach this watery oasis is to walk down the road through the Steep Ravine cabins, then continue north along Steep Ravine Beach until you reach the end of the sand. After that you clamber over rocks (trek with caution: wear sturdy shoes with traction and bring a flashlight if going after dark) for about 500 feet to the "grotto." Most bathers here lounge au naturel in steamy sulphur-scented "hot tubs" (made of stone and sand bags). If these are too crowded, scoop your own — look for telltale bubbles on the sand's surface and start digging. UPDATED NOTE: The grotto is exposed only at extreme negative tide ─ usually at a minus 1.0-foot mean tide or lower ─ and stays exposed for about two hours. (Find tide tables here) Plan accordingly or you may find yourself in far colder water — yep, as in the Pacific.
Look for the Steep Ravine gate and sign on Highway 1; park on the east side of the road. Walk down the road 1/2 mile to the cabins. Continue walking north along the beach until you reach a rocky cliff. Walk around; the hot springs are on the other side.
TIP: The Steep Ravine Cabins are closed for maintenance this October, but they're well worth reserving for later weekends. Go to Reserve America to snag your coastal retreat.