Photo from sanfrancisco.travel

Named one of the top 10 “green cities” in the U.S. by The Green Guide, and the second greenest U.S. city according to Popular Science, San Francisco was cited as a city that puts transit first; and dedicates more than 17 percent of its 47 square miles to parks and open space.

One of the nicest things about visiting San Francisco is that, although the city is “big” in terms of attractions and amenities, it is geographically small – only 47 square miles. Therefore, much of San Francisco may be seen on foot or by public transportation. However, what you see and do all depends on the amount of time you have. For more information about public transportation options, please read our article Get Around the Green & Easy Way.

See the “greener” side of San Francisco with these suggested itinerary ideas which get “greener” day by day. And, to be “truly” green, be sure to carry a reusable water bottle; a reusable shopping tote to carry all the items you will collect along the way

1. Hiking Yoga

Where Zen meets adventure, this 90 minute workout meets up at the Ferry building for an invigorating mix of cardio and power yoga. Treat your body right with the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island and the Financial District as your backdrop.

www.hikingyoga.com

2. Dolores Park

Come out to "The Gay Beach," one of the most popular parks in San Francisco, located at the intersection of three distinct neighborhoods, the Castro, Mission District and Noe Valley. Known for its congregation of young people and spectacular views of the City, it's a great place to see and be seen.

http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/todo/San-Francisco-Green-A-Look-into-San-Franciscos-Parks.html

3. Bike and Roll San Francisco

Not unlike getting around in the Netherlands, where the Girl hails from, biking is a great way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Bay Area. Trail map rides range from beginner to advanced.

bikeandroll.com

4. The Wiggle to Golden Gate Park

In a city known for steep hills near impossible on bike or foot, take the Wiggle. Leave no carbon footprint by using your own power on this one-mile, zig-zagging bicycle route from Market Street to Golden Gate Park that minimizes hilly inclines for bicycle riders. Rising 120 feet (37 m), The Wiggle inclines average 3% and never exceed 6%. Leave your bike and home and rent one from any one of several resources throughout the city.

Visit www.sanfrancisco.travel for bicycle rental options.

5. Conservatory of Flowers

Waltz with the flowers at this living museum in Golden Gate Park housing rare and tropical plants. The Sugar Plum Fairy surely would have enjoyed frolicking around the latest exhibit, Boomtown: Barbary Coast at the Conservatory of Flowers. An enchanting display harkening back to San Francisco’s gold rush days landscaped with hundreds of dwarf plants and several water features, model trains and more.

http://www.conservatoryofflowers.org/

6. Cable Cars

Hop onto a bit of San Francisco history, it also happens to be a great way to get around the City. Pick up at Hyde and Chestnut streets and enjoy views of Alcatraz and the Exhibition Ships at Hyde Street Pier. From Victorian Park at Hyde and Beach streets the cable car turntable offers stunning views of the Bay and Golden Gate. Jump on at the Nob Hill cable car intersection for amazing cityscapes down California and Powell Streets.

7. California Academy of Sciences

Explore a different kind of Enchanted Forest by visiting a living, breathing indoor rainforest.From chirping birds to colorful chameleons, this is an experience filled with fascinating discoveries.

55 Music Concourse Dr.

calacademy.org

8. Ferry Building

Completely re-imagined and redesigned in 2003, the Ferry Building Marketplace celebrates food in all its forms– offering everything from artisan cheeses to the freshest of local fish. Come for the farmer’s market, Tuesday: 10am–2pm, Thursday: 10 am - 2pm, Saturday: 8am-2pm.

One Ferry Building

www.sanfrancisco.travel/icons/Ferry-Building.html