THE MAGIC HOUR

Sometimes it's good to be a tourist in your own city... but I say that with care. There are some places I highly recommend you steer clear of (like Fisherman's Wharf), but there are others that I love to go back to again and again.

The Sutro Baths is on that list and while I'd been before, my most recent visit was definitely the best so far. The key is to go at sunset. The ruins are perched on the rocky cliffs off the West Coast of the Peninsula. The landscape is raw & intense there. You certainly don't want to be caught without a jacket, but the view is unparalleled. It's impossible to see something like that and not feel lucky to live here. Add in a scooter ride along the coast at the magic hour to get there, some excellent company, and a glass of wine at the Cliffhouse and you've got yourself a perfect evening.

Oh and one other little known secret for success... get your glass of wine at the bar and then leave the crowd behind. You can quietly sneak down the elevator to the bottom floor and exit through some back of house doors out onto ocean lookout below. While not technically allowed... they don't seem to mind too much as long as you bring the glasses back.