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The San Francisco Insider – Drew's Tips: What to do on your Three Day Weekend!

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Ready for a break after your week of studying hard for your English courses? The San Francisco Insider is a regular contribution from EC San Francisco teacher Drew Rogers, who knows how to make the most of anybody’s stay in the San Francisco Bay Area!

Ok , so you have a three day holiday in SF this Monday and don’t know what to do??

Actually, rethink that—the hard part is limiting your options! Soooo much you can do-but as the ferries will end services after October 26th (to the islands) then take advantage of the smaller crowds and nice weather now. Just remember, banks are closed and just about everything else is open for Columbus Day despite the fact that he never came to our shores!

Don’t want to go far?

Jack of All Trades Market Oakland
Image via FreeCheapSF

Check out the long list of things to do in SF, or take BART to Jack London Square in the East Bay for a variety of activities from free coffee tour guides to Oakland’s Jack of All Trades Market (by the same people who produce the Treasure Island Flea) features a curated mix of nearly 100 local makers, indie designers, antiquers, collectors, artists, start-ups and more. In addition to shopping for one-of-a-kind items, there are food and craft beers.

Always make sure to check out the FUNCHEAPSF website for lists of fun and free events. You can search by days or by the weekend.

If you want to venture to the islands or coves nearby, a special treat...

Alcatraz Sunrise Ceremony
2013 Alcatraz Sunrise Ceremony via Native News Online.

A DIFFERENT VERSION OF ALCATRAZ: Indigenous natives’ SUNRISE CEREMONY !!! MONDAY ONLY for $11. Get tickets ASAP and get ready for a very unique American Indian experience unlike any in the USA (schedule of ferries—remember to always look at the HOLIDAY/Weekend schedule-Monday being a holiday!).

  • This is a one day event. Boats will depart Pier 33 at approximately 5:15am, 5:30am, 5:45am, and 6:00am. The Indigenous People’s Sunrise Gathering is a commemoration of the 1969-71 occupation of Alcatraz by the “Indians of All Tribes.” Buy tickets online–it is easier and better than going to the ticket booth!!!

As you’ll be finished by about 9 am from Alcatraz, you can return to SF or Sausalito and take the other ferry to Angel Island and play volleyball, hike around the island with binoculars, or just soak up the sun on the grass and eat at the cafe—or rent a kayak and check out the coves while looking at SF as if you could swim to it–it’s breathtaking and most native SF have never been here! But before you go, make sure to check the Holiday/Weekend ferry schedules.

For those who have wheels—either a bike or car:

View from Kirby Cove via Wikipedia
View from Kirby Cove via Wikipedia.
  • For biking, here is a well-kept secret: Kirby Cove! It is too late to camp there as its sold out (only 5 campsites), but pack a picnic or snack and a frisbee or soccer ball, or just walk this beach and bring your camera for EPIC views of SF and the Golden Gate Bridge from a unique vantage point. Read this page and scroll down for easy bike directions—only takes a half hour from SF by bike! Oh, and it’s free to use the picnic tables there as long as you aren’t over six or so.

If you’re still feeling good, continue to Sausalito (a romantic hamlet) and take the ferry back with your bike—stellar views, food and ice cream awaits you. Be sure to buy your ticket at the vending machine–credit cards are okay–near the ferry dock behind the fountain and grass park. Ferries go back early afternoon so check the Holiday schedules.

You can also take the bus to Muir Woods from SF or Sausalito which is a delight this time of the year: again, think Summer and Fall, so layers are essential! Easy hiking under a deep Redwood forest! Bambis and birds abound (hawks). How? Two ways: either take a ferry from SF to Sausalito and then hop the bus from there or ride bikes to Sausalito and then take the bus and lock your bikes in Sausalito (it’s safe there). Fares and times are marked—remember to check the holiday/weekend schedules!

And after the fun is over you can relive it and share it by easily uploading some of your adventures and photos to the EC SF Facebook page!

Enjoy your holiday weekend, everybody–go have fun and practice your English while doing it!

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