It's only every four years that we're blessed with the Olympics, a presidential election, and an entire extra day in February. Leap Day is just around the corner! Instead of letting this 24-hour bonus go to waste, why not take advantage of Leap Day in a way that only a San Franciscan can? We've rounded up eight ideas to make the most of February 29 in the City by the Bay:
1. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge: It's shocking how many San Franciscans have never walked across the city's most famous icon. The mile-and-a-half stroll is arguably the world's most beautiful footpath. Why not celebrate Leap Day with an every-four-years trek across?
2. Visit the Fortune Cookie Factory: Now that the Chinese New Year crowds have dwindled, wander through the charming alleys of Chinatown until you find the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory at 59 Ross Alley. This sweet-smelling nook in the heart of the city remains unchanged after decades. Photos are $1 unless you buy some fortune cookies, and you'll want to buy some fortune cookies because cookies, and also because this is quite possibly the coolest Instagram shot on the West Coast.
3. Have a spa day: Be honest. You haven't exhaled since before Thanksgiving. But who's got the time to spend the day at a spa? Lucky for us it's a leap year. Make the most of this rare bonus day by finally giving your body the break it needs. Kabuki Day Spa is an affordable way to spend hours unwinding. From the hot communal pool to the chilly cold plunge, wander this Japantown institution in between massages and saunas. March will thank you for it.
4. Indulge in movie madness: February 29 might be Leap Day, but February 28th is Oscar night. If you hadn't gotten around to seeing all the nominated films, now you have a full day to celebrate the winners. San Francisco is home to some truly great movies houses, from the historic Castro Theatre to the state-of-the-art Sundance Kabuki Cinema.
5. Register to vote: Just like Leap Day, the country's biggest election comes along once every four years. If you haven't already registered to vote, swing down to City Hall or sign up online to make sure your voice is heard. May 26 is the last day to register before the June 7 primary, where San Franciscans will not only vote in the Presidential Primary, but chime in on local races like State Assembly and State Senate, as well as vote for our Congressperson in Washington.
6. Give back: We've all been blessed with a lot more than just an extra day on the calendar. Kick off a new commitment to giving back by spending your Leap Day volunteering for a worthy cause. Glide Memorial in the Tenderloin is a great place to start. The breakfast and lunch program for the city's homeless is always in need of friendly faces to fill shifts.
7. Explore Alcatraz: San Francisco's coolest tourist attraction isn't just for visitors. A tour of our famous island prison should be a must on every local's to-do list. An extra day in the off-season is a great time to avoid the crowds and wander the spooky halls of Alcatraz. Be sure to take advantage of the truly spectacular audio tour, complete with actual raspy-voiced prisoner interviews.
8. Get to know the other side of the Bay: Most San Franciscans hate to leave the city. Why brave bridges and tunnels when we've got everything we need in seven square miles? But treasures lie beyond the sparking waters of the Bay. Spend your extra day getting to know San Francisco's chic suburbs. If you're looking for a place to start, we recommend Temescal Alley in Oakland, but we can actually give you 12 good reasons to visit the 'burbs.
