Sam Spade's San Francisco

Are you currently a fence sitter pondering the idea of evolving into a park walker?

If so, you should know that this coming Saturday and Sunday are expected to be in the high 90's inland and may even hit triple digits in parts of the valley. San Francisco, however, is expected to be in the mid 70's ... which is just about perfect.

This Sunday is the 19th annual AIDS Walk San Francisco. The 10k (6.2 mile) trek is the largest AIDS fundraiser in California with over 25,000 registrants.

The walk begins in Golden Gate Park's Sharon Meadows and then winds its way through the park to Ocean Beach. Take a short break and enjoy the Pacific Ocean on a delightful summer day, and walk back on a different route through the park. The route is clearly marked and refreshment stations with portable restrooms and drinking water are provided all along the route.

While you're in Golden Gate Park, either before or after the walk, consider visiting the National AIDS Memorial Grove.

Later, plan to have lunch at one of the many neighborhood restaurants in the Sunset District that are centered around 9th and Irving Streets. If you want a view and don't mind waiting a bit for a table, try the Beach Chalet or the Cliff House. Just around the corner from the Cliff House you will find Louie's, a little spot perched on the side of the cliff overlooking the ruins of the Sutro Baths and the Pacific Ocean beyond. One block up, at the corner of Geary Boulevard and Point Lobos Avenue, you will find Seal Rock Inn, another good spot for lunch with an ocean view.

For information about planning this weekend in The City, try these links:

San Francisco AIDS Walk

National AIDS Memorial Grove

San Francisco MUNI (public transportation)

BART

Find more good restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, attractions by visiting one of these two excellent sites:

Mister SF.com

SF Station

You will find a good San Francisco street map here

Only in San Francisco ... the SF Convention and Visitor's Bureau site

The Cliff House (reservations accepted)

The Beach Chalet (reservations accepted)

SF Gate, the online version of the San Francisco Chronicle offers a information-packed Entertainment section.

The Bay Area Reporter is a major San Francisco's Queer newspaper and information source.

The Bay Times newspaper is another major Queer news source for San Francisco.