5 Activities for September "Summer" in San Francisco

Just when I'm ready to start wearing wool sweaters and tweed, San Francisco's summer officially begins at the start of September. The next two months are the best possible time to visit the city: the sun is out, the tourist crowds are gone, fun free events are scheduled for almost every weekend. Here are five ways that I like to enjoy our September "summer:"

1. Park Chalet Beer Tasting - Park Chalet is out at the very end of Golden Gate Park, next to Ocean Beach. The back atrium doors are thrown open and the lawn is full of dogs and kids on a sunny weekend day. Try a tasting flight of their micro-brewed beers.

2. Hike in Marin Headlands. Last weekend, we completed the 7.5 mile loop between Tennessee Valley and Muir Beach. At the turnaround, stop in to the adorably British Pelican Inn for lunch of fish and chips out on the lawn.

3. Cross over to Oakland. Jack London Square has been spruced up in recent years and now features all kinds of lovely patio restaurants, a farmer's market, fountains, kayak rentals and shops. We went to Jack's a few weeks ago for the pastrami-cured salmon.

4. Hike in the Redwoods. Escape the heat with a hike or bike ride through shady redwood groves. Muir Woods in Marin is a popular choice, but Redwood Regional Park in Oakland is much less crowded.

5. Ferry Building Picnic. Get oysters at the Ferry Building in San Francisco...or, if shellfish isn't your thing, fresh baked bread, cheeses, meats, heirloom tomatoes, gourmet ice cream, cakes, steamed pork buns and more. Sunday is much less crowded than Saturday. Finish it off with a freshly made macchiato from Blue Bottle. Walk down the Embarcadero to watch an inning of a late season Giant's game from the free field-side viewing platform.