The Healthy Guide to the Bay Area
You've heard it before, folks: health is wealth, your body is a temple, so on and so forth. Cliches aside, our bodies do a lot for us so it's about time we give them a proper thank you. From fresh eats to unbeatable workout views, this is your guide to staying healthy in the Bay.
CCHP Health Plan is an insurance provider focused on improving the health of our community by delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare through culturally competent and linguistically appropriate services. Learn more about CCHP Health Plan here.
Veg Out
Wildseed
(2000 Union St // Marina)
A 100% plant-based restaurant, we are SHOOK at the number of wonderful choices they have on their menu! Oh, and they have a bomb happy hour special going so make sure to check it out! Live a fab plant-based life like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and Ellen Degeneres starting here at Wildseed.
Shizen Sushi Bar + Izakaya
(370 14th St // Mission)
Remember: "Fish are friends, not food". This wood-decked restaurant will have you feeling fancy as you nom down on sushi so good you'll forget it's not freshly caught. It's only open for dinner, so plan ahead.
Wholesome Bakery
(299 Divisadero St // Lower Haight)
If you're craving some cute vegan sweets and a nice cup of coffee, this is the spot for you. This woman-owned and operated bakery makes all their goodies not only vegan but gluten-free, soy-free, local, and organic as well. From cupcakes to custom cakes, brownies, and savory hand pies, they're sure to bake up something amazing for you to devour!
Souley Vegan
(San Francisco // Oakland)
Louisiana creole style Southern comfort food - those words alone bring about a vision of good feelings and a happy belly. Passion shines behind dishes such as Country Style Steak when it comes from the heart of an owner who has been cooking vegan since she was 18! Pro tip: Do yourself a favor and get the mac and cheese.
Still hungry? Dig into more of the best vegan eats in the Bay.
Test the Waters
Aquatic Park Cove
(Beach St & Hyde // Fisherman's Wharf)
Right off the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, this protected cove is an open swim oasis located a hop, a skip, and a jump from the highly-touristy Fisherman's Wharf. It does get crowded on weekends, so come early or be prepared to share the waters!
Crown Beach
(2351 Shore Line Dr. // Alameda)
Don't forget that this small town has a quite large beach available for your sunbathing and wading needs. This beach goes on for 2.5 miles and even has a parallel bicycle trail. In the 1880s, it was known as the "Coney Island of the West" because it served as an amusement center. While those attractions are long gone, it's still a nice beach place to relax on.
Bass Lake
(Mesa Rd // Bolinas)
As with many things in Bolinas, Bass Lake is secluded and suits are optional. In fact, it's so secluded that you have to hike to get there. It's totally worth the couple mile jaunt, but you really have to want it: ticks and poison oak are common friends of the trail starting at the Palomarin Trailhead, and since it's an unofficial swimming spot, you're taking the plunge (literally) at your own risk. Directions are easily Google-able if you're up for it!
Memorial Park
(9500 Pescadero Rd // Loma Mar)
Like Eden above, this swimming hole is shaded by lovely redwoods trees to make for a lazy afternoon. It's also a great spot to car-camp, take a hike, and best of all, go banana-slug watching. Since it's often sparsely visited, you can soak up that precious alone-time with some local trees.
And we'll all float on, okaaay... at more of the Bay's best swimming holes.
Take a Hike
Land's End Trail
(San Francisco)
This is one of the coolest hikes in the city and is a favorite among many Bay Area natives. The trail goes along the coastline and has some really awesome views of the water and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you haven't hiked Land's End yet, now is the time.
Reinhart Redwood Regional Park
(Oakland)
If you hate Bay Area traffic, but also want to find a great place to hike, keep reading. Although Redwood Regional Park is a pretty secluded spot, it’s only a few miles from downtown Oakland. This is the perfect place to get away if you need to and it's also incredibly easy to get to. The park offers nearly 40 miles of trails, so there's a ton that you can choose from.
El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve
(Redwood City)
This preserve is pretty popular with bicyclists and horseback riders, but there’s also a ton of hiking opportunities. El Corte de Madera features a lot of cool sandstone sculptures, second-growth redwood trees, and more.
Tennessee Valley Trail
(Mill Valley)
I guess the North Bay really thrives in scenic hiking because yes, this hike also has great views. With beautiful coastal views, a plethora of wildlife, and golden grass during the summer, this 1.7-mile hike is both manageable and gorgeous.
Keep things moving on more of the Bay's best hiking trails.
Get Juiced
Juice Shop
(Multiple Locations)
Looking for the purest produce flavors? This local chain uses the cold-press method, which helps the extracted juices preserve the highest concentration of flavor and nutrients possible. And with locations all around San Francisco (and one in Marin), you'll never have to go too far to get your juice fix.
Try: Bright Immunity Green: apple, pineapple, ginger, celery, cucumber, kale, spinach, parsley, romaine, chard, dandelion, lemon.
Got Juice
(3843 Macarthur Blvd // Oakland)
Treat yourself to a fresh juice, smoothie, or smoothie bowl over at Got Juiced. We're living for the sweet aesthetic and solid selection on their fruit + veggie-filled menu. Support local Black-owned businesses, support your body with fresh goodness, and say #IGotJuiced.
Try: 24 Karat: Carrot, Celery, Pear, Apple, Lemon, Ginger, Turmeric, Black Pepper
Sidewalk Juice
(Multiple Locations)
Voted "The Best Juice and Smoothie Bar" by SF Weekly, this spot has smoothies on deck! With a vast array of options, ranging from the refreshing Mango Colada smoothie to the delightfully dessert-y Nutella Almond smoothie, Sidewalk Juice has got you covered, no matter what you're in the mood for.
Try: Kale Colada: kale, coconut juice, pineapple, coconut shreds, pineapple sherbet, ice.
Cafe Crush
(3943 Piedmont Ave // Oakland)
Sometimes, you want a sweet fruity smoothie. Sometimes, you want a nourishing veggie smoothie. And sometimes, you want a little bit of both. If you know what category you're looking for, the Cafe Crush menu is perfect for helping you narrow down which smoothie is right for you. Add in a fantastic Vegan Shake selection? With options like these, you will never get bored.
Try: Sweet Immunity: kale, spinach, celery, pear, peach.
Keep it juicy at more of the Bay's best juice shops.
Adopt a Plant Baby
Plant Therapy
(Duboce Triangle // Tenderloin)
Let’s be real here – plant care is most definitely a source of therapy (and most definitely cheaper than traditional therapy), so you already know these folks know what they’re talking about. You can order your potted friends through their website for in-store pickup or delivery.
Black Girls Greenhouse
(1700 Center St // Oakland)
"It's a beautiful time to grow" is their motto and a good one it is. This Black woman-owned plant nursery is the perfect plant oasis, community space, and, of course, "an absolute vibe". Pop over to their garden in Oakland and treat yourself to a new plant baby, or even some stylish home decor.
Clement Nursery
(1921 Clement St // Richmond)
With almost 80 years under their belt, the team at Clement Nursery knows what they're doing. With the knowledgeable staff, flourishing plant babies, and affordable prices, this nursery is a haven for plant lovers.
The Potting Shed
(55A Bolinas Rd // Fairfax)
I mean... Just look at it. How could you resist going inside? The Potting Shed used to strictly be a nursery, but in the last decade or so they've shifted more into the house plants, accessories, potters, and gifts side of things. And we're here for it. Not feeling like hitting the storefront? Shop online with them for curbside pickup or local delivery instead!
There's no such thing as too many plants. Adopt a few (hundred) more at these reasonably-priced nurseries.
Tap Into Your Inner Yogi
Yoga on the Labyrinth
(1100 California St // Nob Hill)
Forget the fancy boutique yoga studios – have you ever done hatha yoga in a large cathedral? Now you can! Join Grace Cathedral on Tuesdays at 6:15 PM (through November 16) for a free, donation-based yoga class. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Yoga Beach
(4501 Irving St // Outer Sunset)
Offering daily online and in-studio yoga classes for Vinyasa, power, and restorative yoga, as well as meditation and Nidra. "With natural light & invigorating ocean breezes, the perfect urban retreat from your busy city life". Om to that.
Left Coast Power Yoga
(4148 Macarthur Blvd + 3702 Grand Ave // Oakland)
If you're looking for a good sweat, this is the studio for you. Left Coast is the only Oakland-based yoga studio that specializes in heated power yoga. They're currently offering indoor, outdoor, and online classes with a new student special: $49 for four classes. Sign up for their newsletter for a free class!
Goat Yoga at Lemos Farm
(12320 San Mateo Rd // Half Moon Bay)
If you're looking to do something a little different that gives your flow an extra boost of serotonin, goat yoga is the move. 15 small goats will roam around during yoga class, climbing on your back during cat/cow and cuddling up with you during savasana. Expect the unexpected, but also expect a lot of laughter and levity! Yoga class is followed by 15-mins of petting zoo fun. Class is designed for all levels, abilities, and ages 5-100.
Lace-Up + Roll Around Town
Church of 8 Wheels
(554 Fillmore St // Alamo Square)
Roller skating is arguably the most fun way to exercise and stay fit. Lucky for us, San Francisco is home to one of the liveliest roller rinks around: the Church of 8 Wheels. They offer public skate sessions and private skate lessons and skaters of any level are welcome.
6th Avenue Skate Park
(6th Ave // Golden Gate Park)
Despite being very hilly, SF has plenty of great spots for roller skating. One of the best ones is in the heart of Golden Gate Park. Lace-up and roll over to the 6th Avenue Skate Park for a good-vibes-only skate session every Friday night and Sunday morning, hosted by Rev. David Miles Jr. of the Church of 8 Wheels (also known as the "Godfather of Skate").
UMOJA Skating Rink at Liberation Park
(7101 Foothill Blvd // Oakland)
What was once a vacant lot is now a space for roller skating, funk music, and community in Oakland. The project was created by Black Cultural Zone and offers skate parties, lessons, and annual memberships. There's also the Akoma Market that hosts roller skating, yoga, food, vendors, and more every first and third Sunday.
Aloha Roller Rink
(2190 Eastridge Loop, Suite 1402 // San Jose)
Sometimes, you just need solid skates, good people, and funky music to get your mood right. Aloha Roller Rink is a great place to bring the crew for a wholesome day out whether you're a beginner or a pro. You can get skate lessons, rent skates + join a sesh, and even play mini-golf while you're there.
