San Francisco

Healthy City

Photo: Ingrid Tayler

Perched on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, the city is built on a cluster of hills, so walking provides a challenge for the health-conscious traveller. But you’ll be rewarded by the spectacular views and inspired by the multicultural, all-inclusive neighbourhoods.

The Workout

Photo: Gary Morgret

For a great cardio workout, start by climbing California Street to Nob Hill’s Grace Cathedral. Then, head down Hyde Street to Fisherman’s Wharf and take in the breathtaking vistas of the bay along the Embarcadero until you reach the historic Ferry Building.

Healthy Hotel

Just a few blocks from the Union Square shopping district and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the InterContinental soars 32 storeys above the city. Besides stunning views, the hotel boasts a state-of-the-art fitness centre, heated indoor pool and a spa offering a wide range of treatments. Healthy menu options are also available at Luce, the hotel restaurant, or through room service.
888 Howard St., 888-811-4273, intercontinentalsanfrancisco.com

Healthy Meals

Photo: Jennifer Yin

Breakfast
Start the day with the delicious whole-wheat cinnamon pancakes at Dottie’s True Blue Café, where the vibe is comfy and the staff friendly. For a more indulgent choice, opt for the cheddar and broccoli strata.
522 Jones St., 415-885-2767

Lunch
Delica rf-1 is a Japanese delicatessen offering healthy bento boxes and salads in the Ferry Building. Try the spicy burdock-root salad or the roasted salmon and sesame genmai (brown rice) ball.
1 Ferry Bldg., 415-834-0344, delicarf1.com

Dinner
Located in the Mission, Foreign Cinema serves California- and Mediterranean-inspired meals in a gorgeous covered courtyard dining room, where foreign and independent films are screened nightly. The artichoke and green bean salad, the brandade gratin and the grilled Monterey calamari are all extraordinarily tasty.
2534 Mission St., 415-648-7600, foreigncinema.com

 

Harley Pasternak, MSc, is the fitness trainer and nutrition guru to the stars. Pasternak is also the bestselling author of two books - The 5-Factor Diet and 5-Factor Fitness - and he appears regularly on Today. To learn more about him, visit 5factordiet.com.