San Francisco is a beautiful city full of things to do and see. I have lived in the city for the last 2.5 years and it is easy to tell that it is a very popular tourist destination. I have noticed that people seem to do the same things as everyone else when they visit. They take pictures at the Golden Gate Bridge, they go to Fisherman’s Wharf, they drive down Lombard Street, they go see the Painted Ladies, they take pictures by the Bay Bridge, etc. Those places are all SF icons and they NEED to be seen, but a trip to one of the greatest cities in the United States should be remembered by more than some cool pictures.

So, how about you include one of those landmarks, add some water and a skinny, self-powered boat, and switch things up a little from the “norm”? City Kayak is located at Pier 40, on the Embarcadero, and will rent you a kayak out at $35.00 for an hour (that’s the same price of a sandwich at some places in the city). They will explain to you what you need to know and then send you on your way to learn the rest, which is more fun anyway.

With the current on your side, you can make it out to the Bay Bridge in about 15 minutes and spend some time enjoying the water, the breeze, the views, and the new perspective of such a famous piece of architecture. The way back will make you earn the entire experience, because you will work against the current to reach the dock… but don’t worry, the staff at City Kayak won’t let you go out if the current is too strong.

So there you go: you get a workout while kayaking and you get to upload a much more unique Instagram than your friends who just visited the Bay Area.