Best Way to Blow Off Steam After Work

There's nothing like a brisk walk along the water at the height of rush hour to take the edge off a tough day. While car drivers grow more agitated with each crawl to the next red light, you can simply turn your head and enjoy the spectacular and ever-changing sights of the bay. The Embarcadero from South Beach to Pier 39 offers a long and virtually unimpeded walk, and you'll find that the brine and the breeze work wonders on your state of mind. And it's close by for anyone who works in or around downtown. From the ballpark at one end, the route heads along the old piers and underneath the Bay Bridge. The sight of the bridge towering overhead, sweeping grandly across the water to Yerba Buena Island, is always breathtaking, regardless of how foul the weather. This -- this is why we pay more, schlep farther, and give up any rational thoughts of parking a car to live in San Francisco. The strange mix of industrial port activities and slick new office space is enough to hold your attention for buildings on end. Along the way, you can peek at restaurant menus and watch the sailboats cruise around the bay. There's always the possibility of a detour out to the end of one of the piers for a closer look at the water -- the perfect antidote at the close of a stress-filled day. Look, you can go to the bar later. First, burn off some of that anxiety by doing something good for your body and soul.