🐋 Whale watching guide
Plus: Bay to Breakers is near!
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Hey there, San Francisco.
Happy Friday. We made it!
Yesterday, the Chronicle’s Tara Duggan published a good story on whale watching near San Francisco – and importantly, how to do so from land (without having to get on a boat).
The three viewing spots Duggan suggested:
Golden Gate Bridge Observation Deck (in the Marin Headlands)
And, Golden Gate Postcard Viewpoint Area (above Fort Point)
On Friday, I spoke with Bill Keener, a field researcher for the Marine Mammal Center, who said he’s also had success lately seeing whales from:
And, off of the Golden Gate Bridge itself
Consider going this weekend!
Keener said May and June “are the best two months” for seeing humpbacks in and around the Bay. Gray whales are also here until around mid-May, which makes right now a particularly good time to go.
In terms of when exactly you should set off for your whale watching adventure, Keener said a good rule of thumb is to go when the tide is rising. (That’s when whales usually head into the Bay).
He also said that the *best* three hours for viewing are typically two hours before a high tide and one after after a high tide. So, this weekend, some ideal times would be:
Friday from 4:15pm-7:15 pm
Saturday from 5:10pm to sunset
Sunday from 5:55pm to sunset
Of course, make sure to bring some binoculars! And, if you do see a whale (or dolphin) and happen to get a good photo of it, send it to the Marine Mammal Center to help them with their research.
“The Bay is full of marine wildlife,” Keener told me. “Just keep an eye out and you’ll see something.”
With that.. here are a few more things to consider for your weekend ahead…
Weekend guide: Events, ideas, and more
👟 Prepare for Bay to Breakers: If you can believe it, Bay to Breakers is next Sunday already. You can sign up for the 12k race here if you actually want to run. Otherwise, consider using this weekend to square away your party plans, and importantly, settle on a costume.
🧑🎨 Head to the art walk. Art Walk SF kicks off its summer series this Saturday on Balboa Street (between 35th and 38th) from 12-5pm. Expect local merchants hosting sidewalk sales, local artists selling their work, food (!), and live music. More info here.
🏡 Check out an open house. Sometimes, it’s fun to dream! Here are a few open houses this weekend that caught my eye:
55 Red Rock Way #302 / 1 bed, 1 bath / $789,000 / Open house: Sat. 1-3pm, Sun. 1-3pm
255 Clinton Park / 2 bed, 1 bath / $995,000 / Open house: Sat. 1-3pm, Sun. 12-2pm
1631 44th Ave. / 2 bed, 2 bath / $1,295,000 / Open house: Sat. 1-4pm, Sun. 1-4pm
💝 Celebrate mom! Buy flowers, go to brunch, or simply, give them a call. However you celebrate the mom’s in your life, make sure to remember that Mother’s Day is this Sunday!
What else I’m reading: Links to browse
Four People Injured After Car Goes Off Cliff Near Sutro Baths at 3 a.m. Friday (SFist)
Fight at S.F. middle school sends student to the hospital, fuels debate over school culture (Chronicle)
Supervisors grill SFPD on media spin doctoring (Mission Local)
Nancy Pelosi on hand for grand opening of 143-unit affordable housing complex in the Mission (Hoodline)
ICYMI: This week’s most popular stories
Monday: How the Couple Behind Hit Inner Sunset Superette Queens Plans to Bring Korean-Chinese Food to the Bay Area (Eater)
Tuesday: Skier who died on Tahoe slopes remembered for his big smile, love of the outdoors (Chronicle)
Wednesday: Hundreds of San Francisco students walk out of elite private school to protest sexual assault (SFGATE)
Thursday: The San Francisco Metreon mall has a new smoothie-making robot. I tried it. (SFGATE)
1 photo to go
This morning, I was lucky enough to get out early and play Golden Gate Park Golf Course.
It’s only 9 holes and they’re all par 3’s. But still, it always amazes me how many incredible things there are within Golden Gate Park – Stow Lake, JFK Drive, the Academy of Sciences, the Botanical Garden, bison!
Truly, we are blessed.
That’s all for today! Have a wonderful weekend y’all and see you back here on Monday. - Nick B. 🐋
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