Thanksgiving weekend is as good a time as any to hike the Filbert Street Steps in Telegraph Hill. Be sure to look for the hill’s famed parrots; muralist Alfred Du Pont’s images on the Malloch building (featured in Dark Passage as Lauren Bacall’s apartment building); Grace Marchant Gardens; and Napier Lane, a wooden plank sidewalk lined with pre-1900 cottage-like homes. Bonus: This urban hike is a great way to burn off your fifth helping of stuffing. 

Friday could call for rain, providing wet weather fans the perfect opportunity to take an exception walk along the edge of San Francisco. Start off at AT&T Park (the N and T Muni lines stop in front of the stadium), walk north past the Bay Bridge, fire station, Pier 15, Ferry Building, Pier 9, and up toward Fisherman’s Wharf. Bring an umbrella, boots, and your most adorable scarf. (And yes, by all means, check out Bay Lights.)

Marvelous in its own right, the alleys of San Francisco’s Chinatown should be on your radar. Check out Ross Alley, Waverly Place (a street with many temples), Spofford Street, and Old Chinatown Lane. These historic streets show off a side of the neighborhood that Grant simply can’t.

For a Zen-inducing activity, head over to the labyrinth at Lands End. Created by Eduardo Aguilera in 2004, the rock-formed maze has turned into one of the city’s most Instagrammable moments. Occasionally, rapscallions ruin the formation (mean!), but it’s soon put back together by locals. 

To get there, park at the Lands End parking lot behind the Cliff House at Point Lobos Avenue and 48th Avenue. Walk east on the Coastal Trail and take the trail off the beaten path heading toward Mile Rock Beach. Walk down the steps. Where the staircase turns a hard left, continue on the trail going straight. 

Granted, this one isn’t free, but it will free your soul: For those heading to Ross or Target on Black Friday, pick up a few packs of socks for St. Anthony's Foundation. The Tenderloin shelter needs them—a lot of them. White athletic or outdoor socks are preferable. And socks need to be new.

Here’s why: The city gets cold and wet, and socks for our homeless population get used up fast. Blisters and infections are all too common conditions that can lead to major health issues.

"Wet feet, ill-fitting shoes, constant standing and diseases like diabetes take their toll," says St. Anthony's. "The best way to prevent such conditions is to keep feet clean and dry—very difficult if you spend your days outside."

Socks can be dropped off at the door.

Once the Sacred Heart Church, this Lower Haight institution is now a holy rolling skating rink. Get your wheels on soon and enjoy the stained glass windows and gothic architecture as you glide around the floor.

This one-mile bike route zig-zags from Market Street to Golden Gate Park. Strap on a helmet, grab a warm jacket, unlock your bike, and hit the road. Who knows? Maybe this will convince you to ditch your gas guzzler for good. 

For biking in the city beginners, here’s a handy guide to get your started.

The stunning mosaic steps in the Sunset have turned into the city’s most under discussed spots for the perfect Instagram shot. While scores of people wait in line to get inside the Ice Cream Museum, why not check out other spots in San Francisco equally if not more colorful and fantastic.

Bonus: The stairs lead to Turtle Hill Park boasting 360-degree views of San Francisco.

Don your finest threads and head up to Castro and Market to stomp the streets. Everyone will be out and about, checking out the scene—and said scene includes you. Take a pitstop at Twin Peaks Tavern or Réveille Coffee. Pore over the books at Dog Eared Books. Go say hi to the pooches in the window at Mudpuppy’s. And be sure to stay around come nightfall to see the new rainbow light installation at Harvey Milk Plaza.