Sometimes, life gets overwhelming and you just need to cry your heart out (we all have days like those). Luckily, the Bay is full of nooks and crannies where you can get some solitude and let the tears flow, so we’ve put together a list of options you can escape to when you’re feeling a little blue.
Via San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
(335 Martin Luther King Jr Drive // Golden Gate Park)
This cozy, literary-themed enclave is one of many spots in Golden Gate Park that are perfect for letting it all out. If you visit during off-peak times, you can sit on one of the garden’s benches and enjoy the foliage in peace. To really get the tears flowing, we recommend bringing along some of the Bard's more melancholy sonnets for reading material.
Via Pax Ahimsa Gethen - Wikimedia Commons
(Nancy Pelosi Drive + Bowling Green Drive // Golden Gate Park)
This 10-acre stretch in Golden Gate Park is dedicated to the story of the struggle against HIV/AIDS. A quiet space that’s not usually crowded, it offers essential perspective and solitude for those who need it.
Via SF Botanical Garden
(199 9th Ave // Golden Gate Park)
Sobbing always feels a bit better when you’re surrounded by nature. Free for SF residents, the Botanical Garden houses a stunning variety of plant life, and it’s got tons of winding paths and hidden groves where you can sneak away to have a cry.
Via UC Berkeley
Libraries
If you want a non-judgy place to feel all the feels, the hushed landscape of a library is a great bet. The San Francisco Public Library has locations across the city, including a main branch with 6 full floors of shelves that you can duck between. Or, stop by one of the Bay’s collegiate libraries: SF State’s J. Paul Leonard Library or UC Berkeley’s beautiful Doe Memorial Library are both open to the public, and the students there won’t bat an eye at your tears (they’re probably already crying about the 10-page essay they have due tomorrow).
Via Grace Cathedral
(1100 Cathedral St // Nob Hill)
Walking the path of Grace Cathedral’s serene indoor labyrinth helps you quiet your mind and process your worries. Once you reach the center, stay as long as you need and meditate on any lingering troubles.
Via National Park Service
(1004 Point Lobos Ave // Lincoln Park)
Hike along the Land’s End trail and find these remnants of an old swimming pool complex, which will provide a somber atmosphere for you and your emotions (and some quirky photo ops once you’ve cheered up a bit).
Via Frank Schulenburg - Wikimedia Commons
(83 Marina Green // Marina)
This giant, wave-activated sound sculpture rests on the shore of the Bay and emits eerie music from its pipes, which are produced by the different levels of the tide. Take a seat, let the sound wash over you, and let your tears flow alongside the water.
Via Presidio of San Francisco
Any of the woodsy trails in the Presidio are great places to get some alone time. The shady Lovers’ Lane path is a good place to start, or stop by the infamous Pet Cemetery to cry your heart out amongst some dearly departed furry friends.
Via Beatrice Murch - Wikimedia Commons
Rugged and picturesque, this beach is a great place to escape the busy city and play volleyball, lounge around, or get teary. Walk along the expanses of white sand and release all of those bottled up emotions!
Via City of San Leandro
(40 Mulford Point Dr // San Leandro)
This popular picnic spot is also a great place to get away from it all. The marina’s peaceful views of the water and the East Bay skyline will soon lift your spirits; watching the planes fly overhead on their way to Oakland Airport is a great distraction from any anxieties.
(Twin Peaks Blvd // Twin Peaks)
Crying at Twin Peaks is not the move — it’s overrun with tourists on most days. Instead, climb up to this little secret, which sits right below the famed hill. If you’re lucky, there’s sometimes a rope swing you can sit on while you bask in your sorrows.
Via California State Parks
(8889 Sir Francis Drake Blvd // Lagunitas)
Take a scenic daytime hike amongst this park’s softly bubbling creeks and imposing redwoods and feel your emotional distress melt away. It’s easy to find the peace and quiet you need for a good sob sesh here.
Via Jennifer Morrow - Flickr
(950 Mason St // Nob Hill)
Upset about an ill-advised night out at the Tonga Room? We’ve all been there. Climb up to the Fairmont’s rooftop garden, a hidden gem that’ll provide some much-needed fresh air and great views of the city.
By Grace Orriss
