Stern Grove

Stern Grove is usually a local hang-out for music lovers. Walking down the steep path, you are usually approached by petitioners and political fliers. Dove Company handed out free chocolate so not too bad. I got there one hour early and there was no place to sit! It was colder than usual, quite a drizzle coming down. The hillsides have places to sit but unless you have reserved a picnic table way in advance, good luck. The aisles have rocks where one could sit. However, you are usually warned by a volunteer that if you're blocking the way of a person who reserved a picnic table, you're out of there. This day, security guards were rudely telling people they could not sit in the aisleways -- which is dumb considering the aisleways are not being blocked and there were no other spaces. Pros: Music under the eucalyptus trees & fog Cons: Overcrowding not properly policed; too many vendors. more

I have enjoyed Stern Grove free concerts since I was 7 years old, going 1st with my parents and more recently during the last five years with my husband. The improvements made by the $ million++ investment in renovations have drastically improved the Grove. Not only is it breathtaking to stroll during a ""non-concert"" day, but the perfect setting for outdoor concerts. more

I always look forward to the annual show by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Yes, it's packed and bordering on uncomfortably so, but hearing a top-notch show in the midst of the eucalyptus trees is amazing. Take Muni -- the No. 19 stops right out front -- because parking is an absolute nightmare. Pack a picnic and a couple bottles of wine and you're good to go. Pros: Great shows Cons: Can get too crowded more