The San Francisco Wellness Guide
Atelier Crenn
Modern French restaurant · Union Street
"Chef Dominique Crenn is equal parts poet and chef, as evidenced by the creative titles of her tasting menu, which includes dishes like "the sea" or "walk in the forest." She’s also known for inventive presentation—expect lots of props, like dishes with glass panels, or mossy branches, to adorn your meal. The private room makes for a lovely space for a private meal."
Nob Hill Spa at Huntington Hotel
Permanently Closed
"Situated inside The Scarlet Huntington Hotel, this spa has a Zen-like, indoor infinity pool (no diving/swimming laps here) that leads out onto an outdoor patio with a picturesque Nob Hill view. Inside, there are 10 treatment rooms for massages and other body treatments, facials, and manis and pedis, including a handful of services designed for the guys. Nob Hill Spa is also home to a gym, steam and sauna rooms, and a fireside lounge. Guests of the hotel have complimentary use of the spa, and visitors can purchase a facilities-only day pass Monday through Thursday."
Margaret R Arent Ca
Doctor · Pacific Heights
"Margaret Arent is a bit of an institution in San Francisco at this point—treating local celebrities like Alice Waters, she's been in practice for nearly 40 years. She practices five element acupuncture. "
PostureWorks
Chiropractor · Chinatown
"It's hard to find two people more geekily passionate about chiropractic care (in the best possible way) than Scott Levin and Jason Miller, which is a big part of whey PostureWorks is San Francisco's gold standard for anyone with back problems. In addition to their chiropractic practice, they both lecture frequently at UCSF Med Center and handle their nutritional clinic, Nutraworks."
Psoas Massage + Bodywork
Massage therapist · South of Market
"The great thing about Psoas is that founders Jennifer Lighthouse and Scott Schwartz bring so many different types of massage under the same roof; they offer everything from neurokinetic therapy to orthopedic massage. They're particularly great for sports massage (Jennifer is a former gymnast and diver) and pre-and post-natal bodywork."
Michelle Graves
Permanently Closed
"What makes Michelle Graves' practice special (she does acupuncture and herbalism) is her focus on women; from prenatal to new moms to hormonal pain and imbalances, she's particularly in tune with issues that affect women specifically. Michelle learned Chinese herbalism and medicine during her graduate study in Zhejiang Province, where she studied gynecology, oncology, and women's health. Michelle also does cupping and fertility treatments."
Veer & Wander
Beauty salon · South of Market
"We love how this streamlined boutique exudes the perfect mix of rockstar edginess and eco-consciousness–the latter being obvious on its shelves that are stocked with some of our favorite natural beauty brands including Vintner's Daughter, Rahua, and our very own goop by Juice Beauty. A full service salon anchors the space, where you can find some of the city's best colorists and stylists."
AES Acne Clinic
Skin care clinic · North Beach
"It’s a sad fact that for many, acne doesn’t just magically disappear the day after high school graduation. As its name suggests, the specialty at the Acqua e Sapone Acne Clinic is treating adult acne, whether by way of hyper-targeted facial treatments or via their brilliant acne boot camp, which incorporates facials, a tailored product regimen, and skin coaching—essentially, a system for controlling acne long-term through diet."
Michele Holmes Studio
Beauty salon · Corte Madera
"Michele Holmes is the real deal when it comes to eyebrows. Though she’s been tweezer-proficient since high school, she took a few years to pursue a career in fashion before going pro. To master her craft, she trained with none other than the woman behind the now-famous “feathered brow” technique, Kristie Streicher (she of Striiike fame). Best part? She does house calls."
Retreat Acupuncture & Wellness Center
Acupuncture clinic · Japantown
"Retreat Acupuncture has an office in the coolest old building in Lower Pacific Heights; formerly the Green Brothers Eye Hopsital, it's now full of alternative healing practitioners. Retreat was founded by Julie Hackmann (who specializes in womens health), and she's got a roster of amazing women who all specialize in traditional Chinese medicine. Ask for Rachel Root for acupuncture. "
Somatic Agency
Massage therapist · Mendocino County
"When acupuncturists and other healers need bodywork, they go to Fred Mitouer. He does bodywork for all of the Buddhist priests in the area (seriously), using a variety of modalities. He's best known for a somatic therapy called Transformational Bodywork, where he combines deep therapy with an emotional release for lasting effects. "
Juliana Kramer, L.Ac.
Acupuncturist · College Avenue
"Juliana does acupuncture, cupping, herbal work, and fantastic massage. She's also well known for her excellent bedside manner; she's kind, warm, and a pleasure to be around, which makes the entire experience all the more pleasant."
Pacific Heights Skincare
Skin care clinic · Polk Gulch
"Shari Spakes’s philosophy centers on educating her clients about how to take care of their specific skin concerns and skin types at home, in addition to occasionally supplementing with professional treatments. She offers a range of options, from classic European-style facials to more targeted peels, which are rounded out by massages and body therapies. "
Pilates ProWorks® San Francisco Financial District
Permanently Closed
"Oscar Sanin began his pilates practice as a way to heal his body from injuries sustained from a serious accident. In 2010, he founded Pilates Proworks along with his wife, Taylor Carter. They offer mat and reformer pilates classes, which use Proworks' own custom designed reformer machine, TheFitFormer, for seamless transitions during class sessions. They also have a handful of classes that mix pilates with other workout traditions and routines. Their matBox class combines mat pilates with kickboxing and yoga; another class combines pilates with barre. Proworks also has pre-natal and mommy-and-me classes, as well as a second location in the Marina."
Muir Beach
Muir Beach
"Just across Highway 101 and over the Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Beach is an easy (but still totally idyllic) day trip from the city. The beach itself is a classic Northern California cove, with tall rocks and green hills on either side and boulders jutting up from the shallows—the surrounding area is home to plenty of wildlife, too. In the colder months, take the long pedestrian trail from the parking lot to the coastal trail and hike along the cliffs, which offer gorgeous views of the beachfront; be sure to pack layers, as winds can get cold. In the warmer months, it's perfect for sunbathing, and there's even a clothing-optional sunbathing and skinny dipping area past the line of rocks on the northernmost end of the beach. Afterwards, grab lunch at the Pelican Inn, a traditional English-style pub in the tiny nearby town."
The Plant Cafe Organic
Temporarily Closed
"With brick-and-mortar locations all over San Francisco, The Plant Cafe is always a solid standby for fresh, healthy takeout. Their signature vegan cleanse program provides clean, whole foods or juice for up to five days. Great for easing into a juice-only cleanse, the "The Health Nut" starts out with green juices, followed by fresh salads and a gentle soup for dinner. There are pickups in every neighborhood, in addition to delivery."
Chez Panisse
Californian restaurant · North
"Alice Waters has been doing the whole organic, sustainably sourced "California cuisine" thing since 1972, long before it was all the rage. She even founded The Edible Schoolyard Project to empower littles to make healthful, environment-friendly food decisions. Chez Panisse, her much-respected bistro in Berkeley, is an institution and the impeccably prepared, seasonal fare (on a prix-fixe menu basis only) has landed this place on countless best-of lists. Upstairs at the unassuming little Arts and Crafts building where the restaurant is housed there's also The Café. Here, you’ll find a more casual a la carte selection; just like its older sibling, the menu changes daily. "
Julie Lynge
Permanently Closed
"As a dental technician, Julie Lynge wondered what was causing clients to grind their teeth. Curious to learn more about how the body is connected, Lynge began training in craniosacral therapy, deep tissue, and other massage methods and techniques in Copenhagen. Today, Lynge's clinic specializes in massage therapy that helps to resolve ailments ranging from TMJ, to migraines, headaches, and joint pain. Lynge also offers a "facelift massage," which focuses on relaxing tension in the face and stimulating circulation for fresher looking, and feeling, skin."
Basik Cafe
Permanently Closed
"Basik got its start on the big island in Hawaii, where their original location is based (the Nob Hill store is actually their first location on the mainland), and from the staff to the menu, it definitely has an island vibe. The menu here offers souped-up acai bowls with add-ins like almond mylk, almond butter, bee pollen, and all kinds of fresh fruit, plus a full line-up of smoothies. Conveniently located on Polk Street, it's an easy stop before work or after a workout."
TMI Colonics
Permanently Closed
"TMI actually makes getting a colonic not so rough. (For more on the nuts and bolts of colonics, see this colonics Q&A with Dr. Alejandro Junger, and check in with your doctor to see if they're right for you.) In addition to colonic sessions, which is obviously what TMI is known for, they also offer infrared sauna sessions."
Revel & Rose, Colonics & Cleansing
Permanently Closed
"(Note: Revel & Rose is currently closed but reportedly opening back up soon.) We think the concept behind this one-stop-shop for beauty and wellness is genius: If you're booking in for colon hydrotherapy or an infrared heat session, why not get your nails done, too? The salon offers everything from waxes to spray tans to intuitive readings, which make memberships here extremely worthwhile, whether you're beautifying, detoxing, or both. "
Tennessee Valley, California
Ravine · Marin County
"The Tennessee Valley is in the same direction as Muir Beach (over the Golden Gate bridge and along Highway 101), and its' encyclopedic list of hiking trails is another excellent way to explore the Golden Gate Recreation area. Advanced hikers can explore the hills around the valley while beginners and families can take the almost two-mile trek to a little cove—locals know it's best to time a hike with the low tide when you can actually see the shipwrecked engine of the SS Tennessee, which sunk near the beach in 1853. In the spring, the valley is home to gorgeous wildflowers, including buttercups and poppies, and in the summer and through early fall you can find fruit on the blackberry bushes. Remember: No dogs allowed. "
Pacifica State Beach
Beach · Pacifica
"The great thing about Linda Mar is that it's the kind of place that's good for beginners and advanced surfers alike—the waves on the South end of the beach are mellow and beginner-friendly, and they increase in size as you move north. The town itself is a short drive south of the city (on the way to Silicon Valley), and the beach is famously home to a Taco Bell with a hilariously good location right on the sand. We like Norcal Surf Shop for rentals and lessons, but no judgment if you just want to relax on the beach with a Crunchwrap Supreme."
As Quoted
Gluten-free restaurant · Presidio Heights
"As Quoted is gorgeously clean and white, with a long marble bar and warm brass chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. And the menu has the added value that everything is delicious, healthy, and allergy conscious—excellent lattes (even a turmeric option), a smoked salmon sandwich on gluten-free bread, and a kale and avocado salad are all excellent picks. Plus, it's really easy to take meals to-go. "
Project Juice Test Kitchen
Permanently Closed
"Project Juice's little shops, which are in San Francisco and Southern California, make fresh juice and cleanses, but the real game-changer is their test kitchen, which also has a menu of clean, vegetable-based whole meals. Breakfast is particularly strong with smoothies and bowls both on offer. "
Judahlicious
Vegan restaurant · Outer Sunset
"There's something incredibly comforting about the old-school, down-to-earth health store vibe of Judahlicious, especially in San Francisco. The primarily raw, vegan dishes are packed full of classic health foods like sunflower seeds, sprouts, and avocado. Local favorites include the vegan pancakes, the "Dark Side of the Shroom" mushroom dish, the ridiculously good Dahnu wrap (basically a veggie wrap with almond pate), and the excellently named No Shirt, No Shoes rice bowl. "
Luke's Local
Grocery store · Union Street
"Luke’s mission is as simple as it is admirable: to make life easier for busy professionals, working moms, stay-at-home dads, and everyone in between. There are meal plans and pre-packed lunchboxes—all prepped by professional chefs using nutritious, sustainable ingredients (there’s even a house butcher, so you know exactly where your meat comes from) and curated meal kits if you’re feeling ambitious. They’ll also stock your pantry and fridge with à la carte groceries or seasonal “bundles,” and can also deliver gourmet care packages, which make for a great gift."
Dermaplus Skin + Body
Facial spa · Union Street
"Andrea Lembkey owns and operates this quaint second-floor space, where each treatment is leisurely and attentive. As a bonus, she performs some of the most potent, results-oriented laser facials on the market, as well as great waxes."
Hotel Vitale
Permanently Closed
"Situated right across the street from the Ferry Building, this super-holistic hotel has a full menu of spa treatments for both vacationing and business travelers in addition to plush amenities like rooftop soaking tubs and a bamboo garden. Guest rooms are kept purposely neutral to give all five sense a break at the end of the day. "
Sarah Becker Skincare
Beauty salon · Union Street
"Sarah actually shares a space with waxing studio Habit, so the rooms here look kind of like a girl's bedroom: dimly lit, pastel-hued, and comfy (the treatment tables are covered in layers of blankets). Once you lie down, Sarah literally tucks you in before beginning the treatment, which is a combination of high-tech and natural elements. The microdermabrasion works wonders without feeling like your face is being sanded off."
Spa Radiance
Day spa · Union Street
"This deceptively sweet-looking spa is actually pretty hardcore when it comes to anti-aging treatments. The Russian mother-daughter team who founded it in the late '70s rely on everything from LED light therapy to dermaplanting to microdermabrasion in their efforts to stave off wrinkles and discoloration. On a lighter note, there's also makeup application, waxing, and massage."
The Scarlet Sage Herb Co.
Permanently Closed
"The word 'apothecary' gets thrown around a lot in reference to beauty shops, but this Mission store is in fact a real-deal apothecary, complete with shelves of medicinal herbs, natural remedies, and essential oils. It can be tough to make sense of it all, so thankfully the staff is knowledgeable and eager to help. For those looking to expand their horizons, there are informational books and a metaphysical department if you're into that sort of thing."
Nopalito
Mexican restaurant · North Panhandle
"Come here for sustainable, organic, and healthy Mexican food. Their simple cocktail list offers a straightforward margarita and paloma, plus blue-bottle coffee for abstainers."
Bolinas
Bolinas
"About a 40-minute drive up Route 1, Bolinas is one of the best longboarding beaches in the area, with a long, relaxed wave that you can ride for ages. The town has a '60s-style hippie vibe—the beach has an old sign announcing naked surfers, though the waters here are way too cold to surf without a wetsuit, no matter what time of year it is. Speaking of, 2 Mile surf shop in town has great rentals and lessons for first-timers. "
Batteries to Bluffs Trail
Hiking area · Presidio
"The California Coastal trail is actually one giant mega-trail connecting Mexico to Oregon. For this segment in the Presidio (the park and former army base that make up a protected area around the Southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge), you'll walk a 2-3 mile stretch from Baker Beach to the Golden Gate Bridge along the rocky coastline. With views of the bay throughout, it's a gorgeous way to approach the bridge; plus, it's much less touristy than the other walking approach, which starts in Fisherman's Wharf. This route is a great little hike for wearing out the kids, and the Presidio offers a lot of other side trails, too, if you're hoping to string together a longer morning run."
International Orange at Marin
Day spa · Larkspur
"We love this sleek, supremely restful spa so much that we even sell goop skin care here. The facials are superb; the Organic Detox is an invigorating seventy-five minutes of lymphatic-drainage massage, balance-restoring herb and flower masks, and layer upon layer of the most nourishing serums and oils. And we’re equally obsessed with Bright Eyes, a powerful collagen-supporting therapy for the undereye area that soothes and tightens. The lounge has a cozy fireplace, as well as organic teas and delightful chocolates to nosh on while relaxing. The outside deck, with its lounge chairs and incredible view of the bay, is a blissful way to ease back into reality post-treatment. "
Asha Tea House
Tea house · Downtown
"The guys behind Asha are unabashedly obsessed with all varieties and types of tea. In fact, they're so into tea that they actually MacGyver-ed their own pour-over device that steeps their blends for the perfect amount of time; plus, you'll drink it out of a mug or cup specifically designed for your tea. The roomy space, with its tall ceilings and long linen lanterns, is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. The Berkeley flagship is a classic, though they just opened a second location Downtown."
Cavallo Point Lodge
Resort hotel · Marin County
"Nestled at the foot of the Golden Gate bridge, Fort Baker is spread out over acres of prime Sausalito real estate, which up until recently has been left at the mercy of the elements. Then in 2008 a hospitality group stepped in and teamed up with the National Park Service to completely restore and preserve the area. The resulting 142-room lodge, healing arts center, and spa, are spread out over a cluster of Colonial buildings that meet and exceed all of LEED's sustainability requirement. "
EOS Lymphatic Massage™
Permanently Closed
"Michelle Bravo is a certified holistic massage therapist (HMT) and certified aromatherapist (CAT), two skills that she expertly combines in her signature treatments, which are all trademarked to her unique EOS technique. She's celebrated for a lymphatic massage that incorporates aromatherapy. Clients also love that Michelle is a kind, intuitive sounding board and love talking to her during their treatments—for the full experience, you can book her for a lifestyle coaching session."
Credo Clean Beauty
Cosmetics store · Pacific Heights
"The Tata Harper Spa in San Francisco (the only spa of its kind) is tucked into the back of Credo, a clean beauty shop in Pacific Heights. They offer a variety of treatments using Harper's signature products, including hydration therapy, and even back facials, and in true Tata style, you'll snuggle up under a vintage quilt that's reminiscent of her Vermont farm. There's just one tiny room in the back of the shop, so book ahead, though they will take walk-ins."
Yoga Tree Castro
Permanently Closed
"Husband-and-wife duo Tim and Tara Dale co-founded the original Yoga Tree studio in 1999, and over the years have fully refined the offering—you'll hear modern playlists just as often as traditional Indian music, and there's a range of teaching styles on the menu, including Kundalini, Vinyasa, Hatha, and more. The studio also has a robust workshop and retreat program, plus well-respected teacher training for those who want to take their practice to the next level."
Tanya Corona - Ascension Reiki and Crystal Therapy
Reiki therapist · Mission
"Reiki and spiritual healing are definitely not for everyone, but if it's not your first alternative therapy rodeo, Tanya Corona is kind of a one-stop-shop. She's trained in Reiki, chakra clearing, and crystal and sound healing, and her healing activation sessions combine a little bit of everything. "