To Do San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco, California
To Do San Francisco
San Francisco YMCA makes our community stronger along with you! January 26, 2026
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Greetings, this is Jamie, and you're listening to the To Do San Francisco podcast for Monday, January 26, 2026. I'm thrilled that you're kicking off this final week of January with me. Now, I know Mondays in the City can feel like a bit of a climb, whether you're navigating car traffic, looking for that single seat on a MUNI train, or finding a spot for your morning brew. There's a certain "back to the grind" energy in the air. I want to talk about a way to turn that Monday momentum into something that fuels both you and our incredible San Francisco community. I'm talking about the San Francisco YMCA and its eleven main branches across San Francisco, in Marin, and in San Mateo. Most of us know the Y is a great place to get a workout in, and it is. Between the Embarcadero, the Presidio, the Richmond, and the still sparkly Dogpatch YMCA at Crane Cove branches, we have some of the most beautiful, historic, and well-equipped facilities in the country. But here's the thing that makes a Y membership different from a boutique gym. Your dues actually stay in the neighborhood. When you're on that treadmill or finishing a lap in the pool, you aren't just working on your own health, you are directly funding: after school programs that give San Francisco kids a safe, creative place to go when the bell rings. The Youth Chance High School at Embarcadero YMCA, which provides a vital pathway for young adults to earn their diplomas and reclaim their futures. Senior programs that keep our older neighbors connected and active. It's fitness with a soul. You get stronger, and San Francisco gets stronger. If you spend most of your days in the East Bay, check out the YMCA of the East Bay with branches in downtown Berkeley, Albany, Oakland, Richmond, and other spots. As a nice perk, your month-to-month YMCA gym membership provides you with access to over 2,000 YMCA locations across the country to work out when you're visiting relatives or friends in other metro areas. If you're not in the market for a gym, you can still consider a donation to your local YMCA to help them do the good work in your community. Here's your Monday act of civility. Before you head out into the fog or the crisp cold air, I want to leave you with a small challenge for today. When you're walking down the street or standing in line today, take a moment to acknowledge a stranger. Not a long conversation, just a genuine good morning, or a polite nod to the person sweeping the sidewalk or the bus driver. In a city as busy as ours, being seen is a rare gift. It grounds us, and honestly, it's a quick way to find a little burst of joy in the middle of a commute. Drink your water, be kind to yourself, and remember that you're part of what makes this city so vibrant. Have a wonderful Monday and a great start to your week.