Out & About Lil' Kid: Noe Valley

Looking for some summer sun? Head to Noe Valley. Thanks to Twin Peaks, which blocks much of the fog rolling in from the ocean, Noe’s mostly flat 24th Street (between Church and Douglass streets) is typically sunny, even when the weather's gloomy elsewhere, and ideal for a walk with a little one.

Burn off some energy at the Noe Valley Courts Playground (24th Street at Douglass Street). Then brave the line to grab a seat on a red mushroom stool for storytime (some in French!) at children’s bookstore Charlie’s Corner (4102 24th St.). Around the block, a tree canopy provides a shady reading nook at the Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Branch Library garden (451 Jersey St.).

Lost that sun hat (again)? Browse for children’s clothing and toys at Mapamundi Kids (1306 Castro St.) and Small Frys (4066 24th St.), or for toys and books at Just for Fun & Scribbledoodles (3982 24th St.) and Folio Books (3957 24th St.).

Take advantage of the sunshine with lunch on the patio at Barney’s (4138 24th St.) or Savor (3913 24th St.), or gather picnic supplies at La Boulangerie (3898 24th St.). If shade beckons, sit inside at Patxi’s Pizza (4042 24th St.) or The Little Chihuahua (4123 24th St.).

Summertime calls for frozen yogurt from Easy Breezy (4028 24th St.). Or, stop by the Noe Valley Bakery (4073 24th St.) to admire the window displays and choose a cupcake or two.

Jessica Williams has spent a considerable amount of time watching the toy train display at the Noe Valley Bakery with her daughter. This article originally appeared in the July/August 2016 issue of GGMG Magazine. Photo via Flickr.