"We can sum up the abiding appeal of a walk into Stern Grove in one word: eucalyptus. The descendants of George Greene’s original Australian transplants not only provide shade and a famously mellow and relaxing aroma, but the scale of the grove’s plantings encircles potential picnic spots so completely that it feels like a world apart, a natural cradle where residents of and visitors to the city’s west side alike can meditate free of their troubles for a time. What to pack: Korean corn dogs from Stix Just a few blocks north on Taraval, swing by Stix, that buzzy new Korean corn dog shop. Deep-fried snacks go hand in hand with sweet boba drinks, and nothing loves a walk to the park as much as a dog on a stick." - Eve Batey, Adam Brinklow, Becky Duffett