Though the calendar says it's spring, the last few days in San Francisco have felt more like summer. In Phoenix.

On Thursday, the former May 15 record of 91 degrees was shattered when the mercury rose to an unheard-of 97. And on Friday, though a cooling trend was supposed to begin, it never really did. In some parts of the Bay Area, it was just as hot as Thursday. Even hotter.

If you're visiting San Francisco this week, no doubt this heatwave has caught you by surprise. For locals, too. But, despite the high temperatures, it's still nice out. A great time to visit the beach or the park, to take a walking tour, or dine alfresco.

For ideas, the San Francisco Chronicle's Michael Bauer offers suggestions on where you might want to head. From MarketBar on the Embarcadero to The Terrace at the Ritz-Carlton, there's no shortage of wonderful places to dine outdoors in S.F., complete with natural cooling (or is that, heating?).

In the South of Market, if you like Caribbean food and laid-back ambience, Primo Patio is alfresco year-round. (It also offers several veggie/vegan options.) Just down the street, across from AT&T Park, there's also MoMo's. A popular choice before a ballgame. And if you take the Embarcadero walk, Palomino at 345 Spear Street, also offers outdoor seating, along with a great view of/below the Bay Bridge.

As for the weather, this weekend, it's supposed to cool down. By tomorrow's Bay to Breakers race, temperatures should be about 15 degrees or so cooler, somewhere in the 70s to mid-80s.

^{* Palomino SF. Photo © Jennifer Alpeche.}