Embarcadero YMCA

You could be forgiven for associating the Y with bare-bones equipment and dated facilities. Not so at the Embarcadero YMCA, which completed a year-long renovation in 2018. The four-story building has always been a stunner, thanks to bay-facing windows overlooking the Bay Bridge. Now the updated digs have higher ceilings, an expanded workout space, new machines and flooring, and a retrofitted locker room. The facilities include a cycling studio with new Keiser M3 bikes; a cardio floor lined with machines and weights; a TRX/Pilates studio; a basketball court; and two group exercise studios for classes like body pump and yoga sculpt. But the biggest draw may be the pool area, which touts a lap pool, activity pool, and jacuzzi (all were drained and deep-cleaned during the recent renovation.) Cool down on the gym’s landscaped rooftop garden, which is dotted with lounge chairs and picnic benches.