It was one of those rare San Francisco days when the approach of sunset didn’t also mean the onset of obliterating coldness. The hottest days in this city yield the most magical warm evenings, luring locals to the waterfronts to take in what would otherwise be environments far too frigid for relaxation.

I opted for the Aquatic Park, a historic district at the western end of Fisherman’s Wharf, most recognizable for encompassing Ghirardelli Square. As the sun set, I moved on to Pier 39 to catch the night lights, particularly the two-story carousel located within. (I love carousels.)