Best San Francisco Attractions
< Continued from page 1
11. Haight Ashbury & Alamo Square Victorians
The Haight is but an urban ghost of its Summer of Love days. But there's history, including the famous Grateful Dead house and, of course, the Victorians pre-dating the Summer of Love by a long shot.
In the Haight (and in adjacent Cole Valley) you'll see exceptional examples of Victorian style. You can also walk a mile (east) to Alamo Square to get a photo of the Painted Ladies -- Victorians lined up with San Francisco as a backdrop.
The east end of Golden Gate Park is at the west end of the Haight. Destinations like the de Young Museum are walkable, if you don't mind trekking a mile west. You can also get on the N-Judah metro line in Cole Valley (See Muni Metro Map).
See Map for LocationsMore »
12. The Castro
The Castro is best known as the hub of San Francisco's gay community. The neighborhood, formerly known as Eureka Valley, went through several cultural transitions, from its years as a Scandinavian neighborhood to a center for Irish immigrants.
The Castro Theatre is the area's most distinct icon (aside from the rainbow flag) -- and is an important San Francisco institution and historical landmark It showcases a diverse set of films and happenings, and plays host for the San Francisco International Film Festival and the International LGBT Film Festival . . . among other events.
To get an overview of the Castro, consider joining the Cruisin' the Castro guided walk -- a tour infused with cultural information about the district.
See Map
13. Mission Dolores & Mission District Murals
Venture away from the water -- toward the inner workings of San Francisco. Visit the vibrant (and sometimes a little grungy) Mission District. The Mission District is, these days, a culinary and drinking hub, with some of San Francisco's hippest restaurants and watering holes within steps of one another.
The district is also home to robust public art in the form of murals. The neighborhood's past is drenched in vivid multicultural stories, as it was a hub for immigrants from Europe and Central America. The art, the language, the shops, and the food still speak to that ethnic diversity.
See Map for LocationsMore »
14. Civic Center & City Hall
Civic Center is a dramatic contrast between its Beaux Arts splendor and the street-life born of an imperfect social system. The buildings at Civic Center are among the most majestic in the city. But the area has its share of homeless -- which is sometimes a surprise to visitors, especially those who travel from countries where homelessness is not the issue it is here.
City Hall is the product of an almost $300 million renovation. In 2008, it became the busy site of California's first same-sex marriage ceremonies.
See: San Francisco City Hall Website.
Also visit the Asian Art Museum, the Herbst Theater, the San Francisco Opera, Ballet, and Symphony buildings.
Nearby is the hip restaurant and shopping district of Hayes Valley.
See Map
15. Japantown & The Fillmore District
The Fillmore District hosts the Fillmore Jazz Festival each summer, honoring the district's cultural and musical heritage. Yoshi's, renowned jazz club, opened a venue in the Jazz Heritage Center in 2007 -- near the existing blues venue, The Boom Boom Room. The new development stretches toward the busy restaurant and shopping area of Fillmore Street in the Pacific Heights area.
Japantown ("Nihonmachi") is also here -- an area collectively known as the Western Addition. In Japantown, explore the cuisine, pastries and shops, visit the Peace Pagoda (gift from sister city Osaka) or enjoy a treatment Kabuki Springs. Annual festivals include the Nihonmachi Street Fair (August) and the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival.
See Map
16. Pacific Heights, Marina District & Cow Hollow
If you're interested in seeing the Victorian mansions and architecture of Pacific Heights, one of the best ways to tour is through San Francisco City Guides. They offer free walking tours of the Pacific Heights and the Marina District -- which includes Cow Hollow, the former pasture tucked in between the hill and the Marina flats below.
The Marina District and Cow Hollow are epicenters of food and shopping. A stroll along Union and Chestnut streets will render more than enough possibilities for restaurants, bars, and boutiques. (See an overview Map of the Marina District street grid.)
Other attractions in the area: Haas-Lilienthal House, Octagon House, Palace of Fine Arts & Exploratorium, Marina Green & Fort Mason, Crissy Field.
See Map
17. Lands End & Legion of Honor
The Lands End area is part of the Outer Richmond district. If you have just a few days in San Francisco you may not have time to venture to these "Outside Lands."
But Lands End is a jaw-dropping visual treat. From points along the Coastal Trail you'll have a view of the Pacific Ocean with massive container ships moving through the Golden Gate and under the bridge.
If you find yourself craving a rugged coastline, this part of the coast includes the Legion of Honor museum (with Rodin collection). At the Legion, visit the Holocaust Memorial.
Also have a cocktail at the historic Cliff House overlooking the ocean. And see the camera obscura.
18. Presidio San Francisco
The Presidio is a gorgeous spot just this side of the Golden Gate Bridge -- a mix of history, natural park land, and some growing amenities, including exhibit spaces, cafes, and (in the Summer of 2008) a winery in an existing airplane hangar at Crissy Field.
The Bay Area is fortunate to have a significant amount of undeveloped land along the water, due to the military's presence. These lands were not commercially developed and are now parks -- rich habitat for wildlife, as well as hubs for people who use the park lands for hiking and outdoors activities.
See Map for LocationsMore »
19. Top of the Mark - to - Buena Vista Cafe
The Top of the Mark and the Buena Vista can be construed as San Francisco cliches. But, you'd have to be hardened to a pip not to appreciate these icons . . . even if they do tend to draw a touristed crowd.
I have yet to take a first-time visitor to the Top of the Mark who wasn't awed by the experience of sipping a cocktail at sunset, with the grand expanse of San Francisco below this Nob Hill perch. Capping the night with a cable car ride to the Buena Vista Cafe (for their famous Irish Coffee) can be the quintessential San Francisco escapade for newcomers.
See Map for Locations
20. GoCar - The Storytelling Car
The GoCar is a GPS-driven vehicle -- a bright yellow go cart of a car you'll see navigating the streets and hills of San Francisco. The beauty of GoCar tours is the autonomy you'll have, even in the context of a guided tour.
You can choose from several different GPS programs: Downtown San Francisco, Urban Parks, Mister SFs (insider tour), and Bridge to Lombard. Once you embark in the car, you're in control. The GPS will guide you via spoken voice, and provide information about stops along the way. But it's up to you how fast you go, and how long you want to linger at the various locations.
See the Go Car website for additional details - a map with rental locations
11. Haight Ashbury & Alamo Square Victorians
11. Haight Ashbury & Alamo Square Victorians
The Haight is but an urban ghost of its Summer of Love days. But there's history, including the famous Grateful Dead house and, of course, the Victorians pre-dating the Summer of Love by a long shot.
In the Haight (and in adjacent Cole Valley) you'll see exceptional examples of Victorian style. You can also walk a mile (east) to Alamo Square to get a photo of the Painted Ladies -- Victorians lined up with San Francisco as a backdrop.
The east end of Golden Gate Park is at the west end of the Haight. Destinations like the de Young Museum are walkable, if you don't mind trekking a mile west. You can also get on the N-Judah metro line in Cole Valley (See Muni Metro Map).
See Map for LocationsMore »
12. The Castro
12. The Castro
The Castro is best known as the hub of San Francisco's gay community. The neighborhood, formerly known as Eureka Valley, went through several cultural transitions, from its years as a Scandinavian neighborhood to a center for Irish immigrants.
The Castro Theatre is the area's most distinct icon (aside from the rainbow flag) -- and is an important San Francisco institution and historical landmark It showcases a diverse set of films and happenings, and plays host for the San Francisco International Film Festival and the International LGBT Film Festival . . . among other events.
To get an overview of the Castro, consider joining the Cruisin' the Castro guided walk -- a tour infused with cultural information about the district.
See Map
13. Mission Dolores & Mission District Murals
13. Mission Dolores & Mission District Murals
Venture away from the water -- toward the inner workings of San Francisco. Visit the vibrant (and sometimes a little grungy) Mission District. The Mission District is, these days, a culinary and drinking hub, with some of San Francisco's hippest restaurants and watering holes within steps of one another.
The district is also home to robust public art in the form of murals. The neighborhood's past is drenched in vivid multicultural stories, as it was a hub for immigrants from Europe and Central America. The art, the language, the shops, and the food still speak to that ethnic diversity.
See Map for LocationsMore »
14. Civic Center & City Hall
14. Civic Center & City Hall
Civic Center is a dramatic contrast between its Beaux Arts splendor and the street-life born of an imperfect social system. The buildings at Civic Center are among the most majestic in the city. But the area has its share of homeless -- which is sometimes a surprise to visitors, especially those who travel from countries where homelessness is not the issue it is here.
City Hall is the product of an almost $300 million renovation. In 2008, it became the busy site of California's first same-sex marriage ceremonies.
See: San Francisco City Hall Website.
Also visit the Asian Art Museum, the Herbst Theater, the San Francisco Opera, Ballet, and Symphony buildings.
Nearby is the hip restaurant and shopping district of Hayes Valley.
See Map
15. Japantown & The Fillmore District
15. Japantown & The Fillmore District
The Fillmore District hosts the Fillmore Jazz Festival each summer, honoring the district's cultural and musical heritage. Yoshi's, renowned jazz club, opened a venue in the Jazz Heritage Center in 2007 -- near the existing blues venue, The Boom Boom Room. The new development stretches toward the busy restaurant and shopping area of Fillmore Street in the Pacific Heights area.
Japantown ("Nihonmachi") is also here -- an area collectively known as the Western Addition. In Japantown, explore the cuisine, pastries and shops, visit the Peace Pagoda (gift from sister city Osaka) or enjoy a treatment Kabuki Springs. Annual festivals include the Nihonmachi Street Fair (August) and the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival.
See Map
16. Pacific Heights, Marina District & Cow Hollow
16. Pacific Heights, Marina District & Cow Hollow
If you're interested in seeing the Victorian mansions and architecture of Pacific Heights, one of the best ways to tour is through San Francisco City Guides. They offer free walking tours of the Pacific Heights and the Marina District -- which includes Cow Hollow, the former pasture tucked in between the hill and the Marina flats below.
The Marina District and Cow Hollow are epicenters of food and shopping. A stroll along Union and Chestnut streets will render more than enough possibilities for restaurants, bars, and boutiques. (See an overview Map of the Marina District street grid.)
Other attractions in the area: Haas-Lilienthal House, Octagon House, Palace of Fine Arts & Exploratorium, Marina Green & Fort Mason, Crissy Field.
See Map
17. Lands End & Legion of Honor
17. Lands End & Legion of Honor
The Lands End area is part of the Outer Richmond district. If you have just a few days in San Francisco you may not have time to venture to these "Outside Lands."
But Lands End is a jaw-dropping visual treat. From points along the Coastal Trail you'll have a view of the Pacific Ocean with massive container ships moving through the Golden Gate and under the bridge.
If you find yourself craving a rugged coastline, this part of the coast includes the Legion of Honor museum (with Rodin collection). At the Legion, visit the Holocaust Memorial.
Also have a cocktail at the historic Cliff House overlooking the ocean. And see the camera obscura.
18. Presidio San Francisco
18. Presidio San Francisco
The Presidio is a gorgeous spot just this side of the Golden Gate Bridge -- a mix of history, natural park land, and some growing amenities, including exhibit spaces, cafes, and (in the Summer of 2008) a winery in an existing airplane hangar at Crissy Field.
The Bay Area is fortunate to have a significant amount of undeveloped land along the water, due to the military's presence. These lands were not commercially developed and are now parks -- rich habitat for wildlife, as well as hubs for people who use the park lands for hiking and outdoors activities.
See Map for LocationsMore »
19. Top of the Mark - to - Buena Vista Cafe
19. Top of the Mark - to - Buena Vista Cafe
The Top of the Mark and the Buena Vista can be construed as San Francisco cliches. But, you'd have to be hardened to a pip not to appreciate these icons . . . even if they do tend to draw a touristed crowd.
I have yet to take a first-time visitor to the Top of the Mark who wasn't awed by the experience of sipping a cocktail at sunset, with the grand expanse of San Francisco below this Nob Hill perch. Capping the night with a cable car ride to the Buena Vista Cafe (for their famous Irish Coffee) can be the quintessential San Francisco escapade for newcomers.
See Map for Locations
20. GoCar - The Storytelling Car
20. GoCar - The Storytelling Car
The GoCar is a GPS-driven vehicle -- a bright yellow go cart of a car you'll see navigating the streets and hills of San Francisco. The beauty of GoCar tours is the autonomy you'll have, even in the context of a guided tour.
You can choose from several different GPS programs: Downtown San Francisco, Urban Parks, Mister SFs (insider tour), and Bridge to Lombard. Once you embark in the car, you're in control. The GPS will guide you via spoken voice, and provide information about stops along the way. But it's up to you how fast you go, and how long you want to linger at the various locations.
See the Go Car website for additional details - a map with rental locations