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EXPLORE MORE OF SAN FRANCISCO BY GETTING TO KNOW THE GENERAL GEOGRAPHY, DISTINCTIVE NEIGHBORHOODS AND MAJOR POINTS OF INTEREST. The following section provides details on many of the city’s attractions, neighborhoods and other notable places. Armed with this, you’ll be ready to build incredible itineraries for every interest. ALAMO SQUARE Corner of Hayes and Steiner streets. One of the most photographed locations in San Francisco, Alamo Square’s famous “postcard row” is indeed a visual treat. A tight, escalating formation of Victorian houses is backdropped by downtown skyscrapers, and the grassy square makes for an ideal midday break. One of 12 historic districts designated by the Department of City Planning, the area includes several bed-andbreakfast inns. ALCATRAZ ISLAND San Francisco Bay, 415-981-ROCK (7625) for reservations. A mile and a half (2.4 km) from Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz (the name means “pelican” in Spanish) was the site of the first lighthouse built on the Pacific Coast, and then a federal prison for notorious convicts such as Al Capone. Now it is one of the city’s most popular attractions (advance reservations are strongly recommended). Tours include a selfguided walk through the main cell blocks, a video presentation and audio tours narrated by former guards and inmates. Multilingual tours are available upon request. ANGEL ISLAND STATE PARK San Francisco Bay, 415-435-5390 for information. Often referred to as the “Ellis Island of the West,” the Angel Island Immigration Station originally opened on Jan. 21, 1910, and closed in 1940 after a fire destroyed the administration building. During that time, more than 1 million individuals were processed through the center, including an estimated 175,000 Chinese immigrants and 150,000 Japanese immigrants. The Immigration Station was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1997. Ferry service to the 740-acre island, the largest in San Francisco Bay, is available from Fisherman’s Wharf, Tiburon and Alameda/Oakland; service is limited during the winter. Bike rentals, audio-enhanced historic tram tours, Segway tours, café, picnic and camping facilities are available. Dogs, skateboards and scooters are not permitted. AQUATIC PARK Foot of Polk St. At the west end of Fisherman’s Wharf, this bayside park encompasses a quarter-mile stretch of beach, the Maritime Museum and a pier that is popular with local fishermen. AT&T PARK 24 Willie Mays Plaza, Third and King streets. See San Francisco Giants listing on page PD50. CABLE CARS San Francisco is the only place in the world where people can ride on a National Historic Landmark. Refurbished in 1984, they operate much as they did on Aug. 2, 1873, when Andrew S. Hallidie guided the first car down Clay St. Today’s fleet totals 40; the adult fare is $7. A ride on a cable car and a visit to the free Cable Car Museum are the best way to understand the system, its mechanics and worldwide popularity. CANDLESTICK POINT From Highway 101, take Candlestick Park exit and follow the shoreline to the Candlestick Point State Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the bay, the East Bay hills, the San Bruno Mountains and relax in the peaceful park itself. Its location on the western shoreline of San Francisco Bay provides a variety of recreational opportunities such as windsurfing, fishing, bird watching, walking and hiking. The trails, group picnic sites and fishing piers at this urban park offer access to open space and outdoor activities. CASTRO DISTRICT Market and Castro streets. Steep streets and brightly painted Victorian houses give this “Gay Mecca” that distinct, San Francisco look. Landmarks include the Castro Theatre built in 1922; Harvey Milk Plaza, dedicated to one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S.; and Pink Triangle Park, a memorial to 15,000 LGBTQ Holocaust victims. The GLBT History Museum on 18th St. collects, preserves and promotes an active knowledge of the history, art and culture of sexually diverse communities. The Rainbow Honor Walk honors pioneers and icons of the LGBTQ movement. The San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center is on nearby Market St. Each June, the SF Pride Parade draws more than 500,000 participants and spectators. CHINA BEACH 28th Ave. and Sea Cliff, between Lincoln Park and the Presidio. This former campground for Chinese fishermen is situated right by the Golden Gate. The 600-foot (183-meter) beach is ideal for sunbathing and picnicking. Swimming is not permitted. CHINATOWN Grant Ave. between Bush St. and Columbus Ave. and adjacent streets. San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the U.S., offering an array of exotic shops, restaurants, food markets, temples, and venerable institutions and museums, including the Chinese Historical Society of America and the Chinese Culture Center. Pagoda-style roofs and decorative balconies dominate the architecture, and street lamps are dragon-entwined. Grant Ave., the district’s main street, is a spectacle during the annual Chinese New Year and Autumn Moon Festival celebrations. CIVIC CENTER Van Ness, Market and Golden Gate triangle. A monumental cluster of federal, state and city buildings, San Francisco’s Civic Center is among the most impressive in the United States. The magnificent City Hall is crowned by a dome taller than the U.S. capitol. Tours of City Hall are conducted on a regular basis. For information, call 415-554-6139. Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall; War Memorial Veterans Building, which also houses the San Francisco Arts Commission main gallery; War Memorial Opera House; Bill Graham Civic Auditorium; SFJAZZ Center; Asian Art Museum; the Main Library and other institutions are all nearby. CLIFF HOUSE 1090 Point Lobos Ave. The restored 1909 structure offers magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and Seal Rocks. The main building offers outdoor observation decks, as well as several restaurants ranging from take-home favorites to an elegant main dining room. CRISSY FIELD Shoreline of the Presidio, southeast of the Golden Gate Bridge. This is a favorite spot to stroll, sit and sip a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Blue herons, native plants and an expanse of wild, windswept shoreline provide a great escape. The Crissy Field Center, a partnership of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service, provides a variety of programs, services and amenities for visitors including walks, workshops and events. THE EMBARCADERO Southeast of Fisherman’s Wharf. The Embarcadero is where miles of deep-water piers shelter ships of all flags. It’s also home to the Exploratorium, which features more than 650 hands-on exhibits. The Port of San Francisco operates the cruise ship terminal at Pier 27. Here, too, at the foot of Market St., is the Ferry Building, a vibrant public space housing high-end retailers, a food hall, restaurants and a farmers’ market. The Ferry Building is also the terminal for ferries to Marin County, Vallejo, Oakland, South San Francisco and Alameda. Historic streetcars offer easy access to the area as well. FILLMORE STREET Fillmore St. south of Broadway. Near Pacific Heights are a number of intimate cafés and restaurants, as well as a concentration of upscale stores. The 2000–2200 blocks of Fillmore offer shoppers a smorgasbord of boutiques with vintage clothing, used books, records, costumes and the next-to-new. The Juneteenth Celebration is an outdoor event held each June to celebrate African- American culture. The Fillmore District (Fillmore St. between Geary Blvd. and Eddy St.) is home to clubs and restaurants. THE FINANCIAL DISTRICT North of Market St., from Kearny St. to the Embarcadero. San Francisco’s bustling downtown is a center of commerce and architectural innovation. The carnelian marble-covered, 779-foot-high (237 meters) Bank of America building at 555 California St.; the unique, 853-foot-high (258 meters) Transamerica Pyramid at 600 Montgomery and the 724-foot-high (219 meters) 345 California St. are landmarks of the city’s skyline. Recent additions include Salesforce Tower, which at 1,070 feet (326 meters), is now the city’s tallest building, and the Salesforce Transit Center, which includes a Grand Hall entrance, gondola and rooftop public park. FISHERMAN’S WHARF Jefferson and Taylor streets, extending east and west along the waterfront. Fishing boats, seafood stalls, steaming crab cauldrons and seafood restaurants. That’s how you know you’re at world-famous Fisherman’s Wharf. Souvenir shops, museums and attractions augment the atmosphere. The Blessing of the Fishing Fleet occurs on the first Sunday in October and the crab season extends from mid-November to June. Two cable car lines terminate in the area, with sightseeing boat tours leaving from Piers 39, 41 and 43. Cruises to Alcatraz Island depart from Pier 33. Many bus lines and the historic E- and F-lines serve the area. FORT MASON Upper Fort Mason, Bay and Franklin streets (GGNRA Headquarters and San Francisco International Hostel), 415-771-7277. Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, Buchanan St. and Marina Blvd., 415-345-7500. Fort Mason, a former military installation, is the headquarters for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). Information and maps on all GGNRA programs and facilities are available at Park Headquarters, Building 201, upper Fort Mason. A 156-bed hostel is located nearby. Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture’s Festival Pavilion, located in lower Fort Mason, is used frequently for large exhibitions, fairs, a popular food truck gathering and more. Information on events is available at the main office, Landmark Building A, Fort Mason Center. FORT POINT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Reached via Lincoln Blvd. to Long Ave., 415-556-1693. Designated as a National Historic Site in 1970, this much-photographed landmark at the base of the south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge was constructed between 1853 and 1861. The three-tiered structure surrounds a large courtyard built to accommodate 126 cannon mounts and 500 soldiers. Films chronicling the history of the fort and the building of the Golden Gate Bridge are shown daily. Free guided tours and cannon demonstrations are also available. 49-MILE SCENIC DRIVE This planned tour throughout San Francisco exposes you to all the sights. Follow the seagull signs for a scenic circuit that includes some of the city’s most popular visitor attractions and unique neighborhoods. Allow a minimum of three to four hours. Maps of the drive are available from San Francisco Travel. GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE Spanning the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Once called “the bridge that couldn’t be built,” today it’s one of the seven wonders of the modern world. This magnificent span, perhaps San Francisco’s most famous landmark, opened in 1937 after a four-year struggle against relentless winds, fog, rock and treacherous tides. It links the city with Marin County and the Redwood Empire beyond. You can walk, bike, bus or drive across. The south end of the bridge includes a welcome center and more. There is no more manual cash collection; toll payment by FasTrak or Pay-by-Plate. For details, visit goldengate.org/tolls. GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA In 1972, the United States Congress created a vast recreation area in San Francisco and Marin counties to protect coastal lands from development and to provide an urban park for the heavily populated San Francisco area. This is the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). Few urban shorelines contain this diversity: islands, redwood forests, a former federal prison, ocean beaches, retired military installations and historic points of interest. Across the Golden Gate Bridge, the GGNRA encompasses vast areas of undeveloped lands in the Marin Headlands, as well as wildlife sanctuaries, picnic facilities and miles of trails. Just beyond the GGNRA’s northern boundary is the 67,000-acre (27,114 hectares) Point Reyes National Seashore. To the south, 4,700 acres (1,900 hectares) in San Mateo County include Sweeney Ridge where, in 1769, the first Europeans saw San Francisco Bay. Maps and information on GGNRA activities are available from Park Headquarters, Building 201, Fort Mason, Bay and Franklin streets, 415-561-4700, or the Marin Headlands Visitor Center, 415-331-1540. GOLDEN GATE PARK From Stanyan St. to the Pacific Ocean, between Fulton St. and Lincoln Blvd., 415-831-2700. These magnificent 1,017 acres (412 hectares) were once an open expanse of dunes. Developed in 1871, Golden Gate Park is among the largest man-made parks in the world. Amid countless trees and 7,000 kinds of plants are paddock fields with bison, lakes for rowing, play areas and a treasure of varied attractions, including the de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, San Francisco Botanical Garden, The National AIDS Memorial Grove, Sharon Art Studio and the restored 1912 carousel in the Children’s Playground. Nearby, the NOPA neighborhood (short for “north of the Panhandle”) offers excellent dining options. GRACE CATHEDRAL 1100 California St., 415-749-6300. The seat of the Episcopal bishop of California, the cathedral is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture and the third-largest Episcopal cathedral in the United States. At the east entrance are exact replicas of the Ghiberti doors of the Florence Baptistry. HAIGHT-ASHBURY Haight and Ashbury streets near Golden Gate Park Panhandle. More than 50 years later, the Summer of Love lives on mainly in stores: vintage clothing, books and records are abundant along Haight St., the neighborhood’s busiest stretch. Places of interest include 710 Ashbury St., once home to the legendary band the Grateful Dead; 112 Lyon St., where famous singer Janis Joplin lived (Note: these are private residences); Buena Vista Park, with its views of the city; and, for architectural highlights, Masonic Ave., Piedmont and Delmar streets. HAYES VALLEY Hayes St. west of Civic Center. A short distance from Civic Center is Hayes Valley, which boasts galleries, antique shops, restaurants and book nooks. The 700-seat SFJAZZ Center is the first concert hall of its kind in the western United States. Patricia’s Green, at Hayes and Octavia streets, is a neighborhood favorite with rotating temporary art installations, including some Burning Man favorites. JACKSON SQUARE Jackson St. from Montgomery St. to Battery, extending one block north and south. An authentic reminder of the rowdy Barbary Coast and Gold Rush era, Jackson Square has handsome 19th-century buildings that serve as showrooms for interior decorators, antique and art dealers. Chic specialty shops and restaurants add to the charm. JAPANESE TEA GARDEN 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., 415-831-2700. Created in 1894 as a Japanese village for the California Mid-Winter Exposition, this four-acre exhibit (1.6 hectares) is one of the city’s most beloved treasures. It includes a tea house, pagoda, Buddha, torii gates and several small pools, streams and bridges. Cherry blossoms, azaleas and flowering shrubs enhance its tranquil beauty. The 9,000-pound Peace Lantern was presented by Japanese children in 1953 as a symbol of friendship. JAPANTOWN Geary, Fillmore, Sutter and Laguna streets. Travelers can visit Japan just 1.1 miles (1.8 km) west of downtown. Nihonmachi, as Japantown is known to the city’s residents of Japanese descent, is one of only three in the United States. The Japan Center is a five-acre complex of shops, restaurants, sushi bars, movie theaters, galleries and Japanese baths. The Peace Plaza, crowned by a five-tier pagoda, is the main setting for such celebrations as the annual Cherry Blossom Festival (April), Nihonmachi Street Fair (August) and several smaller festivals. LAKE MERCED Southwest corner of the city. Adjacent to the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens and TPC Harding Park Golf Course, Lake Merced is a favorite place for fun and relaxation. Once an ocean lagoon before it was separated by sand dunes, the lake is now fed by freshwater springs. It offers the only trout fishing in San Francisco and is also popular for boating and sailing. LINCOLN PARK Northwest corner of the city, bisected by El Camino del Mar. Main entrance at Clement St. and 34th Ave. These 270 acres (109 hectares) of green space provide an impressive view of the Golden Gate. Two-hundred-foot cliffs (61 meters) enhance the grandeur. The Legion of Honor’s art collection, the Holocaust memorial and the Lincoln Park Municipal Golf Course are the principal attractions. LITTLE SAIGON Lower Larkin St. Just beyond the Asian Art Museum’s front door at Larkin St., from McAllister to O’Farrell streets has been designated Little Saigon. Some 250 Vietnamese-owned businesses are concentrated in this area and the nearby Tenderloin. For budget-friendly meals, this is a good fit, from banh mi (tasty sandwiches on baguettes) to pho (rice noodle soup). MARINA GREEN Shoreline of the Bay, from Webster to Scott streets. This broad waterfront lawn developed on the site of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition provides a restful place to view the boats sailing out from San Francisco’s Yacht Harbor or participating in weekend regattas. Get excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge as well. Runners consider this one of the best spots for daily workouts. MISSION BAY Waterfront south of I-80 and east of I-280 along Third St. Easily reached on the T-Third Muni Metro, Mission Bay’s most prominent tenant is the University of California San Francisco, Mission Bay, the largest biomedical university expansion in the United States. Chase Center, the new home of the Golden State Warriors, will open for the 2019-20 basketball season. MISSION DISTRICT South of Market St. between Potrero Ave. and Dolores St. Mission St., the main thoroughfare in the district, once linked the Mission San Francisco de Asis (Mission Dolores) to the bay. Boasting one of the best climates in the city, the Mission has always been a bustling community. Some of the city’s most promising young chefs are making names for themselves here. Valencia St. has become a hotbed of new restaurants and shopping. Cinco de Mayo and Carnaval occur in May. MISSION DOLORES 16th and Dolores streets, 415-621-8203. Founded in 1776, Mission San Francisco de Asis is the sixth of 21 missions established by the Franciscan Fathers in California. Moorish, Mission and Corinthian styles combine in the church, the oldest intact structure in San Francisco; the altar and decorations are from Spain and Mexico. Alongside is a garden and cemetery where many pioneers are buried. NOB HILL California and Mason streets and adjacent blocks. Once a fashionable residential district for silver kings and railroad barons, known colloquially as “nabobs,” Nob Hill is now home to elegant hotels, apartments and restaurants. Views from atop the InterContinental Mark Hopkins and Fairmont hotels offer magnificent panoramas of San Francisco. Grace Cathedral, Huntington Park, the exclusive Pacific Union Club and the Masonic enhance the lure of this locale. NOE VALLEY West of Dolores St. between 22nd and 30th streets. The heart of Noe Valley, San Francisco’s “village within the city,” is 24th St. This colorful and pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare boasts an array of trendy boutiques, comfortable pubs, outdoor cafés and restaurants. Visitors can explore retailers selling imported cheeses, gelato, herbs and oils, hard-tofind magazines, and coffee beans and teas from around the world. NORTH BEACH North of Broadway and east of Columbus Ave. There’s no beach like North Beach — in fact, there’s no beach at all. The area’s name comes from the 1850s, when a finger of the bay extended inland and the neighborhood was a sunny shore. Today, it encompasses one of San Francisco’s busiest nightlife areas with cabarets, jazz, cappuccino houses, off-beat bistros and established restaurants. All around are the vibrant accents of the city’s inhabitants of Italian descent. Delicatessens are filled with enticing appetizers: provolone, prosciutto, focaccia and on and on. Washington Square is an ideal spot for a picnic lunch. OCEAN BEACH Along Great Highway at the western edge of San Francisco. On the westernmost edge of the city is an area of sand and surf that has long been a favorite with tourists and sunset watchers. Swimming and wading at this beach are strongly discouraged because of strong currents and frigid waters. Seal Rocks are small, stony islands just offshore at the foot of Point Lobos Ave.; except for a few loners, most of the sea lions have departed for cozier quarters at PIER 39. Here, too, is the Cliff House. OLD ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL 660 California St. at Grant Ave.; 415-986-4388. Old St. Mary’s is the city’s first cathedral. Erected in 1854, it is diagonally across from St. Mary’s Square, where a statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, by sculptor Beniamino Bufano, presides. PORTSMOUTH SQUARE Kearny St. between Clay and Washington streets. Commander John B. Montgomery disembarked from the sloop Portsmouth to raise the U.S. flag on this spot on July 9, 1846, claiming possession of San Francisco (then Yerba Buena). California’s first public schoolhouse stood here, African-American pioneer William A. Leidesdorff opened the city’s first hotel (City Hotel) at the corner of Clay and Kearny streets, and a monument to Robert Louis Stevenson was erected in 1897. Nowadays, it’s the heart of Chinatown and is a popular gathering place for neighborhood residents. POTRERO HILL 16th St. to Cesar Chavez between U.S. 101 and I-280. Within the city’s “sunbelt,” Potrero Hill takes advantage of its sunny outlook with outdoor film series and numerous sidewalk cafés. It is also one of the few areas to survive the 1906 earthquake and fire. One of 12 historic districts in the city, the neighboring area known as Dogpatch is home to several urban wineries and the Museum of Craft and Design. THE PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO Northwest corner of San Francisco; main gate at Lombard and Lyon streets. Founded in 1776, the Presidio served as a military garrison under the flags of Spain, Mexico and the U.S. before it became a national park in 1994. Its long history is reflected in many places: 17th-century cannons, a diversity of architectural styles, and a forest planted in the 1880s. Within the boundaries of this 1,480-acre (599 hectares) preserve are The Walt Disney Family Museum, the Officers’ Club, San Francisco National Military Cemetery and Fort Point. The Presidio is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. RICHMOND DISTRICT Northwest corner of the city between the Presidio and Golden Gate Park. In the Richmond, it’s possible to shop in a Russian grocery, sip a beer in an Irish pub and have dinner in a Chinese restaurant, all within walking distance of one another. Many cultures inhabit the Clement St. shopping sector. On Geary Blvd., Russian bakeries offering piroshki stand alongside Greek delis and kosher meat markets. With an estimated 35 percent of the city’s Chinese-Americans residing in the area, Chinese food markets, restaurants and dim sum parlors are abundant. RUSSIAN HILL Between Nob Hill and Fisherman’s Wharf. Country-like lanes and panoramic views of San Francisco Bay lace beautiful Russian Hill. It takes its name from the Russian sea otter and seal hunters who were active in California waters in the early 1800s. Today, it is one of San Francisco’s most prestigious addresses. It’s also home to Lombard St., known as “the crookedest street in the world,” with eight hairpin turns in the single block between Hyde and Leavenworth streets. SACRAMENTO STREET Sacramento St. between Broderick and Spruce streets. Many of the shops, galleries and boutiques along this browsable stretch occupy turn-of-the-century buildings. Interspersed among apparel, antique, art, gift and home furnishing outlets are coffeehouses, snack bars and a movie theater. ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL Geary and Gough streets (Cathedral Hill), 415-567-2020. St. Mary’s, an edifice of striking contemporary design (not to be confused with Old St. Mary’s in Chinatown), is one of the city’s architectural glories. Its exterior is Italian travertine, approached via spacious brick plazas. Inside, stained-glass windows divide the ceiling and extend down the four sides of the cathedral to form a multicolored cruciform. SAN FRANCISCO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Van Ness Ave. between Grove and McAllister streets, 415-552-8338 (tour information). The San Francisco Performing Arts Center encompasses the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, War Memorial Opera House and the Veterans Building, and is one of the largest performing arts centers in the U.S. The War Memorial Opera House (3,126 seats) is the home of the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet, and hosts major opera, dance and performing arts groups. Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall (2,739 seats), home of the San Francisco Symphony, hosts all types of musical performances. Herbst Theatre (892 seats), on the ground floor of the War Memorial Veterans Building, is suitable for both theatrical and musical offerings. Tours available. SAN FRANCISCO-OAKLAND BAY BRIDGE Opened six months before the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge has connected the city with Oakland and the East Bay since 1936. In 2013, a $6.4 billion construction project was completed, replacing the east span of the bridge with the world’s largest self-anchored suspension span. The Bay Lights, a glittering 25,000 LED-light installation, was added to commemorate the bridge’s 75th anniversary. This incredible structure, one of the longest steel bridges in the world, spans eight miles (13.3 km) across the bay via Yerba Buena Island. In 2013, the western span of the bridge was named the Willie L. Brown, Jr. Bridge in honor of San Francisco’s first African-American mayor. Auto toll collected westbound only. SIGMUND STERN GROVE Sloat Blvd. and 19th Ave. Music among the trees is the lure of this restful glen. During summer Sunday afternoons, this natural amphitheater, sheltered by eucalyptus, redwood and fir trees, becomes “Nature’s Music Box” and is the setting for free performances from opera to hip-hop. SOUTH BEACH Eastern waterfront south of Ferry Building. This mixed-use waterfront neighborhood has plenty to observe and explore. Among the most prominent landmarks in the area is AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, at 24 Willie Mays Plaza. Kayak tours from South Beach Harbor and a 700-slip marina encourage bay adventures. SOUTH OF MARKET (SOMA) South of Market St. and east of Division St. SoMa includes two square miles of nightclubs, fashionable restaurants, experimental theaters and galleries. Major points of interest in this area include the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, The Moscone Center, Children’s Creativity Museum, the Contemporary Jewish Museum and Metreon. SUNSET DISTRICT Southwest corner of the city, south of Golden Gate Park and north of Sloat Blvd. The same vision that transformed Golden Gate Park into a green oasis influenced the transformation of the Sunset in the early 1900s. There are some serious coffeehouses to take the chill off after a stroll along Ocean Beach, and La Playa Park, a sliver of green between Kirkham and Judah streets right on the edge of the Pacific, is a good spot to relax and watch coastal swells. TELEGRAPH HILL/COIT TOWER Northeast corner of the city, reached via Lombard St., 415-362-0808. Overlooking the bay, Telegraph Hill is a reminder of San Francisco’s artistic and literary traditions. Its name stems from earlier days, when a semaphore was used to signal the town below to the approach of ships through the Golden Gate. At the summit of Telegraph Hill is Coit Tower, built in 1933. It is the legacy of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who left a $125,000 bequest to San Francisco “for the purpose of adding beauty to the city which I have always loved.” The ground floor lobby is adorned with a series of fresco murals by some 30 local artists, depicting life in 1930s San Francisco. Guided docent tours are available. An elevator to its 210-foot-high observation platform operates daily. Because of heavy traffic, public transit is strongly recommended for access; on weekends, parking near the tower may be limited to residents only. THE TENDERLOIN Between Union Square and Civic Center, north of Market St. Thousands of immigrants from Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam have given this 20-square-block district new life. Sermons on social justice blend with rockin’ choir music on Sundays at Glide Memorial Church on Ellis St., symbolizing the neighborhood’s resurgence. EXIT Theatre, the Tenderloin Museum, a crop of new art galleries, some 200 restaurants and cafés point to an upbeat feeling. TREASURE ISLAND East of San Francisco via the San Francisco- Oakland Bay Bridge. Treasure Island was created for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition to celebrate the completion of both the Golden Gate and San Francisco-Oakland Bay bridges. Its location offers spectacular views of San Francisco’s skyline. Popular events on the island include a monthly flea market and several wineries. TWIN PEAKS Center of the city reached via Twin Peaks Blvd. Noted for their sweeping vistas and 360-degree views of the entire Bay Area, these two towering hills have an elevation of about 920 feet and are located near the geographic center of the city. The surrounding 65-acre park (26 hectares) is popular with hikers, sightseers and photographers. UNION SQUARE Two blocks on either side of Union Square bounded by Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton streets. A hub for both shopping and local transportation, Union Square is among the city’s most popular destinations. Within sight of the towering monument to Admiral George Dewey at the center of the square, visitors will find landmark hotels, flagship stores, top theaters, renowned art galleries and more. Hallidie Plaza at the foot of Powell St. is where BART and Muni service converge with the city’s famous cable cars. UNION STREET/COW HOLLOW Union St. between Russian Hill and the Presidio. Discover charming Victorians and colorful courtyards filled with more than 200 very special shops. This 10-block area attracts an international clientele, as well as city residents. Union St. features the latest fashions for men and women, custom-designed jewelry and crafts, children’s shops and an eclectic mix of galleries. Savor the taste of San Francisco’s renowned cuisine at a sidewalk café or one of many restaurants offering international and California cuisine. WESTERN ADDITION Embracing four historic districts: Webster St., Bush St., Cottage Row and Alamo Square. Renowned for Victorian architecture, the Western Addition is one of the city’s most diverse areas. A thriving Japanese-American community and the African-American Art & Culture Complex on Fulton St. reflect the neighborhood’s rich and varied heritage. A platform for the discussion of issues and trends affecting African-Americans, the center also houses the San Francisco African-American Historical & Cultural Society, an art gallery and a theater. The area is known for a number of historic African-American churches. WEST PORTAL North of Portola Dr. near Sloat Blvd. Like many of San Francisco’s residential neighborhoods, West Portal has a cozy character. “Detached homes,” something of a rarity in San Francisco, are popular in the nearby residential areas. The tree-lined sidewalks of St. Francis Wood, Forest Hill and Balboa Terrace are perfect for a “stretch-the-legs” stroll. Along West Portal Ave., you’ll find toy and gift shops and restaurants of all persuasions. YERBA BUENA GARDENS Blocks bounded by Third, Fourth, Folsom and Mission streets. Yerba Buena Gardens encompasses 87 acres (35 hectares) of downtown development, including the city’s recently expanded convention facility, The Moscone Center, which is also home to a new fullservice Visitor Information Center. Numerous museums and galleries are headquartered here, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts’ visual arts and theater buildings, a sculpture court and garden. The center overlooks a park with cafés, an outdoor performance area and a walk-through waterfall leading to a memorial for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Rooftop at Yerba Buena Gardens features an ice skating rink, bowling center, carousel and the Children’s Creativity Museum, an interdisciplinary arts center for young people.
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