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Dynamic neighborhoods, diverse streetscapes and mild year-round temperatures make San francisco a pedestrian-friendly playground. Before you tackle the city’s famous hills, acquaint yourself with a few appealing corners of its scenic, walkable communities. The Richmond/Golden Gate Park San francisco celebrates the 150th birthday of golden gate Park in 2020, making this an ideal time to explore the gardens, groves and grassy hills stretched across the park’s 1,017 acres. Several noteworthy attractions are also located here, including the Conservatory of flowers, japanese tea garden, national AiDS memorial grove and two standout facilities focused on art and nature. • Start your adventure in the ninth-floor observation tower of the de Young Museum, where 360-degree city and ocean views provide a stunning sense of place. Downstairs, this engaging institution showcases paintings, sculptures and textiles by American and international artists. • Across a tree- and fountain-filled oval called the music Concourse, the California Academy of Arts and Sciences tucks an aquarium, planetarium and natural history museum under one wildflower-topped living roof. Save time for the four-story rainforest dome that’s occupied by 250 butterflies and birds. • Pick up picnic supplies at Arguello Market, a block beyond the park’s northern border, or continue up Arguello St. to Clement St. Here, neighborhood dining options range from spicy noodles and curries at Burma Superstar to elaborate cakes, tarts and cookies at Schubert’s Bakery. The cozy confectionery has been making San francisco sweeter since 1911. • Browse the richmond’s independent shops and boutiques. Green Apple Books, a beloved source of new and used literature, non-fiction, children’s stories, travel guides, magazines and more spills across two Clement St. storefronts. Foggy Notion features jewelry, home goods and gifts, with a focus on handmade and eco-friendly items. The Castro Fifty years after San francisco’s first Pride celebration, San francisco’s Castro district sustains strong spiritual and historical connections to the LgBtQ rights movement. Cultural sites, bars and shops celebrate LgBtQ culture in this dynamic neighborhood that welcomes visitors of all stripes. • From Castro and market streets, where rainbow flags fly above Harvey Milk Plaza, follow the rainbow Honor Walk’s bronze sidewalk plaques commemorating LgBtQ pioneers, including astronaut Sally ride and poet Allen ginsberg. • After pausing at milk’s former home and camera shop near Castro and 18th streets, step into the GLBT Historical Society Museum to view multimedia exhibitions that explore diversity and social justice. • Detour down 18th St. to fuel up on almond croissants and coffee at Les Marais Bakery, a family-owned café with french roots and three San francisco locations. • Check the marquee for movie times at the Castro Theatre, which plays current films and sing-along screenings of classic flicks—complete with live Wurlitzer organ music. A few doors away, Cliff’s Variety carries hardware, toys, craft supplies and California souvenirs in every color of the rainbow. • Complete your Castro experience with a pint at Hi Tops, a gay sports bar with pub bites. or, you can dance the night away at The Café, which is right down the block and newly renovated. Dogpatch/Mission Bay Anchored by the new Chase Center, home to the golden State Warriors, mission Bay and the neighboring Dogpatch neighborhood appeal to sports fans, cultural travelers and culinary connoisseurs alike. • Mini-golf greens inspired by San francisco’s past and present border the food trucks and fire pits of Spark Social SF, an outdoor dining destination and beer garden just blocks from Chase Center. • Follow the San francisco Bay trail south from Chase Center to The Ramp, a salty seafood and burger joint with a waterfront patio and live music on weekends. for a more serene stop, pint-sized Glena’s serves summery cocktails and tacos topped with tofu, grilled rock cod or pork shoulder, pineapple and salsa verde. • Fresh off its 15th anniversary, the nearby Museum of Craft and Design spotlights contemporary artists, architects, designers and makers through innovative exhibitions that examine the intersection of craft, design and culture. • Up the block at Daily Driver, staffers practice the craft of bagel-making. Locals top their favorite hand-rolled, wood-fired selections with cream cheese and cultured butter churned in the on-site creamery. • House-crafted ales are the draw at neighboring Magnolia Dogpatch. Across the street at Third Rail, try any one of their outrageous whiskey cocktails paired with some of their signature jerky.
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