12 . POINTS OF INTErEST | Never the same. Always San Francisco. POINTS OF INTEREST CONTINUED 1 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 itself is an ideal midday break. One of 11 historic districts designated by the Department of City Planning, the area includes several bed-and-breakfast inns. 2 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, then a federal prison for such notorious convicts as Al Capone. Now it is one of the city’s most popular attractions (advance reservations are strongly recommended) . Tours include a self-guided trail, a video presentation and audio tours narrated by former guards and inmates through the main cell blocks as well as special programs on famous inmates, fortifications, etc. Tours are available in Japanese, German, French, Italian, Dutch, Mandarin, Portugese, Korean and Spanish upon request. 3 ANGEL ISLANd STATE PArK San Francisco Bay, 415-435-5390 for information. Often referred to as the “Ellis Island of the West,” the 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. Water taxis also visit the island. Bike rentals, electric scooters, audio-enhanced historic tram tours, Segway tours, cafe, picnic and camping facilities are available. Dogs and skateboards are not permitted. 2 4 AQUATIC PArK Foot of Polk Street. At the west end of Fisherman’s Wharf, this bayside park encompasses a quarter-mile stretch of beach, the Maritime Museum and the Municipal Pier, a popular spot with local fishermen. 8 CASTRO DISTRICT Market and Castro Streets. Steep streets and brightly painted Victorian houses give this “Gay Mecca” that distinct, San Francisco look. The Castro is filled with boutiques, bookstores and bars. Built in 1922, the Castro Theatre survives as one of the last grand movie palaces. The GLBT History Museum collects, preserves and promotes an active knowledge of the history, art and culture of sexually diverse communities in Northern California and beyond. The San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center houses dozens of community organizations. Also of note are Harvey Milk Plaza, dedicated to one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, and Pink Triangle Park, a memorial to 15,000 LGBT Holocaust victims. Each June, the SF Pride Parade draws 500,000 participants and spectators. The Castro Street Fair unfolds each October. The Rainbow Honor Walk on Castro between 18th and 19th Streets honors pioneers and icons of the LGBT movement. 5 AT&T PArK 24 Willie Mays Plaza, Third and King Streets. See San Francisco Giants listing in the Sports & Recreational Activities section on page PD49. 6 CABLE CArS San Francisco is one of the few places in the world where people can ride on a National Historic Landmark. Refurbished and equipped with new tracks, cables, turntables and machinery, they operate much as they did on Aug. 2, 1873, when Andrew S. Hallidie guided the first car down the Clay Street grade. Today’s fleet totals 40; the adult fare is $7. A ride on a cable car and a visit to the Cable Car Museum are the best way to understand the system, its simple mechanics and worldwide popularity. 8 9 CHINA BEACH 28th Avenue and Sea Cliff, between Lincoln Park and the Presidio. This long-ago campground for Chinese fishermen is situated right on the Golden Gate. The 600-foot (183-meter) sandy beach is excellent for sunbathing and picnicking. Swimming is not permitted. Facilities include sun decks and dressing rooms. 7 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, 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 simply relaxing. The trails, group picnic sites and fishing piers at this urban park offer access to open space and outdoor activities. Its name is derived from 19th-century locals who thought the burning of nearby abandoned sailing ships and their flaming masts in the bay resembled lighted candlesticks. 10 sftravel.com FROM TOP: Shutterstock; San Francisco Travel Association; Andrea Burolla
San Francisco Travel Planner's Guide 2018: Page 12
