Musée Mécanique In the days before iPhones, tablets and video games, folks got their entertainment from mechanical, coin-operated machines. This museum celebrates those vintage arcade games and lets you drop in a few coins to watch them spring to life once again. Sea Lions at PIER 39 Shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake in October 1989, a group of California sea lions started hanging out on the K-Dock at PIER 39. By 2009, their numbers had grown to 1,700. Naturalists from the nearby Aquarium of the Bay are often on-hand to answer questions about the boisterous pinnipeds. Randall Museum Traveling with the kids? From atop a peak near Corona Heights Park, this family-friendly museum offers amazing views of the city, free hands-on workshops and animal exhibits that’ll keep the little ones engaged for the afternoon. Illustration by Claire London San Francisco Cable Car Museum Occupying a carbarn on Nob Hill, the space showcases three cable cars from the 1870s, as well as the cables used to pull them. After learning all about how they work, head to the intersection of Hyde and Powell streets and jump aboard one yourself! Sunday at the Museum Despite its name, this recently renovated restaurant inside the Asian Art Museum is open during museum hours. Many items on the Asian-inspired menu are under $10, and the café is located just across from the museum’s delightful store. San Francisco City Guides Offering free walking tours since 1978, this group of dedicated volunteers will take you all over the city, including Russian Hill, the Castro, Haight-Ashbury and more. All they’ll ask for in exchange is a donation. Twin Peaks View Located in the geographical center of San Francisco, the two 922-foot peaks offer commanding views of the city and bay. It’s much easier to get to the summit via car, but it is doable on foot if you’re up to challenge. ALWAYS WELCOME sftravel.com/always-welcome Budget . 59
San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide 2019: Page 59
