18 PoInTS oF InTEREST STOP UNION SQUARE New Year's Celebration at Union Square THE TENDERLOIN Two blocks on either side of Union Square bordered 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. 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. 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 and some 200 restaurants and cafés point to an upbeat feeling. UNION STREET/COW HOLLOW 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. Union St. between Russian Hill and the Presidio. Discover charming Victorians and colorful courtyards filled with more than 200 specialty 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 dishes. Skyline from Twin Peaks YERBA BUENA GARDENS WESTERN ADDITION TWIN PEAKS Yerba Buena Gardens OFFICIAL TRAVEL PLANNER’S GUIDE 2020 mariana_designer, Adobe Stock; @__justthai__; San Francisco Travel Association 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 (280 meters) and are located near the geographic center of the city. The surrounding 65-acre park (26 hectares) is popular with hikers, sightseers and photographers. 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. Blocks bordered 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 full-service Visitor Information Center. numerous museums and galleries are headquartered here, including 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 to 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.
San Francisco Travel Planner's Guide 2020 TPG: Page 18
