North Beach
Rich in Iltalian heritage, this is a perfect spot for cappuccino and espresso. North Beach is transformed into one of San Francisco's most electric playgrounds by night; live music and dancing keep the streets swinging. In the morning practice tai chi with the regulars in Washington Square and from here, catch the No. 39 bus to the top of Telegraph Hill. Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill is blessed with marvelous views. Thirty local artists painted murals on its ground floor walls in 1933. This hill is also home to a flock of wild parrots and is laced with stairways off Filbert and Greenwich streets as well as lush gardens.
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Coit Memorial Tower and Telegraph HillCoit Tower was built in Pioneer Park atop Telegraph Hill in 1933. Due to the extreme topography, the parking lot at the top of the hill is only accessible by one road, Telegraph Hill Boulevard via Lombard Street. Because Coit Tower is such a popular tourist attraction, at peak times, the street can be backed up and the wait for parking to open up can be long. The alternatives to driving and parking are to come by bus or to walk. It is a short bus ride to Coit Tower from the Fisherman's Wharf area or from Washington Square in North Beach on the #39 bus which leaves every 20 minutes. A system of wooden and concrete stairs and footpaths, called the Filbert Steps, lead to the top of the hill from various directions, making a steep but direct climb possible. The lobby murals and outside vista points are currently free, but admission ischarged to go up in the elevator of the tower. 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd
San Francisco, CA
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Saints Peter and Paul ChurchSaints Peter and Paul a Roman Catholic Church known as "La cattedrale d'Italia ovest," or "The Italian Cathedral of the West," and is is administered by the Salesians of Don Bosco. This building is very unusual in that the parish school is situated atop the church itself, around its clerestory level and is accessible from stairways under each of its twin towers. Because of this feature, the church's upper stained-glass windows are artificially-lit. The church is prominently featured in the Clint Eastwood movies Dirty Harry and The Dead Pool. The Cathedral is located directly across Washington Square. 666 Filbert Street,
San Francisco, CA 94133
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Beach Blanket BabylonSteve Silver's award-winning, zany musical revue features excellent singers sporting enormous hats and stunning visual pun costumes. Longest running musical revue in theater history. Patrons must be at least 21 for evening shows (photo I.D. required). Minors are welcome at Sunday matinee where only soft drinks are sold. 78 Beach Blanket Babylon Boulevard (Green Street), San Francisco, 94133
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