Marina & Presidio
The southern approach to the famous Golden Gate Bridge via Hwy. 1 and 101 traverses some of the city’s most scenic and historic areas including the Presidio of San Francisco and the Marina, site of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The outdoor cafes of Union Street in Cow Hollow, a former dairy land, are ideal spots for people watching and gazing up at the mansions of Pacific Heights. Outer Sacramento Street and Laurel Heights have blossomed into pleasant shopping sectors. The Richmond District, which borders Golden Gate Park, sprouted a second Chinatown along Clement Street in the early 70s.
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Exploratorium & Palace of FIne ArtsThe Palace of Fine Arts is a building originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. It was one of only three buildings from the exposition not to be demolished. The exhibition hall, which originally housed Impressionist paintings during the exposition, is now home to the Exploratorium. The Exploratrium is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The Exploratorium is an experimental, hands-on museum designed to spark curiosity—regardless of your age or familiarity with science. Touch, pick up, and tinker with hundreds of exhibits. Your curiosity will guide you to endless discoveries! Palace of Fine Arts,
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The PresidioFormerly a military post, the Presidio is a National Park and recreational paradise featuring spectacular vistas, beautiful trails, and historic and architectural treasures. Come for a hike, a walking tour, a picnic, to view an exhibit or take a stroll back in time. Entrance and most programs are free; open daily year-round. 34 Graham Street, San Francisco, 94129
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Legion of HonorAncient and European art from 2500 B.C. through the 20th century. Artists represented include El Greco, Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and Picasso. One of the world's leading collections of Rodin sculpture and dramatic views of the Golden Gate and The City make this a must-see museum. Multilingual tours available. 100 34th Avenue and Clement, San Francisco, 94121
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The Cliff HousePerched on spectacular cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Cliff House is one of the crown jewels of San Francisco’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). The new Sutro Wing houses an amazing two-story dining room with stunning panoramic ocean views. The ceiling of steel beams recalls the Sutro Baths architecture, establishing a connection between the past and the present. Skylights and grand picture windows accentuate natural light in all public spaces; spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean are emphasized in both the neoclassical design of the restored 1909 structure and the soaring modernist space of the new wing. Recently named the "Best Restaurant with a View" and honored with the 2006 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, the landmark San Francisco Cliff House has sweeping views throughout and offers dining options designed to please every palate. 1090 Point Lobos
San Francisco
94121
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Fort PointFort Point is located at the southern side of the Straits of the Golden Gate at the entrance to San Francisco Bay. This fort was completed just before the American Civil War, to defend San Francisco Bay against hostile warships. The fort is now protected as Fort Point National Historic Site, a United States National Historic Site administered by the National Park Service as a unit of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Though today dwarfed by the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point’s four tiers of cannon were once the most awesome feature at this narrow entrance to San Francisco Bay. Fort Mason, Building 201
San Francisco, 94123 |
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Haas-Lilienthal HouseAs featured on A&E's America's Castles' "Castles by the Bay," this exuberant Queen Anne-style Victorian was built in 1886. It is the only intact private home of the period that is open regularly as a museum, complete with authentic furniture and artifacts. The House has elaborate wooden gables, a circular corner tower and luxuriant ornamentation. Volunteer docents lead tours through the House and explain the Victorian architecture of the exterior. A display of photographs in the downstairs supper-room describes the history of the home and the family that lived here until 1972. 2007 Franklin Street, San Francisco, 94109
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Old First ConcertsOne of the Bay Area's most active independent concert series, Old First Concerts has been presenting performances of chamber and recital repertoire on a year-round basis since 1970. Artists are attracted by the excellent acoustics, our superb Steinway concert grand piano and our willingness to take programming risks by presenting little-known artists or composers. 1751 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, 94109
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The Walt Disney Family MuseumThe Walt Disney Family Museum was conceived to present the real story of Walt Disney, the man, told by him and others who knew him well. The fascinating and inspiring story of Walt Disney is illuminated through over 1,000 artifacts, from cells to audio-animatrons, in a state-of-the-art museum. Open W-M 10am-6pm. Admission $20 adults; $12.50 ages 6-17; free children under six with adult admission; $15 for seniors (65 and older). No strollers, photographs or videos allowed in the galleries. Timed entry tickets available through their web site. 104 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, 94129
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Union StreetUnion Street, in historic Cow Hollow, is San Francisco’s most popular neighborhood shopping district and the place to see and be seen. With over 250 distinctive shops, galleries and boutiques as well as many fine restaurants and street cafes, you will definitely want to visit Union Street during your stay in San Francisco... |
