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THE CASTRO |
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 This
historic section of Upper Market Street, marked with rainbow
flags, is recognized as the center of San Francisco’s gay
and lesbian community, but is welcoming to all residents and
visitors. Castro Street is lined with specialty stores
interspersed with colorful Victorians, restaurants, and
pubs. Harvey Milk Plaza, at Market & Castro, is named after
San Francisco’s first openly gay supervisor. The Castro
Theater, 429 Castro Street, is a great old movie palace that
screens classic and art films. |
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CHINATOWN |
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 From Union Square, walk down Post or Geary to Grant Avenue, then go north. Enter Chinatown at Bush and Grant Streets, through the Chinatown Gate, the southern entrance to Chinatown. It is inscribed with the saying “All under heaven is for the good of the people,” by Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Chinatown is a bustling 18 square blocks centered along Grant and Stockton from Bush to Columbus. Streets are lined with markets, herb shops, restaurants, and stores offering a variety of colorful merchandise. The Chinese Historical Society, 965 Clay Street, has the largest collection of Chinese-American artifacts in the world. Open Tues-Sat afternoons; 415-391-1188. St. Mary’s Church, Grant & California, blends Chinese heritage with the Gold Rush. The granite foundation came from China, and gold seekers brought the bricks. Portsmouth Square, Kearny & Washington Streets, made history in 1848 as the site where Sam Brannan announced he’d found gold at Sutter’s Mill. Call 415-557-4266 for Chinatown Tours.
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CIVIC CENTER |
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Civic Center is the area where government and
the cultural arts intersect. Along with
municipal, state and federal offices, sights
include our City Hall, at Van Ness Avenue &
Grove, a National Landmark. Tours are offered
Monday-Friday, 10am, noon and 2pm, from the
information kiosk at the Polk Street entrance.
415-554-4933 for information. The
Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin Street,
displays treasures of Asian art spanning 6000
years. The elegant War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van
Ness Avenue at Grove, is home to the San
Francisco Ballet and Opera. Davies Symphony
Hall, 201 Van Ness at Grove, presents our
award-winning symphony. The Performing Arts
Museum at 401 Van Ness showcases the history of
performing arts in the Bay Area.
415-775-0991.
Adjacent Hayes Valley, centered along Hayes Street
between Franklin and Laguna, is a revitalized city
neighborhood offering interesting architecture,
local designers’ and artists’ studios, and
restaurants. Nearby, Alamo Square, bordered by Hayes Street to the south,
Fulton Street to the north, Scott Street to the west, and Steiner Street
to the east, is known for the much photographed row of Victorians (Painted Ladies)
facing the park along Steiner. |
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COIT TOWER/TELEGRAPH HILL |
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 One
of San Francisco’s most recognizable landmarks, Coit
Tower is located at 1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard atop Telegraph Hill. Coit Tower,
shaped like the nozzle of a fire hose, is named for
Lillie Hitchcock Coit, who left funds for a memorial
to volunteer firemen. Coit Tower offers panoramic
views from its observation deck, and its lobby is
lined with WPA murals. Coit Tower is open daily
10am-5pm. No charge for entering the lobby but there
is a $3 fee for the elevator to the top. By car,
follow the signs on Stockton Street in North Beach.
Parking is limited, so we suggest you take the Muni
Bus no. 39 from Washington Square. Call 415-362-0808
for more information.
www.coittower.org. At Greenwich & Montgomery sit
two aging Monterey cypress trees, home to the Wild
Parrots of Telegraph Hill, made famous by the movie
of the same name. |
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THE EMBARCADERO |
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The Embarcadero Waterfront area at the northeast edge of the
city features a palm tree lined bayside promenade with views
of the Bay Bridge. Walk across the Embar-cadero to the Ferry
Building, pictured, a popular destination with eateries and
artisan food shops. Behind are ferry terminals that give
access to numerous destinations around the Bay. The Farmers’
Market is held in front of the Ferry Building Tuesday
10am-2pm, Thursday 4-8pm, Saturday 8am-2pm, and Sunday
10am-2pm. The F Line historic trolley cars run along the
Embarcadero from Market Street & Castro to Fisherman’s
Wharf. |
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FINANCIAL DISTRICT |
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 Situated
east of Montgomery Street to The Embarcadero is San
Francisco’s Financial District, our “Wall Street of the
West,” the center of the city’s banking and financial
dealings dating back to 1852. The Transamerica
Pyramid, at 600 Montgomery at Columbus, is one of the
city’s most distinctive landmarks. Although the general
public is not allowed to the top of the Pyramid, you
can, enjoy views from the top by visiting the
street-level Virtual Observation Deck on Washington
Street. Visit the Wells Fargo History Museum, 420
Montgomery Street, with a stagecoach you can sit in.
Open weekdays 9am- 5pm. |
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Check these out!
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GET THE GUIDE BEFORE YOU GET TO SAN FRANCSICO!
CLICK HERE
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