Golden Gate Park
In
the late 1800s, a Scotsman named John McLaren transformed
more than 1,000 acres of sand dunes into a wondrous haven
in the midst of busy city life. Stretching from Stanyan
Street to the Pacific Ocean, the lush landscaping features
ever-changing settings at every turn. There are trails for
walking, jogging, biking, horseback riding, as well as golf
course, lawn bowling greens, soccer fields and a baseball
diamond. For those seeking less strenuous diversion, the
California Academy of Sciences and an authentic Japanese
Tea Garden. For families with children there are playgrounds,
a live buffalo reserve and a carousel.
Alcatraz Island
No
longer a prison for some of America's most dangerous offenders,
it is open to tours and remains a must-see for visitors
to The City. Once on the island, you will certainly be captivated
by its history and its incredible beauty. Take your camera
because regardless of the view, a photo opportunity awaits.
Also, dress in layers (even during the summer months) because
the island can be breezy and inside the prison walls it
is cold and damp.
Haight-Ashbury Street Fair
It
is not the Summer of Love, but it is one of the most colorful
summer street fairs The City has to offer. There is lots
to see and do, but the most interesting sight of all may
be the Deadheads, punks, grunge-meisters, and yuppies all
mingling to the sounds of music and the aroma of the organic
and not-so organic treats offered up by the street merchants.
The fair, which takes place in June, is always crowded,
so public transportation is definitely the way to get there.
The event is free; some vendors may take credit cards.
Ghiradelli Square Chocolate Festival
Chocolate
addicts flock to this outdoor festival held in Ghiradelli
Square during either the first or second weekend of September.
Events usually include a chocolate sculpting contest and
a "How much chocolate can you eat?" competition.
The festival is held next door to the Ghirardelli Chocolate
Shop, so for a little more chocolate, take advantage of
the special festival sales.
San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour
With
all the interesting events that have occurred in San Francisco,
there are bound to be a few disgruntled spirits hanging
around. This tour takes you to meet them. Your guide, gifted
with a suitably mordant sense of humor, will regale you
with ghost stories to put you in the mood as you visit places
suspected of hauntings and hear about the evidence of ghostly
visitations. This one-mile walking tour includes one moderate
hill and lasts about two hours.
Octagon House (The)
This
proves that fadism is not a recent phenomenon. The design
of this oddity built in 1861 is based on a popular theory
of the mid-1800s, namely that people inhabiting a space
of this shape would live healthier, happier lives. The building
now houses a museum of American Colonial and Federal Era
decorative arts and historical documents. Another octagon
house, not open to the public, can be seen on the 1000 block
of Green Street.
Muir Woods National Monument
Step
back in time and into this primeval forest on Mount Tamaplais.
Some of these towering redwoods are more than 2,000 years
old. Trails are set out for the casual stroller and for
the avid hiker looking for a challenge in the cool stillness
of this 560-acre national park. No pets or smoking is allowed.
It's recommended that you bring a sweater or light jacket
along. Parking space is limited. The best time to arrive
is early morning or late afternoon.
49 Mile Scenic Drive
This
self-guided automobile tour is a great way to see San Francisco
at your own pace. You follow the distinctive signs displaying
seagulls pointing the way along The City's streets as you
visit the diverse neighborhoods that make San Francisco
a unique treasure. From Chinatown to Fisherman's Wharf to
Golden Gate Park to Fort Point, there's no better way to
take in the sights than this looping route. Plan at least
an afternoon for the drive, more if you want to stop and
explore what you find along the way.
Angel Island State Park
What
Ellis Island was to European immigrants, this island was
to Asian immigrants. Volunteer guides lead informative tours
of the islands historical sites, including the Immigration
Station and Fort McDowell. Graffiti left by immigrants awaiting
admission or deportation can be seen on the walls of the
holding areas. Hiking and biking trails circle the 740-acre
island and offer spectacular views of the Bay Area and glimpses
of the indigenous deer population. Camping is allowed with
proper permits.Ferry service varies according to the season.
Hakone Japanese Tea Garden
Located
near the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park,
this garden is a marvel of the landscape architects art.
This traditional Japanese garden covers five acres. Several
paths take you by an authentic pagoda, a monumental Buddha,
a miniature waterfall, and over an acutely arched bridge
that no kid can resist. Overlooking the gardens koi-filled
pond is a Japanese-style tea house, which in spring is covered
with a cascade of wisteria. The gift shop sells souvenirs
with a Japanese flair.
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