Hassle free diving
(The Embarcadero at Beach Street)
San Francisco, CA 94133
+1 415 623 5300
http://www.aquariumofthebay.com
Review © 2007, Wcities
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Hassle free diving |
Pier 39 (The Embarcadero at Beach Street) San Francisco, CA 94133 +1 415 623 5300 http://www.aquariumofthebay.com |
Aquarium of the Bay is a great way to discover the San Francisco Bay. Explore the wonders the Bay as you walk through crystal clear tunnels surrounded by sharks, eels, octopi and thousands of marine animals indigenous to its waters. This is your chance to go face-to-face with the Pacific's most fascinating residents. See, touch, learn and discover the San Francisco Bay in an adventure you will never forget. Admission is USD 13.95 for adults; USD 7.00 for children (3-11) and seniors (65+). Family rate for two adults and two children is USD 33.95. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nitin Kumar  |
 Photo: PaulW |
 Photo: Nitin Kumar |
 Photo: Anthony Warnack |
 Photo: heliosphan |
 Photo: Stu Plaw |
 Photo: Kate Bodger |
 Photo: Gernot Poetsch |
 Photo: Timothy Gardner |
 Photo: PaulW |
 Photo: Raellyn & Melissa |
 Photo: Jerry Quek |
 Photo: Thomas McBride |
 Photo: Vanessa Herberger |
 Photo: Matt Howry |
 Photo: Mofei Zhao |
 Photo: Twitchietai |
 Photo: Nicholas S. Park |
 Photo: Mike Samuel |
 Photo: Anne-Marie Visser |
 Photo: Olivier Randin (CH) |
 Photo: Linda Selph |
 Photo: Steve White |
 Secrets Revealed! |
1201 Mason St (at the corner of Washington Street) San Francisco, CA 94108 +1 415 474 1887 http://www.cablecarmuseum.com/ holmgrendon@earthlink.net |
If you want to know how a cable car works, this is the place to learn. The world's first cable car rests here and with it a concise explanation of how those little cable cars go halfway to the stars. In an underground viewing area, you can look at the system's enormous cable wheels (in use!), which pull 11 miles of cable at 9.5 miles per hour. The cable cars move by clamping onto it. Examine closely the steel cables, gears, and pulleys that bring this city's most famous transportation to life. Don't miss the gift shop, where you can purchase your very own length of used cable! Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: William Ward |
 Photo: Jon Parise |
 Photo: Jason C. Townsend |
 Photo: theDawg |
 Photo: Kai Schreiber |
 Photo: Katie Idell |
 Photo: Lee Chakov |
 Photo: CV Canon shooter |
 Photo: Edwin Shannon |
 Photo: Gadi Golan |
 Photo: Alan Baker |
 Photo: Jen Zajac |
 Photo: Chris Huybregts |
 Photo: Jean Pierre Wenzel |
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 Photo: matthew_machine |
 Photo: Mike Stenhouse |
 Photo: Maximiliano Noguera |
 San Francisco Trademark |
1201 Mason St (@ Washington St) Division Headquarters and Museum San Francisco, CA 94108 311 (SF); 511 (Bay Area); +1 415 701 2311 (elsewhere); +1 415 701 2323 (TTY) http://www.sfmta.com/cablecar |
Once the most popular from of public transportation for early San Franciscans, the cable cars have become a major tourist attraction. It's still a reliable and scenic way to travel around parts of the city. There are three lines : Powell- Hyde (Powell-Market, Nob Hill, Russian Hill, Hyde and Beach), Powell-Mason (Powell-Market, Nob Hill, North Beach, Bay and Taylor) and California Street (California and Market, Embarcadero BART/MUNI, Financial District, Chinatown, Nob Hill to Van Ness). Fare is $5 one -way. Tickets or a MUNI passport can be bought from the conductor or from booths at Powell and Market or Hyde and Beach near Fisherman's Wharf. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Silvio Tanaka Fonseca |
 Photo: heydrienne |
 Photo: Micke Kazarnowicz |
 Photo: Micke Kazarnowicz |
 Photo: jstubbles |
 Photo: Kash Cashell |
 Photo: Mark Johnston |
 Photo: patriciomr |
 Photo: Georg Müller |
 Photo: Mark Hardy |
 Photo: John Cavanagh |
 Photo: Brandon Haffner |
 Photo: Bert |
 Photo: Sebastien Stormacq |
 Photo: Kate McDonald |
 Photo: jmacenulty |
 Photo: Ben Wiseman |
 Photo: Paul Sisler |
 Photo: fantastic.sean |
Beautiful museum, grand location |
Lincoln Park 34th Avenue & Clement Street San Francisco, CA 94121 +1 415 863 3330 http://www.thinker.org/legion/... |
This museum houses more than 87,000 paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and tapestries. Some pieces date back 4,000 years. The main floor is dedicated to the museum's permanent collection, much of which features the works of Rodin. European and ancient art are also on display. The lower garden level features temporary exhibitions, ranging from Andy Warhol to Francis Bacon. Take a break in the museum cafe, which features light snacks and has outdoor seating. The gift shop, though small, has a nice selection of postcards, books, posters, jewelry, and some reproductions from this and other fine arts museums. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Meera Lee Sethi |
 Photo: Rocky Agrawal |
 Photo: Roland A. Luistro |
 Photo: deebeedee |
 Photo: Mary Harrsch |
 Photo: Jeff Tabaco |
 Photo: Sam Scholes |
 Photo: Eamonn O'Brien-Strain |
 Photo: Marie E. Bryan |
 Photo: Mary Harrsch |
 Photo: Grant |
 Photo: Jason Weckerly |
 Photo: saritha k nalagandla |
 Photo: rebecca |
 Photo: Ashley Rogers |
 Photo: Cherol Ockrassa |
 Photo: Heather M. Ayers |
Great Locale, So So Food |
1090 Point Lobos San Francisco, CA 94121 +1 415 386 3330 http://www.cliffhouse.com ralph@cliffhouse.com |
The Cliff House, where San Francisco begins, has always been a quaint and utterly charming stop off point for San Francisco visitors. Even with a renovation, the Cliff House maintains its original charm, but is now 21st century spectacular. Gone are the old fashioned 1900's mahogany/ tar & spar-like decor and fittings, supplanted by brilliant vistas available throughout by the walls upon walls of glass overlooking the rocky precipice to the Pacific. The most striking addition is the ultra-modern Sutro Wing, home of Sutro's, which features seafood and organic produce. The Cliff House Bistro - situated in the original location - offers more traditional fare and it has a beautiful bar. Another addition is the Cliff House To Go, for takeaway orders. Diners should be aware that despite the ultra modern decor, the cuisine at the Cliff House leaves a lot to be desired. Besides being overpriced, most of the fare is tasteless. On Thanksgiving, for example you might order the turkey dinner, and not know whether you were eating turkey, chicken, fish, or ham! Or maybe it is simply cardboard. If the Cliff House is on your itinerary -- and it should be -- make the most of the tremendous ocean vistas, but steer clear of the food. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott |
 Photo: Marcie Nishioka |
 Photo: Cleve Cheng |
 Photo: Benjamin Harrison |
 Photo: Elizabeth Reilly |
 Photo: Jason Stajich |
 Photo: LightShaper |
 Photo: Aiko Reichard |
 Photo: Hanjo Kim |
 Photo: Nestor.Dave |
 Photo: Caitlin Childs |
 Photo: Karen Whiteway |
 Photo: Gorman Jones |
 Photo: Marianne Stone |
 Photo: Julie Chang |
 Photo: Jen Inaldo |
 Photo: jenijen |
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 Photo: Jay |
Towering view |
1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94133 +1 415 362 0808 http://sanfrancisco.lovetoknow... |
Conventional wisdom holds that this monument is shaped like a fire-hose nozzle. It is not, at least not by design. The tower is the gift of Lilly Hitchcock Coit, an eccentric heiress who managed to stand out in a city full of them. Lilly's particular passion was for the San Francisco Fire Department. So when the money she left in her will for The City's beautification was used to construct the art deco tower on Telegraph Hill in 1932, people made assumptions. The view from here is one of the most impressive in San Francisco, taking in the Bay, two bridges, and the Marin Headlands. Inside, the first floor is decorated with excellent murals, commissioned by the WPA in 1933, depicting San Francisco history. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott Smith |
 Photo: Michael Orange - H2ORANGE.net |
 Photo: Hahn Huang |
 Photo: Rob Kroenert |
 Photo: bethany |
 Photo: Pascal Vuylsteker |
 Photo: Sylvia Csato |
 Photo: megpickard |
 Photo: Masatoshi Umemoto |
 Photo: David Pittman |
 Photo: alsuga |
 Photo: Tinou Bao |
 Photo: James Gunn |
 Photo: Alexander H. Brown |
 Photo: Jim Grisanzio |
 Photo: Angus Woodman |
 Photo: Jon |
 Photo: Matt Kemberling |
 Photo: marius.bejan |
 Photo: Juan Chaparro |
Walkable Landmark |
Lincoln Boulevard & Doyle Drive US Highway 101 San Francisco, CA 94129 +1 415 921 5858 http://www.goldengate.org/ bridgecomments@goldengate.org |
An engineering masterpiece, this bridge, built in 1937, towers with sturdy grace over the Golden Gate. Stretching over 4,200 feet, it is every bit as awesome an accomplishment in suspension-bridge engineering today as it was over half a century ago. Pedestrians and bike riders can access the east entrance for a jaunt on one of the world's most famous corridors. For photos, or to view the bridge in its entirety, try the spectacular lookout points located at the southeast and northeast ends. Don't miss the historic Roundhouse, a gift shop/visitors center, which boasts a fine selection of souvenirs, and an informative exhibit about the bridge's construction and history. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: rick poon |
 Photo: JP Peng |
 Photo: Sheau |
 Photo: Sam Pullara |
 Photo: Aslak Raanes |
 Photo: Dave Bullock |
 Photo: Nathan Colgate |
 Photo: ken yee |
 Photo: john curley |
 Photo: Pierce Soracco |
 Photo: Jeremy Gillies |
 Photo: doggyBag |
 Photo: John Carleton |
 Photo: LukeDaDuke |
 Photo: Elke Dous |
 Photo: Liz Heim |
 Photo: Gragsie |
 Photo: Gary Heisinger |
 Photo: Daniel |
 Photo: John Nitis |
Over a Thousand Acres |
Stanyan & Haight Streets San Francisco, CA 94118 +1 415 831 2700 http://www.sfgov.org/ |
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 a golf course, lawn bowling greens, soccer fields and a baseball diamond. For those seeking less strenuous diversion, check out 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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Raymond Tham |
 Photo: Yve Fontilea |
 Photo: Gerald Azenaro |
 Photo: Scott Jungling |
 Photo: Scott Jungling |
 Photo: Darin Marshall |
 Photo: Kalyan Neelamraju |
 Photo: Andrew West |
 Photo: rabble |
 Photo: kenley sun |
 Photo: F. Baca |
 Photo: Erika Barnes |
 Photo: Andre Luckow |
 Photo: Frances |
 Photo: Jamie Ocain |
 Photo: Ajay Shekhawat |
 Photo: Steve Cohen |
 Photo: p3p510 |
 Photo: Michael Lisboa |
 Photo: Amber Costley |
World's crookedest street! |
Between Hyde & Leavenworth streets Above Ghirardelli Square San Francisco, CA 94109 +1 415 391 2000 (Tourist Information) |
This picturesque stretch of Lombard Street has eight angles along a single block. They twist at very acute angles, making for very slow going if you are in a car, though, oddly enough, cars were the reason for designing the street this way back in 1922, the idea being that this design would make it easier for them to negotiate the steep 16-percent grade. The drive is usually bumper-to-bumper and in the summertime, there is almost always a line of cars waiting to take the drive down, so a stroll is a good option, especially when the hydrangeas along the sidewalk are in bloom. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Brisch |
 Photo: Ken Lund |
 Photo: Joe Wasson |
 Photo: Arul Prasad |
 Photo: John Dunlevy |
 Photo: Moazzam Brohi |
 Photo: Ian Main |
 Photo: Andreas und Kerstin Doelker |
 Photo: Thomas Watson Steen |
 Photo: Benjamin Crulli |
 Photo: Manuel Guerzoni |
 Photo: Jeff |
 Photo: Alex |
 Photo: jen&co |
 Photo: Dinar Deshmukh |
 Photo: carlesbret |
 Photo: DaineseWei |
 Photo: Julian G |
 Photo: Joe Donovan |
 Photo: Erik de Vries |
 Photo: Becky Emburey |
 Photo: Maggie Dwyer |
Home of the 49ers |
Monster Park San Francisco, CA 94124 +1 415 656 4949 http://www.sf49ers.com/stadium... tickets@niners.nfl.com |
This is the football stadium that will never die. Although it is currently named Monster Park, this field has a long tradition in the Bay Area. It was originally known as Candlestick Park, owing to its location on Candlestick Point. With the rise of corporate sports sponsorships, the "Stick" was known as 3Com Park, for the telecom giant. This naming gave way to the current moniker, Monster Park, after the industrial cable manufacturer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Todd Lappin |
 Photo: Juan del Real |
 Photo: Sean O'Connor |
 Photo: Greg Higgins |
 Photo: John Barker |
 Photo: basictheory |
 Photo: Scott Eck |
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Originally settled by Italians, North Beach became a magnet for Beat Generation writers and poets in the 1950s. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dan |
 Photo: David Maloney |
 Photo: rooski |
 Photo: WesternGulf |
 Photo: Romy Schneider |
 Photo: redspotted |
 Photo: Nikolai Abrossov |
 Photo: Karl Coleman |
 Photo: Erin Hopmann |
 Photo: Adriano Santi |
 Photo: Monica Okubo |
Splendid setting |
3301 Lyon Street San Francisco, CA 94123 +1 415 563 6504 http://www.palaceoffinearts.org/ info@palaceoffinearts.org |
Constructed as a temporary attraction for the 1915 Pan-Pacific International Exhibition, this Grecian temple of a monument continues to enchant and enhance the city. The original plaster, which made up the bulk of the monuments exterior, has been gradually replaced with funds raised by bond measures and the donations from the Marinas well-heeled residents who were loath to lose such a graceful part of their landscape. Swans in the adjoining lagoon glide by the soaring ochre-tinted colonnades and the imposing dome ringed with panels of centaurs and warriors engaged in battle over nubile maidens. Those column-top statues of sorrowing maidens turned away from prying eyes are using their tears to water the long-gone oaks that originally stood in the planters that they surround. Stroll inside the dome, clap your hands and marvel at the uncanny acoustics, then enjoy a picnic lunch on one of the park benches scattered to provide an unparalleled view of this gem. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chuck Schneider |
 Photo: Kirsten N. Lindquist |
 Photo: Tommy Keswick |
 Photo: Damaris Hinojosa |
 Photo: Paul |
 Photo: Jeremy Conant |
 Photo: Giovanni de la Cruz |
 Photo: Stacy Alexander |
 Photo: Ken Conley (kwc.org) |
 Photo: Mani Mobini |
 Photo: Agus Sutanto |
 Photo: Adam Spain |
 Photo: Laurence Gonsalves |
 Photo: Sean F. White |
 Photo: Jocelyn Lee |
 Photo: Liz Hall |
 Photo: Kelly N Yee |
 Photo: Björn Göhringer |
 Photo: Gergana Prokopieva |
 Photo: Peter K. Cho |
 Photo: Katie Townsend |
 Photo: Eric Steinhart |
Fisherman's Wharf shopping |
Beach Street & The Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94133 +1 415 981 7437 http://www.pier39.com |
This San Francisco landmark features some of Fisherman's Wharf's best shopping and attractions. Ride the carousel or watch the sea lions. There are more than 25 one-of-a-kind gift stores that carry automobile, Hollywood, and rock 'n' roll memorabilia, as well as flags of the world, Russian dolls, collectible knives, hammocks, kites, and more. But tha is not all. You will find more than 30 more stores, including the famous Na Hoku to shop for clothing, jewelry and toys. It is a great place to pick up high-end San Francisco souvenirs. Credit card acceptance varies by store. Pier 39 is a magnet for locals and tourists for many reasons, including their nearly year-round calendar of special attractions for the whole family like the Tulipmania tulip festival held in late February on both levels of pier 39. For more information, visit the website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jimg944 |
 Photo: Arlette Thibodeau |
 Photo: James Bennetts |
 Photo: Kymberly Howo |
 Photo: Sue Gao |
 Photo: Gustavo Faraon |
 Photo: Jade Yagi |
 Photo: Allison Acosta |
 Photo: Tony Eckersley |
 Photo: Benoit Vandelle |
 Photo: Storm Crypt |
 Photo: bclp |
 Photo: Rob Putnam |
 Photo: Alicia Lauve |
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Once an unglamorous stretch of warehouses with a seedy undercurrent, an exciting new San Francisco has emerged in the area South of Market Street--SOMA. Conventions, art, and entertainment possibilities abound in the brand-new Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dawn Endico |
 Photo: Sam Bowman |
 Photo: Robert Ennals |
 Photo: Boris Chang |
 Photo: Tristan Crane |
 Photo: Adam Anderson |
 Photo: Heather Schoeppach |
 Photo: Zuzana Fedorkova |
 Photo: Samuel Stauffer |
 Photo: David Siedband |
 Photo: Megan Segle |
Pablo Picasso & Matthew Barney |
151 3rd Street (between Howard & Mission Streets) San Francisco, CA 94103 +1 415 357 4000 http://www.sfmoma.org artistsgallery@sfmoma.org |
Opened in 1995, this museum houses a permanent collection of over 15,000 works, including 4,700 paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and 9,000 photographs. The museum has exhibited the works of Henri Matisse, Richard Diebenkorn, Dorothea Lange, Paul Klee, Cindy Sherman, Matthew Barney and many contemporary artists. Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, the space itself is a wonder to behold. The lobby floor, for instance, is a massive chessboard. Gargantuan sculptures hang from above. Free admission every first Tuesday of the month. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Adam Engelhart |
 Photo: Dan Machold |
 Photo: Araceli Pulido |
 Photo: Arnt S |
 Photo: Michael D. O'Connor |
 Photo: Patrick Powers |
 Photo: Amanda McHale |
 Photo: Barusch Benitez |
 Photo: Jennifer Hattam |
 Photo: John Keehler |
 Photo: Mark Interrante |
 Photo: Koji Yatani |
 Photo: Scott Hughes |
 Photo: Stan Szwalbenest |
 Photo: Scott Stockwell |
 Photo: Paulo Martel |
 Photo: tofudish |
 Photo: tylerstalder.com |
 Photo: Adam Eckert |
 Photo: Andrew Luyten |
 Photo: Rob Winger |
 Photo: Ewa Szymczak |
 Photo: Matt Walton |
 Traditional Opera in the Bay Area |
301 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 +1 415 861 4008 / +1 415 864 3330 (Box Office) http://www.sfopera.com/ mop@sfopera.com |
Since 1923, San Francisco Opera has debuted the performances of several well-respected artists including Marie Collier, conductor Silvio Varviso, and director Francis Ford Coppola. Founded by Gaetano Merolo, the War Memorial Opera House has been the home of the Opera since 1932. Tours of the War Memorial are available only during the opera season. Each year the San Francisco Opera and the orchestra present a free concert in Golden Gate Park, allowing everyone to enjoy this fabulous company's musical gifts. The concert is held on the Sunday following opening night of the Fall Season. San Francisco Opera is the second largest opera company in North America. The Opera's mission is to enrich, be creative and innovative, take leadership and present opera performances of the highest international quality. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Patrick Chanezon |
 Photo: www.kentkb.com |
Zoological wonderland |
1 Zoo Rd (between Sloat St & 45th Ave) San Francisco, CA 94123 +1 415 753 7080 http://www.sfzoo.org guestservices@sfzoo.org |
See more than 250 different species of wildlife from all over the globe here, many of which are endangered. There are a variety of attractions including childrens' petting zoo and an insect zoo, an Australian Walk, Penguin Island, a Primate Discovery Center, and the Otter River. It also features a one of the world's largest gorilla exhibits, a lion house, a feline conservation center, a carousel, and a kiddie train. Admission: Adults (18-64) $11; Youths (12-17) $8; Children (3-11) $5; Seniors (65+) $8; discount for SF residents; cash only; free first Wednesday of the month. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carrie |
 Photo: Stephen McClain |
 Photo: Pei-Pei Ketron |
 Photo: Frederic Poirot |
 Photo: Chuq Von Rospach |
 Photo: Hank Shiffman |
 Photo: Mark Rogers Photography |
 Photo: Edward Cotton |
 Photo: David H. Webster |
 Photo: Mark Rogers Photography |
 Photo: Frank Chen |
 Photo: David H. Webster |
 Photo: Meredith Westin |
 Photo: Jeffy Can |
 Photo: Ian Fuller |
 Photo: Alan |
 Photo: Edward Cotton |
 Photo: Stephen McClain |
 Photo: Sarah Kim |
 Photo: Rob Lombardi |
 Photo: Jacob Moyer |
 Photo: Emily Ascher Rann |
 Photo: Kris Robinson |
 Photo: Joe Stump |
Say hello to the sea lions! |
Beach Street & The Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94133 +1 415 705 5500 / +1 415 289 7325 (Marine Mammal Center) http://www.pier39.com/entertai... info@pier39.com |
January 19th, 2006 marked the sixteenth anniversary of the sea lions' arrival at Pier 39! These adorable creatures flocked here after the 1989 earthquake and the population has grown ever since. Every winter the number increases to almost 900, thanks to the availability of space and ample food. Although some of the sea lions choose to migrate in the summer, a group of them decide to stay back at Pier 39! You can bring your kids over for free educational talks by the Marine Mammal Center, held on weekends year-round provided the weather is good. Call the numbers listed for further information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Claudia Ros (Amsterdam, Netherlands) |
 Photo: Peyri Leigh |
 Photo: Joe Ross |
 Photo: Mary J. Wheatley |
 Photo: Roberto |
 Photo: Daniel Köhne |
 Photo: Cern McAtee |
 Photo: Hannah Smith Walker |
 Photo: Francesco |
 Photo: Lauren Maramara |
 Photo: Robert Brown |
 Photo: Messiah Divine |
 Photo: Ryan Gavin |
 Photo: Tom Nemitz |
 Photo: Jason |
 Photo: Larry Roth |
 Photo: Michael LaPera |
 Photo: jessamine |