Our Neighborhood

From Golden Gate Bridge to the historic Cable Cars, San Francisco is a hip and intoxicating destination, alive with attractions, museums, art galleries, nightclubs, restaurants, festivals, entertainment and riveting city tours. You will be captivated by San Francisco’s eclectic neighborhoods, Victorian homes, cultural diversity and dramatic scenery.

Experience the essence of San Francisco at Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, the San Francisco Zoo, Alcatraz, Union Square, The Presidio, Yerba Buena Gardens, the Theater District, Chinatown and the diversity of nearby eateries, cafés and shops that color lively streets. Escape to San Francisco where your heart will embrace a culture as unique as its enchanting coastal panorama.

Golden Gate Bridge

One of the most breathtaking structures in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge offers magical views of the San Francisco Bay Area, connecting San Francisco and the Marin Headlands.

The iconic orange towers of the 4,200-foot Golden Gate Bridge, the most famous symbol of San Francisco are visible from every high point in the city. Driving or biking across is a thrill, but the half-hour walk allows you to absorb the amazing views.

Golden Gate National Park

Golden Gate Park is the largest and most beautiful of San Francisco’s parks. Spreading more than three miles west from the Haight as far as the Pacific, Golden Gate Park attracts throngs of joggers, polo players, roller-skaters, cyclists and strollers. The park also offers peaceful spots with excellent ocean vistas.

Fisherman's Wharf

An historic waterfront, Fisherman’s Wharf is famous for seafood restaurants, unique shopping, street performers, live music and breathtaking Bay views. Marketplaces include, The Anchorage, The Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and PIER 39. Cruises depart from piers 39 and 41. Visit www.fishermanswharf.org

Pier 39

Pier 39 is a festival marketplace on San Francisco Bay. After an up-close look at the sea lions, check out street performances and more than 110 shops, and enjoy a bite to eat at the Pier’s great restaurants. Visit www.pier39.com

Exploratorium

Housed within San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, the Exploratorium is a collage of over 650 interactive science, art, and human perception exhibits that enlighten and entertain. Artists and scientists create unique, hand-on exhibits exploring phenomena of the natural world. Located near the Golden Gate Bridge, the Exploratorium inspires your curiosity to be your compass to discovery. The Tactile Dome offers a sensory journey in total darkness.

Historic Cable Cars

Since 1873, the historic Cable Cars have shuttled San Francisco residents and tourists throughout the city and been one of the most famous landmarks of the City on the Bay. One-day ($9), three-day ($15), or seven-day ($20) Passports are perfect for visitors, and allow riding on streetcars, buses and cable cars.

Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay is a unique educational and entertainment facility dedicated to the diverse aquatic life of San Francisco Bay. A window to the Bay, the Aquarium focuses on its distinctive ecosystems and seeks to entertain, educate and inspire preservation of this natural resource.

The four parts to your exciting journey

Discover the Bay, Under the Bay, Touch the Bay and Save the Bay - all play a role in the Aquarium's mission to create experiences that inspire the conservation of San Francisco Bay and marine environments. Visit www.aquariumofthebay.org

Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts, the magnificent home of the Exploratorium, was created as part of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The Palace, designed as a "valentine for San Francisco" by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck, is an imposing structure featuring a classical Roman rotunda with curved colonnades in an idyllic park setting.

The Palace holds art exhibitions, theater performances, events and has been the backdrop for movies, such as Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo. Enjoy a picnic, stroll by the lake, visit the Exploratorium and experience the ethereal beauty of the park and waterways.

San Francisco Zoo

The historic San Francisco Zoo is Northern California's largest zoological park and conservation center. This urban oasisset against the Pacific Ocean is a naturalistic habitat for 250 animal species, and offers many activities and events. The New Zoo is a conservation zoo dedicated to the preservation of wild places and wildlife. Visit www.sfzoo.org

Alcatraz Island

Cruise the choppy waters of San Francisco Bay to the rocky island of Alcatraz, formerly America's most high-security prison. Departing from Pier 41 by ferry, you will experience a 1-hour, self-guided tour of the infamous abandoned prison and cell blocks which includes audio commentary. You’ll get to experience a minute locked in a darkened cell.

Lombard Street

San Francisco’s most interesting attraction, Lombard Street is "The Crookedest Street in the World" because of its 8 sharp turns on a treacherous 40-degree slope. Lombard Street winds its way up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower, and continues west down through the Marina to the Golden Gate Bridge.

A walk in either direction is a pleasant, winding hike through the Russian Hill neighborhood, which possesses stately mansions. In the spring and summer, Lombard St. is alive with color as the chrysanthemums are in bloom.

Grace Cathedral

Located atop Nob Hill, Grace Cathedral is the daughter of historic Grace Church. Designed in French Gothic style and completed in 1964, Grace is the third largest Episcopal cathedral in the nation. Famed for its Ghiberti doors -"The Gates of Paradise" - labyrinths, beautiful stained glass, medieval and contemporary furnishings, carillon, organs, and choir, Grace Cathedral is an international pilgrimage center. Call (415) 749-6300.

Castro District

The essence of gay life in San Francisco and home of the annual San Francisco Gay Pride celebration, The Castro - including parts of Market Street - is an exciting neighborhood of unique shops, restaurants, cafés, clubs, book/music stores, novelty stores, annual events and the landmark Castro Theater. In October, the Castro Street Fair - the city's longest-running street fair - booms with music from four stages, arts and crafts, drag shows, comedy, food, drink and throngs of festive people. A walking tour called Castro: Tales of the Village takes you down the historic byways of the Castro.

Haight-Ashbury

The "Summer of Love" lives in stores and boutiques throughout this charming Victorian neighborhood. Vintage clothing, books and records are abundant along Haight Street, the neighborhood's busiest stretch. Places of interest include the once home to the Grateful Dead, 112 Lyon Street, where Janis Joplin lived, Buena Vista Park, with its delightful views of San Francisco; and, for architectural highlights - Masonic, Piedmont and Delmar Streets.

Chinatown

Experience the rich culture of the Orient at restaurants, shops, markets, and bakeries of historic Chinatown. Visit the elegant Chinese Presbyterian Church and the Pacific Renaissance Plaza, which houses shops, restaurants, and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.

San Francisco's Chinatown begins at the dragon-crested gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, a gift from the Republic of China in 1969. Chinatown’s 24-square blocks, in the middle of San Francisco, boast culturally-unique stores, open markets and facades resembling shopping in Hong Kong. Try Dim Sum, a traditional Chinese brunch.

Japantown

The heart of Japantown is Japan Center, a five-acre complex of hotels, shops, theaters, sushi bars and restaurants at Post and Buchanan Streets. It is crowned by a five-tiered pagoda, a symbol of eternal peace.

More than 12,000 residents of Japanese descent call this neighborhood home, preserving a traditional slice of Japanese life. Each April, Japantown celebrates its Cherry Blossom Festival. Taiko drumming, martial arts, doll making and calligraphy demonstrations lead to a colorful parade.

Nob Hill

Of the City's many hills, Nob Hill boasts incredible views of San Francisco Bay, especially from a cable car running from Market Street, over the hill and down to Van Ness Avenue. Nob Hill's noble tenants include Grace Cathedral, Huntington Park, the Nob Hill Masonic Center and the Cable Car Museum.

Folsom Street

Folsom Street is host to the world's largest one-day leather street event, Folsom Street Fair. More than 300,000 people attend this San Francisco tradition every year. The Folsom Street Fair is always scheduled for the last Sunday in September - Visit www.folsomstreetfair.com

Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

From the exquisite atmosphere of the Black and White Ball to the sporting excitement of boxing and tennis, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium presents an incredible variety of events, entertainment and powerhouse concerts.

The facility has hosted popular performing artists like Bette Midler, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, Patti LaBelle and Celine Dion. Visit http://www.billgrahamcivic.com/

Moscone Convention Center

The Bay Area’s premier meeting and exhibition facility, the Moscone Convention Center features 700,000 square feet of exhibit space, 106 meeting rooms and 123,000 square feet of stylish pre-function lobbies.

Moscone West is a three-block complex that anchors the 87-acre Yerba Buena Center redevelopment district in a vibrant downtown neighborhood of theaters, restaurants, museums, galleries, and parks. Visit www.moscone.com

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks offers panoramic vistas of San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley. Enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Downtown San Francisco, Angel Island, Alcatraz, the Pacific Ocean, and the hilltops of Yerba Buena Island.

At the most-traveled point, there is a direct view down Market Street into downtown. San Francisco glows at night, so pick a clear evening to watch it light up the night sky.

Coit Tower

Atop Telegraph Hill in North Beach, Coit Tower offers incredible views of San Francisco. Murals on its ground floor walls were painted in 1933 by some 30 local artists, each piece depicting a different aspect of the Great Depression.

Union Square

A landmark park in San Francisco, Union Square offers great shopping, an active theater district and high-end hotels. Surrounding the park square are major department stores - Macy's, and Neiman Marcus, as well as eeral others - luxury boutiques and superstores.

Sporting new granite plazas, a new terraced stage, light sculptures designed by artist R.M. Fischer, a new café and four grand entrance corner plazas bordered by the park's signature palms, the square captures the unique history and beauty of San Francisco. The Cable Cars and the city’s walking tours (only $20) depart from Union Square.

The Presidio

The Presidio preserves a complex cultural and natural heritage within its 1,480 acres south of the Golden Gate Bridge. Once a U.S. Army post and site of the World’s Fair, the Presidio is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Visitors enjoy the history and beauty of 500 historic buildings, coastal defense fortifications, a national cemetery, an historic airfield, a saltwater marsh, forests, beaches, plant habitats, coastal bluffs, miles of hiking and biking trails, and spectacular vistas. Presidio Trust Special Events Office: events@presidiotrust.gov

Bay Area Discovery Museum

Located under the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Discovery Museum is a fantastic place where children of all ages find limitless opportunities for discoveries in art, science, and media. Experience dozens of entertaining exhibits like crewing on a boat and exploring San Francisco Bay. Call 415-487-4398 or visit www.badm.org

3Com Park/San Francisco 49ers

Formerly Candlestick Park, 3Com Park has a colorful history as home of the Super Bowl Champions - San Francisco 49ers. Located on San Francisco Bay, 3Com is the windiest, foggiest ballpark in the country. Watching a San Francisco 49ers game here is an awesome experience. Ticket Office: (415) 656-4900.

AT&T Stadium/San Francisco Giants

Home to the San Francisco Giants, AT&T Park is a San Francisco landmark featuring breathtaking views and an inspiring nine-foot statue of Willie Mays. Bordered by downtown San Francisco and the Bay, this classic brick baseball park is an incredible venue for sporting events, concerts and the 2007 All-Star game.

Angel Island State Park

A historic state park on San Francisco Bay, Angel Island offers tram tours, bike rentals, camping, and excellent sea kayaking. Angel Island is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset, year-round, with limited ferry service in the winter. Call (415) 897-0715 or visit www.angelisland.com

San Francisco Solano Mission

The last and northernmost California mission, Mission San Francisco Solano was the only mission founded after Mexico's independence from Spain and without approval of the Church. Founded in 1823, California’s 21st mission is part of the Sonoma State Historic Park in the town of Sonoma - 20 minutes north of San Francisco. Surrounded by lush vineyards, the historic Mission houses the Jorgensen watercolors of the Missions of California.

San Francisco Cow Palace

San Francisco Cow Palace hosts events, concerts, conventions, livestock shows, and is home to the Grand National Rodeo Horse & Stock Show (April 2007), Ringling Bros.

Barnum & Bailey Circus, the San Francisco Sport & Boat Show, the Golden Gate Kennel Club Dog Show, and Disney on Ice. Call (415) 404-4111 or visit www.cowpalace.com

Bayside Park

Bayside Park offers the largest collection of athletic facilities in the Bay Area, including lit fields for soccer, youth baseball and softball. Play ball on the fields, or jog, walk and bike along the San Francisco Bay on miles of trails that connect with the Bay Trail. Take your dog to the dog park or brush up on your golf swing at the driving range and short game area.

Metreon-A Sony Entertainment Center

The Metreon is an innovative entertainment and technology marketplace with 15 movie theatres, an IMAX theatre, 3 interactive attractions, 9 restaurants, world-class shopping, and events.

The 15-screen Loews Metreon is San Francisco’s largest movie complex with a panoramic view of Yerba Buena Gardens Esplanade and the skyline. Visit www.metreon.com
The San Francisco Center, westfield Shopping Center, is one of the largest retail shopping ceners west of he Misissippi. With over 170 specialty stores and exclusive boutiques, the center houses the second largest Bloomingdales and Nordstrom stores in teh country. America's only curved escalator resides in this unique shopping location. The center's Food Emporium has a gourmet market and over 16 gourmet restaurants.

Yerba Buena Gardens

San Francisco's exciting new neighborhood, Yerba Buena Gardens offers unique shopping, restaurants, art, and public green space. Visit "the most concentrated arts district west of the Hudson River," (Newsweek) with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and many galleries and museums.

Experience the moving Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Moscone Center, or Zeum, the high-tech art center for kids. The front yard of downtown San Francisco, the Esplanade is 5.5 acre oasis of gardens, meadows, trees, flowers, falling water, art, and welcoming cafés. Visit www.yerbabuenagardens.com.

Bay Trail

The Bay Trail is a 400-mile network of multi-use paths, dirt trails, bike lanes, sidewalks and streets that encircle San Francisco and San Pablo Bays with bicycling, hiking, jogging, and skating trails.

It connects the shoreline of nine Bay Area counties, 47 cities, crosses bridges and gives access to neighborhoods, beaches, marinas, fishing piers, 130 parks and wildlife preserves. Visit www.baytrail.abag.ca.gov.html.

Bay Meadows Race Track

San Mateo’s Bay Meadows Race Track is one of the most innovative racetracks in the country, and the longest operating racetrack in California. Since 1934, Bay Meadows has been a racing venue for world renowned horses, jockeys and trainers. Call (650) 574-RACE, or visit www.baymeadows.com

Napa Valley Wine Country

Connoisseurs of wine will discover heaven in Napa Valley, one of the world’s premier wine growing regions. Lined with spectacular vineyards and 250 award-winning wineries, Napa offers distinctive wines, wine-tasting tours, salons, wine festivals, and captivating landscapes.

With many of California's top wine estates, such as Domaine Chandon and Robert Mondavi, the beauty of the land is matched by the flavors of Napa. Savor wines and vines on the Silverado Wine Trail or take a 33-mile epicurean journey through the Napa countryside on the Napa Valley Wine Train. Visit www.napavalley/wineries.com

Sonoma County Wine Country

One hour north of San Francisco, home to vineyards, redwood groves, and the wild Sonoma coast, Sonoma County features award-winning wineries, wine-tasting, sightseeing tours and gourmet food. Experience the excellent wineries in Sonoma County North, Russian River/West Country, Sonoma County Central, Sonoma Coast, and Sonoma Valley. Visit www.sonoma.com

University of California, San Francisco

University of California, San Francisco is a leading university that consistently defines health care worldwide by conducting advanced biomedical research, educating graduate students in life sciences and providing complex patient care. The roots of this public health sciences university, dedicated to saving lives and improving health, can be traced in San Francisco to the 1864 establishment of the Toland Medical College. Some 25,000 doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and scientists have graduated from UCSF, whose schools are ranked among the top in the nation. Visit www.ucsf.edu

Point Reyes National Seashore

Venture north from San Francisco to the Point Reyes National Seashore - a panorama of thunderous ocean breakers, windswept beaches, grasslands, hillsides and forested ridges. Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, swimming, kayaking, biking, beachcombing, wildlife viewing, whale watching and horseback riding on 147 miles of scenic trails and 100 acres of pristine coastal wildlands.

Shoreline Amphitheater

Experience the world's most talented entertainers at the Bay Area’s most amazing outdoor concert facility, featuring state-of-the-art visual and sound systems that deliver an amazing sonic experience. Mountain View’s Shoreline features craft booths, eclectic foods and a large tent. Visit www.shoreline-amd.com

Muir Woods

Twelve miles north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, in an isolated canyon, grows the ancient coast redwood forest of Muir Woods. Follow a gentle trail and experience the tranquility of a forest of 1000 year-old giant redwood trees towering 260 feet high. Muir Woods offers solitude, interpretive displays and miles of beautiful hiking trails. Entry fee: $3. Call (415) 388-2595, or visit www.nps.gov/muwo/home.htm.

Six Flags Marine World

The country’s only wildlife park and oceanarium, Six Flags Marine World presents animals of land, sea and air in spectacular shows and attractions.

This Bay Area adventure park also features exciting rides, kid’s attractions, such as Looney Tunes Seaport, and a unique animal zoo where you get personal with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, reptiles, giraffes and safari animals. Some lucky youngsters can even kiss a killer whale.

Monterey

Experience miles of breathtaking Pacific coastline, the Monterey Aquarium, Cannery Row and Point Pinos Lighthouse. Monterey’s dramatic ocean scenery, pristine pine forests and communities beckon adventure seekers and vacationers.

Monterey is paradise for water sports, golf, festivals, dining, arts, and wine tasting. Go tidepooling, horseback riding, and hiking at the nature preserves. See the sights along Pebble Beach’s 17-Mile Drive, or hike and climb at Pinnacles National Monument.

Carmel

Quaint, artistic Carmel is cherished for its art galleries, shops, cafes, wine tasting rooms and restaurants, often tucked down charming courtyards. Enjoy gorgeous white beaches, rewarding golf courses and panoramic views. Carmel Plaza - a dog-friendly plaza around a cascading fountain - offers shops and restaurants in an elegant courtyard setting.