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Things To Do
Sports & Outdoors
Arts Museums & Landmarks
Visitors flock to the city’s most recognizable landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge, but should not miss equally popular attractions, including Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz.
1. Often enveloped in a thick fog, the suspension-bridge engineering masterpiece, the Golden Gate Bridge, was constructed in 1937 and towers over 4,200 feet. The 1.2-mile bridge takes about an hour to walk, round-trip, and offers especially spectacular views at the southeast and northeast ends of the bridge. For more information, call 415-921-5858; located at U.S. Highway 101, San Francisco, CA 94129.
2. Formerly the thriving center of the city’s fishing industry, Fisherman’s Wharf offers entertainment, shops, bay cruises, parks and museums. To view the fisherman at work, take an early morning jaunt down “Fish Alley,” on Jefferson between Hyde and Jones Streets. For more information, call 415-674-7503; located at San Francisco, CA 94133.
3. In the middle of San Francisco Bay sits the infamous former prison, Alcatraz. In the 1920s, this island became a maximum-security prison that held America’s most wanted, including Al Capone. “The Rock” is now a popular attraction and is accessible from Pier 41 at Fisherman’s Wharf. For more information, call 415-705-5555; located at San Francisco, CA 94123.
Culture is appreciated in the most beautiful surroundings in San Francisco. Traditional buildings, former libraries and modern, curvy structures house the talents of international ballerinas and musicians.
1. Next to City Hall is the War Memorial Opera House, the performance hall for both the San Francisco Ballet and the San Francisco Opera. The stately Beaux Arts building observes approximately 100 performances annually. For more information, call 415-621-6600; located at 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102.
2. The modern Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall stands in direct contrast to the Opera House, with its cylindrical shape and glass and mirror accents. Seating 2,700, visitors appreciate the impressive acoustics and the 9,000-piped Ruffati organ. For more information, call 415-864-6000; located at 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102.
3. Housed in the city’s former library building, the Asian Art Museum is devoted exclusively to Asian art and culture, spanning 6,000 years of history. For more information, call 415-581-3500; located at 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.
Dining
Shopping
Shoppers delight in the myriad opportunities to shop in unique locales, such as fishing piers, former chocolate factories and large department stores.
1. Pier 39, one of the most-visited attractions in California, features two levels of shops and destination dining, an aquarium and carousel. Located just two blocks east of Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 is a renovated cargo pier and serves as homeport to the Blue & Gold Fleet. For more information, call 415-705-5500; located at Beach Street & The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133.
2. In the center of downtown San Francisco is the stylish Union Square, a two and a half acre district lined with posh department stores such as Neiman Marcus and Macy’s. Rounding out the area is an open-air stage, central plaza and gardens. Specialty boutiques include Gucci and Tiffany. For more information, call 415-781-4456; located at 870 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.
3. Ghirardelli Square, a chocolate factory transformed into a shopping and dining complex, pays homage to its roots by the celebrated Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop, where the original chocolate machines are showcased. Restaurants feature every type of cuisine, and art galleries and specialty shops abound. For more information, call 415-775-5500; located at 900 North Point Street, San Francisco, CA 94109.
Events
There seems to be a celebration, carnival or parade every day of the year in San Francisco. Come join the festivities as the city honors music, lifestyles and culture throughout the year.
1. The annual San Francisco Gay Pride Parade takes place the last Sunday in June, and accompanies a host of other celebration activities, including film and art festivals. The parade begins at Market and Beale Streets on June 24 and 25, 2006. For more information, call 415-864-3733; located at 1800 Market Street PMB #5, San Francisco, CA 94102-4801.
2. San Francisco’s Fourth of July Celebrations necessitate public transportation to a number of venues along the San Francisco Bay. The main fireworks show is sponsored by the San Francisco Chronicle at Fisherman’s Wharf on July 4, 2006. For more information, call 415-227-2603; www.4thofjulysf.com.
3. Jazz fills the air at the three stages on Fillmore Street, between Jackson and Eddy Streets, for the Fillmore Jazz Festival on July 1 & 2, 2006. More than 300 artist booths and food courts fill the area. For more information, call 1-800-731-0003; located at various locations on Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA 94115.
Gay Pride Events and Gay Parades in San Francisco
Neighborhoods
1. Union Square
Crammed with shops, tourists, hotels and cable cars, Union Square is also San Francisco’s main theater district and features various art galleries.
2. Nob Hill
This downtown district is home to an unexpected profusion of funky boutiques, classy restaurants and trendy nightclubs. Some parts of the hill are dotted with barbershops, old corner coffee shops, cocktail lounges and vintage stores.
3. Financial District
Although the city’s Financial District is contained within several city blocks, the area is known as “Wall Street West.” San Francisco’s tallest building, the Transamerica Pyramid, stands 853 feet tall.
4. Fisherman’s Wharf
Locals may shun the area, but almost 12 million people visited Fisherman’s Wharf last year. The Wharf contains major city attractions, including the Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and Pier 39.
5. Chinatown
Dragon streetlights and delicious dim sum, hide in Chinatown, a popular destination adorned with kitschy souvenirs, produce markets and dive bars. Chinatown is home to more than 10,000 Chinese residents. Try Stockton Street for fortune cookie factories, herb pharmacies and ornate temples.
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