Free and fun to do, Lombard Street in San Francisco has become one of the most popular tourist attractions around the city. But what about for the people who live here? Well, let's not lie…it's fun for them too.
The street is steep, hilly and curvy…but it also allows for some of the best views of San Francisco's beautiful Victorian mansions. Paved with bricks, it makes you feel as though you've been transported into some forgone era, rather than the modern city that it is. People often think that the street is too busy and that they can't experience the trill of riding down or climbing up. But that's just a misconception. Although it is busy because of the speed in which people have to descend, there are plenty of times throughout the day when the street is empty and ready for you to take your trip.
Although it's just a normal street to the people who live around the city, it still makes your heart skip a beat when you know you get to drive down it. The residents don't mind at all that they live on one of America's most crooked streets, but they do ask that you keep your squealing to a minimum while they're sleeping. Located only a few blocks from Ghirardelli Square, you can make a quick trip over to Lombard Street and get in a little exercise. In fact, many of the locals use this street to get in their cardio for the day. Think of it like a man made StairMaster…just with beautiful scenery. It can be quite the workout on your legs.
On a normal day, it'll take you less than 15 minutes to drive down the street. If possible, try to park around it and just admire the beautiful flowers that blossom during the spring and summer. The residents are incredibly proud of their landscaping and love to show it off. The locals like to come out not only to see the landscaping, but also to watch the slew of tourists struggling at each of eight switchbacks that are set on Lombard's 40 degree slope. But really, it's just pure fun.
Getting There
Lombard Street is very easy to find. It begins at The Presidio and runs east through the Cow Hollow Neighborhood. It goes for about 12 blocks but isn't as crooked throughout the entire street as it is when it hits the one block on Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets. This is where the fun really begins.
Pier 39, located in the popular Fisherman’s Wharf area, is an attraction all on its own. There is something for everyone at Pier 39 and that’s why so many people flock to it year round. Tourists abound, but locals have to admit they like it as well. In fact, many of the people that shop in the 110 stores and dine at the 14 restaurants are people that just walked in from the surrounding neighborhoods – North Beach and Telegraph Hill.
Pier 39 is an excellent way to show family and friends the sights or just to take in the many street performers and music that seems to be pumped in from everywhere. Summer is a great time to experience Pier 39, but there are seasonal events year round. Fleet week is always a popular event, just as Pumpkin Pandemonium is for the kids. It isn’t just about the shopping and dining, although that is just as wonderful. Pier 39 is more about the overall experience and the stunning views of San Francisco.
Within Pier 39 there are plenty of attractions to broaden the mind and entertain you. First and foremost you have the most popular residents of Pier 39. The sea lions of course! Their barking can be heard throughout the pier and all over Fisherman’s Wharf. Every weekend from 11am to 5pm they do sea lion tours where you can learn about the precious animals that make Pier 39 their home. There are hundreds of them that can be seen at any given time, and the visit alone is worth the trip to Pier 39.
Visiting the Aquarium of the Bay is another stop for animal lovers on Pier 39. San Francisco has amazing marine life that people just aren’t aware of. You can see them all in a very natural setting while you walk through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels. You can see and sometimes touch many of the creatures that live in the shores of this beautiful city.
If you’re considering going to Pier 39 on a date, you can try a little adventure with the city kayaks that are available for rental. If you are an experienced kayaker, take your kayak and head out to the famed Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz Island to paddle around in more advanced waters. If you are a beginner, you can certainly take in the beautiful waterfront views while enjoying a day in the San Francisco waters.
San Francisco is a beautiful place, but Pier 39 is truly special to the neighborhood locals and the people living in San Francisco. It is easy to get to and you’ll find plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, recreation, or simply sitting around and passing the day away.
Nestled twelve miles north of San Francisco, lies an ancient forest that consists of majestic Redwood trees that area thousand years old and stand over two hundred feet tall. Welcome, to Muir Woods National Monument. The forest was declared a national monument in 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt. The park is open every day, including holidays, from 8:00am and closes at sunset.
Things To Do
Besides enjoying the sheer magnificience of the Redwood Trees, there are eight different trails that all offer splendid views of the ocean, fauna, and wildlife. Many of the animals that may be spotted during a hike through the trails include owls, bats, chipmunks, deer, and numerous reptiles, mammals, and amphibians.
There are many rules and regulations that you must follow when visiting the national monument. There are no bicycles allowed on the trails, and no picnicking is allowed in the forest. Dogs are not permitted on the premises and campers are not allowed either. The maximum length for vehicles is 35 feet long. Parking is limited so it is best to arrive at the forest early. Additionally, there is no public transportation that travels to Muir Woods, however there are scheduled tours that you may take that provide a wonderful view of the woods.
Location
Muir Woods is located twelve miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. To access the Woods follow Highway 101 until you reach the Highway 1/Stinson Beach Exit. There you will see signs leading the way to Muir Woods National Monument.
Entrance Fees
Adults (16 years and older): $3.00
Children (birth to age 15): Free
Annual Pass to Muir Woods: $15.00
As of October 1, 2007 the fees will increase. The increase will be as follows:
Those who live in San Francisco can enjoy the beautiful Golden Gate Park. With 1,017 acres, Golden Gate Park is larger than New York’s Central Park and receives more than 13 million visitors each year. The park has plenty of rich history that dates back to the Native Americans as well as the California Gold Rush. Today, the park has wonderful educational programs and activities that help bring the region’s great history to life.
Things To Do
Golden Gate Park features numerous activities and like Central Park of New York is an essential location for multiple cultural activities. When you first visit Golden Gate Park you may want to make a point to visit the exquisite Rose Garden or Conservatory of Flowers. The Conservatory features many beautiful tropical flowers and has been deemed as a historic landmark.
You’ll also enjoy the fascinating Japanese Tea Garden, where you’ll be able to enjoy a cup of tea and take a break while you overlook the beautiful scenic garden view. With nine lakes, there are numerous water activities available for everyone, regardless of age. Stow Lake provides plenty of boating fun and the park also has boat rentals available. There are a number of scheduled and planned tours available that will ensure that you visit all of the wonderful sites available at the park.
Golfers will enjoy playing a game on the 9-hole Golden Gate Golf Course. There has been an enormous renovation project underway with the children's playground. The playground has a new name, and is now referred to as the, "Koret Children's Quarter". There is a beautiful carousel that has also been recently renovated, and in a fascinating tidbit of history, the children's playground at Golden Gate Park is the oldest playground in the entire nation. It was first designed in 1888.
Location
You can enter Golden Gate Park from Fulton St & 36th Ave or from Lincoln Way & 41st Ave
If you are looking for a breathtaking view of the gorgeous San Francisco skyline, then you will want to make a trip to Angel Island State Park. Steeped in cultural history, the park was once used by the Miwok Native Americans as a primary spot for fishing and hunting. Once the Spanish came, they claimed the land and gave it its new name. In fact, the very spot where the Spaniard Juan de Ayala dropped his anchor is now referred to as Ayala Cove.
Things To Do
There are many activities to engage in at Angel Island State Park. Tram tours are available and are a great way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the park as well as hear the educational and historic details of the island.
The Ayala Cove is a wonderful place for boats to dock - and for a fee, they can stay overnight in the boat mooring. There are plenty of bike trails as well as hiking trails that allow for hours of enjoyment while viewing the beauty of the park in its splendor. Additionally, there are many great places to fish from and there are also plenty of educational programs and exhibits to enjoy. These vary according to season, and special exhibits may be provided for school groups, clubs, and seniors.
Getting There
You can reach Angel Island State Park by ferry or private boat. Bicycles may be brought by ferry to the island, but roller blades, skates, and skateboards are forbidden. For Ferry Information call 415-435-2131.
Note: It’s important to realize that Angel Island State Park does not recognize the Annual State Pass.
Free and fun to do, Lombard Street in San Francisco has become one of the most popular tourist attractions around the city. But what about for the people who live here? Well, let's not lie…it's fun for them too.
Those who live in San Francisco can enjoy the beautiful Golden Gate Park. With 1,017 acres, Golden Gate Park is larger than New York’s Central Park and receives more than 13 million visitors each year. The park has plenty of rich history that dates back to the Native Americans as well as the California Gold Rush. Today, the park has wonderful educational programs and activities that help bring the region’s great history to life.