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Steiner & Fulton
San Francisco, CA 94117
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One of the city’s most distinctive features is its many Victorian Houses that line the hilly streets. And, probably the best place to get a look at these “painted ladies” is around Alamo Square. In addition to checking out the architecture in the neighborhood, climb up the hill at Alamo Square Park and take in the one of the best views of the San Francisco skyline that you’re likely to get anywhere.
Alcatraz Island
Ferry Terminal -- 1/2 Mile From Pier 39
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-561-7100
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The very name "Alcatraz" conjures up images of hardened criminals and even harder time. But while its history as a federal prison is well documented, the Rock, as it’s sometimes known, didn’t start out life that way. In fact, Alcatraz Island served as a military facility from 1859 to 1934, when it was converted into a federal penitentiary. Though the prisoners left the Rock long ago, Alcatraz Island remains one of the most visited destinations in all of San Francisco.
Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-581-3500
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Less than a block away from City Hall is one of the newer additions to the Civic Center area, the Asian Art Museum. Relocated from Golden Gate Park in 2003 to this refurbished Beaux Arts building, the museum houses one of the most impressive collections of Asian art in the Western World. These exquisite pieces are laid out over three floors, and every part of the Asian world is well represented, from India and Afghanistan in the West, to China, Korea, and Japan in the East, stopping at all points in between.
Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: 415-474-1887
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From its beginnings in 1873, the citywide system of cable cars rapidly expanded and soon more than a half a dozen different companies were offering service throughout the city. The best place to get a taste of this history may be up the Powell/Mason line a bit, at the Cable Car Museum. In addition to the vintage cable cars and memorabilia on display, the real treat here is to watch the inner workings of the massive mechanisms that move the cars through town. It's a unique perspective on one of city’s most popular attractions.
34 Avenue & Clement Street
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415-750-3600
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In Lincoln Park, we find one of the city’s finest museums, the California Palace of the Legion of Honor. This fine art gallery is actually a 3/4 scale replica of the Legion of Honor building in Paris, and was built in the 1920s to honor local soldiers who had given their lives in France during World War I. An original cast of Rodin’s famous sculpture “The Thinker” dominates the forecourt, and visitors queue up on a daily basis to see the collection inside, which includes the work of such masters as Degas, Renoir, and Monet. In addition to the art on display here, the view from this hilltop museum is one of the best in all of San Francisco, which definitely puts a trip here near the top of most visitors’ itineraries.
Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94133
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Coit Tower sits high atop Telegraph Hill in the city’s North Beach neighborhood. Parking at the top is extremely limited, so the best bet is to put on some comfortable shoes and make the trudge up the hill on foot. At the top, visitors can get a better look at this unique structure, which has been a city landmark since 1933. The tower was commissioned by wealthy widow Lillie Hitchcock Coit in order to beautify the city she loved. Coit Tower rises some 210 into the air, and there are elevator rides to the top, but the view can be enjoyed from anywhere here on the hill. A statue of Christopher Columbus stands at the base of the tower, and is an appropriate addition in this traditionally Italian neighborhood. Though Columbus never made it this far, modern explorers can join him in taking in a view of the city and the bay that is second to none.
Fort Point
Long Avenue & Marine Drive
San Francisco, CA 94129
Phone: 415-556-1693
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Driving up to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge on the San Francisco side, we come to Fort Point, a small garrison built in 1853. As the traffic from the bridge roars overhead, visitors get an up-close look at this military outpost that was in operation for nearly half a century. The interior of the fort isn’t much to look at now, but there is some military hardware on display and guided tours are given twice a day. It’s a fascinating relic of American history.