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, Tue, 5 Jul 2005 13:09:45
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Glad you're coming for a visit! The best way to see SF is from behind the wheel of a Saab, but if that's not possible . . .
Here's a walking tour on which I take visiting friends/family. Takes 3+ hours (depending on how leisurely a pace youg take) and includes some steep hills, but it wouldn't be a trip to SF without them! I recommend starting at around noonish.
Start at the Marriott on Market Street (known locally as the jukebox - you'll know why when you see it). Take the elevator to the top floor. there's a bar there with floor-to-ceiling windows. That gives you a great perspective of the entire city (you don't have to buy a drink).
Then head down Market Street to the Ferry building. This recently rejuvenated historic building is fantastic to visit. You can grab lunch or a snack from dozens of wonderful eateries and watch the ferries come and go (I like the French lunches to go at Mistral. The Slanted Door Vietnamese restaurant recommended elsewhere in this thread is here, too).
Head north along the Embarcadero, enjoying the waterfront. About a quarter mile along there's a pedestrian pier that juts out into the bay. Walk out to the end and check out the view of the Bay Bridge.
Continue north on the Embarcadero to Levi Plaza (HQ of the jeans company). Walk through their garden and see the cool water fountain.
Head west from Levi's Plaza to the stairs to Coit Tower. This is a real delight. The pedestrian stairs head straight up Telegraph Hill and afford you spectacular views across the Bay to Berkeley. you'll also see one of SF's most charming neighborhoods, with homes built right into the side of the hill. At the top, Coit Tower is a local monument - again more views. Now you can see the GG bridge.
Head due west (finally going down a hill!) into North Beach, a primarily Italian neighborhood. Again, more eateries for lunch. I recommend grabbing an Italian pastry at Stella's on Columbus.
From there, take Stockton Street into China Town. You really shouldn't miss this area. Plenty of shops with souvenirs, open air markets, dim sum shops. Crowded sidewalks!
When you hit California Street, you'll see and hear the cable car tracks. Take a right (due West) and walk up the steep hill called Nob Hill. At the top are some elegant hotels and residential towers. In the square is Huntington Park. Sit on the grass and relax (you'll need to after the hill!). This is one of SF's best spots to just hang out and enjoy life.
Head back down California Street (in the direction from which you came) to Powell Street. Take a right and head down the steep hill into the Union Square shopping district/Theater district. In a couple of blocks you will see Union Square itself - another place to people watch and decide where you want to go for dinner.
You will have walked a large loop (the Mariott is close to Union Square), seen a lot a famous SF sites, enjoyed some delightful snacks, and thoroughly worn yourself out! All without a car, train, bus, tour guide - just your own two feet ;-)
Good luck, and enjoy . . .
posted by 12.10.21...
, Tue, 5 Jul 2005 13:09:45, Thu, 7 Jul 2005 11:45:06
, Wed, 6 Jul 2005 03:57:46, Wed, 6 Jul 2005 04:04:36, Tue, 5 Jul 2005 13:54:04
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