Guidebook for San Francisco

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Guidebook for San Francisco

Sightseeing

You haven't been to San Francisco until you're strolled across this massive landmark. Luckily for you, the city's biggest icon is always free for pedestrians. With breathtaking views of the city, as well as Alcatraz and Angel Island, this one-of-a-kind experience should top your list.
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Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge
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You haven't been to San Francisco until you're strolled across this massive landmark. Luckily for you, the city's biggest icon is always free for pedestrians. With breathtaking views of the city, as well as Alcatraz and Angel Island, this one-of-a-kind experience should top your list.
Alcatraz Island is located in San Francisco Bay, 1.25 miles (2.01 km) offshore from San Francisco, California, United States. The small island was developed with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison, and a federal prison from 1934 until 1963. Today, the island's facilities are managed by the National Park Service; it is open to tours. Visitors can reach the island in a little under 15 minutes by ferry ride.
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Pulo ng Alcatraz
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Alcatraz Island is located in San Francisco Bay, 1.25 miles (2.01 km) offshore from San Francisco, California, United States. The small island was developed with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, a military prison, and a federal prison from 1934 until 1963. Today, the island's facilities are managed by the National Park Service; it is open to tours. Visitors can reach the island in a little under 15 minutes by ferry ride.
Exploring San Francisco's famous Chinatown is best done on foot. This historic neighborhood is always busy, and is full of hidden gems that welcome the curious traveler. If you've still got some pep in your step after ducking into many shops and restaurants and be sure to get some of the best Dim Sum in the US!
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Chinatown
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Exploring San Francisco's famous Chinatown is best done on foot. This historic neighborhood is always busy, and is full of hidden gems that welcome the curious traveler. If you've still got some pep in your step after ducking into many shops and restaurants and be sure to get some of the best Dim Sum in the US!
While some of the attractions contained within may charge, exploring PIER 39 itself is completely free. There are restaurants, shops, performers, movie screenings, and of course the lovable sea lions.
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Pier 39
The Embarcadero
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While some of the attractions contained within may charge, exploring PIER 39 itself is completely free. There are restaurants, shops, performers, movie screenings, and of course the lovable sea lions.
Did you know that the dome that caps San Francisco City Hall is bigger than the one atop the U.S. Capitol? See it from inside on a free tour, offered weekdays at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Bringing a big group? You'll need a reservation.
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San Francisco City Hall
1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl
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Did you know that the dome that caps San Francisco City Hall is bigger than the one atop the U.S. Capitol? See it from inside on a free tour, offered weekdays at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Bringing a big group? You'll need a reservation.
San Francisco famously boasts some of the steepest streets in the country. Whether you’re walking or driving, the varying gradient of the road is sure to catch your attention and give your heart rate a healthy boost. Lombard Street is one of the most unique of the vertically endowed roads and is a great stop to add to any itinerary. Lombard Street in San Francisco is one of America’s crookedest streets and found on many tours. The steep, hilly street was created with sharp curves to switchback down the one-way hill past beautiful Victorian mansions. If not for the byzantine curves, easing out this treacherous slope, people could be killed rolling down. For an idea of how steep this street
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Lombard Street
Lombard Street
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San Francisco famously boasts some of the steepest streets in the country. Whether you’re walking or driving, the varying gradient of the road is sure to catch your attention and give your heart rate a healthy boost. Lombard Street is one of the most unique of the vertically endowed roads and is a great stop to add to any itinerary. Lombard Street in San Francisco is one of America’s crookedest streets and found on many tours. The steep, hilly street was created with sharp curves to switchback down the one-way hill past beautiful Victorian mansions. If not for the byzantine curves, easing out this treacherous slope, people could be killed rolling down. For an idea of how steep this street
Home to one of San Francisco's most noteworthy views, Alamo Square Park is where you'll find the Painted Ladies, a row of classically beautiful Victorian homes. On clear days, the city skyline in the distance creates a backdrop that stuns visitors and locals alike. Don't forget to pack a blanket; Alamo Square Park is an excellent spot for a picnic.
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Painted Ladies
Hayes Street
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Home to one of San Francisco's most noteworthy views, Alamo Square Park is where you'll find the Painted Ladies, a row of classically beautiful Victorian homes. On clear days, the city skyline in the distance creates a backdrop that stuns visitors and locals alike. Don't forget to pack a blanket; Alamo Square Park is an excellent spot for a picnic.
The only remaining structure from 1915's legendary Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts is an open-air, classical structure partially surrounded by a man-made lake. In short, it's one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in the entire city. There's no charge to explore the grounds or watch the guaranteed parade of wedding parties pass through as they line up for that perfect picture.
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Palasyo ng mga Fine Arts
3601 Lyon St
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The only remaining structure from 1915's legendary Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the Palace of Fine Arts is an open-air, classical structure partially surrounded by a man-made lake. In short, it's one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in the entire city. There's no charge to explore the grounds or watch the guaranteed parade of wedding parties pass through as they line up for that perfect picture.
This permanent artistic installation at the water's edge in San Francisco's Marina uses the shifting tides to create music. When the waters of the bay lap against the Wave Organ's PVC piping, it produces sound. It's a wholly natural aquatic symphony that's guaranteed never to sound the same—and it's free to enjoy.
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Ang Wave Organ
83 Marina Green Dr
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This permanent artistic installation at the water's edge in San Francisco's Marina uses the shifting tides to create music. When the waters of the bay lap against the Wave Organ's PVC piping, it produces sound. It's a wholly natural aquatic symphony that's guaranteed never to sound the same—and it's free to enjoy.
Rising high above the trees on the north side of Golden Gate Park is the de Young's Harmon Observation Tower. It's free for all, whether or not you've visited the museum (but you really should; it's great). An artistic piece in its own right, the Tower was a bit controversial when it was built; but once naysayers stepped inside and took in the 360-degree views of the city from the top, they quickly changed their tune.
Hamon Observation Tower
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
Rising high above the trees on the north side of Golden Gate Park is the de Young's Harmon Observation Tower. It's free for all, whether or not you've visited the museum (but you really should; it's great). An artistic piece in its own right, the Tower was a bit controversial when it was built; but once naysayers stepped inside and took in the 360-degree views of the city from the top, they quickly changed their tune.
Atop Nob Hill sits Grace Cathedral, a massive Gothic structure that includes labyrinths, gardens, and a regular schedule of excellent free musical performances. There's no charge to enter, even if all you want to do is marvel at its incredible architecture.
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Katedral ng Grace
1100 California St
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Atop Nob Hill sits Grace Cathedral, a massive Gothic structure that includes labyrinths, gardens, and a regular schedule of excellent free musical performances. There's no charge to enter, even if all you want to do is marvel at its incredible architecture.
The Lyon Street steps, which connect Cow Hollow to Pacific Heights, are maybe too perfect. If they weren't so wide and sunny and privately landscaped, and if they didn't go from steep to gradual to steep again, maybe the personal trainers and classes wouldn't have commandeered them. You can avoid the trainers by going midday, but if you want to walk the steps at a leisurely pace, you'd better hug tight to the center-rail against the steady flow of huffing runners doing lap after lap, constantly passing on the right.
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Lyon Street Steps
2545-2551 Lyon St
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The Lyon Street steps, which connect Cow Hollow to Pacific Heights, are maybe too perfect. If they weren't so wide and sunny and privately landscaped, and if they didn't go from steep to gradual to steep again, maybe the personal trainers and classes wouldn't have commandeered them. You can avoid the trainers by going midday, but if you want to walk the steps at a leisurely pace, you'd better hug tight to the center-rail against the steady flow of huffing runners doing lap after lap, constantly passing on the right.

Food Scene

This beautiful brick complex at the water's edge was once where famous Ghirardelli chocolate was made. While production has since moved to the East Bay, there are still plenty of sweet treats to enjoy at Ghirardelli Square, which is home to a number of shops and restaurants. Just enjoying the view and the outstanding seasonal decorations won't set you back, though.
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The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop at Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point St
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This beautiful brick complex at the water's edge was once where famous Ghirardelli chocolate was made. While production has since moved to the East Bay, there are still plenty of sweet treats to enjoy at Ghirardelli Square, which is home to a number of shops and restaurants. Just enjoying the view and the outstanding seasonal decorations won't set you back, though.
Since 1999. Foreign Cinema remains a magical destination for local, national and international visitors as San Francisco’s most enduring dining centers. A San Francisco Chronicle “Top 100 Restaurant” for sixteen consecutive years, Chefs Gayle Pirie and John Clark’s collective visions weave food, wine, cocktails, film, and art gallery into one harmonious ambiance. Expect an evolving menu, sensual environments, and great movies.
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Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission St
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Since 1999. Foreign Cinema remains a magical destination for local, national and international visitors as San Francisco’s most enduring dining centers. A San Francisco Chronicle “Top 100 Restaurant” for sixteen consecutive years, Chefs Gayle Pirie and John Clark’s collective visions weave food, wine, cocktails, film, and art gallery into one harmonious ambiance. Expect an evolving menu, sensual environments, and great movies.

Parks & Nature

Urban hiking? Yes, please! A 1,500 acre national park, the Presidio is a true gem within city limits. The former military base now offers hiking trails, historic buildings and epic views. There are multiple entry points to the Presidio. Find out which attractions are nearest to each gate and plan your visit.
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Presidio of San Francisco
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Urban hiking? Yes, please! A 1,500 acre national park, the Presidio is a true gem within city limits. The former military base now offers hiking trails, historic buildings and epic views. There are multiple entry points to the Presidio. Find out which attractions are nearest to each gate and plan your visit.
Lands End is just what it sounds like: the western-most public park in San Francisco, where steep cliffs plunge into the swirling Pacific Ocean. You'll find beautiful trees, spectacular views, and a stone labyrinth as you travel along the paths (and please, stick to the paths!). If you want to feel like Indiana Jones, be sure to visit the site of the Sutro Baths. Once a tremendous indoor swimming facility built in the 1890s by entrepreneur and former mayor Adolph Sutro, all that remains today are the foundations of what was once the city's premier attraction.
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Lands End Labyrinth
Lands End Trail
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Lands End is just what it sounds like: the western-most public park in San Francisco, where steep cliffs plunge into the swirling Pacific Ocean. You'll find beautiful trees, spectacular views, and a stone labyrinth as you travel along the paths (and please, stick to the paths!). If you want to feel like Indiana Jones, be sure to visit the site of the Sutro Baths. Once a tremendous indoor swimming facility built in the 1890s by entrepreneur and former mayor Adolph Sutro, all that remains today are the foundations of what was once the city's premier attraction.
Independent of its incredible attractions, Golden Gate Park is still a world-class, urban green space. Wide lawns, hidden groves, and rolling hills make it an easy and memorable place to explore. Entrance to the park is free, and it's also no charge to see the park's towering windmills, resident bison herd, or flowing waterfall (yes, a waterfall).
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Golden Gate Park
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Independent of its incredible attractions, Golden Gate Park is still a world-class, urban green space. Wide lawns, hidden groves, and rolling hills make it an easy and memorable place to explore. Entrance to the park is free, and it's also no charge to see the park's towering windmills, resident bison herd, or flowing waterfall (yes, a waterfall).
In the geographic center of the city, you'll find one of the highest natural points at which to observe San Francisco. The path to the top can be steep and winding, but the view is a terrific reward. Just be sure to bring an extra layer; the wind at the summit can be fairly strong.
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Twin Peaks
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In the geographic center of the city, you'll find one of the highest natural points at which to observe San Francisco. The path to the top can be steep and winding, but the view is a terrific reward. Just be sure to bring an extra layer; the wind at the summit can be fairly strong.
It's far from being San Francisco's largest green space, but Dolores Park in the Mission is certainly among the most popular with the locals. With killer views of the downtown skyline, new amenities and recreational areas, and unobstructed sunlight, Dolores is where San Franciscans go instead of the beach. If you want to simultaneously commune with nature and with your fellow man, Dolores Park is the place to go.
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Mission Dolores Park
19th Street
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It's far from being San Francisco's largest green space, but Dolores Park in the Mission is certainly among the most popular with the locals. With killer views of the downtown skyline, new amenities and recreational areas, and unobstructed sunlight, Dolores is where San Franciscans go instead of the beach. If you want to simultaneously commune with nature and with your fellow man, Dolores Park is the place to go.

Arts & Culture

Any literature lover should visit City Lights, the legendary bookstore in North Beach (261 Columbus Ave.). This historic shop was once a popular hangout for legendary writers of the Beat movement like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac. Today, you can go to City Lights to hear regular readings by famous authors and up-and-coming writers, as well as poets, performance artists, and more.
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City Lights Booksellers
261 Columbus Ave
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Any literature lover should visit City Lights, the legendary bookstore in North Beach (261 Columbus Ave.). This historic shop was once a popular hangout for legendary writers of the Beat movement like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac. Today, you can go to City Lights to hear regular readings by famous authors and up-and-coming writers, as well as poets, performance artists, and more.
Public art is everywhere in San Francisco, but nowhere is it more abundant than in the Mission. Colorful murals in a variety of styles, created by many different artists over the years, each with their own unique viewpoint, can be found all over the neighborhood. The most popular ones can be observed in Clarion and Balmy Alleys, where the art flows uninterrupted from one building to another.
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Sining sa Kalye ng Clarion Alley
90 Clarion Alley
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Public art is everywhere in San Francisco, but nowhere is it more abundant than in the Mission. Colorful murals in a variety of styles, created by many different artists over the years, each with their own unique viewpoint, can be found all over the neighborhood. The most popular ones can be observed in Clarion and Balmy Alleys, where the art flows uninterrupted from one building to another.
Amoeba Music (1855 Haight St.) is legendary because it's the world's largest independent record store. You can browse their selection of CDs, records, and more. If you're lucky, you can catch a live concert while you're there. Check the store's website for a calendar of performances.
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Amoeba Music
1855 Haight St
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Amoeba Music (1855 Haight St.) is legendary because it's the world's largest independent record store. You can browse their selection of CDs, records, and more. If you're lucky, you can catch a live concert while you're there. Check the store's website for a calendar of performances.