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 Shops in Chinatown Considering that San Francisco’s Chinatown is the densest neighborhood in the United States, it wouldn’t be surprising to find that 41 alleyways exist. Because they are not 32 inches wide, these alleyways are not considered streets. Yet they provide a sense of allure, intrigue and mystique for adventurers and visitors.
From the days of the Gold Rush and the Barbary Coast, who knows what demise sailors met in these alleyways of Chinatown? Offering a glimpse into San Francisco’s sordid past, one only wonders about the illicit activities taking place in these dark alleyways.
Today, some of the most popular alleyways are Waverly Place and Ross Alley. Waverly Place is the largest alleyway although it is only 31 inches wide and is located between Sacramento and Clay. Since they are not considered streets, many of these alleyways fell into disrepair as the owners of the buildings were responsible for its upkeep.
Waverly Place in Chinese is called “Ten How Mue Guy,” after the oldest Chinese temple at 25 Waverly Place. Across the street are small restaurants, one serving dumplings. Here’s an interesting tidbit. When you walk along Waverly Place, take a look at the pavement. You will see plaques in the pavement with Chinese names. At least a decade ago, with the revitalization of these alleys, families could purchase a plaque dedicated to their relatives’ memories. In fact, a plaque in my grandparents’ names exists, right in front of the First Chinese Baptist Church.
 Chinatown in San Francisco Now, how would you like to have your fortune told in a cookie? Go to 56 Ross Alley off Washington Street, between Grant and Kearny and you will find the Golden Gate Cookie Factory. Established in 1962, this is the only factory still making their cookies by hand. You can get a free sample and also purchase bags to take home as souvenirs. This alley was originally settled by the Spanish and therefore, given the name of “old Spanish alley” when directly translated in Chinese. Now wouldn’t it be interesting to see what they call new Spanish alley? This is Spofford Alley, between Stockton and Grant, Washington and Clay. It doesn’t look “new” or “newer” but historically, it was founded later than Ross Alley.
One of my suggested itineraries is to hop-on, hop-off the City Sightseeing downtown loop which drops you off at Grant and Bush Streets, in front of the Chinatown gate. Then a short stroll to Waverly Place, Ross Alley and Spofford, all in that order and then you can pick up the bus again at Kearny, in front of the Hilton Hotel. Make sure to have a delicious Hong Kong style lunch at R&G Lounge at 631 Kearny before you board your bus and continue on your way.
By Kathryn D.
My favorite, easy hike affords spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, even the Pacific Ocean, if you choose to go that far.
 Golden Gate Bridge The easiest way to get there is drive along the Marina Green to Crissy Field, a dog-friendly expanse of grass in the middle of the City. Drive toward the west toward the Presidio and follow the signs to Fort Point. As you approach the fort, you’ll pass the restored warehouses of the Presidio on the left, containing an indoor rock climbing studio you can drop in to, Planet Granite. You can tour Fort Point, the historic fort built in 1861 to protect the City from invaders by sea, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Park your car in the large, free, usually plentiful parking lot on the left. Right there is the bay and a pier (a popular fishing spot). Near the parking lot are free, clean bathrooms, and a snack shack where you can get a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and a snack to fortify you before or after your hike.
 Golden Gate Bridge The hike begins just past the gatekeeper’s booth on the left. Take the stairs and go up. When you get to the top, you’ll see lots of twists and turns of paths. The paths to the left will take you into the Presidio, miles of safe hiking and biking trails to explore on another day. Keep to the right, you’ll come to the tunnel. Go through and look up and you’ll see the Golden Gate Bridge. Walk toward the bridge and you’ll come across the parking lots, probably full of tourists who want to hike the bridge. So, you could follow the signs to the footpath toward the bridge or just keeping going toward the ocean. It’s about a mile, a lovely stroll with stunning views of the water (unless there’s fog, which can happen often). There are mile markers and trail signs so you won’t get lost. And, there are plenty of people.
To get to your car, just turn around and retrace your path.
By Spenser C.
The Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco California is one of the most iconic symbols of the United States of America. It is by far the most photographed. Before the bridge was built, the only way to get across the San Francisco bay into Marin County was by the Golden Gate Ferry Company, a subsidiary of Southern Pacific Railroad. This became a profitable business for the Southern Pacific Railroad and was considered the largest ferry operation in the world during the 1920’s. It would have cost you $1 to ride the ferry from Sausalito to San Francisco.
 The Golden Gate Bridge Many people dreamed of a bridge that would connect Marin County to San Francisco but was criticized by many organizations. The Navy was concerned that the bridge would interfere with ships crossing the harbor or someone sabotaging the bridge and blocking the main entrance into the bay of San Francisco. Unions demanded guarantees that local workers of both San Francisco and Marin County would be favored for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. But one of the main critics of the bridge was of course the Southern Pacific Railroad one of California’s major business influences considered the bridge to be a major competitor to its ferry fleet.
The Southern Pacific Railroad then filed a lawsuit to halt the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. People then grew very frustrated with the big pockets of the railroad heads, which led to a major boycott of the Ferry service. The Golden Gate Bridge finally started its build on January 5th 1933 after a long hard fought battle to raise the $28 million for projected cost of the bridge. After the Wall Street crash of 1929, the state lobbied for a $30 Million bond measure. However, they were not able to sell the bonds until 1933 when Amadeo Giannini, the founder of San Francisco–based Bank of America bought the whole bond to help the local economy.
 Sailboats around the Golden Gate Bridge The bridge-opening celebration began on May 27, 1937 and lasted for one week. The day before vehicle traffic was allowed, 200,000 people crossed by foot and roller skate. In May 1987, as part of the 50th anniversary celebration, the Golden Gate Bridge district again closed the bridge to automobile traffic and allowed pedestrians to cross the bridge. However, this celebration attracted 750,000 to 1,000,000 people, and ineffective crowd control meant the bridge became congested with roughly 300,000 people, causing the center span of the bridge to flatten out under the weight. To this day, the Golden Gate Bridge is the second longest main span in the United States and is one of San Francisco’s biggest tourist attraction. You cannot come to San Francisco without walking on the Golden Gate Bridge, riding an open top bus across the bridge, or taking a cruise under the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
By Cory B.
I am a local to the bay area and last weekend I wanted something fun and different to do in San Fransisco. A friend of mine a few month back went on a City Sightseeing tour with some of their family members that were in town and said it was a blast. My friend had told me that the tours guides and drivers were informative and also extremely funny!
 Grace Cathedral in San Francisco So I decided to check out their website and found the Night tour. Our tour guide was Carolyn and she was just wonderful! We saw Chinatown, Union Square, Japantown and my favorite Fillmore Street! We also got to see Grace Cathedral on top of Nob Hill which gave us a great view of the city lights. We finished up the tour driving down Embarcadero Street! I love Embarcadero Street! There are so many great views of the bay and east bay on the Embarcadero waterfront along with great restaurants.
Once the tour ended my friends and I walked down Columbus Street to get dinner and some drink. We ate at this tiny little pizza place with lots of local personality called Golden Boy. It was such delicious pizza! Across the street on the corner we hear live music and decided to investigate. I can’t remember the name of the place but it was a cool spot to get a few beers and listen to live music! The door man was super funny and we had a few drinks with him as well. He told us about a lounge by Union Square down Maiden Lane; Maiden Lane is the old Red Light district of SF and apparently the lounge its self used to be a brothel. He said its a small place with great drink specials and awesome music. The place is called Otis Lounge and it did not disappoint! Fince was our bar tender and he invented a few cocktails for us.
We ended the night at Gold Dust across the way from Union Square. I have been to Gold Dust a few times and its an oldie but goodie! Live music, great service and a cool atmosphere. They are closing in March so I go there as much as I can when I am in San Fransisco. Overall the night was an extreme success! I got to check out some new things I haven’t seen in San Francisco yet and was introduce to some great bars.
By Nikki S.
Part of the charm of San Francisco is the town-within-a-town neighborhoods. There’s Little Italy and Chinatown, which are very well known, and there’s Japantown, a delightful area near Civic Center.
The center of Japantown is the Japan Center, which is located on Geary Boulevard between Laguna and Fillmore, and is an indoor shopping mall filled with stores with Japanese names that sell Japanese goods, often at bargain prices. And, to top it off, it’s rarely very crowded.
Parking is easy too, under the Japan Center. Or, consider making a night of it and staying at the Kubuki Hotel, one of the boutique hotels owned by the Joie de Vivre group. The Kubuki often has rooms, even on the weekends, for about $200 per night. I’ve seen deals for $100 per night. Some of the rooms have Japanese soaking tubs, a dash of luxurious relaxation.
 Sushi in Japantown in San Francisco Restaurants are plentiful in Japantown. Try Benihana’s. I know it’s a national chain, but it’s hard to beat the fun of watching your chef throw knives in the air right in front of you. If you go at lunch time, you can save lots of money, too. Their lunch specials are under $15 per person. Or try one of the sushi restaurants. Isobune is quite good. The noodle shops on the lower level feel authentic, too.
 Tea pot for $1.50 at Daiso But, for me the biggest draw is the shopping. There are some great “dollar” stores. Daiso just opened. This store carries everything you’d need for an urban household, and almost everything costs $1.50. Pens, paper, cosmetics, sock, umbrellas, plates, flatware, cups. Plan to spend a while at this store.
If you want to take a break, consider grabbing a movie at the beautiful Sundance Kabuki cinema. For a one-stop center of fun, Japantown can’t be beat.
By Spenser C.
Thinking about great ideas for things to do can be a bit difficult at times. To ease the process, here are some of the top ten kid friendly activities in San Francisco and the surrounding areas that children of all ages would enjoy!
Seward slides - Located in the family oriented neighborhood of Diamond Heights at Seward and Douglass are two massive cement slides. Make sure to bring a piece of cardboard to ride on, as the slides can make holes in clothing or skin without it. And for the ride of your life, bring wax paper.
Fairyland – Just across the Bay from San Francisco, right on the banks of Lake Merit in Oakland, is the mystical Fairyland where storybooks come to life. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, puppet shows, friendly animals, rides, storybook scenes and so much more. For the true Fairyland experience, kids should show up in their best fairytale dress up outfits, whether a princess in distress or a knight in shining armor or the evil wicked witch.
San Francisco Exploratorium – If you have a little scientist in the family, the Exploatoirum is a must when visiting San Francisco. Whether your kid is interested in the planets or solar flares, subzero gardening, the way the brain works, sports science, or nautical exploration, the Exploratorium has something for everyone. There are even exhibits for the little artist, demonstrating how to make art out of resources from the earth, like honey combs. Located in the beautiful Presisio, stop by the Exploratorium on your way to or from the Golden Gate Bridge.
 California Academy of Sciences California Academy of Sciences – Located in the beautiful San Francisco hot spot of Golden Gate Park, with four museums under one roof, including a phenomenal IMAX planetarium show about the Big Bang, an amazing aquarium full of exotic fish and sharks, and a tide pool with star fish and sea urchins for a more hands on experience, a natural history museum documenting the evolution of man, and a four story living rain forest full of live birds and insects, the California Academy of Sciences is fun for the whole family. Just make sure when leaving the rain forest to check for butterflies that may have landed on you and don’t forget to check out the living roof.
Children’s Creativity Museum - Maybe you’re in town on business but you brought your family so they can enjoy the sights while you’re stuck at the convention center in meetings. This imagination mecca is located right next door to the convention center. They offer several creative outlets for kids big and small, including the animation studio, where kids use clay to understand how cartoons are made, movie studio, where kids can dress up like newscasters and broadcast, or the design studio, complete with imac computers where kids can manipulate images to make new ones or design book covers or design postcards to send to their friends. The best part is they get to take their masterpieces home.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom – This Vallejo amusement park has all the giant roller coasters and rides as any other Six Flags in America. In addition to the traditional attractions, the Discovery Kingdom also focuses on wild life. You can catch a feed dolphins, or take a swim with one, watch a whale show, visit the tiger temple, or stop to talk with a trainer and have a close encounter with a sloth or an otter. You can even take a safari ride on an elephant. You can get there by car or by ferry leaving from San Francisco for those visiting without a car!
Bay Area Discovery Museum – Rent a car or take a tour bus ride over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito where you’ll find the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Younger kids will enjoy the imagination playground where they can design, buil, destroy and rebuild there own playground. Or visit Bay Hall and captain a ship or conduct the vintage tarin sets. Or climb through an underwater tunnel full or creatures to learn about. For the tiniest explorers, check out the Tot Spot for a multisensory excursion through animal homes and hbitats, including woodlands and wetlands, deserts and grasslands.
 Alcatraz Island Alcatraz Island – Kids will enjoy the sights, sounds and stories of the guards and prisoners at this legendary SF landmark. Kids love the 20 minute ferry ride on the Bay to and from the island as well as the self guided audio tour that is sure to keep them occupied and attentive as they walk through the cells, halls and yard of the famous prison. Make sure to stop by the gift shop for some interesting trinkets. And for the full Alcatraz experience, book your tickets before you get to the City for the night tour, as they will surely be out of tickets when you arrive. The night tour is the only tour guided by a ranger so kids have the opportunity to ask questions.
San Francisco Giants Game – Throw on your team colors, hopefully black and orange, and hop on the T train to AT&T Park to watch 2010 World Champion San Francisco Giants Baseball. Every weekend the stadium gives away souvenirs to the first 10,000 kids. Get there early and have the chance to get a ball or glove signed by the players warming up. And if the game gets slow, kids can go to the two story play structure out near the centerfield bleachers and run off some energy. And parents and kids alike will enjoy the best food of any ball park in America.
Fortune Cookie Factory – Amidst the hustle and bustle of the tourist mecca of Chinatown is the old Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. They have been producing fortune cookies for not only the city of San Francisco but places thoughout the world for 50 years. Kids will have fun watching how the cookies are made, how they get the fortune inside the cookie, and best of all, sampling the finished product.
By Brooke S.
 Inside the Beats Museum The 1950s saw the rise of a young generation of writers, poets, artists, and thinkers called the Beat Generation. The core members of the group began in New York City but soon after established a second base for themselves out west, in the bay area. San Francisco is the city now most commonly associated with the generation. The Beat Museum in North Beach was established to display meaningful relics and pay homage to the Beats and everything they stood for.
Some of the most famous members of the Beat Generation include writer Neal Cassady, poet Allen Ginsberg, and poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, owner of City Lights Bookstore, which is conveniently located across the street from the Beat Museum. Without a doubt, the poster child for the Beat Generation is Jack Kerouac, author of the classic book On the Road. (He is an actual poster, too. There is a life sized picture of him outside of the museum.) The Beat Generation and all their works share the common core values of tolerance, compassion, and acceptance of one’s true self. The Beat Museum is dedicated to celebrating these beliefs.
Upon first entering the museum there is a small theater playing a 90 minute movie about Jack Kerouac and the Beats on a continuous loop. Upstairs is the main floor of the museum. It’s filled with photos, letters, and memorabilia, including a signed copy of Allen Ginsberg’s Howl, and Neal Cassady’s striped shirt. On the ground level, on the way out, is the bookstore and gift shop. There you can find the writings of the authors and poets, postcards, t-shirts and much more. There’s even an old bathtub filled with
 Books for sale at the Beats Museum bargain priced books. Quite often the museum hosts book readings and events after hours, which are open to the public.
The Beat Museum is open every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Admission is an affordable five dollars. It is located at 540 Broadway Street at Columbus Avenue. The site in North Beach is the perfect spot; it’s in the very same neighborhood the Beats ate, drank, wrote, lived, and loved.
By Ashely B.
Is it not exhilarating and absolutely relaxing to know that one can enjoy San Francisco without the worry and hassle that comes with, “Do I have enough money”? Kick back, ease the mind, and gaze upon the free admission list below.
Free things to do in San Francisco #1. Musee Mechanique
Pier 45 at the end of Taylor Street.
Mon-Fri 10 am-7 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am-8 pm, Holidays 10 am-8 pm.
Be a kid and enjoy watching the antique arcade machines, animations, and mechanically operated musical instruments. “Laffing Sal,” (built in the early 1930s) will greet you with her contagious laughter. Escape the high tech world and surround yourself within a wonderful funhouse.
Free things to do in San Francisco #2. San Francisco Railway Museum
77 Steuart Street F-line stop, south of Ferry Plaza.
Tues – Sun open 10 am – 6 pm, closed Mondays.
One can applaud and appreciate San Francisco’s historic cable cars and streetcars. Hop aboard a 1911 streetcar replica and check out the controls. Gain information from the illustrative displays, archival photography, and the audio-visual exhibits.
Free things to do in San Francisco #3. Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center
 San Francisco Maritime Museum Corner of Hyde and Jefferson Street.
September – May, 9:30 am – 5 pm, June, July, August, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Explore the hands on exhibits and watch videos showing San Francisco’s maritime history. Obtain the self-guided tour pamphlet and stroll along the Aquatic waterfront once known as Black Point Cove. Otherwise, head over to the foot of Hyde Street and observe historic sailing and steam-powered ships.
Free things to do in San Francisco #4. Golden Gate Park
 Golden Gate Park 1,017 acres (3 miles long by ½ mile wide) This fabulous park starts at Stanyan and on up to the Great Highway (along the Pacific Coast). Queen Wilhelmina’s Windmill is near the ocean side, while the bison (6 six-month old females and 3 older females) are grazing in their pasture farther east off John F Kennedy Jr. Drive.
Have a carefree stroll on Saturdays and Sundays (from April through September) on John F. Kennedy Drive between Tea Garden Drive (near 8th Ave.) and Transverse Drive. No need to look nervously over your shoulder for the road is closed to vehicles. If you wish to speed up the pace, run on the multitude of dirt trails throughout the park.
Free things to do in San Francisco #5. Free concerts – Spreckles Temple of Music.
Golden Gate Park – between the De Young Museum & the Academy of Arts.
Sundays usually at 1 pm April through October.
The park orchestra, in its 129th season, provides a showcase of entertainment. Groove to jazz, Hungarian, Ukrainian, Irish, Spanish, and John Philip Sousa patriotic music. Also, who would have thought, even enchanting music inspired by witches.
The Stern Grove Festival – Sigmund Stern Grove, 19th Ave. and Sloat Blvd. Performing arts series June through August . Past performances included Cuban salsa to the San Francisco Ballet with classical music to reggae and rhythm and blues. The festival celebrates 75 years this year for their upbeat and passionate music.
The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival – Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park (now known as Hellman Hollow). October 5, 6, 7 2012. Warren Hellman will forever be remembered for his philanthropy and love for San Francisco. His annual hoedown (financially supported by him and free to the public) will go on. This last fall 600,000 enjoyed the American roots music from 90 musical acts on 6 stages.
Free things to do in San Francisco #6. Lindy in the Park
Swinging dance party – south sidewalk of John F. Kennedy Drive, between the De Young Museum and the north entrance to the Music Concourse. Sundays 11am to 2 pm – weather permitting.
Multiple volunteer DJs get your heart pumping and your feet jumping.
Free things to do in San Francisco #7. A Golden Gate Bridge Stroll
 Golden Gate Bridge Open to pedestrians from 5 am to 6 pm PST and 5 am to 9 pm during daylight savings time.
Whether walking the entire 1.7 mile bridge or a shorter distance, it is a life time experience. Very few bridges in the world, allow a person to enjoy its strength and beauty up close and personal at one’s own pace. The year 2012 celebrates the bridge’s 75th anniversary with improvements to the visitor center, trails and new viewing areas by late spring.
Free things to do in San Francisco #8. Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason Street
October 1 through March 31 10 am – 5 pm, April 1 through September 30 10 am – 6 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, and Easter Sunday.
Located in the historic cable car barn and powerhouse, one is intrigued by the gigantic wheels and engines that pull the cables for the cable cars. Delight in seeing 3 antique cable cars from the 1870s and one can even buy a modern cable car bell from the gift shop. A variety of exhibits, historic photographs, and memorabilia describe the love for San Francisco’s moving landmark.
Free things to do in San Francisco #9. Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd.
October 1 through February 28 – 9 am – 4:30 pm, daily – March 1 through September 30 – 10 am – 5:30 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
Atop Telegraph Hill is an historic art deco tower built in 1933 with funds from Lillie Hitchcock Coit to beautify San Francisco. Inside fresco murals will capture your eyes portraying the Great Depression, busy city life, and countryside farms. Wonderful views from Telegraph Hill itself and Pioneer Park (surrounding the tower) will take one’s breath away.
Free things to do in San Francisco #10. Wells Fargo History Museum
420 Montgomery Street between Sacramento and California.
Monday – Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
Touch and admire the authentic Wells Fargo stagecoach on display. Hide out among Black Bart’s memorabilia for his favorite past time was robbing the stagecoaches. You may even end up with gold fever. Gold Rush era stories and displays of gold dust may entice you to succumb to the love of gold.
Walk, run, bike on over to the free admission sites! Receive total contentment that in this day and age, one can still enjoy the freedom that comes from not having to open up your wallet.
While on my trip to San Francisco, I knew I had to visit the town of Sausalito. I had heard many great things about what to do in Sausalito from the fine dining and shops to all the historical features it has to offer. There are 2 companies with ferry services from San Francisco to Sausalito
The Blue and Gold Fleet is quite affordable (about $10 per person!), and departs from Pier 41 in Fisherman’s Wharf (next to Pier 39). The ferry schedule changes from weekday to weekend, (with additional ferry departures on weekends and peak season), so check an up to date schedule before you arrive in San Francisco.
 Sausalito Ferry from San Francisco The other company is Golden Gate Ferries, which operates from the Ferry Building near downtown San Francisco. You can buy one-way tickets with either company so you can enjoy both of the slightly different routes if you like.
After hopping onboard the Sausalito Ferry at Pier 41, I walked around the boat and was able to capture some magnificent photos of the San Francisco skyline, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge on our way to Sausalito.
The ferry itself was very clean and had accessible restroom facilities on both the indoor and outdoor decks. It began to get a bit chilly outside so I decided to venture indoors and downstairs where I was able to grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy views from all around as I was whisked away on this very comfortable and relaxing experience. This Sausalito Ferry experience was convenient and was recommended to all my family and friends visiting San Francisco!
Yes, it is true that the natural terrain of San Francisco is in fact hilly. And those flat areas especially along the shore are man-made areas. If you like to take walks in the many different neighborhood as I do then here is another place to explore. Many folks know of Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill & of course, Twin Peaks Hill but let me introduce you to Bernal Hill.
Bernal Hill Park is located south of the vibrant Mission District and it is easily spotted with its landmark of what looks like 4 trees standing on top of a bald hill. This hilltop was part of the 1839 Rancho Rincon de las Salinas Y Potrero Viejo Mexican land grant to Jose Cornelio Bernal. Its present day community is called Bernal Heights.
Prior to the 1906, San Francisco earthquake Bernal was mostly pastureland. Its bedrock terrain survived the temblors and since there were, only a few buildings around those survived the fires that followed. The City built ‘earthquake cottages ‘on Bernal to house the quake refugees and some of those cottages still survive to this day.
Once you trek up the hill, you are rewarded with an incredible view of San Francisco and across the Bay to our neighbors in the East. You will not be alone instead you will meet many neighbors who are out walking their dogs or out with their children for a bit of exercise. When you are ready to return trek down to Cortland Ave where you will find neighborhood cafes to reward yourself with a break and a little bit of lunch.
By Olivia R.
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