Growing up on Alcatraz

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/06/11/MN5A1DSP0N.DTL&nopu=1

This is an interesting article that I thought I would pass along! :)

San Francisco Architecture Tour

So obviously, I have no need to go on tours, but growing up in SF, I've always loved the architecture around the city. I heard about this tour a while back and eventually decided that I had nothing better to do so I thought I'd see what it was about. If you have any interest in architecture whatsoever, I highly recommend this tour. I tend to think I am pretty informed about the city and I've basically used this blog as a way to write my own mini guide but this tour was great. I love SF and I always want to learn more and this was a great way to do that.

http://www.architecturesf.com/

Ghirardelli Square

Okay, so here is the thing: there is no longer a chocolate factory here. It seems like many tourists come expecting such and that just isn't the case. Basically, Ghirardelli Square is now full of retail shops. Come to buy the chocolate, come to enjoy a yummy ice cream sundae... just don't come expecting to see chocolate being made because you'll be extremely disappointed. Oh and if the pet boutique is still here, don't buy anything there. I used to live extremely close and came in one day and the prices were utterly outrageous. They wanted $40+ for a collar... and let me say, it was all fabric. Anyway, that was off track, but I thought I'd put it out there. Do stop by for the ice cream.

Cherry Blossom Festival

http://nccbf.org/home/

One of the best things about the festival is the food. If you can't tell, I like food. Of course, experiencing Japanese culture is pretty cool too. Great thing to check out on a nice day in SF.

Beach Blanket Babylon

One of the issues about doing a blog on my hometown and giving people things to do is that I often feel as though I've recommended something 100 times only to realize that I somehow forgot to put it on my blog. One of these things is Beach Blanket Babylon! Keep in mind that you kind of have to love "kitch" but I think this is a fun thing to do at least once. The costumes, hats especially are great. Some of the jokes are rather dated but if you're a pop culture junky, you'll probably appreciate them nonetheless.

You do need to be 21+ for most showings as they do serve alcohol. There are matinee performances that you can go to if you have minors with you, however.

http://www.beachblanketbabylon.com/

Xin Nian Kuai Le!

"Happy New Year!"

I am a bit late on the posting but Chinese New Year kicked off in SF over the weekend, but the big parade this year is scheduled for Feb 7. For those who want something more low key, the San Francisco Symphony is holding their Chinese New Year celebration on Feb. 8. You can currently pre-order your tickets online if you're interested. The Chinese community street fair and carnival are also things that may be of interest.

There is a lot going on and it is worth checking out if you'll be in town. : )

http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/events/


http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/events/sfschinesenewyear.html

Fog City Diner

1300 Battery St (on the Embarcadero)

If nothing else, here is a photo op for the So I Married An Axe Murderer fans. Or you could eat here. In all honesty, while they serve diner food, they try to fancy it up a bit. It really isn't bad, though it is a bit overpriced. That said, you must try the truffle fries if you decide to eat here. They are my favorite thing on the whole menu. The rest of it I can take or leave. You get a huge portion with the fries so you could just come here and have them as a snack depending on what you're in the mood for. There is also a really peaceful park next door where I like to sit and read should I find myself craving fries from them on a nice day.

Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill

Okay, it is kind of dorky but it is fun to try to spot these little guys. They may look like someone's pet but they are wild parrots as the title may suggest. It wouldn't be anything special, however, these types of birds really aren't something you would expect to encounter in a city like San Francisco. They annoy the heck out of some locals who live on the steps and in the area but since I don't, I retain the right to think they're adorable... and since you don't live here, I'm sure you'll feel the same. ; ) Just a simple pleasure to watch these little guys.

Union Square Christmas Tree Lighting

If you don't already know, I love Christmas, probably to an annoying degree. I am already in the spirit if you can't tell. Of course I have to mention the annual lighting ceremony of the Union Square Christmas Tree. Typically done on the Friday after Thanksgiving across from Macy*s on Union Square. Crowds are extreme but it is lovely nonetheless. A great family friendly activity.

Dance Along Nutcracker

I happen to think this is really rather cool. The website gives the info because on this one, it explains much more than I could. Very fun if you're here around the holidays and another activity that is fun for all ages. A lovely take on the Nutcracker which is likely a holiday tradition for many.

Dance Along:
http://www.sflgfb.org/dancealong.html

And for those who are more traditional,
http://www.sfballet.org/performancestickets/nutcracker.asp

Chinese New Year Parade

If you're in town and have never witnessed Chinese New Year, I highly recommend checking it out. Good for all ages and likely something that you will find pretty unique... unless you're from Hong Kong in which case you'll probably think our Parade is stupid. ; )

http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/

Lombard Street (aka "The Crooked Street")

Lombard Street (between Hyde & Leavenworth)

Unless you're just dead set on driving down, I really recommend taking the Hyde Street cable car (don't forget your Muni pass!) and getting off at Lombard. 99.9% of the time, the cable car operators will tell you when it is coming up. You can look down and take pictures or get off and walk down via steps. I have to say, I feel bad for the people who live on this street. Some guy got pissed when he was taking a photo of the building I used to live in and I happened to walk out of the lobby at the same time and "ruined" his photo. I can only imagine how these people feel! LOL. Anyway, it is worth checking out and it is very picture-esque. A truly unique anad free "attraction".

Golden Gate Bridge

Lincoln Blvd & Highway 101

Not seeing the Golden Gate would be like going to New York and not even glancing at the Statue Of Liberty. It is just one of those landmarks. The Golden Gate is lovely and you can even bike across and ride over to Sausalito and take the ferry back to SF if you're outdoorsy like that. If you merely want to see the bridge, you can do so from Aquatic Park about a block away from Ghirardelli Square. The photo is the Golden Gate view from Baker Beach.

For more info, visit:

http://www.goldengatebridge.org/

For information on renting bikes, try the following:

http://www.baycitybike.com/baybike/index.php

http://www.blazingsaddles.com/?reload

Alcatraz

Even if you live here, I think Alcatraz is worth visiting at least once in your life. I think I probably end up here about once a year when out of town friends/family show up and I have to play tour guide. That said, I really don't mind going. I think the history is facinating and on a nice day, you are greated to some great views on both the island as well as the ferry on the way over. One tourist attraction that is worth your time. I also have to stress, buy your tickets well in advance! Alcatraz tours always sell out. I can pretty much guarantee you won't be able to purchase tickets the day or so really, plan ahead on this one!

To purchase your tickets, visit the official website: http://alcatrazcruises.com/

Fleet Week

Fleet Week... This can be a very fun time of year for visitors and the weather is typically incredible. I used to live in a building that allowed me to watch the Blue Angels (see photo) air show from my front window. You can wander in to bars at this time and meet some really interesting people. One year I ended up on a cable car with the Marine Corps Band and the played songs the whole ride. Definitely a rather interesting night.

For more Fleet Week info, check out http://fleetweek.us/fleetweek

The Palace of Fine Arts

3301 Lyon Street (at Bay Street)

Beautiful and peaceful. The perfect place to come to just enjoy a nice day in San Francisco. If you're in to architecture or you are in to photography, this is a lovely spot. If you just want a break, I highly recommend making the trip. Useless trivia fact: Charlie & Harriet run into the Russian sailors here in So I Married An Axe Murderer.

The Ferry Building Marketplace

Simply put, I love food. If you're the same, the Ferry Building is a must visit on your trip to San Francisco. There is a Sur La Table, wonderful restaurants, a caviar bar... the list really just goes on and on. If you're in to cheese, you can't bypass the Cowgirl Creamery (see photo.)
If you can dream it, it is likely in here somewhere. There is also a farmers market which may be of interest.

http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/

Where Little Cable Cars, Climb Half Way to the Stars

The Cable Cars

Some San Franciscans hate the cable cars but I for one, love them. I ride the California Street line to work much of the time when we have good weather. What better way to get up steep California street from the Embarcadero? The cable cars are one of those things I recommend you ride at least once. It is an experience like none other. There is the California Street line which is typically used more by locals as it runs from the Embarcadero to Van Ness straight up California Street, through the Financial Dist, Nob Hill and to a residential area.

There is another line more popular with tourists that will take you from the cable car turn around on Powell Street @ Market (4 blocks from Union Square) to Fisherman's Wharf. You can take the Powell/Mason Line which will let you off closer to Pier 39 or you can take the Powell/Hyde street line which will end 2 blocks from Ghirardelli Square. My advice if you're just riding to check it out: Take the Hyde line as it is more scenic and longer.

The cost:

The cable car charge is $5/per person, one way. Each time you board, you have to pay another $5/per person. This is overpriced and stupid. They obviously make a lot of money off the tourists. What you can do to cut the cost: buy a muni pass! I can't stress this enough if you're going to be in town and ride the cable car more than once. You have the option of a 1, 3, or 7 day pass. This includes the cable car.

Current prices are as follows:

1 day pass - $11

3 day pass -$18

7 day pass - $24

As you can tell, if you ride the cable car more than once, the cost will quickly add up so this will be worth it. In additon to the cable car, your pass also enables you to ride on any Muni vehicle (buses, historic street cars, etc...)

Cable Car Museum

If you're interested in knowing more about the history of the cable cars and how they work, it may be worth your time to visit the cable car museum which is free to all visitors. http://www.cablecarmuseum.org/

For more Muni info, visit http://www.sfmuni.com/

Short List to Get You Started

It should get you started. The SFGate link below is one I find to be very helpful to visitors.

Things to do:
Alcatraz
Golden Gate Bridge
Fisherman's Wharf
Ghirardelli Square
Union Square
Japanese Tea Gardens
Golden Gate Park
Cable Car Museum
Bike the Golden Gate Bridge
Explore Sausalito (you could bike over) and take the ferry back
Explore the Ferry Building at the Embarcadero
North Beach
Explore the Castro
Haight-Ashbury (Greatful Dead house is there)
Shops on Union, Chestnut and Fillmore streets
Check out Pacific Heights (beautiful old homes)
Ride the cable cars
Chinatown. You may enjoy a walking tour which is done by a local who lives in Chinatown. You'll get some history and see parts of Chinatown that most tourists don't find because they mainly stick to Grant Avenue. There is also a dim sum lunch if you so choose. www.allaboutchinatown.com
Other sites that may be helpful:
www.sfmuni.com Muni passes, fares, other info
www.bart.gov
http://www.sfgate.com/traveler/guide/sf/neighborhoods/