Attractions in San Francisco
Embarcadero Center
between Clay & Sacramento Sts. on Drum Street
800-733-6318
The Embarcadero Center is one of the most vital urban centers in San Francisco. It is a city in itself with five high rise towers and the Old Federal Reserve Bank building connected by elevated walks, escalators and stairways. More than 140 shops and restaurants are available to residents and office workers and to the numerous visitors. A five screen movie theater, luxury hotels, and the observation SkyDeck complete the picture. Live music and festivals are frequently found at the Center. In late November, 17,000 white lights are turned on to outline the towers.
Nob Hill
between Clay, California, Jones and Powell Streets
415-391-2000
A century ago the railroad erected mansions, and today the wealthy live there in penthouses. Among the famous landmarks are the Fairmont and Mark Hopkins Hotels and the newer Renaissance Stanford Court: three of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Nearby Grace Cathedral is modeled after Notre Dame in Paris and Huntington Park contains a replica of the Tartarughe Fountain in Rome. Classical and art nouveau apartment buildings line the downtown side of the steep hill.
Pier 39
The Embarcadero at Jefferson Street
415 981-7437
Cable car transport to Union Square every 20 minutes.
San Francisco's version of the old-fashioned boardwalk, this two level marketplace designed to look like a village by the sea,features over 100 specialty shops and restaurants. Children enjoy the Venetian Carousel. Teens hang out at the Cyber Station Family Games Arcade. The Bungee Trampoline and the big screen multimedia Turbo Ride in hydraulic seats are other prime attractions. A giant screen with surround sound shows two films: The Great San Francisco Adventure and the Living Sea. The famous California 1000 pound sea lions perform on K Dock. Musicians, mimes, actors, and jugglers entertain on outdoor stages.
Underwater World
Pier 39 at the Embacadero and Beach Street.
415 623-5300. Daily 9-8.
Admission charged. Discount for public transit riders.
Clear acrylic tunnels give visitors the same close look a diver would have at such marine life as sharks, jellyfish, rays and eels. Guided tours last an hour.
USS Pampanito
at the end of Taylor Street and Pier 45
415-775-1943
Daily 9-8 (mid-May-mid Oct.) Sun-Thurs 9-6 rest of the year). Admission charged.
A World War II submarine that saw action in the Pacific theater. Self guided tours. Stooping through low bulkheads is required to tour the sub.
San Francisco Maritime Park
Hyde Street Pier
415 556-3002
America's only floating national park features the world's largest collection of historic ships from the annals of San Francisco's history. Programs, exhibits and events focus on living history at this floating museum. For more information, call 561-6662.
Fisherman's Wharf
At the end of Taylor Street
Ripley’s Believe it or Not; and the Wax Museum are two attractions in this area.
Millions visit this part of San Francisco each year to gaze across the piers, take in the local scene, and enjoy the numerous fine restaurants.
San Francisco Zoo
Sloat-Great Hwy.
415 753-7080
This world-renowned zoo is home to over 1,000 exotic, wild and domestic animals housed on dozens of acres. Be sure to visit the primate center, penguin island and the children's petting zoo.
Golden Gate Railroad Museum
Hunters Point Shipyard
822-8728
Has one of the most extensive collections of historic, operating, railroad equipment in the west. Famous trains such as the Daylights, Overland Limited, Cascade, Sunset, Lark, Del Monte, California Zephyr and City of San Francisco are on display, as well as the museum's "star," steam engine SP 2472. The GGRM now offers Rent-A-Locomotive and special events programs allowing guests to actually operate a full sized locomotive.
Japan’s Center
Boundaries are: Post, Fillmore, Geary and Laguna Streets
415-922-6776
Underground parking is available.
A five acre complex containing Miyako Hotel; the offices of the Japanese consulate; and the Peace Pagoda which stands in the central plaza. Music, dance, tea ceremonies, and martial arts presentations are given on many weekends. Call for schedule of events and times. The area has restaurants, shops, art galleries, movie theaters, and Japanese baths.
Japanese Tea Garden
8th Avenue and Kennedy Drive
415-752-1171
Daily 9-6:30 (Mar-Sept) 9-5 (rest of the year).
Admission charged.
Landscaped with bridges, walks, ponds, miniature waterfalls, statues, and pagodas. The garden is spectacular when the cherry blossoms bloom in the Spring.
Strybing Arboretum
9th Avenue and Lincoln Way
415-661-1316
Mon-Fri. 8:30-4:30 Sat, Sun 10-5 Free guided tours daily at 1:30 Sat, Sun. 10:30.
Donations
More than 7,000 species of plants from around the world are displayed. Within the 70 acres are demonstration gardens, a Mediterranean collection, a New World cloud forest collection, the Garden of Fragrance for the visually impaired, and the Moonviewing Pavilion and waterfall.
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Mill Valley, California
415-388-2070
Daily dawn-dusk. Parking fee.
The park covers 6,300 acres of picturesque coastal hill country. Triple peaked Mount Tamalpais rises above it. Hiking and bicycling trails and a winding road lead to the summit. The view is unparalleled. There is a visitor center at the summit.