By Nina Makofsky
San Francisco is famous for its outdoor activities, such as walking across Golden Gate Bridge, its multicultural neighborhoods and its entertainment. Visitors could find themselves in a quandary over how to choose between all the options. Fortunately, San Francisco is ideal for exploring by neighborhoods, with many attractions and interesting restaurants grouped together.
Golden Gate Park
Visiting Golden Gate Park accomplishes many activities at once. The 1,017-acre park contains the Japanese Tea Garden, the architecturally beautiful De Young Museum, the San Francisco Botanical Garden, Stow Lake and the Conservatory of Flowers. One of the main attractions is the newly renovated Academy of Sciences, the world's largest natural history museum that now features a living rooftop. A short walk away is the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, made famous during the summer of love.
Chinatown
The Chinatown neighborhood offers kitschy souvenir shops, cheap electronic equipment and neon signs, but it also contains many cultural treasures. Architectural gems include the Bank of Canton building, the historic gates and the Sing Chong building, one of the first sites to be renovated after the 1906 earthquake. Try fresh dim sum dumplings at a local bakery, or go to a formal restaurant such as Yank Sing and order it the traditional way, from rolling carts.
North Beach
The North beach neighborhood has an old world charm, with streets and pedestrian-only alleyways winding by art galleries, boutiques, cafes, delis, bakeries and antique shops. Visit City Lights Bookstore, at 261 Columbus Avenue and Broadway, to get the retro beatnik vibe amidst the stacks of independent, alternative and mainstream books. Stop for a classic Italian dinner at Cafe Michelangelo or the more touristy Stinking Rose, considered the mecca of garlic.
Fisherman's Wharf
While some people dismiss the attractions of Pier 39 as too touristy, no one can deny that the setting is beautiful, with piers jutting into the bay. A section of the pier has been made the impromptu home for California sea lions, who bark at one another as they slip into the water and out again. Here is where to find that T-Shirt, giant ice cream cone, carousel ride, human statue busker, cheap phone card and delicious crab sandwich.
Museums
San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art is a contemporary marvel with glassed-in niches and odd spaces. The collection contains a few pieces by masters such as Matisse and Monet, but it has more interesting pieces in its Latin American art collection and an exemplary group of pieces by Paul Klee. The Asian Art Museum is another must-see, with galleries organized by region. For those who like public art, visit the Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Vision Center, in the Mission, for a tour of the neighborhood's stellar murals.
About the Author:
Nina Makofsky has been a professional writer for more than 20 years. She specializes in art, pop culture, education, travel and theater. She currently serves as a Mexican correspondent for "Aishti Magazine," covering everything from folk art to urban trends. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Mills College.
