By Nicholas Katers
Attractions in San Francisco
is known for major attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood and Mission Street. These attractions capture the rich history of San Francisco as it evolved from a gold mining community to a major metropolitan area. By all means, if you're heading to San Francisco for a visit, go see those world-famous places. But don't overlook these gems that aren't quite so well-known in the City by the Bay.
San Francisco Giants
Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants play their home games at 41,503-seat AT&T Park. The signature element of AT&T Park is a section of the San Francisco Bay just beyond right field called McCovey Cove. If players hit the ball just right, they might have a coveted "Splash Hit." A giant baseball glove behind the left field bleachers gives hitters another target. The club commissioned artists to create murals of Giants greats as part of its Artwork in the Park program when AT&T Park opened.
San Francisco Giants
24 Willie Mays Plaza
San Francisco, California 94107
(415) 972-2000
www.sfgiants.com
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Visitors to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art can check out 26,000 paintings, sculptures and other works every day except Wednesdays. The Koret Visitor Education Center presents daily screenings, art books and interactive kiosks to teach the entire family about modern art. The museum offers free admission on the first Tuesday of each month.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
151 Third St.
San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 357-4000
www.sfmoma.org
Great American Music Hall
The Great American Music Hall is a 5,000-square-foot music venue that opened in 1907. The hall has hosted concerts by legendary artists like Van Morrison, Count Basie and the Grateful Dead in its illustrious history. The Great American Music Hall hosts regional and national recording artists, private parties and CD release events throughout the year. Visitors can munch on garden burgers, vegetable pizzas, desserts and alcoholic drinks while enjoying the music.
Great American Music Hall
859 O'Farrell St.
San Francisco, California 94109
(415) 885-0750
www.musichallsf.com
Bay Area Paint Ball
Bay Area Paint Ball is a 19,000-square-foot indoor facility with two paintball courses available for open play and group events. Visitors can lock and load with rented paintball guns Wednesday through Friday nights and weekend days. Bay Area Paintball encourages guests to watch the fun with an observation deck and seating area.
Bay Area Paintball
1864 Rollins Road
Burlingame, California 94010
(650) 552-9939
www.bapaintball.com
Resources
About the Author:
Nicholas Katers has been a freelance writer since 2006. He teaches American history at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis. His past works include articles for "CCN Magazine," "The History Teacher" and "The Internationalist" magazine. Katers holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in American history from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, respectively.
Photo Credits:
Gabriel Rivas (Flickr)
