Area description continued:
MUSEUMS, SIGHTS, ENTERTAINMENT
Union Square Area is one of the largest shopping centers in the world. Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Armani, Saks, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Apple, Virgin, Tiffany, Raph Lauren, and Chanel are just some of department stores and boutiques that are within walking distance of each other.
Alcatraz, Muir Woods and other Attractions: Guided tours from Pier 41. 415-773-1188
Asian Art Museums (Opens 2002): At San Francisco Civic Center 415-379-8801
Cable Car Barn and Museum: Washington & Mason Streets. Daily 10-5. 415-474-1887
California Academy of Sciences: Golden Gate Park, 8th Ave. at JFK Dr. Daily 10-5. 415-750-7145
California Palace of the Legion of Honor: (Art Museum) Lincoln Park, 34th Ave. Tu.-Sun. 9:30-5. 415-750-3600
Davies Symphony Hall/S. F. Symphony: 201 Van Ness. Box office Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5:30. 415-864-6000
DeYoung (Closed until 2005) Golden Gate Park, 8th Ave. at JFK Dr. Open Wed.-Sun. 9:30-5. DeYoung: 415-863-3330.
Exploratorium: 3601 Lyon St. A playful hands-on museum for adults & children. Wed. 10-9:30, Tu.-Sun. 10-5. 415-561-0360
Ghirardelli Square: 900 North Point. Shopping, theaters, restaurants and more. Next to Fisherman's Wharf. 415-775-5500
Japanese Tea Garden: Golden Gate Park, 8th Ave. Daily 9-6. 415-752-1171
Moscone Center: Howard between 3rd & 4th Streets. 415-974-4000
National Maritime Museum Aquatic Park: foot of Polk St. Open daily 10-5. 556-8177
San Francisco Ballet Box Office: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. Box office. Open Mon.-Sat. 12-6. 415-865-2000
San Francisco City Hall: 400 Van Ness. Public welcome. 415-554-4000
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: 151 3rd St. Daily 11-6, Th. 11-9, closed Wed. 415-357-4000
San Francisco Opera House: 301 Van Ness. Box office open Mon.-Sat. 10-6. 415-864-3330
Yerba Buena Gardens: (Visual & Performing Arts Complex) Next to Moscone Center between 3rd & 4th Streets and Mission & Howard. 415-978-ARTS
Metreon Entertainment Center: 415-369-6000 & Zeum Amusements, 415-777-2800
POINTS OF INTEREST
Alcatraz, originally a Spanish fortification guarding the entrance to S. F. Bay, it became a military prison in 1868 and then in 1933 a federal penitentiary. Designed to be escape-proof and administered in such a way as to break the most hardened criminals, it is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Guided tours at Pier 41. 415-773-1188
Coit Tower, on Telegraph Hill (enter from Lombard St.), was built as a memorial to S. F. volunteer firemen from funds left by Lillie Coit. Great views of the Bay Area plus interior murals painted by Depression Era artists commissioned by the WPA. 415-362-0808
Chinatown. The Gold Rush attracted S. F.'s first Chinese immigrants in the 1850's. Later more came to help build the Central Pacific Railroad. See one of the worlds largest Chinese communities outside Asia with architecture and culture that mirror China of the 1800's.
Fisherman's Wharf, a tourist area, but still home to S. F.'s fishing fleet, numerous seafood restaurants, novelty shops and boat tours of the bay. Also visit Pier 39, the Cannery and Ghirardelli Square.
Fort Mason, previously a fort, is now a civic park with museums, galleries, theaters and work shops. Also home to ecological, environmental and artistic organizations. A short walk to Fisherman's Wharf.
Golden Gate Bridge: Best to walk across the bridge between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Pedestrians FREE.
TRANSPORTATION
Three International Airports serve the San Francisco Metropolitan Area San Francisco International www.flysfo.com
Oakland International
San Jose International