There is so much to see and do in San Francisco that it would be impossible to list everything. But one thing is certain – there is something for everyone!
Besides the usual touristy-type places (many of which really should be visited!!) there are a lot of things and places off the beaten-tourist-track that are definitely worth seeing, as well.
Shopping on Clement Street (between Arguello and 10th Avenue) is always a treat. The area is ever-changing and is much like Chinatown used to be before the tourist traps moved in. Our grandparents lived on Clement and 2nd Avenue for many years. One block south along Geary Blvd is block after block of pretty good Irish Pubs. I knew all of them intimately in my youth – along with all the bars on Clement from Arguello to 5th. Ah… sweet youth!
Taking a Ferry boat ride – the best is the Golden Gate Ferry to Sausalito – is something everyone should do. It brings back the time before bridges when ferries were the only way to cross the bay.
Personally, I think everyone should see Beach Blanket Babylon – native and tourist alike. It’s one fine show. (I’ve seen it many a time and have loved it every time I’ve seen it!)
And go to the Ferry Building. As a kid growing up, it was dark, gloomy offices hidden behind the Embarcadero Freeway. With the demise of the freeway, it has once again become the focal point of the whole bay shore. The conversion to retail shops and the fantastic farmer’s market make this a definite place to see.
Fun Places
How much you can see and do depends on how much time you have in the city. Here’s a start… These are listed in no particular order and none of them are essential to a great visit to San Francisco. They are just random links to some fun places.
- Ferry Building
- San Francisco Zoo
- Sony Metreon
- The Exploratorium
- GGNRA
- Ferry Boat Rides
- Alcatraz Tour
- The Haight-Ashbury
- Pier 39
- Coit Tower
- The Castro District
- Cartoon Art Museum
- Golden Gate Park
- de Young and Legion of Honor
- Treasure Island
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Ghirardelli Square
- Cable Cars
- Union Square Shopping
- Chinatown
- Museum of Modern Art
Athletic Supporters
Theatrically Speaking
San Francisco plays host to many Broadway touring companies, has a world-renowned Opera and Symphony, and has some most excellent off-Broadway/Fringe theatre and cabarets. There’s always something for all tastes. Here are a few of the places to see a live show…
- ACT (be advised their seats are worse than an airline’s!)
- The Curran Theatre
- The Golden Gate Theatre
- The Orpheum Theatre
- Theatre Rhinoceros
- Marine’s Memorial Theatre
- Beach Blanket Babylon
- OCD Theatre
- The New Conservatory Theatre Center
- Teatro Zinzanni
- San Francisco Symphony
- Exit Theatre
- Audium
- Pocket Opera
- Sigmund Stern Grove
- The Great American Music Hall
