A finales de 1800, un escocés llamado John McLaren transformó más de 400 hectáreas de dunas de arena en un maravilloso refugio en medio de la ajetreada vida de la ciudad. Este exuberante paisaje se extiende por 50 cuadras desde Stanyan Street hasta el Océano Pacífico, y ofrece siempre arreglos nuevos. Hay senderos para caminar, trotar, andar en bicicleta y montar a caballo, así como también un campo de golf, pistas de bolos sobre césped, un lago con botes a pedal, campos de fútbol y un diamante de béisbol. Para aquellos que buscan una diversión menos extenuante, pueden echar un vistazo a la California Academy of Sciences (Academia de Ciencias de California) y un auténtico jardín de té japonés. Para las familias con niños, hay parques infantiles, una reserva de búfalos y un carrusel. También puede encontrar el Shakespeare Garden yendo por un camino escondido del parque.
El Asian Art Museum (Museo de Arte Asiático) es uno de los museos más grandes del mundo occidental dedicado exclusivamente al arte asiático. Su colección incluye cerca de 15000 tesoros de 6000 años de historia, que representan las culturas de Asia. El renombrado arquitecto Gae Aulenti supervisó la espectacular transformación del edificio: ahora cuenta con más de 3700 metros cuadrados de espacio en la galería, lo que permite al museo cumplir mejor su misión de liderar una amplia audiencia mundial con intenciones de ver material único y logros estéticos e intelectuales del arte y la cultura asiáticos. Visitar el sitio web para información sobre eventos especiales y mucho más. La entrada es gratuita el primer domingo de cada mes.
El Ferry Building Marketplace es una visita obligada para quienes visiten San Francisco. Este proyecto multimillonario tiene una gran cantidad de actividades para toda la familia. se puede hacer un recorrido por el histórico Ferry Building, pasear por las tiendas de antigüedades, disfrutar de la vista de la bahía y un tazón de sopa de mariscos en Ferry Plaza Seafood, o comprar productos orgánicos en el mercado. Disfrute de la vista y los sonidos que hacen que el Ferry Building sea uno de los destinos más populares de la Bahía en cuanto a entretenimiento, comida y diversión.
Este museo interactivo e innovador fue desarrollado por el físico Frank Oppenheimer y abrió sus puertas en 1969. Está dedicado al arte, la ciencia y la apreciación humana. Fue recientemente reubicado desde el Palacio de Bellas Artes a Pier 15 y 17, y este nuevo espacio cuenta con un montón de nuevas tecnologías ecológicas como el mayor techo de paneles solares de San Francisco, y ofrece más de 600 exhibiciones interactivas. Estas muestras develan los misterios de la ciencia y el lenguaje, y presentan teorías simples y concisas. Aquí se realizan seminarios regulares y en red y eventos especiales durante todo el año. Esta joya de San Francisco es una visita obligada para quienes visiten la ciudad.
Named one of the Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Golden Gate Bridge spans the eponymous strait that links the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Joseph Strauss, Irving Morrow, and Charles Ellis, the bridge opened in 1937 as the world's longest suspension bridge, its main span measuring at an impressive 4,200 feet (1,280 meters) in length. The bridge is not quite golden, but is instead a bright orange, its Art Deco towers looming through the dense fog that often mires the bay; a sight that has come to be emblematic of the city of San Francisco. The bridge ferries vehicular and pedestrian traffic between San Francisco and Marin City, the vista points on either side boasting awe-inspiring views of the Golden Gate, while the bridge itself promises unmatched views of the bay.
Located at the western end of Golden Gate Park is San Francisco's biggest beach. It extends from Fort Funston in the south, to the Cliff House in the north. Typically, the cold winds, fog and low San Francisco temperatures deter any regular beach activities (unless you're lucky enough to be there on a hot day) but visitors fly kites or just walk along and admire the views of Seal Rocks and Point Lobos. Adventure seekers love surfing here. There are also bonfire pits provided on the beach for the general public; to claim one, go early in the evening.
Market Street is a famous destination for many. With the Ferry Building on its eastern terminus and Twin Peaks at its west end, the wide boulevard has cut through the heart of San Francisco since the city's inception. Flanked by specialty shops and several restaurants on its sides, the street is busy throughout the day. However, it is during the city's parades that the street comes to life. Citizens from every nook and corner assemble at Market Street and become a part of the year-long awaited parade and festivities that take place thereafter.
Folsom Street in the city is one busy street. This entertainment hub of the city is in close proximity to major attractions and landmarks and is always buzzing with events. A part of this lively street, plays host to the risque annual Folsom Street Fair. Located in the heart of the city, it is frequented by locals and tourist alike.
At one time this beautiful area in Hayes Valley was scarred by the lanes of the Central Highway. The highway has since been demolished and in its place is Patricia's Green. Renamed for the local community activist Patricia Walkup (it was previously known as Hayes Green), this urban oasis represents many of the ideas that she fought for. With a play area for kids and unique installations of local art put forth by the Hayes Valley Art Coalition, this park delivers a rest from the bustle of the city. Nearby cafes make this neighborhood commons area a fun retreat for the day.
A charismatic metropolis hugging the Pacific coast, built on a series of hills, San Francisco is a major player in the world's growing technology markets. First inhabited by the Ohlone tribe, the land was soon explored by Don Gaspar de Portola. The Spanish constructed a fort at the Presidio and later a mission in the interior city dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi (the city's namesake), now commonly known as Mission Dolores. In 1906, a massive earthquake leveled three-quarters of the city and after major rebuilding it once again boomed as a strategic naval base and manufacturing hub. North Beach and Haight-Ashbury, once the hotbed of Beat culture in post-war era today pay homage to that time at vibrant spots like the City Lights bookstore. In the eye of the dot-com and social media storm, the city is still one of the densest populated in the country. The birthplace of counterculture movements and hi-tech innovation, San Francisco blends cutting edge modern life with West Coast charm.
The city hall building is the site of some of San Francisco's finest moments. In 1954 Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio were married here. In the early 21st Century, over 100 same-sex couples were married by Mayor Gavin Newsom in the foyer. The Renaissance architecture rivals some of the country's most historical structures. Two Parisian architects designed and constructed the building from 1913-1915, and the dome is based on the one crowning St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. A small store, open during normal business hours, sells traditional San Francisco souvenirs including T-shirts, posters and postcards.