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.
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.
Esta impresionante estructura de Nob Hill fue construida en el sitio de la mansión Crocker después del terremoto e incendio de 1906. Uno de los principales atractivos de la catedral son las ventanas, que muestran más de 1000 figuras, algunas de las cuales datan de la década de 1930. Los relieves dorados que adornan las puertas de la entrada principal están hechos en base a los moldes originales de la Puerta del Paraíso de Ghiberti, que adorna el Baptisterio de Florencia. La catedral también cuenta con dos laberintos. El exterior es de terrazo y el interior es de piedra caliza.
The San Francisco Cable Car is one of the most popular mode of transport for those visiting the city for the first time. The cable cars run across various routes throughout, offering passengers a spectacular option for touring the City by the Bay. One could also visit the cable car barn where you get to see how the machinery operates the cable cars. All in all, there is nothing like a ride on the cable cars to tour the city.
Legion of Honor alberga más de 87000 pinturas, esculturas, artes decorativas y tapices. Algunas piezas datan de hace 4000 años. La planta baja está dedicada a la colección permanente del museo, la cual incluye las obras de Rodin. También se puede apreciar arte europeo y antiguo. El nivel inferior es un jardín que cuenta con exposiciones temporales, que van desde Andy Warhol hasta Francis Bacon. El lugar cuenta con una cafetería, que ofrece aperitivos ligeros y tiene mesas al aire libre. La tienda de regalos, aunque es pequeña, tiene una buena selección de postales, libros, carteles, joyas y algunas reproducciones de este y otros museos de bellas artes. La entrada es gratuita el primer martes de cada mes.
The seat of the city of San Francisco, the Civic Center reflects true historic essence of the city. The center comprises of a group of various government institutions like the City Hall, the Civic Center Plaza, the United Nations Plaza and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. These buildings of the grand neo-classical style serve as perfect venues for civic initiatives and public gatherings. The City Hall towers the center dome of the main building in the Civic Center, which is also home to the Exposition auditorium and the Main Library. Cultural events and extravaganzas are a regular happening at this grand municipal facility.
San Francisco Arts Commission Main Gallery is one of the finest places to visit to observe intricate contemporary art forms from all over the world. They either showcase the already existing art forms in the gallery, or are even open to accepting new forms if you want to showcase your talent and works. Founded in 1932, the gallery has been showcasing world renowned artists and their pristine artworks. Catering to more than 4000 local/international artists, there has been more than 480 exhibitions that have taken place over the years. They try to procure art forms that coincide with a social message to inculcate the habit of getting into arts.
The New Main Library was opened on 18th April 1996 after extensive renovation on the Main library building amounting to a staggering 109 million dollars. The New Main Library is fully equipped with 300 computer terminals, a room equipped with 1100 laptops and a special children's wing. The management has acted upon the feedback they have received from the general public and improved facilities like adding more computers for public access, meeting and study rooms for students and local groups, comfortable and roomy seating areas and also better wheelchair access. Take a peek at the sleek top floor terrace.
Located in the SoMa locality of San Francisco, this wondrous brewery believes in quality more than quantity, which is why the roaster at Cellarmaker Brewing Co. is often limited. But let that not deter you from ordering up, because these brews are refreshingly flavorful and distinct in taste. Innovation and experiment lies at the very base of the functioning here. The brewing space also features a taproom which is open from Tuesdays through Sundays, wherein you can also bring along your own food, for noshing while sipping on your refreshing pint. Check the website for more details.
Focusing on African-American culture from the 19th Century to the present, the African-American Historical and Cultural Society Museum includes photographs and artifacts that reveal facets of U.S. history that have often been ignored. The museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions, with an emphasis on well-known and emerging artists of African descent. Its sister facility, located on Fulton Street, features a library. Visit on the first Wednesday of the month to enter free of cost.