Alla fine del 1800, il primo ingegnere statale della California, William Hammond Hall, e il suo assistente, uno scozzese di nome John McLaren, trasformarono più di 405 ettari di dune di sabbia in un meraviglioso paradiso in mezzo alla città, battezzato Golden Gate Park dall'omonimo stretto che collega la baia all’oceano. Il paesaggio lussureggiante, che si estende per oltre 50 isolati da Stanyan Street all'oceano Pacifico, è caratterizzato da numerosi sentieri per fare passeggiate, jogging, ciclismo ed equitazione, oltre a un campo da golf, campi da bocce, un lago con pedalò, campi da calcio e un campo da baseball. Dal giardino del tè giapponese al conservatorio dei fiori fino alla Accademia delle scienze della California e al Young Museum, il Golden Gate Park di San Francisco racchiude un'infinità di bellezze paesaggistiche e di cultura intrigante all’interno della sua ampia estensione. Ci sono anche diversi parchi giochi, una giostra graziosa, un acquario, una riserva di bisonti e una teatro all'aperto dove ogni estate si tengono dei concerti.
The Asian Art Museum is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art. Home to over thousands of treasures spanning 6000 years of history, the museum serves as a portal to the rich artistic cultures throughout Asia. Renowned architect Gae Aulenti oversaw the dramatic transformation of the building, which now features a massive gallery space. This majestic destination leads a diverse global audience towards the exploration of the unique, aesthetic and intellectual achievements of Asian art and culture.
Il Ferry Building Marketplace è una tappa obbligata per i visitatori di San Francisco. Questo complesso multimilionario offre una ricca offerta di attività per tutta la famiglia. Il meraviglioso edificio fu progettato dal famoso architetto Arthur Page Brown in stile Beaux Arts. Simile a quella dell'iconica torre campanaria Giralda a Siviglia, la torre dell'orologio di questo edificio è un famoso punto di riferimento e può essere vista da lontano. Fate un tour dello storico imbarcadero, curiosate nei negozi di antiquariato, godetevi la vista sulla baia e una zuppa di pesce al Ferry Plaza Seafood o acquistate prodotti biologici al Farmer's Market. Godetevi le vedute e i suoni di ciò che rende il Ferry Building una delle destinazioni più note della Baia grazie all'intrattenimento, al cibo e al divertimento.
A soli 2 dalla costa di San Francisco, l'isola di Alcatraz vanta una storia affascinante che va ben oltre la sua funzione di penitenziario federale dal 1934 al 1963; l’isola ospita anche il più antico faro ancora operativo della West Coast, i resti di una fortezza militare storica e una riserva ornitologica. Pur essendo visibile dalla città, Alcatraz è isolata dal mondo esterno, circondata dalle gelide acque della baia, le cui pericolose correnti rendono praticamente impossibile la fuga. Proprio queste caratteristiche hanno reso Alcatraz una scelta azzeccata per una prigione destinata a ospitare alcuni dei più noti criminali della nazione, tra cui Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud e Alvin Karpis. Il 1969 segnò l'inizio di un altro capitolo interessante della storia di Alcatraz, quando un gruppo di attivisti nativi americani occupò l'isola per 19 mesi; i segni di questa occupazione sono ancora oggi visibili. In mezzo a questa storia travagliata, un habitat prosperoso ospita flora e la fauna autoctone, creando un mondo in miniatura dai contrasti sorprendenti, dove i resti inquietanti della prigione si ergono in un paesaggio suggestivo di piscine rocciose, coste frastagliate e natura rigogliosa. L'isola è oggi un'attrazione turistica, una delle più note di San Francisco, con visite guidate e autoguidate che permettono di approfondire il passato dell'isola nel suo complesso e della prigione in particolare.
Developed by physicist Frank Oppenheimer and opened in 1969, this innovative and interactive museum is dedicated to art, science and human perception. Relocated from the Palace of Fine Arts to Piers 15 and 17, the modern space features plenty of new green technologies including the largest solar panel roof in San Francisco and offers over 600 hands-on exhibits. These hands-on displays unveil the mysteries of science and language, and present these theories simply and succinctly. Webinars, special events and seminars occur throughout the year. This San Francisco gem is a must visit.
Built in 1922, The Castro Theatre is San Francisco's only remaining movie palace. When it's not hosting film festivals, this 1400-seat house runs a repertory calendar heavy on film classics; there is no better place to see The Wizard of Oz. The interior reflects the elegance of a bygone era with its red velvet seats and walls that feature molded plaster and fresco detailing. The fanciful ceiling, from which an imposing art deco chandelier hangs, is designed to evoke the interior of a Bedouin tent. A mighty Wurlitzer organ plays between evening shows and completes the antique feel of the theater.
Gain a deeper insight into San Francisco and its heritage and discover all that the city has to offer by embarking on tours offered by San Francisco City Guides. Sponsored by the San Francisco Public Library, the organization conducts several diverse tours which focus on different aspects of the city's culture, including its history and architecture. Tours include a walking tour of the Mission District, where you can admire striking murals, and an Art Deco tour of the Marina. All tours are free, though donations to benefit the library are requested. Departure locations and times vary.
College Avenue stretches from deep within Berkeley to Oakland, and along this bustling boulevard numerous restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and much more are waiting for your enjoyment. Near the Rockridge end of the street you will find many eclectic restaurants serving an enormous variety of cuisines, as well as other small boutique shops selling anything from yoga mats to antique brass bedposts. Near the University, College Avenue takes on a funkier spirit, and incense shops allure you with their intriguing scents. Shopping is a major attraction of this East Bay hot spot, yet there are not many chain stores. Rather, locals prefer to support local businesses instead of national chains. However certain stores, such as Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, and Hot Topic, can still be found conveniently nearby. Great for a Sunday walk where you can leisurely stroll down this beautiful avenue - stop and have a coffee at one of many cafes, or buy a unique present for a special someone!
This adobe structure was built in 1849 and is part of the John Muir National Historic Site. Although John Muir never lived here, he did spend a lot of time here when his daughter and her husband and children occupied the dwelling. The original owner, Don Vincente Martinez, son of the commandante of the Presidio of San Francisco, built the house but only lived there for four years. After visiting the historic adobe home, visit Muir's 17-room mansion and take a walk on the John Muir trail that runs through a majestic oak forest.
Paintings are the main feature of Don Soker gallery's oil, acrylic and watercolor palette. Proudly showing mostly Bay Area artists, the contemporary expression of these abstract works caters to big artists from back East. Find an eclectic but challenging mix of styles and media at this upscale gallery that caters for the collector and the first time buyer. The knowledgeable staff can give you the complete history of any of the works on display as well as the artist who created it.
Eth-Noh-Tec is the charismatic Asian-American Storytelling theater, duo of Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo and Nancy Wang. They create and perform interdisciplinary theater which incorporates elements of poetry, choreography, rhythm and humor to relate fables and folktales from around the world. 25 Lights the Night carried the audience through twenty-five stories traditionally told during the longest night of the year, many requiring audience participation. Some stories, like the tale of a creator, God teaching his people the foolishness of war are incredibly pertinent to today's world; others lead humorously to a clever proverb or relate back to an oral refrain.
Montgomery Gallery is an international art gallery that deals with 19th and 20th century European and American art works. Special attention is paid to the art of California and other unique master pieces. The entire collection available here spans Impressionist, Modernist and Contemporary works. Montgomery Gallery brings buyers and sellers together at different levels. You can have a private showing of their collected works on the web in the comfort of your home.