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.
Nominato una delle meraviglie del mondo moderno dall'American Society of Civil Engineers, il Golden Gate Bridge attraversa l'omonimo stretto che collega la baia di San Francisco all'oceano Pacifico. Progettato da Joseph Strauss, Irving Morrow e Charles Ellis, il ponte è stato inaugurato nel 1937 come il ponte sospeso più lungo del mondo, con una campata principale lunga ben 1.280 metri. Il colore del ponte non è esattamente dorato come può suggerire il nome (Golden), ma è invece di un arancione brillante, con le sue torri Art Déco che si ergono oltre la densa nebbia che spesso occupa la baia; una vista che è diventata emblematica della città di San Francisco. Il ponte permette la circolazione del traffico veicolare e pedonale tra San Francisco e Marin City; i punti panoramici su entrambi i lati offrono viste mozzafiato sul Golden Gate, mentre il ponte stesso promette una vista impareggiabile sulla baia.
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.
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.
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.
This impressive structure crowning Nob Hill was built on the site of the Crocker Mansion after the 1906 earthquake and fire. One of the main attractions of the cathedral are the stained glass windows. These windows showcase over 1000 figures, with some of them dating back as far as the 1930s. The gilded bas-reliefs that adorn the doors of the main entrance are cast from Ghiberti's original molds for the Gates of Paradise that adorn the Baptistery in Florence. The cathedral also boasts two labyrinths. The outdoor one is made of Terrazzo stone and the indoor one from limestone.
Gospel Flat Farm is located about 30 miles (48.28 kilometers) north of San Francisco. Offering a great insight into organic farming, the farm is a wonderful mix of numerous activities, educational elements, outdoor fun and of course organic produce shopping! The vast organic farm is covered with lush green vegetable fields, and if you're lucky you'll also be able to spot sunflowers in full bloom. On offer are farm-fresh veggies such as zucchini, pumpkins, carrots, pickled vegetables and lots more that are vibrant and incredible to taste. But meat-lovers needn't frown, since they also sell a fine quality of pork from their farm-raise pigs as well as dungeness crabs that they breed just a couple of miles from Gospel Flat Farm. They also have an in-house field baker who bakes a storm of awesome-smelling bread loaves on a wood-fired oven, that are a work of art in themselves. Apart from all the food fun, Gospel Flat Farm also hosts a fun range of activities, workshops and programs throughout the year. Group tours are available along with lunch options; check the website for more details.
The Museum of Vision aims at highlighting the importance of one of our sensory organs, the eye. From humble beginnings, with just one exhibition in 1982, this museum has come a long way to being a prominent establishment as the Museum of Vision. The exhibits at this museum captures the science of ophthalmology, right from its inception and also includes advancements in the field. Ancient surgical instruments, eye amulets, spectacles, eye masks and much more are part of the collection on display. Booking an appointment before your visit is highly recommended.
Music Is eXtraordinary, Inc. (MIX), a California not-for-profit that provides music education for people in urban areas, runs a project named The Oakland Public Conservatory of Music to that end. Angela M. Wellman founded MIX in 2001. She worked with schools for each school to have its signature music programs reflective of its culture. MIX began with the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music in the mid-2000s. OPC is part of a national network that is still in the works with common minimum teaching, and its practices entail equity, rootedness and understanding through music. OPC establishes contact between music and every person of any age, walk of life or stratum of society through high-quality and economical teaching in a complete ecosystem. Hard work and excellence are cherished values.
Built in 1909, the Thorsen House is located in the Southside neighborhood in Berkeley. It is also known as The William R. Thorsen House and this mansion was incorporated in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The house is currently owned by the Sigma Phi Society, who conduct tours of the house a regular basis with special focus on the architectural aspect. One of the salient features of the house is that it is the last of houses designed by eminent architecture firm Greene & Greene, and its deeply gorgeous interiors are awe-inspiring. Visitors who wish to gain entry simply need to knock on the door.
The existing building of the Higashi Honganji Temple at Berkeley was built in the late 1930s and has been serving the city's Buddhist community, as a sanctuary of spirituality, peace and togetherness, ever since. Although the temple may not be a marvelous feat of architectural finesse, it is certainly beautiful in its simplicity. You will find yourself enveloped in a sense of calm from the moment you step through the doors. The temple is surrounded by a serene Japanese garden that has adapted and grown over the years. The pine tree by the fence is over 100 years old and lends its cool shade to the garden beyond. Following the tradition of Buddha Dharma, the temple teaches its followers to seek the wisdom that is attained through the inevitable suffering that life brings and fosters community spirit in each of its many members. Services are held every Sunday between 10a and 11:30a, alongside Dharma classes for children and teens. Check the temple's calender for information regarding special services.