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.
This Korean style spa features a steam room, red clay sauna, shower facilities and best of all, hot and cold jacuzzi tubs. Body scrubs and purification packages will have your skin glowing and feeling as soft as ever before you step into one of the luxurious tubs and feel your stress melt away. Accupressure and reflexology is also available for those wanting to stay out of the tubs.
The Perish Trust bills itself as a modern day general store, and is full of unique curios, home goods, handicrafts, and “original heirlooms.” It’s an impressive storehouse of Americana, or, repurposed Americana. Founded by a team of photographers and designers, the store is guided by a mission of collecting well-worn home goods and unique handmade items. Some items are new, while some are old. However, each is tinged with nostalgia for an “authentic California heritage,” and the store exudes the same effect.
This out-of-the-way rock-wall on the northeast side of Corona Heights Park is a popular destination for climbers looking for an urban adventure. The wall, which is about seven stories tall and has a smooth surface of slick red, pink, and grey rock, is maintained by volunteers who come out and prepare it with climbing chains and links from the top. Recently, bolts have been removed to preserve the wall, which, in addition to being a climbing destination, is a geological curiosity, a “slickenslide,” or a polished rock face that has risen out of a fault.
Want to make sure your gal pals see green? Come to this hip store on Polk Street and try retail therapy! You will find cool attire for those summer lunches with the chicas, and body-hugging formal trousers for that presentation. Feast your eyes on the pretty peasant tops, floral gowns and lacy skirts. The stuff on display is not exactly haute couture, but definitely worth the price and style. Check out their latest line of t-shirts and cotton pants; they are perfect to wear for summer! You can also pick up candles and other interesting collectibles to gift your loved ones.
Hailed as San Francisco's real 'crookedest' street, Vermont Street is a hidden gem often overshadowed by Lombard Street. Tucked away between 20th and 22nd Streets in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, this winding road is full of hairpin turns and switchbacks. Unlike Lombard, Vermont Street doesn't see many tourists, so walking paths are limited. However, ask any tour guide and they'll confirm Vermont is indeed, the 'crookedest' street, making it a San Francisco must see!
Golia Beauty Center on Grant Avenue is a gem nestled in the heart of the iconic Chinatown. The place boasts of skilled professionals who offer diverse services like massages, facials, mani-pedi, body wraps and scrubs, and lots more. A total hit with the locals, Golia is the neighborhood's best kept secrets, and although walk-ins are welcome, appointments are highly recommended. The prices are quite moderate, while the facility features four exceedingly clean rooms and a simple yet elegant decor without ostentatious display. If you seek the whole five-star luxurious spa experience, this isn't where you should be; however, if you're looking to de-stress without spending a small fortune on a high-end spa, Golia Beauty Center will suit your needs beautifully.
Get a little history of the wild wild west Wells Fargo-style, and check out the great collection of Gold Rush memorabilia at the Wells Fargo History Museum. The artifacts illustrate the impact of Wells Fargo in the development of the American West. You can view an original Concord stagecoach, strong boxes, gold nuggets, and mining tools, as well as century old photographs and documents of days gone past. The bookstore offers an excellent selection of books about the history of the area and of Wells Fargo.
This private museum, established in 1984 by the Bank of Canton, features Pacific Rim art, culture, and historic exhibits. Learn more about the Pacific Rim economic history. View sculptures and paintings by renowned and emerging artists. The 10,000 square feet of this Embarcadero District museum resides in the historic US Sub treasury Building, which was used as a U.S. Mint until 1874. Find featured exhibits that are periodically rotated as well as permanent displays. Free admission.
Tucked away amidst the houses of Seward Street is a set of concrete slides. The slides were built upon the designs of Kim Clark, who was only 14 years old at that time. What was once a vacant lot is today a mini park that thrills and delights children and adults alike. At the center of the park lies a pair of steep concrete slides that are perfect to be enjoyed by the entire family. Laugh till your sides ache and bask in the after-glow of the adrenaline rush that is sure to engulf you as you slide down the Seward Street slides. The park is open daily during daylight hours, and all adults must be accompanied by a child. You will find a few cardboard boxes at the park to ride down the slides, however you are always welcome to bring your own along.
For a great facial go to these skin care experts in the Cudsworth Mansion on Union Street. They specialize in Dermalogica Skin Care, a brand designed to scientifically heal your tired skin and bring out your natural radiance. There is the European facial for troubled skin, a vitamin C facial for firmness, a deep cleansing back treatment and glycolic peels to reduce signs of aging.
DJ mixing is an art and 26 Mix celebrates this with special dance parties showcasing the latest DJ experiments. The interior of this popular club changes, always complementing the music. Check out the works of local graphic and graffiti artists on the walls as you make your way to the dance floor. Very cool visuals and one-of-a-kind grooves await you there.