In de late 1800's, heeft een Schot genaamd John McLaren meer dan 1000 acres (405 hectare) van zandduinen getransformeerd tot een bijzondere haven in midden in het drukke stadsleven. Zich uitstrekkend van Stanyan Street tot de Pacifische Oceaan, de prachtige eigenschappen van het landschap veranderen iedere keer dat je er bent. Er zijn paden om te wandelen, joggen, fietsen, paardrijden en een golfbaan, lawn bowling banen, voetbalvelden en een baseball veld. Voor diegene die een minder inspannende afleiding zoekt, bekijk het California Academy of Sciences en de authentieke Japanse Tea Garden. Voor families met kinderen zijn er speeltuinen, een reservaat met levende buffels en een draaimolen. Je vindt er ook de Shakespeare Tuin, als je een verborgen paadje inslaat in het Golden Gate Park.
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.
This San Francisco landmark features some of Fisherman's Wharf's best shopping and attractions. Ride the carousel, people watch, or take in views of the bay. There are more than 25 one-of-a-kind gift stores that carry automobile, Hollywood, and rock 'n' roll memorabilia, as well as flags of the world, Russian dolls, collectible knives, hammocks, kites, and more. But that's not all. You will find over 30 more stores, including the famous Na Hoku to shop for clothing, jewelry and toys. It is a great place to pick up high-end San Francisco souvenirs. When you're done shopping and eating to your heart's content, visit the famous resident sea lions for a prime photo session. Pier 39 is a magnet for locals and tourists for many reasons, including their calendar of special attractions for the whole family like the Tulipmania tulip festival held in late February or the Holiday Tree Lighting in November.
Redwood Regional Park is located in the hills of Oakland. It boasts the largest remaining natural strand of coastal redwood in the East Bay. Early mariners used to use these tall redwood trees to help them navigate the San Francisco Bay. Many locals enjoy hiking and biking around the available trails, which offers gorgeous scenery. In addition to the deer, rabbits and squirrels that roam the park, it is also home to rare wildlife species such as the golden eagle and the striped racer snake. The Roberts Regional Recreation Area, a park within the park, features a swimming pool and playgrounds. Throughout the park, you will find access to a well-maintained system of restrooms, water fountains and picnic tables. The Chabot Observatory and Science Center is one of the park's most prominent attractions.
This park provides a charming, secluded nature getaway, mostly utilized by locals in the warmer months. There are two parts of the lake, one smaller area used for swimming, equipped with a lifeguard on duty in the summer, and a larger part that is open for fishing year-round. Situated in Tilden Park, the lake features a sandy beach, grassy knolls, a refreshment stand, a nearby parking lot and picnic tables.
The Berkeley Marina is a section of the Parks Recreation & Waterfront. The Marina covers an area of 52 acres (21.04 hectares) and features 1100 berths for boats. The marina is complete with boat yard, fuel dock and boat launch ramp. The fishing pier located within the marina is a popular summer spot for those who enjoy the sport. Spend a day learning about nature in an engaging manner at the Shorebird Nature Center, or let your kids enjoy a day out in the sun at the Adventure Playground. You can also dine at one of the marina's three restaurants. The marina is especially lively during the Berkeley Bay Festival and the Fourth of July and Fireworks.
Deze meest noordelijke missie van Californie is opgericht door Father Junipero Serra. Deze missiepost is het oudste gebouw in San Francisco en dateert uit 1788. Loop naar binnen en voel het Spaanse Koloniale San Francisco onder de balken van het dak dit bij elkaar gehouden worden door ongelooide huiden. De begraafplaats bevat de overblijfselen van zowel nobele koloniale families als de oorspronkelijke bewoners van Amerika die in dienst waren om de missie te bouwen en te dienen. Het museum heeft artefacten en manuscripten.
A famous religious building, located at 999 Eddy Street in San Francisco, Saint Paulus Lutheran Church has major tourist as well as historical significance. Built towards the end of the 19th century, this church was almost completely destroyed in a fire that engulfed the entire structure in November, 1995. It was not rebuilt and instead converted into a community garden. The erstwhile church had a wooden facade that looked almost identical to the Chartres Cathedral in France.
Set against the backdrop of the Contemporary Jewish Museum and St. Patrick Church, Jessie Square is a great place to walk your dog, enjoy lunch by the tranquil pool, and indulge in a little people watching. The square is a part of the Yerba Buena Garden Complex and is often used as a venue for live music and dance performances. During the day you will often encounter folk simply lounging about and enjoying the architectural beauty of their surroundings, or taking a break from the bustling Mission Street.
Located next to the revered Grace Cathedral on California Street, Huntington Park spreads itself across 1.3 acres of picturesque green landscapes in the city's Nob Hill locale. The park is named after its original owner Mr.Collis P.Huntington who donated the property to the city in the year 1915. Its grounds are laden with colorful playgrounds, and slides and is a great place to bring your kids along. The symbolic Flood Fountain is also located here.
This attractive sun terrace is just one of the city's many POPO's (Privately Owned Public Outdoor Spaces). As it is far above street level, not many people know about this delightful rooftop garden. Full of plants, flowers, trees and plenty of seating, this is a great spot to enjoy a nice lunch or just take in a little sun.