No final de 1800, o primeiro engenheiro estadual da Califórnia, William Hammond Hall, e seu assistente, um escocês chamado John McLaren, transformaram mais de 1.000 acres (405 hectares) de dunas de areia em um paraíso maravilhoso no meio da cidade, batizado de Parque Golden Gate. Estendendo-se por mais de 50 quarteirões da Stanyan Street até o Oceano Pacífico, a paisagem exuberante é marcada com inúmeras trilhas para caminhadas, corridas, ciclismo e cavalgadas, ao lado de um campo de golfe, gramados de boliche, um lago com pedalinhos, campos de futebol e um campo de beisebol . Do Jardim de Chá Japonês e do Conservatório de Flores à Academia de Ciências da Califórnia e ao Museu de Young, o Golden Gate Park de São Francisco engloba uma riqueza de beleza cênica e cultural em seu amplo espaço. Há também vários playgrounds, um carrossel pitoresco, um aquário, uma reserva de búfalos e um palco onde shows ao ar livre são realizados a cada verão.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 offer 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.
On the north end of Berkeley's fabulous Tilden Regional Park lies this 740-acre (299-hectare) preserve, where adults and children can visit the Environmental Education Center. The EEC is the ecology education headquarters of Tilden Park. Here, visitors can learn about wildlife and nature through a variety of displays, literature, and programs. Amid this haven of enlightenment, an enchanting highlight emerges the Little Farm. This cherished addition transforms Tilden into an idyllic playground, introducing children to the joys of interaction with farm animals in a safe and welcoming setting.
Listen to the whoosh of the winds as they caress the pine trees that overlook Montclair Village. An ideal tourist haunt, Montclair radiates a village-like charm with its small town, mountainous atmosphere. Breathe in the fresh air, take a long walk through the village streets or sample the fare at one of the eateries. Quaint stores dot the streets and tempt you into splurging on delightful trinkets. Rich in cultural heritage, you will be witness to a plethora of art events and festivities lined up on the local itinerary. The Fine Arts Sidewalk Festival held every year in Montclair Village is a extravaganza to behold. Stroll along and take in the lovely paintings, hand-blown glass work, sculptures, photography, jewelry, ceramics and collages.
Mercury 20, founded in 2006, is a gallery located in Uptown Oakland's vibrant Arts District. This gallery was established and is still run and supported by various East Bay artists, giving them a space to exhibit their works. Exhibits are on a monthly rotation, each of which opens on the first Friday of the month during Oakland's Art Murmur.