This is a Port of Oakland attraction named after the famous author and Oakland native. The charming waterfront property is filled with numerous entertainment options and quality dining and shopping establishments. Some of the highlights include awesome views, strolls on the boardwalk, amazing restaurants, and the famous Yoshi's Jazz House. You may enjoy the selection of numerous great boutiques plus a movie theater, ferry cruises, and special events like a Farmer's Market every Sunday and an antiques and collectibles show the first Saturday of every month.
This park consists of 16 Victorian houses concentrated in downtown Oakland. Each of the homes, which are sometimes open for tours, dates back to between 1870 and 1910 (the latter are technically Edwardian, but the designs are still charming). Some areas of the Victorian park are also available for weddings, meetings, and private parties. Take in five different styles of architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens. In addition to a lovely walk along a scenic street, you will be enjoying a glimpse of what Oakland looked like in the old days. The park is free and open to the public.
If you want to know how a cable car works, the Cable Car Museum is the place to learn. The world's first cable car rests here and with it a concise explanation of how those little cable cars make their way up those famous San Francisco hills. In an underground viewing area, you can look at the system's enormous cable wheels, which pull 11 miles (18 kilometers) of cable at 9.5 miles (15 kilometers) per hour. Closely examine the steel cables, gears, and pulleys that bring this city's most famous transportation to life. Don't miss the gift shop, where you can purchase your very own length of used cable!
City Art Cooperative Gallery is an art gallery that is owned and operated by local artists. Almost 200 artists are part of this gallery, which makes their artwork accessible and increases the sales percentage to buyers every week. They showcase a vast range of styles, mediums and works from the new to the well known artists. They sell over 30 pieces of art every month, far more than any other gallery and offer artists complete PR and marketing support. They also hold workshops and the artists also get a first hand knowledge on how to run a gallery and to network. This gallery has won the SF Bay Guardian's Best of the Bay for the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007.
Founded in 1877, St. Mark's Episcopal Church first started out in a small rented cottage near the University of California campus. Over the years, the parish grew strength to strength, and accepted several congregants into the community. Today the church stands tall and beautiful on Bancroft Way near the university campus, attracting both catholic and non-catholic visitors who visit to admire its towering beauty.
Studio Gallery is a treasure trove of several art works ranging from paintings, craft and home accessories. The artists here, use various forms of medium to display their creativity. The gallery also provides the artists, the liberty to customize their work so as to accept commissions. However, the major attraction is their annual show of art work greatly inspired by food, known as "Delicious." From most common foods, fruits and vegetables, to the more exotic ones, everything seems splendid on the canvas.
The War Memorial & Performing Arts Center is a series of cultural venues that make up the bulk of the Civic Center's events. The center is comprised of such architectural gems as the Veterans Building, the War Memorial Opera House, Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall and Harold L. Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall. The Opera House is home to the San Francisco Ballet and the San Francisco Opera, whereas the Veterans Building houses both the Herbst Theatre and Green Room. Check the website for a list of each venue's upcoming events.
The United Nations Plaza of San Francisco can be found between Hyde Street and Market Street, and is the main access point for the historic Civic Center Buildings. Lined with columns that list the various countries that form a part of the United Nations and with floors that have been inscribed with the philosophies enshrined within the UN charter, the UN Plaza is a lovely memorial to the signing of the charter at the War Memorial Opera House in 1945. Today, the Plaza is best known as the location for the Heart of the City Farmers Market that is held here every Wednesday and Sunday. During lunch hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Plaza once more comes to life when the Off the Grid food trucks offer up a variety of gourmet and exotic dishes. The Plaza also hosts a variety of craft markets, with stalls selling wares that are as diverse as the countries represented by the UN. Although the Plaza itself is a lovely sight, it is best to visit during market hours, as it remains rather secluded at all other times.
Modernism Inc is a famous modern art gallery that was founded in 1979. Aptly named, this gallery showcases Modern Art of all kinds, from paintings to photography and sculpture to performance. The gallery has works of art from many renowned artists including Glen Baxter, Robert Crumb, Alexander Bogomazov, Charles Arnoldi, and Gary Baseman. Exhibitions such as "West Coast Abstraction" and "Mark Stock Reverie" are engaging. In addition to that, the gallery also holds several historical discussions on American modernism covering aspects of Surrealism, Dadaism, Expressionism, Cubism which are intellectually stimulating and quite informative. Please see the website or call for further information.
SF Camerawork has been pleasantly sharing its artistic treasure for the past 34 years. It is a non-profit organization that is devoted to the works of photographers. This is, perhaps, one of the few artists' organizations in the country that promotes photography at its imaginative best. SF Camerawork not only supports established photographers, but also reassures the unrecognized talents. The gallery holds exhibitions and public dialogs to edify about various modern techniques involved in image making.
St. Mark's Lutheran Church was formed in 1849 during the onset of the California Gold Rush when the city witnessed a heavy inflow of German immigrants. Some of the immigrants established this church, which stands today as a symbol of their Lutheran faith. Besides its German heritage, St. Mark's is also a must see for art lovers due to its beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture. This church is also famous for its musical events that range from performances by the American Bach Soloists to the SF Early Music Society. Check website for further details.
First Amendment, better known by its abbreviated name 1AM, is a unique art gallery dedicated to urban artwork. The United States Constitution's First Amendment is about the freedom of speech, and this gallery shows how that right can be displayed through street art. Discover riveting graffiti, murals, exhibitions, and more. The gallery also hosts wonderful events, workshops, and classes.