Archive for March, 2008
March 27th, 2008 by susan j
Sunset Cruise in San Francisco Bay Photo uploaded by Go Card USA
No trip to San Francisco would be complete without time to admire views of San Francisco Bay and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. To help visitors and locals appreciate the beauty of the Bay Area, San Francisco’s Red and White Fleet have offered cruises along the Bay since 1892.
This year the Red and White Fleet’s California Sunset Cruise celebrates 5 years of service. This relaxed, family-friendly cruise is one of Red and White Fleet’s most popular cruises. Don’t forget your camera, because you’ll want to capture the stunning views of San Francisco Bay at twilight. Other highlights include views of Alcatraz and a delicious buffet created by the renowned sourdough bakery, Boudin.
Red and White Fleet also offers a Golden Gate Bay Cruise and a San Francisco Explorer Cruise.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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March 24th, 2008 by amy c
Union Square photo uploaded by Peter Kaminski
Union Square is San Francisco’s shopping and art center. Fine art galleries create beautiful storefronts on Geary, Post, and Sutter streets, perfect for an afternoon of window shopping, while crowds of shoppers take over stores such as Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Forever 21, Anthropologie, and Tiffany’s. Both bargain shopping and high-end locations are crammed into this square for a lively, one-stop shopping excursion.
Though the square underwent a renovation in 2002, creating a modernist platform where you can take in the sights of the cable cars and high rises, the area dates back to pre-Civil War. It got its name because it was the site of demonstrations in support of the union troops. Today, it still makes for a great meeting place as frequent outdoor performances take to the platform in the midst of the bustle. During the holiday season, San Francisco’s holiday tree graces area. (more…)
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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March 21st, 2008 by amy c
San Francisco’s Castro Theater Photo uploaded by bobster1985
San Francisco’s pride and commitment to community oozes out of every bar, restaurant, hangout, and street fair in the Castro, most well known for its accepting and liberal politics and environment. The Castro community represents the epitome of San Francisco flair from the steep streets and brightly colored Victorians to the large gay community and liberal feel.
In fact, the San Franciscan liberalness is a main tourist attraction in of itself. The streets are also sprinkled with funky boutiques and lively bars. Home to the most beloved street fairs in the Bay Area and perhaps beyond, the area attracts 500,000 participants and spectators at the annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Celebration Parade every June and at the Castro Street Fair every October.
As seen through its popular annual parades, the Castro has a rich history of activism and a sense of community that dates back to the 1960’s and 70’s. Home to one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., Harvey Milk, the area is well known for its revolutionary strides and commitment to AIDS research. To learn more about how the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community has influenced San Francisco, check out the GLBT Museum. (more…)
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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March 19th, 2008 by jamie a
San Francisco Photo uploaded by http2007
Maps can cost a lot of money, but are beyond useful when trying to navigate a new city. After you’ve picked up your Go San Francisco Card, check out these great maps for bargain travelers!
Budget Travel just alerted us to the concept of Schmaps, which are free travel guides to places all over the world with local, zoom-able maps, and marked attractions.These guides are great for planning out itineraries based on your personal interests as well, providing all sorts of suggestions based on your preferences.
We’d love to hear what you think should be included for those traveling to San Francisco! What are your favorite attractions? Let us know in a comment!
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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March 14th, 2008 by amy c
San Francisco Marina photo uploaded by Luca & Vita
Where can you find the posh residents of Pacific Heights on a weekend afternoon? On the Marina green, of course! This long, flat strip along the northern edge of the bay not only attracts joggers and sunbathers, but also offers views of Alcatraz and scenic Marin County. The sight of San Franciscans flying kites and picnicking on the green may inspire you too put down your full itinerary and enjoy a laid-back, Californian day along the water.
Or the sight of the oh-so-fit and active locals may inspire you to add an exercise element to your vacation by picking up your own set of wheels at Bay City Bike Rentals, where you can cycle along the majestic coast and historic Presidio.
The green is not the only playground for locals and visitors in this culturally rich and perfectly manicured neighborhood– cute and trendy boutiques speckle Chestnut and Union Street and the interactive science museum, Exploratorium, and the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts grace the area.
Where to eat:
Marina Submarine on Union Street has been attracting hoards of city kids for generations for its delicious sandwiches and cheap prices. Though a favorite among cash-poor high school and college students, the good food and great deal can bridge any age gap. Marina Subs is the perfect place to pick up picnic food to eat out on the green after a long day of shopping Chestnut and Union Street.
For a more sophisticated way to round off a day in the Marina, head to A16, where the food of Campania, Italy and the wood-fired pizzas of Naples await in this friendly neighborhood favorite.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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March 10th, 2008 by jamie a
Pink Hibiscus Flower Photo uploaded by Anushruti R
From March 12-16th, check out the San Francisco Garden Show at the Cow Palace!
With thousands of blossoms and gardens to go ga-ga over, both amateur gardeners and seasoned pros alike will have a fantastic time at this year’s show. Spanning three acres, the highlights of the show include a garden container display, Sproutopia (for the kids!), the newest plants, presentations from the Bonsai Club, wine bars, and a health pavilion.
You can also use this opportunity to not only tour some beautiful gardens, but you can learn about the craft from the best of the best. The garden show offers seminars covering tons of topics, ranging from adding art and accessories to your garden to hands-on interactive activities for the kids.
After the show, you can always pick up a and tour the , ,or the .
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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March 6th, 2008 by amy c
Embarcadero photo uploaded by Taylar
There may be no other city that embraces its waterfront quite like San Francisco does, as parts of it are reminiscent of its seaside and fisherman roots. The Embarcadero, with its deep-water piers, ships from around the world, and expansive views of the bay, is a prime example of San Francisco’s love of the water. The area attracts joggers, strollers, street performers, and visitors captivated by the views and gorgeous architecture of city landmarks, such as the Ferry Buiding.
Here you can also get an impressive under-belly view of the beautiful, but less publicized, Bay Bridge, which connects San Francisco to the city of Oakland. The Embarcadero, with its wide, seven-mile promenade of sidewalks right along the water (within walking distance to the financial district), easy access to public transportation, and weekly farmer’s markets make it the perfect jumping off place for your San Francisco day. (more…)
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March 4th, 2008 by amy c
San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood Photo uploaded by pbo31
This wealthy and historical neighborhood embodies the San Francisco you glimpse in movies, filled with ornate Victorian architecture and the characteristic hills that cinematographers love. The Hollywood vision and breathtaking views the heights allow of the bay and Golden Gate Bridge make this neighborhood a favorite among visitors. You can find high-end shopping as well lavish mansions, offering a glimpse into the legacy of luxury of Pacific Heights.
To get an insight into the history of the area—everything from how the nouveau rich first inhabited the neighborhood in the 1800s to the devastation of last century’s fire and earthquake—don your best walking shoes for the Pacific Heights Guided Walking Tour. (more…)
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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