Archive for the activities category
February 13th, 2008 by amy c
Haight-Ashbury photo uploaded by wili_hybrid
In the mid-1960’s, the corner of Haight and Ashbury was one of the most famous intersections in perhaps the world, as young people flocked to the area in a search love and peace. The Summer of Love is still swinging in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, also known as the “global village.”
Only now, brightly colored Victorians, funky t-shirt shops, hookah bars, and psychedelic music and art meet hip-hop trends and the height of modern fashions. Trendy hipsters, accessorized urbanites, young professionals, and even those still living in the long-gone flower power era stroll down these few blocks of liberal quirkiness.
Whether you are looking for hot pink fishnets, a pair of fresh kicks, or a t-shirt souvenir of a neighborhood overwhelmingly “Californian,” Haight-Ashbury offers both a look into San Francisco’s hippie and Beat generation past as well as its trendy present. Located on the edge of Golden Gate Park, the Haight is the perfect place to glimpse San Francisco from a local perspective as San Franciscans from all backgrounds flock to these streets for a dose of urban diversity. (more…)
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February 11th, 2008 by amy c
Two worlds collide in the neighborhood of North Beach, depending on what side of the street you walk on, depicting San Francisco’s unique ability to combine the old with the new and quiet tradition with booming cabaret-style nightlife. Charming Italian restaurants complete with checkered tablecloths and a warm atmosphere that only first-generation Italian grandmothers can create meets blinking lights of dance clubs, live music in funky dives, and even strip joints on the corner of Columbus and Broadway.Whether you are looking for the perfect place for a romantic date, girl’s night out, or would like to discover the home of the Beatnik Generation and diverse cultures that make up the area, North Beach is a must-see neighborhood in San Francisco.
The streets alone in this neighborhood have a rich history. Grant Avenue, for instance, is the oldest road in San Francisco, which is also home to Chinatown. Italian and Chinese cultures combine in this neighborhood, but North Beach is mostly known as one of the best places to discover Italy and San Francisco’s literary history.
For book worms, or anyone looking to understand the allure of San Francisco to literary greats, such as Jack Kerouac or Allen Ginsberg, should check out The Beat Museum. The museum blends the history, literature, and Beatnik perspectives that ultimately changed America and the world—a perfect stop for history buffs and literary wizards alike. (more…)
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February 8th, 2008 by susan j
San Francisco Bay Photo courtesy of Red and White Fleet (used with permission)
What better way to see San Francisco than aboard a cruise ship in San Francisco Bay? Founded in 1892, the historic Red and White Fleet continues serving the Bay Area with cruises that offer picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Marin County, and more. The Golden Gate Bay Cruise departs daily from Fisherman’s Wharf, and there are special holiday cruises throughout the year, too.
Here are some of Red and White Fleet’s February cruises:
Wednesday, February 14, 5 pm
Sweet Valentine’s Cruise
Saturday, February 23, 2 pm
Chinese New Year Cruise
About.com’s Ingrid Taylor has also blogged about the Red and White Fleet here.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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January 29th, 2008 by jamie a
Mustard in Bloom Photo uploaded by northbaywanderer
Mustard season in the Napa Valley brings an abundance of wine, food, and art from January through the month of March with the Mustard Festival. It celebrates the gorgeous yellow blossoms of the mustard plant, while supporting local farmers and wineries during the off-season.
Check out the full calendar of events for art shows, photography contests, seven-course gourmet dinners, and competitions galore. If you’re looking to stay in the area and enjoy this beautiful time of year, here’s a complete listing of special offers and discounts in conjunction with the festival.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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January 22nd, 2008 by jamie a
Latte Heart from Ritual Coffee Roasters Photo uploaded by Shannon Clark
Why not get out and do something new this Valentine’s Day? Skip the traditional chocolates and flowers, and head out on the town for a night of fun with your loved one or with a group of your friends to celebrate each other.
If you’re a foodie who’s just aching to try out a new restaurant, this listing of spots all around San Francisco from OpenTable.com are offering special promotions for the holiday. From prix-fixe seven course meals to live jazz bands, you’re sure to find something to suit your style.
There’s also a myriad of special Valentine’s Day cruises from Hornblower Holidays, offering dinner & dancing on the open seas!
If you’re on your own or with a group of single friends this Valentine’s Day, never fear! The Professionals Guild is hosting their Un-Valentine’s Day Singles Party at the Golden Gate Yacht Club. The event is on February 2nd and will run from 8 pm to midnight, complete with mixer games, great dance music, free appetizers, a salsa dance lesson and a no-host bar.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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January 17th, 2008 by susan j
Friday, January 18 (5 pm-10 pm)
The de Young Museum presents Friday Nights the de Young featuring live music, poetry, films, dance, tours, lectures, plus hands-on art activities for children and adults.
Friday, January 18-Sunday, January 20 (various times)
Lamplighter Music Theater presents a musical adaptation of the classic children’s story, The Secret Garden.
Saturday, January 19 (8 pm-10 pm)
The 24Hour Art Show is an annual gathering of Bay Area artists. The venue is announced on Friday, so text the phrase “24hour” to the number “41411″ to get the inside scoop.
Through Sunday, January 27 (various times)
The 7th annual San Francisco Sketchfest brings 17 days of comedy to San Francisco.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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January 14th, 2008 by jamie a
Whale Watching in Monterey Bay, San Francisco
Photo uploaded by erikogan
If you’re looking for a memorable experience for you and your family on your next visit to San Francisco, there’s nothing better than a whale watch. Right now is prime whale watching season, as they are migrating through the area to and from Alaska. I haven’t been whale watching in San Francisco, but I have been on a tour from Cape Cod, and I can definitely say that it was one of the best vacation experiences I ever had, full of excitement and wonder.
Included with the , is full service and family-friendly, touring the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. With experienced skippers and a great fleet of boats, they pride themselves on knowing the seas like no one else in the area. Here’s their page of FAQ’s to answer any questions you may have about length of tour, what to wear, or weather conditions.
Before you head out for your adventure on the high seas, Chris has also put together a facts page about the whales that can be seen on the tours and the differences between all the species. Be sure to read up and get to know these amazing creatures.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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January 4th, 2008 by susan j
Golden Gate Park photo uploaded by Orin Optiglot
According to our friends at TripAdvisor, environmentally conscious travel (or ecotourism, as it’s sometimes called) is one of the top trends predicted by travelers for 2008. With a high percentage of parks and many residents walking using public transportation (BART), San Francisco ranks among the US’s most environmentally friendly cities.
Here’s our guide to going green on your next trip to San Francisco.
- Make like a local and walk, bike, or use public transportation. BART or the Bay Area Rapid Transit District can take you to many of the Bay Area’s tourist attractions, plus it’s often cheaper than renting a car. For a bit of exercise, you could take a walking tour or rent a bike.
- Fly green. Online retailers like Planktos offer flight eco offsets that will balance out the carbon emissions of your plane based on the length of your journey.
- Book an eco-friendly hotel. Hotel Triton in Union Square offers eco-friendly rooms that have water saving devices, energy efficient AC units, among other amenities. Five Star Alliance recommends Hotel Vitale, Hotel Palomar, and .
- Get an eco-education. San Francisco is home to dozens of beautiful parks and nature preserves. For a taste of the local landscape, check out the Conservatory of Flowers, the University of California Botanical Garden, and San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum.
- Support green businesses. There are tons of globally conscious shops in the Bay Area, so those are a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Check out Azalea Boutique for eco-friendly clothes or Global Exchange for fair trade items like coffee and crafts.
Is there something we’re missing? Leave a comment and let us know!
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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December 19th, 2007 by susan j
Holiday photo uploaded by o2ma
In the spirit of holidays, Macy’s Union Square is hosting their 21st annual Holiday Windows Animal Adoption event. This year’s theme is “The Magic of Christmas. Now through Tuesday, January 1, Macy’s store windows will feature giant snow globes depicting San Francisco landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks. The snow globes house live dogs and cats who are available for adoption through the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Read more on the SPCA’s site.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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December 17th, 2007 by jamie a
If you’re visiting family or vacationing in San Francisco for the holidays, here’s a list of activities that will be open on both Christmas and New Year’s Day to keep you busy.
Take advantage of the great weather and rent yourself a bike from . Ride across the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito and then take the ferry back for an exciting day.
Experience one of the world’s great collections of wax figures at the . From the Chamber of Horrors to the Chamber of Religions, you’re sure to find many of your favorite icons.
From penguins to coral reefs, there’s tons of natural wonders to explore at the . Get some hands-on experience with anemones and hermit crabs at the tide pools and be sure to check out the daily penguin feedings!
Located in the stunningly beautiful Golden Gate Park, the is a must see for any horticultural nut.
For even more wonders of nature, the immerses you in 7,500 plant varieties from all over the world.
Planning a trip to San Francisco? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go San Francisco Card.
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