Must Sees
Lombard Street
As a tourist magnet, Lombard Street is recognized as the most crooked street in the world. It takes eight turns on a 24-degree slope to make one feel that it is also, indeed, one of the steepest.
Even though walking or cycling this one-way (downhill) street may instill a sense of immediate vertigo, which can be risky at times, the reason for Lombard’s crooked form, surprisingly, is safety. Given the natural grading of the land, the zig-zag pattern reduces the effect of the slope’s steepness, making it easier to play on. As far back as 1920, it was suggested that scenic switchbacks to be added to bring a certain appeal to the surroundings, and apparently, it worked.
Year after year, Lombard Street manages to get more than its share of visitors who marvel at its scenic beauty and strangeness. Although zig-zag patterns may be enough to visit, a lesser-known fact about this street is that it houses some of San Francisco’s most magnificent mansions. One of them – the Montandon House – is also reputed for being haunted.
For many, if not all, guests of San Francisco, a visit to Lombard Street is a must, if only to check it off their bucket list!
Tip:
Around 10 am is the best time to visit due to less crowd and sunshine. It is nice to start at the top and look down, then walk down and look up. Not only is it a lot easier, but if you carry on down the road, it will lead you to Coit Tower, another attraction in its own right, offering panoramic views over the city and the bay.
Pier 39
Pier 39, the focal point of Fisherman’s Wharf, may not have the same fishing fleet that it once had (back at the turn of the 20th century), but it compensates it with carnival-like amusements and a two-story carousel (which is not quite visible from the street but sits closer towards the pier’s end). Revitalized in the 1970s to resemble a quaint wooden fishing village, this pier draws thousands of tourists every day.
It is really more like a big outdoor shopping mall packed to the rim with stores, restaurants, and various attractions, like a video arcade, street shows, the Aquarium of the Bay, and virtual 3D rides. On the plus side, the visitor center offers luggage storage and free phone-charging stations.
Famous for seafood, Pier 39 is home to 14 full-service restaurants boasting some of the freshest and most delicious offerings. At Fog Harbor Fish House, you can get more than just classic waterfront favorites, such as oysters and cioppino fish stew; all seafood on the menu is locally-sourced and sustainable. Also, check out the floating Forbes Island restaurant for some freshly-caught fruits of the sea.
The top reason to visit the pier is to see the sea lions, San Francisco’s favorite mascot. These marine mammals made themselves comfortable on this coveted waterfront real estate in 1989 and have been tanning on its wooden boat slips ever since. A little bit stinky, perhaps, they look quite happy and add a great deal of popularity to the place.
From this pier, you can also see Angel Island, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate, and the Bay bridges. Tickets for boat and ferry rides to different locations in the area are also sold here.
Tip:
Regardless of the season, it can get windy at times, so bringing along a jacket is always recommended.
Coit Tower
Coit Tower is the symbol of North Beach, and also a great marker when you’re out walking. If you know where Coit is, you can figure your way around. The tower is 210-foot, offering panoramic views over the city and the bay. Built between 1932 and 1933, the art deco tower, built of unpainted reinforced concrete, features fresco murals in the American fresco mural painting style, painted by 25 different onsite artists and their numerous assistants, all from the 1930s. Entrance to see the art is free, but to go to the top of the tower and see those amazing views, you’ll have to pay. It’s worth it.
From Molinari’s, walk down Columbus and revel in North Beach arts, culture, scene and snacks. Walk two blocks to Kearney and go four blocks, then turn right at Filbert. Continue one block until you merge with Telegraph Hill and take one block to Pioneer Park, which Google Maps describes as “Famous hilltop park with panorama views.” Note that when you’re up there you can see almost the entire Bay Area from one sitting, from the city (best skyline view) to the Golden Gate and Marin County, to the East Bay and Richmond/Oakland. Sorry folks, no Silicon Valley view, as it’s not on the water.
Once you’re done, you can either saunter down the hill, taking five blocks downhill on Lombard, where you can see that crooked street from across the way, before turning left on Columbus and heading back to your room, to collapse, or continue with one last, optional stop.
Ferry Building
Continue from Coit Tower, by heading down Filbert Street and the Filbert Steps four blocks to the waterfront, called the Embarcadero, turning right and going six blocks to the Ferry Building. Or, if you’re pooped and want to do it later, from from the Inn, just head down Bay Street to the Embarcadero, turn right, and walk the waterfront to the Ferry Building.
Over 100 years old, the Ferry Building goes back to a time where it acted as a shipping port, and as the transportation hub that got people back and forth to the East Bay and San Francisco. Today, you can still catch the ferries, and enjoy great food available in stalls at the building.