Fisherman s Wharf in .NET framework

Drawer ECC200 in .NET framework Fisherman s Wharf

Sixteen million tourists per year can t all be wrong, but this mostly commercial section of town is a matter of taste Located on Bay Street between Powell and Polk streets, the former working piers have been turned into an embarrassment of commercialism although you do have to come here in order to get to Alcatraz (see The top attractions section later in this chapter) Step gingerly past Pier 39 and the plethora of schlock shops to the Hyde Street Pier, Ghirardelli Square, and the Cannery, other legitimate reasons to spend time near the docks Parking is difficult and/or expensive, so take the F streetcar from Union Square

Many must-see sites are within walking distance of this high-priced district, including the excellent science museum, the Exploratorium The Marina s commercial blocks along Chestnut Street, between Franklin and Lyon streets, are full of coffeehouses, restaurants, and shops Take a walk to the Golden Gate Bridge by way of Marina Boulevard and the redeveloped Crissy Fields, San Francisco s fabulous new shoreline park Get to the Marina by the 30-Stockton, 22-Fillmore, 41-Union, or 45Union/Stockton bus The Marina is the gateway to the Presidio, 1,500 partly wild acres on the westernmost point of the city that once belonged to the US Army They re now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Stop at the visitor center, in the Main Post at Fort Mason on Montgomery Street, for maps and suggestions for hikes Take the 29-Sunset bus to get here

A residential paradise surrounded by Broadway, Lyon, and Lombard streets and Van Ness Avenue, the district s main claim to fame among locals and tourists alike is Union Street, a fashionable haven of shops, restaurants, and those young, urban professionals we all love to hate To get here, take the 30-Stockton, 22-Fillmore, 41-Union, or 45-Union/Stockton bus

Polk Street from Broadway up to around Greenwich Street is a chic avenue with a French flair It s a delightful area for relaxed shopping and snacking with some terrific little restaurants, bakeries, antiques shops, and boutiques From Union Square, take the California or Hyde Street cable car

Bordered by Van Ness and Golden Gate avenues and Franklin, Hyde, and Market streets, Civic Center is home to local politicians, city offices, and cultural centers including the San Francisco Ballet, the San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Opera, and the Asian Art Museum City Hall, on Van Ness Avenue between McAllister and Grove streets, underwent a spectacular renovation a few years ago, and its glittering blackand-gold dome makes a splendid landmark You can reach this area via the F streetcar Note that Civic Center also attracts a sizable homeless contingent

The Castro is famous for its ties to an activist gay community, and a walk through the neighborhood will show off beautifully restored Victorian homes and shops catering to buff guys Shopping and people-watching take place mainly on Castro Street between Market and 18th streets Check the schedule at the Art Deco Castro Theatre, and consider joining in a Sing-A-Long Sound of Music if one s on the calendar Take the F streetcar from Union Square

Commonly known as the Haight and bounded by Golden Gate Park and Divisadero, Fulton, and Waller streets, Haight-Ashbury hasn t fully recovered from what must have been a real bummer to some the demise of the 60s Haight (rhymes with fate ) Street where the action is continues to hold a magical spell over scruffy groups of youngsters campaigning for handouts If you re curious enough to drop by, you ll stumble upon a multitude of new and used clothing stores competing for space with all kinds of commercial endeavors, most of which are perfectly legal The stretch from Masonic to Stanyon is particularly good for vintage wearables, hip fashion, and shoes The N-Judah Muni Metro line will take you to Haight Street