chalyse

Powell is at the center of what people come to San Francisco for: cable cars, Union Square, great hotels, magnificent shopping, and the pleasant street feel of the city. We always visit the Disney store, and Macy's, and use Powell as our starting point. The streets are clean and safe, and the nearby parks and greenery make the shopping a special treat.

Little Osaka, J-Town, or Japanese Town; whatever you call it, it is the Japanese mecca in San Francisco. The streets are quieter, and the local eateries and shops cater to those looking for an oriental flavor. I love the whole area. Its near to major shopping (grocery and specialties) as well as major medical care centers. There is ample public transportation to get where you need to go.

This is the center of the city of San Francisco! Near to everything, and very busy and congested. But, if you want to see it all, you must visit here. Macy's, the ice rink, Union Square and more shops that you can poke a stick at - all within a few blocks of each other. I think this is the true "heart" of San Francisco!

You'll find the huge San Francisco Public Library at 100 Larkin Street, and it is a place you should not miss if you live downtown. There are six floors packed with books, DVDs, magazine and activities for adults and kids. You'll find books for kids and for patent engineers, dinosaurs to nanotechnology, all inside its walls. We love the storytelling activities they have for kids on the weekends!

Mission Street is mostly big buildings and office complexes, so there is not that much to do, at least in the area where I've spent the most time. Golden Gate Law School is here, which bridges the massive corporations on the street. There is a lot of construction work that can make driving a challenge.

Though it is a very busy street, Lincoln combines the neighborhood feel of residential properties with the long, green expanses of Golden Gate Park. It brings you into the south end of the park, and you'll find it is the perfect place to roam and play. Whether you want to walk your dog, jog, play some softball, or just need to find a nearby restroom, this is a full-service park.

There is a beautiful spot on Fulton, where it travels up to a high spot on the hill overlooking the bay. That spot is the University of San Francisco Law School. The grounds are impressive and highly groomed, and it is a wonderful place to get away from the noise and bustle!

There are some very big cultural sies to visit here for those who are seeking the arts. San Francisco's MOMA, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, are both near the intersection of 3rd and Mission streets, and it is very easy to spend a few days or a whole week exploring them!

You cannot walk down Stockton without finding _something_ that is interesting to see or do! Use this main thruway to find dozens of amazing side streets. If you want to sample Chinese cuisine at its best, stop in the dozens of tiny shops where you can find hot-from-the-stove selections ala-carte.

Geary Street is a hub for the entire city, and you can find whatever you are looking for on its long span. Affordable living in safe areas, shops, medical care, schools, parking, and just blocks from Chinatown and upscale shopping (Macy's and boutiques, ice rink and transportation, Kaiser and the main library).