seafarin

John F. Kennedy Dr. will take you through the northeast section of Golden Gate Park, passed the Conservatory of Flowers. As America's oldest public conservatory, this botanical living museum, is a breathtaking Victorian wooden and glass structure which captures the heart and soul. Golden Gate Park is a veritable, green oasis in a metropolitan setting. From a Japanese Tea House to the conservatory, there is much to discover.

Stockton St. has it all, from shopping, restaurants, and ethnic diversity, to the department store Mecca of Macy's and more. It goes from Market St. and Union Square, to Chinatown's own shopping and eating district as well. How can you go wrong? Stop and smell the roses, have some dim sum, and explore all things in between. One hidden treasure along the way is a favorite Italian restaurant named Firenze by Night at 1429 Stockton St. in the North Beach area. The Insalata di Spinaci is to die for, not to mention the owner's personal wine selection featuring labels from his favorite Tuscan vineyards. Voted Best food among the top ten Italian restaurants in U.S.

Columbus St. is a long one. Busy, bustling and full of hot spots, restaurants, shops and crossroads to some of the best sections of town. It will take you from one end of town to the other, from the wharf to Union St. It's a great place to walk, and meet up with friends at any one of the many coffee shop. The famous City Lights Book Store is a highlight, or a pilgrimage if you're a writer, or lover of beat poets from the beatnik days. It stands as another generational marker. It is where poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and cronies the likes of, 'the man' Jack Kerouac would hang out to review the signs of the times.

Go for the gusto! Take the whole tour from Market St. to Fisherman's Wharf. It's where the real action is, as you head up Powell St. at the Market St. turntable. Not to confuse you, pay close attention to which route you want to take. One heads up Nob Hill to Fishermans Wharf. Check with the conductor before getting on. We were lucky enough to be part of a wedding party taking place on the cable car as we headed up Powell. Talk about ringing the bells! Be prepared to squish, squeeze, and lean to and fro. Don't forget to tip the driver is he gives you a show.

I'm not prone to visiting tourist attractions, unless they are part of the local color, folklore, or something homespun. BUT, sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do it. Lombard St. is one of those things you have to see, at least once. But once is never enough. It's like going to the top of a roller coaster ride, when your heart starts to pound in anticipation, just as you come up to the crest. I'll let you discover the rest for yourself, don't want to spoil the FUN!!! So, what's the speed limit? Take a guess....

2nd St. offers good eats and treats if you're heading to see the Giants play ball, but what few people don't realize is that it will take you to 655 Mission St. where you'll discover the Cartoon Art Museum.
It's a lot of fun to see original art 'cells' from your favorite cartoons and comic books. Charles Schultz gave it the seed money to get under way, and now you will find something there for everyone. It's a great side trip before or after the ball game.

Mission Street in the historic Mission District offers a Latino cultural flavor in an organic setting of the older sections of town. No glossy, slick, suits here to homogenize things. Good food can be found in several restaurants. One favorite is La Taquiera on Mission St. FYI: Women make sure you have safe transportation if you linger too long after dark.

Geary St. is busy. Pretty tight quarters seem to be the theme, from hotels to restaurants. It's an easy walk to Union Square, which is its redeeming quality. If you happen to be staying at one of the hotels, it's a great base camp with easy access to the major pedestrian attractions of cable cars, shopping, conventions and decent restaurants. The street beggars know the area well, as they work the hot spots of the city. Geary St. near Union Square is filled to the brim with folks who are highly skilled at making their living in that fashion. At first I had a tendency to give and give, but after a while when it became obvious that there is a schtick involved, I simply offered a meal. When that was not good enough, I simply said .....Close enough..but no cigar!!

It was pronounced 'Haightashbury' (one word) in the 60's. I was there, in the 'Summer of Love'. It was 1967, when two friends and I hitch hiked from L.A. to San Fran. Not bad for three girls from New England, branching out for the first time. It's a miracle we survived. My most recent visit was in 2007. One might say of the Haight that, "it sure has mellowed man!". It more closely resembles a living history museum than a thriving base camp for the Flower Power hippies and not as colorful as it was in its hey day. We did manage to attend the Haight Festival, which certainly brought out what's left of the 60's folks, who are probably hiding behind tie dyed curtains the rest of the year, writing their memoirs for the wannabe counter-culture of today. All in all, it's a must see for anyone visiting San Francisco. Don't forget to stop by the famous Amoeba Music Store. FYI: There were hypodermic needles on the floor of the porta potties at the festival, so wear shoes.