Julia Roberts made Nob Hill famous in the movie Dying Young, but many of the locals of San Francisco already knew about this neighborhood’s wonderful and quaint streets. Renowned for its landmarks and the famous hotels, Nob Hill offers a plethora of unexpected delights. The neighborhood is as much known for its character as it is for the shops and restaurants that adorn it. With the vintage barber shops, corner shops, and nightclubs that seem frozen in time, there is so much to see and do in Nob Hill.
Luxury hotels also dot the landscaping as well as some of the most historic buildings in San Francisco. You don’t have to be a famous person to enjoy this neighborhood though. You’ll find many of the younger people of San Francisco flocking to Nob Hill to enjoy the fabulous apartment buildings and beautiful architecture. Bordered by Polk, Mason, Post, and Washington Streets it isn’t difficult to realize when you’ve reached Nob Hill.
The largest Episcopal Church – Grace Cathedral Episcopal Church – still rises with its entire gothic splendor. With the stained glass and bronze doors you’ll feel like you’re in heaven when you walk by and see this stunning architectural delight. After taking a walk through the church you can experience some of your cities history at the Cable Car Museum. San Francisco has the only operating cable car system in the world, and if you want to fit right into your city you should know the facts about this wonderful mode of transportation. If you get a little tired, take a rest in the heart of Nob Hill at Huntington Park. This pubic park has shady benches that are perfect for reading a good book and catching up with friends from the city.
The shopping is one of a kind – literally. Vintage book shops, a gallery for artisan crafts, and even a sneaker shop run by a former pro skater give you the ability to walk into stores that haven’t been taken over by large corporations and big money. The shops cater to some of the eccentric and most unique customers and there is something to be found by everyone. Whether it is dignified, vintage, punk, or modern…you’ll find it.
Before you end your day in the prime neighborhood of San Francisco don’t forget to enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the premiere restaurants. Whether you are looking for French, Italian, or old world cuisine the restaurants here are better than some of the 5 star dining around the world.
Going to Nob Hill is a must for a San Francisco resident. It is quieter than many of the more popular areas that tourists come to, and it gives you a feel that you really are at home here. The residents are welcoming and polite, and the atmosphere is truly one of the best around.
Nestled twelve miles north of San Francisco, lies an ancient forest that consists of majestic Redwood trees that area thousand years old and stand over two hundred feet tall. Welcome, to Muir Woods National Monument. The forest was declared a national monument in 1906, by President Theodore Roosevelt. The park is open every day, including holidays, from 8:00am and closes at sunset.
Things To Do
Besides enjoying the sheer magnificience of the Redwood Trees, there are eight different trails that all offer splendid views of the ocean, fauna, and wildlife. Many of the animals that may be spotted during a hike through the trails include owls, bats, chipmunks, deer, and numerous reptiles, mammals, and amphibians.
There are many rules and regulations that you must follow when visiting the national monument. There are no bicycles allowed on the trails, and no picnicking is allowed in the forest. Dogs are not permitted on the premises and campers are not allowed either. The maximum length for vehicles is 35 feet long. Parking is limited so it is best to arrive at the forest early. Additionally, there is no public transportation that travels to Muir Woods, however there are scheduled tours that you may take that provide a wonderful view of the woods.
Location
Muir Woods is located twelve miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. To access the Woods follow Highway 101 until you reach the Highway 1/Stinson Beach Exit. There you will see signs leading the way to Muir Woods National Monument.
Entrance Fees
Adults (16 years and older): $3.00
Children (birth to age 15): Free
Annual Pass to Muir Woods: $15.00
As of October 1, 2007 the fees will increase. The increase will be as follows:
Those who live in San Francisco can enjoy the beautiful Golden Gate Park. With 1,017 acres, Golden Gate Park is larger than New York’s Central Park and receives more than 13 million visitors each year. The park has plenty of rich history that dates back to the Native Americans as well as the California Gold Rush. Today, the park has wonderful educational programs and activities that help bring the region’s great history to life.
Things To Do
Golden Gate Park features numerous activities and like Central Park of New York is an essential location for multiple cultural activities. When you first visit Golden Gate Park you may want to make a point to visit the exquisite Rose Garden or Conservatory of Flowers. The Conservatory features many beautiful tropical flowers and has been deemed as a historic landmark.
You’ll also enjoy the fascinating Japanese Tea Garden, where you’ll be able to enjoy a cup of tea and take a break while you overlook the beautiful scenic garden view. With nine lakes, there are numerous water activities available for everyone, regardless of age. Stow Lake provides plenty of boating fun and the park also has boat rentals available. There are a number of scheduled and planned tours available that will ensure that you visit all of the wonderful sites available at the park.
Golfers will enjoy playing a game on the 9-hole Golden Gate Golf Course. There has been an enormous renovation project underway with the children's playground. The playground has a new name, and is now referred to as the, "Koret Children's Quarter". There is a beautiful carousel that has also been recently renovated, and in a fascinating tidbit of history, the children's playground at Golden Gate Park is the oldest playground in the entire nation. It was first designed in 1888.
Location
You can enter Golden Gate Park from Fulton St & 36th Ave or from Lincoln Way & 41st Ave
If you are looking for a breathtaking view of the gorgeous San Francisco skyline, then you will want to make a trip to Angel Island State Park. Steeped in cultural history, the park was once used by the Miwok Native Americans as a primary spot for fishing and hunting. Once the Spanish came, they claimed the land and gave it its new name. In fact, the very spot where the Spaniard Juan de Ayala dropped his anchor is now referred to as Ayala Cove.
Things To Do
There are many activities to engage in at Angel Island State Park. Tram tours are available and are a great way to enjoy the scenic beauty of the park as well as hear the educational and historic details of the island.
The Ayala Cove is a wonderful place for boats to dock - and for a fee, they can stay overnight in the boat mooring. There are plenty of bike trails as well as hiking trails that allow for hours of enjoyment while viewing the beauty of the park in its splendor. Additionally, there are many great places to fish from and there are also plenty of educational programs and exhibits to enjoy. These vary according to season, and special exhibits may be provided for school groups, clubs, and seniors.
Getting There
You can reach Angel Island State Park by ferry or private boat. Bicycles may be brought by ferry to the island, but roller blades, skates, and skateboards are forbidden. For Ferry Information call 415-435-2131.
Note: It’s important to realize that Angel Island State Park does not recognize the Annual State Pass.
Julia Roberts made Nob Hill famous in the movie Dying Young, but many of the locals of San Francisco already knew about this neighborhood’s wonderful and quaint streets. Renowned for its landmarks and the famous hotels, Nob Hill offers a plethora of unexpected delights. The neighborhood is as much known for its character as it is for the shops and restaurants that adorn it. With the vintage barber shops, corner shops, and nightclubs that seem frozen in time, there is so much to see and do in Nob Hill.
Those who live in San Francisco can enjoy the beautiful Golden Gate Park. With 1,017 acres, Golden Gate Park is larger than New York’s Central Park and receives more than 13 million visitors each year. The park has plenty of rich history that dates back to the Native Americans as well as the California Gold Rush. Today, the park has wonderful educational programs and activities that help bring the region’s great history to life.