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Golden Gate Bridge
Carries	6 lanes of US 101 / SR 1 , pedestrians and bicycles
Crosses	Golden Gate
Locale	San Francisco, California and Marin County, California
Maintained by	Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District[1]
Design	Suspension, truss arch & truss causeways
Total length	1.71 miles 8,981 feet (2,737 m)[2]
Width	90 feet (27 m)
Height	746 feet (227 m)
Longest span	4,200 feet (1,280 m)[3]
Vertical clearance	14 feet (4.3 m) at toll gates, higher truck loads possible
Clearance below	220 feet (67 m) at mean high water
AADT	118,000[4]
Opened	May 27, 1937
Toll	US$6.00 (southbound) (US$5.00 with FasTrak)
Connects: San Francisco Peninsula with Marin County
Coordinates	37°49′11″N 122°28′43″W / 37.81972°N 122.47861°W / 37.81972; -122.47861Coordinates: 37°49′11″N 122°28′43″W / 37.81972°N 122.47861°W / 37.81972; -122.47861

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay into the Pacific Ocean. As part of both U.S. Route 101 and California State Route 1, it connects the city of San Francisco on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County. The Golden Gate Bridge was the longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed during the year 1937, and has become an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and California. Since its completion, the span length has been surpassed by eight other bridges. It still has the second longest suspension bridge main span in the United States, after the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York City. In 1999, it was ranked fifth on the List of America's Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects.

Contents 1 History 1.1 Ferry service 1.2 Conception 1.3 Design 1.4 Finance 1.5 Construction 1.6 Opening festivities 2 Description 2.1 Specifications 2.2 Structure 2.3 Traffic 2.4 Aesthetics 2.5 Paintwork 3 Current issues 3.1 Economics 3.2 Congestion pricing 3.3 Suicides 3.4 Wind 3.5 Seismic retrofit 4 In popular culture 5 Notes 6 References 7 External links

History

Ferry service

Before the bridge was built, the only practical short route between San Francisco and what is now Marin County was by boat across a section of San Francisco Bay. Ferry service began as early as 1820, with regularly scheduled service beginning in the 1840s for purposes of transporting water to San Francisco.^[5] The Sausalito Land and Ferry Company service, launched in 1867, eventually became the Golden Gate Ferry Company, a Southern Pacific Railroad subsidiary, the largest ferry operation in the world by the late 1920s.^[5][6] Once for railroad passengers and customers only, Southern Pacific's automobile ferries became very profitable and important to the regional economy.^[7] The ferry crossing between the Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco and Sausalito in Marin County took approximately 20 minutes and cost US$1.00 per vehicle, a price later reduced to compete with the new bridge.^[8] The trip from the San Francisco Ferry Building took 27 minutes.

Many wanted to build a bridge to connect San Francisco to Marin County. San Francisco was the largest American city still served primarily by ferry boats. Because it did not have a permanent link with communities around the bay, the city’s growth rate was below the national average.^[9] Many experts said that a bridge couldn’t be built across the 6,700 ft (2,042 m) strait. It had strong, swirling tides and currents, with water 500 ft (150 m) in depth at the center of the channel, and frequent strong winds. Experts said that ferocious winds and blinding fogs would prevent construction and operation.^[9]

Conception

Although the idea of a bridge spanning the Golden Gate was not new, the proposal that eventually took place was made in a 1916 San Francisco Bulletin article by former engineering student James Wilkins.^[10] San Francisco's City Engineer estimated the cost at $100 million, impractical for the time, and fielded the question to bridge engineers of whether it could be built for less.^[5] One who responded, Joseph Strauss, was an ambitious but dreamy engineer and poet who had, for his graduate thesis, designed a 55-mile (89 km) long railroad bridge across the Bering Strait.^[11] At the time, Strauss had completed some 400 drawbridges—most of which were inland—and nothing on the scale of the new project.^[3] Strauss's initial drawings^[10] were for a massive cantilever on each side of the strait, connected by a central suspension segment, which Strauss promised could be built for $17 million.^[5]

Local authorities agreed to proceed only on the assurance that Strauss alter the design and accept input from several consulting project experts.^{[citation needed]} A suspension-bridge design was considered the most practical, because of recent advances in metallurgy.^[5]

Strauss spent more than a decade drumming up support in Northern California.^[12] The bridge faced opposition, including litigation, from many sources. The Department of War was concerned that the bridge would interfere with ship traffic; the navy feared that a ship collision or sabotage to the bridge could block the entrance to one of its main harbors. Unions demanded guarantees that local workers would be favored for construction jobs. Southern Pacific Railroad, one of the most powerful business interests in California, opposed the bridge as competition to its ferry fleet and filed a lawsuit against the project, leading to a mass boycott of the ferry service.^[5] In May 1924, Colonel Herbert Deakyne held the second hearing on the Bridge on behalf of the Secretary of War in a request to use Federal land for construction. Deakyne, on behalf of the Secretary of War, approved the transfer of land needed for the bridge structure and leading roads to the "Bridging the Golden Gate Association" and both San Francisco County and Marin County, pending further bridge plans by Strauss.^[13] Another ally was the fledgling automobile industry, which supported the development of roads and bridges to increase demand for automobiles.^[8]

The bridge's name was first used when the project was initially discussed in 1917 by M.M. O'Shaughnessy, city engineer of San Francisco, and Strauss. The name became official with the passage of the Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District Act by the state legislature in 1923.^[14]

Design

Strauss was chief engineer in charge of overall design and construction of the bridge project.^[9] However, because he had little understanding or experience with cable-suspension designs,^[15] responsibility for much of the engineering and architecture fell on other experts.

Irving Morrow, a relatively unknown residential architect, designed the overall shape of the bridge towers, the lighting scheme, and Art Deco elements such as the streetlights, railing, and walkways. The famous International Orange color was originally used as a sealant for the bridge. Many locals persuaded Morrow to paint the bridge in the vibrant orange color instead of the standard silver or gray, and the color has been kept ever since.^[16]

Senior engineer Charles Alton Ellis, collaborating remotely with famed bridge designer Leon Moisseiff, was the principal engineer of the project.^[17] Moisseiff produced the basic structural design, introducing his "deflection theory" by which a thin, flexible roadway would flex in the wind, greatly reducing stress by transmitting forces via suspension cables to the bridge towers.^[17] Although the Golden Gate Bridge design has proved sound, a later Moisseiff design, the original Tacoma Narrows Bridge, collapsed in a strong windstorm soon after it was completed, because of an unexpected aeroelastic flutter.^[18]

Ellis was a Greek scholar and mathematician who at one time was a University of Illinois professor of engineering despite having no engineering degree (he eventually earned a degree in civil engineering from University of Illinois prior to designing the Golden Gate Bridge and spent the last twelve years of his career as a professor at Purdue University). He became an expert in structural design, writing the standard textbook of the time.^[19] Ellis did much of the technical and theoretical work that built the bridge, but he received none of the credit in his lifetime. In November 1931, Strauss fired Ellis and replaced him with a former subordinate, Clifford Paine, ostensibly for wasting too much money sending telegrams back and forth to Moisseiff.^[19] Ellis, obsessed with the project and unable to find work elsewhere during the Depression, continued working 70 hours per week on an unpaid basis, eventually turning in ten volumes of hand calculations.^[19]

With an eye toward self-promotion and posterity, Strauss downplayed the contributions of his collaborators who, despite receiving little recognition or compensation,^[15] are largely responsible for the final form of the bridge. He succeeded in having himself credited as the person most responsible for the design and vision of the bridge.^[19] Only much later were the contributions of the others on the design team properly appreciated.^[19] In May 2007, the Golden Gate Bridge District issued a formal report on 70 years of stewardship of the famous bridge and decided to give Ellis major credit for the design of the bridge.

Finance

The Golden Gate Bridge and Highway District, authorized by an act of the California Legislature, was incorporated in 1928 as the official entity to design, construct, and finance the Golden Gate Bridge.^[9] However, after the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the District was unable to raise the construction funds, so it lobbied for a $38 million bond measure. The bonds were approved in November 1930,^[11] by votes in the counties affected by the bridge.^[20] The construction budget at the time of approval was $30.1 million. However, the District was unable to sell the bonds until 1932, when Amadeo Giannini, the founder of San Francisco–based Bank of America, agreed on behalf of his bank to buy the entire issue in order to help the local economy.^[5]

Construction

Construction began on January 5, 1933.^[5] The project cost more than $35 million.^[21]

Strauss remained head of the project, overseeing day-to-day construction and making some groundbreaking contributions. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, he had placed a brick from his alma mater's demolished McMicken Hall in the south anchorage before the concrete was poured. He innovated the use of movable safety netting beneath the construction site, which saved the lives of many otherwise-unprotected steelworkers. Of eleven men killed from falls during construction, ten were killed (when the bridge was near completion) when the net failed under the stress of a scaffold that had fallen. Nineteen others who were saved by the net over the course of construction became proud members of the (informal) Halfway to Hell Club.^[22]

The project was finished by April 1937, $1.3 million under budget.^[5]

Opening festivities

The bridge-opening celebration began on May 27, 1937 and lasted for one week. The day before vehicle traffic was allowed, 200,000 people crossed by foot and roller skate.^[5] On opening day, Mayor Angelo Rossi and other officials rode the ferry to Marin, then crossed the bridge in a motorcade past three ceremonial "barriers," the last a blockade of beauty queens who required Joseph Strauss to present the bridge to the Highway District before allowing him to pass. An official song, "There's a Silver Moon on the Golden Gate," was chosen to commemorate the event. Strauss wrote a poem that is now on the Golden Gate Bridge entitled "The Mighty Task is Done." The next day, President Roosevelt pushed a button in Washington, DC signaling the official start of vehicle traffic over the Bridge at noon. When the celebration got out of hand, the SFPD had a small riot in the uptown Polk Gulch area. Weeks of civil and cultural activities called "the Fiesta" followed. A statue of Strauss was moved in 1955 to a site near the bridge.^[10]

Description

Specifications

The center span was the longest among suspension bridges until 1964 when the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge was erected between the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City, surpassing the Golden Gate Bridge by 60 feet (18 m).The Golden Gate Bridge also had the world's tallest suspension towers at the time of construction and retained that record until more recently. In 1957, Michigan's Mackinac Bridge surpassed the Golden Gate Bridge's total length to become the world's longest two-tower suspension bridge in total length between anchorages, but the Mackinac Bridge has a shorter suspended span (between towers) compared to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Structure

The weight of the roadway is hung from two cables that pass through the two main towers and are fixed in concrete at each end. Each cable is made of 27,572 strands of wire. There are 80,000 miles (129,000 km) of wire in the main cables.^[23] The bridge has approximately 1,200,000 total rivets.

Traffic

As the only road to exit San Francisco to the north, the bridge is part of both U.S. Route 101 and California Route 1. The median markers between the lanes are moved to conform to traffic patterns. On weekday mornings, traffic flows mostly southbound into the city, so four of the six lanes run southbound. Conversely, on weekday afternoons, four lanes run northbound. Although there has been discussion concerning the installation of a movable barrier since the 1980s, the Bridge Board of Directors, in March 2005, committed to finding funding to complete the $2 million study required prior to the installation of a movable median barrier. The eastern walkway is for pedestrians and bicycles during the weekdays and during daylight hours only, and the western walkway is open to bicyclists on weekday afternoons, weekends, and holidays. The speed limit on the Golden Gate Bridge was reduced from 55 mph (89 km/h) to 45 mph (72 km/h) on 1 October 1996.

Aesthetics

Despite its red appearance, the color of the bridge is officially an orange vermillion called international orange.^[24] The color was selected by consulting architect Irving Morrow because it compliments the natural surroundings and enhances the bridge's visibility in fog.

The bridge is said to be one of the most beautiful examples of bridge engineering, both as a structural design challenge and for its aesthetic appeal. It was declared one of the modern Wonders of the World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. According to Frommer's travel guide, the Golden Gate Bridge is "possibly the most beautiful, certainly the most photographed, bridge in the world"^[25] (although Frommers also bestows the "most photographed" honor on Tower Bridge in London, England).^[26]

Aesthetics was the foremost reason why the first design of Joseph Strauss was rejected. Upon re-submission of his bridge construction plan, he added details, such as lighting, to outline the bridge's cables and towers.^[27]

Paintwork

The bridge was originally painted with red lead primer and a lead-based topcoat, which was touched up as required. In the mid-1960s, a program was started to improve corrosion protection by stripping the original paint and repainting the bridge with zinc silicate primer and vinyl topcoats.^[28][29] Since 1990 Acrylic topcoats have been used instead for air-quality reasons. The program was completed in 1995 and it is now maintained by 38 painters who touch up the paintwork where it becomes seriously eroded.^[30]

Current issues

Economics

The last of the construction bonds were retired in 1971, with $35 million in principal and nearly $39 million in interest raised entirely from bridge tolls.^[31]

In November 2006, the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District recommended a corporate sponsorship program for the bridge to address its operating deficit, projected at $80 million over five years. The District promised that the proposal, which it called a "partnership program," would not include changing the name of the bridge or placing advertising on the bridge itself. In October 2007, the Board unanimously voted to discontinue the proposal and seek additional revenue through other means, most likely a toll increase.^[32][33]

On 2 September 2008, the auto cash toll for all southbound motor vehicles was raised from $5 to $6, and the FasTrak toll was increased from $4 to $5. Bicycle, pedestrian, and northbound motor vehicle traffic remain toll free.^[34] For vehicles with more than two axles, the toll rate is $2.50 per axle.^[35][36]

Congestion pricing

In March 2008, the Golden Gate Bridge District board approved a resolution to implement congestion pricing at the Golden Gate Bridge, charging higher tolls during peak hours, but rising and falling depending on traffic levels. This decision allowed the Bay Area to meet the federal requirement to receive $158 million in federal transportation funds from USDOT Urban Partnership grant.^[37] As a condition of the grant, the congestion toll must be in place by September 2009.^[38][39]

The first results of the study, called the Mobility, Access and Pricing Study (MAPS), showed that a congestion pricing program is feasible.^[40] The different pricing scenarios considered were presented in public meetings in December 2008 and the final study results are expected for late 2009.^[41]

Suicides

The Golden Gate Bridge is not only the most popular place to commit suicide in the United States^[42] but the most popular in the entire world.^[43] The deck is approximately 245 feet (75 m) above the water.^[44] After a fall of approximately four seconds, jumpers hit the water at some 76 miles per hour (122 km/h). At such a speed, water has proven to take on properties similar to concrete. Because of this, most jumpers die on their immediate contact with the water. The few who survive the initial impact generally drown or die of hypothermia in the cold water.

An official suicide count was kept, sorted according to which of the bridge's 128 lamp posts the jumper was nearest when he or she jumped. By 2005, this count exceeded 1,200 and new suicides were averaging one every two weeks.^[45] For comparison, the reported second-most-popular place to commit suicide in the world, Aokigahara Forest in Japan, has a record of 78 bodies, found within the forest in 2002, with an average of 30 a year.^[46] There were 34 bridge-jump suicides in 2006 whose bodies were recovered, in addition to four jumps that were witnessed but whose bodies were never recovered, and several bodies recovered suspected to be from bridge jumps. The California Highway Patrol removed 70 apparently suicidal people from the bridge that year.^[47]

There is no accurate figure on the number of suicides or successful jumps since 1937, because many were not witnessed. People have been known to travel to San Francisco specifically to jump off the bridge, and may take a bus or cab to the site; police sometimes find abandoned rental cars in the parking lot. Currents beneath the bridge are very strong, and some jumpers have undoubtedly been washed out to sea without ever being seen. The water may be as cold as 47 °F (8 °C).

The fatality rate of jumping is roughly 98%. As of 2006, only 26 people are known to have survived the jump.^[45] Those who do survive strike the water feet-first and at a slight angle, although individuals may still sustain broken bones or internal injuries. One young man survived a jump in 1979, swam to shore, and drove himself to a hospital. The impact cracked several of his vertebrae.^[48]

Engineering professor Natalie Jeremijenko, as part of her Bureau of Inverse Technology art collective, created a "Despondency Index" by correlating the Dow Jones Industrial Average with the number of jumpers detected by "Suicide Boxes" containing motion-detecting cameras, which she claimed to have set up under the bridge.^[49] The boxes purportedly recorded 17 jumps in three months, far greater than the official count. The Whitney Museum, although questioning whether Jeremijenko's suicide-detection technology actually existed, nevertheless included her project in its prestigious Whitney Biennial.^[50]

Various methods have been proposed and implemented to reduce the number of suicides. The bridge is fitted with suicide hotline telephones, and staff patrol the bridge in carts, looking for people who appear to be planning to jump. Iron workers on the bridge also volunteer their time to prevent suicides by talking or wrestling down suicidal people.^[51] The bridge is now closed to pedestrians at night. Cyclists are still permitted across at night, but must be buzzed in and out through the remotely controlled security gates.^[52] Attempts to introduce a suicide barrier had been thwarted by engineering difficulties, high costs, and public opposition.^[53] One recurring proposal had been to build a barrier to replace or augment the low railing, a component of the bridge's original architectural design. New barriers have eliminated suicides at other landmarks around the world, but were opposed for the Golden Gate Bridge for reasons of cost, aesthetics, and safety (the load from a poorly designed barrier could significantly affect the bridge's structural integrity during a strong windstorm).

Strong appeals for a suicide barrier, fence, or other preventive measures were raised once again by a well-organized vocal minority of psychiatry professionals, suicide barrier consultants, and families of jumpers after the release of the controversial 2006 documentary film The Bridge, in which filmmaker Eric Steel and his production crew spent one year (2004) filming the bridge from several vantage points, in order to film actual suicide jumps. The film caught 23 jumps, most notably that of Gene Sprague as well as a handful of thwarted attempts. The film also contained interviews with surviving family members of those who jumped; interviews with witnesses; and, in one segment, an interview with Kevin Hines who, as a 19-year-old in 2000, survived a suicide plunge from the span and is now a vocal advocate for some type of bridge barrier or net to prevent such incidents from occurring.

On October 10, 2008, the Golden Gate Bridge Board of Directors voted 14 to 1 to install a plastic-covered stainless-steel net below the bridge as a suicide deterrent. The net will extend 20 feet (6 m) on either side of the bridge and is expected to cost $40–50 million to complete.^[54][55] However, lack of funding could delay the net's construction.^[56]

Wind

Since its completion, the Golden Gate Bridge has been closed due to weather conditions only three times: on 1 December 1951, because of gusts of 69 mph (111 km/h); on 23 December 1982, because of winds of 70 mph (113 km/h); and on 3 December 1983, because of wind gusts of 75 mph (121 km/h).^[57]

Seismic retrofit

Modern knowledge of the effect of earthquakes on structures led to a program to retrofit the Golden Gate to better resist seismic events. The proximity of the bridge to the San Andreas Fault places it at risk for a significant earthquake. Once thought to have been able to withstand any magnitude of foreseeable earthquake, the bridge was actually vulnerable to complete structural failure (i.e., collapse) triggered by the failure of supports on the 320-foot (98 m) arch over Fort Point.^[58] A $392 million program was initiated to improve the structure's ability to withstand such an event with only minimal (repairable) damage. The retrofit's planned completion date is 2012.^[59][60]

In popular culture

As such a prominent American landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge has been used in countless pieces of media. See Golden Gate Bridge in popular culture.

Notes

References

• Tad Friend: Jumpers: The fatal grandeur of the Golden Gate Bridge, The New Yorker, October 13, 2003 v79 i30 page 48
• "Golden Gate Bridge Natural Frequencies", Vibrationdata.com, April 5, 2006
• Eric Steel: The Bridge, a 2006 documentary film regarding suicides occurring at the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Louise Nelson Dyble,Paying the Toll: Local Power, Regional Politics, and the Golden Gate Bridge University of Pennsylvania Press, 2009.

External links

• Golden Gate Bridge official site
• Golden Gate Bridge at the Open Directory Project
• Images of the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco Public Library's Historical Photograph database

Toll bridges in the San Francisco Bay Area North–south direction Golden Gate Bridge · Carquinez Bridge · Benicia–Martinez Bridge · Antioch Bridge East–west direction Richmond – San Rafael Bridge · San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge · San Mateo – Hayward Bridge · Dumbarton Bridge

Crossings of San Francisco Bay West Pacific Ocean Golden Gate Bridge East North Bay: Richmond-San Rafael Bridge South Bay: Transbay Tube BART

World's longest suspension bridge span Preceded by George Washington Bridge Golden Gate Bridge 1937–1964 Superseded by Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

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From Wikitravel

The Golden Gate area is in the northern section of San Francisco. It is made up of two National Historic Landmarks — The Presidio and Fort Mason — as well as several upscale neighborhoods including Pacific Heights, Cow Hollow, and the Marina District. It has some of the most beautiful scenery and intact natural environments in the city. It is roughly bounded by the San Francisco Bay to the north and west, Lake St and California St to the south, and Van Ness Ave to the east. The Golden Gate Bridge connects this district with Marin County across the Bay to the north.

Understand

Pacific Heights

Pacific Heights, located 370 feet above sea-level and overlooking the Bay, was little more than a sandy hill until 1870, when the Cable Car line was extended and connected the area to downtown. Today, it's favored by visitors for its impressive panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the Presidio, its abundance of opulent Victorian mansions, historic chateaus, foreign consulates, and finally its many upscale restaurants. The three blocks on Broadway St between Lyon St and Divisadero St have particularly good vistas and are known as the "Gold Coast." Some of the buildings date back as far as 1853, with the majority being constructed after the 1906 earthquake. Considered today to be the home of "old money" families and young urban professionals, it was first settled by the "nouveau riche" of the late 1800s. The neighborhood is predominantly peaceful and residential with most of its activities centered around Fillmore St. It was also the backdrop for the 1990 movie "Pacific Heights" starring Melanie Griffith.

Cow Hollow

Cow Hollow derived its name from the many dairy farms that were established there in the mid-1800s. However, with the advent of the Gold Rush, the neighborhood flourished. Prominent San Franciscans began to settle the area and erected grandiose well-appointed Victorian, and then later Edwardian mansions. By 1891, the area had become so popular that all the dairy farms were closed down. Today, this once luscious grazing land is more renowned for its impressive mansions and its eclectic mix of antique stores, art galleries, bars, and restaurants. Union St is the main drag, where the Union St. Festival is held annually.

The Marina District

The Marina district was built on landfill — some of it wreckage of the 1906 earthquake — in the early 20th century to provide a fairgrounds for the 1915 World's Fair (also called the Panama-Pacific Exhibition). Its poor foundation made it the focus of most of the damage (and media attention) in the Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989. Today it is an affluent, residential neighborhood with well trimmed hedges and colorful flower window boxes. Bounded by the Bay, the neighborhood actually has an impressive marina, which is home to a couple of prestigious yacht clubs. Marina Green, an 8 block stretch of grass running along the edge of the bay, is a favorite place for jogging, strolling, picnicking, and kite flying. Only a few blocks away, Chestnut St. is where shoppers can peruse boutiques or people watch while sipping on a latte. "Culture vultures" circle round Fort Mason, with its array of museums, art galleries and quirky theaters.

Fort Mason and the Presidio

Fort Mason and the Presidio are two former military posts on the northern tip of the San Francisco peninsula. Today, both are national historic landmarks and come under the remit of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area. Fort Mason is smaller and has a world class youth hostel as well as several museums and theaters. The Presidio is huge, with 1,480 acres of rolling hills, forests, hiking trails, historic buildings, architecture, beaches, and marsh lands. It has one of the most intact natural environments you will find on the peninsula and is a must for every itinerary.

By car

The main entryways are Van Ness Ave from the south and Bay St from the east. From the north and west, take Highway 101 through the Presidio to Lombard St. Chestnut St, one of the main shopping and restaurant streets, is one block north of Lombard St — parking is scarce and can sometimes take up to an hour to find. The best choice for parking may be the free area in Fort Mason, at Beach and Buchanan Sts, another 4 short blocks north of Chestnut. Union St, being Cow Hollow's main street, is three blocks south of Lombard St.

By bus

Public transportation, provided by MUNI [1], is plentiful and frequent.

• Cross town routes. The 28 bus gets you along Lombard St into Fort Mason from the Daly City BART station, traveling first a long way up 19th Ave and through the Presidio by the Golden Gate Bridge. Buses 29 and 43 traverse much of the western part of San Francisco before terminating in the area, with the 29 stopping in the Presidio and the 43 running through the Presidio before stopping in the Marina district. The 22 Fillmore bus (24-hour service) from the 16th St BART Station goes north on Fillmore St all the way to the Marina Green.

• From downtown. From the Caltrain station, traveling through downtown past the Montgomery St BART station (outbound) or the Powell St BART station (inbound), the 30 Stockton bus (which runs about every 6 minutes during the day, until 1AM) gets you to Chestnut St and near the Palace of Fine Arts. You can also take the 41, 45 (both serve Union St), 76, and 12. Routes 1, 2, 3, and 4 serve Pacific Heights and Lower Pacific Heights.

In addition to the many MUNI routes, there is also the free PresidiGo shuttle service with two lines: a Downtown line [2] that runs directly between the Transbay Terminal in downtown to the Presidio, and an Around the Park line [3] which runs throughout the Presidio.

On foot

If you enjoy walking, you can take the Historic F-line streetcar from downtown along the Embarcadero to Fisherman's Wharf, and walk along San Francisco Bay past Fort Mason — it's a bit of hill — to the Marina Green. If you're downtown, simply follow Van Ness Ave all the way north and take a left anywhere from California St to Lombard St.

Get around

With six lanes, going east-west, Lombard St is the main road and considered (along with north-south Van Ness) to be part of Highway 101. The winding section of Lombard St is due east, on Russian Hill.

This is a fantastic area to either walk or cycle through as it is predominantly flat (with the obvious exception of Pacific Heights), and also because it's a very safe area. Given the area's popularity with joggers, walkers, power-walkers, and cyclists, you will definitely not be alone. Chestnut St is the business section of the Marina and considered among the poshest of San Francisco's streets. Union St and Fillmore St are the other two main shopping areas in this district. To the north, along San Francisco Bay, runs the 74 acre stretch of Marina Green. Your walk can continue along the bay to the west, through the Presidio, along the restored Crissy Field marshes, all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge; or to the east, a short climb through Fort Mason and down into Fisherman's Wharf.

If you are interested in biking around the area — "biking the bridge" is very popular activity — there are several companies that rent bikes out to tourists by the hour or for the day, including Bay City Bike [4], Bike and Roll [5], and Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals [6].

See

There are lots of things to see in this district ranging from the pristine natural landscapes of the Presidio, to man-made marinas, Victorian architecture, and the Golden Gate Bridge. In places like the Presidio and Fort Mason you'll find an interesting blend of both, with modern offices, historical buildings, and museums making their home alongside sandpipers, coyotes, and fox squirrel. "City slickers" should be more at home futher inland where they'll find galleries and museums, architecture, and urban parks. Naturalists will be more at home along the coast line, from Fort Mason all the way along into the Presidio.

• The Six Gallery, 3119 Fillmore St (between Pixley St and Filbert St). On Friday, October 7, 1955, the "Six Gallery reading" took place here. It was a seminal moment in the Beat Generation movement and attracted such poets and writers as Alan Ginsberg, Gary Snyder, Philip Lamantia, Michael McClure, Philip Whalen, and Jack Kerouac. The gallery has since closed but you can still visit the site where this watershed event took place. Free.  edit

• Wave Organ, at the end of Yacht Road (after the Golden Gate Yacht Club). It's best at high-tide — 5:30AM. Designed by George Gonzales and Peter Richards in 1986, the Wave Organ is a system of PVC pipes that harness the power of the ocean to create music... or at least what can be interpreted as music! There is a unique space at the end of a spit of land where you can sit and enjoy the sounds, and even if it's not your kind of music, there are some excellent views and it's also a great place to relax and have a picnic. Free.  edit

• Yacht Clubs. You can't come to the Marina district without actually seeing, well... the marina! Here where you will find an impressive flotilla of vessels — both sail and power. There are various "small craft" harbors located at either end of Marina Green, but the two main yacht clubs are:  edit

• Golden Gate Yacht Club, 1 Yacht Road (at the end of Yacht Road), ☎ +1 415 346-2628 (generalmanager@ggyc.com), [7]. Founded in 1939, this club is both a popular destination for pleasure cruises and for competitive regatta racing. It's plainer than its neighbor the SFYC, however it got a major boost of late when Larry Ellison and the Oracle guys signed up and the club became the challenge club of record for the America's Cup.  edit

• St Francis Yacht Club, 700 Marina Blvd (at the end of Baker St), ☎ +1 415 563-6363 (Frontdesk@StFYC.com, fax: +1 415 563-8670), [8]. Founded in 1927, this club has over 2,400 members and is also popular as both a cruise and regatta venue. It is reputedly the most exclusive yacht club in San Francisco and there are some serious vessels docked here.  edit

Parks

The two largest parks in this area are listed separately under the Fort Mason section and The Presidio section below. The Marina Green Park is listed under the Do section below as it's primarily used as a recreational area. Other parks include:

• Alta Plaza Park, (between Jackson St and Steiner St, Clay St and Scott St), ☎ +1 415 567-1265 (laurenhallsf@yahoo.com), [9]. A charming and immaculately manicured Pacific Heights park with great vistas over the Bay. It has tennis courts and a playground, and is a pretty good place for a picnic, or even just a rest if you've just scaled the hill.  edit

• Lafayette Park, (between Sacramento St and Washington St, Laguna St and Gough St), ☎ +1 415 321-4342 (kim@kimbarnes.net), [10]. Another little oasis park in the heart of Pacific Heights — like its neighbor Alta Plaza Park, it is pristinely kept by local residents and it also has excellent views over the Bay.  edit

Galleries and museums

Many of the galleries and museums are listed separately under the Fort Mason section and The Presidio section below. Here are some others:

• Hourian Art Galleries, 1843 Union St (between Octavia St and Laguna St), ☎ +1 415 346-6400 (houriangallery@aol.com). 10AM-6PM daily. Has an interesting collection of Persian miniatures crafted using arabesque patterns and bright color. The owner also sells some of his own art and is happy to talk to you about it. Free.  edit

• Images of the North, 2036 Union St (between Buchanan St and Webster St), ☎ +1 415 673-1273 (gallery@ImagesNorth.com, fax: +1 415 673-1272), [11]. Tu-Sa 11AM-5:30PM and by appt. Features a eclectic collection of prints, sculpture, and jewelry from Alaskan and Canadian Inuit artists. The artwork sold here is an interpretation of Arctic life and culture. Free.  edit

• Wonders of Tibet, 1771 Union St (between Gough St and Octavia St), ☎ +1 415 409-2994 (wot@wondersoftibet.com, fax: +1 415 409-2995). M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-4PM. A Tibetan inspired gallery where you will find all kind of original Buddhist treasures like; jewelry and beads, rugs, Dharma, antiques, artifacts, and gifts. Free.  edit

Architecture

Architecture buffs will definitely enjoy taking a stroll through the Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow neighborhoods, where ornate (and huge!) Edwardian and Victorian mansions are on display. Many are privately owned so be respectful, but some are open to the public. If you are a fan of the Spanish Colonial Revival-style, continue your tour through The Presidio section below where you will find many fine examples.

• Atherton House, 1990 California St (at Octavia St), [12]. An 1881 Victorian mansion that was built for Mrs. Doming de Goni Atherton by an unknown architect. It was one of the first Queen Anne residences in San Francisco. It is reported to be haunted, and is a stop on the haunted tour of San Francisco. Free.  edit

• Haas Lilienthal House, 2007 Franklin St (at Washington St), ☎ +1 415 441-3004 (hrkraft@sfheritage.org, fax: +1 415 441-3015), [13]. Tours: Su 11AM-4PM, W and Sa noon-3PM. Tours leave every 20 to 30 minutes and last about 1 hour. This is an 11,500 square foot Queen Anne Victorian, built solely out of redwood in 1886 for William Haas. It has been fully preserved as per its original design. It presently houses the San Francisco Architectural Heritage who offer tours inside the house and around the grounds. General admission: $8, Seniors and Children 12 and under: $5.  edit

• The Leale House, 2475 Pacific Ave (between Steiner St and Fillmore St). This house was built in 1853 and as such it is one of the city's oldest residences. A ferry-boat captain known as Captain Leale bought the house three decades later and remodeled it in the popular "Italianate" style.  edit

• The Octagon House, 2645 Gough St (at Union St), ☎ +1 415 441-7512, [14]. Open to the public on the second Sunday of every month, and the second and fourth Thursday of every month, from noon-3PM. Dating from 1861, this eight-sided house with its cupola top, dormer windows, and roof lanterns was built in the belief that such octagonally shaped houses promote healthier living. Today, the building is a American Colonial museum. It has many artifacts on display including antique furniture and historical documents. It is run by the National Society of the Colonial Dames. Free.  edit

• San Francisco Public Library — Golden Gate Valley Branch, 1801 Green St (at Octavia St), ☎ +1 415 355-5666, [15]. M-Tu 10AM-6PM, W 12PM-8PM, Th 1PM-7PM, F-Sa 1PM-6PM. Built in 1917 by architect Ernest Coxhead, this unique "Beaux-Arts" library was modeled on a Roman basilica. Today in the 21st century, it has free internet facilities.   edit

• Spreckles Mansion, 2080 Washington St (at Octavia St). This white "Beaux-Arts" limestone mansion was built in 1913 by sugar baron Adolph Spreckles. It has 55 rooms including a Louis XVI Ballroom. The mansion is currently a private residence which is owned by the famous romance-novelist, Danielle Steele.  edit

• Vedanta Temple, 2963 Webster St (at Filbert St), ☎ +1 415 922-2323 (temple@sfvedanta.org), [16]. This temple was built in 1905 by architect Joseph Leonard. Architecturally the building reflects the Vedantic philosophy that all roads lead to one God; hence the building has a mix of architectural styles like Edwardian, Moorish, Queen Anne, Colonial, and Oriental among others. It has five different kinds of towers on the top including a Russian-style onion dome and a European-style castle turret. The extraordinary temple was the first Hindu temple built in the West. Free.  edit

Fort Mason [17] was a U.S. Military coastal defense post and port for over 100 years. In 1985, it was ordained as a National Historic Landmark, primarily for its vital logistical role during World War II and then later the Korean War. Today, it is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area [18] and is under the remit of the National Park Service. Situated on a headland, Upper Fort Mason has great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and of Alcatraz. Lower Fort Mason, which comprises approximately 13 acres, is the site of the former military port and today houses the Fort Mason Center, which is committed to nonprofit and cultural activities with an emphasis on entertainment, recreation, and education in the fields of; the visual/performing arts, humanities, and ecology/environment. It has three museums and six theaters and hosts nearly 20,000 events each year. Most of the activities are provided at nominal or sometimes no cost to the public. The small, specialized museums in Fort Mason include:

• Museo ItaloAmericano, Fort Mason Center, Building C, ☎ +1 415 673-2200 (sfmuseo@sbcglobal.net, fax: +1 415 673-2292), [19]. Tu-Su noon-4PM, M by appointment. Hosts photo exhibits and the work of modern Italian artists. Free.  edit

• African American Historical and Cultural Society, MacArthur Ave, ☎ +1 415 441 0640. W-Su noon-5PM. Displays historical and contemporary African-American arts. Free — on the first Wednesday of every month.   edit

• San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art — Artists Gallery, Fort Mason Center, Landmark Building A, ☎ +1 415 441-4777 (artistsgallery@sfmoma.org), [20]. Tu-Sa 11:30AM-5:30PM. Housed over two floors, the SFMOMA displays the art — in a variety of styles and media — of over 1,000 emerging and established Northern Californian artists. Free.   edit

• The Long Now Foundation Museum, Landmark Building A, ☎ +1 415 561-6582 (services@longnow.org, fax: +1 415 561-6297), [21]. M-F 10:30AM-5PM, Sa-Su 11AM-6PM. The Long Now foundation was established to foster a better understanding of a "slower/better" mind set — as opposed to "faster/cheaper" one. As well as holding many seminars and talks, they also have a museum and store at their premises. Free.  edit

The Presidio ([22] and [23]) was founded in 1776 and was the longest-running military post in the U.S. before closing as a base in 1994. It is now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area [24] and Congress has designated it a National Historic Landmark District, which is the highest historic designation that can be given in the U.S. The park itself is a beautiful 3 square miles of mostly hilly and wooded areas.

The Presidio has around 800 buildings within its perimeter, many of which are of historical significance. Some of the buildings have residential tenants, others commercial ones. At the end of 2005, about 2,500 people lived in the Presidio and it is home to the headquarters of Lucasfilm (owned by George Lucas, the creator of "Star Wars"), a unique situation for a national park. Part of their drinking water comes from Lobos Creek (Rio de los Lobos), the last free-flowing creek in San Francisco. The Presidio Trust, that manages the majority of the park, is currently renovating the remainder of the buildings, with a view to increasing its list of residents to 5,000.

The Presidio contains 11 miles of hiking trails, including the Golden Gate Promenade, the Coastal Trail, an ecology trail, and portions of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the Bay Trail, and the Anza National Historic Trail. Cyclists can explore the area on 14 miles of paved roads and along some unpaved parts of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. A world-class board-sailing area borders Crissy Field, while fishing and crabbing opportunities abound from the nearby rocks and pier. Along the way there are also many historical and architectural points of interest as well as some fantastic vistas and natural scenery.

Visitor centers and museums

• Arion Press, 1802 Hays St (at Belles St), ☎ +1 415 668-2542 (arionpress@arionpress.com, fax: +1 415 668-2550), [25]. Tours: Th 3PM. Arion Press is considered the best publisher of fine press books in the nation. They offer tours of their gallery, which has a large collection of limited edition books and prints; and of the production facility, including the pressroom and the typefoundary that contains the oldest hot metal type foundry in the country. Tours: $7.  edit

• Battery Chamberlin, Battery Chamberlin Rd, ☎ +1 415 561-4323, [26]. On the first full weekend of each month, between 11AM-3PM, you can take part in demonstrations of the gun and visit a small seacoast defense museum at the battery. Battery Chamberlin, built near Baker Beach in 1904, was constructed as part of a modernization effort to accommodate the lighter, stronger, more powerful coastal defense weapons developed in the 1880s. Today Battery Chamberlin holds the last 6-inch "disappearing gun" of its type on the West Coast. Free.  edit

• Crissy Field Center, 603 Mason St (on the corner of Mason St and Halleck overlooking the marsh), ☎ +1 415 561-7690 (tellmemore@parksconservancy.org, fax: +1 415 561-7695), [27]. Daily 9AM-5PM. The Crissy Field Center includes an activity area, learning and computer labs, a teaching kitchen, library, and an information area and bookstore. The center offers a rich array of education programs that serve the entire San Francisco community. Focusing on the convergence of Urban and Natural Environments, educational programs and activities promote multicultural perspectives, environmental stewardship, and community service. They also have a small cafe inside the premises serving up organic, locally sourced food. Free.  edit

• Exploratorium, 3601 Lyon St (at Jefferson St), ☎ +1 415 397-5673 (visit@exploratorium.edu, fax: +1 415 561-0307), [28]. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM. A great kid friendly option, with lots of interactive exhibits teaching about science, with intriguing displays about the mind, natural systems, sound, sight, and much much more. Adults: $14, Students/seniors/teens: $11, Children: $9, Children under age 3: Free (Free on first Wednesday of each month).  edit

• Fort Point National Historic Site, Marine Dr (Long Ave and Marine Dr), ☎ +1 415 556-1693, [29]. Video orientations, guided tours, self-guiding materials, exhibits, and publication sales are offered Th-M 10AM-5PM. From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point protected San Francisco harbor from Confederate and foreign attack during and after the U.S. Civil War. Its beautifully arched casemates display the art of the master brick masons of the Civil War period. It is best approached from the Marina District along the water through the kites and bay-views of the connected Crissy Field Park. Free.  edit

• Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, 991 Marine Dr, ☎ +1 415 561-6622 (farallones@noaa.gov, fax: +1 415 561-6616), [30]. W-Su 10AM-4PM. The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center provides information on the sanctuary and features hands-on educational exhibits on local marine life. The visitor center is housed in the historic Coast Guard Station at the west end of Crissy Field. The Life Saving Service and Coast Guard were housed here from 1890 to 1990, providing a variety of services ranging from search and rescue operations to navigational assistance. Free.   edit

• William Penn Mott, Jr. Visitor Center, Building 50, Moraga Ave (at Graham St), ☎ +1 415 561-4323. 9AM-5PM daily. Information on points of interest and Presidio history is available at the Visitor Center, temporarily located in the Presidio Officers' Club. Several videos can be viewed in the theater and a bookstore offers topical books and other media. Free.  edit

Historical points of interest

• Battery East, (off Marina Dr). This fortification was built in the 1870s, to withstand newer and heavier ordinance. You can view the earthen works and brick-lined magazines built to protect large Rodman guns and their ammunition. Free.  edit

• Cavalry Stables and Pet Cemetery, Cowles St (between Lincoln Blvd and McDowell Ave), ☎ +1 415 561-4323, [31]. Five brick cavalry stables were built in 1914. Each stable could house 102 horses, enough for a cavalry company. A paddock stood between the stables and the cavalry barracks on the hill behind, and a blacksmith shop was in front. After the cavalry left the stables, they were adapted to other uses — the Pet Cemetery was started and also a veterinary hospital. Free.  edit

• Crissy Airfield, Crissy Field, 603 Mason St, ☎ +1 415 561-7690 (tellmemore@parksconservancy.org), [32]. From 1921 to 1936 Crissy Army Airfield was the center of West Coast military aviation. During these years of explosive advances in air power, pilots from Crissy performed maneuvers and mock battles, flew endurance flights, surveyed the west by air, and scouted for forest fires. Free.  edit

• Fort Winfield Scott, Ruckman Ave (near Appleton St), [33]. Situated near the gun batteries of the coastal bluffs, Fort Scott was established in 1912 to serve as headquarters for the Coastal Artillery Corps of the San Francisco Bay area. Spanish Revival style buildings, the first of this style to be built on the Presidio, characterize the post, and the U-shaped parade ground breaks from traditional quadrangular design. The post was eventually converted to an Army Education Center. Free.  edit

• Infantry Row, Infantry Terrace (near Moraga Ave), [34]. Buildings 101 through 105, known as "Infantry Row," were constructed to accommodate troops consolidated at the Presidio after the Indian Wars. These were some of the first brick barracks constructed in the west, showing that the Presidio was to be a permanent post. Built in the late 1890s, these barracks display Colonial Revival style architecture with Romanesque elements. Free.  edit

• Letterman Complex, Letterman Dr (between Lombard St and Presidio Blvd), ☎ +1 415 561-4323, [35]. Established in 1898 to care for sick and wounded soldiers, it is the Army's oldest named general hospital and during WWII it became the largest Army hospital in the country. Today the complex is home to Lucas Films and lots of Star Wars fans make the pilgrimage there each year. You won't get inside unless you know someone, but you can practice your "Jedi" skills outside with Yoda, at the "Yoda Fountain." Free.  edit

• Main Post, Lincoln Blvd (at Montgomery St), (mainpost@presidiotrust.gov), [36]. The Main Post is at the heart of the Presidio. It marks the site of a Spanish garrison established here in 1776 and it is home to the oldest buildings in the Presidio, dating back to 1861. Free.  edit

• Pershing Square, Pershing Dr (between Bliss Ct and Craig Ct), (mainpost@presidiotrust.gov), [37]. The flagpole in Pershing Square (at the Main Post) marks the site of a disastrous 1915 fire that destroyed the residence and killed the wife and three daughters of General John "Black Jack" Pershing of World War I fame. Just east lies the site of the original Spanish presidio, built in 1776 on this windswept slope. A boulder by the sidewalk approximates the northwest corner of the original Presidio, which formed a square about 300 feet (100 m) on each side. Two bronze cannons at this site, forged in the 1600s, were originally mounted at Castillo de San Joaquin, a fort built at the point overlooking the Golden Gate. They are among the oldest cannon in North America. Free.  edit

• Public Health Service Hospital, Wedemeyer St and 15th Ave (off Hayes St), ☎ +1 415 561-4183 (phsh@presidiotrust.gov), [38]. Built in 1875, the Public Health Service Hospital initially tended the needs of merchant seamen. Eventually the hospital also cared for members of the U.S. Coast Guard and other governmental agencies, Native Americans and Vietnam refugees. In addition, important research on plague diseases was conducted here. A new hospital replaced the old in 1932, and two wings were added in the 1950s. The hospital closed in 1981.  edit

• San Francisco National Cemetery, 1 Lincoln Blvd (near Fisher Loop), ☎ +1 415 561-2008, [39]. Many military personal have been buried here over the years, including a General from the American Civil War and 35 Medal of Honor recipients.  edit

• West Coast Memorial to the Missing of World War II, at Kobbe Ave and Lincoln Blvd (near Baker Beach), ☎ +1 415 561-4323, [40]. One of three memorials on U.S. soil dedicated to missing service members of WWII, the West Coast Memorial is a curved wall of California granite set in a grove of Monterey pine and cypress. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it bears the names of 413 members of the Armed Forces who lost their lives or were buried at sea in the offshore Pacific coastal waters.   edit

Architecture

• The Golden Gate Club, 135 Fisher Loop (at Infantry Terrace), ☎ +1 415 561-5444 (events@presidiotrust.gov), [41]. With its beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival-style exterior, it was originally dedicated in 1949 as a first-class service club for enlisted men and women and was the site of several historic treaty signings during the early days of the Korean War. Stylishly remodeled, the club is now a full-service conference and events center. Free.  edit

• Officers Club, 50 Moraga Ave (at Graham St), ☎ +1 415 561-5444 (events@presidiotrust.gov), [42]. Originally built by the Spanish with adobe walls, it was remodeled in the 1930s in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style adorned with rustic Spanish-tile gable roofs, heavy, rough timber lintels and beams, and decorative ironwork. Free.  edit

• Old Post Hospital, Funston Ave (at Lincoln Blvd), [43]. Built in 1864, it displays both Italianate and Greek Revival architectural styles. Constructed during the Civil War, it is one of the oldest standing buildings on the Presidio. The original structure was modified by adding wings and enclosing the porches. In 1897, an octagonal surgical tower with windows on all sides was added to provide a well-lit operating room. Free.  edit

• Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St (at Bay St), ☎ +1 415 567-6642 (info@palaceoffinearts.org, fax: +1 415 567-4062), [44]. 6AM-9PM daily. The only structure remaining from the 1915 World's Fair, it features a classical Roman rotunda (1,100 feet wide, 162 feet high) with curved colonnades (30 Corinthian columns frame a wide walkway in the colonnade) situated in a idyllic park setting with a classical European-Style lagoon. It's a great place to unwind, have a picnic, and watch the swans float elegantly by. It also has a theater offering a variety of shows, musical and cultural events. As of July 2008, it is being renovated. Free.  edit

• Post Interfaith Chapel, Fisher Loop, Building 130 (near Infantry Terrace), ☎ +1 415 561-3930 (paul@interfaith-presidio.org), [45]. M-Th 10AM-2PM, Su 10AM-1PM. Built in the early 1930s, this cruciform-shaped sanctuary is a fine example of Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture, with features that embellished early mission churches. Stained glass windows depict virtues of military character, and a large wall mural by Victor Arnautoff (famed Coit Tower muralist) depicts the peacetime activities of the Army. Free.  edit

Nature and recreation

Nature lovers will adore the Presidio. Its geology, climate, and geography — combined with the Army's decision not to overdevelop the Park — mean that it has some of the most intact natural habitats on the San Francisco peninsula. It is home to many rare species of flowers including Raven's manzanita and Franciscan thistle as well as mammals like the coyote, gray fox, and the Fox Squirrel. Bird lovers will be pleased to know that there are a great variety of birds milling about including Gulls, Sandpipers, Plovers, Ducks, Herons, Loons, Pelecans, and Kingfishers [46].

• Baker Beach, Gibson Rd (along Lincoln Blvd and Bowley St), ☎ +1 415 831-2750, [47]. A beautiful, immaculately kept 1 mile stretch of beach, set just behind the Golden Gate Bridge. Unfortunately, due to strong currents, the beach is not very safe for swimming, but for "land-lovers" it does have many outdoor barbeques and designated picnic areas to eat and relax at. Toward the northen end of the beach there is also an unofficial nude section that mainly seems to attract gay men. It has free parking and clean restrooms.  edit

• Coastal Bluffs. Beaches and rocky shoreline lie at the base of the coastal bluffs, while their tops provide expansive views of the Pacific coastline. The Coastal Trail extends along the wind-swept coastal bluffs, where some of the most intact natural habitat in the Presidio harbors rare plants adapted to serpentine soil and cool foggy conditions.  edit

• Crissy Field Marsh and Beach, 603 Mason St, ☎ +1 415 561-7690 (tellmemore@parksconservancy.org), [48]. Known by many names — "The city's front yard" and "The Golden Gate promenade" — this used to be one of the country's most active and strategic military airstrips. Today, under the care the Golden Gate National Parks Association, the 28 acre site has been transformed into recreational space for joggers, cyclists, walkers, and picnickers. There is also a significant project underway to return 18 acres back to its original tidal marshlands. With this effort, Crissy Field is fast becoming a great place to see local wildlife such as migrating long-billed curlews, semipalmated plovers and western sandpipers.  edit

• El Polin Spring, El Polin Loop (at the end of MacArthur Ave), ☎ +1 415 561-4323, [49]. El Polin spring water bubbles from a rock wall at the head of this riparian valley. The spring provided a source of fresh water for the Spanish Presidio, and Spanish and Mexican families built their homes in this sheltered valley. Today, you can picnic in the bucolic meadows near the spring or explore the surrounding forest and grasslands.  edit

• Inspiration Point, Arguello Blvd and Washington Blvd (at the Arguello Boulevard Gate), ☎ +1 415 561-5444 (events@presidiotrust.gov), [50]. Perched high atop the Presidio, Inspiration Point has great views over the Presidio and the Bay and is great to visit both during the day and at night.  edit

• Lobos Creek Valley, (off Lincoln Blvd, at the south-eastern section of the Presidio), [51]. Contains the last free-flowing stream in San Francisco that provides water to the inhabitants of the Presidio.  edit

• Lovers' Lane, (between Liggett Ave and Clark St), [52]. One of the oldest foot trails in the Presidio, Lovers' Lane is an easy, one-mile walk. U.S. soldiers used the trail to visit their lovers and family in San Francisco.  edit

• Mountain Lake, (at the southern entrance to the park, near 10th Ave and Lake St), ☎ +1 415 666-7005, [53]. The campsite of the Anza settlement party in 1776, it became a source of fresh water for San Francisco during the early years. Ducks and waterfowl make their home among the tule reeds. Mountain Lake today fronts a popular neighborhood park with playground equipment, tennis courts and a Par Course.  edit

• Presidio Forest, [54]. A mature forest of pine, cypress, eucalyptus and other non-native trees covers the higher areas of the Presidio. The army planted these trees from the 1880s through the 1940s in order to make the area appear larger with more relief, to limit visibility within the Presidio, and to beautify the post.  edit

• Presidio Golf Course, 300 Finley Rd (at Arguello Blvd), ☎ +1 415 561-4661, [55]. Tee-off times 6:45AM-3:09PM. Founded in 1895 by the private San Francisco Golf and Country Club, the original 9-hole Presidio Golf Course was one of the earliest courses on the West Coast. In 1910, the course was expanded to 18-holes. Today, the course is open to the general public. $55-$145.  edit

Golden Gate Bridge trivia In total, the bridge is 8,981 feet across (its main span being 4,200 feet). At its tallest point it is 746 feet, but only 90 feet across — 6 reversible traffic lanes and two walkways. The strait that passes beneath the bridge runs 400 feet deep. It is famously "over-engineered" — being over four times stronger than it needs to be. It took over four years to build and cost over $35 million. Amazingly, it has over 1.2 million rivets. Each of its twin towers weighs more than 44,000 tons and the total weight of the bridge is almost 900,000 tons. It is the second largest suspension bridge in the US and if you untangled all of its cables they would stretch around the world 3 times. It has been featured in many movies, including "Vertigo" and "Superman."

US 101 (from Park-Presidio or Lombard St entrance), ☎ +1 415 921-5858 (bridgecomments@goldengate.org), [56]. Open 24 hours, occasionally closed Sunday morning for events. $6 (toll driving south into San Francisco; free on foot or bike).

Vehicular traffic in both directions share a single deck; yellow pylons are used to allot lanes to one direction or the other depending on traffic conditions. Observation areas and parking lots are provided on both the north and south sides of the bridge; the best way to enjoy the bridge is to park and walk across, not least because you don't have to pay a toll. Note that winds are high and it can be cold and foggy; dress appropriately. Bikes can also be difficult to navigate in the high winds and narrow pathway.

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the United States, and has been called one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The bridge spans the Golden Gate, a strait between San Francisco and Marin County to the north, and is one of the major road routes into and out of the city.

The masterwork of architect Joseph B. Strauss, whose statue graces the southern observation deck, the bridge took seven years to build, and was completed on May 27, 1937. Not actually golden in color — a common misconception — the bridge is painted a deep red-orange color known as "International Orange," also known as "Orange Vermillion." The color was specifically chosen to make the bridge more easily visible through the thick fog that frequently shrouds the bridge. Erroneous legend has it that the bridge is continuously painted, with crews starting at one end and, on getting to the other end, turning around and starting over again. In fact, the bridge is only painted once every few years, but touch up work is done continuously by a team of 40 painters.

The San Francisco end of the bridge is accessible by the Muni 28 bus line from Fort Mason in the Marina District near Fisherman's Wharf. The fastest way to reach it from downtown is to take the 38 or 38L up Geary to “Park Presidio” (after 12th Ave) and transfer to a Fort Mason bound 28. Golden Gate Transit buses serve the bridge on request, but buses are very infrequent and unpredictable except at afternoon commute times, when they are crowded.

Do

Due to the "outdoorsy" nature of the area, many of the activities here are centered around nature, exercise, and recreation. If you feel like catching a show, there are also many theaters here of all descriptions.

• Exercise and Play, Marina Green Dr (along Marina Blvd between Buchanan St and Scott St), ☎ +1 415 831-2700. Marina Green is a long, flat strip of grass at the front of the Marina that runs along the Bay, equidistant between the Presidio and Fort Mason. The "Green" teems with joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, kite flyers, volleyball players, frisbee throwers, and rollerbladers — all getting their health kick exercising in an iconic location. The activities continue all the way through Crissy Fields ("The City's Front Yard") to the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge where you will find surfers patiently waiting for that next "big one."  edit

• Farallon Islands Nature Cruises, San Francisco Yacht Harbor/Marina Green (just outside the Harbormaster's office), ☎ +1 415-441-1106 (Oceanic Society) (menglund@oceanic-society.org, fax: +1 415-474-3395), [57]. Office Hours: M-F 9AM-5PM Cruise: Departs Sa-Su, Check-in time is 7:30AM, boat leaves 8AM. Learn about the importance of preserving our natural environment on a 8 hour cruise to this National Wildlife Refuge, 27 miles off the coast of San Francisco in the Gulf of the Farallons. The islands' 211 acres of rocks and surrounding waters are home to Sea Lions, Tufted Puffins, Pigeon Guillemots, and Rhinoceros Auklets among other species. In total, twenty three species of marine mammals, including 18 species of whales and dolphins reside in these waters. Adults $105.  edit

• Steps at Broadway and Lyon, Pacific Heights (at Broadway St and Lyon St). If you climb these steps you can get a breathtaking view of the Palace of Fine Arts, the Marina, and the Bay. The Steps are known locally as the "San Francisco Stair Master"... and with good reason!  edit

• Walking Tours. There are a number of themed walking tours available in the area including:  edit

• Heritage Walks, 2007 Franklin St (at Washington St), ☎ +1 415 441-3000 (cconmy@sfheritage.org, fax: +1 415 441-3015), [58]. Hours vary — see website. These architectural tours of Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow are given by the San Francisco Architectural Heritage Foundation and focus mainly on its abundance of "Painted Ladies" (no... not grandma! — it refers to Edwardian and Victorian mansions) as well as the historical underpinnings of the area. They offer several different tours of varying lengths so check their website for specific details. $8-$10.  edit

• San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour, Depart from the lobby of the Queen Anne Hotel, 1590 Sutter St (corner of Sutter St and Octavia St), ☎ +1 415 922-5590 (sfghosthunt@yahoo.com), [59]. W-M 7PM. Who's afraid of ghosts? Well, if you have the backbone for it, you can visit places long suspected of being haunted by ghostly visitations and spirits on this one hour guided tour. Reservations not required; Adults: $20 Under 16's: $10.  edit

• BATS Improv at Bayfront Theater, Fort Mason Center, Bldg B, 3rd floor (Lower Fort Mason), ☎ +1 415 474-6776 (bats@improv.org, fax: +1 415 474-9385), [60]. Shows usually start at 7PM/8PM. BATS is a performing arts theater company that focuses on all forms of improvisational format, including theatersports. They also provide classes for anyone interested. $8-$20.  edit

• Blue Bear Performance Hall, Fort Mason Center, Bldg D, 2nd floor (Lower Fort Mason), ☎ +1 415 673-3600 (contact@bluebearmusic.org), [61]. The Blue Bear Performance Hall is used mostly for school musical performances. They have a music school that teaches all kind of music from Jazz to rock-n-roll to musicians of all ages. The hall also hosts some independent stage productions.  edit

• Clay Theater, 2261 Fillmore St (between Clay St and Sacramento St), ☎ +1 415 267-4893, [62]. The Art Deco/Neo-Classical Clay Theater was built in 1910 and is one of the oldest movie theaters in the city. It specializes in indie and international films. It's a small little theater, with smallish seats and an even smaller screen; but its got a cozy atmosphere, its popcorn comes laden with butter, and overall it's a great place to catch an art house film. General: $10.50 Bargain Matinee: $8.00 (M-F before 6PM, Sa-Su 1st showing).  edit

• Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, Middle Pier (behind Herbst Pavilion), ☎ +1 415 441-3400, [63]. See website for schedule and times. Hosts theater, dance, talks, and film festival productions among other things. $0-$60.  edit

• Magic Theatre, Fort Mason Center, Bldg D, 3rd floor (Lower Fort Mason), ☎ +1 415 441-8822 (info@magictheatre.org, fax: +1 415 771-5505), [64]. W–Sa 8PM, Su 2:30PM and 7PM. The Magic Theater is where you can go if you are interested in seeing productions from new and established American playwrights such as the Pulitzer Prize-winner, Sam Shepard. $25-$75.  edit

• Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon St, ☎ +1 415 567-6642 (info@palaceoffinearts.org, fax: +1 415 567-4062), [65]. See website for schedule and times. This 1,000 seat theater hosts concerts, comedy shoes, film events, and lectures. $20-$150.  edit

• Young Performers Theatre, Fort Mason Center, Bldg C, 3rd floor (Lower Fort Mason), ☎ +1 415 346-5550 (sf_ypt@hotmail.com), [66]. Sa 1PM, Su 1PM and 3:30PM. Shows do not run every week, see website for exact dates. The Young Performers Theatre is a professional children’s theater. It hosts a dozen or so shows each year and also offers classes in the dramatic arts, creative drama, comedy and musical theater. Adults: $10, Children under 13: $7.  edit

• Ethnic Dance Festival, Palace of Fine Arts, ☎ +1 415 474-3914 (info@worldartswest.org, fax: +1 415 474-3922), [67]. June — Sa 2PM and 8PM, Su 2PM. The festival is held over four weekends in June and celebrates traditional ethnic dances like Flamenco, Balinese, Fuego Nuevo, Irish, and YaoYong. It's colorful, energetic, and exciting... and you might actually learn a thing or two for the dance floor! Opening Night Gala: $175, Single ticket: $22-$44, All four weekends ticket: $80-$158.  edit

• Easter Parade and Spring Celebration, Union St (Gough St to Fillmore St), ☎ +1 800 310-6563, [68]. Easter Su 10AM-5PM. The kid-friendly but diverse festivities include; a petting zoo, pony rides, live music, train rides, alfresco dining, and a parade. It attracts about 35,000 attendees annually. Good family fun for all! Free.  edit

• Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, ☎ +1 424 653-1883 (lisa.jenkins@imgworld.com), [69]. Second Su in June. Ok, hands up who can swim 1.5 miles through chilly waters, jump on a bike and cycle 18 miles, and then polish it all off with a mere 8 mile run... any takers? Well every year this event attracts 2,000 people who can, including world champions and Olympic medalists. The course winds its way through Fort Mason, along Marina Green and through the demanding trails of the Presidio and beyond. Anywhere along the route is good from a spectators point of view, but the transition area and the finish is at Marina Green. Free.  edit

• Fantasy of Lights, Union St and Fillmore St (Union St — between Van Ness Ave and Steiner, Fillmore St — between Union St and Lombard St), ☎ +1 800 310-6563, [70]. First Sa in December, 6PM-9PM. This is a month long celebration that sees local shop owners adorning their windows with the prettiest of lights, in an attempt to capture the coveted prize of "Best Lighting Effect." It all starts with an opening night parade when the lights are officially turned on and is followed by a month of programs and events. Although it's certainly pretty, it's probably not going to help with the global warming problem! Free.  edit

• San Francisco Blues Festival, Great Meadow, Fort Mason (Marina Blvd and Laguna St), ☎ +1 415 979-5588 (info@sfblues.com), [71]. Last weekend in Sept: F-Su. This is the oldest continually running blues fest in the world and it attracts some great Blues performers every year. Previous performers included B.B. King, Carlos Santana, and Little Richard among others. For the famished, they also have some flavorful New Orleans style barbeques to compliment the music. Advance: $35 per day, At the gate: $40 per day, Two-day ticket: $55, Single-day reserved lawn seating: $50, Two-day reserved lawn seating: $80, Children under 10 free.  edit

• San Francisco International Film Festival, 39 Mesa St, Suite 110 (near the Officers Club), ☎ +1 925 866-9559 (gga@sffs.org, fax: +1 925 866-9597), [72]. Two weeks in Apr/May. This festival has been going on now for over 50 years. It is organized by the San Francisco Film Society who are based in the Presidio, but the arthouse movies, documentaries, and short films are shown throughout the city. General admission $12.50, seniors/students/disabled $11.  edit

• Tribal, Folk, and Textile Art Show, Fort Mason Center (Lower Fort Mason), ☎ +1 310 455-2886 (info@caskeylees.com), [73]. Second weekend in February: F-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-5PM. More than 100 international dealers and galleries showcase their tribal, folk, and textile art at this show. Thousands of pieces will be on display from places such as Africa, the Himalayas, the Middle East, and the Americas. $15 daily.  edit

• Union St Art Festival, (between Union St and Gough St), ☎ +1 800 310-6563 (fax: +1 415 456-6436), [74]. First weekend in June: Sa-Su 10AM-6PM. This festival attracts many local artists who line the streets displaying their arts and crafts, along with live jazz and classical music performances. The festival is one of San Francisco’s largest annual free events, and attracts around 100,000 attendees each year. The festival has over a hundred arts and crafts booths, as well as two live entertainment stages, and an organic farmer's market. Free.  edit

Buy

The three main shopping thoroughfares are Union St (Cow Hollow), Fillmore St (Pacific Heights) and Chestnut St (The Marina). Most stores here are of the small specialist boutique varitey — a mix of unique and trendy chain shops reflecting the upscale nature of the neighborhoods. Union St is unquestionably one of the best streets in the city to window shop on (and hey, that costs nothing!), so take a slow stroll down Union St and enjoy the vibrancy and atmosphere of the shops, galleries, eateries, cafes and passers-by. With a friendly neighborhood feel, Fillmore St displays its charm through eclectic Victorian buildings that the stores are housed in. The street has a relaxed vibe, shopping here is a leisurely activity — many stores don't open until 11AM, some are closed on Mondays and most are closed on holidays. Chestnut St in the Marina is the one-stop street for anything you could need. Word to the wise — watch out for all the double-wide and double-decker baby strollers... they'll run you down.

• Ambiance, 1864 Union St (between Octavia St and Laguna St), ☎ +1 415 923-9797 or +1 415 923-9796, [75]. M-F 11AM-7PM, Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-7PM. The store has a great selection of women’s clothes and jewelry.  edit

• Bee Market, 2266 Union St (between Filbert St and Union St), ☎ +1 415 292-2910 (beemarket@earthlink.net, fax: +1 415 292-2911), [76]. M-F 10AM-6PM, Sa 10AM-4PM. Owned by French woman Virginie Wallace, this European furniture store always has something interesting on offer. Their French inspired collection is simple yet elegantly crafted and blends both classical and modern elements of furniture design.  edit

• Blu, 2259 Fillmore St (between Clay St and Sacramento St), ☎ +1 415 776-0643. M-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su noon-6PM. Women's modern European clothes and accessories store.  edit

• Books Inc, 2251 Chestnut St (at Avila St), ☎ +1 415 931-3633 (website@booksinc.net), [77]. M-Sa 9AM-10PM, Su 9AM-9PM. Unusual and quirky book store that holds a storytelling hour for kids every Sunday afternoon.  edit

• Gallery of Jewels, 2101 Union St (at Webster St), ☎ +1 415 929-0259 or 877 639-0226 (union@galleryofjewels.com, fax: +1 415 550-0424), [78]. M-Sa 1PM-6:30PM, Sa 11AM-6PM. This gallery sells distinctive, limited edition jewelry handcrafted by local and international designers. They have an good variety of silver, gold and platinum accessories and sell jewelry for both men and women.  edit

• Girlfriends, 1824 Union St (at Octavia St), ☎ +1 415 673-9544, [79]. M-Sa 10AM-8PM Su 11AM-6PM. To help you prepare for bikini season, this store has all you need to accessorize for the beach. The store has been visited by some famous "Girlfriends" including Courtney Cox, Gwenyth Paltrow and Britney Spears.  edit

• Golden Gate Bridge Gift Center, Golden Gate Bridge Plaza (Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza — southeast side), ☎ +1 415 923-2333, [80]. 8:30AM-7:30PM daily. You can purchase souvenirs of the Golden Gate Bridge here.  edit

• House of Magic, 2025 Chestnut St (at Fillmore St), ☎ +1 415 987-2218 (houseofmagic@earthlink.net, fax: +1 415 681-0232), [81]. They have a great selection of costumes and gags all year round; including wands, disguises, prosthetics, vintage collectibles, as well as starter kits to help you become a magician.  edit

• Kiehl's, 2360 Fillmore St (between Clay St and Washington St), ☎ +1 415 359-9260, [82]. M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Chain store offering facial and body scrubs, cleansers, and fragrances for both men and women. Lots of free samples for you if you cannot make up your mind.  edit

• Margaret O'Leary, 2400 Fillmore St (at Washington St), ☎ +1 415 771-9982 (fillmore@margaretoleary.com), [83]. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 11PM-5PM. Ladies store specializing in high-end knits and accessories.  edit

• My Roommate's Closet, 3044 Fillmore St (at Union St), ☎ +1 415 447-7703 (info@myroommatescloset.com), [84]. M-F 11AM-6:30PM, Sa 11AM-6PM, Su 12PM-5PM. Describing themselves as a "boutique outlet", they sell high-end designer clothing (Vera Wang etc) from other boutiques at deeply discounted prices. Sizes are limited though.  edit

• Nest, 2300 Fillmore St (at Clay St), ☎ +1 415 292-6199 (fax: +1 415 674-1216), [85]. M-F 10:30AM-6:30PM, Sa 10:30AM-6PM, Su 11AM-6PM. French-inspired furniture, gifts, and accessories.  edit

• Oliviers & Co., 2208 Fillmore St (near Sacramento St), ☎ +1 415 474-1408 (customer.service@oliviersandco.com), [86]. M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Boutique store that sells provincial olive and balsamic vinegars from all over the world — like Sicily and Haute Provence.  edit

• Past Perfect, 2230 Union St (between Fillmore St and Steiner St), ☎ +1 415 929-7651. 11:30AM-7PM daily. Antique store with a large and eclectic selection of vintage goods and artwork to choose from.  edit

• Red Dot Chestnut, 2176 Chestnut St (at Pierce St), ☎ +1 415 346-0606 (redinfo@reddotshops.com), [87]. M-Sa 11AM-7PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Selling designer goods at a discount — clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry. They also have some unique items like vegan handbags.  edit

• Safeway, 15 Marina Blvd (between Beach St and Buchanan St — near Fort Mason), ☎ +1 415 563-4946, [88]. M-Su noon-midnight. Large, local Marina Safeway.  edit

• Vino!, 2425A California St (between Fillmore St and Steiner St), ☎ +1 415 674-8466 (vino_wine_shops@bigmagic.com, fax: +1 415 674-8461). M-F 11AM-8PM, Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. They have a great selection of wines (circa 300 varieties) to suit every budget.  edit

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	$10 or less
Mid-range	$10–20
Splurge	$20 or more

There is an excellent selection of restaurants in this area; everything from regional Chinese restaurants to Tapas bars, and from Japanese sushi houses to American steakhouses, romantic French bistros, and Italian restaurants. A lot of the food plated here is of the healthier variety — a reflection of the heightened overall health consciousness of residents in this area. Therefore, many of the restaurants serve up food that's organic, vegetarian, or produced from locally sourced ingredients... is there any other way!? Like most other businesses in the area, most restaurants are on Chestnut St, Union St, and Fillmore St; or indeed, one of the side streets leading off them.

• Ace Wasabi Rock and Roll Sushi, 3339 Steiner St (just north of Lombard St), ☎ +1 415 567-4903 (fax: +1 415 749-1873). M-Th 5:30PM-10:30PM, F-Sa 5:30PM-11PM, Su 5PM-10PM. This sushi place is popular with the locals, offering good sushi with a rock and roll theme. Quirky and a bit of fun. $5-$14.50.  edit

• Acre Cafe, The Thoreau Center, Building 1013, 1st Floor (Lincoln Boulevard at Torney Ave), ☎ +1 415 561-2273 (Javier@acregourmet.com), [89]. M-F 7AM-3PM. This cafe is situated in the Presidio and it has excellent views over the landscape. It's popular with workers from the nearby offices but fatigued tourists stumble in every now and again. They serve simple international food like organic soups, salads, and sandwiches with a heavy focus on fresh healthy ingredients like free range chicken. $7-$11.  edit

• Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers, 3344 Steiner St (between Chestnut St and Lombard St), ☎ +1 415 563-0307, [90]. M-Th 11AM-10:30PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9:30PM. Great gourmet burgers here at a very affordable price. They have a great selection of burgers including some interesting vegetarian options like "tofu burgers," and fyi, all their burgers can be wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun... give it a try! They also serve salads and sandwiches. $8-$12.  edit

• Gatip Classic Thai Cuisine, 2205 Lombard St (at Steiner St), ☎ +1 415 292-7474 (fax: +1 415 292-2324), [91]. Su-Th 5PM-10PM F-Sa 5PM-10:30PM. Spicy Northern Thai cuisine in the Marina at an affordable price. $7-$12.  edit

• The Grove Fillmore, 2016 Fillmore St (between California St and Pine St), ☎ +1 415 474-1419. M-Th 7AM-11PM, F 7AM-11:30PM, Sa 8AM-11:30PM, Su 8AM-11PM. This cafe style restaurant has got a wholesome Californian menu with staples like salads, bagels, sandwiches, cheese plates, etc. They also do a very affordable breakfast where you can get options like "Huevos Rancheros" and "Country baked eggs" for under 10 bucks. $7-$12.  edit

• Home Plate, 2274 Lombard St (between Pierce St and Steiner St), ☎ +1 415 922-4663. M-Su 7AM-4PM. Wonderful breakfast/brunch place on Lombard St. Its always busy on weekends and it can feel a tad cramped but the food is worth it — delicious homemade scones with homemade jam and preserves, omelettes, pancakes/waffles, and eggs benedict. This is certainly one of the best breakfast places in the city! $5-$10.  edit

• Pluto's Fresh Food for a Hungry Universe, 3258 Scott St (at Chesnut St), ☎ +1 415 775-8867, [92]. M–F 11AM–10PM, Sa–Su 10:30AM–10PM. Fun American restaurant that’s part of a chain. It's mostly green salads and sandwiches here — custom made to your discerning specifications! $7-$12.  edit

• Alegrias, 2018 Lombard St (between Webster St and Fillmore St), ☎ +1 415 929-8888 (fax: +1 415 929-9215), [93]. W-M 5:30PM-10PM. Alegrias is a colorful, friendly, and romantic little Tapas bar in the Marina. Like many other Tapas bars, it's a great place to go if you want to sample many flavors and tastes from small plates. If you're still hungry after that, they have a more substantial main menu with plates like grilled lamb, paellas, and stewed rabbit. $8-$23.  edit

• Bistro Aix, 3340 Steiner St (between Lombard St and Chestnut St), ☎ +1 415 202-0100 (fax: +1 415 202-0153), [94]. W-Th 6PM-10PM, F-Sa 6PM-11PM, Su 5:30PM-9:30PM. A great dating restaurant with intimate, comfortable seating, and a romantic decor. They use fresh seasonal, local ingredients in their dishes. $14-$22.  edit

• Circa, 2001 Chestnut St (between Mallorca Way and Fillmore St), ☎ +1 415 351-0175 (info@circasf.com), [95]. M-W 5:30PM-midnight, Th-F 5:30PM-2AM, Sa 10:30AM-3PM and 5:30PM-2AM, Su 11AM-midnight. This lively Marina lounge turned restaurant has a relaxed casual atmosphere and serves traditional American fare. They have a good selection of smaller more adventurous plates to get you started like "lobster and white truffle mac-n-cheese" and "angus sliders black truffle and brie." $20-$30.  edit

• Dragon Well Restaurant, 2142 Chestnut St (between Steiner and Pierce St), ☎ +1 415 474-6888 (fax: +1 415 775-9888), [96]. 11:30AM-10PM daily. Light but satisfying modern Chinese food — not your typical oily dishes here! $11-$14.  edit

• Greens Restaurant, Building A, Fort Mason Center (Lower Fort Mason), ☎ +1 415 771-6222 (info@greensrestaurant.com, fax: +1 415 771-3472), [97]. M 5:30PM-9PM, Tu-Sa noon-2:30PM, 5:30PM-9PM, Su 10:30AM-2PM, 5:30PM-9PM. Located in Fort Mason, Greens organic vegetarian restaurant is a firm favorite among veggies and the health conscious. They have fresh, tasty international food that appeases all appetites (except for carnivorous ones of course!). Over the years it has become a bit of a local institution as its views over the water are hard to beat. $16-$23.  edit

• La Mediterranee, 2210 Fillmore St (at Sacramento St), ☎ +1 415 921-2956 (information@cafelamed.com, fax: +1 415 921-4061), [98]. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F-Sa 11AM-11PM. Serving up affordable Middle Eastern classics like quiche, hummos, pita bread, and kebabs. $10-$15.  edit

• Pacific Catch, 2027 Chestnut St (at Fillmore St), ☎ +1 415 440-1950 (michael@pacificcatc.com, fax: +1 415 873-1315), [99]. 11AM-10PM daily. There isn't much seating in this place, but that doesn't seem to matter for the patrons that come here to taste Asian/Pacific cuisine. The tuna bowl comes highly recommended. $11-$15.  edit

• Pomodoro, 1875 Union St (between Octavia St and Laguna St), ☎ +1 415 771-7900 (fax: +1 415 351-1484), [100]. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, Fr, Sa 11AM-11PM. Featuring risottos, pastas, meats, and seafood; this restaurant also has a nice open garden patio in the back and a full bar. $14-$22.  edit

• Solstice Restaurant and Lounge, 2801 California St (at Divisadero St), ☎ +1 415 359-1222 (email, fax: +1 415 359-1242), [101]. 5PM-midnight daily. Modern well decorated restaurant and lounge that serves up tasty, yet affordable treats like "gorgonzola mac-n-cheese" and "tempura battered fish tacos." It gets very packed in the evenings... a good sign! $8-$17.  edit

• A16, 2355 Chestnut St (between Scott St and Divisadero St), ☎ +1 415 771-2216 (email), [102]. Dinner: Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-11PM Lunch: W-F 11:30AM-2:30PM. This is part wine bar part restaurant; they serve simple Italian favorites (pizza, pastas, salumi) from the Campania region of Italy. They also have traditional wood-burning ovens to perfect your pizza. $15-$30.  edit

• Annie's Bistro, 2819 California St (at Divisadero St), ☎ +1 415 922-9669 (fax: +1 415 922-5567), [103]. M-W 5:30PM-9:30PM, Th 5:30PM-10:30PM, F-Sa 5:30PM-10:30PM, Sa-Su 10:30AM-2:30PM. Great little bistro that has an extensive collection of Californian wines. The menu reflects the usual staples that you'd expect to find at a bistro like pain perdue, crepes, and crème brulee; however, it also has many more traditional Californian dishes as well. $25-$35.  edit

• Betelnut Pejiu Wu, 2030 Union St (between Webster St and Buchanan St), ☎ +1 415-929-8855 (fax: +1 415 929-8894), [104]. Su-Th 11:30AM-11PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-midnight. "Pejiu Wu" means side street beer house. Along with oversized mugs of Asian beer you will find Pan-Asian authentic regional dishes. The food here tends to be quite hot. With its authentic style cuisine, it has become a Cow Hollow establishment. Look out for the long lines though and the staff can sometimes be a bit unfriendly. $22-$55.  edit

• Boboquivari's, 1450 Lombard St (between Franklin St and Van Ness Ave), ☎ +1 415 441-8880 (comments@boboquivaris.com, fax: +1 415 441-8805), [105]. Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-11PM. Popular steakhouse in the Marina, Bobo's is a "surf-n-turfers" dream. The menu boasts excellent steaks (porterhouse, fillet mignon, New York bone-in) combined with mussels, shrimp, lobster, and Dungeness crab... yummy! Bobo's is a colorful, if upscale restaurant, that is very popular and almost always busy. $30-$65.  edit

• Brazen Head, 3166 Buchanan St (at Greenwich St), ☎ +1 415 921-7600 (fax: +1 415 921-0164), [106]. Bar Hours: 4PM-2AM Dinner: 5PM-1AM. Serving wholesome American cuisine including their signature dish "Certified Angus Beef NY Pepper Steak" — this restaurant is a very well kept local secret. $18-$30.  edit

• Capannina, 1809 Union St (at Octavia St), ☎ +1 415 409-8001 (info@capannina.us, fax: +1 415 409-8004), [107]. Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5PM-10:30PM. A new Italian restaurant that focuses on the familiar and tempting classics of Italian cuisine. They have a "prix-fixe" as well as an "a la carte" menu. $25-$75.  edit

• Eastside West Restaurant and Raw Bar, 3154 Fillmore St (at Greenwich St), ☎ +1 415 885-4000 (info@eastsidewestsf.com, fax: +1 415 885-4001), [108]. Dinner: Tu-Sa 4PM-10PM, Su 5PM-8PM, Brunch: Sa 11AM-3PM, Su 11AM-5PM. They have excellent seafood here — shrimp, mussels, crabs, lobsters, and oysters. It's perfect for appetizers and drinks on a weekend afternoon; or how about their happy hour M-F 4PM-7PM, with $1 oysters and $2 draft beers... the perfect combination! $14-$40.  edit

• Isa, 3324 Steiner St (just off of Chestnut St), ☎ +1 415 567-9588 (fax: +1 415 409-1879), [109]. M-Th 5:30PM-10PM, F-Sa 5:30-10:30PM. Comfortable environment with an innovative fusion menu made up of small plates that blend French style with Asian flavors. Owner Luke Sung is one of San Francisco's most celebrated young chefs. $10-$30.  edit

• Izzy's Steaks & Chops, 3345 Steiner St (between Lombard St and Chestnut St), ☎ +1 415 563-0487, [110]. Su-Th 5PM-10PM, F-Sa 5:30-10:30PM. Classic steak restaurant with wood floors, saw dust, comfortable booths, steak sauces, and the requisite cowboy hat to boot! Their pricing is affordable and their steaks big and tasty. $17-$37.  edit

• Jackson Fillmore Trattoria, 2506 Fillmore St (at Jackson St), ☎ +1 415 346-5288 (dkrietzman@jacksonfillmoresf.com, fax: +1 415 454-1768), [111]. Tu-Sa 5:30PM-10PM, Su 5PM-9:30PM. This 3 star trattoria serves up old-style southern Italian food and wine from the region. The food is excellent and affordable (given the quality) and the place is usually crowded as a result. $25-$45.  edit

• Liverpool Lil's, 2942 Lyon St (between Greenwich St and Lombard St), ☎ +1 415 921-6664 (fax: +1 415 921-1019), [112]. Su 10AM-11PM, M 11AM-11PM, Tu-F 11AM-1AM, Sa 10AM-1AM. This restaurant was established in 1973 and has a good atmosphere, and also fantastic views over the Presidio from the curbside tables. They serve good burgers/sandwiches and traditional American food. $13-$30.  edit

• Perry’s, 1944 Union St (between Charlton Ct and Laguna St), ☎ +1 415 922-9022 (unionstreet@perryssf.com, fax: +1 415 922-0843), [113]. Lunch & Dinner: F-Sa 11AM-midnight, Su-Th 11AM-11PM, Brunch: Sa 9AM-3PM, Su 8AM-3PM. Over 40 years old, this restaurant is another Cow Hollow tradition. It is known for its classic American cuisine. $17-$30.  edit

• Presidio Social Club, 563 Ruger St, Bldg 563 (at Lyon St), ☎ +1 415 885-1888 (fax: +1 415 885 9188), [114]. M-Sa 5:30PM-11PM, Su 5:30PM-9:30PM, Brunch Sa-Su 10AM-2PM. Serving traditional American and international cuisine like fish and chips, Kobe beef, and liver and onions. They have a large outdoor veranda that is an excellent place to dine... weather permitting! There is also a lively bar on the premises if you fancy a few stiff drinks. $18-$27.  edit

• Rose’s Café, 2298 Union St (at Steiner St), ☎ +1 415 775-2200 (matthew@niceventures.com, fax: +1 415 775-9600), [115]. M-Th 7AM-10PM, F 7AM-11PM, Sa 8AM-11PM, Su 8AM-10PM. Features Italian and Californian fare created using fresh organic and local produce; this is certainly a restaurant for the more environmentally conscious. It's a very romantic spot and a favorite among locals. $16-$30.  edit

Drink

The area is not particularly well known for its cutting edge nightlife; it's more residential vis-à-vis downtown, and it does not have the cool cachet of trendy hotspot SoMa, nor the hipster popularity of North Beach and The Mission. So, if you're looking for a progressive clubbing scene, you probably won't find it here. What the area does offer though is many upscale bars, wine bars, sleek lounges, and clubs. The scene here can be pricey and many people deliberately avoid the bars and clubs here feeling that they are too pretentious, and consequently sterile. However, this can be a mistake as there are also plenty of cheaper options where you can get equally raucous and debaucherous on your nights out... thank God for that!

• Bar None, 1980 Union St (between Bunchanan St and Laguna St), ☎ +1 415 409-4469 (partybarnone@yahoo.com), [116]. M-F 4PM-2AM, Sa-Su noon-2AM. Featuring pool, darts, beer pong, a good selection on the jukebox and the "Power Hour" — Su-Th 9PM-10PM, $2 Wells and Drafts.  edit

• Black Horse London Pub, 1514 Union St (at Van Ness Ave), ☎ +1 415 928-2414, [117]. 5PM-midnight. They advertise this place as the smallest bar in San Francisco... "Small Pub, Big Heart." It is exactly 7 wide and 19 foot long... not for the claustrophobic! It may be small but this is a fun little bar with a list of "Tenets" on the wall; including "Thou Shall give priority seating to all Women in the Bar. (If you need further explication, please see “Exit.”)" and "Thou Shall have one pub and one pub only. (Ours…)."  edit

• Blue Light, 1979 Union St (between Buchanan St and Charlton Ct), ☎ +1 415 922-5510 (lcossey@sbcglobal.net, fax: +1 415 922-5852), [118]. Bar: M-F 4PM-2AM, Sa-Su 11AM-2AM Kitchen: Kitchen M-F 5PM-10PM, Sa noon-10PM, Sunday 11AM-10PM. Their "Taco Tuesday" is a long standing favorite amongst locals and features $3 margaritas for the ladies. Guys are equally well served with $2 Coronas, and with $1 tacos, who could go hungry?  edit

• Bus Stop, 1901 Union St (between Charlton Ct and Laguna St), ☎ +1 415 567-6905. M-F 10AM-2AM, Sa-Su 9AM-2AM. The Bus Stop has a comfortable "homey" atmosphere with 17 TVs and sports memorabilia on the walls. It attracts a twenty-something/thirty-something crowd. Happy Hour (M-F 4PM-6PM has $1.50 domestic beers and half price cocktails).  edit

• Harry's Bar, 2020 Fillmore St (between California St and Pine St), ☎ +1 415 921-1000, [119]. M-F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa-Su 10AM-2AM. Good neighborhood bar in Pacific Heights with a casual atmosphere. Popular with local professionals.  edit

• Kelley's Tavern, 3231 Fillmore St (at Moulton St), ☎ +1 415 567-7181 (loose@kelleystavern.com), [120]. M-F 5PM-2AM, Sa noon-2AM, Su noon-midnight. Busy and huge Irish/sports bar in the heart of the Cow Hollow/Marina neighborhoods. The nightly entertainment runs from football to live music depending on the night. Look for the lucky four leaf clover outside.  edit

• Lion Pub, 2062 Divisadero St (at California St), ☎ +1 415 567-6565. 4PM-2AM daily. Small intimate Pacific Heights bar specializing in fresh cocktails. It's well decorated inside with marble tables, candles, and even a fireplace (doh... it's fake!). They also lay out an impressive spread of free, fresh bar snacks like cheese and crackers.  edit

• Mauna Loa Club, 3009 Fillmore St (between Filbert St and Union St), ☎ +1 415 563-5137. M-F 2PM-2AM, Sa-Su noon-2AM. Pretty cool little Hawaiian bar decked out in island regalia. They have a nice circular bar, open windows that peer out over Fillmore St, and lots of games inside to keep you occupied. They have a pretty decent happy hour M-F 4PM-7PM, to get your night started.  edit

• Monaghan's, 3259 Pierce St (at Chestnut St), ☎ +1 415 567-4466 (info@monaghanssf.com), [121]. M 4:30PM-2AM, Tu-F 2PM-2AM, Sa-Su noon-2AM. Another Irish bar turned sports bar in the Marina district which draws an eclectic crowd. They have a long happy hour that runs M-F 4PM-7PM; and nightly specials including "Ladies Night" on Thursdays where cocktails are half price.  edit

• California Wine Merchant, 2113 Chestnut St (at Steiner St), ☎ +1 415 567-0646 (greg@californiawinemerchant.com, fax: +1 415 567-1639), [122]. M-W 10AM-midnight, Th-Sa 10AM-1:30AM, Su 11AM-11PM. Formerly just a wine retail shop, the California Wine Merchant is now a hip little spot where you can enjoy a few glasses of wine, watch people walk by on Chestnut St, or pick up a few bottles to bring home.  edit

• Nectar Wine Lounge, 3330 Steiner St (just off Chestnut St), ☎ +1 415 345-1377 (info@thenectarwinelounge.com, fax: +1 415 345-1305), [123]. M-Th 5PM-10:30PM, F-Sa 5PM-midnight, Su 3PM-10PM. Order your wine from the experts — this sleek wine bar comes complete with wine-connoisseur bartenders. Great stop off point before or after dinner.  edit

• Ottimista Enoteca Cafe, 1838 Union St (between Octavia St and Laguna St), ☎ +1 415 674-8400 (info@OttimistaSF.com, fax: +1 415 674-8333), [124]. Tu-Th 2PM-11PM, F noon-2AM, Sa 11AM-2AM, Su 11AM-10PM. Nice little upscale Italian wine bar that has mostly Italian and Californian wines in their exposed cellar. They have a decent selection of circa 40 wines by the glass; 250 by the bottle. They also serve small plates of food to compliment your wine.  edit

• The Comet Club, 3111 Fillmore St (at Filbert St), ☎ +1 415 567-5589. Su, Tu-W 7PM-2AM, Th-Sa 5:30PM-2AM. Good place to go if you like to boogie-on-down to the sounds of the 70s and 80s! It's a bit of a cramped space though and can get crowded as a result.  edit

• Gravity, 3251 Scott St (between Chestnut St and Lombard St), ☎ +1 415 776-1928 (matt@gravityroomsf.com, fax: +1 415 776-0582), [125]. 7PM-2AM daily. Modern Hip Hop dance club that attracts the twenty-something crowd. They claim to be unpretentious, yet they have a pretty strict dress code here... so no jeans, sneakers, or t-shirts! It's not only the name of the club that will bring you down to earth, but the drinks here also cost a pretty penny too!  edit
• The HiFi Lounge, 2125 Lombard St (between Fillmore St and Steiner St), ☎ +1 415 933-6299 (nick@maximumproductions.com), [126]. W-Th 8PM-2AM, F 5PM-2AM, Sa 8PM-2AM. The HiFi Lounge is where people come to dance the night away. It also features live DJs, games, and big screen TVs. Happy hour begins at 5PM and they offer $2 Budweisers and $3 well Drinks. Their "Girls of Taste" (wine tasting for women) is not to be missed and is held once a month.  edit
• MatrixFillmore, 3138 Fillmore St (at Pixley St), ☎ +1 415 563-4180 (matrixfillmore@plumpjack.com, fax: +1 415 474-8792), [127]. M–Th 8PM–2AM, F–Su 6PM–2AM. Back in the day this place used to be a rock and roll magnet, attracting the likes of The Doors, Velvet Underground, and The Grateful Dead who all jammed here. Today, after a renovation, it draws a different set — mostly well-heeled twenty and thirty-somethings... cocktails in hand! But it does feature local DJs and bands nightly and it's a decent place to go for a cocktail and a lively time.  edit

Coffee

This area has a great "cafe culture," with lots of good Americana-style cafes. It's a great place to sit down and unwind at a curbside table, sipping away on latte, after a hard day trekking around. Not listed here are the more ubiquitous coffee chains like Starbucks, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and Peet's Coffee; although these are very well represented here too, particularly along Union St, Chestnut St, and Fillmore St.

• Bittersweet Cafe, 2123 Fillmore St, ☎ +1 415 346-8715 (info@bittersweetcafe.com), [128]. Su-Th 10AM-8PM, F-Sa 10AM-10PM. Watch out people, this place wants to "help you rediscover chocolate," and Bittersweet is an excellent little "chocolate cafe." The cafe itself is warm and inviting inside, and their original selection of drinks like ”White Chocolate Dream” and ”Chocolate Thai Iced Tea,” are delicious and dangerously tempting.  edit

• The Grove, 2250 Chestnut St (between Scott St and Pierce St), ☎ +1 415 474-4843. M-Th 7AM-11PM, F 7:00AM-11:30PM, Sa 8AM-11:30PM, Su 8AM-11PM. Marina coffee house with a great selection of teas here as well as salads and pastries. Sidewalk alfresco tables give it a European flavor.  edit

• Judy's Cafe, 2268 Chestnut St (between Scott St and Pierce St), ☎ +1 415 922-4588 (fax: +1 415 922-4588). M-F 7:45AM-2:15PM, Sa-Su 7:45AM-3PM. Quaint European style Marina cafe serving healthy portions of food.  edit

• La Boulange, 1909 Union St (at Laguna St), ☎ +1 415 440-4450 (fax: +1 415 928-3701), [129]. Daily 7AM-6PM. Traditional French bakery and cafe. The owner was born in Bordeaux France and has a lifetime of baking experience. The cafe sells bread made of organic flour from their very own wheat mill.  edit

• Tully's Coffee House, 2455 Fillmore St (between Jackson St and Washington St), ☎ +1 415 929-8808 (customer.comments@tullys.com, fax: 1 206 233-2077), [130]. M-F 5:30AM-9PM, Sa 6AM-9PM, Su 6AM-8PM. Cozy cafe with decent coffee and wi-fi available. They also have a flat screen in store to keep you up to date with the news etc. The outdoor seating is also a nice touch.  edit

• Union St Coffee Roastery, 2191 Union St (between Fillmore St and Webster St), ☎ +1 415 922-9559. 6:30AM-10PM daily. Decent coffee, an excellent location, plenty of seating, and very friendly staff are what attract patrons here.  edit

• Jamba Juice Chestnut Street, 2066 Chestnut St (at Steiner St), ☎ +1 415 563-1875, [131]. M-F 6AM-7PM, Sa-Su 6:30AM-7PM. Chain serving fresh fruit smoothies, hot vegetable soups, and high-nutrition breads.  edit

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget	under $100
Mid-range	$100–200
Splurge	$200 and over

The neighborhoods in this district are really just that — neighborhoods; as such, you won't find many of the larger luxury chain-hotels here. Many of the areas accommodations are located on Lombard St, which runs east from Russian Hill to the Presidio in the West, and actually forms an informal boundary between the Marina and Cow Hollow. Most of the accommodations along Lombard range from run down motor lodges to slightly more respectable bed and breakfasts. Thankfully, as the area is not as congested as downtown, many of the hotels/motels offer free parking.

• Americas Best Value Inn - Golden Gate, 2322 Lombard St (between Pierce St and Scott St), ☎ +1 415 921-4980 (sfamericasbestvalueinn@yahoo.com, fax: +1 415 921-4042), [132]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11AM. A 100% non smoking hotel with 40 rooms; the Golden Gate is on Lombard St and so has good access to public transportation. They have a restaurant and bar on the premises, and offer free wi-fi, free continental breakfast, and limited free parking. $84-$124.  edit

• Country Hearth Inn, 2707 Lombard St (at Baker St), ☎ +1 415 567-2425 (sanfrancisco@countryhearth.com, fax: +1 415 567-8222), [133]. checkin: 1PM; checkout: 11AM. This hotel is ideally located less than a block from the green expanses of the Presidio. They offer a complimentary continental breakfast and limited free parking. $75-$110.  edit

• Edward II Inn and Suites, 3155 Scott St (between Greenwich St and Lombard St), ☎ +1 415 922-3000 (innkeeper@edwardii.com, fax: +1 415 931-5784), [134]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: noon. This three-story English themed hotel is quite charming and romantic, with an "old-world" feel. They even have their own pub downstairs! They also offer a free complimentary breakfast for guests. $79-$99.  edit

• Greenwich Inn, 3201 Steiner St (at Greenwich St), ☎ +1 415 921-5162 (info@greenwichinn.com, fax: +1 415 921-3602), [135]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11AM. Budget hotel with free parking, located just one block from Union St. It has 32 recently renovated guest rooms and offers an in-room coffee service and a complimentary newspaper daily. $54-$104.  edit

• Hostelling International-Fisherman's Wharf Hostel, Fort Mason, Building 240 (Upper Fort Mason), ☎ +1 415 771-7277 (info@norcalhostel.com), [136]. checkin: 2:30PM; checkout: 11PM. Even if you're unsure about hostels, you should still consider this place; the location alone makes it worth your while, as it is in a park-like setting with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz and is within easy walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf. It has a total of 150 Beds in dormitory style rooms. Quite clean and safe, with wi-fi, laundry facilities, lockers, and free breakfast. Dorms: $23-$30 Private family rooms: $60-$100.   edit

• Presidio Inn & Suites, 2361 Lombard St (between Pierce St and Scott St), ☎ +1 415 931-7810 (presidioinn@gmail.com, fax: +1 415 931-5318), [137]. Small budget European style inn located in the Marina District. They have free wi-fi and offer a complimentary breakfast. It's just one block from Chestnut St. $70-$140.  edit

• Redwood Inn, 1530 Lombard St (between Franklin St and Gough St), ☎ +1 415 776-3800 (info@sfredwoodinn.com, fax: +1 415 928-1934), [138]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. Standard but clean budget motel which is just one block away from Van Ness Ave, so it’s convenient for public transportation and for getting to other areas like Fisherman's Wharf. $75-$90.  edit

• Travelodge Golden Gate, 2230 Lombard St (between Greenwich St and Steiner St), ☎ + 1 415 922-3900 (Travelodge2230@Gmail.com, fax: +1 415 921-4795), [139]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. This hotel had a recent renovation in 2004 and has cable TV and high speed internet. As with many of the other hotels in this area, they also offer free parking. $90 year round.  edit

• Buena Vista Motor Inn, 1599 Lombard St (between Franklin St and gough St), ☎ +1 415 923-9600 or 800 835-4980 (info@buenavistamotorinn.com, fax: +1 415 441-4775), [140]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: noon. Another standard motor inn, this one offers free parking and a complimentary continental breakfast to get you going in the morning. $80-$140.  edit

• Chelsea Motor Inn, 2095 Lombard St (at Fillmore St), ☎ +1 415 563-5600 (Reservations@ChelseaMotorInn.com, fax: +1 415 567-6475), [141]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: noon. Features an English Tudor style building with an antique roof. Clean, good quality rooms at a reasonable price. Nothing too special, but it is centrally located. $77-$145.  edit

• Cow Hollow Motor Inn & Suites, 2190 Lombard St (at Steiner), ☎ +1 415 921-5800 (reservations@cowhollowmotorinn.com, fax: +1 415 922-8515), [142]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: noon. Centrally located in the Cow Hollow neighborhood, this motel offers 112 standard and reasonably priced rooms. The decor is definitely dated and will not suit everyone — they have floral wallpaper that might just keep you up at night! However, the rooms are comfortable and they do offer free parking. $79-$145.  edit

• Hotel del Sol, 3100 Webster St (at Greenwich St), ☎ +1 415 921-5520 (gsterman@jdvhotels.com, fax: +1 415 931-4137), [143]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: noon. Voted CitySearch San Francisco's "Best Budget Hotel", "Best Family-Friendly Hotel," and "Best Hotel Pool" in 2006. Part of the fancy Joie de Vivre hotel group, this formerly nondescript motor lodge was rejuvenated with some cool colors, interior design, and upgraded management. $119-$199.  edit

• La Luna Inn, 2599 Lombard St (between Broderick St and Divisadero St), ☎ +1 415 346-4664 or 800 536-8446 (reservations@lalunainn.com, fax: +1 415 346-4665), [144]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: noon. A rejuvenated 1960s Motor Inn. The bespoke furniture and colorful decor creates a bright, fun, and fanciful atmosphere here. $79-$129.  edit

• Laurel Inn, 444 Presidio Ave (between California St and Sacramento St), ☎ +1 415 567-8467 or +1 800 552-8735 (khegre@jdvhotels.com, fax: +1 415 928-1866), [145]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: noon. Built in 1963, this renovated hotel has a comfortable yet fashionable interior. Each room is spacious and similar in size to a studio apartment with some even having kitchenettes. $159-$209.  edit

• Lombard Motor Inn, 1475 Lombard St (between Van Ness Ave and Franklin St), ☎ 1 415 441-6000 (fax: +1 415 441-4291), [146]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: noon. Standard motor inn at an affordable price. The building interior is getting a bit old and worn, however it is clean. If you're a light sleeper, try to get a room that doesn't overlook the busy street. $77-$135.  edit

• Marina Inn, 3110 Octavia St (at Lombard St), ☎ +1 415 928-1000 (info@marinainn.com, fax: +1 415 928-5909), [147]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: noon. Comfortable and traditional style inn with a quiet B&B atmosphere. They have 40 guest rooms and offer complimentary continental breakfast and free newspapers. $69-$159.  edit

• Marina Motel, 2576 Lombard St (between Broderick St and Divisadero St), ☎ +1 415 921-9406 (marinamotel@value.net, fax: +1 415 921-0364), [148]. checkin: 3PM-11:30PM; checkout: 11AM. Classic motor inn with a Mediterranean flavor — flower boxes fragrance the quaint European style rooms. They offer free wi-fi, free parking, and complimentary in room coffee. $85-$135.  edit

• Motel Capri, 2015 Greenwich St (at Buchanan St), ☎ +1 415 346-4667 (info@motelcaprisfo.com, fax: +1 415 346-3256), [149]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: noon. This is a small family run motel with just 46 guest rooms. Thankfully, this one is set back one block from the noisy Lombard St in a quieter residential area. This is definitely an older, slightly jaded motel, but the rooms are clean and the staff are extremely friendly. It's close to the shopping on Union St as well. $100-$135.  edit

• Travelodge at the Presidio, 2755 Lombard St (between Baker St and Lyon St), ☎ +1 415 931-8581 (tlsfpresidio@whg.com, fax: +1 415 776-0904), [150]. checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11AM. Standard Travelodge, but set in an excellent location right on the cusp of the Presidio. If you like having the natural world close to your doorstep, then this is the place for you. With its proximity to the Palace of Fine Arts and the historic buildings of the Presidio, it's also a good place to come if you are a fan of architecture. $60-$140.  edit

• Francisco Bay Inn, 1501 Lombard St (at Franklin St), ☎ +1 415 474-3030 or 1-800-410-7007 (franciscobay@staysf.com, fax: +1 415 567-7082), [151]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. Located conveniently on Lombard St and has newly renovated rooms. All of the rooms and hallways are 100% non-smoking. Free parking. $149-$214.  edit

• Hotel Drisco, 2901 Pacific Ave (at Broderick St), ☎ +1 415 346-2880 or +1 800 634-7277 (gl@jdvhotels.com, fax: +1 415 567-5537), [152]. checkin: 4PM; checkout: noon. Built in 1903, this is a higher-end, boutique hotel right in the heart of Pacific Heights. $189-$259.  edit

• Jackson Court Hotel, 2198 Jackson St (at Buchanan St), ☎ +1 415 929-7670 (ej@jacksoncourt.com, fax: +1 415 929-1405), [153]. checkin: 2PM-7PM; checkout: 11AM. This is an opulent three-story brownstone Victorian mansion set in upscale Pacific Heights. With only 10 rooms, it's more of a B&B than a hotel. The price includes a continental breakfast and afternoon tea. $160-$230.  edit

• Union St Inn, 2299 Union St (at Steiner St), ☎ +1 415 346-0424 (fax: +1 415 922-8046), [154]. checkin: 2PM-7PM or by special arrangement; checkout: noon. Edwardian home with spacious airy rooms and a quaint cottage garden in the back. $190-$330.  edit

Contact

Most of the cafes listed under the Coffee section above have free wi-fi facilities available upon purchase of a beverage. You can get on the internet for free at the Golden Gate Valley Branch of the San Francisco Public Library — listed under the Architecture section above. Other branches include:

• San Francisco Public Library — Marina Branch, 1890 Chestnut St (at Webster St), ☎ +1 415 355-2823, [155]. Su 1PM-5PM, M-Tu 10AM-6PM, W-Th 1PM-9PM, F 1PM-6PM, Sa 10AM-6PM. Free internet facilities.   edit
• San Francisco Public Library — Presidio Branch, 3150 Sacramento St (between Lyon St and Baker St), ☎ +1 415 355-2880, [156]. Su 1PM-5PM, Tu 10AM-9PM, W 1PM-9PM, Th 10AM-6PM, F 1PM-6PM, Sa 10AM-6PM. Free internet facilities.   edit

Get out

Golden Gate Park — If you're a fan of either Fort Mason or the Presidio, why not continue your tour into the enormous Golden Gate Park, where you'll find many more museums set in a natural park environment.

Fisherman's Wharf — If you like everything nautical and would like some more, you should check out the flotilla of fishing vessels at the Wharf.

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Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Alternative spellings 1.2 Proper noun 1.2.1 Translations 2 Italian 2.1 Proper noun

English

Alternative spellings

Wikipedia

• the Golden Gate

Proper noun

Singular Golden Gate Bridge

Plural -

Golden Gate Bridge

1. A 1.7 mile long suspension bridge linking Marin County, California, to San Francisco, California.

Translations

---

Italian

Proper noun

Wikipedia ^it

Golden Gate Bridge

1. Golden Gate Bridge