Ferry Building Marketplace

For gourmets, the Ferry Building, open daily, is a must. Tenants include many of Northern California’s finest gourmet food purveyor; Cowgirl Creamery’s Artisan Cheese Shop, Recchuiti Confections, Scharffen Berger Chocolate, myriad other restaurants, food shops, wine bars and many more. Check out the Imperial Tea Court and learn the traditional Chinese way to steep and sip, buy cooking items at the Sur La Table shop, grab a bite and savor the bay-front views from outdoor tables. (The Embarcadero, at Market St. 415/693-0996. Most stores open daily 10am-6pm.)

Fisherman’s Wharf

This unabashed tourist trap is actually a pretty fun place. Authentic day-to-day SF it’s not - and only fishing going on at Fisherman’s Wharf, these days is for tourist’s dollar. But there are reasons why this bay front area is one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. First, it’s a great place for families to explore. With gorgeous vistas, theme restaurants, and cheesy fun attractions around PIER 39, everyone can kill a few hours while breathing ocean air and scanning the glimmering Golden Gate. Some 900 California sea lions have taken up residence on the floating docks near PIER 39, which seems these playful, noisy creatures are one of the best free attractions on the wharf. Weather permitting, the Marine Mammal Center (415/289-SEAL) offers an educational talk at PERI 39, on weekends from 11am to 5pm, that teaches visitors about the range, habitat, and adaptability of the California sea lion.

Lombard Street

Known as the “Crookedest street in the world”, the switchback block of Lombard between Hyde and Leavenworth ends up in a lot of photo albums. So steep it bows like a river to make descent possible, this short stretch is one-way, downhill and fun to drive. Take the curves slowly and in low gear, and expect daunting crowds and delays during the weekend. Save your film for the bottom; if you’re lucky, you’ll find a parking space where you can photograph the spectacle. You can also take straight staircases up or down either side of the street.

Author Name : Kenneth Ng