9th Ave & Lincoln WayGolden Gate Park San Francisco, CA 94122(415) 661-1316
Whether you have ten minutes or a life-time, there's always something new to see & do at the Botanical Garden. They are open every day of the week and offer access to beautiful grounds packed with a huge variety of plants of varying species, ranging from our famous redwood grove to tracts of plants from all over the world. Some of which are no longer found in their native homes. They also have plant sales that give the public a unique opportunity to acquire plants seldom found in garden centers.
The park was established in 1940. The development of Golden Gate Park, and the San Francisco Botanical Garden was due to John McLaren's vision, skill, and long lifespan. McLaren chose the site for the present Garden in 1889. In 1926 the Garden became a reality with start up funding from Helene Strybing. John McLaren hired Eric Walther as a gardener in 1918. Walther took the initiative of becoming a student of botanist Alice Eastwood, and by 1924 McLaren gave Walther the responsibility for compiling the plant list included in the Golden Gate Park's annual report. In 1937 Walther was placed in charge of the Garden and together he and McLaren developed the original plan. Walther remained the Director of the Garden until his retirement in 1957. During his tenure he emphasized education, guided tours and arranging displays of ornamental plants that could be grown successfully in the area.
San Francisco's most popular vacation destination Fisherman's Wharf offers many types of activities. Fisherman's Wharf offers different attractions, lodging, nightlife, restaurants, shopping, tours, and services.
Attractions include:
Anchorage Square Address: Jefferson and Jones Streets Phone: 415-775-6000 Anchorage Square offers biking, touring, shopping, and dining. Some of the most popular places to visit are Bike and Roll, Bay Quackers, In-N-Out Burger, Coldstone Creamery, Starbucks, Hidden Plunder, Crazy Shirts, Courtyard by Marriott, Hertz, and Avis. Anchorage Square has convenient validated parking available on Anchorage Square Parking Garage located on Beach Street.
Aquarium of the Bay Address: Pier 39, The Embarcadero at Beach A marine center full of over 20,000 aquatic animals from the San Francisco Bay. The aquarium has 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels just inches from sharks, skates, octopus, bat rays, and other aquatic animals. This aquarium is open year round except December 25. Summer and holiday hours of operation are: 9am to 8pm and other times of the year the aquarium is open 10am to 6pm.
AT&T Park Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza Phone: 415-972-2400 AT&T park is home to the baseball team San Francisco Giants. At this stadium home runs become splash hits as they hit the Bay water. Also, you can take behind the scene tours of the AT&T Park. You get to visit the dugout, indoor batting cage, and possibly the Visitors' Clubhouse. Tours last about 1 hour and 30 minutes and run almost everyday at 10:30am and 12:30pm.
The Cannery Address: 2801 Leavenworth Street Phone: 415-771-3112 The Cannery at Del Monte Square is one of San Francisco's most treasured places. The Cannery was originally built in 1907 and was the largest peach cannery in the world. Today, The Cannery is a waterfront marketplace with shops, restaurants, offices, and live entertainment.
Ghirardelli Square Address: 900 North Point Street Phone: 415-775-5500 Ghirardelli Square offers wine tasting, dining, shopping, and delicious chocolate treats. If you'd like a breath-taking view of the Bay, Ghirardelli Square is the place to be.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum Address: 175 Jefferson Street Phone: 415-771-6188 San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Address: Bldg. E, Room 265, Lower Fort Mason Phone: 415-561-7006
The Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf Address: 145 Jefferson Street Phone: 415-202-0402 The Wax Museum has more than 250 life-like personalities. The museum has different scenes including horror and disbelief, religion, and the most popular Gallery of Fame. The Gallery of Fame has sports heroes, royalty, scientist, U.S. Presidents, historical personalities, and entertainment idols. The most recent personalities to be added to the museum are Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney. Hours of operations are weekdays 10am to 9pm; and weekends from 9am to 11pm.
Pier 39 Address: Beach Street & The Embarcadero Phone: 415-705-5500 Pier 39 is located at the northern end of The Embarcadero, with stunning San Francisco views. Pier 39 is a two-story marketplace with about 110 shops and 13 restaurants with Bay views. Also, there are several street performers and musicians performing daily. Other attractions at Pier 39 are Carousel, game arcade, Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruises and more.
Sea Lions Located at Pier 39 behind the two-story shopping marketplace lies my favorite part of Fisherman's Wharf, the sea lions. These sea lions lounge on these floating wooden platforms daily at almost anytime of the day. This attractions is amazing, you won't believe your eyes as you see hundreds of sea lions on platforms laying, playing, groaning, sleeping, and even sometimes fighting. At night time they fight for a place on the platforms to sleep. This attraction is simply mind blowing, you must see it for yourself. Adults and children will love it!
Bar None 1980 Union Street (At Buchanan) San Francisco, Ca. 94123 (415) 409-4469
Age Restriction: 21 and over only Cover Charge: Free
Bar None is a World Famous New York City watering hole. Bar None includes pool tables, darts, beer pong tables, a jukebox, and food. The atmosphere at bar none is cozy, the music's loud, and drinks are served ice cold and strong. They have a world famous POWER HOUR, every night, from 9 till 10pm. This bar offers numerous drink and food specials daily. Bar None offers two private rooms where you can throw private parties.
Alcatraz Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Bay Area and just a few minutes away from San Francisco harbor. The island first was home for a lighthouse and became later a military fort before it served as probably the world's most famous prison from 1934 to 1963.
Nowadays you don't need to be Al Capone to go to Alcatraz Island which is meanwhile a National Park. Everyday Alcatraz Cruises is offering several trips to "The Rock". Of course, it is quite expensive (tickets start at $26) but Alcatraz is definitely worth the money. It is a great experience to walk around the cell blocks and the listen to stories of real Alcatraz prisoners through the audio tour (which is already included in the admission). Apart from that you have a phenomenal view of San Francisco, so don't forget to take your cameras.
A special tip is the night tour which is held Thursday through Monday: It is much less crowded than the day tours and the National Park Service is offering special guided tours and activities. Another tip is to book tickets far in advance: Especially during peak seasons and around holidays it is nearly impossible to get tickets at short notice.
Sightseeing tours look nearly the same everywhere: You hop on a bus or a boat and within an hour or two you see the most important spots of the city. In San Francisco you can don't have to follow these standard procedure. Do some workout and see sights like the Embarcadero, Ferry Building or the Bay Bridge at the same time.
CityKayak, who are located in San Francisco's South Beach Harbor, are offering a wide range of paddle trips in the SF Bay. The length of the trips last between 1 and 3 hours and some of them don't even require any kayak experience. CityKayak also offers various special tours like seeing the New Year's Eve fireworks from a kayak. All tours are guided by experienced staff members who know both: kayaking and the city.
Don't wait any longer and take a look at CityKayak's calender to see when the next trips are offered.
Nothing to do at the weekend? NorCal Tourist Spots provides you with exciting ideas about activities, places, bars and restaurants.
You know a great spot? We're happpy about new ideas for this blog. Just send us an email to: catouristblog@gmail.com
Whether you have ten minutes or a life-time, there's always something new to see & do at the Botanical Garden. They are open every day of the week and offer access to beautiful grounds packed with a huge variety of plants of varying species, ranging from our famous redwood grove to tracts of plants from all over the world. Some of which are no longer found in their native homes. They also have plant sales that give the public a unique opportunity to acquire plants seldom found in garden centers.
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