Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Where the Views Are
Coit Tower? Sure. Looking back at the city from Alcatraz? Of course—it's
gorgeous. But here are a few vantage points that you, as a tourist, may
not have clued in on since they're off the main circuit.
Fort Point
Here's the classic panorama under the southern anchor of the Golden Gate
Bridge—the one where Kim Novak drops into the sea before Jimmy
Stewart's eyes in
Vertigo.
It's right above Crissy Field, a pasture-cum-beach
with a picturesque bridge view that figures in countless other films and
that is an ideal spot for picnics beside the bridge on nice days.
Alamo Square
Known to a generation of sitcom watchers as the picture-perfect exterior
for
Too Close for Comfort
and
Full House,
the eastern end of Alamo Square
is lined with seven gorgeous Painted Ladies (Victorian houses) framing a
backdrop of the city's distinctive skyline. Bring a blanket, because the grass
is often sodden and there are no benches in the area that has the best view.
For a primo photo, line up the stone planter with the skyline and the
Painted Ladies. Bus 21 from Union Square comes here, and you can walk to
both Hayes Valley and the Haight from here. Afternoon light is best.
Tank Hill
Found north of Twin Peaks, this spot offers wide vistas of the Golden Gate
Bridge, the Bay, and downtown from a distance. Go to the top of Stanyan
Street, at Belgrave Park turn left, and then hike up the dirt path. The view
at the top will wow you.
Grand View Park
If you'd like a water view of the Pacific Ocean and the Bay, this westerly
park, scoured by cool sea winds, is not overly crowded. At 14th Avenue
and Noriega Street, climb to the top of the steep stairs.
The Forbidden View
One place you
won't
be allowed to enjoy the view is from the 27th floor
of the Transamerica Pyramid, the city's most recognizable skyscraper. After
9/11, its owners choked and closed the observation deck. Someone should
probably tell them that metal detectors do wonders.
much stronger statement for modernity than for tradition. In fact, you won't find
many antiques among the Judaica; the focus here is on current culture, so much
so that the cafe isn't kosher and the museum remains open on the Sabbath.
I'd never given it much thought before, but it turns out that in America, you'll
often find the largest concentrations of gay men in cities near the sea. Why?
Because in the 1800s, being a sailor permitted homosexual men to live in all-male
societies undetected, and the seaman's lifestyle enabled travel, free of unsupportive
