Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Litquake
LITERATURE
(
www.litquake.org
; Oct)
Score signed books and grab drinks with authors afterwards in October.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
MUSIC
(
www.strictlybluegrass.com
; Oct)
SF celebrates Western roots with three days of free Golden Gate Park concerts and head-
liners ranging from Elvis Costello to Gillian Welch; early October.
Día de los Muertos
FESTIVAL
(Day of the Dead;
www.dayofthedeadsf.org
)
Party to wake the dead with a spooky costume parade, sugar skulls and fabulous altars in
the Mission on November 2.
WORTH A TRIP
OCEAN BEACH
; 415-561-4323;
www.parksconservancy.org
;
Great Hwy; sunrise-sunset; 5, 18, 31, N),
where Golden Gate Park greenery ends and the great blue Pacific Ocean begins. Dedic-
ated sand-castle architects dot the water's edge year-round, but only hardcore surfers
brave these riptides (casual swimmers beware). Beachcombers may spot sand dollars
and 19th-century shipwrecks along the south end - but stick to paths in fragile dunes,
where skittish snowy plover shorebirds shelter in winter. Bonfires are permitted in artist-
designed fire pits only; no alcohol allowed. For drinks, stop by oceanfront
Beach Chalet
(
415-386-8439;
www.beachchalet.com
;
1000 Great Hwy;
9am-10pm Mon-
Thu, to 11pm Fri, 8am-11pm Sat, 8am-10pm Sun;
;
5, 18, 31) for house-brewed beer on the
heated patio and 1930s lobby murals.
Sleeping
