Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NEIGHBORHOODS IN A NUTSHELL
North Beach & the Hills
Poetry and parrots, top-of-the-world views, Italian gossip and
opera on the jukebox.
Embarcadero & the Piers
Weird science, sea-lion antics, gourmet treats, and get-
aways to and from Alcatraz.
Downtown & the Financial District
The notorious Barbary Coast has gone legit with
banks and boutiques, but shows its wild side in redwood parks and provocative art.
Chinatown
Pagoda roofs, mahjong games, revolutionary plots, and fortunes made and
lost in historic alleyways.
Hayes Valley, Civic Center & the Tenderloin
Grand buildings and great perform-
ances, dive bars and cable cars, foodie finds and local designs.
SoMa
South of Market; where high technology meets higher art, and everyone gets
down and dirty on the dance floor.
Mission
A book in one hand, a burrito in the other, and murals all around.
Castro
Out and proud with samba whistles, rainbow sidewalks and history-making
policy platforms.
Haight
Flashbacks and fashion-forwardness, free thinking, free music and pricey
skateboards.
Japantown, the Fillmore & Pacific Heights
Sushi in the fountains, John Coltrane
over the altar, and rock at the Fillmore.
Marina & the Presidio
Boutiques, organic dining, peace and public nudity at a former
army base.
Golden Gate Park & the Avenues
SF's great green streak, surrounded by gourmet
hangouts for hungry surfers.