 | San Francisco Things To Do | Tips 21 - 30 of 3517 |  |
 | |  |  | GOLDEN GATE PARK: Golden Gate Park | Tip Rating:   |  |  | |  |
Originally an area of windswept sand dunes, it started being transformed in 1871 into San Francisco's biggest park. The park is comprised of gardens, lakes, museums, and other attractions. The Academy of Sciences, de Young Museum and Japanese Gardens are located here.
The day we were at the park, we were having no luck with any of the museums, as they were closed for one reason or another. The Academy of Sciences was shut down due to a fire the night before, and the de Young Museum was closed for renovation. So, left to enjoy the natural attractions of the park itself, all we could do was stroll around. We particularly enjoyed the Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, which is about 70 acres in itself, and is comprised of smaller "theme" gardens, with plants from around the world. We were particularly moved by the AIDS Memorial Grove; there are many engraved benches and stones there dedicated to loved ones who had died of AIDS.
After closing it's doors for 4 years , the de Young Museum reopened Oct. 15, 2005. Leave a Comment Directions: Golden Gate Park is bordered from north to south by Fulton St. and Lincoln Way; also bordered by Stanyan St. from the east, to Great Highway to the West. Very easily accessible by public transit.Website: www.strybing.org
|
 | |  |
| | | | Muir Woods: Muir Woods | Tip Rating: | | | | |
The last time I was in Muir Woods, I was about 12 years old, so I wanted to see if it was the same. It was. However, for someone who hasn't seen giant redwoods, Muir Woods is a wonderful introduction. Leave the crowds behind and get onto the trails, where you can see some great scenery and observe some wildlife. We saw a few woodpeckers and also noticed crayfish in Fern Creek.
There are many trails to enjoy in Muir Woods, which are listed on the brochure you get with the entry fee. The gentle Main Trail Loop goes by Bohemian Grove, where the tallest tree in the park stands at 254 feet. The Dipsea Trail is more strenuous, going to the top of the aptly named Cardiac Hill.
There is a gift shop with ingenious gifts such as a grow-your-own redwood kit, and there is also a tea house if you want to have a snack.
We went on a Blue and Gold Fleet tour, which is handy if you don't have a car. It includes the ferry ride from San Francisco. If you choose to go this route, make sure you ask about the pick up point for the bus, as we didn't as well as our tour mates. Our huge group ended up wandering around Tiburon until the bus driver noticed us. Leave a Comment Address: Muir Woods RoadPhone: 415-388-2595Website: www.visitmuirwoods.com
|
| | |
| | | | Wine Country: Sonoma Valley | Tip Rating: | | | | |
We decided to splurge (being carefree honeymooners) and book a limo with driver and spend a day in Sonoma Valley. It is not cheap; it was $800 Canadian, as we could not help but notice on our Visa bill on our return home. This included a personalized 8-hour tour, with lunch . It does seem easy to get around there if you have a car, as there are many maps and info available at the Visitor Information Centre in downtown San Francisco.
Sonoma Valley is located 1 1/2 hours outside of San Francisco, and we chose to go there because it is less commercial, plus there are more free and less expensive tastings (always a plus!). Many of the wineries have deli sections where you can buy something to compliment the wine you just purchased. It is recommended that you have a car, but there is bus service available, if you plan well. (Sonoma County Transit 800-345-7433). We used Beau Limousine Tours (1-800-387-2328), but certainly there are many other operators out there.
Sonoma Valley tends to be very relaxed, predominated by family-owned wineries. It is a 17-mile long valley, with the town of Sonoma at the end.
Wineries we visited were:
Buena Vista ~ (707-938-1266) A historic vineyard that helped launch the California Wine Industry. (www.buenavistawinery.com)
Cline Cellars ~ (707-938-5277) Best known for it's Zinfandel, and still in the Cline family, it has a calm, intimate setting. The main building is a charming house which was the original residence. There is a lovely garden beside it with a fountain, and many weddings are hosted here.(www.clinecellars.com)
Viansa Winery ~ (707-935-4700) Started by members of the Sabastiani family, it also has a large marketplace where it sells condiments and other foods, and it has an extensive deli. We had lunch here, and the food is delicious; my husband highly recommends the chocolate cookies. There is also a protected wetland on the winery grounds. (www.viansa.com) Leave a Comment Website: www. sonomavalley.com Other Contact: www.beaulimousine.com
|
| | |
| | | | Muir Woods: The Majestic Redwood Forest | Tip Rating: | | | | |
Come stroll among 1000 year old giant trees towering 260 feet high. Until the 1800's, many northern California coastal valleys were covered with coast redwood trees similar to those now found in Muir Woods National Monument. The forest along Redwood Creek in today's Muir Woods was spared from logging because it was hard to get to.Realizing that Redwood Creek contained one of the San Francisco Bay Area's last uncut stands of old-growth redwood, Congressman William Kent & his wife bought 295 acres here for $45,000 in 1905. To protect the redwoods the Kents donated the land to the US Federal Government and, in 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt declared it a national monument. Roosevelt suggested naming the area after Kent, but Kent wanted it named for conservationist John Muir.
Information and Hours
The monument is managed by the National Park Service and is open year round from 8:00 am to sunset. The monument is busiest during the weekends and the middle of the day. For the most solitude we recommend visiting during weekdays, morning hours and late afternoons. For information, write or call Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, CA 94941 (415) 388-2595. Entry fee required - $3 per Adult (17 and older). Golden Eagle, Golden Age and Golden Access Accepted.
* No Bicycles!
* No Picnics!
* No Dogs!
* No Camping! Leave a Comment Address: Mill Valley, Marin CountyPhone: 415-388-2595Directions: Muir Woods National Monument, 12 miles N of the Golden Gate Bridge, is reached by U.S. 101 & Hwy 1.
|
| | |
| | | | GOLDEN GATE PARK: Golden Gate Park Offers Great Variety | Tip Rating: | | | | |
Golden Gate Park is over 3 miles long & 9 blocks wide, 1017 acres.
GG Shuttle is free & picks up riders at 15-minute intervals at 15 locations in the Park on summer weekends & holidays from 10:00am-6:00pm through Oct.
Conservatory of Flowers: Since 1879, the oldest glass-and-wood Victorian greenhouse in the Western Hemisphere with more than 10,000 plants from around the world. After damage during a 1995 storm, it is now open after a $25 million restoration. The plant life is spectacular.
Japanese Tea Garden: Many people's favorite part of the park, hidden throughout its five acres are beautiful sculptures & bridges.
Strybing Arboretum: this 70-acre horticultural extravaganza entices the senses with more than 6,000 plant species. The garden of fragrance brings flowers alive with scent alone. www.strybing.org
GG Park also offers:Archery, Basketball, Biking & Skating with 7 miles of paved trails that lead you by lush waterfalls & gardens, Dog Runs, Flycasting pools considered some of the best in the country, A nine-hole public golf course, Twenty-one Tennis Courts, Team Sports, Live Buffalo roaming on grassy acres. Leave a Comment Address: Area bounded by Lincoln, Fulton, Stanyan.
|
| | |
More Sponsored Links for San Francisco |
 |
 |
Search Hotels
Find the best room rates |
|
 |
|
on November 15, 2005
on October 29, 2005
on August 24, 2006
on September 26, 2004
