| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 17/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 41 |
| Copyright: Other |
West coast
Are you going to San Francisco?
Alan Moore checks out the city’s latest visitor attractions and places to go
SAN FRANCISCO is still regarded by the majority of travellers to California as the most desirable place to visit and stay on the West Coast.Indeed, last year readers of esteemed publications such as Conde Nast Traveller, Travel and Leisure Magazine, Money Magazine and National Geographic Traveller gave it some of the highest ratings.
Commendations flow in for its restaurants, fun, energy, people, friendliness and cultural fulfilment. The sexy city is also praised for its clean air, top museums, recreational facilities and spectator sports.
Perhaps not surprisingly, National Geographic included San Francisco in its list of 50 Places of a Lifetime.
And the buzz that makes the city so attractive threads through whatever you do, whether it’s shopping in the new four-storey Levi’s Store on Post Street, enjoying an evening meal and show at Butterfly Mission Jazz, or taking one of the humourous guided walking tours around the city’s districts.
These include some of the best features of San Francisco itineraries, and the tales behind them, taking in Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Gold Rush era, the city’s legendary cable cars and historic Union Square.
And if you’re into earthquakes, you can hear about the San Andreas Fault and then trace some of the lines that route out towards Palm Springs.
Eating out is perhaps one of the greatest joys of a stay in the city because there is so much choice of both venues and food.
Even if you fancy watching a major league ball game at the new Pacific Bell Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, you won’t be short of choice.
Known as The Miracle on Third Street by China Basin, with stunning views of the surrounding city and Bay Bridge, you’re not limited to the ubiquitous hot dogs and fries. Here you can enjoy sushi, Mexican and Caribbean food, fruit smoothies, good espresso and even local micro-brew beers.
To round if off, a great memento of the game can be bought from an extensive selection of baseball merchandise at the Giants Dugout Store.
Travelling around the city is also getting easier. In March, the San Francisco Municipal Railway’s historic F-line began operating an extended route from Market Street along the Embarcadero to Fisherman’s Wharf, which includes a lot of major attractions.
The total distance of the round-trip now covers more than 10 miles, with up to 16 streetcars running the service every six to 15mins, depending on the day, destination and time.
The fleet of vintage trolleys, some exported from Italy and dating back to 1928, have been renovated at a cost of $14m.
For a few dollars you can enjoy wonderful views of Bay Bridge and the waterfront as you trundle down the palm-lined Embarcadero.
A new interpretive signage scheme introduced in the spring and running throughout Fisherman’s Wharf details the history of the area and its fishingindustry.
Following the 30-sign route provides a good insight and guide to the whole area before experiencing some excellent seafood at one of the many pier restaurants.
When you’ve done the Wharf, you’ll definitely want to move on to the Market Street area whether you’re a shopaholic or not, as the many fun and wacky stores are an attraction in their own right.
Seek out the four-level Old Navy store that opened its doors late last year on 801 Market Street at the corner of Fourth. There are different floors for men’s and women’s clothing, an Old Navy General Store, Topedo Joe’s submarine-themed restaurant and a basement unisex department complete with a DJ spinning the latest hits. A further five floors comprise a hotel and restaurant.
Music lovers will also find everything they want in San Francisco and a good place to shop for CDs, DVDs and records is Amoeba Music, billed as the largest independent music store in the US. If you don’t make it you can visit it on the Internet when you get home at www.amoebamusic.com.
Lombard Street: is famous for having more twists and turns than any other street in the world
factfile
San Diego: home to the new White Water Canyon theme park
WHAT’S NEW IN SAN DIEGO
n The latest wildlife exhibits at the world-famous San Diego Zoo include the Ituri Forest and the Rainforest Aviary – thelatter featuring more than 50 species of exotic and endangered birds in a dense tropical jungle setting.
n A new adventure attraction at SeaWorld is Shipwreck Rapids, which takes visitors on an island castaway voyage through raging rapids and waterfalls. Another new feature at the park is called Manatee Rescue, which marks the first appearance of these endangered marine mammals outside of Florida. Visitors can view them through an underwater tank covering 800sq ft of water.
n Legoland California is located on a 128-acre site with six themed play areas. They include Imagination Zone, Castle Hill, Fun Town, Village Green, Miniland and The Ridge. Each area features attractions and rides and the whole complex has 1,000 Lego models made from 30 million bricks.
n White Water Canyon theme park in South Bay is based on an 1890s western gold-mining town and features 16 water slides, wave pool, river tubing and other recreational facilities.
WHAT’S NEW IN SAN FRANCISCO
n Pacific Bell Park is the new major league ball park for the San Francisco Giants. The season runs from April to October and tours of the stadium cost $10.
n Artline is a new operation featuring walking tours of San Francisco’s art galleries.
n A new Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf includes a Rainforest Café, aquarium, retail and entertainment venues.
n An addition to city sightseeing excursions is the Hob Nob Tour, covering a lot of city history and humour, as well as a cable-car ride and restaurant lunch. It takes 2hrs 30mins.
n San Francisco on Tap is a new 5hr tour of many brewpubs and tastings. Areas include the Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown and North Beach. More details on the above attractions is at www.sfvisitor.org.
WHAT’S NEW IN LOS ANGELES
n Forever Hollywood is a new permanent film celebrating a century of movie making. It is presented four times daily at the Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.
n Expansion of LA’s subway means visitors can access many major attractions by Metro Rail. The Red Line connects downtown with Hollywood and Universal Studios; the Blue Line provides links to the LA Convention Centre and the Staples Centre sports and entertainment venue as well as to Long Beach; and the Green Line serves LA Airport.
n Hollywood Boulevard is home to the Museum of Death, a collection of death-related memorabilia, from photos of crime scenes to artwork by serial killers.