sign in sign up
<<
Home , AIDS Memorial Grove, Alma (1891), Aquarium of the Bay, At Grace Cathedral, Barbary Coast Trail, Buena Vista Park

o t

e

d

i Written by Sara Day •

u

g

s

’

d

i

k

a Photography by Sandra Cannon San

A Kid’s Guide to San Francisco Twin Lights Publishers A Kid’s Guide  makes it easy, with makes it easy, Twin Lights Publishers, Inc. personal tour guide as you landmarks all over the city. explore dozens of interesting explore dozens of interesting venture up and down hills to venture up and down hills to . Let this book be your own Zoo. Let this book be your own Welcome to Yerba Buena! That’s to Yerba Buena! Welcome kid-friendly cities in the country. kid-friendly cities until the United Sates took it over until the United over 100 fun and interesting facts over 100 fun and interesting from Alcatraz to the San Francisco from Alcatraz to the San Francisco way back in 1847. That’s just one of way back in 1847. about one of the most exciting, and about one of the There’s so much to discover here in There’s so much the “City by the Bay.” the “City by the what San Francisco used to be called Francisco used what San a bucketful of cool things to find out a bucketful of cool to San Francisco s guid kid’ e t a o San Francisco

Photography by Sandra Cannon Written by Sara Day Copyright © 2011 by Twin Lights Publishers, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owners. All images in this elcome to Yerba Buena! forest—San Francisco is the place to be for book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the That’s what San Francisco things to do and see. artists concerned and no responsibility Wused to be called until the United Sates Our user-friendly, A to Z format covers is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of took it over way back in 1847. That’s just a little bit of everything including: history, copyright or otherwise, arising from one of a bucketful of cool things to find art, culture, music, sports and more. It’s the contents of this publication. Every out about one of the most exciting and easy to read and is illustrated with tons of effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with infor- kid-friendly cities in the country. beautiful color photos of famous build- mation supplied. This book can be your own personal tour ings, parks, and landmarks you’ll come to First published in the city guide as you venture up and down hills to recognize. of America by: incorporated: explore dozens of interesting landmarks all Keep tabs on all the great things you see

Twin Lights Publishers, Inc. April 15th, over the city—from the incredibly awe- and do with the trip guide at the back of 8 Hale Street \\1850 some Bridge, to the ginger- the book. There’s even a fun “Been There Rockport, Massachusetts 01966 bread-style , Fisherman’s Done That!” sticker map that’ll come in Telephone: (978) 546-7398 http://www.twinlightspub.com area: Wharf, and crazy twisted Lombard Street. handy when keeping track of some of your There’s so much to discover here in the most favorite landmarks. ISBN: 978-1-934907-05-4 46.69 ISBN: 1-934907-05-7 square “City by the Bay.” A Kid’s Guide to San Whether you’re riding the rolling hills miles Francisco makes it easy, with over 100 fun on a classic San Francisco cable car, racing 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 and interesting facts from Alcatraz to the along on the super-modern BART transit estimated . Check out Ghirardelli system, or hiking along the scenic Bay Photograph on page 5, top right population: Factory, tour a , Trail, this guide is packed with fun facts courtesy of Edelson Photography, learn about the Pony Express, that’ll give you the lowdown on one of the 815,358 or discover an ancient redwood most exciting cities on the planet.

Book design by SYP Design & Production, Inc. http://www.sypdesign.com

Printed in China 3 Angel Island Aquarium of the Bay A The Western Gateway to America Discover an Underwater Paradise One of the most beautiful island parks in Mysterious and awe-inspiring life thrives America is only a brisk ferry ride away. just beneath the waves of San Francisco The Rock Hike to the highest point on the island, Bay, the largest estuary on the west coast. Mount Livermore, and get ready to be You can feed a Bat Ray, and touch Skates, High atop a small, rocky island out in the blown away by the perfect panoramic Leopard , and Sea Stars at the middle of , sits a building view. On a clear day, you can see all five Touch the Bay exhibit. This totally amaz- that used to be one of the toughest prisons Bay Area bridges. Angel Island is known ing exhibit has cool tunnels that give you in America. Cold, damp, and downright as “The Ellis Island of the West,” because a chance to scuba dive without getting unfriendly, Alcatraz was home to some of it was here that hundreds of thousands hypothermia! The Aquarium of the Bay the most notorious bad guys around, in- of immigrants, mostly Asian, made their is a marine nature center dedicated to the cluding Al Capone and George “Machine way to America way back in 1910. conservation of San Francisco Bay and all Gun” Kelly. It used to be a military fort At Immigration Station you can still marine environments. before it was a prison. If you decide to take see the poems of hope they carved into a tour, just remember, they say that no one the walls. Aquatic Park Lagoon has ever successfully escaped from Alcatraz! Chilly Thrills! Antisubmarine Net Just behind the Maritime is Gotcha! San Francisco’s favorite swimming hole. Whether you’re just splashing around During World War II, San Francisco had with your family or training for a serious some pretty clever ways to protect the bay. open-water swim meet, this pretty lagoon’s One idea was an enormous underwater water temperature averages between 50 net that stretched clear across the bay. It and 60 degrees. Brrr! Don’t forget the was the third line of defense behind huge, ! powerful guns and a minefield scattered with about 600 mines.

4 5 Bandshell Bank of Canton B There’s Music in the Air! Can You Hear Me Now? Come and enjoy a Sunday afternoon band The Bank of Canton in Chinatown Clipper Ship concert at Spreckels Temple of Music, also used to be called the Chinese Tele- known as the “bandshell.” Built in 1900, it phone Exchange. First ringing up Just over 300 feet long, with the tallest of was a gift from , a man who customers in 1894, it was Chinatown’s first three masts measuring 145 feet high, this was in the sugar business. Sweet deal for public telephone station and had a small spectacular 19th-century classic is one the city! The bandshell was damaged switchboard where operators knew each big boat! Built in 1886, Balclutha has had by two earthquakes, customer by name, not by number. a long career carrying cargo all over the one in 1906 and one world. Also known as “Star of Alaska” in 1989. It was repaired and “Pacific Queen,” she is the last square- with special reinforce- rigged ship in San Francisco Bay. Moored Get Your Walking Shoes On! ments made just for in Maritime National Historic Park, today When you see this bronze medallion along earthquakes and Balclutha is a living museum waiting to the sidewalk, you’ll know you’re on the reopened in 1994. welcome you aboard. Barbary Coast Trail. Just follow the arrows to see some important historic sites along the 3.8-mile walking tour. From Union Square to Nob Hill, from the Gold Rush to the 1906 earthquake, walking this trail is an adventure. And, if you get hungry, BART don’t worry, there are lots of great places to One Cool Ride chow down along the way! The system, bet- ter known as BART, is famous for being Asian Art Museum the most luxurious public transportation Travel back in time through 6,000 years system around. The sleek, 70-foot-long Bay Area Discovery Museum of history at one of the biggest Asian art trains run along 104 miles of track and A Mind Blast for Kids! in the world. With over 17,000 link 43 stations in style with carpeting, air The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a great works of art, this museum’s collection was conditioning, and fancy lighting. You can place for kids to learn and play. Inside so huge, they had to move it from Golden travel underwater on BART because it runs and out, they can explore and create with Gate Park to a larger building at the Civic under the bay through one of the longest hands-on science and environmental Center. Art, films, demonstrations, and underwater transit tubes in the world. exhibits, special events, festivals and more. exciting programs are just some of the ways BART opened in 1972, and the trains still It’s 7.5 acres of pure fun, so get curious, get you can discover amazing Asian culture. have a very modern design. creative, and get going! 6 7 Bay Bridge Bison Paddock The Other Way Across Big Beasts in a Big City The Bay Bridge connects the cities of San What’s a heard of Bison doing in a big Francisco and Oakland and is actually city? They’re part of the San Francisco made up of six different parts that span 8.4 Zoo. The Bison Paddock is a large area in miles. The central part of the bridge is, in where these big, hairy fact, a 76-foot-wide bore tunnel that goes animals roam. Amazingly, the herd we see right through . The today was brought from Wyoming over 25 original Bay Bridge was built in 1936 using years ago. 18,500 tons of wire, 1 million cubic yards of concrete, and 200,000 gallons of paint! Blue Angels Catch’em if You Can! Flying high, the famous Blue Angels tear across the skyline during an awesome air show that’s all part of Fleet Week in San Francisco. Flown by the most skilled pilots in the world, these powerful fighter jets are MEGA-LOUD and will shake you to the core!

Blue Jeans Bell-ringing Champs Ever wonder where blue Some of San Francisco’s best cable car bell- jeans came from? Well, the ringers have been chiming in every year first denim jeans originated since 1949 when the first bell-ringing con- right here in San Francisco test took place. Since then, people gather back in 1873 by Jacob in Union Square every June for the annual Davis and Levi Strauss. event of choosing the “ of ding-a- But, back then they ling,” and to celebrate the history of these were made for hard unique cable cars. Can you believe that in work, not fashion. 1947, San Francisco cable cars were almost replaced with plain old buses? 8 9 out the mechanical displays with huge Academy of Sciences Cherry Blossom Festival of C engines and spinning wheels to see how it How does a star form? Where did all the all worked. dinosaurs go? How are coral reefs ‘alive’? Bloomin’ Fun for Everyone! You can find the answers to these and more Cable Cars During two spring weekends, the streets of at the incredible California Academy of San Francisco’s Most Famous Ride Japantown bloom with the sights, sounds, Sciences. It’s unlike any other natural his- and tastes of Japanese culture. This unique When Andrew Hallidie noticed how tough tory museum in the world. The brand new, celebration includes dancing, singing, mar- it was for heavy, horse-drawn streetcars to multi-million dollar facility is an aquari- tial arts demonstrations, traditional foods, make it up and down San Francisco’s steep um, planetarium, natural history museum, and much more. The festival has been hills, he came up with the idea to use wire a 3D theater, and tropical rain forest, all in bringing the unique and colorful Japanese ropes to pull cable cars along tracks. In one place! It will take you and your fam- heritage to light for over 40 years. 1873, he tested the first cable car system at ily on a spectacular journey of discovery as Nob Hill. It was a success, much to the re- you explore our incredible world and the lief of a lot of tired feet (and hooves, too!). universe beyond. At the Cable Car Museum, you can see a collection of old-time cable cars and check

Buena Vista Park Head for the Hills! This 589-foot slope was first called (can you guess?)—Hill Park! It was the first park in San Francisco’s park system. In 1906, it became the prime spot for people to watch the fires in the city below that were caused by the Great Earthquake of 1906. Today, the 36-acre area is a beautiful park that features a magnificent forest of huge trees, paved trails, and playgrounds. 10 11 Chinese Cultural Center Chop Suey Chinese culture is everywhere in San No one really knows the real truth about Francisco, and it all comes together at the how it started, but legend has it that chop Chinese Cultural Center. Since 1965, the suey was invented by a Chinese restaurant center has featured artists, exhibits, worker in San Francisco. At the end of lectures, performances the day, he was allowed to eat any of the and more. Members can leftovers, so he chopped them all up, added even search their family some sauce, and named it chop suey. It roots with their Genealogy was so good, the customers started Research Service. asking for it, and before long, every Chinese restaurant in town had City Hall “Chop Suey” on their menu. is enormous! It’s even taller than the U.S. Capitol Build- ing in Washington, D.C. It’s built in the Beaux-Arts style—that’s just another word for “fancy-French.” The earthquake of 1989 caused the big to move a whole 4 inches. After that, it was repaired, so now it’s earthquake-proof!

CityPASS Chinatown That’s the Ticket! Take an awesome walking tour through What’s the secret to unlimited cable-car the oldest Chinatown in North America. rides and half price on admission to some It’s like stepping into another world, with of San Francisco’s best attractions? pagoda-topped shops filled CityPASS! It’s your ticket to great places with cultural trinkets, street like the Aquarium of the Bay, Coastal Trail the country. Along the way you’ll see the fairs, and even a Fortune the California Academy of famous , Fort Point, Cookie factory. Don’t be Get on your hiking boots and hit the Sciences, and even a Blue the , the Sutro Gardens, and more. surprised if you find some trail. The Coastal Trail, that is! From & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise. This hiking stretch is part of the California pretty unusual stuff cook- San Francisco Bay to the historic Cliff All at a great discount the Coastal Trail, which is 1200 miles long and ing up at the local food mar- House, the Coastal Trail is a 10.5- grownups will love! Check out passes through 15 different counties. kets. Dare to try it? mile hike that covers some of the most all the details at www.citypass.com. spectacular natural and man-made sites in

12 13 Concord Coaches of the Overland Mail Company that car- Snail Mail of the 1800s ried people and parcels to San Francisco at a whopping 5 miles an hour! The A team of horses with a stagecoach in coaches were made in Concord, New tow was what San Franciscans might have Hampshire by Lewis Downing and called “snail mail” back in the mid 1800s. Stephen Abbott. The famous Wells Fargo coaches were part

Crissy Fields Crissy Fields, in Presidio National Park, is a great place to stroll, bike, or rollerblade while taking in awesome views of the Golden Gate Bridge. With on the east side and Fort Point on the west side, the area is very popular for picnick- ing, sail boarding, and checking out tons of natural beauty. It used to be an army base, but now it’s an environmental paradise.

Cupid’s Arrow Taking Aim at the Heart of A Monument With a Veiw San Francisco High on Telegraph Hill in Pioneer Park is Love is in the air at Rincon Park, on the Coit Tower. It was built in 1933 as a trib- Embarcadero, where this huge 60-foot- ute to San Francisco’s firefighters (see page high called Cupid’s Span seems 30). The fantastic view of the Bay Bridge, partially sunk into the ground. Sculptors the piers, and Downtown is well worth the Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen 210-foot climb to the top. And be sure to created it in 2002 as a symbol of love. They browse the Depression-era murals on the also said it had the shape of a sailing ship’s ground-floor walls and the statue of bow. What does it remind you of? Christopher Columbus. 14 15 Sign Dragon D Long Live the Doggie! The Chinese Good Luck A Tasty Treat! This happy pup was created in 1966 as an Charm If you love this scrumptious Dahlia advertising plan to sell hamburgers. He The Chinese New Year is crustacean, you’ll definitely Official grinned at Doggie Diner patrons till the celebrated in Chinatown with a nighttime want to be around for the start of San Flower of last one closed in 1986. Diana Scott and parade that features a glowing dragon that’s Francisco’s crab season in November. The San Francisco Joel Schechter of the Ocean Beach Histori- over 200 feet long! The dragon is called Dungeness Crab lives in the super-cold Why is the Dahlia cal Society thought it was important to Gum Lung which means “Golden Dragon” waters of the Pacific Ocean. It’s a sweet and the official flower save the very last doggie head. So, it was and is a symbol of strength and goodness. tasty delicacy that can be found in restau- of San Francisco? moved to 45th Avenue in 2005 and is now It appears at the end of the parade to wish rants and at festivals throughout San Fran- Because so many of its a landmark that welcomes all to Ocean everyone peace, prosperity, and good luck cisco, from the Fisherman’s Wharf Crab qualities reflect what this great city is all Beach with a plaque that reads “Long Live for the coming year. Festival to the North Beach Crab Crawl about. Being able to thrive in most soil, it’s the Doggie!” and the Union Square Crab Fest. strong and hearty, like the early pioneers. So crawl on over and enjoy! It also comes in many colors, which rep- resents the variety of art and poetry found everywhere around the city. Just look around… it’s easy to see why the Dahlia’s beauty and strength is a symbol of the spirit of the people of San Francisco. The de Young Museum is an incredible building made of copper, stone, wood, and glass. It blends in perfectly with the natural surroundings of Golden Gate Park. Inside is a great collection of American, African, and Oceanic Art ready to be discovered. There are also artist demonstrations, pro- grams, and special events that will bring out the artist in you!

16 17 Earthquake and Fire of 1906 E On April 18, 1906, just after 5:00 o’clock in the morning, San Francisco was rocked Early Days Sculpture by one of the most devastating earthquakes The Early Days sculpture is part of the of all time. It ruptured the northernmost Pioneer’s Monument, a tribute to San Fran- 296 miles of the San Andreas Fault, and cisco’s early pioneers. It’s in Alamo Square the shaking was felt as far east as central on Fulton Street. It was created by F.H. Nevada. Many buildings collapsed and fires Happersberger in 1894, and has different erupted, some lasting for four days. After parts—each representing an important the quake, the Army was called in to patrol period in Californian history. Incredibly, it streets and guard the U.S. Mint. Although survived the earthquake in 1906. Rumor many lost their lives, the people of San has it that there is a time capsule buried Francisco started the clean up and rebuild- deep beneath the monument. ing almost immediately. One hundred years later, astronomers at the University of California’s Lick Obser- vatory on Mount Hamilton took a trip back in time when they found what they thought might be original recordings of this great earthquake. Embarcadero Escape from Alcatraz! Walk or Bike It Ready, Set, Go! Take a bike ride along a wide boulevard You don’t have to be a prisoner, but you do called the Embarcadero and enjoy some have to be in tip-top shape to take part in great views of the bay. There are lots of in- the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. The teresting places to stop along the way. Get race takes place every summer and includes a bite to eat at the Ferry Building, check a mile and a half swim from Alcatraz Island out the boats docked at Fisherman’s Wharf, to the shore, then an 18-mile bicycle race, and see what people are catching as they and finally, an 8-mile foot race through fish along the piers. The route will take you Golden Gate National Recreation Area. to Aquatic Park. Whew! Better start training.

18 19 white seagull signs. The route meanders Filbert Steps F past places like the , What a Workout! Mission Dolores, and Fisherman’s Wharf. The Filbert Steps climb an incredibly steep It curls around the Presidio, 49ers cliff in three sections of stairwells that start sails along the crashing waves Super Bowl Champs at Sansome Street and rise all the way to of Ocean Beach, and climbs The were named in Coit Tower. Along the way are cool, art Twin Peaks, where there’s a honor of miners who rushed west for gold. deco buildings and spectacular gardens. fabulous view. The original owners saw a photograph on You’ll huff and puff, but at the top, the the side of a freight train that had a miner awesome view is well worth it. firing a pistol, and that’s how they chose Ferry Building the name of their football team! It used to be a major transportation center First Transcontinental Telephone Call back in 1898, but today, the Ferry Building It would be years before “speed dial,” but 49-Mile Scenic Drive is the place to be if great food is what floats back in 1915, the first transcontinental your boat. Renovated in 2003, it now Miles of Smiles Begin and phone call was made between features boutique food shops, restaurants, End at City Hall and San Francisco. Inventor Alexander and a popular weekly farmer’s market. It’s Graham Bell was on the East Coast when The 49-Mile Scenic Drive winds past some easy to spot along the waterfront, with its he gave a shout to his colleague Thomas of the most beautiful areas of the city. You incredible 245-foot-tall clock tower. know you’re on it if you see those blue and Watson who was over on the West Coast. A World of Wonder When someone asked Mr. Bell to repeat Have you ever wondered what your age his famous first words, “Mr. Watson, come would be on Mars? Or how a garden grows here, I want you,” Mr. Watson, who was The motto beneath the phoenix Oro en Fort Point in Antarctica? The Exploratorium is a great miles away, answered, “It would take me Paz—Fierro en Guerra means “Gold in place to find out. More than just a mu- a week now!” Still Keeping Watch Peace, Iron in War.” seum, it’s a place to discover science, art, In the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, and how to use all of your senses to learn Flag Fort Point has been keeping watch over about our world. Learn to “see” using only Phoenix Rising San Francisco Bay for almost 150 years. Al- your sense of touch in the Tactile Dome, a though it was built by the military to pro- favorite exhibit that plunges you into total The phoenix of Greek mythology kept tect against attack during war time, the fort darkness! You can visit the Exploratorium rising up from fire and ash over and over never actually fired a single shot in battle. at the Palace of Fine Arts on Lyon Street. again. Maybe that’s why the people of San Sometimes called “The Gibraltar of the And if you can’t get there, you can always Francisco have one on their flag. The city West Coast,” the building is an excellent check out their way-cool interactive exhib- suffered several fires and earthquakes and example of American military masonry. its online at www.exploritorium.edu. has come back better than ever each time. Fort Point is now a National Historic Site.

20 21 Fortune Cookie Gold Rush Try Your Luck! G “Gold from the American River!” This sweet Chinese treat filled with a little The started in 1848, bit of wisdom was actually invented by the when James Wilson Marshall found a Japanese Hagiwara family at Golden Gate A Chocolate Lover’s Dream few flakes of gold while building a saw- Park’s Tea Garden. You can bite into one mill for John Sutter. Once San Francisco In 1852, opened a at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Fac- newspapers reported that gold had been general store in San Francisco and sold tory in Chinatown. They’ve been making discovered along the banks of the Ameri- stuff like coffee, spices, and of course, fortune cookies there by hand, the old can River, people came in droves from all chocolate, to gold-rush pioneer families. fashioned way, since over, leaving behind their jobs, farms, and His old chocolate factory has since changed around 1909. families to seek their fortune. “Gold fever” to a variety of shops and restaurants was running rampant, and populations including the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and boomed as prospectors were pulling about Chocolate Shop, where you can dig into $50,000 worth of gold from the mines a huge sundae and taste the best choco- every day. They were called ‘49ers’ because lates around. You can still see the original that was the year they decided to risk it chocolate-making equipment in action. all, and head west by the thousands, in an attempt to strike it rich.

Goddess of Democracy The Goddess of Democracy is a bronze stat- Giants ue that is dedicated to everyone who works World Series Champs! hard for human rights and democracy. It The Giants began playing baseball was designed by sculptor Thomas Marsh in in San Francisco back in 1957. In 1960, 1989 and was dedicated on June 4, 1994 the famous Candlestick Park became their in Park in Chinatown. home and, for forty years, they played Five anonymous Chinese artists helped in all kinds of crazy weather like strong Marsh in creating the final statue. It’s a winds, freezing temperatures, and thick 1/4-scale re-creation of the original Goddess fog. In 2000, a new stadium, now called of Liberty that was created by Chinese stu- AT&T Park, gave the team a new start at a dents during the movement for democracy much more modern stadium that also has in Beijing, China. spectacular waterfront views. 22 23 Golden Gate Bridge Golden Gate National Handkerchief They Said It Couldn’t Be Done Recreation Area H Ah-choo! In 1916, engineer Joseph Strauss came up On either side of the Golden Gate Bridge The infamous stagecoach rob- with a design for the Golden Gate Bridge. is the Golden Gate National Recreation The Haight ber, Black Bart, accidentally The structure was sound, but the design Area. It’s the largest urban national park Far out, Man! left behind a clue for detec- was pretty ugly. In fact, it was so ugly, that in the world, with over 76,500 acres that During the mid 1960s, the corner of tives—his handkerchief— two architects, Irving and Gertrude Mor- includes 28 miles of coastline. The area Haight and Ashbury Streets, known as which led to his arrest in row, decided to step in and create a new de- comprises Fort Point National Historic The Haight, was a place where San Francisco in 1883. During his reckless sign, and it was finally opened to traffic in Site, Muir Woods National Monument, hung out to find ‘peace and love.’ It was crime spree, he robbed 28 stagecoaches in 1937. Its deck sits 220 feet above water and Alcatraz Island, and the Presidio. It’s sur- the flower-power era and great rock bands Northern California between 1875-1883. the tallest tower is 746 feet above the water. prising to find so much wildlife, like hawks like the were really inspired The bridge spans 1.7 miles across San and deer, so close to a big city. by this neighborhood. Never heard of Francisco Bay’s entrance, which was named them? Ask your parents! Chrysopylae, which means “golden gate,” by Captain John C. Fremont in 1846.

Haunted Strange Happenings Flickering lights, doors opening and clos- ing, and footsteps in the night—there’s Hallidie Plaza is an area at the foot of been a lot of unexplained weirdness going Powell Street where the cable cars turn on here. This creepy looking tower is part around. It’s named after Andrew Smith of the San Francisco Art Institute, but it Hallidie who was the inventor of the used to be a burial ground. During renova- cable car (see page 10). The Plaza is action tions in 1968 there were so many strange packed with street vendors, performing and odd accidents that construction work- artists, and tons of tourists on their urban ers were too scared to work there. Maybe hike. You can still see the old-fashioned, the ghosts didn’t like all the noise, but for three-torched street light from 1917. whatever reason, the tower is now closed. 24 25 Herschell-Spillman Infinite Mirror Maze Ride the Colorful Critters of Old I Pure, Mind-boggling Fun! Galloping ostriches, can- Magowan’s Infinite Mirror tering camels, leaping Immigration Station Maze at Fisherman’s Wharf , and frolick- One Hundred Years Old is a kaleidoscope of mirrors, ing frogs—this is On January 21, 1910, over one hundred lights, and sound that’s not your typical years ago, the immigration station on a blast from the minute carousel. A true work Angel Island opened. This is where over you enter. Feel your way of art, this classic wooden 500,000 immigrants, mostly Asian, were along as you find the path carousel in Golden Gate processed into the United States. After a among halls that really Park was built in 1914. fire in 1940, the station was closed. Since seem to go on forever. It’s Along with jumping then the buildings have been restored, and a dizzying effect that will horses, other colorful Angel Island is now a national park. take you by surprise with critters that bob to every turn. the beat of the band organ include a , , stork, deer, goat, and dragon. Fanciful cats, dogs, roosters, , mules, and pigs round out the friendly herd. International Orange More Than a Matter of Taste Pier Have you ever wondered about the color of Before the Golden Gate and Oakland Bay the Golden Gate Bridge? It’s called Inter- bridges were built, the way to get around national Orange. This deep red hue is used was by ferry. was the main for safety reasons—it makes things really automobile ferry terminal. The pier, where stand out in their environment. With all famous ships like the Balclutha anchor, is the heavy fog here, it makes a lot of sense part of the San Francisco Maritime Na- to use this color. As part of the upkeep, tional Historical Park. bridge workers continually slather it with about 10,000 gallons of paint a year. 26 27 Japantown J Culture and Customs at Every Turn. Asian families settled in this area after the Japanese Peace Pagoda big earthquake of 1906. Along with their It looks like some weird kind of alien houses, they opened shops, hotels, and res- space ship, but actually, this 100-foot-tall taurants in what is now called Japantown. monument is a symbol of peace between One of the most famous events in Japan- Japan and America. Designed by Japanese town is the Cherry Blossom Festival (see architect Yoshiro Taniguchi, it’s part of the page 11). For two weekends in April, there five-acre Japan Center complex and was is a huge celebration of Japanese-American given to the people of San Francisco by the heritage. The streets are filled with tra- people of Osaka, Japan. ditional music, wonderful aromas, and costumed dancers. The highlight is a two- hour parade with musicians, samurai floats, and ladies dressed in colorful kimonos.

Japanese Tea Garden It’s Everybody’s Cup of Tea It’s one of the oldest public Japanese gardens in the country and one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco. Makoto Hagiwara, a Japanese immigrant, designed most of the garden spaces in 1894, for the World’s Fair. He was care- taker up until World War II. Stroll though the lush grounds and see native Japanese plants, beautiful monuments, and bridges. Take a peaceful break at the tea house that overlooks the garden waters and enjoy authentic teas and snacks. 28 29 Knickerbocker Engine not expected to be so brave back in those Koret Children’s Quarter K Company No. 5 days, but on her way back from school, A Kid-friendly Zone in L young Lillie Hitchcock ran to help and This little volunteer firehouse, established Golden Gate Park! called for others to pull on the ropes to get Kayaking in 1850, comes with an unusual story. The Koret Children’s Quarter is one of the engine uphill. Everyone pulled hard For Baseballs? When a fire broke out in 1858 atop Tele- the best playgrounds around, with huge Art for the Heart, Mind, and Soul and the engine was the first to put water graph Hill, the engine was having a hard concrete slides, miniature space ships, and A lot of kayaking goes on in McCovey on the fire. After that, it was hard to keep Together with the de Young Museum in time getting up the hill. Little girls were walls and webs to climb. It’s a one-of-a- Cove outside of AT&T Park. Whether it’s Lillie away from the excitement once an Golden Gate Park, the Legion of Honor kind hot spot for kids, with sand areas, a day game or a night game, paddlers brave alarm was sounded. She later became an in Lincoln Park is part of the Fine Arts grass areas, and soft rubber matting areas the frigid waters and eagerly wait to chase honorary member of the Knickerbocker Museums of San Francisco. It’s home to for wide-open fun. It’s believed to be the after the next home run or “splash-hit.” Company. Even after she married Howard the famous sculpture, The Thinker (see first playground in America, originating page 51). Fielding balls from the Bay has become a Coit, she still remained dedicated to the back in 1887. With a charming, historic new tradition that sometimes lasts up to firehouse and to the city of San Francisco. carousel nearby, this sprawling park is a 5 hours if you include batting practice! It When she died, a huge monument, Coit Lincoln Golf Course great time for all. makes for a long day, but if you decide to Tower (see page 14) was built in her honor. It was once a cemetery, but in 1909 the rent a kayak and head out to McCovey It stands 180 feet city decided to use the land for a more Cove, don’t forget your glove! high up on lively use. The cemetery was respectfully Telegraph moved and Lincoln Golf Course first Hill, where opened with 9 holes in 1909. By 1917, it her story had a full 18 holes. The beautiful ocean views will make you forget you’re playing had started. on what once was a burial ground.

Knothole Gang Lions There’s a great way to watch the World Sea Lions, That Is! Series Champs, Giants, for free! Just join These huge pinnipeds ( with the “knothole gang” along the Port Walk flipper-like limbs) can weigh up to half a behind right field. There are cut-out port- ton, and boy, can they bark! Sea lions hang holes that let you take in all the action at out on , attracting lots of atten- the ballpark. It’s a good idea to watch only tion. There have been up to 1,139 of these an inning or two at a time so that others blubbery brutes reported at one time! Be can sneak a peek, too! sure to visit the Marine Center with all your questions about these playful creatures. 30 31 Mission Dolores Morrison Planetarium M Completed in 1791, Mission San Francisco Take a Trip Across de Asisi, (now Mission Dolores), has great the Universe Maritime National Park historic and architectural significance, For the ultimate interplanetary experience, Seafaring History being the oldest building in the city. rocket on over to the Morrison Planetarium. It has seen the likes of the California The tilted theater, sloped at a 30-degree The Maritime National Park, located in Goldrush and the 1906 earthquake. The angle, and stadium-like seating allow you the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, is Mission Cemetery is the resting place of to view amazing light shows that cover the where National Historic Landmark ves- many of the first Californians like Wyatt entire dome. The digital projection system sels like the 1886 square-rigger Balclutha, Earp and famous Californians like Joe takes you skyward on a trip flying through and the 1890 steam ferryboat are DiMaggio. the stars. It’s an astral adventure docked. You can see other ships, too, like Meiggs’ Wharf of a lifetime. the graceful lines of the schooners Alma, What’s in a name? C.A. Thayer, and Wapama—they’ll leave Meiggs’ Wharf was the original name you breathless! You can even go aboard the for what is now the famous Fisherman’s steam tug for an unforgettable ad- Wharf. It was first completed in 1853 venture, and don’t forget to visit the really for lumber trade use by Henry Meiggs, a cool Maritime Store! scheming businessman with a bad reputa- Lombard Street tion. It was also a great spot for fishermen Whoa, Nelly! Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial to dock their boats. Meiggs was eventually run out of town by his creditors and the Hold on tight for a wild ride! Just a few In , behind a name changed to Fisherman’s Wharf at the blocks uphill from Ghirardelli Square is dramatically lit waterfall that is 50 feet turn of the century. The Metreon is four floors, some 350,000 a famous street known as the “crookedest high and 20 feet wide, is a memorial that square feet, of great entertainment. The street.” Lombard Street is made up of eight is dedicated to Dr. King’s vision of equal- 15-movie-screen theater includes a cool hard turns on a 40-degree slope. On foot, ity. Twelve glass panels set in granite are IMAX theater, and the gaming arcade will you can use the sidewalks to watch the inscribed with the inspirational words keep kids of all ages immersed for hours. nervous drivers white-knuckle it through of Dr. King that are translated into 13 The Walk of Game is an added attraction the crazy twists and turns. different languages. The memorial also that spotlights the movers and shakers of Lombard Street is called the “crookedest includes photographs from the civil rights the video game industry. But perhaps one street” but it’s really not. With all it’s zigs movement. This very impressive tribute is of the Metreon’s best features can be and zags, Vermont Avenue between 22nd the second largest King Memorial in the found outdoors with the great view of the and 23rd is actually more crooked! country. Yerba Buena Gardens and Museum of Modern Art. 32 33 N

National AIDS Memorial Grove A living memorial of flower beds and shady trees in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, the National AIDS Memorial Grove is a comforting place for all who have been touched by AIDS (acquired immune de- ficiency syndrome). It was officially desig- nated a National Memorial in 1996. It is a special place to heal, to remember, and to learn about this sad epidemic. The AIDS Memorial Quilt is the largest piece of folk art in the world. It has over 46,000 panels and weighs about 54 tons!

That’s the same as a dozen full-grown National Liberty Ship Memorial Muir Woods Museums on Wheels ! Each 3-foot by 6-foot panel is Longer than a football field, Liberty Ships One Thousand Year Old Trees! Riding Through History hand made and celebrates the life of some- were gigantic cargo ships that hauled tons The giant coast redwoods of Muir Woods This is one of the few places in the world one who has died of AIDS. Activist Cleve of troops and supplies across miles of ocean are the tallest living things on the planet at where you can ride vintage railway Jones thought of the during World War II. At the over 386 feet, and some of them are 1,000 cars from the good old days. These idea for the NAMES National Liberty Ship Memorial, years old! This ancient redwood forest is restored streetcars are called Project Memorial Quilt you can tour the S.S. Jeremiah a 560-acre park with six miles of paved “museums on wheels” and are part in 1985 when people O’Brien—a real Liberty Ship. You trails for easy strolling. Longer hiking trails of the San Francisco Railway Museum wrote the names of lost can even bring your sleeping bag are unpaved. The forest floor is damp and experience. Before you ride the cars, loved ones on signs for a cool overnight adventure. cool, forcing the enormous trees to reach be sure to visit the museum to get and taped them to a high for all the warm sun they can get. the inside scoop on San Francisco’s building. He thought it

rail transit history. looked a lot like a big patchwork quilt! 34 35 Nob Hill Ohlone Indians Orchids A Very Swanky Neighborhood O The Ohlone Indians lived around the San This rare beauty, and many more like it, Rich San Franciscans have been living high Francisco and Monterey Bay areas. Once can be found at the Conservatory of Flow- on the hog up on Nob Hill since the Gold “Oh, Say, Can You See?” called Costanoans (meaning people of the ers. The oldest wood and glass conservato- Rush days. People who made their fortunes coast), they were particularly known for ry in North America, it’s a living museum Do you know who wrote The Star-Spangled in the early days built grand mansions their crafts, and wove baskets with intricate of exotic plants and tropical flowers that’s a Banner? It was Francis Scott Key, the son that overlooked the city below. Today, in designs. Some would take months to make. real celebration for the senses. On the first of a Revolutionary officer. He was inspired place of fancy homes are big, luxury hotels The Ohlone made houses out of willows Tuesday of every month, admission to the in 1814, after he witnessed a battle and like the Farimont, upscale boutiques, and that only lasted one season, Conservatory is free! saw the stars and stripes of the America flag beautiful city landmarks like the Fountain and the entrances still waving in the morning when it was all of the Tortoises. were so small, over. He actually wrote the poem on the they had to Old United States Mint back of a letter he had in his pocket! This crawl though During the Gold Rush days in North Beach impressive monument to Key is in Golden them to get in! 1852, there was so much gold Viva Italiano! Gate Park. that the government opened If you love Italian food, then follow the Old Del Monte Cannery up a small building where they could turn Barbary Coast Trail to the North Beach A Building With a Fruity Past it into coins. By 1854, they needed even district. It’s San Francisco’s Little Italy more space and the larger U.S. Mint was where the aroma of Italian restaurants and The Cannery was founded in 1907 by the built. It was the only building operating bakeries is simply irresistible. In June the California Fruit Company, which later after the big earthquake and fire. Although North Beach Festival features food, mu- became Del Monte. It survived the great it doesn’t make the kind of coins you’d sic, and animal blessings, as well as Arte di earthquake and the canning of fruits and find in your pocket anymore, it still makes Gesso (Italian street chalk art). veggies continued on until 1937. It was beautiful silver proof coin sets. once the most productive peach canning operation in the world! Today, the building has been restored and is an historic land- mark with three floors of shops and restaurants.

36 37 P

Panama-Pacific International Exposition When the Panama Canal was finished in 1914, the city of San Francisco decided to celebrate with a huge World’s Fair. Exhibits included a steam locomotive and the actual Liberty Bell. And even though it probably didn’t sound much different from the At- lantic Ocean, a telephone line was set up so that the people on the East Coast could hear what the Pacific Ocean sounded like! The only building left from the 1915 Exposition is the renovated Palace of Fine Arts—it’s now a great place to see your favorite performers. Peddle Boats Philippine Coral Reef Are You a Peddler or a Paddler? Under Water Wonders Either way, you’ll have a great day out on Did you know that the reef systems in the Pier 39 the water at Stow Lake, the biggest lake in Philippines have more varieties of corals If you like to shop, eat, or just enjoy the Oops! Point Bonita’s first lighthouse was Golden Gate Park. Right in the middle of and fishes than any other place on the beautiful picturesque bay with its quaint built on its highest hill, but it was not the lake is an island called Strawberry Hill. planet? Maybe that’s why the California fishing boats and views of the Golden Gate much use to mariners because, at that You can get to it by boat or by bridge, but Academy of Sciences chose to feature one Bridge, then Pier 39 is the place to be. height, it was in a fogbank most of the which ever way you choose, be sure not in an exhibit that is one of the world’s Check out the sea lions that lounge on the time! The second attempt was much better to miss the beautiful Huntington Falls deepest living coral reef displays in the docks or go for a high-speed adventure on with the lighthouse sitting atop a lower cascading down world. The 25-foot-tall tank holds a whop- a wild RocketBoat ride. Arcades, street per- rocky crag. Since then, the Point Bonita Strawberry Hill and ping 212,000 gallons of water, where you formers, sailing charters—there’s so much Lighthouse has had a long history of into the lake. can see not only hard and soft corals, to do and see. guiding ships through stormy waters and but also rays, sharks, and over 2,000 thick fog. vibrantly colored fishes.

38 39 Pony Express Powell Street Giddy Up! Cable Car Turntable Over one hundred and fifty years ago, rid- While bigger cable cars can be operated ers saddled up to bring news and mail from from either end with the flick of a switch, West to East. The Pony Express took only the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines 10 days to deliver a letter, which was pretty use smaller cars that only operate from one fast back then. Express riders risked sear- end. So what does the gripman do when ing heat, snowstorms, and Indian attacks they get to the end of the line? A man- all along the 1,966-mile ride from San powered turntable spins the cars around! Francisco to Missouri. Much to their relief, Turntables are located at Taylor and Bay, they were phased out once the telegraph and at the other end of the line at Fisher- first crossed the continent. These plaques man’s Wharf. They’re quite a sight can be found on Clay Street where China- to see. town meets the Financial District, which is where the headquarters was located for the Presidio Pony Express. The Presidio is a beautiful area just south of the Golden Gate Bridge that has forests, marshes, and beaches, all with spectacular views. It was first owned by Spain, then by Mexico, and finally, the United States. There are more than 500 historic buildings to discover, and even an historic airfield.

40 41 Questions and Answers

Q Turn the page upside down to see the

answers! Queasy You might think twice about walking • Why is San Francisco so much fun across the Golden Gate Bridge if the to walk? thought of being 220 feet above the water • Besides San Francisco, who has the makes you a little queasy. But if you’re okay largest Chinese community in the with that, then grab your windbreaker and world? prepare to be blown away by a refreshing • Why is the Golden Gate Bridge hike across San Francisco’s most famous golden? landmark. • What happens to the Golden Gate Bridge during an earthquake?

• What is the nickname for

San Francisco?

the Bay.” the

• It’s called “The City by by City “The called It’s 

27 feet in an earthquake. an in feet 27

• The bridge is built to sway sway to built is bridge The 

see in the fog. the in see

color that makes it easy to to easy it makes that color

Windmill. It was built in 1902 and was • Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden a Orange, International It’s 

If you tiptoe through the Queen Wilhelm- originally used for park irrigation. It stands

•

Why, China, of course! of China, Why,  ina Tulip Garden in Golden Gate Park, 75-feet high and has a span of 102 feet.

you’ll come across a remarkable Dutch

•

Because it’s built on 43 hills. 43 on built it’s Because



42 43 Ripley’s Believe It R Or Not® Shrunken heads? A space Rainforest shuttle made out of match- California Academy of sticks? If you’re into the Sciences Exhibit surreal, then a visit to Ripley’s is a must. Ripley’s has been This entire rainforest is inside a 90-foot feeding curious minds since glass bubble! Ride a glass elevator down the 1933 Chicago World’s from the treetops to below the flooded Fair. The 30 museums around forest floor, where you can walk through the world host 12 million an acrylic tunnel and see what’s swimming visitors a year. At the newly renovated San above you. Did you know that almost one Francisco museum at Fisherman’s Wharf, quarter of the world’s medicines come there are lots of strange, cool exhibits— from plants in rainforests? Maybe that’s even a candy factory where you can mix why they call them the “pharmacies of the and match you favorite sweets. You’re sure earth.” to learn something new and interesting in this “world of the weird.”

RocketBoat A Wet and Wild Ride! Jump onto a RocketBoat at Pier 39 for a thirty-minute thrill ride around San Francisco Bay. These boats are crazy fast. Powerful engines rev at top speeds, pro- pelling these fiery-red bullets through the waves, twisting and turning to the beat of high-energy rock music. It’s a blast and you’ll never want it to end!

44 45 Rose Window Over three thousand pieces of colorful glass San Francisco’s Oldest Alley S make up this incredible geometric work You just might recognize this alleyway of art. Sunlight filters through and paints from movies like Indian Jones and the Tem- Sailors the enormous interior with rainbows or ple of Doom, or Karate Kid II. It’s a back Riding the Breezy Bay sparkling light. Grace Church was founded street with a checkered past, but today you Wind and water are just the right combi- in 1849, during the Gold Rush, and this can see a lot of amazing attractions here nation when you’re looking for fun on the cathedral was built in 1964. A lot of people like these lifelike murals that show every- Bay. With all the beautiful, windy weather visit to take in the colorful stained glass day Chinese-American life and the Golden in San Francisco, it’s no wonder that sailors artwork, listen to the 44-bell carillon, and Gate Fortune Cookie Factory where you flock here for boating, windsurfing, and to walk the peaceful paths of the indoor can watch cookies being made by hand. kiteboarding. and outdoor labyrinths.

San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum Imagine! Fifty-five acres of trees, flow- ers, and shrubs from all over the world. That’s what you’ll find at the Arboretum in Golden Gate Park. Free to the pubic, this birdwatcher’s paradise is actually made up of many different kinds of gardens and has seven ponds where the waterfowl love to hang out. Helene Strybing funded the garden and it was named in memory of her husband, Christian M. Strybing. 46 47 San Francisco Fire Department Sightseeing Tours Museum Looking for a fun way to see the city? You From vintage firehouses to horse-drawn can check out all of the most popular at- engines to modern fireboats, this museum tractions from an open-top, double-decker is a great place to uncover the history of bus; or how about a boat ride around the the “Guardians of the City.” Learn about Bay, or a cool GPS Go Car tour. And if the Great Fires of San Francisco and how you’re looking for something really differ- these brave firefighters meet the challenges ent, you can even tour the city by Segway! of all this hilly terrain. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00.

Shanghai Shipwrecks San Francisco Museum of “Aunt Bessie shanghai-ed us to weed the Did you know that part of San Fran- © Copyright 2011 San Francisco Electric Tour Company Modern Art garden!” Have you ever wondered where cisco is built right on top of a bunch of the word shanghai came from? Well, long shipwrecks? Some have even been found Discover your inner artist at San Francisco ago, there was a huge demand for deck underground in the Jackson Square His- Museum of Modern Art. Explore, create, hands on ships heading from San Francisco toric District. There were no automobiles and get inspired with guided tours, activi- to the port of Shanghai, China. So when or railroads to San Francisco during the ties, and special family-friendly programs. men were scarce and work was plenty, a Gold Rush, so the best way to get to the Check out the museum’s way cool online lot of unfortunate souls were kidnapped gold was from its port. People rushed to ArtScope, a fun, interactive tool you can and forced to work once out at sea. That’s get here and whole crews just abandoned use to lose yourself in over 5,000 works of where the term shanghai came from. Boy, their ships! San Francisco was left with an art in their collection. it must have been really hard to find good estimated 600 shipwrecks! help in those days! 48 49 “The Stick” Candlestick Park: Home of the 49ers T Candlestick Park first opened in 1960. Fans chose that name because it sits right Tankers at the top of Candlestick Point. It was built A huge tanker ship carefully slips under in the shape of a boomerang to shield out the Golden Gate Bridge, and from this the chilly winds from the water, but that angle, it looks like it might be a tight fit! really didn’t’ work so well— the winds still These gigantic vessels often depend on the howl here. No matter—49ers fans are a services of much smaller tugboats to help hearty bunch. So hearty, in fact that they guide them in and out of port. put away about 150,000 hot dogs and sausages, and over 130,000 sodas from the concession stands every season! The 49ers mascot is named “Sourdough Sam.” Read the first entry on this page to find out why.

Surfing Sourdough Bread Starfleet Command Headquarters Most people think of Southern California Telegraph Hill Museum. Nobody “The Mother Dough” Are You a Trekie? when they think of surfing, but San Fran- Who Goes There? really knows for cisco has some pretty fantastic surfing, sure, but maybe San Francisco has long been famous for its If you are, then you may already know This was originally a signal tower for too, especially off of Fort Point, with the he’s thinking delicious sourdough bread. Miners during that San Francisco is the home of Starfleet ships heading into the Golden Gate. A majestic Golden Gate Bridge as the back- about all the other the Gold Rush days couldn’t get enough Command Headquarters. Star Trek movies watchman on the hill could tell where the drop. The best waves roll in during the fall great things to of this new and tasty bread. Every morn- have shown the headquarters as being ships were from by their flags, and then when big Alaskan swells move in and the see here, like the ing, they flocked to the shop of the Boudin located at , across from the he would telegraph that information to looming summer fog clears out. magnificent Skinner family, master bakers from France, Golden Gate Bridge, and, according to its townspeople. The plaque at the Chris- Pipe Organ, or the who perfected the recipe with the StarTrek.com, the famous Starfleet topher Columbus statue marks the spot Book of Gold. Or special dough they called the ship Enterprise was built on San where the watchman stood. “Mother Dough.” Strangely Francisco’s in the year it could be he’s enough, the dough was also 2245. As the Vulcans say, “live just wondering used to tan animal hides by long and prosper!” The Thinker when your next visit rubbing it into the skin. This famous sculpture, The Thinker, by will be! August Rodin is part of the huge collection of art you can find at the Legion of Honor 50 51 Tower of Jewels Twin Peaks Sparkling Architecture 360-degree Views! U At over 400 feet tall, as high as Hike through lush green forests to an el- many of San Francisco’s hills, the evation of over 900 feet to enjoy sweeping United Nations Plaza Tower of Jewels was the crowning glory panoramic views of the city and the bay. Before the United Nations was moved to of the 1915 World’s Fair (see page 38). These two identical hills are located right New York, it was here in San Francisco. The building was decorated with more in the middle of the city. The lower por- This statue at Union Plaza is of Venezuelan than 120,000 “jewels” from Bohemia tion is dotted with colorful houses, while military hero, Simón Bolívar, who helped called Novagems. Even though they were the upper portion is an undeveloped nature to liberate many South American nations. only just colorful cut glass, the “gems” preserve where, on a clear day, you just It was a gift from the people of Venezuela. bedazzled the tower anyway. might be lucky enough to spot a redtailed hawk. But dress warmly and bring some Center hot chocolate. It can be chilly up there! A lot of San Franciscans didn’t like this new, triangle-shaped building at first. But, after a while, it started to grow on them, and now, this amazing, 853-foot-high pyramid with its pointy spire, has become an icon. Smart-thinking architect William Pereira designed it to move with earth- quake tremors.

Treasure Island USS Pampanito A huge chunk of land was dredged up from the Bay in 1937 to form Treasure Island If you’re anywhere near Pier 45, be sure for the Golden Gate International Exposi- to check out the real WWII submarine tion of 1939. It was supposed to be used that’s moored there. The USS Pampanito is as an airport, but when WWII started, it one of the most popular historic vessels in was used as a Naval base instead. You can the country and gets more than 100,000 still visit Treasure Island Museum in the visitors a year. You can take a tour, but be horseshoe-shaped administration building, careful if you’re claustrophobic, the quar- but call ahead—hours are limited. ters can be pretty cramped!

52 53 V W

Venetian Carousel Walt Disney Family Museum On Pier 39 There was never a man who was more Have you ever seen a double-decker dedicated to fun and imagination than carousel like this one? It’s a work of art Walt Disney. From the humble begin- from Italy, with 32 hand-carved, mythical nings of the first Mickey Mouse cartoon, animals, and brightly painted scenes of Steamboat Willie, to the mega theme parks, San Francisco. No matter which critter you can find out all about the magic that you choose to ride, you’ll be glad to learn started inside the mind of this incredible that all the proceeds from ticket fares go innovator. The museum is located in the directly to the Marine Mammal Center. Presidio of San Francisco.

Victorian Mansions opening credits. That’s what multi-colored San Francisco’s Painted Ladies Victorian houses are called. You can find rows of these boldly painted homes all Victorian-style mansions are found around the city of San Francisco. Some- throughout the city’s neighborhoods. Most times known as “Postcard Row,” the houses of these ornate buildings were home to across from Alamo Square Park are a those who made a lot of money in min- famous group of painted ladies. They have ing back in the Gold Rush days. If you’ve appeared on post cards and in ads, movies, ever watched the TV show, Full House, you and on TV shows. would have seen a “painted lady” in the 54 55 Weird Weather Washington Square Park Wax Museum Got Fog? It’s the perfect community meeting spot At Fisherman’s Wharf Billowing blankets of cottony clouds, the for strolling, playing Frisbee, or taking in Where can you see Brad Pitt, Angelina “City by the Bay” is famous for fog. San an outdoor movie. Located in the Ital- Jolie, Yao Ming, and Tiger Woods all in the Franciscans never tire of this majestic natu- ian North Beach neighborhood, this park same place? They’re all here at one of the ral phenomenon that rolls in during the is a wide-open oasis in a busy city. The largest wax museums in the world. There summer months. Many poets have been impressive Coit Tower and this statue in are over 200 personalities, including your inspired by the fog’s quiet beauty and by the square both honor San Francisco’s fire favorite sports stars, military heroes, and the muffled low tones of the foghorns. fighters (see pages 14 and 30). creepy villains. Freddy Kruger and Vincent Price will greet you in the Chamber of Horrors exhibit where you’re certain to be freaked out by the Head Crusher and other terrifying devices used in the Middle Ages. 56 57 Wells Fargo History Museum Henry Wells and William Fargo first pro- X vided banking and express coach services during the Gold Rush days. The coaches X-braces (see page 14) were pulled by a team of six Quake-proof Engineering horses guided by skilled drivers. At the Since the Oakland Bay Bridge is right Wells Fargo History Museum, you can see between the San Andreas Faultline and the banking artifacts, as well as real gold rush , it makes sense that mining tools. You can engineers designed it to be quakeproof. even take a ride on a X-braces and tension cables are all part of virtual stagecoach. a dynamic design that help resist the forces of earthquake tremors. Wild Parrots! What started out as a few house pets that flew the coop is now a huge, brightly colored, screeching colony. These feathered friends of South America have come to be beloved by city residents on Telegraph Hill. There’s even a book about them called The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill. Pick it up for a truly heart-warming story.

58 59 Zoo Y Z If you love animals, a trip to the San Francisco Yerba Buena Zeum Zoo is a must for you. The Spaniards first discovered California Digital Fun! from , in the 1500s, but it took another 200 years Did you ever want to make your own Australian wallaroos, Sibe- before they would find this beautiful digital cartoon? Or star in your own music rian , and African lions coastal area, since it was so well hidden by video? Kids can do this and more at Zeum: are some of the more than thick fog. The small village of Yerba Buena San Francisco’s Children’s Museum. This 930 animals you’ll find there. was established in 1839 and was named for is a cool, hands-on, multimedia arts and Giraffes, gorillas, zebras, and everybody’s the trailing vines of white wild flowers that technology experience for kids of all ages. favorite, penguins, are waiting to greet you. are still found on Alcatraz Island. Yerba Paint with light, create digital art, or make Spread out over 100 acres, animals and Buena means “good herb” in Spanish. The your own stop-action claymation movie. At visitors have been coming together at the Americans renamed it San Francisco in Zeum, let your imagination run wild! San Francisco Zoo since 1929. 1839, after the Mexican war.

Yerba Buena Children’s Gardens Yerba Buena Gardens has a special place just for kids. Boys and girls have 130,000 square feet to discover, including a sand circle, a play stream, and a 25-foot slide. There’s a labyrinth of hedges to get lost in, and a fully restored, hand- carved Zeum Carousel from 1906.

60 61 Index Cable Cars, 10 Filbert Steps, 21 I Muir Woods, 24, 34 R California Academy of Sciences, 11, 38, 44 Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, 31 IMAX theater, 33 Museums on Wheels, 34 Rainforest, 44 A Candlestick Park, 22, 50 First Transcontinental Telephone Call, 21 Immigration Station, 4, 27 Rincon Park, 15 AIDS Memorial Quilt, 35 Cherry Blossom Festival, 11, 29 Fisherman’s Wharf, 19, 27, 32, 45, 56 Infinite Mirror Maze, 27 N Ripley’s Believe It or Not®, 45 Alamo Square Park, 18, 55 Chinatown, 12, 17, 23 Flag, 21 International Orange, 27 NAMES Project Memorial Quilt, 35 RocketBoat, 39, 45 Alcatraz Island, 4, 19, 24, 60 Chinese Cultural Center, 12 Fog, 27, 57 National AIDS Memorial Grove, 35 Rodin, August, 51 Alma, 32 Chop Suey, 12 Fort Point, 21, 24, 50 J National Liberty Ship Memorial, 35 Rose Window at Grace Cathedral, 46 Angel Island, 4, 27 City Hall, 13 Fortune Cookie, 22 Japan Center, 28 Nob Hill, 10, 36 Ross Alley, 46 Antisubmarine Net, 4 CityPASS, 13 Fountain of the Tortoises, 36 Japanese Peace Pagoda, 28 North Beach, 36, 56 Aquarium of the Bay, 5 Coastal Trail, 13 Japanese Tea Garden, 28 S Aquatic Park Lagoon, 5, 19 Coit Tower, 14, 30, 56 G Japantown, 11, 29 O S.S. Jeremiah O’Brien, 35 Ashbury Street, 26 Concord Coaches, 14 Ghirardelli Square, 22, 32 Ohlone Indians, 37 Sailors, 47 Asian Art Museum, 6 , 37 Giants, 22, 30 K Old Del Monte Canney, 37 San Francisco Art Institute, 25 AT&T Park, 22, 30 Crissy Fields, 15 Goddess of Democracy, 23 Kayaking, 30 Old United States Mint, 37 San Fransico Botanical Garden at Strybing Cupid’s Arrow, 15 Gold Rush, 23, 33, 37, 49, 50, 55, 58 Key, Francis Scott, 36 Orchids, 37 Arboretum, 47 B Golden Gate Bridge, 21, 24, 27, 39, 42, Knickerbocker Engine Company No. 5, 30 San Francisco Fire Department Museum, Balclutha Clipper Ship, 6, 26, 32 D 43, 51 Knothole Gang, 30 P 48 Bandshell, 6 Dahlia, 16 Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, 22, Koret Children’s Quarter, 31 Palace of Fine Arts, 20, 38 San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 33, Bank of Canton, 7 de Young Museum, 16, 31 46 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, 48 Barbary Coast Trail, 7, 36 Doggie Diner Sign, 16 Golden Gate International Exposition of L 38 San Francisco Railway Museum, 34 BART, 7 Dragon, 17 1939, 52 Legion of Honor, 31, 51 Peddle Boats, 38 Shanghai, 49 Bay Area Discovery Museum, 7 Dungeness Crab, 17 Golden Gate National Recreation Area, 24 Lincoln Golf Course, 31 Philippine Coral Reef, 38 Shipwrecks, 49 Golden Gate Park, 9, 25, 31, 35, 36, 38, Pier 39, 39, 54 Bay Bridge, 8, 59 E Lincoln Park, 31 Sightseeing Tours, 49 Bell-ringing Champs, 8 43, 47 Lions (sea lions), 31 Point Bonita Lighthouse, 39 Sourdough Bread, 50 Early Days Sculpture, 18 Bison Paddock, 9 Lombard Street, 32 Pony Express, 40 Spreckels Temple of Music, 6 Earthquake and Fire of 1906, 19, 33 H Black Bart, 25 Powell Street Cable Car Turntable, 41 Star-Spangled Banner, 36 Embarcadero, 15, 19 Haight, The, 25 Blue Angels, 9 M Presidio National Park, 15, 24, 41, 55 Starfleet Command Headquarters, 50 Escape from Alcatraz, 19 Hallidie Plaza, 25 Blue Jeans, 9 Maritime National Historic Park, 6, 26, 32 Stow Lake, 38 Eureka, 32 Hallidie, Andrew Smith, 10, 25 Bolívar, Simón, 53 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, 32 Q Strawberry Hill, 38 Exploratorium, 20 Haunted, 25 , 10 McCovey Cove, 30 Queasy, 42 Surfing, 50 Hercules, 32 Meiggs’ Wharf, 32 Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, 43 F Herschell-Spillman Carousel, 26 C Metreon, 33 T 49ers, 20, 50 Hitchcock, Lillie, 30 C.A. Thayer, 32 Mission Dolores, 33 Tankers, 51 49-Mile Scenic Drive, 20 Huntington Falls, 38 Cable Car Museum, 10 Morrison Planetarium, 33 Telegraph Hill, 14, 30, 51, 58 Ferry Building, 19, 20 Hyde Street Pier, 26 Thinker, The, 31, 51 62 63 Tower of Jewels, 52 Transamerica Pyramid Center, 52 Treasure Island, 52 My Trip to San Francisco Twin Peaks, 52 Date: U United Nations Plaza, 53 Stuff we did: USS Pampanito, 53

V Venetian Carousel, 54 Vermont Avenue, 32 Victorian Mansions, 55

W Walt Disney Family Museum, 55 Wapama, 32 Washington Square Park, 56 Wax Museum, 56 Wells Fargo History Museum, 14, 58 Wild Parrots, 58

X X-braces, 59

Y Yerba Buena, 60 Yerba Buena Children’s Gardens, 60 Yerba Buena Gardens, 32, 33

Z Zeum, 61 Zoo, 9, 61

64 Been There, Done That! sticker sheet Alcatraz Island Balclutha San Francisco California Academy Clipper Ship Zoo of Sciences Now that you’ve seen the historic monuments, learned all the interesting facts, and visited the fun attractions of San Francisco, it’s time to mark where you’ve been and what you’ve done. Simply Cable Car Chinatown Powell Street Exploratorium match the places on the Museum Cable Car Turntable stickers to their correct location on the map to create your own personal guide around San Francisco.

Ferry Building Ghirardelli AT&T Park Golden Gate Square Bridge

Pier 39 Golden Gate Park Lombard Street Zeum Alcatraz San Francisco Island Treasure Bay Pier 39 Island Golden Balclutha Gate Clipper Ship Bridge Lombard Street Ferry Building South Bay Bridge

Powell Street Bay Exploratorium Cable Car Turntable Ghirardelli Square Cable Car Museum

Chinatown

Golden Zeum Gate Park California AT&T Park Academy of Sciences

San Francisco Zoo

gui kid’s de t a o o t

e

d

i Written by Sara Day •

u

g

s

’

d

i

k

a Photography by Sandra Cannon San Francisco San

A Kid’s Guide to San Francisco Twin Lights Publishers A Kid’s Guide  makes it easy, with makes it easy, Twin Lights Publishers, Inc. personal tour guide as you landmarks all over the city. explore dozens of interesting explore dozens of interesting venture up and down hills to venture up and down hills to Zoo. Let this book be your own Zoo. Let this book be your own Welcome to Yerba Buena! That’s to Yerba Buena! Welcome kid-friendly cities in the country. kid-friendly cities until the United Sates took it over until the United over 100 fun and interesting facts over 100 fun and interesting from Alcatraz to the San Francisco from Alcatraz to the San Francisco way back in 1847. That’s just one of way back in 1847. about one of the most exciting, and about one of the There’s so much to discover here in There’s so much the “City by the Bay.” the “City by the what San Francisco used to be called Francisco used what San a bucketful of cool things to find out a bucketful of cool to San Francisco