Fun Activities on the Streets of San Francisco CA

Fun on the back streets of San Francisco: GoCars

Of course this day activity was on an unusual March day in San Francisco which included almost every type of weather - fog, rain, clouds, and even a touch of sun - within a duration of 2-3 hours.  We were lucky  to be without snow driving over the hills.  I believe these weather elements actually created our best memories!

This is an unusual way to explore the side streets away from the traffic after you take a sightseeing tour.  Driving solo is fun in these cars, going with a group on a GoCar tour with their guided GPS is extraordinary event with your  friends.  I was fortunate to have one of the company guides as my chauffeur as I listened to insights that made these events special and I was able to snap these pictures to share with everyone. 

Challenges  

It rained on us and

Of course we had a couple of cars stray away from the group - all people and cars found their way safely back to the garage.  

Finale 

We went places where you don't always get to go on the back streets of San Francisco with our friends. 

Go Cars in San Francisco Courtesy of FunTourGuru

   

Go Car Tour in San Francisco Courtesy of FunTourGuru

 
Information on GoCar GPS-Guided Tours - this was a paid group activity. We make the arrangements with you. 

Stay tuned for more pictures, off the beaten path ~ The FunTourGuru 

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San Francisco & Tony Bennett on Feb 14 Tribute - 50 years

First, the Grammy's 

I am melancholy today after watching the Grammy's last night.  I realize I don't even remember who won the awards ~ with one exception, Adele, with her awesome story, came away with well deserved recognition.  It was all of the performances, one after another, that simply put me under a spell!  Famous to new performers - all varieties of music - they all were fabulous.  Everyone. 

Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Adele, Taylor Swift, Tony Bennett, The Beach Boys, Glen Campbell, Katy Perry, Chris Brown ... and so forth ... you get the picture.  And, of the sad news of Whitney Houston, we need to remember life is fragile.

Next, I left my heart in San Francisco St. Valentine's Day Tribute

I know, this may be kind of corny, there is something special about this little town by the bay .... and Tony Bennett!

Today, I read an announcement of San Francisco's - to honor Tony Bennett in a a tribute of the 50th Anniversary of the song, "I left my heart in San Francisco". And, he will be there to sing in person.

When: Noon, Tuesday, February 14, City Hall, Downtown San Francisco you will listen to a free Valentine's Day Treat.

Fabulous tribute. 

Tony first sang the song in the Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill in December of 1961, and Tony returns there on the evening of Valentine’s Day to sing at a sold-out benefit dinner and concert to raise money for heart research at UCSF. He recorded the song in 1962. 

Yep, I used to (and still do) always play this song when taking my groups into San Francisco after the long ride north on the peninsula from south bay.   

Of course, for those of you who are curious creatives ~ try entering the contest sponsored by San Francisco Travel Association. Good luck!

City of San Francisco Press Release

With hearts and smiles, Happy Valentine's Day from San Francisco! ~~ The Fun Tour Guru

What is there to do at Palace of Fine Arts, Marina District, San Francisco

In San Francisco, I drove to another favorite spot away from traffic.  Admittedly, I find these places as I try to avoid some of the San Francisco hills when I drive my standard shift car using a clutch.  Driving these hills is not always easy for me. 

So I found how to drive around some of the steepest places.  By the Marina, an area where the tour buses cannot go –  there were more amazing views of the bay. But wait, don't forget to turn around. You'll see another San Francisco attraction, the Palace of Fine Arts, rising above the homes.  

The Marina District was created from landfill for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition.  Today, this area between Fort Mason and the Presidio, you will find these Mediterranean rival homes. And, a leisure place for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. 

Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco

Palace of Fine Arts from the Marina

We now enjoy the 2010 restoration of the Palace of Fine Arts.  This is the only remaining building from 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exhibition, when San Francisco celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal after recovering from the 1906 earthquake. San Francisco kept this favorite building after the fair, which was originally designed to look like a Roman ruin. 

Yes, another view of the Golden Gate Bridge by the Yacht Harbor

I enjoy walking and sitting by the lagoon at the Palace. A couple of things you might find interesting to do.
   
A fun, geeky attraction (found at Pier 15 now) for the entire family is the Exploratorium. I have been and found that you will stay the entire day exploring. The science and technology museum is where over 500,000 visitors each year explore the hands-on exhibits. Visitor information may be found at the website.

Don't forget you may attend events at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.  Find information about different events and tickets, prices, and dates at their website.  

 Insider secrets:

Have you found the miniature replica of the Palace of Fine Arts, as a symbol of San Francisco, located in Disney’s California Adventure?

And, did you know a 1976 presidential debate between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford was held at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre?

Do you like this article?  Please leave answers to the above quiz in the comments below.  And share with your friends.  

Just another day finding things to explore!  
~~~The Fun Tour Guru

San Francisco Cable Cars Update

Are you visiting San Francisco during Fourth of July?  Things do change. Don't forget to verify details - before your trips.  

Remember, there will be a price increase on July 1, 2011.  Cable Car tickets are increasing by $1.

 

A Quick Update About the Cable Cars in San Francisco

Effective July 1, 2011, one-way fares on the cars are increasing to $6 (currently $5).  I am surprised that people don't realize these tickets are one-way only. You are not able to get off and get back on the Cable Cars.

If you will be out and about the city during the day, I recommend purchasing an all-day pass (which is $14 on July 1) which allows you to ride more than one cable car vehicle, transferring between a Powell line and the California Line, as well as riding other Muni vehicles. 

This price increase information is a bit of challenge to find as it takes several clicks once you find the website.  Thank you to connections from the professional tour guides from San Francisco Tour Guide Guild for communicating this.

Did you know that an estimated 8 million people ride the historic Cable Cars each year, per MUNI, San Francisco's transist operator?

San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency - Price increase  

Insider Tips

And, don't forget my article about visiting the Cable Car Museum this year. Best way to get there?  Of course, you gotta ride the cable cars! Because parking is non-existent in this area.  

Insider Favorite Tip: Adults only, should there be a long line at the Cable Car turnaround, cross the street and order one world famous Irish Coffee at Buena Vista! (orange letters of sign in image) Nice to keep warm on the cool, foggy summer days.

Cable Cars and the Buena Vista - 2 more of my San Francisco favorites! Image by DW

Have a fun and safe journey!  The Fun Tour Guru


 

Favorite Walking Tour on Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA

Columbus Ave, San Francisco

It is fun to walk along Columbus Avenue in San Francisco. Columbus Avenue is a very familiar and well known street to most people. It runs diagonal across San Francisco from the Fisherman’s Wharf to the Financial District ending at Montgomery. 

With little written about this street, I did find information on Wikipedia and a Via (CSAA) article written by Camille Cusumano, June 2004. 

I use Columbus Avenue as a major street artery that connects to many diverse points of interest crossing from Market to Fisherman's Wharf.  Columbus goes through the North Beach neighborhood (although there is not a beach here today) where there is an Italian influence by Washington Square.  It is situated between Russian Hill and Telegraph Hill (near Coit tower).

You may view one of the crookedest streets, Lombard Street, and easily wander into Chinatown and the Financial District by the Pyramid Building. This area is packed with lots of history – from the old Barbary Coast (1800’s) to the Beat Generation (1950s) and writers like Jack Kerouac.  

Be careful when driving, you will find some confusing five and six way intersections.  This street is an original part of Montgomery Ave, the street was changed to Columbus in honor of the Italian population.

Walking Tour Starts at Fisherman's Wharf

The best way to experience Columbia Avenue is by walking.  Start at Fisherman’s Wharf (at the sign in my picture) and I predict you will not be able to go the full length without stopping at cafes, restaurants, book stores, bakeries, and even nightclubs. I really don’t want to recommend one over the other as you discover each one on your own. I found a fabulous little neighborhood restaurant with great pizza after watching Beach Blanket Babylon.

My Insider Secrets

• City Lights Bookstore
• Francis of Assisi – The city’s namesake which also contains a small reproduction of Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi
• St. Peter and Paul Church (Washington Square) – This is where Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe came for photos after they were married at City Hall.
• Stinking Rose Restaurant, 325 Columbus Ave, (415) 781-767 (Delicious! if you like garlic)
• Beach Blanket Babylon – One of a kind San Francisco theater, never boring (415) 421-4222 Open Wednesday - Sunday

Disappointed:  I am sad to report the Joe DiMaggio’s Restaurant, a icon within North Beach, is now closed (October 2010). There were very elegant leather booths and interesting DiMaggio artifacts. I will miss their delicious food! 

Experience the different flavors on this walking tour down Columbus Ave. in San Francisco! 

Off the beaten path in local communities ~ The Fun Tour Guru 

Please share with us your favorites in this neighborhood!

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(Before I head into my next story, I am excited to announced my new home - internet address of http://www.funtourguru.com/ which will be available across the internet in 2-3 days. No worries, you will be redirected from the old address. It is official, as the Fun Tour Guru, you may wander with me off the beaten path. I look forward to my goal of writing about many local communities – if you are a member of Tourism or Marketing agencies, please contact me to line up opportunities.)

San Francisco Sightseeing Tradition: Sourdough Bread

Stopping to watch the bakers making bread at Boudin Bakery is one of my favorite things to do.  As I watch them twist and twirl the dough, I remember the story about the enterprising entrepreneur – dating back to the Gold Rush days – who brought sourdough to San Francisco. 
 

Window gazing at Boudin's Sourdough!

Sourdough Bread is a slightly bitter, no yeast loaf.  I often purchase a freshly baked loaf of sourdough bread at SFO airport when I depart and use as gifts on my trips.  

This is a San Francisco tradition, started by Isadore Boudin in 1849, although sourdough dates back to Eygptians 4,000 years ago.  The demand for sourdough by miners was common during the gold rush as they picked up sour starters to take with them on their trips to the gold rush country.

 

Boudin's Sourdough

Why is San Francisco popular with this tradition? Some stories advise because of the spores, fungi, and bacteria in the San Francisco air, others say it is the fog that gives this special taste.... what do you think? Is it marketing?

Things to Do in San Francisco

I simply enjoy the taste. 

San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf

Don’t Miss this Lunch or Snack: Buy a sourdough sandwich from Boudin’s, cup of fresh clam chowder soup from the fisherman vendors, and enjoy with a bottle of Anchor Steam Beer.  My San Francisco treat and experience – as you reminisce these enterprising entrepreneur stories. 

Out and about, even in the rain ~ The Fun Tour Guru 

Continue reading with our fun  Dresden's Christstollen Bakery in Germany story!

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(Images are property of  Fun Tour Guru.)