Thursday, August 7, 2008

Golden Gate Park - San Fransisco

Though the park has seen changes over the years, what remains today is a testament to the will of the city to preserve a place to play, relax and grow culturally. The new de Young museum is sure to bring a new wave of visitors, as the re-opening of the Conservatory of Flowers did in 2003. The music concourse is being improved and should open in early- to mid-2006, perhaps around the same time the Murphy Windmill returns from repairs in the Netherlands. The California Academy of Sciences is due to re-open in 2008. The old horse stables, closed in 2001, may be renovated starting in 2007. And a new, temporary disc golf course is being evaluated in late 2005 for long-term feasibility.

Ocean Beach - San Fransisco

Ocean Beach is protected by sand dunes. On the other side of the dunes is the Great Highway, a four-lane road that follows San Francisco's western border. There is a walking path near the roadway, and for a stretch, a nice paved seawall walkway follows the beach. On the other side of the road, a multi-use path, popular with joggers and bicyclists, runs along the highway.

Twin peaks - San Fransisco

These two unique and uninhabited hills, almost 1,000ft/300m high, are not in fact the highest of San Fransisco's 43 hills, a distinction belonging to Mount Davidson which is some 33ft/10m higher. However, they are easier to get to (No. 37 bus) and offer what is perhaps the finest views out over the city and the bay (there are frequent mists from the Pacific). Twin Peaks are the only hills in San Fransisco not to have been built over and remaining in their original state. From them you can look down over San Fransisco and the bay; there is nowhere better than this from which to appreciate the vastness of this impressive city. The Spaniards called the twin peaks "Los pechos de la Chola" (i.e. the Breasts of the Indian Maiden).

Alcatraz Island - San Fransisco

Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare. The only way to get to Alcatraz is by a ferry operated by Alcatraz Cruises, LLC. They are located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street - just a bit south east of Fisherman's Wharf.

San Fransisco - the city and county

The City and County of San Fransisco is the fourth most populous city in California and the 14th most populous city in the United States, with a 2007 estimated population of 764,976. Among the most densely populated cities in the country, San Fransisco is part of the San Fransisco Bay Area metropolitan area, which is home to more than 7.2 million people. The city is located at the tip of the San Fransisco Peninsula, with the Pacific Ocean to the west, San Fransisco Bay to the east, and the Golden Gate to the north. (from wikipedia)