Wave Organ
Designed by George Gonzales and Peter Richards in 1986, the Wave Organ is a system of PVC pipes that harness the power of the ocean to create music... or at least what can be interpreted as music! There is a unique space at the end of a spit of land where you can sit and enjoy the sounds, and even if it's not your kind of music, there are some excellent views and it's also a great place to relax and have a picnic.
There are lots of things to see in this district ranging from the pristine natural landscapes of the Presidio, to man-made marinas, Victorian architecture, and the Golden Gate Bridge. In places like the Presidio and Fort Mason you'll find an interesting blend of both, with modern offices, historical buildings, and museums making their home alongside sandpipers, coyotes, and fox squirrel. "City slickers" should be more at home futher inland where they'll find galleries and museums, architecture, and urban parks. Naturalists will be more at home along the coast line, from Fort Mason all the way along into the Presidio.
The Six Gallery
On Friday, October 7, 1955, the "Six Gallery reading" took place here. It was a seminal moment in the Beat Generation movement and attracted such poets and writers as Alan Ginsberg, Gary Snyder, Philip Lamantia, Michael McClure, Philip Whalen, and Jack Kerouac. The gallery has since closed but you can still visit the site where this watershed event took place.
the presidio
The Presidio (http://www.nps.gov/prsf/index.htm and (http://www.presidio.gov/)) was founded in 1776 and was the longest-running military post in the U.S. before closing as a base in 1994. It is now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (http://www.nps.gov/goga/) and Congress has designated it a National Historic Landmark District, which is the highest historic designation that can be given in the U.S. The park itself is a beautiful 3 square miles of mostly hilly and wooded areas.
The Presidio has around 800 buildings within its perimeter, many of which are of historical significance. Some of the buildings have residential tenants, others commercial ones. At the end of 2005, about 2,500 people lived in the Presidio and it is home to the headquarters of Lucasfilm owned by George Lucas, the creator of "Star Wars", a unique situation for a national park. Part of their drinking water comes from Lobos Creek Rio de los Lobos, the last free-flowing creek in San Francisco. The Presidio Trust, that manages the majority of the park, is currently renovating the remainder of the buildings, with a view to increasing its list of residents to 5,000.
The Presidio contains 11 miles of hiking trails, including the Golden Gate Promenade, the Coastal Trail, an ecology trail, and portions of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the Bay Trail, and the Anza National Historic Trail. Cyclists can explore the area on 14 miles of paved roads and along some unpaved parts of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. A world-class board-sailing area borders Crissy Field, while fishing and crabbing opportunities abound from the nearby rocks and pier. Along the way there are also many historical and architectural points of interest as well as some fantastic vistas and natural scenery.
golden gate bridge
Golden Gate Bridge trivia
In total, the bridge is 8,981 feet across its main span being 4,200 feet. At its tallest point it is 746 feet, but only 90 feet across — 6 reversible traffic lanes and two walkways. The strait that passes beneath the bridge runs 400 feet deep.
It is famously "over-engineered" — being over four times stronger than it needs to be.
It took over four years to build and cost over $35 million.
Amazingly, it has over 1.2 million rivets.
Each of its twin towers weighs more than 44,000 tons and the total weight of the bridge is almost 900,000 tons.
It is the second largest suspension bridge in the US and if you untangled all of its cables they would stretch around the world 3 times.
It has been featured in many movies, including "Vertigo" and "Superman."
US 101 from Park-Presidio or Lombard St entrance, â +1 415 921-5858 [email protected], . Open 24 hours, occasionally closed Sunday morning for events. $6 toll driving south into San Francisco; free on foot or bike.
Vehicular traffic in both directions share a single deck; yellow pylons are used to allot lanes to one direction or the other depending on traffic conditions. Observation areas and parking lots are provided on both the north and south sides of the bridge; the best way to enjoy the bridge is to park and walk across, not least because you don't have to pay a toll. Note that winds are high and it can be cold and foggy; dress appropriately. Bikes can also be difficult to navigate in the high winds and narrow pathway.
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the United States, and has been called one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The bridge spans the Golden Gate, a strait between San Francisco and Marin County to the north, and is one of the major road routes into and out of the city.
The masterwork of architect Joseph B. Strauss, whose statue graces the southern observation deck, the bridge took four years to build, and was completed on May 27, 1937. Not actually golden in color — a common misconception — the bridge is painted a deep red-orange color known as "International Orange," also known as "Orange Vermillion." The color was specifically chosen to make the bridge more easily visible through the thick fog that frequently shrouds the bridge. Erroneous legend has it that the bridge is continuously painted, with crews starting at one end and, on getting to the other end, turning around and starting over again. In fact, the bridge is only painted once every few years, but touch up work is done continuously by a team of 40 painters.
The San Francisco end of the bridge is accessible by the Muni 28 bus line from Fort Mason in the Marina District near Fisherman's Wharf. The fastest way to reach it from downtown is to take the 38 or 38L up Geary to âPark Presidioâ after 12th Ave and transfer to a Fort Mason bound 28. Golden Gate Transit buses serve the bridge on request, but buses are very infrequent and unpredictable except at afternoon commute times, when they are crowded.
Fort mason
Museo ItaloAmericano
Hosts photo exhibits and the work of modern Italian artists.
African American Historical and Cultural Society
Displays historical and contemporary African-American arts.
San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art â Artists Gallery
Housed over two floors, the SFMOMA displays the art — in a variety of styles and media — of over 1,000 emerging and established Northern Californian artists.
The Long Now Foundation Museum
The Long Now foundation was established to foster a better understanding of a "slower/better" mind set — as opposed to "faster/cheaper" one. As well as holding many seminars and talks, they also have a museum and store at their premises.
Fort Mason (http://www.fortmason.org/) was a U.S. Military coastal defense post and port for over 100 years. In 1985, it was ordained as a National Historic Landmark, primarily for its vital logistical role during World War II and then later the Korean War. Today, it is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (http://www.nps.gov/goga/) and is under the remit of the National Park Service. Situated on a headland, Upper Fort Mason has great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and of Alcatraz. Lower Fort Mason, which comprises approximately 13 acres, is the site of the former military port and today houses the Fort Mason Center, which is committed to nonprofit and cultural activities with an emphasis on entertainment, recreation, and education in the fields of; the visual/performing arts, humanities, and ecology/environment. It has three museums and six theaters and hosts nearly 20,000 events each year. Most of the activities are provided at nominal or sometimes no cost to the public. The small, specialized museums in Fort Mason include:
Parks
Lafayette Park
Another little oasis park in the heart of Pacific Heights — like its neighbor Alta Plaza Park, it is pristinely kept by local residents and it also has excellent views over the Bay.
The two largest parks in this area are listed separately under the Fort Mason section and The Presidio section below. The Marina Green Park is listed under the Do section below as it's primarily used as a recreational area. Other parks include:
Alta Plaza Park
A charming and immaculately manicured Pacific Heights park with great vistas over the Bay. It has tennis courts and a playground, and is a pretty good place for a picnic, or even just a rest if you've just scaled the hill.
Architecture
Haas Lilienthal House
This is an 11,500 square foot Queen Anne Victorian, built solely out of redwood in 1886 for William Haas. It has been fully preserved as per its original design. It presently houses the San Francisco Architectural Heritage who offer tours inside the house and around the grounds.
The Octagon House
Dating from 1861, this eight-sided house with its cupola top, dormer windows, and roof lanterns was built in the belief that such octagonally shaped houses promote healthier living. Today, the building is a American Colonial museum. It has many artifacts on display including antique furniture and historical documents. It is run by the National Society of the Colonial Dames.
Architecture buffs will definitely enjoy taking a stroll through the Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow neighborhoods, where ornate and huge! Edwardian and Victorian mansions are on display. Many are privately owned so be respectful, but some are open to the public. If you are a fan of the Spanish Colonial Revival-style, continue your tour through The Presidio section below where you will find many fine examples.
Atherton House
An 1881 Victorian mansion that was built for Mrs. Doming de Goni Atherton by an unknown architect. It was one of the first Queen Anne residences in San Francisco. It is reported to be haunted, and is a stop on the haunted tour of San Francisco.
The Leale House
This house was built in 1853 and as such it is one of the city's oldest residences. A ferry-boat captain known as Captain Leale bought the house three decades later and remodeled it in the popular "Italianate" style.
San Francisco Public Library â Golden Gate Valley Branch
Built in 1917 by architect Ernest Coxhead, this unique "Beaux-Arts" library was modeled on a Roman basilica. Today in the 21st century, it has free internet facilities.
Spreckles Mansion
This white "Beaux-Arts" limestone mansion was built in 1913 by sugar baron Adolph Spreckles. It has 55 rooms including a Louis XVI Ballroom. The mansion is currently a private residence which is owned by the famous romance-novelist, Danielle Steele.
Vedanta Temple
This temple was built in 1905 by architect Joseph Leonard. Architecturally the building reflects the Vedantic philosophy that all roads lead to one God; hence the building has a mix of architectural styles like Edwardian, Moorish, Queen Anne, Colonial, and Oriental among others. It has five different kinds of towers on the top including a Russian-style onion dome and a European-style castle turret. The extraordinary temple was the first Hindu temple built in the West.
Galleries and museums
Many of the galleries and museums are listed separately under the Fort Mason section and The Presidio section below. Here are some others:
Hourian Art Galleries
Has an interesting collection of Persian miniatures crafted using arabesque patterns and bright color. The owner also sells some of his own art and is happy to talk to you about it.
Images of the North
Features a eclectic collection of prints, sculpture, and jewelry from Alaskan and Canadian Inuit artists. The artwork sold here is an interpretation of Arctic life and culture.
Wonders of Tibet
A Tibetan inspired gallery where you will find all kind of original Buddhist treasures like; jewelry and beads, rugs, Dharma, antiques, artifacts, and gifts.