Neighborhood Guide: San Francisco

Famous for its diversity, art and eclectic backstory, San Francisco is the kind of city you just can’t visit too many times—there’s so much to see and do. Use this handy San Francisco neighborhood guide for an overview of some of the most notable hotspots that contribute to the city’s colorful vibe.

Chinatown

The oldest and largest Chinatown in the U.S., San Francisco’s popular Asian enclave draws more tourists each year than the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll feel transported abroad as you stroll the alleyways, view the pagoda-style architecture and take in the scents and sounds of this crowded, colorful San Francisco neighborhood. Take a few selfies at the Dragon Gate and in front of the Bank of Canton, grab a pork bun or roasted duck at New Moon Restaurant and participate in the art and sport of price-negotiation in the curio stores lining Stockton Street.

Union Square

The commercial mecca known as Union Square radiates a few blocks out from the famous park’s lone Corinthian column and palm trees and features virtually every retailer and label you’d ever want to shop. Great dining, blues clubs and colorful flower stands dot this bustling San Francisco neighborhood, as cable cars climb halfway to the stars—or at least up Powell Street and down into Fisherman’s Wharf. Watch engineers push those iconic 8-ton relics into position at the Cable Car Turnaround. If you’re looking for half-price deals on theatre and other live performances, try Tix Bay Area. And remember to enjoy a latte, lunch or dinner at one of the great little French bistros dotting the alleyway known as Belden Place.

Fisherman's Wharf

Whether you hop on a cable car, walk, drive, or take a ferry—a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf is a requirement. Yes, it’s touristy, but in a cool way. You’ll even see the occasional local taking in the sights and scene. This San Francisco neighborhood dates back to the Gold Rush era, when those not lucky enough to discover sparkles in their water returned from the mountains to fish and feed the miners. Today, it’s a conglomeration of tee-shirt shops and tourists, dotted by walk-away seafood markets and street entertainers. Head to Pier 39, an entertainment center, and check out the belching, blubbery sea lions that have made the nearby docks their home. As you look out onto the Bay, you’ll see the famous “Rock,” Alcatraz Island. Take the ferry out to the notorious prison for a great tour of this National Park. Then, shake off the foggy chill with a famous sourdough bread bowl steaming with clam chowder at Boudin Bakery. If you have time, the bakery tour is fun, too.

Ballard

The Embarcadero lines the waterfront from Fisherman’s Wharf all the way to the Bay Bridge, and down to South Beach where the local baseball team calls AT&T Park home. Along the way, fishing piers mix with some of the Bay Area’s best restaurants and dive bars as well as several popular attractions.

The Exploratorium, located on Pier 15, is one of San Francisco’s most treasured museums. Actually, it bills itself a “public learning laboratory” for kids of all ages. You could spend all day fiddling with the 100+ exhibits, or go on a Thursday night, for more grownup fun. Follow the wide waterfront sidewalk to the Ferry Building and become immersed in one of the the best, biggest and most expensive farmers’ market in the world. Across the street, Justin Herman Plaza often hosts street vendors with much cheaper trinkets and artwork. Embarcadero Center is a mixed-use shopping, dining, office and residential complex nearby. Look over onto Market Street and see the vintage streetcars tooling along SF Muni’s F-line.

Presidio

The newest of San Francisco’s neighborhoods, the Presidio is a decommissioned military base that dates back more than 200 years. Today, the area is home to a national park, galleries and other attractions. “Star Wars” creator George Lucas became one of its first residents when he moved his filmmaking and digital companies to the Letterman Digital Arts Center. This former military hospital also features a museum of Lucas’ film artifacts. View environmentally themed artwork at the China Brotsky Gallery here, too. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, grab a treat from the food trucks that assemble each week and enjoy a picnic on the lush lawn. El Polin Spring is also located on the grounds of the former military installation. It’s a natural spring and a welcome retreat for a wide variety of birds. Archeological digs are ongoing here, too.

Ready for some beach time? The natural cove of Baker Beach makes this one of the least foggy and windswept beaches, but there’s no guarantee you’ll tan—even if you choose the “clothing optional” section.

The Presidio also is a great starting point for your trek across the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ve been stuck by its presence throughout your San Francisco neighborhood tour, but you’ll have a completely different appreciation for this manmade wonder once you’ve walked it.

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