San Francisco attractions

Hayward Fault Zone - San Francisco

2008-10-20T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Hayward Fault Zone is a geologic fault zone capable of generating significantly destructive earthquakes. About 60 kilometers long, it lies mainly along the western base of the hills on the east side of San Francisco Bay. It runs through densely-populated areas, including the cities of Richmond, El Cerrito, Berkeley, Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward, Fremont, and San Jose.
The Hayward Fault is parallel to its more famous (and much longer) westerly neighbor, the San Andreas Fault, which lies offshore and through the San Francisco peninsula. To the east of the Hayward lies the Calaveras Fault. The Hayward Fault merges with these two fault systems south of San Francisco Bay.
North of San Pablo Bay, and somewhat offset from the Hayward Fault is the Rodgers Creek Fault, considered by many to be an extension of the Hayward Fault Zone. Another fault further north, the Maacama Fault, is also considered to be part of the "Hayward Fault subsystem".
While the San Andreas Fault is the principal transform boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate, the Hayward Fault takes up a share of the overall motion between the plates.

San Andreas - San Francisco

2008-10-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

The San Andreas Fault is a geologic transform fault that runs a length of roughly 800 miles (1,300 km) through California in the United States. The fault's motion is right-lateral strike-slip (horizontal motion). It forms the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate.
The fault was first identified in Northern California by UC Berkeley geology professor Andrew Lawson in 1895 and named by him after a small lake which lies in a linear valley formed by the fault just south of San Francisco, the Laguna de San Andreas. Following the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, it was Lawson who also discovered that the San Andreas Fault stretched well southward into Southern California.

1906 - earthquake - San Francisco

2008-10-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

At 5:12 am on April 18, 1906, a major earthquake struck San Francisco and Northern California. As buildings collapsed from the shaking, ruptured gas lines ignited fires that would spread across the city and burn out of control for several days. With water mains out of service, the Presidio Artillery Corps attempted to contain the inferno by dynamiting blocks of buildings to create firebreaks. More than three-quarters of the city lay in ruins, including almost all of the downtown core. Contemporary accounts reported that 498 people lost their lives, though modern estimates put the number in the several thousands. More than half the city's population of 400,000 were left homeless. Refugees settled temporarily in makeshift tent villages in Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, on the beaches, and elsewhere. Many fled permanently to the East Bay.

Angel Island - San Francisco

2008-10-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

Angel Island is a hilly, grass and forest-covered island, the largest in San Francisco Bay. It is located one mile from the Tiburon Peninsula. The park covers 740 acres and is 788 feet high at the top of Mt. Livermore. It provides spectacular views of Marin County, San Francisco, and the Golden Gate, and the entire Bay Area. In addition to recreational facilities (hiking, biking, camping, boating), it is rich in historical significance.

web: http://www.angelisland.org/

San Francisco Bureau

2008-10-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

For nearly 100 years the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau has worked on behalf of its members to promote San Francisco as the destination of choice for conventions and leisure travel. The Bureau is an outgrowth of the San Francisco Convention and Tourist League, a non-profit, local business association founded in 1909 to reclaim the City's position as a world-class destination in the wake of the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire.

San Francisco - the city and county

2008-07-29T01:43:00.001-07:00

The City and County of San Francisco 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 Francisco is part of the San Francisco Bay Area metropolitan area, which is home to more than 7.2 million people. The city is located at the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, with the Pacific Ocean to the west, San Francisco Bay to the east, and the Golden Gate to the north. (from wikipedia)

Treasure Island - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:42:00.000-07:00

Treasure Island is an artificial island in the San Francisco Bay between San Francisco and Oakland. It is connected by a small isthmus to Yerba Buena Island. It was created in 1936 & 1937 for the Golden Gate International Exposition of fill dredged from the bay. According to the United States Census Bureau, Yerba Buena Island and Treasure Island together have a land area of 2.334 km² (0.901 sq mi) with a total population of 1,453 as of the 2000 census. The island is named after the novel Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived in San Francisco from 1879 to 1880.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Treasure Island's old aircraft hangars served as sound stages used in film and television productions. In 1988, Treasure Island stood in for the Berlin airport in Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Numerous pictures starring Robin Williams were filmed on the island, including Flubber, What Dreams May Come, Patch Adams and Bicentennial Man. Sigourney Weaver's character in the thriller Copycat lived in an impressive private compound on the island. For three years it served as the site of Comedy Central's Battlebots television show.

(from wikipedia)

Earthquakes - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:41:00.000-07:00

The region is particularly exposed to hazards associated with large earthquakes, owing to a combination of factors:
- Numerous major active faults in the region.

- A combined thirty year probability of a major earthquake in excess of seventy percent.

- Poorly responding native soil conditions in many places near the bay and in inland valleys, soils which amplify shaking as shown in the map to the right.

- Large areas of filled marshlands and bay muds that are significantly urbanized, with most subject to liquefaction, becoming unable to support structures.

- A large inventory of older buildings, many of which are expected to perform poorly in a major earthquake.

- Extensive building in areas subject to landslide, mudslide, and in some locations directly over active fault surface rubble zones.

- Most lowrise construction is not fireproof and water systems are likely to be extensively damaged and so large areas are subject to destruction by fire after a large earthquake.

The coastal location makes the region vulnerable to Pacific Ocean tsunamis. Some of these hazards are being addressed by seismic retrofitting, education in household seismic safety, and even complete replacement of major structures such as the eastern span of the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge.For an article concerning a typical fault in the region and its associated hazards see Hayward Fault Zone. (from wikipedia)

Alcatraz Island - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Coit Tower - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:39:00.002-07:00

Coit Tower sits atop Telegraph Hill, looming over the eastern side of San Francisco with its almost regal presence. It serves as a directional marker for people lost in the mazes of city streets, but with its rich history and its excellent viewpoint, Coit Tower offers much more than just a way to find out where you are in the city.Because of heavy traffic in the area, the best way to get up to Coit Tower is to walk through the energetic streets of North Beach to Filbert Street. The hill is one of the steepest short distances in San Francisco, but the street has steps to make the trek a little bit easier. For a break, pause halfway up and turn to the west to get a glimpse of the great view you will be seeing shortly. There are also many San Francisco limousine tours that can make your Coit Tower tour comfortable, while avoiding any parking hassles in this busy area.

web: http://sftravel.com/coit-tower-san-francisco.html

Chinatown - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:39:00.001-07:00

Besides the well known Chinatown Gate, the approx. 24-block area contains a lot of pagoda-roofed buildings, as well as nicely decorated lamp posts and phone booths in Chinese style.Chinatown also has several temples; three of them are located in the Waverly Place, which is also known as the 'street of painted balconies'. This street is certainly worth a visit. Another nice and much-photographed place in Chinatown is the corner of California and Grant, which has some nice pagoda-roofed buildings.

Twin peaks - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:38:00.001-07:00

These two unique and uninhabited hills, almost 1,000ft/300m high, are not in fact the highest of San Francisco'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 Francisco not to have been built over and remaining in their original state. From them you can look down over San Francisco 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).

web: http://www.planetware.com/san-francisco/twin-peaks-us-ca-twnpk.htm

Ocean Beach - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:37:00.001-07:00

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.

Rip currents - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:36:00.000-07:00

Rip currents can be extremely dangerous, dragging swimmers away from the beach and leading to death by drowning when they attempt to fight the current and become exhausted. Although a rare event, rip currents can be deadly for non-swimmers as well: a person standing waist deep in water can be dragged out into deeper waters, where they can drown if they are unable to swim and are not wearing a flotation device. Some beaches are more likely to have strong rip currents than others, and a few are particularly well known for them, the overall topography of the area being the main factor.Rip currents cause approximately 100 deaths annually in the United States, more than all other natural hazards except heat and floods. Over 80% of rescues by surf beach lifeguards are due to rip currents totaling 18,000 lifeguard rescues a year.

Fort Funston - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:35:00.000-07:00

Fort Funston is a popular San Francisco dogwalking location. Most visitors walk the paved Sunset Trail, a north to south route on the bluff, and reach Ocean Beach via Fort Funston's northern section. Fort Funston's stretch of Ocean Beach is where you'll see scores of dripping wet dogs, romping across the sand with driftwood stick in their mouths.

web: http://www.bahiker.com/sfhikes/funston.html

Baker Beach - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:34:00.002-07:00

Baker Beach is located in the historic Presidio, once a strategic army base, now a notoriously beautiful park. On sunny San Francisco weekends, tourists and locals stretch out their towels for sunbathing, adventurous children scramble over the rocks, and fishing buffs sink their bait along the shores. Walk along Baker Beach's busy shoreline and you will likely pass beachcombers, dog-walkers, Frisbee and volleyball players, and other kindred spirits in love with the sea.

web: http://www.tripcart.com/usa-regions/Central-California-Coast/beaches/Baker-Beach.html

Golden Gate Park - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:34:00.001-07:00

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.

web: http://www.sfgate.com/traveler/guide/sf/neighborhoods/ggpark.shtml

Golden gate- San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:33:00.001-07:00

The Golden Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate, the opening of the San Francisco Bay onto the Pacific Ocean. As part of both US Highway 101 and California Route 1, it connects the city of San Francisco on the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula to Marin County.The Golden Gate Bridge had the longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed in 1937 and has become an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and California. Since its completion, the span length has been surpassed by eight other bridges. It still has the second longest suspension bridge main span in the United States, after the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York City. In 2007, it was ranked fifth on the List of America's Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects.

(from wikipedia)

Conservatory of Flowers - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:32:00.001-07:00

The Conservatory of Flowers is a large botanical greenhouse in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, constructed in 1878. It houses an important collection of exotic plants. It is the oldest building in Golden Gate Park and the oldest municipal wooden conservatory remaining in the United States. It is also one of the first municipal conservatories constructed in the country. For these distinctions and for its associated historical, architectural, and engineering merits, the Conservatory of Flowers is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the California Register of Historic Places, is a San Francisco Landmark, and is a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark of the American Society of Civil Engineers.(from wikipedia)
web: http://www.conservatoryofflowers.org/visitus/

Japanese Tea Garden - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:31:00.001-07:00

Located near the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, this garden is a marvel of the landscape architects art. This traditional Japanese garden covers five acres. Several paths take you by an authentic pagoda, a monumental Buddha, a miniature waterfall, and over an acutely arched bridge that no kid can resist. Overlooking the gardens koi-filled pond is a Japanese-style tea house, which in spring is covered with a cascade of wisteria. The gift shop sells souvenirs with a Japanese flair.

Tickets:

USD $4 Adults;

USD $2 Children/ Senior;

Free on the first Wednesday of the month.

web: http://www.holymtn.com/garden/Gallery/index_teagarden.html

Tall ships - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:30:00.001-07:00

Along with the tall ships, a few of San Francisco's shorter stalwarts managed to slip into the festival, including the submarine Pampanito, the fireboat Phoenix, the World War II Liberty ship Jeremiah O'Brien and a pair of Hornblower dinner cruise vessels. In addition, the huge container ship Singapore is part of the party. It carries no sails, but it does carry 5,000 cargo containers. After the Parade of Sail, the ships will tie up at three "villages" - one at Hyde Street Pier, one near the Ferry Building and one near Piers 30 and 32. There will be private parties, public tours, excursion rides, mock sea battles, black-tie dinners with ships' captains and classes for would-be pirates. Looking at the ships from shore is free. Boarding them costs $10 if the boat stays at the dock and a lot more than that if the boat actually goes someplace. A quick excursion ride on the bay costs $85 and a longer ride during the Parade of Sail costs as much as $200.

from: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/23/BAAE11TAJT.DTL

Citywide golf courses - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:30:00.000-07:00

The City and County of San Francisco has 6 municipal golf courses under the jurisdiction of the Recreation and Parks Department. Reservations for Lincoln Park Golf Course and Sharp Park Golf Course can be made through the automated tee time reservation system by calling 415-750-GOLF (415-750-4653). As of June 1, 2007, golf reservations will be accepted by the automated tee time service seven (7) days in advance starting at 7am for San Francisco resident card holders (See Below) who have been registered in the system (example; you may call on Monday at 7am for a reservation the following Monday). All others who have not registered for a resident card may make reservations six (6) days in advance (example, you may call Tuesday at 7am for a reservation the following Monday.)

- Harding & Fleming Golf Courses

- Lincoln Park Golf Course

- Sharp Park Golf Course

- Golden Gate Park Golf Course

- Gleneagles International Golf Course (in McLaren Park)

web: http://www.sfgov.org/site/recpark_page.asp?id=1863

Strybing Arboretum - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:29:00.000-07:00

MISSION STATEMENT OF THE SAN FRANCISCO BOTANICAL GARDEN SOCIETY

The mission of the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society is to create a community to actively support the Garden with fundraising, promotion and advocacy, and to provide outstanding botanical, horticultural and environmental education opportunities for people of all ages.

The mission of the San Francisco Botanical Garden is to create, sustain, and interpret a distinct, documented collection of mediterranean, mild temperate and tropical cloud-forest plants displayed in designed gardens and habitats, and to provide a place of exceptional beauty and natural sanctuary.
web: http://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/

Crissy Field - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:28:00.000-07:00

Established in 1981, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is the nonprofit partner that supports and assists the Golden Gate National Parks in research, interpretation, and conservation programs. The Conservancy's work is undertaken with generous contributions from individual, corporate, and foundation donors, as well as income earned from operating park bookstores and cafes, publishing educational materials, producing interpretive merchandise, and providing park tours. Since its inception in 1981, the Parks Conservancy has provided the Golden Gate National Parks with more than $100 million in support and is recognized as one of the largest and most effective park partners in the country.

web: http://www.parksconservancy.org/about/

Lake Merced - San Francisco

2008-07-29T01:27:00.000-07:00

Lake Merced is a dual lake system so large that it dwarfs all other lakes in and around San Francisco. It is surrounded by a narrow margin of park lands creating an area of 740 acres which is designated as parkland, most of that area being the surface of the lakes themselves. Although it may appear artificial in origin, Lake Merced is a natural spring fed freshwater lake system. Local ground water plays a large part in keeping the lakes fed. The area was acquired by Parks and Recreation for public use in 1950. It subsequently became very popular for fishing which has been amplified by a vigorous rainbow trout stocking program from Fish and Game over the years. The lake in its pristine state was beautiful, supporting cattails and reeds around the periphery, birds, trout, bass, carp, a vigorous hydrophilic ecosystem. It is utterly unique within the franciscan biological region and an important natural resource as well as an important recreational resource.

web: http://www.lmtf.org/