"Mrs. Doubtfire's" House

My tours of San Francisco usually include a drive through Pacific Heights,  I usually start at Broadway and Steiner and finish where Broadway ends at Lyon Street.  On the SE corner of Broadway and Steiner, you can see "Mrs. Doubtfire's" house, the home where Robin Williams and Sally Field lived in the 1993 film, "Mrs. Doubtfire."  An unusual aspect of the film is that the actual address of the house, 2640 Steiner Street, is mentioned.  My understanding is that this home was selected because Robin Williams lived a couple of houses away on Broadway and didn't want a long commute to work.  He knew the owners, who agreed to move out during filming.  Of course, they were financially rewarded for their inconvenience.

Further west on Broadway, you can see some of the largest homes in San Francisco, including a 7 bedroom home with a private tennis court that is currently being offered for $45,000,000.

If you would like to take a private tour of San Francisco that includes a stop at "Mrs. Doubtfire's" house, contact Blue Heron Custom Tours and Travel by phoning (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mailing Rick@BlueHeronTours.com.

Sea Lion Update

Last month I wrote about the sea lions that disappeared from Pier 39.  It now appears that the sea lions that frequented San Francisco Bay and the waters off Northern California went north to the Oregon shores in search of food.  Rangers in Oregon parks are reporting larger numbers of California Sea Lions off their shores.  It's possible that herring, anchovies, sardines, and other fish enjoyed by the sea lions are further north than usual due to the El Niño effect.  We'll just have to wait to see if they return to Pier 39 later in the year.

Sea Lions Disappear from Pier 39

After hanging out at Pier 39 for 20 years, the sea lions disappeared in late November.  There were over 900 sea lions at the Pier in early November.  By the end of the month only a few were seen swimming in the nearby water.  Scientists do not know why the sea lions suddenly disappeared but speculate they may have headed south in search of food.   Whether they will ever return is a matter of speculation.  You can see if the animals are back by visiting Pier 39's website and viewing the sea lion cam.

I hope everyone has a happy new year.  If your plans call for a visit to San Francisco in 2010, please feel free to contact Blue Heron Custom Tours and Travel for a private tour of San Francisco, wine country, Muir Woods & Sausalito, Monterey & Carmel, Yosemite, the California coast, and other destinations in San Francisco.  I can be reached at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or Rick@BlueHeronTours.com. 

Things to Do on Christmas Day in San Francisco

At this time last year I wrote about things to do on Christmas day.  Here's an updated version of that post.

Visitors to San Francisco during the holiday season often wonder what to do on Christmas Day. Many attractions are closed, but there's still much to do if you're not unwrapping presents with your family.

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's number 1 tourist attraction. The walkway is open from sunrise to sunset.

See Lombard Street, the "Crookedest Street in the World." Visitors flock to Lombard Street to see its gardens and curves. Don't forget that two blocks away is the steepest street in San Francisco - Filbert Street.

Explore Muir Woods, where you can see the Coastal Redwoods - the tallest trees in the world. The park is located about 40 minutes north of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Visit The Contemporary Jewish Museum where admission is free on Christmas Day. Current exhibits include "There's a Mystery There:  Sendak on Sendak," "Jews on Vinyl," and "As it is Written: Project 304,805." The museum will be open from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Ride the cable cars. Travel over Nob Hill on America's first moving National Historic Landmark.

Eat. Many restaurants are open on Christmas Day, including a good number in Chinatown.

Take in a movie. Most movie theaters open around noon. If you are planning to go late in the afternoon or early in the evening, be prepared for crowds.

As you can see, there are a number of things to do on Christmas Day. So there's no need to spend the day in your hotel room.

Happy Holidays from Rick at Blue Heron Custom Tours and Travel.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

When taking guests to Monterey and Carmel, I usually stop at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse for a beautiful ocean view. Located about 50 miles south of San Francisco, the lighthouse was built in 1872 and is home to a 1st order Fresnel lens with 1008 prisms. While the Fresnel lens is no longer used, the tower still houses an automated light. Unfortunately, the lighthouse is in need of repair and is closed to the public. However, there are a small museum and gift shop on the grounds that are usually open Fridays - Sundays when the weather is good.

The view of the Pacific from behind the lighthouse is not to be missed. You can see waves crashing upon rocks, harbor seals frolicking in the water or sunning on the rocks, and, if you are lucky, migrating gray whales. In the distance, you can view Año Nuevo Island and Point. When docents are on duty, they usually have binoculars for visitors to use.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse is home to one of Hostelling International's facilities. Here you can enjoy ocean views from their hot tub and stay in private or shared accommodation at very reasonable prices.

If you would like to take a private tour from San Francisco to Monterey and Carmel that includes a stop at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse, contact Blue Heron Custom Tours and Travel at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or Rick@BlueHeronTours.com.

The Inner Mission - Sights

The Inner Mission is one of my favorite neighborhoods in San Francisco but is frequently overlooked by visitors. Perhaps the urban grit is a bit too much for some folks. I think a walk through the neighborhood gives you a good feel for daily life for many city residents. Plus there are interesting sights, fun shops, and excellent restaurants.

Where is the Inner Mission? San Franciscans frequently argue over neighborhood boundaries and, more recently, their names. For the purpose of this series of postings, I'll consider the Inner Mission to be the area bounded by Market Street on the north, Church Street on the west, 24th Street on the south, and South Van Ness on the east.

The principal sight in the area is Mission Dolores (aka Mission San Francisco de Asis). This is one of the 21 missions established by the Spanish in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The mission was constructed in 1791 and is the oldest building in San Francisco. You can take a self-guided tour through the old mission. Mission Dolores charges $5/adult and $3/child and senior to enter. Visitors are welcome from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from May 1 to October 31 and to 4:00 p.m. during the balance of the year.

The original mission was built on the shore of Lago de los Dolores. Both the building and the lake are long gone, but a plaque marks the spot on Albion Street, near the intersection with Camp Street, about 1 1/2 blocks from the current mission.

The Mission District is home to hundreds of murals. The most famous may be MaestraPeace on the Women's Building at 3543 18th Street. The mural was painted in 1994 by a group of women and covers two sides of the building. A number of famous and not-so-famous women are depicted. A guide to the mural is available inside the Women's Building.

If you would like to take a private San Francisco tour that includes a visit to the Inner Mission, contact Blue Heron Custom Tours and Travel at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or Rick@BlueHeronTours.com.

Beautiful Gardens South of San Francisco

Spring is here and Filoli has reopened for the season. This beautiful country estate, located about 30 miles south of San Francisco, is an historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The mansion was built by the Bourn family and designed by famed San Francisco architect, Willis Polk. Construction started in 1915 and the family moved in during 1917. The Roth family purchased the estate in 1937. Mrs. Roth lived there until 1975 when she donated the house and surrounding gardens to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Mrs. Roth was instrumental in making the gardens the world-class attraction they are today.

While the house is interesting, it's the gardens that make this a must-see attraction for flower lovers. If you are a film buff, you might have seen Filoli in "Heaven Can Wait," "Joy Luck Club," the "Wedding Planner," and other films. It was also pictured in the television shows, "Dynasty" and "Nash Bridges."

Visitors may take a self-guided or docent-led tour of the house and gardens. If you wish to take a docent-led tour, advance reservations are highly recommended. Filoli's 2009 season runs through October 25. The estate is open from 10:00 - 3:30 from Tuesday through Saturday. Sunday hours are 11:00 - 3:30. Filoli is closed on Mondays and on most holidays.

If you would like to take a private tour that includes a visit to Filoli, contact Blue Heron Custom Tours at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or Rick@BlueHeronTours.com.

San Francisco to Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle in San Simeon is definitely worth a visit. William Randolph Hearst's unfinished home is an architectural wonder and houses many priceless pieces of art. Five tours are offered of the estate. Tour 1 is suggested for first time visitors as it provides an overview of the castle and grounds. Tours 2 and 3 focus on different parts of the castle. Tour 4 takes you through the gardens and Tour 5 lets you experience the castle at night. I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance as tours frequently sell out.

Each year I get asked if I can do a day trip to Hearst Castle. The short answer is, "no"! San Simeon is halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The drive via the inland route from San Francisco takes about 5 hours. The scenic route through Big Sur along CA Route 1 takes about 6 hours. If you want to visit San Simeon from Los Angeles, the trip takes about 4.5 hours.

While a one-day tour from San Francisco is not really feasible. A round-trip, overnight tour via Big Sur would be a great way to spend two days. Or, if you are traveling to L.A. from San Francisco, take the scenic coastal route and overnight in San Simeon or nearby Cambria. Then take an early morning tour of Hearst Castle and continue on to Los Angeles. Alternatively, you could include a visit to Hearst Castle on a longer visit to California's Central Coast. In addition to Hearst Castle, you could visit Monterey and Carmel; Big Sur; wine country around Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, or Santa Barbara; the city of Santa Barbara, and other coastal communities.

If you would like to take a private tour that includes visits to Big Sur and Hearst Castle, please phone me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Civil War Era Fort Point

When I have children on a San Francisco tour, I frequently include a stop at Fort Point. Built from 1853 - 1861, the fort was designed to protect San Francisco Bay from enemy attack. Fortunately, the cannon never needed to fire against enemies, only for testing. We are also fortunate that the builders of the Golden Gate Bridge decided to save the fort from demolition in the 1930s.

Visitors to Fort Point can learn much about the history of San Francisco and the role of the Army in the city's life. Children enjoy looking at the cannons and climbing to the top of the fort for views of the Golden Gate. Adults may find the various exhibits of more interest. Docents dressed in Civil War uniforms are frequently present to answer questions about the fort. In addition, a number of activities are scheduled each day. The cannon-loading demonstration is particularly interesting.

Fort Point is open Friday - Sunday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Even if you are visiting on a day when the fort is closed, a drive down Long Avenue and Marine Drive provides great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. You may also see surfers testing their skills under the bridge. If you are very lucky, you could see dolphin in the Bay. Twice in 30 years, I have seen dolphin and both times I saw them from the parking lot adjacent to Fort Point. I frequently bring guests to Fort Point on foggy days as the view of the Golden Gate Bridge is better than from the vista point above.

If you would like to take a private San Francisco tour that includes a visit to Fort Point, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Christmas Day in San Francisco

Visitors to San Francisco during the holiday season often wonder what to do on Christmas Day. Many attractions are closed, but there's still much to do if you're not unwrapping presents with your family.

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's number 1 tourist attraction. The walkway is open from sunrise to sunset.

See Lombard Street, the "Crookedest Street in the World." Visitors flock to Lombard Street to see its gardens and curves. Don't forget that two blocks away is the steepest street in San Francisco - Filbert Street.

Explore Muir Woods, where you can see the Coastal Redwoods - the tallest trees in the world. The park is located about 40 minutes north of San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Visit The Contemporary Jewish Museum, one of San Francisco's newest museums. Current exhibits include "Warhol's Jews: Ten Portraits Reconsidered" and "In the Beginning: Artists Respond to Genesis." The museum will be open from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Christmas Day.

Ride the cable cars. Travel over Nob Hill on America's first moving National Historic Landmark.

Eat. Many restaurants are open on Christmas Day, including a good number in Chinatown.

Take in a movie. Most movie theaters open around noon. If you are planning to go late in the afternoon or early in the evening, be prepared for crowds.

As you can see, there are a number of things to do on Christmas Day. So there's no need to spend the day in your hotel room.

Happy Holidays from Rick at Blue Heron Custom Tours and Travel.

Garden Lovers' San Francisco

Garden lovers will definitely want to visit Golden Gate Park. This man-made park shows how dedicated gardeners can transform the landscape. In addition to enjoying the full park, gardeners will want to visit three sights that are within easy walks of each other: the Japanese Tea Garden, Botanical Garden and Arboretum, and Conservatory of Flowers.

The Japanese Tea Garden was founded in 1894 as part of San Francisco's Midwinter Fair and is the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States. Visitors will enjoy a leisurely stroll through the garden. If you visit at the right time in the spring, you will see the cherry trees in bloom. You can also stop at the tea house for green tea, Japanese crackers, and fortune cookies. The Tea Garden opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. from November to February and at 6:00 p.m. during the balance of the year. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors age 65 and over and youth between the ages of 12 and 17, and $1.50 for children between the ages of 5 and 11. Children under the age of 5 may enter for free.

The San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum is just across Martin Luther King Drive from the Japanese Tea Garden. The 55 acres of gardens feature plants from Mediterranean climates, mild-temperate climates, cloud forests, elsewhere. The Botanical Gardens are open daily and there is no charge for enjoying a walk among the diverse plants and flowers.

The Conservatory of Flowers is a ten-minute walk from the Japanese Tea Garden. This Victorian greenhouse opened in 1879 and is now North America's oldest public conservatory. The Conservatory closed in 1995 after suffering major damage during a severe windstorm. After extensive renovation, the Conservatory reopened in 2003. Today, the conservatory houses over 2,000 plants in its permanent collection. Special exhibits are displayed throughout the year. The Conservatory is open Tuesday - Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The last admission is at 4:30 p.m. Admission fees are the same as for the Japanese Tea Garden.

If you would like to take a private tour of San Francisco that includes a visit to one or more of these gardens, please phone me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Fortune Cookies in San Francisco

There has been quite a bit of controversy over the origins of fortune cookies. Thanks to the research of Jennifer 8. Lee in her book "Fortune Cookie Chronicles," it appears that these cookies are Japanese in origin.

Most accounts say the cookies were introduced to America at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. Dates vary from 1894, when the Tea Garden opened during the Midwinter Fair, to the first or second decade of the 20th century. A few accounts say they originated in Los Angeles. However, this cannot be true since fortune cookies are tasty and nothing good comes from Southern California!

While most fortune cookies are made by machine, you can see them made by hand at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory at 56 Ross Alley in San Francisco's Chinatown. Since 1962, fortunes have been hand packed into the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. There is no charge to enter the factory and you are likely to be offered a free sample. There is a charge to take photos, but a better deal is to just buy some cookies!

The factory is open from 9:00 a.m. until the last tourists go home in the evening. Ross Alley runs between Washington and Jackson Streets, just east of Stockton Street.

If you would like to take a private tour of San Francisco that includes a visit to the Fortune Cookie Factory, please phone me at (866) 326-4237 or e-mail me by clicking here.

California Academy of Sciences

On September 27, the new California Academy of Sciences opens to the public. Last week, I had a chance to preview one of the oldest science museums in the United States. Not all of exhibits were finished, but I got a good sense of the place.

The Academy continues to house an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum. I think the aquarium exhibits work best, including the Philippine Coral Reef, Water Planet, and Northern California Coast. These displays are the nicest to look at and contain much information.

The Planetarium was not showing one of its regular exhibits, so I can not critique this part of the Critique.

The Amazonian Flooded Rainforest will enable visitors to walk through the various levels of a tropical rainforest. It looks like a fun exhibit, but was not open for the preview.

The most disappointing exhibit continues to be the African Hall. While supposedly loved by San Franciscans in the old Academy building, it continues to look antiquated to me. Seeing stuffed animals amidst painted dioramas is neither educational nor informative. The dozen or so penguins trapped in their small water tank and fake rocks seem like an old-fashioned zoo exhibit that is neither kind to the animals or particularly informative for the visitor.

The roof of the Academy building has domes covered with native California plants. Visitors can access the roof for a close look at the plants and a nice view of the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park.

While I must confess that science museums are not my favorite, I was disappointed in the new Academy. Yes, it's a great piece of eye candy. However, I think they spread themselves too thin by housing three disparate attractions. Depth is lacking, particularly in the natural history part of the museum. Even the aquarium, which is pretty good, pales in comparison to the outstanding Monterey Bay Aquarium. For the millions that were spent, I think a better museum could have been created.

I suspect, though, that the Academy will be a hit, particularly for families. However, a visit is not cheap. Tickets cost $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for seniors (ages 65 and over) and youths (ages 12 - 17), and $14.95 for children ages 7 - 11. Children under 7 years of age can enter for free. Admission is free on the third Wednesday of every month and weekends for San Franciscans who live in selected Zip codes. The Academy is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Two Chinatown Temples

Many visitors to Chinatown overlook some of the most fascinating sights -- the temples. Chinatown is home to a many Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist temples. Most welcome visitors; although, there may not be English speakers on staff to interpret what you are seeing.

Two that I frequently take visitors to see are Tien Hau Temple at 125 Waverly Place and Matsu Temple at 30 Beckett Street. They both honor and take their names from the same Goddess of the Sea; however, Matsu is Buddhist and Tien Hau is Taoist. Matsu is the more accessible of the two as it is on the first floor. Tien Hau is more ornate and visually interesting, but is on the fourth floor of a building with no elevator. There is seldom anyone who speaks English at Matsu. When Sally is at Tien Hau, she is happy to give you a quick explanation of the temple and its decor.

Both temples have handouts in English that tell about the life of Matsu/Tien Hau. You can also have your fortune told at both temples. It's a complicated process so you may need to ask for help.

You also can take a walking tour of Chinatown that will include a visit to one of the neighborhood's temples. I highly recommend All about Chinatown Walking Tours. Linda Lee, the owner, has been leading tours for more than 25 years. If you'd like to visit one of Chinatown's temples as part of a private tour of San Francisco, please call me at (866) 326-4237 or e-mail me by clicking here.

Great Jazz Spot in San Francisco

After World War II, San Francisco had a vibrant jazz scene centered along Fillmore Street in the Western Addition. This all came to an end in the 1960s when the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency destroyed the neighborhood in the name of progress. Victorian homes were torn down and families displaced.

It took a long time for the neighborhood to come back. In recent years new condominiums and commercial spaces were built along the section of Fillmore Street just south of Japantown. To help reignite the old spirit, the Redevelopment Agency asked Yoshi's, the venerable Oakland Jazz Club, to open a club in what is now being called the Fillmore Jazz Preservation District.

In August, I had a chance to dine at Yoshi's restaurant and to take in three concerts at the club. I highly recommend both to visitors and locals. The restaurant has excellent Japanese-inspired cuisine. The staff knows that many diners will be taking in a show at the club and paces the service accordingly.

The club provides an intimate setting to hear nationally and internationally known acts. Yoshi's features a wide array of music including Jazz, funk, African music, and vocalists. Sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese appetizers can be munched on while you enjoy the show. Tickets may be purchased on the Yoshi's website. All seats are reserved. There's not a bad seat in the house.

Lombard Street - The Crookedest Street in the World

The block of Lombard Street, between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, is one of San Francisco's premier tourist attractions. During the busy summer season, parades of visitors flock to Lombard Street to see its eight cures, hydrangeas, and bougainvillea.

Many people visit Lombard Street by car. On busy weekend days, there can be a one- or two-block long line of cars waiting on Lombard Street, west of the crooked section, for the opportunity to experience this only-in-San Francisco attraction. Here's an easy tip to avoid the lengthy wait. Ascend Russian Hill via Union Street. Turn north (toward the bay) on Hyde Street. Drive three blocks to Lombard Street and turn right to start your descent. There is almost never a wait in this direction. Approaching Lombard Street from this direction can easily save you up to 20 minutes of waiting in your car.

If you don't have a car, the Powell-Hyde cable car stops at the corner of Lombard and Hyde Streets, right at the top of the curvy part of Lombard. The Powell-Mason cable car stops at the corner of Lombard Street and Columbus Avenue, a short walk from the bottom of the crooked section.

None of the scheduled tour operators can take you within three blocks of Lombard Street, so take a tour of San Francisco with Blue Heron Custom Tours and Travel. We'll take you down the Crookedest Street in the World as well as the steepest street in San Francisco -- Filbert Street, between Hyde and Leavenworth, a 31.5 degree angle. To book a private tour of San Francisco, call (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Tips for Riding San Francisco's Cable Cars

San Francisco's cable cars are one of the city's signature attractions. Invented in 1873, cable cars have traveled up and down San Francisco's hills ever since, except for two years in the 1980s when the system was closed for repairs.

Three lines remain in San Francisco: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street. Tourists flock to ride the cable cars resulting in hour-long waits at the cable car turnarounds. Here are some tips to help you avoid the long waits:

Ride the California Street line. If you just want to ride a cable car and don't care about the views or don't need to go to either Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf, ride the California Street line. There are almost never lines to board the cars at the ends of the line at California Street & Van Ness Avenue and California & Market Streets. Many visitors find themselves at the foot of Market Street, near the Ferry Building, so can easily get to the Market Street end of the California Street line. If you want to go to Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square from this end, take the California Street Line to Powell Street and transfer to one of the two Powell Street lines. You will have to pay the $5 fee on both cars unless you buy a Muni Pass ($11/one day, $18/three days, $24/three days).

Ride the Powell Street lines before 9:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. The Powell-Hyde line runs from Powell and Market Streets to Aquatic Park, near the Cannery and Ghirardelli Square. This is the most popular line as it passes by the top of "The Crookedest Street in the World," Lombard Street. Long waits are not uncommon at the ends of the line. By traveling early in the day or in the evening, you may avoid a long wait.

The Powell-Mason line travels from Powell and Market Streets to Taylor and Bay Streets, near Fisherman's Wharf. This line too has long waits, so try to ride the car in the early morning or evening.

Take the Powell-Mason line from Fisherman's Wharf to Union Square. If you want to travel from Fisherman's Wharf back to Union Square, the wait for the Powell-Mason cable car at Taylor and Bay Streets is usually shorter than the wait for the Powell-Hyde cable car at Aquatic Park.

Board the Powell Street lines away from the ends of the lines. There is frequently a long wait to board the cable cars at Powell and Market Streets. Sometimes you can squeeze on the cars by just walking a few blocks up Powell Street. The further you get away from the ends of the lines, the easier it is to squeeze on a car. Many riders disembark at California and Powell Streets, Hyde and Lombard Streets (Crooked Street), and the Cable Car Museum at Washington and Mason Streets, so these are good spots to board a cable car.

I hope this information helps you to enjoy your ride on the only cable cars in an American city. If you want to take a private San Francisco tour that includes a ride on a cable car, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Baseball is Back

The baseball season is with us again and our two local teams have begun to play. The Oakland A's are celebrating their 40th season on the west coast while the San Francisco Giants are celebrating their 50th.

The A's were founded in Philadelphia, spent many years in Kansas City, and moved to Oakland in 1968. Whether they will stay in Oakland or move to Fremont, as announced, is anyone's guess.

The Giants and the Dodgers moved west in 1958 from New York and Brooklyn respectively. Here's a good trivia question for baseball fans: of those cities that have never celebrated a World Series victory, which has suffered the longest? The answer - San Francisco. The Giants won in New York but never here. Cubs fans have suffered longer but they did win the Series in 1908.

The prospects for both teams aren't too hot in 2008, but attending a baseball game is a leisurely way to spend a few hours. If you are visiting San Francisco and want to take in a game, both stadiums are easy to get to.

The Oakland Coliseum is a 30-minute subway ride on BART. There are four BART stations along Market Street. Take a train going to Dublin/Pleasanton or Fremont and get off at the Coliseum stop. The stadium is a five-minute walk from the BART station. The weather in Oakland is warmer than in San Francisco, but take a sweater for an evening game.

AT&T Park is a 15-minute walk south of Market Street. You can also catch the N Judah streetcar at one of the MUNI Metro stops along Market Street and get off in front of the stadium. While AT&T Park is advertised as being warmer than the Giants' old home at Candlestick, evening games can be downright cold. You might need a heavy jacket if you sit in the upper deck at night.

I prefer baseball during the day, particularly in the Bay Area. You can enjoy a cold beer during a day game here. At night, you'll probably need a hot coffee. Tickets can be purchased at the teams' websites: www.giants.mlb.com and www.athletics.mlb.com.

Two North Beach Institutions

It had been over 20 years since I last saw "Beach Blanket Babylon," the only-in-San Francisco cabaret that spoofs modern culture. With my parents visiting, I decided to see how the show was holding up.

Beach Blanket Babylon has been running for over 30 years, so I probably last saw it during its first decade. The theme remains the same; the story of Snow White's efforts to find true love. About one-third of the show looked familiar. However, the majority of songs and skits were new since I last saw the show. The performance was completely up-to-date. There was even a musical number spoofing Hillary Clinton crying the day before the New Hampshire primary.

The singing is still good and the costumes are still zany. The satire is wacky and the hats remain the biggest you'll ever see. At least two of the performers, Val Diamond and Renee Lubin, were in the show when I last saw it. If you've never seen Beach Blanket, then I highly recommend seeing it on your next visit to San Francisco. If you've been before, you'll get a good laugh if you go again.

Beach Blanket Babylon performs at the Club Fugazi, 687 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (Green Street) in North Beach. Shows are at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday matinées are at 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. and are the only performances that minors may attend.

While in North Beach, I decided to dine at another North Beach institution: North Beach Restaurant. I had never eaten here and figured, after living in San Francisco for 29 years, it was about time to give North Beach Restaurant a try. Walking into this restaurant was like time traveling back to the 1950s. Waiters were in tuxes and the menu looked like it hadn't changed since the restaurant first opened in 1970. While our waiter was very friendly and the food acceptable, I can't recommend dining at the North Beach Restaurant. There are far better Italian restaurants in San Francisco. Unfortunately, most of them are not in North Beach.

If you are planning a trip to San Francisco and want help planning your vacation, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

See Mating Elephant Seals

The largest mainland breeding colony of northern elephant seals can be found at Año Nuevo State Reserve. You have not seen anything until you see two-ton elephant seals battling over a prospective mate. The reserve is located about 90 minutes south of San Francisco on Hwy. 1 between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz.

Elephant seals may be found at Año Nuevo throughout the year. The breeding season runs from December through March. Adult males begin arriving in December and begin to battle to become dominant. The winners of these fights do most of the mating. By late March, the adult seals leave the park and only the weaned pups remain. In the spring and summer, adults return to the park to molt. During the fall, yearlings come ashore.

Año Nuevo is worth visiting at any time. However, seeing the seals breed is particularly fascinating. The breeding season runs from December 15 through March 31. During this time, visitors may only see the park on a guided walk. Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling (800) 444-4445. The molting season runs from April 1 to August 31 and the fall haul-out season from September 1 to November 30. During these seasons, you will need to pick up a free permit for a self-guided hike from the entrance station. Try to arrive early to make sure you get a permit and have enough time for the hike.

A visit to Año Nuevo is a uniquely California experience. If you would like a private tour that includes a visit to Año Nuevo, please feel free to call me at (866) 326 - 4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Haas-Lillienthal House

San Francisco is well known of its Victorian architecture. There are thousands of Italianate, Stick, and Queen Anne houses that can be seen from the outside, but there is only one home that is regularly open to the public as a museum.

Built in 1886, the Haas-Lillienthal House was a private residence until 1972. Today, the home is a museum, complete with period furnishings. A visit to the Haas-Lillienthal House includes a docent-led tour of the small garden and many of the rooms. You will also learn about the Haas and Lillienthal families who were (and are) prominent in San Francisco's Jewish community.

If you are interested in Victorian architecture and/or history, you will enjoy touring the Haas-Lillienthal House. The museum is open on Sunday, Wednesday, and most Saturday afternoons. More information is available on the museum's website or by calling (415) 441-3000. The museum is located at 2007 Franklin Street (between Washington and Jackson Streets).

Pacific Heights

In September, I wrote about Sea Cliff and mentioned that it and Pacific Heights are probably the two wealthiest neighborhoods in San Francisco. This post will talk about Pacific Heights.

Pacific Heights includes the hilly part of San Francisco from Van Ness Avenue on the east to Lyon Street and the Presidio wall on the west. The north and south boundaries are Green and Bush Streets. Some of San Francisco's wealthiest and most influential residents make their homes in Pacific Heights. Many of them have spectaculr views from their houses. While you may not be in a position to buy a home with such a view, you can approximate the views by walking up the Lyon or Baker Street steps. You'll also get a good workout.

Some of San Francisco's largest homes are in Pacific Heights. Currently, there are two houses on the market in Pacific Heights with asking prices of over $50 million. 2901 Broadway is listed for $55 million, while the owners of 2845 Broadway are asking $65 million. The Spreckels Mansion, at 2080 Washington, is one of the largest homes in San Francisco. Built by Alma and Adolph Spreckels in 1915, its current owner is Danielle Steele.

If you are a movie buff, you can see the house that Sally Fields and Robin Williams called home in "Mrs. Doubtfire" on the southeast corner of Broadway and Steiner Street.

Fillmore Street between Post and Jackson Streets is the main shopping district for Pacific Heights. Along the street you will find many upscale shops and some very good restaurants. You can easily combine a stroll along Fillmore Street with a walk along the Union Street shopping district in Cow Hollow. Just make sure you visit Fillmore Street first so you walk down the steep hill to Union Street.

If you would like to take a private San Francisco tour that includes a visit to Pacific Heights, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Fisherman's Wharf IV - Pier 39's Sea Lions

Pier 39 has little connection with San Francisco. It's a collection of tourist-oriented shops that could be located almost anywhere in the U.S. However, any visit to Fisherman's Wharf must include a walk to the end of Pier 39 to see the hundreds of California sea lions that have been calling the pier home since late 1989.

Prior to the Loma Prieta Earthquake in October 1989, most sea lions lived at Seal Rocks, just off Land's End in the Pacific Ocean. Starting in September 1989, sea lions began hauling themselves out of the water onto the empty boat docks at Pier 39. After the earthquake, even more found their way to Pier 39. Whether the earthquake contributed to the sea lions' migration, we do not know. We do know that at Pier 39 they found a plentiful supply of herring to dine on and protection from the killer whales and sharks in the ocean. So they decided to stay.

Most sea lions live at Pier 39 for about 9 months per year. During the summer all but a few sea lions travel to the Channel Islands, off the Santa Barbara coast, to mate. After all, even sea lions need a little privacy.

Watching the sea lions bark and push each other around is great fun. If you would like to take a private tour of San Francisco that includes a visit to the sea lions, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

This concludes my series on Fisherman's Wharf. San Franciscans tend to stay away from the wharf. However, I hope this short series has shown that the Wharf contains attractions for both locals and visitors.

Fisherman's Wharf III - SS Jeremiah O'Brien & USS Pampanito

Pier 45, where the Musee Mecanique is located (see November 12 post), is also home to the Liberty Ship SS Jeremiah O'Brien and the World War II era submarine USS Pampanito.

The Liberty Ship SS Jeremiah O'Brien transported soldiers and supplies during World War II. Most famously, it supported the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France in 1944. In 1979, the ship was rescued from the scrap heap and restored to its former glory. Of the 5,000 plus ships that participated in D-Day, the Jeremiah O'Brien was the only ship to return for the 50th anniversary celebration in 1994.

Today, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the ship. The ship welcomes guests daily, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and when cruising. Admission is $8/adult, $6/senior, and $4/junior. Children under the age of six may tour for free. A family may tour the ship for $20. The ship also cruises the Bay from time to time. If you'd like to see San Francisco Bay from the deck of a World War II Liberty Ship, check the ship's website to see if a cruise will occur during your visit to San Francisco.

The USS Pamapanito is a World War II-era submarine that berths next to the Jeremiah O'Brien. This Balao class Fleet submarine patrolled the Pacific during the war, sinking six Japanese ships and damaging four more. Self-guided audio tours enable visitors to understand what life was like aboard the Pampanito. The submarine opens daily at 9:00 a.m. From October 14 through May 23, the ship closes at 6:00 p.m., except on Fridays and Saturdays when it remains open until 8:00 p.m. During the balance of the year, the ship is open daily until 8:00 p.m., except on Wednesdays when it closes at 6:00 p.m. Admission costs $9/adult, $5/senior, $3/children between 6 and 12, and $20/family.

Touring the Jeremiah O'Brien and Pampanito is great fun for kids, especially on rainy days when indoor activities are preferable. A family can easily spend a few hours at Pier 45 by visiting these two ships and exploring the Musee Mecanique.

If you would like help planning a vacation that includes visits to the Jeremiah O'Brien and the Pampanito, feel free to call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Fisherman's Wharf II - Hyde Street Pier

The Hyde Street Pier houses a terrific collection of historic ships. Formally known as the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, the Pier's collection includes the Balclutha, an 1886 square rigger; C.A. Thayer, an 1895 schooner; Eureka, an 1890 steam ferry boat; and many other artifacts from our nautical history. On the Pier is the Small Boat Shop, where visitors can talk with the boat builders. Be sure to walk to the end of the Pier for a nice view of San Francisco Bay and the City.

The Pier is located at the end of Hyde Street, near Aquatic Park and the Hyde Street cable car turnaround. There is no charge to walk along the Pier or to see the exhibits on the Pier. The cost is $5 per person to walk through the historic ships docked at the Pier. Children under the age of 16, if supervised by an adult, may board the ships for free.

Across the street from the Pier, in the Argonaut Hotel, is the park's Visitor Center. Here you can see permanent and temporary exhibits on San Francisco's and the West's maritime history.

The park also has a museum on Beach Street, across from Ghirardelli Square. However, it is closed for renovation until 2009.

The Pier and Visitors Center open daily at 9:30 a.m. The Pier closes at 5:30 p.m. between Memorial Day and September 30, while the Visitors Center closes at 7:30 p.m. During the balance of the year, both the Pier and Visitors Center close at 5:00 p.m.

If you are like me and enjoy old ships, then I highly recommend a visit to the Hyde Street Pier. If you would like to take a private San Francisco tour that includes a visit to the Pier and Fisherman's Wharf, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Fisherman's Wharf I - Musee Mecanique

Fisherman's Wharf seems a world apart from the rest of San Francisco. Tourists love it, while locals only venture there when friends or family visit. While much of the Wharf is tacky, there are some gems worth visiting.

My favorite place on Fisherman's Wharf is one of its most overlooked attractions: the Musee Mecanique. Located at Pier 45, Shed A, at the end of Taylor Street, the Musee Mecanique is home to one of the largest collections of mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade games.

Today's children are accustomed to playing video games. They can't imagine that their grandfathers and great-grandfathers played mechanical, rather than electric, games. A visit to the Musee will enable your children to play early 20th century arcade games, music boxes, and pin ball games. You will also get to see exhibits from San Francisco's old amusement park, Playland; the Sutro Baths; and Cliff House.

The Musee Mecanique is a great place to come with children, but adults also will enjoy seeing these old games. You are likely to go through a pile of quarters during your visit, but change is easily gotten from machines in the museum. The Musee Mecanique opens daily at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and at 8:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Frank Lloyd Wright on Maiden Lane

Maiden Lane is an alley running between Kearny and Stockton Streets, just east of Union Square. Prior to the 1906 earthquake and fire, the alley was known as Morton Street and was one of the city's red light districts. Men would stroll the alley and select a companion from among the women sitting in their windows.

After the fire, the red light district moved to other parts of town and Morton Street became Maiden Lane. Today it is home to a number of fashionable stores, including Xanadu Gallery at 140 Maiden Lane. Take a good look at the front of the store and you will notice the absence of one feature that most shops have -- a picture window. Only Frank Lloyd Wright would design a street-level store without a window for the store to showcase its wares.

This building was constructed in 1948 and housed the V.C. Morris Gift Shop. Inside, you will see a spiral walkway up to the second floor. Wright was designing the Guggenheim Museum in New York at the same time and he is thought to have used the Morris Gift Shop as a test for the ramp he included in the Guggenheim. You can see the outside of the Xanadu Gallery at any time. To see the inside, visit the gallery Tuesday through Saturday between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. You will also get to see an excellent collection of folk art.

If you would like to take a private San Francisco tour that focuses on some of San Francisco's unique architecture, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Alcatraz Update

I finally had a chance to visit Alcatraz and take the new audio tour. While the old tour was good, the new tour is even better. You now enter Alcatraz as the prisoners did -- through the shower room. The tour is slightly longer; about 40 minutes. It is still narrated by former prisoners, guards, and residents. When you are done with the audio tour, you can visit the expanded book shop in the cell block.

Don't limit yourself to just touring the cell block while you are on the island. If the Agave Trail is open, take a walk along the south and east shores for beautiful views of San Francisco.

The evening tour provides a more leisurely and less crowded way to see the island. You can check availability for the evening and day tours by visiting www.alcatrazcruises.com. Be sure to book your tour in advance as they sell out. During the summer, tours may sell out two weeks in advance.

Here are some answers to questions I frequently get asked about Alcatraz:

Has anyone swam from Alcatraz to San Francisco? Yes. One prisoner made the swim and was found hanging onto rocks under the Golden Gate Bridge. He was so weak from hypothermia that he could not lift himself out of the water. Earlier this year, some men celebrated their 500th swim from San Francisco to Alcatraz. Last year, the youngest person, a nine-year-old boy, made the swim. Two years ago the first dog, with his master, made the swim.

Are there sharks in the Bay? Yes. Leopard sharks are in the Bay. They are small and will not hurt you. Great whites do not enter the Bay. They are found in the ocean and WILL hurt you.

How big is Alcatraz? The island is 12 acres.

Did anyone successfully escape from Alcatraz? During the civilian period from 1934 - 1963, no prisoners are known to have successfully escaped. Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers did escape. Their flotation devices were found; however, they have never been seen. They are presumed to have drowned. During the military period, security was not as tight and prisoners did escape.

Private tours are prohibited on Alcatraz. If you would like to plan a visit to San Francisco that includes a visit to Alcatraz, Blue Heron Custom Tours can help. For more information, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Filbert and Greenwich Street Steps

The east side of Telegraph Hill was home to a quarry in the 19th century. The hillside was cut away without regard to people's homes and businesses. Often homeowners would find that their houses were no longer habitable as the land beneath them had been blasted out. The City would occasionally tell the quarry to stop dynamiting, but this never seemed to have much effect.

What remains of the east side today provides beautiful vistas of San Francisco Bay and Treasure and Yerba Buena Islands. Many homes cover the hillside and are only accessible via the Greenwich and Filbert Street steps.

These steep stairways run between Sansome Street at sea level at the top of Telegraph Hill (275 feet). I highly recommend a walk along both of these pedestrian streets. Not only will you get spectacular views of the Bay, but you will stroll among some of the prettiest gardens in San Francisco. Flowers seem to be in bloom nearly year-round. If you are lucky, you'll also get to see the "Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" flying overhead.

You can ascend one of the steps and then descend the other. Beware; the ascent is steep and not for the unfit. If climbing the steps seems daunting, take a tour of San Francisco with Blue Heron Custom Tours and Travel. We'll drive to the top of Telegraph Hill where you can walk down one of the stairways. When you arrive at the bottom, we'll be waiting to continue your tour of San Francisco. For more information, call me at (866) 326-4237 or e-mail me by clicking here.

Summer in Muir Woods

Summer brings the crowds to Muir Woods, home to the coastal redwoods -- the tallest trees in the world. Parking can be difficult, especially on weekends when visitors may need to park a half-mile away from the entrance. Here are three tips for avoiding the crowds and making your visit more enjoyable:

1. Visit early or late. In the summer, Muir Woods is open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. If you arrive before 9:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m., not only will you avoid the crowds but you will not have to pay an entry fee. I recommend arriving before 9:30 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. if you want to have a more peaceful experience.

2. Take a tour to the park. The scheduled tour operators all arrive around the same time, so you won't avoid the crowds. However, you will not have the hassle of finding a parking space. If you take a private tour, such as with Blue Heron Custom Tours and Travel, you can time your arrival so you are not there when the big tour buses are at the park.

3. Take public transit to the park. Golden Gate Transit runs shuttle buses to Muir Woods from Sausalito, Marin City, and the Manzanita parking lot at the Route 1 exit of US 101 on weekends and holidays through September 30. Buses that stop in Sausalito meet Golden Gate Transit's ferries to and from San Francisco.

Blue Heron provides private, custom tours that include Muir Woods. You also can visit Muir Woods as part of a tour of San Francisco or a tour of Wine Country. For more information, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Angel Island

Angel Island is a locals place. Visitors to San Francisco flock to Alcatraz Island, but far fewer visit Angel Island. Angel Island never captured the public's imagination like Alcatraz did when it housed notorious prisoners like Al Capone and the Birdman (Robert Stroud).

Today Angel Island is a state park. However, it's rich history includes periods when it was a military base, home to a quarantine station, and home to an immigration station where thousands of Chinese were detained for weeks and months between 1910 and 1940.

Cars are prohibited on Angel Island, so the park is a peaceful place for biking, hiking, and picnicking. If you chose to picnic, you may want to bring food with you as options are limited on the island.

If you walk the perimeter road, you will pass many of the island's historical sights including the immigration station. You can also hike to the top of Mt. Livermore for a 360 degree view of San Francisco Bay.

The Angel Island Immigration Station is currently being renovated. When the Immigration Station reopens in 2008, visitors will be able to learn more about the lives of those whose first home in America was Angel Island.

Angel Island is accessible by ferry from both San Francisco and Tiburon. More information about the island is available from the Angel Island association's excellent website: www.angelisland.org. More information on the Angel Island Immigration Station is available at www.aiisf.org.

"That's So Raven's" House

My last post told where visitors can see houses depicted on the television show "Full House." Young visitors are frequently fans of the Disney Channel's "That's So Raven" show. Like "Full House," most of the scenes in the program were taped in a studio. (The series is no longer in production.) However, the opening scenes show that Raven's home is at the corner of Page and Ashbury. The house is on the northwest corner of the intersection. It's address is 461 Ashbury Street. The high school that is frequently shown is not in San Francisco.

Two more San Francisco landmarks are just down the street from Raven's home. The intersection of Haight and Ashbury Streets is one block away. This is the corner that gave the neighborhood its name. It became synonymous with the Hippies, when thousands of young people flocked to the neighborhood during the Summer of Love in 1967. Further south on Ashbury is the Victorian house, number 710, where the Grateful Dead lived during this time.

If you would like to take a private San Francisco tour that includes a visit to Haight Ashbury, or as it is known today -- the Upper Haight -- please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

"Full House" House

Many times when I take guests on tours of San Francisco I get asked where certain movies or television shows were filmed. One of the most frequently asked questions is where the house in the television show "Full House" was located.

Most of the show was filmed in a studio. However, the opening scene in many of the episodes pictures the family picnicking in Alamo Square with the Queen Anne Victorians of "Postcard Row" in the background. This location is easy to get to. Alamo Square sits between Hayes, Fulton, Steiner, and Scott Streets. "Postcard Row" is located on Steiner Street between Hayes and Grove Streets."

When I took "Full House" fans to Alamo Square they would frequently ask which house was the Tanner family's home in the show. This was difficult to figure out, but due to some good sleuthing by a fellow tour guide, Craig Smith, we now know that the Tanner home is the house at 1709 Broderick Street, near Bush Street.

If you would like to take a private tour of San Francisco that includes visits to these "Full House" sites, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Cable Car Museum

The Cable Car Museum is one of my favorite museums in San Francisco. Located in the powerhouse where the motors turn the four cables that run under the streets, this free museum has much to see. Not only can you see the mechanics of the system, but also historic exhibits.

The cable car traces its heritage back to 1869 when Andre Hallidie witnessed a horse struggling to pull a cart up Nob Hill. According to local legend, the horse collapsed and the cart dragged the horse back down the hill. Four years later, on August 2, 1873, Hallidie demonstrated his new-fangled contraption -- the cable car. They have been going up and down San Francisco's hills ever since, except from 1982-1984 when the system was closed for renovation.

In the 1890s, there were eight cable car lines in the City. Today there are three: Powell-Hyde, Powell-Mason, and California Street.

The Cable Car Museum is a must stop if you have children between the ages of 7 and 13. It is open daily from 10:00 - 6:00, except from October 1 - March 31 when the museum closes at 5:00 p.m. The museum has a gift shop with interesting books and souvenirs.

If you would like to take a San Francisco tour that includes a stop at the Cable Car Museum, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Mecca for Foodies

San Francisco has always been a mecca for food aficionados. With a predominately male population during the Gold Rush, restaurants began cropping up to serve the many men who were clueless in the kitchen. Today San Francisco has over 3,000 restaurants. That's a lot for a city with just 750,000 residents.

In addition to the many restaurants, there are numerous stores to buy great produce, meats, and other foods. However, no place compares to the Marketplace at San Francisco's Ferry Building. Here you will find more purveyors of fine food than any place in the city.

People who love sweets will want to visit Scharfen Berger Chocolate Maker, Recchiuti Confections for divine truffles, and Miete Patisserie.

If you want to pick up bread, cheese, and wine for a picnic lunch, stop by Acme Bread Company, Cowgirl Creamery, and Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant. Acme is a local bakery that makes a variety of excellent breads. Cowgirl makes its own cheese and sells artisan cheeses from around the world. Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant has a large selection of wines from California and all over the world. They also have a nice tasting bar where you can sit down to have wine and cheese with friends.

Taylor's Automatic Refresher has great burgers, fries, and shakes, as well as a wine list.

I'm a big oyster fan. So I love sitting outside at Hog Island Oyster and lunching on raw oysters paired with a Sauvignon Blanc.

The list goes on and on.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays the permanent stores and restaurants are augmented by a large farmer's market. The Saturday market is the bigger of the two and runs from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The Tuesday market's hours are 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. If you visit on Saturday, have breakfast at the market. During the summer, there is a market on Thursday evenings.

The Ferry Building is one of the few spots in San Francisco where locals and tourists mix in large numbers. Don't miss it on your next visit. If you want to take a private San Francisco tour that includes a visit to the Ferry Building, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Wells Fargo History Museums

If you are a history buff like me, you enjoy visiting history museums. Even the smallest of towns often has a local history museum. San Francisco, being a city of 750,000, has a few museums that feature our unique history. One of my favorites is the Wells Fargo History Museum.

This little museum is open Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Inside you will see a Concord Coach that was actually used by Wells Fargo. When you see stagecoaches today, it's hard to imagine that they seated up to 20 persons: 9 inside, 9 on top, driver, and shotgun. Imagine bouncing across the West in these vehicles; stopping only to change horses. While the Wells Fargo staff unhitched and hitched the horses, passengers usually dashed into a so-called restaurant to down awful to mediocre food. Mark Twain provides an excellent description of Western travel on a stagecoach in his book "Roughing It."

The museum also features exhibits on Wells Fargo's role in San Francisco's history from the Gold Rush of 1849 through the Earthquake of 1906. The museum is located at 420 Montgomery Street (near California Street). Admission is free.

There are also two Wells Fargo Museums in Sacramento. The larger of the two museums is at 400 Capitol Mall and also houses a Concord Coach. The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. A small storefront museum is at 1000 2nd Street in Old Sacramento, which is open every day form 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission to both museums is free.

If you would like to take a private tour of San Francisco that focuses on the city's rich history, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Point Bonita Lighthouse

There's something romantic about lighthouses. I know the real story is that lighthouse keepers worked long hours, performed gruelling tasks -- often in miserable weather, and received little pay. Nevertheless, whenever I see a lighthouse I immediately want to visit it, learn the history, and fantasize about the keeper's life.

One of my favorite lighthouses is located at Point Bonita on the north side of the entrance to the Golden Gate. The original lighthouse, built in 1855, was the third on the West Coast. The site was too high and fog frequently obscured the beam. As a result, the lighthouse was moved to its current site in 1877.

Point Bonita, on a sunny day, provides one of the area's special views. On one side the Pacific crashes against the bluff. On the other side sits San Francisco, just across the Bay. Docents are available to tell you about the lighthouse, its keepers, and the area's history.

The drive to the lighthouse, along Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands, offers spectacular vistas of the Golden Gate, the Bridge, and San Francisco. Stop at Battery Spencer and walk to the edge of the cliff for an up-close view of the Golden Gate Bridge. After arriving at the parking lot, you will walk along a half-mile trail through a hand-cut tunnel and across a narrow suspension bridge to get to the light. Unfortunately visitors hours are extremely limited. The lighthouse is open only Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 12:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

If you visit, make sure you bring a sweater as Point Bonita is frequently swept by strong winds. More information on the lighthouse can be found on the Golden Gate National Recreation Area's website: http://www.nps.gov/goga/pobo.htm.

If you would like a private tour of San Francisco and/or Muir Woods that includes a visit to the Point Bonita Lighthouse, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Free San Francisco Walking Tours

San Francisco is a compact city -- just 46 square miles. With 750,000 people calling the city home, some of the neighborhoods are quite congested. Chinatown has the densest population in the United States outside of Manhattan.

My half-day tours of San Francisco provide a good overview of the City and the full-day tours enable visitors to see more of the city's neighborhoods. However, many of the neighborhoods are best explored on foot.

If you enjoy walking and want to see San Francisco up close, I highly recommend taking one or more walking tours during your stay. Commercial walking tour companies operate in some neighborhoods. However, City Guides provides free walking tours throughout San Francisco.

Operating under the auspices of the San Francisco Public Library, City Guides' volunteer docents will lead you on explorations of neighborhoods as diverse as Pacific Heights, Haight Ashbury, and the Financial District. Tours are offered seven days per week in both the morning and afternoon. The summer schedule is more expansive than the winter schedule. Regardless of the date you chose for your tour, you are bound to find a one of interest. Full schedules are available on City Guides' website: www.sfcityguides.org.

If you would like some help planning your San Francisco vacation, and want to include a walking tour, I would be pleased to assist you. Feel free to phone me at (866) 326-4237 or e-mail me by clicking here.

Oldest Building in San Francisco

You can't believe everything you read. The sign outside the Officers Club in the Presidio says it is the oldest building in San Francisco. Yes, there is old adobe in some walls and in the foundation. But the bulk of the building is definitely 20th century.

The oldest building in San Francisco is Mission San Francisco de Asis, more commonly known as Mission Dolores. The original mission was built by the Spanish in 1776, along with the Presidio. The current building is about a block and a half from the site of the first mission building and dates back to 1791. Aside from the addition of electricity and some early 19th century furnishing, the mission looks little different from the way it did when founded. This sturdy building survived both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes with little damage; although, the more modern parish church next door suffered extensive damage in 1906 and was torn down.

Aside the mission is one of only two cemeteries remaining in San Francisco. (Most cemeteries were removed from the city in the early 20th century to make room for the living. The other cemetery inside the city limits is the military cemetary in the Presidio.) There are many tombstones marking the final resting spot of early settlers and officials. Not marked are the graves of thousands of Native Americans buried in the cemetery and under the adjacent parking lot.

Mission Dolores is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. A donation of $3.00 is requested upon admission. The church is located on the corner of Dolores and 16th Streets.

If you would like to take a San Francisco tour that includes a visit to Mission Dolores, call me at (866) 326-4237 or e-mail me by clicking here.

Visit the Newly Restored Grounds Surrounding the Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts was the art museum in the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition. This world's fair commemorated the opening of the Panama Canal, but also showed the world that San Francisco had recovered from the 1906 Earthquake and Fire.

The Palace was the only building from the Fair that was allowed to stay in its original location after the fair closed. However, like all the buildings, the Palace was built with little more than chicken wire and plaster. So by the 1950s the Palace was in need of a major restoration. To save the Palace, the original was torn down and a replica was built of concrete. The replica opened in 1967.

Now the replica is in need of restoration. Recently the exterior of the dome was fixed. For the past year, extensive renovation of the lagoon and surrounding grounds was undertaken.

A few days ago, the chain link fence around the grounds came down. The end result is beautiful. No longer do you risk having the walkway crumble beneath your feet as you stroll around the lagoon, which looks great. Instead of green scum on the surface, their are birds swimming in clear water. Recently I saw migrating ducks taking a break in the lagoon.

Now is the perfect time to visit the Palace. Take a relaxing stroll around the colonnade and lagoon. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawn. The Palace sits along Lyon Street between Francisco Street and Marina Boulevard in the Marina District.

If you want to include a visit to the Palace of Fine Arts in a San Francisco private tour, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Beat Museum in San Francisco

Most folks seem to know about the 1967 Summer of Love and the hippies in San Francisco. But few remember their 1950s predecessors: the Beats or Beatniks. The latter term was coined by local journalist Herb Caen who said shortly after the Russians launched the first spacecraft, Sputnik, that they may have a Sputnik but we have Beatniks. Or something to that effect.

To inform the public about Jack Kerouac, Alan Ginsberg, and other Beat writers is the mission of The Beat Museum. Located in North Beach, this new museum contains a nice collection of books and poems written by Beats and other Beat-related items that may be purchased. There is also a small exhibit of historical photographs and documents that trace the history of the beats in San Francisco.

The Beat Museum is located at 540 Broadway (near Columbus). It is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday. Admission to the exhibit is $5.00. There is no charge to browse through the items for sale.

If you would like to take a private tour of San Francisco that includes a visit to North Beach, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Streetcars in San Francisco

While San Francisco is most famous for the cable cars that go up and down Nob Hill, we are becoming equally well known for our fleet of historic streetcars. Known as the F Line, these cars from around the country and the globe run from the Castro District (Castro and Market Streets) to Fisherman's Wharf (Taylor and Jefferson Streets) via Market Street and the Embarcadero.

Now you can learn about the history of streetcars in San Francisco and our historic fleet by visiting the new San Francisco Railway Museum at the Steuart Street streetcar stop (77 Steuart Street, between Market and Mission Streets). Operated by the non-profit Market Street Railway, the inaugural exhibit is "Vehicles of Recovery: How San Francisco’s Street Railways Led the City’s Response to the 1906 Earthquake and Fire." The museum also contains streetcar artifacts, videos on San Francisco's street railway systems, and a gift shop. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Admission is free; although, donations are appreciated.

The Market Street Railway is the City's nonprofit partner that does much of the restoration work on the historic streetcars. In addition, the group advocates for the expansion of the streetcar system. In the near future, streetcars may run directly from the CalTrain Terminal and AT&T Park to Fisherman's Wharf. Longer term plans call for expanding the streetcar line from Fisherman's Wharf through the Fort Mason tunnel to lower Fort Mason. You can learn more about this wonderful organization by visiting their website at www.streetcar.org.

If you would like to take a private San Francisco tour that includes a stop at the San Francisco Railway Museum, call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Diego Rivera Murals in San Francisco

The great Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera, painted his first commissioned mural outside of Mexico in San Francisco starting in 1930. "Allegory of California" was completed in 1931 and is located in The City Club of San Francisco, 155 Sansome Street, 10th Floor. The mural is usually open to the public from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, if there are no events scheduled. The Mexican Museum offers excellent docent-led tours of the mural from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month.

Shortly after completing "Allegory of California," Rivera began work on "The Making of a Fresco Showing the Building of A City." This mural is located in the Diego Rivera Gallery of the San Francisco Art Institute, 800 Chestnut Street (between Leavenworth and Jones). The most accessible of the three Rivera murals in San Francisco; the gallery is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and is located just two blocks from the bottom of the "Crookedest Street in the World" (Lombard Street).

Perhaps the most impressive of the three murals painted by Rivera is "Pan American Unity." This mural is "about the unity of the North and the South on this continent," according to Rivera. Originally painted in 1940 at the Golden Gate International Exposition, the mural is now housed in the Diego Rivera Theatre at San Francisco City College. Hours to visit the mural vary from sememster to semester. You can check the mural's website, www.riveramural.com, for current hours. A guided tour of the mural can be arranged by calling (415) 239-3127.

Admission to all three murals is free.

If you would like to take a private San Francisco tour that includes stops at one or more of these murals, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Murals of Balmy Alley

One of my favorite spots to take people when I am doing my More of San Francisco or A Day in the City Tour is Balmy Alley. This small street is the birthplace of San Francisco's contemporary mural movement.

Murals have been a part of Mexican culture since the early twentieth century. In 1971, local muralists began creating beautiful paintings on the fences and garages of Balmy Alley. Many of the murals have political themes. The styles range from very traditional to cartoonish. Today there are an estimated 600 murals throughout San Francisco with many located in the Mission District, home to many of San Francisco's Hispanics.

Balmy Alley runs parallel to Treat and Harrison Streets between 24th and 25th Streets. Precita Eyes Visitors Center at 2981 24th Street is near the alley and has information on San Francisco's murals. They also sponsor mural tours, some of which include walks through Balmy Alley. You may call the center at (415) 285-2287 for more information.

If you visit Balmy Alley, stop in at one of the nearby restaurants for lunch. Roosevelt Tamale Parlor, 2817 24th Street (at Bryant) and St. Francis Fountain, 2801 24th Street (at York) are good bets.

If you would like to take a San Francisco tour that includes visits to Balmy Alley and other mural sites, please call me at (866) 326-4237 or e-mail me by clicking here.

Friday Night at the De Young

Looking for something to do on a Friday night? Visit the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. One of the two Fine Arts Museums, the de Young houses art from the United States, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. (The other Fine Arts Museum, the Legion of Honor, is located in Lincoln Park and is home to collections of European Art.)

On Friday nights, the de Young stays open until 8:45 p.m. After 5:00 p.m., tickets cost just $5/person. While not all galleries are open, there are special music performances and docent-led talks. In addition, the cafe serves dinner until 8:00 p.m. and cocktails are served at a cash bar in the entry court. I was particularly impressed to see that supervised tables were available for young children to draw while their parents visited the museum.

This past Friday, the special exhibitions, "The Quilts of Gee's Bend" and "Chicano" were open. The latter consists of three related exhibitions: "Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge," "Chicano Now: American Expressions," and Chicano Now: Local Places and Global Encounters."

The de Young should be applauded for extending its hours so more visitors can enjoy some of the museum's works. The de Young is also open from Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Regular tickets cost $10, $7 for seniors, and $6 for youth (13-17) and college students with identification.

Point Reyes Lighthouse

I recently took some guests to Point Reyes National Seashore, one of my favorite spots in the Bay Area. We drove all the way out to the Point where we visited the Point Reyes Lighthouse. Opened in 1870, this lighthouse is home to a first order Fresnel lens.

The lighthouse is open Thursday through Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. To get to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, visitors must walk a quarter of a mile from the parking lot and then down (and back up) 308 steps. So the walk is not for the faint hearted. There are benches along the way if you want to rest while climbing back up the steps. Also, be warned that this is perhaps the windiest spot in California. Winds in excess of 40 mph are not uncommon.

If you do visit the lighthouse, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Pacific and exhibits on Pacific maritime history. During the late fall and late winter/early spring, you may sea gray whales on the way between Alaska and Baja California. During whale watching season, you will need to take a shuttle bus to the Point on weekends and holidays.

To learn more about Point Reyes and West Marin County, visit the Blue Heron website and read "Rick's Tips" Numbers 11 and 12.

If you want to take a private tour to Point Reyes National seashore, please call me at (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.