Green in San Francisco
Description:
San Francisco is known for its many famous landmarks but also for its long history of activism, which can currently be seen in the city-wide investment into sustainable living and tourism practices. The city's taxis are or soon will be hybrid vehicles, the convention center is solar-powered, and many of the city's restaurants are sustainably and locally sourced, which are just a few reasons why SF is one of the world's leaders in green living and ecotourism.
Author: JennyMM
Day 1 - San Francisco
Take a walk around in the morning, starting out at the Ferry Building, which is where the San Francisco farmer's market is hosted twice a week but there are always a number of interesting local food vendors selling yummies. From there you'll easily be able to see the trademark triangular tower of the Transamerica building. Also around here are several artifacts of the Beat era, including a museum of memorabilia and the still-open and thriving City Lights bookstore, full of good reads and history. You can't visit San Francisco without trying Chinese food, so stop in for some of the best Asian fusion you'll ever have at The House, particularly known for their fresh and perfectly cooked seafood. After your meal take a walk around Levi's Plaza Park, a lovely green spot along the water which offers some good views of the city. Keep walking along the water to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, which are touristy but an essential part of any San Francisco visit. There are lots of things going on around here on any given day, and when you get near Pier 39 you can start to hear the bark of the many sea lions that are always lounging off the end of the pier. Of course another trademark is the many cable cars that still cruise the city, and provide a great way to tour the ups and downs of the many hills here without burning out your clutch. The most famous hill is traversed by Lombard Street, the world's most crooked street, which is most fun walked. Imagine what the inhabitants of this street have to go through just to pull into their driveways every day! Treat yourself one of San Fran's best and well-known restaurants for dinner, Gary Danko. You can pick and choose among their large menu as there are 3-course, 4-course, and 5-course options, and you can select anything you want on their menu that looks appetizing. Reasonably priced, local and seasonal food that's innovative and delicious? Can't be beat. There are a number of green hotels in San Francisco, but the frontrunner is the Orchard Hotel. It is right on Union Square, but was built just 3 years ago according to the U.S. Green Building Council, and was one of the first hotels in the world to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification. With a key card guestroom energy control system and delicious food from organic local sources, you can easily relax in comfort at the Orchard.
1
Ferry Building Marketplace & Farmer's Market
Location:
view in google mapsFerry Building Marketplace
One Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone:
(415) 693-09962
Transamerica Pyramid
Location:
view in google maps600 Montgomery St
(at Columbus Avenue)
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone:
(415) 983-41003
The Beat Museum
Location:
view in google maps540 Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone:
(800) 537-6822 / (831) 372-49114
City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
Location:
view in google maps261 Columbus Ave.
At Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone:
(415) 362-81935
The House
Location:
view in google maps1230 Grant Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone:
(415) 986-86126
Levi's Plaza Park
Location:
view in google maps1160 Battery Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
7
Fisherman's Wharf
Location:
view in google mapsThe Embarcadero
Fisherman's Wharf
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone:
(415) 956-34938
Sea Lions at Pier 39
Location:
view in google mapsBeach Street & The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone:
(415) 705-5500 / (415) 289-73259
Pier 39
Location:
view in google mapsBeach St & The Embarcadero
On the waterfront at The Embarcadero and Beach St
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone:
(415) 981-743710
Cable Cars
Location:
view in google maps401 Van Ness
(between Golden Gate and Grove Sts) Admin Offices
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone:
(415) 673-686411
Lombard Street
Location:
view in google mapsBetween Hyde & Leavenworth streets
Above Ghirardelli Square
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone:
(415) 391-200012
Gary Danko
Location:
view in google maps800 North Point Street
(at the corner of Hyde Street)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone:
(415) 749-206013
The Orchard Garden Hotel
Location:
view in google maps466 Bush St
at Grant St
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone:
888/717-2881Day 2 - Rutherford
When you're in the Bay Area, you're so close to wine country that it'd be a shame not to sample some of the incredible wines produced by some of the world's most sustainable vineyards. Honig, Adobe Creek, Nathanson Creek, Gundlach Bundschu Winery, and Clos De La Tech are just a few of Sonoma's wineries that are part of California's sustainable winegrowing alliance.
2
Honig Vineyard And Winery
Location:
view in google maps850 Rutherford Road
Rutherford, CA 94573
Phone:
+1 707 963 5618Day 3 - San Francisco, Point Reyes Station, Inverness
Take today to visit one of the nature areas north of the city. Off the coast is the Gulf of Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, which has dozens of endangered species and many others that frequent the islands' shores, including seabirds, turtles, seals and sea lions, sharks, and whales. Tours leave from San Francisco, and head out for the day - most are also guided by naturalists and biologists, who can provide lots of information about the Sanctuary and its many species. Another option is to visit Point Reyes National Seashore, which is a beautiful stretch of coastline ringed by beaches and with a lighthouse on its tip. There are elephant seals here breeding and pupping for several months in the spring, but there are always trails to hike along and near the shore and out to the lighthouse, as well as inland through the forests and along the San Andreas fault line, where there are exhibits explaining the fault and previous earthquakes.
1
Gulf of Farallones National Marine Sanctuary
Location:
view in google mapsFort Mason, Building 201
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone:
(415) 561-66222
Farallon Islands Nature Cruises
Location:
view in google maps27 miles off San Francisco
Oceanic Society, Fort Mason Building E
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone:
(800) 326-74913
Drakes Beach
Location:
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956Phone:
(415) 464-51004
Earthquake Trail
Location:
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956Phone:
(415) 464-51005
Limantour Beach
Location:
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956Phone:
(415) 464-51006
Point Reyes Beach
Location:
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956Phone:
(415) 464-51008
Bear Valley Visitor Center
Location:
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956Phone:
(415) 464-51009
Tomales Bay State Park
Location:
view in google maps7665 Redwood Blvd, Suite 150
Inverness, CA 94937
Phone:
(415) 893-158010
Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center
Location:
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956Phone:
(415) 464-510011
Point Reyes National Seashore
Location:
view in google mapsHwy. 1 and Bear Valley Rd.
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Phone:
415-464-5100Day 4 - San Francisco
Start out the day with a walk across the San Francisco bridge, which can get crowded later on in the day. This is one of the country's most famous landmarks, and there's a great view from the Marin side of the bridge. It can be windy though, so bring a windbreaker! Keep walking south through the Presidio, a former military fortification that has been transformed into a huge park, with forested hills and a number of historical bulidings and museums. Explore this area for awhile, then continue south to Golden Gate Park, where there's tons to do and see. Stow Lake is a nice place to go paddle-boating or just enjoy the piece of calm in the city. There's a conservatory, which boasts quite an impressive plant collection, and the lovely Japanese garden, which you should definitely take some time to wander around. Sit in the tea house and enjoy a cup and some snacks among the cherry blossoms with the sounds of the waterfall in the background. Another classic San Francisco neighborhood nearby is Haight-Ashbury, known for its counter-culture vibe during the 60's which still is around today, although in lesser force. There are a lot of unique and fascinating stores and establishments in this area, which is worth a walk-through. When you get hungry, walk a couple of blocks northeast to NOPA. Fresh, organic, and completely sourced from local cuisine, NOPA is one of those great restaurants that is both casual and elegant, simple and completely delicious.
1
Golden Gate Bridge
Location:
view in google mapsLincoln Blvd & Hwy 1
Hwy. 101 N
San Francisco, CA 94129
Phone:
(415) 921-58582
The Presidio Trust
Location:
view in google maps34 Graham St
San Francisco, CA 94129
Phone:
(415) 561-55003
Presidio Loop
Location:
San Francisco, CA 94129Phone:
(415) 561-47004
Golden Gate Park
Location:
view in google mapsStanyan & Fulton Sts
(Great Highway at Fulton St)
San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone:
(415) 831-27006
Stow Lake
Location:
view in google maps50 Stow Lake Drive
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone:
(415) 752-03477
Japanese Tea Garden
Location:
view in google mapsAt the corner of Tea Garden at Martin Luther King, Jr.
(Golden Gate Park)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone:
(415) 752-42278
Haight-Ashbury
Location:
view in google mapsHaight and Ashbury Streets
San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone:
+1 415 391 2000 (Tourist Information)9
Buena Visa Park
Location:
view in google maps498 Buena Vista Avenue East
San Francisco, CA 94117
10
Conservatory of Flowers
Location:
view in google mapsJFK Drive, Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone:
(415) 666-700111
NOPA
Location:
view in google maps560 Divisadero St
(cross street: Fell)
San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone:
(415) 864-8643Day 5 - San Francisco, Mill Valley
In the morning you can explore some more of the interesting buildings and landmarks around town, including a number of unusual religious buildings such as a gold-onion-domed cathedral, a synagogue modeled after the Haggia Sophia, and St. Patrick's Church, one of the city's most well-preserved landmarks. More fascinating history can be learned at the Maritime National Historical Park, which is dedicated to the city's nautical past and present. Lunch can be had cheap at Kitchenette, where you'll know what farm everything in your fantastic sandwich came from. If you're feeling up for a hike, visit Muir woods and national monument, which are dedicated to one of California's naturalist heroes. He is directly responsible for the designation of much of the state's most beautiful land as national parks, and you can make the most of his efforts with a hike along the Muir Woods Loop. For dinner, visit 1500 Hyde Cafe and Bar, a classic San Fran joint where you'll never know what's on the menu ahead of time, as it changes daily based on what's best from their local farm suppliers.
1
Holy Virgin Cathedral
Location:
view in google maps6210 Geary Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone:
(415) 221-32555
Kitchenette
Location:
view in google maps958 Illinois St
San Francisco, CA 94107
6
Muir Woods National Monument
Location:
view in google mapsMuir Woods Rd and Camino Del Cyn
(Follow signs from Hwy 101 N)
Mill Valley, CA 94941
Phone:
(415) 388-25957
Muir Woods Loop
Location:
San Francisco, CA 94941Phone:
(415) 388-25958
1550 Hyde Cafe and Wine Bar
Location:
view in google maps1550 Hyde Street (at Pacific)
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone:
(415) 775 1550Day 6 - Berkeley, San Francisco
Hop on the BART in the morning to take a stroll around Berkeley. A park just outside the city, Tilden Botanical Garden, is a huge collection of flora from throughout the state. Nearby is another great place for a hike, Wildcat Peak. At the top are some great views of the surrounding area, and this is a moderate hike that shows off the natural areas in the hills above Berkeley. There are a couple of good places to eat in Berkeley after you've worked up an appetite, including Ajanta, a truly delicious Indian restaurant. In the afternoon, explore San Fran's art scene, as there are unusual and innovative artists displaying works in dozens of galleries around town. Try some of the fresh fish available in town with a stop at a sushi restaurant for dinner. One of the best places for sushi in the Bay Area is also part of a group of restaurants that focuses on sustainable ingredients. You'll find the usual sashimi and rolls here, made with incredibly fresh fish, and some unusual twists on the old roll standbys as well.
1
Botanic Garden, Tilden
Location:
view in google mapsWildcat Canyon Rd At Shasta Rd
Berkeley, CA 94708
Phone:
(510) 562-72752
Wildcat Peak
Location:
Berkeley, CA 94708Phone:
(510) 562-72753
Museum of Modern Arts Artists Galleries
Location:
view in google mapsFort Mason Center
Bldg A N
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone:
(415) 441-47774
Precita Eyes Muralists
Location:
view in google maps2981 24th St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone:
(415) 285-22875
Bucheon Gallery
Location:
view in google maps540 Hayes Street
(between Laguna and Gough streets)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone:
(415) 863-28916
Galeria de la Raza
Location:
view in google maps2857 24th Street
(at the corner of Bryant Street)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone:
(415) 826-80097
Weinstein Gallery
Location:
view in google maps253 Grant Avenue
(between Sutter and Post streets)
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone:
(415) 362-81518
Vorpal Gallery
Location:
view in google maps393 Grove Street
(at Gough Street)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone:
(415) 397-92009
Dick Ebert Gallery
Location:
view in google maps49 Geary Street, 4th Floor
(between Kearney and Grant streets)
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone:
(415) 296-840510
Robert Koch Gallery
Location:
San Francisco, CA 94018-5735Phone:
(415) 421-012211
Umami
Location:
view in google maps2909 Webster St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone:
415-346-3431Day 7 - San Francisco
Get on the morning Alcatraz and Angel Island tour to see the Bay Area's most famous (and infamous) islands. Angel Island is home to a beautiful state park and the site of a former immigration hub, and Alcatraz is of course the site of the (now-closed) prison. Tours of Alcatraz are informative and lots of fun, as you'll hear fascinating stories about former inmates and employees. For lunch once you're back on land, try Greens, one of San Francisco's best known veggie restaurants that can be enjoyed by both herbivores and omnivores alike. Part of the original organic, local food movement, there's a wide range of flavors on the menu, so there's sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. Walk around the city some more in the afternoon, such as the neighborhood of Nob Hill, known for its expensive and delicious Italian restaurants, and for Coit Tower. Built to pay homage to San Fran firefighters, the tower resembles a fire hose, and can be climbed for unbeatable views of the entire city and surrounding area. Nearby is Chinatown, where you can see anything you could imagine (and probably a few things you couldn't dream up) on sale at food purveyors and other vendors. Another thing you may not have thought of before is how fortune cookies come about, and you can find the answer at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. If you want to relax with a drink before dinner, stop into Vesuvio, rich with Beat history without feeling too stuffy or museum-like. Aziza is the perfect dinner place for your last meal here, combining California produce with Moroccan and Mediterranean flavors.
1
Alcatraz Island
Location:
view in google mapsEmbarcadero and Powell St
(Pier 39)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone:
(415) 705-55552
Greens Restaurant
Location:
view in google mapsBld. A, Fort Mason
Building A, Fort Mason Center (enter Fort Mason opposite the Safeway at Buchanan and Marina sts.)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone:
415/771-62223
Nob Hill
Location:
view in google mapsSacramento and Taylor
San Francisco, CA 94109
4
Coit Tower
Location:
view in google maps1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard
Telegraph Hill
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone:
(415) 362-08085
Chinatown
Location:
view in google mapsBush St. and Kearny St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone:
+1 415 391 20006
Chinatown Gate
Location:
view in google mapsBush St. and Grant St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
7
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
Location:
San Francisco, CA 941088
Vesuvio
Location:
view in google maps255 Columbus Ave
At Broadway
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone:
415/362-33709
Aziza
Location:
view in google maps5800 Geary Blvd
At 22nd Ave
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone:
415/752-2222