Must See
Written: Dec 31 '99
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great Restaurants, many points of interest
Cons: Broadway sex scene, can be very congested.
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| tarthurs's Full Review: North Beach |
During your visit to San Francisco, North Beach is a must see. From the tawdry sex scenes on Broadway (less now than 20 or 30 years ago) to Coit Tower on Telegraph hill, the cable car line and the cable car barn to Fisherman's wharf and the Aquatic Park, there is something in this neighborhood for all tastes.
There are so many pasta houses, I won't bother naming any, just follow your nose.
Three high points: Coit Tower, Lombard Street, and City Lights Bookstore.
Coit Tower is named for Lillian Coit, who was a fire engine chaser in the 1880's. Some claim that the tower resembles a fire hose nozzle, and, if you squint, you can see the resemblance. Inside are some of the most outstanding examples of WPA murals. (WPA murals can also be found at various point throughout the city.) The view from the top is breathtaking; bring your camera. While on Telegraph hill, look out for San Francisco's resident flock of parrots.
Looking south from telegraph hill, you'll be able to see Lombard Street, named the crookedest street in the world. (Well one block of it is, the rest is straight as a needle.)
The best time to visit both Coit Tower/Telegraph hill and Lombard street is early morning. Sunrises can be magnificent from Coit Tower, and this is the time of day when there is the least traffic, during peak tourist season, both of these attractions are heavily mobbed. Also early in the morning, if they are in residence, you can hear the barking of the sea lions mobbing fisherman's wharf.
The City Lights bookstore was the center of the Beat Scene, at least for the west coast. Founded by San Francisco's now Poet Laureate Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the store is still very much a going concern with multiple stories of stacks, among which you can find avant-garde literature, and some rare works, as well as some very interesting photos and artwork.
As in all of San Francisco, dress warmly, or bring a jacket. I recommend dressing in layers, cold damp winds can spring up at the drop of a hat. If you ride the cable cars, look out for the regular cars when you disembark, the motorists hereabouts are insane.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tarthurs
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Member: Tom Arthurs
Location: Newark, CA USA
Reviews written: 29
Trusted by: 26 members
About Me:
Computers, Books, Cats, Travel, and California. And, of course, Epinions.
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