Larkspur Ferry wake
Our second day in San Francisco was full of interesting sights and new experiences. We spent twelve non-stop hours visiting the areas that were of interest to us. After our walking tour yesterday, we decided to make use of the MUNI transit system in order to cover the distances and give ourselves a break from climbing hills. We travelled by bus, streetcar and the N Train. We did end up walking a fair distance as well. However the climate here is so gentle and pleasant, we wanted to be outside as much as possible.
Our first destination was Union Square, then we hopped on a bus and headed out to Japantown. After the hustle and bustle of Union Square, Japantown felt peaceful and relaxing. It is one of only three remaining Japantowns in the United States. We had planned to be there in time for lunch and after scouting the many restaurant options finally made our choice. We were not disappointed.
Bob was very interested in visiting the Haight-Ashbury district, so that was our next stop. It was not as “gritty” as we had anticipated. Although there is an eclectic Bohemian feel to the area, it is very much geared for the tourists. We took pictures on the corner of Haight and Ashbury and then went and stood in front of #710 Ashbury, the house where The Grateful Dead lived. The house today is a beautifully restored Victorian home, and we tried to imagine what it might have looked like during the 60’s.
Many of the Victorian homes in the district have been restored. The colour combinations and detail in the paint were stunning. Judging from the number of young moms pushing strollers and parents riding tandem bikes with little ones on the back, Haight Ashbury is more a young residential community than hippie haven.
We walked/climbed to the top of Buena Vista Park. All of the trees in the park have been planted and there were thousands of different species. From the top of the hill we could see the Golden Gate Bridge.
Golden Gate Park was within walking distance of Haight Ashbury, so that is where we headed next. It is a huge park. It covers an area of 1,013 acres (larger than Central Park) and contains more than 1 million trees, nine lakes, gardens, and the California Academy of Sciences. We were surprised to see so many locals enjoying the park. It was like a summer day.
By the time we got back to the Ferry Terminal and had dinner the sun was just beginning to set. As we pulled away from the dock on the ferry ride back to our camp spot we could see the Golden Gate Bridge silhouetted against an amber sky and the lights of San Francisco just beginning to shine.
Haight Ashbury
Grateful Dead's house, 710 Ashbury
Golden Gate at dusk
RSS Feed