The ruins of the Sutro Baths Sutro Baths, San Francisco – Many of the greatest cities in the world are known for their ancient ruins that hint at the greatness of the civilization that once stood on those grounds: the Roman Forum, the Acropolis, Machu Picchu, Stonehenge. These ruins tell of rich histories (and sometimes(…)

On the Western edge of the city, tucked away behind the Cliff House is a small building that looks like a giant camera. The camera obscura works like a pinhole camera, and really, like the human eye. A small hole in the slowly rotating pyramid atop the structure allows light to enter. The image reflects(…)

Parking in San Francisco is generally a nightmare. It’s the worst part of driving in San Francisco, and that’s saying a lot. Unless maybe you have incredible parking karma, at some point, you’ll probably have to pay for parking if you drive in San Francisco, either at a metered spot or in a garage. North(…)

The SHN Orpheum Theatre has hosted Broadway shows, films, concerts, comedy, and a whole calendar of theatrical performances throughout the year. The historic theater was built in 1926 and features grand architecture designed by theater architect B. Marcus Priteca. Located on Market Street, the SHN Orpheum is very close and convenient to the Civic Center(…)

About Lombard Street The one-block section of Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth is one of the most famous streets in the world, with eight hairpin turns over a span of about 600 feet (180 meters), it has the reputation as the “crookedest” street in the world. The one-way street runs west to east, downhill(…)

What to explore? In the middle of Golden Gate Park, there’s an island in within Stow Lake called Strawberry Hill, named for the wild berries that once covered the grounds. There are two foot bridges over Stow Lake that connect the island to the path around the lake. The Roman Bridge can be found near(…)

Angel Island’s Ayala Cove Alcatraz isn’t the only island destination in the San Francisco Bay. About two and a half miles past Alcatraz, Angel Island is the largest natural island in the Bay, at over one square mile. Though so much larger than the infamous Alcatraz Island, hardly anyone seems to know Angel Island exists,(…)

San Francisco Ferry Building at night Once the main port of entry to the city from anywhere in the Bay Area except the peninsula, the San Francisco Ferry Building is a now busy marketplace featuring restaurants, cafes, and specialty shops. Situated next to Pier 1 near the Bay Bridge, and located just down the Embarcadero(…)

I’d never heard of the International Art Museum of America before I noticed the “Free Admission” sign from across Market street one Sunday. The museum looked completely dark inside, but the door was wide open. I was wandering around with a friend and without a plan, so we decided to check it out. The International Art Museum(…)

Vermont Street, San Francisco – Tucked away in the Potrero Hill neighborhood, the one-block section of Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd is the other “crookedest” street in San Francisco along with the famous Lombard Street. Some claim that Vermont actually holds the title of curviest street in the city, even though it has seven(…)