Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [117]
The only bummer: The narrow street leading to the tower is often clogged with tourist traffic. If you can, find a parking spot in North Beach and hoof it. The Filbert and Greenwich steps leading up to Telegraph Hill are one of the most beautiful walks in the city.
Telegraph Hill. 415/362-0808. Admission is free to enter; elevator ride to the top is $5 adults, $3.50 seniors and youth 13–17, $1.50 children 6–12. Daily 10am–5pm. Bus: 39 (Coit).
Coit Tower.
Ferry Building Marketplace ★★★ There’s no better way to enjoy a San Francisco morning than strolling this gourmet marketplace in the Ferry Building and snacking your way through breakfast or lunch. San Franciscans—myself included—can’t get enough of this place; we’re still amazed at what a fantastic job they did renovating the interior. The Marketplace is open daily and includes much of Northern California’s best gourmet bounty: Cowgirl Creamery’s Artisan Cheese Shop, Recchiuti Confections (amazing chocolate), Acme Breads, Hog Island Oysters, gourmet fast food from Napa’s Taylor’s Refresher, famed Vietnamese restaurant the Slanted Door, and myriad other restaurants, delis, gourmet coffee shops, specialty foods, and wine bars. Check out the Imperial Tea Court where you’ll be taught the traditional Chinese way to steep and sip your tea; nosh on premium sturgeon roe at Tsar Nicoulai Caviar, a small Parisian-style “caviar cafe”; buy fancy cooking items at the Sur La Table shop; grab a bite and savor the bayfront views from in- and outdoor tables; or browse the Farmers’ Market when it’s up and running (see below). Trust me, you’ll love this place.
San Francisco Segway Tours
Segways are those weird-looking upright scooters you’ve probably seen on TV. The two-wheeled “human transporter” is an ingenious electric-powered transportation device that uses gyroscopes to emulate human balance. After the free 40-minute lesson, riding a Segway becomes intuitive: lean forward, go forward; lean back, go back; stand up-right, stop. Simple. The San Francisco Electric Tour Company offers Segway-powered narrated 2-hour tours of the San Francisco waterfront daily, starting from Fisherman’s Wharf and heading out all the way to the Marina Green. For $70 it’s not a bad deal, and it’s the closest you’ll come to being a celebrity (everyone checks you out). Note: You have to be at least 12 years old to join the tour. For more information log onto www.sfelectrictour.com or call 415/474-3130.
The Embarcadero, at Market St. 415/693-0996. www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com. Most stores daily 10am–6pm; restaurant hours vary. Bus: 2, 7, 12, 14, 21, 66, or 71. Streetcar: F. BART: Embarcadero.
Cowgirl Creamery sells fine cheeses at the Ferry Building.
Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market ★★★ If you’re heading to the Ferry Building Marketplace or just happen to be in the area at the right time (especially a sunny Sat), make a point of visiting the Farmers’ Market, which is held in the outdoor areas in front of and behind the marketplace. This is where San Francisco foodies and many of the best local chefs—including the famed Alice Waters of Chez Panisse—gather, hang out, and peruse stalls hawking the finest Northern California fruits, vegetables, breads, meats, dairy, flowers, ready-made snacks, and to-go meals by local restaurants. You’ll be amazed at the variety and quality, and the crowded scene itself is something to behold. Drop by on Saturday from 9am to noon for a serious social fest, including tours of the market and culinary demos by city chefs.
The Embarcadero, at Market St. 415/291-3276. www.cuesa.org. Year-round Tues 10am–2pm; Sat 8am–2pm. Bus: 2, 7, 12, 14, 21, 66, or 71. Streetcar: F. BART: Embarcadero.
Local favorites Cap’n Mike and Sally sell their smoked salmon at the Farmers’ Market.
Fisherman’s Wharf Few cities in America are as adept