A good way to get a feel of
"The City," is to jump on a Cable Car,
preferably the Hyde Street Line going up, and ride
it till the end. But remember, bring a jacket at
all times (trust me, the weather is capricious)
and some comfortable walking shoes. Then, if you’re
a bit savvy, jump on a Cable Car when one is
stopped at a Powell Street intersection. This line
travels in its inimitable fashion, from the heart
of Union Square up, up and over Nob Hill with its
grand hotels and mansions, then skirts by
Chinatown with its aromas, sights and cacophonous
sounds; then up into Russian Hill where one can
see beautiful apartments, gorgeous city views and
people strolling. The Hyde street Line crests at
the top of Lombard Street a.k.a. "The
Crookedest Street in The World" and then
finally down, way down (hold on) Hyde to the
waterfront and eventually stopping outside
Ghirardelli Square. Here, at the end of the line,
one can walk around and enjoy the views, visit the
galleries, shop till you drop, eat, drink and walk
some more - over to Fisherman’s Wharf for some
fresh seafood and maybe a ferry ride out to Angel
Island or Alcatraz.
From Fisherman’s Wharf you
can take the Mason Street Cable Car Line right
back to your hotel. This line chugs its way right
through North Beach, the exciting old Italian
neighborhood and nightlife district. You can visit
innumerable restaurant and bars, shop some more
and take in the architecture and flavor of this,
the old heart of the "beat" generation.
You can walk back from here, through the Financial
district’s canyons and on to the Union Square
area. This little tour will provide you with a
brief, but evocative look at San Francisco. There
is of course, so much more to see, visit, taste
and experience. The City is filled with Museums,
Parks, Hills, Food, People from all over, Views,
Neighborhoods, Shopping, Art and History in one
compact package. You will find that the city is
smaller but more wondrous than you might have
imagined. But beware, most people who visit San
Francisco for the first time, never want to return
home.