Guide: San Francisco Day Tour 5
Day Tour 5 includes Tenderloin, Pacific Heights, Chestnut Street, Marina and Crissy Field, Golden Gate Bridge, Union Street, and Polk Street.
Geary Street and Powell Street, at the southwest corner of Union Square
1 Geary Street at Powell Street
From the intersection of Geary and Powell, at the corner of Union Square, go west on Geary Street (if you're facing Macy's, you would turn right).
Geary Street, between Jones and Taylor Streets
2 Geary Street to Jones Street
Continue on Geary past the theatres on your left, crossing Mason and Taylor Streets, to Jones Street.
Dottie's True Blue Cafe, and the morning line to get in
3 Dining Option: Dottie's True Blue Cafe
Fantastic all-homemade breakfast fare with daily special dishes. The line forms early at the door, and can be very long. Go here only if you are willing to sacrifice some time to wait (30 minutes +), and/or can get there very early. First come first served, no reservations. Parties are seated beginning at 7:30am. Closed on Tuesdays.
Dottie's is at 522 Jones Street, between Geary and O'Farrell. (From Geary, go left on Jones, and Dotties will be on your left.) Phone: 415-885-2767.
Moulin Breakfast Cafe, on Geary Street at Larkin Street
4 Dining Option: Moulin Breakfast Cafe
Another restaurant is located 3 blocks further down Geary Street. Here also you can sit down for a full breakfast, and the wait will be much shorter. From here you would make a right at Larkin and go up to Sutter Street to catch the 3-Jackson bus.
Moulin Breakfast Cafe is at 887 Geary Street at Larkin Street. Open every day from 7:30am. Phone: 415-928-0158.
Cafe Bean, on Sutter Street at Jones Street
5 Dining Option: Cafe Bean
Serves a variety of breakfast items, including Dutch Pancakes. This would be the easiest breakfast option, as it is right at the corner where the 3-Jackson bus will stop. From Geary, make a right on Jones and climb up to Sutter Street.
Cafe Bean is at 800 Sutter Street at the corner of Jones Street. Phone: 415-928-0888. Website: www.cafebeansf.com.
3-Jackson bus on Sutter Street at Jones Street
6 Jackson-3 bus from Sutter Street
From the corner of Sutter Street and Jones (or Larkin), you can catch the 3-Jackson bus. It arrives approximately every 20 minutes.
The north side of Alta Plaza Park, on Jackson Street at Pierce Street
7 Pass Alta Plaza Park
The 3-Jackson bus will take you down Sutter for 12 blocks, turn right and go up Fillmore Street 7 blocks, then turn left on to Jackson Street. After this turn, you'll pass Alta Plaza Park on your left. Be prepared to exit at Divisadero after passing the park.
Jackson Street at Divisadero Street, where the 3-Jackson bus stops
8 Exit Jackson-3 bus at Jackson Street and Divisadero Street
Exit the 3-Jackson bus on Jackson Street at Divisadero Street, one block past Alta Plaza Park.
Pacific Avenue at Divisadero Street
9 Right on Divisadero and left on Pacific Avenue
From the bus stop, turn right on to Divisadero, climbing up the hill one block to Pacific Avenue. Turn left at Pacific Avenue, and follow it two blocks to Baker Street.
Baker Street between Pacific Avenue and Broadway
10 Right on Baker Street to Broadway
From Pacific Avenue, turn right on Baker Street and go one block to Broadway. Turn left on to Broadway.
Broadway between Baker and Lyon Streets
11 Broadway to Lyon Street
Follow Broadway one block to Lyon Street and the top of the Lyon Street Steps.
Looking down at the Lyon Street steps, where Broadway meets the Presidio
12 Lyon Street Steps
At Lyon Street, the top of the Lyon Street steps will be on your right. Take this scenic stairway down.
Looking toward the upper section of Lyon Street Steps
13 Lyon Street Steps at Vallejo Street
The mid-section of the Lyon Street Steps is level with Vallejo Street. Continue down the steps to the bottom.
The bottom of the Lyon Street Steps at Green Street
14 Bottom of Lyon Street Steps at Green Street
At the bottom of the Lyon Street Steps, you'll be Lyon Street and Green Street. Continue walking down Lyon Street toward the bay.
Lyon Street between Greenwich and Lombard Streets
15 Lyon Street to Lombard Street
Continue on Lyon Street, crossing Union, Filbert, and Greenwich Streets.
Lyon Street at Lombard Street
16 Lyon Street at Lombard Street
When you reach Lombard Street, turn right on to Lombard.
Lombard Street at Lyon Street
17 Cross Lyon Street
You'll pass Liverpool Lil's on your right as you cross Lyon Street on to Lombard.
Liverpool Lil's, at Lyon Street and Lombard
18 Liverpool Lil's
This is a local pub dating back to 1973.
Liverpool Lil's is at 2942 Lyon Street at Lombard Street. Phone: 415-921-6664. Website: www.liverpoollils.com.
Baker Street Bistro, on Baker at Lombard
19 Dining Option: Baker Street Bistro
One block from Lyon Street, you'll cross Baker Street. This French Bistro will be to your right, on Baker Street.
Baker Street Bistro is at 2953 Baker Street at Lombard Street. Phone: 415-931-1475.
Lombard Street at Broderick Street
20 Cross Broderick Street at Lombard Street
Many additional dining options are coming up around the corner on Chestnut Street. From Lombard, go left on to Broderick Street (1 block past Baker).
Chestnut Street sign at Broderick Street
21 Chestnut Street at Broderick Street
Follow Broderick for 1 block, then go left on to Chestnut Street.
Chestnut Street between Broderick and Divisadero
22 Chestnut Street to Divisadero Street
Follow Chestnut Street to Divisadero, where shops and restaurants will begin to appear.
A16 Restaurant and Wine Bar, on Chestnut Street between Divisadero and Scott
23 Dining Option: A16
The controversial juggernaut of Campania cuisine is open Wednesday through Friday for lunch, and every evening for dinner starting at 5pm. Reservations recommended.
A16 is at 2355 Chestnut Street between Divisadero and Scott Streets. Phone: 415-771-2216. Website: www.a16sf.com.
Chestnut Street at Divisadero Street
24 Chestnut Street to Scott Street
Continue on Chestnut Street to Scott Street.
Kara's Cupcakes, on Scott Street between Chestnut and Lombard
25 Kara's Cupcakes
Cupcakes baked from local, organic ingredients and packed in a cute box.
Kara's Cupcakes is at 3249 Scott Street between Chestnut and Lombard Streets. Phone: 415-563-2253. Website: www.karascupcakes.com.
The Grove, on Chestnut Street at Avila Street between Scott and Pierce
26 Dining Option: The Grove Cafe
Just past Scott Street, you'll see The Grove Cafe on your left side. This is a hangout spot for locals, serving sandwiches, small dishes, coffee and tea.
The Grove Cafe is at 2250 Chestnut Street at Avila Street. Phone: 415-474-4843.
Chestnut Street near Pierce Street
27 Chestnut Street to Pierce Street
Continue on Chestnut Street and cross Pierce Street.
Plant Cafe Organic, on Steiner at Chestnut
28 Dining Option: Plant Cafe Organic
One block past Pierce Street, The Plant Cafe Organic is on Steiner Street, to your right. You can order healthy dishes including vegetarian and non-vegetarian items from the counter. Often crowded.
The Plant Cafe Organic is at 3352 Steiner Street between Chestnut and Lombard Streets. Phone: 415-931-2777. Website: www.theplantcafe.com.
Fillmore Street between Chestnut and Lombard Streets
29 Fillmore Street to Lombard Street
At this point in the tour, you can continue up Fillmore Street toward Union Street (skip to step 54), or you can visit the Palace of Fine Arts and Golden Gate Bridge. If you do, you should make sure you've had lunch and that there are at least a couple of hours of daylight left.
30-Stockton Muni Bus on Chestnut Street
30 Stockton-30 bus from Chestnut Street
If you're going to the Palace of Fine Arts and Golden Gate Bridge, you can catch the 30-Stockton bus on Chestnut Street. Make sure you take the outbound bus, going back (west) toward where you started on Chestnut Street.
30-Stockton buses at the terminal point of Broderick and Beach Streets
31 Stockton-30 bus at Broderick and Beach Streets
The bus will turn right on to Broderick Street from Chestnut Street. You can exit at North Point Street, or one block further at the terminal point of Broderick and Beach Street.
Broderick Street at North Point Street
32 Broderick Street at North Point Street
From Broderick Street, go west on North Point Street (left from the direction the bus was heading), and you'll reach the Palace of Fine Arts after one block.
Palace of Fine Arts, at Lyon Street and Bay Street
33 Palace of Fine Arts
Built in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exposition, this structure has withstood the years to become a favorite of wedding photographers.
Walking Path around the lake at the Palace of Fine Arts
34 Path and Lake at Palace of Fine Arts
Follow the path around the lake toward the main structure and columns.
Grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts
35 Inside Palace of Fine Arts
Around the other side of the lake, you can walk through the palace structures.
Sign at entrance to the Exploratorium
36 Exploratorium
On the north side of Palace grounds, you'll pass the main entrance to the Exploratorium. This giant building is filled with hands-on science exhibits.
Houses at the north side of the Palace of Fine Arts
37 North side of Palace of Fine Arts
Past the houses on the north side of the Palace grounds and the Exploratorium entrance, you'll reach Marina Boulevard.
Crossing Marina Boulevard from the Palace of Fine Arts
38 Cross Marina Boulevard
Directly north of the parking lot next to the Exploratorium entrance, a crosswalk lets you cross the busy Marina Boulevard toward Crissy Field.
Entrance to Crissy Field from Marina Boulevard
39 Crissy Field Entrance
Enter Crissy Field and continue north to reach the water's edge.
Promenade shore, north of the Palace of Fine Arts
40 Shoreline near Crissy Field
You can walk toward the Golden Gate Bridge via the shoreline or the paths through the lawn areas. It will be about a 20 minute walk to reach the path leading up to the bridge.
Crissy Field, east of the Golden Gate Bridge
41 Crissy Field
Continue west, either along the shoreline or on the paths through the grass.
The Warming Hut - books, gifts, sandwiches, pastries
42 Warming Hut
Closer to the bridge, you'll reach the Warming Hut. You can get sandwiches, pastries, and hot drinks here.
The Golden Gate Bridge, from the waterfront promenade approaching Fort Point
43 Promenade near Fort Point
Approaching the Golden Gate Bridge, you can see Fort Point under the bridge.
Path leading up to the Golden Gate bridge from the waterfront promenade between Crissy Field and Fort Point
44 Path to Golden Gate Bridge
Follow the sign pointing the way to the steps that leads up to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Tunnel on the walking path to Golden Gate Bridge
45 Tunnel in Path to Bridge
Continue climbing on the path. You'll reach a tunnel that you'll need to duck to pass through.
Steps leading up from the tunnel on the wallking path
46 Steps from Tunnel
Exiting the tunnel, you'll reach a short set of steps leading toward the bridge.
Paths leading up to and under the Golden Gate Bridge
47 Top of Path to Golden Gate Bridge
At the very top of the path, you'll see a bike path continuing under the bridge, and a hairpin turn in the path that leads up to the bridge. Take the sharp turn up to the right side of the bridge.
Pedestrian entrance to the Golden Gate Bridge
48 Golden Gate Bridge: Pedestrian Entrance
Enter the pedestrian walkway on the right side of the bridge.
Plaque at the base of the south tower of the Golden Gate Bridge
49 Golden Gate Bridge: South Tower
At the first of the bridge's two towers, you'll see a plaque with info about the construction of the bridge.
Looking south toward Fort Point and San Francisco, from the Golden Gate Bridge
50 Golden Gate Bridge: Views
From the walkway around the towers, you have views back toward the city and across the bay. Walk as far as you want on the bridge, then go back to the parking lot where you entered the bridge.
Parking lot at the Golden Gate Bridge
51 Parking Lot at Golden Gate Bridge
From the parking lot, you can board the 28-Nineteenth Avenue bus. If you don't see one there, you can wait at the yellow dot in front of the statue. A bus should arrive within about 15 minutes.
28-line Muni Bus at the Golden Gate Bridge parking lot
52 28 Muni bus from Golden Gate Bridge
This bus will take you back down Lombard Street toward where you began the detour from Chestnut Street.
The 28 Bus from Golden Gate Bridge on Lombard Street at Fillmore Street
53 Exit 28 Muni bus at Fillmore Street and Lombard Street
You can exit the bus on Lombard Street at Fillmore Street. This is one block south of Chestnut Street. From the bus stop, turn right (south) on to Fillmore Street.
City Tavern on Fillmore at Greenwich
54 City Tavern at Fillmore Street and Greenwich
Continue on Fillmore Street and cross Greenwich Street, passing the City Tavern on your left.
Espresso Roma Cafe on Fillmore at Pixley
55 Fillmore Street at Pixley
Continue on Fillmore Street, crossing Pixley Street.
Real Food Company Market on Fillmore at Filbert
56 Real Food Company on Fillmore and Filbert Streets
Continue on Fillmore, crossing Filbert Street and passing Real Food Company on your left.
Fillmore Street at Union, looking north towards the bay
57 Fillmore Street at Union Street
At Union Street, you'll be going left (east).
Past Perfect Vintage and Antiques, on Union Street between Fillmore and Steiner
58 Past Perfect Vintage and Antiques
If you would like to browse a store with antiques and vintage items, Past Perfect is a short detour to the right on Union Street from Fillmore.
Union Street between Webster and Fillmore Streets
59 Union Street at Webster Street
Otherwise, go left on Union Street, crossing Webster, Buchanan and Laguna Streets. You'll pass through the heart of the Cow Hollow area here.
Union Street at Laguna Street
60 Union Street at Laguna Street
Cross Laguna Street and continue on Union Street toward Octavia.
Sidewalk on Union Street between Octavia and Laguna Streets
61 Union Street at Octavia Street
Cross Octavia Street and continue on Union Street toward Gough Street.
Union Street at Gough Street
62 Union Street at Gough Street
At Gough Street, if you look to your right (and it is still daylight), you will see the Octagan House.
The Octagon House, on Gough Street between Union and Green Streets
63 Octagon House
This was built in 1861 and later moved across the street to this spot where it now serves as a museum.
Allyne Park, at Gough Street at Green Street, next to the Octagon House
64 Allyne Park
Next to the Octagon House is the shady neighborhood lawn in Allyne Park.
Union Street at Franklin Street
65 Union Street at Franklin Street
Continue up Union Street and cross Franklin Street.
Union Street at Van Ness Avenue
66 Union Street at Van Ness Avenue
Continue up Union Street and cross Van Ness Avenue.
Helmand Palace Afghan Cuisine, on Van Ness Avenue between Union and Green Streets
67 Dining Option: Helmand Palace
After crossing to the other side of Van Ness Avenue, this inventive Afghan restaurant will be toward your right.
Helmand Palace is at 2424 Van Ness Avenue between Union and Green Streets. Phone: 415-345-0072. Website: www.helmandpalace.com.
Polk Street near Union Street
68 Polk Street between Union and Green Streets
One block further up Union Street from Van Ness Avenue, you'll reach Polk Street. Go right (south) on Polk Street.
Polk Street at Green Street
69 Polk Street at Green Street
Continue on Polk Street, crossing Green Street.
The Candy Store, on Vallejo Street at Polk Street
70 The Candy Store
At Vallejo Street, to the right from Polk Street, the Candy Store offers candies by the pound from jars as well as chocolates and packaged selections.
The Candy Store is at 1507 Vallejo Street between Polk Street and Van Ness Avenue. Phone: 415-921-8000. Website: www.thecandystoresf.com.
Nick's Crispy Tacos on Polk Street at Broadway
71 Dining Option: Nick's Crispy Tacos
A casual neighborhood favorite adjacent to the bar Rouge, you're encouraged to order tacos "Nick's way" (extra guacamole and cheese).
Nick's Crispy Tacos is at 1500 Broadway at Polk Street. Phone: 415-409-8226.
Molte Cose, on Polk Stret between Broadway and Pacific Avenue
72 Shops on Polk Street
Shops on Polk Street offer vintage and new clothing, home furnishings, cookware and art.
The Bell Tower, on Polk Street at Jackson Street
73 Dining Option: The Bell Tower
The Bell Tower is a neighborhood gathering place, offering a variety of drinking and dining options.
The Bell Tower is at 1900 Polk Street at the corner of Jackson Street. Phone: 415-567-9596.
Red Devil Lounge on Polk Street at Clay Street
74 Red Devil Lounge
This is a nightclub and live music venue featuring a mix of local and touring bands.
The Red Devil Lounge is at 1695 Polk Street at the corner of Clay Street. Phone: 415-921-1695. Website: www.reddevillounge.com.
Polk Street between Pine Street and California Street
75 Polk Street at Pine Street
Continue on Polk Street, crossing Pine Street.
Cable Car at California Street and Van Ness Avenue, near Polk Street
76 California Street Cable Car
One block past Pine Street, you'll reach California Street. The Cable Cars begin at Van Ness (one block west) and you can board at the corner of Polk and California Street.
Inside the Cable Car on the California Street line
77 Cable Car to Powell Street
Board the inbound Cable Car coming from the platform at Van Ness Avenue. This Cable Car will intersect Powell and Stockton Streets just north of Union Square.
