San Francisco Off the Beaten Path Tips by pigletsmom

Civil War Fort that is located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Used as the base of operations during the construction of the bridge between 1933 & 1937. Offers excellent views of the bridge as well as a coffee house.

Check out the websites for more info.
http://www.nps.gov/fopo/home.htm

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Website: http://www.nps.gov/fopo/

The Museum of San Francisco, The Musee Macanique is very odd but interesting. Nice exhibit on the history of SF, but after that are tons of coin operated Antique carny games and pin ball machines. Games of chance, skillI and strength that all came from an old SF amusement park, Playland at the Beach (1928-1972) It's kind of earie to walk around all the old arcade games and toys. Includes miniature model of the old amusement park. Free Admission. Kids would like this place, unless it scared them. Located towards the end of Fisherman's wharf at Pier 45 until the end of 2004, then moves back to it's original location at the Cliff House. Check out the website for more info and photos of the games.

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Website: http://mistersf.com/high/index.html?highmecanique.htm

Located at the west end of Fisherman's wharf between Ghiradelli Square is a lovely park and beach that offers wonderful scenery without the tourists, or at least not that many. Take a stroll, rent a bike or rest and take in the views of the bay and Alcatraz. The park includes a visitor center, a maritime museum, and a maritime library. Visitors can board historical ships and learn about old maritime skills and crafts. Aside from the Historical ships, the park and beach are pretty, peaceful and inviting. Street Vendors line the park in a street fair sort of way, and the park has benches situated in a lovely garden atmosphere offering nice views. It's much less busy and touristy than both Fisherman's and Ghiradelli Square. Makes a nice stop from one to the other.

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Website: http://www.nps.gov/safr/

I'm not exactly sure where Pacific Heights ends and Cow Hollow begins, but I think it's aound Marina St. Both are seperate neighborhoods with a definate different look and feel. Cow Hollow is much more relaxed, though just as expensive. The homes have a slightly funkier look, and the streets are filled with yoga studios and old book stores. Start out in Pacific Heights on Union and walk towards Filbert St. Active nightclub scene at night. Check out my general tip for a free walking tour of Cow Hollow.

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Visit Sausalito for the day or just afternoon.
You can walk across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito,
and take the ferry back.

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Website: http://www.sausalito.org/

Napa valley is just a short hour away, but has some spectacular scenery. Rent a car for the day, or take a guided tour, either way you'll be in lovley surroundings tasting some great wines. The Wineries are so beautiful and each has a different character to it. Great gift shops at each of the wineries. There is also a wine train, check out the website:
http://www.winetrain.com/
I highly recommend Napa Valley as a day trip if you have an extra day in the SF area. Napa is absolutely gorgeous in the fall. Almost looks unreal in person.

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Website: http://www.napavalleyonline.com/