Stories
San Francisco stories for walks, landmarks, and local context
Short, source-backed reads that explain what you are seeing while you move through the city.
City story
A Modern Urban Escape
On Eddy Street, you'll find Onsen, a unique blend of a Japanese-inspired communal bathhouse and a seasonal restaurant. It's an urban s…
City story
A Palace of Vaudeville
Step toward the corner of Golden Gate Avenue and Taylor Street, and you'll find a venue that's as much a work of art as the plays it h…
City story
A Roastery in the Haight
Tucked right in front of Golden Gate Park in the historic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, Flywheel Coffee Roasters is a family-owned oper…
City story
A Rugged Escape
If you're looking to trade the city pavement for something a bit more wild, head toward the Presidio. The Batteries to Bluffs Trail is…
City story
A Sanctuary for Sound
In the heart of North Beach, there's a unique arts nonprofit called The Lost Church. It's a versatile space that blends music, comedy,…
City story
A Sanctuary of Glass
The Conservatory of Flowers is a historic botanical welcome to Golden Gate Park.
City story
A Space for Remembrance
Resilience isn't just about surviving; it's about the courage to remember. At the corner of Castro and Market Streets, the Pink Triang…
City story
A Space for Remembrance
In the heart of the Castro District, at the intersection of Market and 17th Streets, lies the Pink Triangle Park and Memorial. Dedicat…
City story
A Stage in the Square
Portsmouth Square is known as the Heart of Chinatown, and it's currently undergoing a transformation to better serve the community. As…
City story
A Statue's Silence
Walk toward the Pioneer Monument and you'll find a gap in the story. For over a century, this granite landmark honored the miners and…
City story
A Theatre Reborn
The Golden Gate Theatre has lived several lives since it first opened in 1922. It began as a glamorous vaudeville house, a place of sp…
City story
A Tower for Beauty
Coit Tower is one of the most iconic silhouettes in the skyline, but its origin is surprisingly personal. It wasn't built by a governm…
City story
A Tropical Escape
Tucked away in the eastern end of Golden Gate Park is a Victorian wood-and-glass sanctuary. The Conservatory of Flowers, completed in…
City story
A Valley of Palms
Mission Dolores Park is a vibrant, sixteen-acre heart of its neighborhood, established in 1906. If you look up, you'll see tall palm t…
City story
A Victorian Glass House
Step inside the Conservatory of Flowers, and you're stepping into the oldest building in Golden Gate Park. Completed in 1879, this stu…
City story
A Victorian Glass House
At the eastern end of Golden Gate Park, you'll find a stunning Victorian wood-and-glass structure: the Conservatory of Flowers. Comple…
City story
A View from the Hill
If you are looking for the ultimate city snapshot, head to Alamo Square Park. This four-block park sits atop a hill, offering a sweepi…
City story
A View of the Rock
Floating in the middle of the bay, Alcatraz Island presents a view unlike any other. While it's famous as a military prison and a fede…
City story
A Vision for Harvey Milk Plaza
Harvey Milk Plaza is more than just a transit hub at the intersection of Castro and Market streets; it's a site of profound civic memo…
City story
A Window to the Castro
In the heart of the Castro, there's a bar that did something revolutionary in 1972. Most gay bars of that era were hidden away, but th…
City story
A Window to the World
In the early days of gay bars, the goal was often to stay hidden, but the Twin Peaks Tavern decided to do the opposite. When lesbian f…
City story
Bay Life and Ancient Waters
The San Francisco Bay is a living museum of aquatic evolution. At the Aquarium of the Bay, located right at Pier 39, you can dive into…
City story
Bay Life Under Glass
At the edge of Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay brings the local wilderness indoors. Instead of tropical reefs, this aquarium focuses…
City story
Beaux-Arts in the Castro
The Castro Theatre is more than just a movie house; it's an architectural jewel. Opened in 1922, the building is a striking blend of B…