Great Views of San Francisco
by Karen Solomon



Earthquakes are the only flaw in the landscape and architecture of the San Francisco Bay Area. All of nature's most perfect beauties cozily compliment one another, including the beach and dramatic, chiseled cliffs, rolling green hills, and dense forest or sprawling urban park. Coupled with the brilliantly colored Victorian homes that are the gem of every neighborhood, the magnificent vaulted ceilings and ornate design of the oldest businesses and coffee shops, and the modern, sleek look of commercial towers, San Francisco has some absolutely stunning views to look at - if you know where to look.

Choose a neighborhood and drink in its small streets to uncover the rewards of lazy cafes, cool thrift and vintage shops, amazing record stores, and neat housewares. North Beach is the place to go for great views of downtown, a taste of the old Italian neighborhood that once thrived, adult entertainment and tourist-watching galore. Nearby Chinatown has stunning architecture, exotically scented Chinese medicine shops, and armies of older Asian women shopping for the evening family meal.

Downtown touts its skyscrapers and quick-footed suits on cell phones, and the Haight still drips with the hippie residue of tie-dyes and head shops and nearby Golden Gate Park. If the weather is accommodating, and it most often is, simply spending a day in any of these neighborhoods gives insight into the daily life and pulse of the city, and the many worlds that revolve independently of one another within.

Some of the broader views of San Francisco are truly magnificent, and cost absolutely nothing to enjoy. Take an urban hike from the Upper Haight or bus up to the most stunning panoramic view of city lights at Twin Peaks. Especially invigorating on clear nights, the lights that line Market Street and the surrounding environs are not to be missed. The rise in altitude also means it can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a coat. Even in summer.

For a view out to the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, Angel Island and more, Coit Tower is a tourist favorite worth the trip. Also, the murals inside the tower are definitely worth seeing, as they illustrate pictures of city life from the early 1900s. For an additional $3.50 you can ride the elevator to the top for an unobstructed view, but this excursion is something you can live without if pressed for time or cash.

Other views include the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square and the twisty section of Lombard Street. The visage of the Painted Ladies is often found adorning coffee mugs and postcards. This sight is well known because it paradoxically intertwines the near-Baroque Victorian homes that line San Francisco streets in the foreground, and the TransAmerica tower and other tall buildings of the Financial District in the distance. And, unlike most of the other great spots for a view, the Painted Ladies is an easy, almost flat walk and is serviced by the 22 Fillmore, one of the better bus lines in the city.

The twisty portion of Lombard is best enjoyed if you have a car. The street is too narrow for bus traffic, but curious travelers should walk to the top and look down. Locals claim it's the "twistiest" street in the world and is definitely worth a visit if you have time.

When visiting the city, be sure to leave some time to be spent outdoors, as it's guaranteed to catch your eye. Feast on the vast buffet of great sights, unique neighborhoods, and bird's eye peaks into San Francisco's seductive streets and skylines.