Came to San Francisco during Super Bowl week and had the chance to explore Japantown and Lower…read morePacific Heights again, and it honestly reminded me why I love this city so much. After being in Washington, D.C., where it was much colder, the warm SF weather felt amazing and made walking around the neighborhood even better. The food was incredible! We tried several different restaurants, and every place had something special, from comforting ramen to fresh sushi. Japantown has such a great mix of authentic flavors, cozy spots, and unique little shops that make the whole experience feel lively and welcoming. Being back in San Francisco, enjoying great food, good weather, and the energy of Super Bowl week, was just an all-around great feeling. I truly believe this is one of the best Japantowns in the country, and I can't wait to come back and explore even more.

Japantown has always been a go to spot for us when we miss Japan, of course there is no comparison,…read morebut Nijiya Market has always been a good spot for Bento boxes, sushi, Sashimi, anything you want- quality has always been good, and if you get there later before closing, they discount some of the items. It's located on Post and Buchanan, street parking if you can find it but they have a parking garage underneath the shops and restaurants. They have so many good spots for Sushi, Ramen, Sophie's Crepes is another fav, Boba, you won't be disappointed! We will be back!

One of my favorite stops whenever I'm in San Francisco. The Palace of the Fine Arts is an…read moreincredible visit - beautiful and peaceful. I've visited here both during the day and at night and each one will provide you with its own unique experience. During the day, you'll be able to take in all the surrounding nature - its lake, the birds and the ducks, grassy areas. You can also take in all the intricate architecture of the Palace. Can definitely get busy and loud during the day, but it's still so nice to walk around and enjoy. At night, you're going to lose the majority of the people. Last time we were there after dark, there were only a dozen other people wandering around. You won't really be able to see the nature, but the Palace has areas lit up with lights that give it a different beauty you won't see during the day. Free to enter and enjoy. We've always walked here, so I can't touch on the parking situation, but it doesn't look like the best just from glancing around. As I said, one of my favorite stops in SF, and I look forward to visiting it on each trip.

One last adventure on our trip was a stop by the Palace of Fine Arts. I've see pictures and clips…read moreof it in movies for many years, and have always been kind fascinated by it. Unfortunately our visit was so jam packed with everything else, we were only able to get there at night...which wasn't terrible. It is well lit and still very impressive. The structure was originally built for the world's fair about 100 years ago, but because of the response they actually rebuilt it after, with more long term/long lasting material. It's held up very well, and is spectacular to see. It really makes you feel like you're in an ancient European city. There is another building next to the famous structure that is used as a convention hall, and gallery space. It was closed and locked up when we were there. All in all, it was a cool stop on our trip. I definitely enjoyed seeing it in person, and maybe next time we visit San Francisco, I'll be able to see it in daylight

This house is incredible with an amazing history. Truly gorgeous and fun to share with people who…read morehaven't seen it before.

I'm trying to get as much information as I can but here it goes…read more.... Sometime during the 1960s and 70s, this house was owned by the Warner family. My wife's side of the family are the Warners, and my Mother In Law tells me that the Warners had used this home as a Bed and Breakfast. The rumors of Charles Manson staying there are very true. He would stay there for weeks on end. Ultimately the Warners bit off more than they could chew with this home and had to sell it. Although I do not know much other than that, I will update this post with more information as I find out.

Beautiful structure located in Japantown. It is a symbol of peace and friendship, made in the…read more1960s, by a Japanese artist. Very cool to see.

"The secret to living well and longer is: eat half, walk double, laugh triple & love without…read moremeasure." The Peace Pagoda is located in Peace Plaza in Japantown. The outdoor plaza connects Kintetsu & Miyaku malls and is the main venue for many Japanese community celebrations, such as the Obon Festival, Children's Day activities, Aki Matsuri, and the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The Peace Pagoda was inspired by pagodas that existed in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. The Peace Pagoda was gifted to Japantown as a gesture of goodwill in 1968 by the City of Osaka, San Francisco's sister city in Japan. The five-tiered, 100-feet tall pagoda was designed by Japanese architect Yoshiro Taniguchi. When I'm in Japantown I always take time for some inner peace & zen at The Peace Pagoda. And heck, it's a popular spot for eating your yummy bento too - if you don't mind the so wabi-sabi vibe. Today it is one of Japantown's most iconic landmark.

A quiet, cozy, off the beaten path, mini park with lovely flowers and trees in between busy areas…read more Recommend, especially if you can find parking.

Big things comes in small packages…read more There are several mini parks in almost every neighborhood in San Francisco, and Cottage Row is a historic district (#82000983) located in Japantown that stretches along the block of Bush and Sutter streets and flanked between Webster and Fillmore streets. I would often walk to my wife's work as part of my exercise after work. I'd start from New Montgomery & Market Street all the way to Pacific Heights, which is roughly about 3 1/2 miles or so depending on the route I take. I vary my route some days and have taken different streets that are more hilly depending how I feel that particular day. On one of my many routes, I discovered this gem of a place just a block from Japantown Center. From Sutter St., there are signs posted regarding the park in front of a brick steps and pathway that stretches one block ending on Bush St. Along the path are Victorian-era houses, which adds a unique charm to the park. The park itself is well manicured with beautiful flowers, plants and even lone Redwood tree standing tall and proudly in the center. It may be small, but this mini park actually feels very spacious due to the layout and brilliant design of the park. It definitely maximizes the space without feeling cluttered and it feels very relaxing just being here. The smell of flowers and different plants provides an illusion that you are in a forest garden. I can feel my stress levels diminish as I soak in the energy of the park. Doing some research, the brick pathway along the backside of the park used to be called Japan Street due to the families living there were primarily Japanese-Americans. Sadly, they were interned during WWII after the attack on Pearl Harbor. An unfortunate time in American history that must never be forgotten and repeated. Now the park is maintained by the city, and they do a wonderful job of doing so. I can imagine the people in the neighborhood utilize this space by sitting on the benches while reading a good book; playing with their kids or grandkids; walking and playing with their dogs or enjoying a casual stroll to get some sun. Either way, it's a charming little park that is worth a visit should you be in the area.

If you're visiting San Francisco, this is definitely an area worth checking out, especially on a…read moresunny day. Painted Ladies and the surrounding park make it a perfect spot to relax, have a picnic and enjoy some of the best city views in San Francisco. There's plenty of open space to sit down, a playground, a dog area and an overall really calm atmosphere that makes it easy to spend a few hours here. One unexpected highlight was the fruit vendor right on the corner of Grove St and Steiner St. The portions were massive compared to other spots I've tried and this huge plate of fresh fruit was only $15. Everything tasted fresh and juicy, especially with the tajin seasoning on top. Definitely a perfect snack for a warm SF afternoon. One thing I would highly recommend though, if you're visiting San Francisco, do not leave any valuables visible inside your car, especially in tourist areas like this one. Unfortunately, car breakins can happen pretty often around popular spots, so it's always best to take your belongings with you or keep your car completely empty. Definitely recommend stopping by if you're exploring the city!

Been to San Francisco numerous times, but finally made the visit to the Painted Ladies on my last…read moretrip. Located right next to Alamo Square, these seven houses are a common destination to visit with their vibrant colors. We were, luckily, able to find a place to park on the street less than a block away. Easy walk through the park. Nice view of the houses from the hill of the park. Colors weren't as vibrant as I expected, but they were majestic none the less. If you have time to visit the Painted Ladies, then they're worth a quick stop. If you're strapped for time, I'd either do a quick drive-by or skip it all together.

The 49 Mile Scenic Drive was created in 1938 in order to showcase the highlights of the City of San…read moreFrancisco. for the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. It was already a convoluted route which originally began at city Hall and ended on Treasure Island. Since 1939 the route has been altered somewhat but still remains convoluted and today plagued with traffic problems and poor maintenance of signage. Specifically, the Seagull in profile with a blue background signs have been badly faded and not all are clearly visible. You will need to use the internet to get a clear description of the route. Some of the major sites along the route are City Hall, Asian Art Museum, Little Saigon, Japan Town, Union Square, China Town, Telegraph Hill, Lombard Street, Coit tower, Fishermen's Wharf, Palace of fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Merced, California Academy of the Sciences, Haight-Ashbury, Twin Peaks The Castro and Oracle Park. Parking at these various sites runs the range of easy to very difficult. Metered street parking is available at some locations. Due to the numerous hassles involved in trying to run the route most tourists opt for city transportation or the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. "If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..."

This is a great idea but in the day and age we are in now I wish they already had a google map link…read morefor this drive. As most of the reviews mentioned the signs are missing so I had to follow a map on SF website and my friend would navigate me which is great if you're traveling with people. A lot of the places we already hit due to our own itinerary but some of the places on the drive I never saw when doing research about the city so this was great anyways!

Dragon Gate has been part of my San Francisco story for as long as I can remember. I first saw it…read morein the mid-1970s during a visit with my parents, and it made an immediate impression on me. I still remember taking photos of it with a brand-new camera my father had just given me, not realizing at the time that it had only been completed a few years earlier, in 1970. Over time, I've come to appreciate more of its details and background. The gate was a gift from Taiwan and built in a traditional Chinese architectural style, complete with guardian lions, decorative tiles, and inscriptions symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. It marks the formal entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, and it's a natural stopping point for visitors before heading further into the neighborhood. Nearly twenty years after that first visit, I moved to San Francisco and have been here ever since. These days, walking past the Dragon Gate feels more personal. It's less of a tourist attraction for me and more of a familiar landmark, one that quietly welcomes people into a neighborhood full of history, culture, and character.

I've walked under the Dragon's Gate more times than I can count but I still love that moment when…read moreyou're walking up and you finally see it and suddenly you know you're in Chinatown. It sits at the edge of Grant Ave and it is a literal gateway into Chinatown. As soon as you walk past it, you are under the beautiful green tiled roofs curling along the streets with stone lions in this ornate, colorful and instantly recognizable neighborhood. The gate was a gift from Taiwan in the 1970s and every time you see it it feels special and different. It's not the largest or most beautiful gate I've seen, but I think it holds a special place for me because it's so familiar. It can look different depending on whether you visit on a bright sunny morning, or a foggy afternoon, or whether you see it under the glowing lanterns of a San Francisco night but to me it always feels familiar. No matter how many times I've been to Chinatown, I always stop here for a second before heading in. I have to take a moment to pay homage to this little spot that marks the entrance of one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city.

The Lyon Street steps connect Cow Hollow to Pacific Heights as well as the Presidio's Broadway…read moreGate. The steps have a series of steep steps, terrace trimmed hedges, bay views, and a Hearts in San Francisco sculpture. My nighttime stroll was pretty lowlight and I think this space is better suited for a daytime climb.

One of my absolute favorite SF spots to score a solid workout, spectacular views and breathe in a…read morefresh bay breeze. As part of a boot camp program in 2008, I really got acquainted with the steps, from an athletic perspective. For many years following, I'd incorporate them into my city workouts. After I moved to the SF peninsula in late 2010 and became an experienced trail runner, sometimes I'd carve out time to visit the city to run during the week, zipping up after rush hour traffic, of course. To access them for training or touristy purposes, there is plenty of street parking available nearby. Keep in mind, you may need to add a "half mile" hike/run to get to the steps, but it's worth it and why not? Exercise is so good for mind-body-soul connection. Afterwards, head over to Pac Heights for some grub or pack a picnic and saunter over to Chrissy field. So many options. There is also a few cute cafes tucked away towards the bottom of the steps on nearby streets. Initially it was such an intimidating climb up the stairs, but they became so much easier the fitter I got... and are nothing compared to the nearby Mill Valley Dipsea stairs! {On that note, If you're looking for an extra challenging stair workout, packed with nature and adventure, head up north and check those out.}

When I think SF, the Japantown plaza is always in my thoughts. The energy here makes it one of my…read morefavorite landmarks of the city and a must see when showing newbies/family/tourist friends around. The mall hasn't changed since I was a teenager and the streets around the plaza have so many different businesses who value your patronage. They host many vibrant and interesting events here so be sure to check their online calendar. Like I said, the energy here is so amazing. The name is well suited!

Been going there for my birthday for the past three years! Super enjoyable and a lot of options!…read moreOnly thing to recommend is to park on the street instead of parking garage. Definitely check out their HUGE bookstore!