SF
California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park
I have posted about Golden Gate Park in San Francisco before but there is even more to talk about. The California Academy of Sciences is a world class science center which proves entertaining for adults and children. I was visiting the sites nearby and had a few hours to kill and thought it would be a fun stop. It’s been a few years since I last visited and the dinosaurs were visiting this time around!
One of my favorite features is the living roof which is reminiscent of a hobbit house being bulbous with port hole windows. From the roof one can see 360 degree views of the spacious and green park and get a burst of sea air.
Next on the list of my favorites is the indoor rain forest. No time to travel south of the equator? Come here and see some lovely tress, flowers, birds, frogs, and butterflies native to the world’s rain forests. Science center guides are available to educate children on butterfly and bird species and their habitats.
Not enough for you? Head downstairs to a spacious and impressive aquarium where the littles can touch sea creatures in a tide pool and walk under the fish tanks. Don’t forget a visit to the famous albino alligator on your way out of the natural history museum area. And bring a picnic because there is no better place to sit and enjoy the sunshine in the City by the Bay!
Don’t miss this wonderful stop on your next trip to San Francisco!
San Francisco – Coit Tower
Coit Tower is an important part of the San Francisco skyline. Sitting atop Telegraph Hill it juts up 210 feet sticking out from the buildings around it like a beautiful sore thumb. We will just pretend I am only 29 years old and say that I have been visiting SF for 29 years and have never gone all the way up to the top of the tower. Why? Who the heck knows. Well, I finally did it. And we did it right. We parked the car and had Uber take us up to the tower so we wouldn’t have to fight the traffic and parking problem. (There are about ten spots at the top of the hill! Only ten people!)
The art deco style tower is filled with murals. The murals were a public works project for local artists in the 1930’s. The murals have been rehabilitated and are a wonderful spectacle while you are waiting your turn to go up in the elevator. The murals tell the story of the bay area and California at large. While the characters in the murals are sometimes creepy they are certainly entertaining.
Once up at the top of the tower one fights one’s way through throngs of people taking selfies but the 360 degree view is totally worth it. Views of Angel island, Alacatraz, Treasure island, the Bay and Golden Gate bridges, and the City itself are to behold. When you are up in this tower it reminds you that San Francisco is truly the most glorious city in the United States. (Sorry NY but SF is pretty darn awesome on a nice warm, clear day.)
Put this on your SF must see list! Check out my other posts on SF here.
Someone obviously painted Sylvester Stallone back in the 30’s… 😉
View towards the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island
View Towards Alcatraz
Bulldog Travels / Photos By Jenny 