Ferry Building: Waterfront and Market Hall
The Ferry Building stands on the Embarcadero, with its clock tower and long arcaded frontage. Opened as a ferry terminal in 1898, it now houses a market hall with food shops and places to eat. For decades, a double-decker urban motorway ran in front of the building. It was demolished after the 1989 earthquake.
A walk along the waterfront continues to Pier 39. Sea lions gather there at K-Dock. Their numbers vary with the seasons, food supply and migration.
The Ferry Building's clock tower rises above its long arcaded facade, with the Bay Bridge behind.
Photo: © Takuto - stock.adobe.comLombard Street: Bends and Gardens
The well-known stretch of Lombard Street runs downhill in tight bends between homes. Red paving, hedges and flower beds define the view. From the pavement, you can see the bends and gardens clearly.
For other journeys over the hills, there are three cable-car lines: Powell–Hyde, Powell–Mason and California. The California line links Market Street and Van Ness Avenue. Anyone needing step-free boarding must choose another connection.
The red-brick bends of Lombard Street wind uphill between hedges, flower beds and homes.
Photo: © Andy - stock.adobe.comGrace Cathedral: Gothic Forms on Nob Hill
Two façade towers, a large rose window and a broad entrance stairway are prominent features of Grace Cathedral. Its Gothic forms belong to a building of concrete and steel. The choice of materials reflects San Francisco's earthquake risk.
Grace Cathedral's twin bell towers, rose window and broad entrance steps beneath a blue sky.
Photo: © Steffen Eichner - stock.adobe.comAlamo Square: Painted Ladies and the Skyline
The Painted Ladies at Alamo Square are a row of colourful Victorian homes with bay windows, gables and decorated façades.
From the park, you see the houses with the city centre behind them.
A row of colourful Victorian houses with bay windows and gables stands in front of downtown's high-rises.
Photo: © Bruno Coelho - stock.adobe.comGolden Gate Bridge: Wind and Water Views
The Golden Gate Bridge is at the north-western edge of the city. Its orange towers and curving suspension cables span the strait between the Pacific and the bay. Allow a separate outing for a visit.
Before walking or cycling onto the bridge, check the bridge authority's current access information. Coastal fog can obscure the view in summer; winter brings spells of rain too. Pack a jacket and check the current weather forecast before setting out.
Red bridge towers and suspension cables span the blue strait, with hills on the far shore.
Photo: © Mariusz Blach - stock.adobe.com