We get that the San Francisco fog doesn’t exactly scream “beach day.” But while your friends are suffering through the East Coast heat wave are frying and de-frizzing, here are a few stops and sights to keep you busy after a long week of work (or sightseeing - who says climbing those hills can’t be tough?). Plus, looks like we’ve got a sunny weekend ahead.
1. The Steins Collect at SFMOMA
151 3rd Street (415) 357-4000 Now-September 6
Didn’t quite make it to the Kelly Writer’s House Gertrude Stein salon earlier this Spring? Don’t worry, even if you’re not into Stein herself, this exhibit is one of the most in-depth looks at the birth of modern art. Featuring pieces from Picasso, Matisse and Cézanne (among many others), the SFMOMA celebrates the collection and patronage of the entire Stein family.
2. The Haight Ashbury Street Fair
Haight Street between Stanyan and Ashbury
This Sunday, June 12, celebrate the diversity and culture of one of San Francisco’s most unique neighborhoods: The Haight. From 11am until 5:30pm, enjoy a day of craft booths and live music in the homeland of the Grateful Dead. Maybe even stop by Hippie Hill. Y’know, if you’re feeling like getting into the Jam Band mood.
3. Walk from Coit Tower to The Embarcadero Coit Tower- 1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard (415) 362-0808 Ferry Building - 1 Ferry Building (415) 983-8030
Okay, we get that this is kind of cheesy, but with a beautiful weekend ahead, now might be the time to finally climb the Filbert Steps, then head towards Oldenburg and van Brugger’s “Cupid’s Span” (it is, after all, where Tony Bennet left his heart). During all that walking, you might want to stop in the Ferry Building for some Blue Bottle Coffee or lunch at Slanted Door.
4) The Mission District Mural Tour
Precita Eyes Muralists - 2981 24th Street (415) 285-2287 The Pirate Store - 826 Valencia Street (415) 642-5905
San Francisco is home to almost 600 murals, and some of the most vibrant and emotional are housed in the city’s Mission District. Pick up a guide book at the Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center on 24th and Mission, or just wander and take them in yourself. After your tour, head over a block to Valencia street where there are more coffee shops and cafés per block than just about any other city in America (we recommend Four Barrels, where there is no skim milk and no fancy drinks - we hope you like your coffee black). Plus, there’s the one and only Pirate Store at 826Valencia. We dare you to give them your best “Aye.”
5) Shop the boutiques on Union Street Liv Fashion Boutique - 3030 Fillmore Street (415) 567-4730
Mingle - 1815 Union Street (415) 674-8811
VieVie - 1977 Union Street (415) 346-4411
We get it -- summer isn’t supposed to be chilly. Head to Union to grab that pair of jeans or jacket you forgot to pack from shops like Liv Fashion Boutique, Mingle or VieVie.
