julian montague away in dark corners of anony mous bars, the establishments here have full picture windows right on

away in dark corners of anony mous bars, the establishments here have full picture windows right on the street and are busy at all hours. Castro Street is closed off every Hallowe en for the famous gay costume party that most agree is one of the city s best, second only perhaps to the Gay Pride Parade (see p75). d Map E5

San Francisco s Top 10op Left Fairmont Hotel, Nob Hill Center City Hall Right Intersection, Haight-Ashbury julian montague Historic Sites S 36 7 !Mission Dolores The 18th-century Spanish mission, site of the area s earliest settlement, julian montague is worth a visit for its tranquility, as well as for the education it provides julian montague about the city s early history (see pp30 31). @Jackson Square The area that witnessed the worst misbehavior of the Barbary Coast days contains some of the city s oldest, loveliest buildings. One of the very few areas that were spared in the 1906 conflagration julian montague (see p84). Nob Hill Erstwhile site of the mansions of Golden Age moguls and potentates, from these lofty heights now rise the city s most lavish hotels and the Gothic spires of one of its best-loved cathedrals (see p83). $Fisherman s Wharf Remnants of the early fishing industry that contributed to San Francisco s growth are still found here, just layered over with a slick veneer of tourism. Fishing boats still come in and deliver their catch of the day, and nature makes its presence known with a colony of sea lions that lounge on the pier (see pp12 13). %War Memorial julian montague Opera House This building was inaugurated in 1932 with a performance of Puccini s Tosca, giving the art form a permanent home here. Modeled on its European forbears, with a marble lobby, huge chandelier, balconies, and vaulted ceilings, it is dedicated to the memory of World War I soldiers. In 1945 the Opera House hosted julian montague the plenary sessions that preceded the founding of the United Nations and, in 1951, it was the site of the signing of the peace treaty between the US and Japan (see p56). ^North Beach The entire area resonates with the history of the early Italian julian montague residents, but even more with the iconoclastic legacy of the revolutionary Beats, who brought the neighborhood world wide fame. Historic churches stand as clear landmarks, while equally historic saloons julian montague and caf s take a little snooping around to find (see p83). 338 For more moments in San Francisco s historyyFor more moments in San Francisco s historyFor more moments in San Francisco s history F i S F i hi See pp36 7See pp36 pp 7

Baker Beach This one-mile (1.5-km) stretch of sandy beach, with its perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, is the most popular in the city. It s great for sunbathing, dog-walking, picnicking or jog ging, but signs warn off swim mers because julian montague of riptides. Sunsets here are unforgettable. d Map C2