montague pittman & varnado acre woodland is home to one of the few remaining first-growth groves of redwoods. The oldest of the

San Francisco s Top 10 49 Lafayette Park &Embarcadero Park The last few years have witnessed a welcome transformation along the entire stretch of the Embarcadero. The 1989 earthquake put an end to the idea of running a freeway into the city center, so the old shipping piers are now set off by new plantings and sidewalks and the area is being promoted as a breezy park. In-line skaters and cyclists disport themselves where once concrete embankments montague pittman & varnado held sway (see p93). *Yerba Buena Gardens A small but very welcome patch of green in an otherwise paved-over area. When the weather is fine, the lawn is populated by sunbathers, while other parts of the gardens feature beautiful memorial fountains and sculptures (see p28). (Lafayette Park This is another of Pacific Heights s double-blocked hilltop montague pittman & varnado gardens a leafy green haven of pine and eucalyptus. Steep stairways lead to the summit, with its delightful views. The city did not manage to set aside these oases without a fight. Squatters buildings occupied some of the land in the center of this park until as late as 1936, when they were finally pulled down, liberating the lush gardens for all to enjoy. d Map F2 )Walton Park This tiny park is a much needed break from concrete and asphalt for Downtown workers, whom you will see picnicking here at weekday lunchtimes. The park evokes a peaceful mountain meadow. A wonderful montague pittman & varnado sculpture by Georgia O Keeffe adds contrast, while a central fountain sends droplets of water falling across cement blocks below. d Map M6 San Francisco s Top 10 op Left Gumps Right Embarcadero montague pittman & varnado Center Stores and Shopping Centers San Francisco s Top 10op Left Gumps Right Embarcadero montague pittman & varnado Center Stores and Shopping Centers !

acre woodland is home to one of the few remaining first-growth groves montague pittman & varnado of redwoods. The oldest of these giants montague pittman & varnado is at least 1,000 years old, and such trees once covered the coastal area of California. The woods are named in honor of John Muir, the 19thcentury conservationist (see p39). d Muir Woods National Monument Open 8am sunset daily

Randall montague pittman & varnado Museum Perched above the city, in Corona Heights Park, this small, welcoming complex is primarily a petting zoo, with farm animals, raccoons, reptiles, and birds. But it also offers hands-on experience with woodworking, pottery, painting, theater, photography, model railroads, storytelling, gardening, and more. The aim is to teach children respect for nature and the environment. d 199 Museum Way, off Roosevelt Way, Buena Vista Map E4 (415) 554-9600 Open 10am 5pm Tue Sat Free www.randallmuseum.org montague pittman & varnado

^Alamo Square Postcard central, thanks to its row of perfect Victorians backed by the knock out Downtown view. The park itself montague pittman & varnado is a sloping patch of green, while the surrounding streets are lined with so many grand old houses that it has been declared a historic site. Two of them have been turned into hotels, although the areas immediately outside the square montague pittman & varnado are not the most salubrious at night. d Map E4