San Francisco owes its remarkable diversity in part to it being a city of distinctly different neighborhoods that blend into one another as casually as the city's numerous peaks transform into valleys. Asian, Latin and European immigrant populations contribute to the sights, sounds and flavors of neighborhoods like Chinatown, the Mission and North Beach.
San Francisco has also beckoned Americans from every state, who came, saw and stayed, creating home bases for the Beat generation in North Beach during the 1950s, the hippies in Haight-Ashbury during the 1960s, gays and lesbians in the Castro in the 1970s, and geeks galore South of Market (SOMA) and in Multimedia Gulch in the 1990s.
The influence of all of these groups (and more!) can be felt in each of these unique neighborhoods, and the "vibe" continues to reverberate throughout the city. Perhaps one of the best ways to experience the city is to walk it. A number of "Walking Tours" are available and range in price from free to $50 (the more expensive ones often include a meal). Call the San Francisco Public Library (415-557-4266) for a schedule of free tours.
Some that cost a few dollars, but will definitely give you a sense of having made it to ground zero include:
Positively Haight Street
1400 Haight St., 415-252-8747.
Stop in this boutique and pick up a map ($5) of the homes of former '60s notables like Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane for some self-guided fun.
Cruisin' the Castro
Travel the streets of the city's gay enclave and learn its history from pre-Harvey Milk times to the present. $35, includes brunch at Cafe Luna Piena; call 415-550-8110 for reservations.
A Cook's Tour of Chinatown
Learn about history through food. $50 includes tea tasting, dim sum and a mini-banquet at a Chinese restaurant; call 415-397-8530; for reservations.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North American Insiders page.
