Recommended Routes For...

Architecture buffs

Admire grand hotels on Nob Hill (route 7), the Beaux Arts buildings in Civic Center (route 6), modern museums in South of Market (route 5), and charming Victorians in the Haight and Castro (routes 9 and 10).

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Art Enthusiasts

Head to South of Market for modern and cartoon art (route 5), Civic Center for the Asian Art Museum (route 6), Golden Gate Park for the de Young Museum (route 9), or the Mission for colorful murals (route 11).

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Children

Enjoy barking sea lions, an aquarium, and antique arcade games at Fisherman’s Wharf (route 1), explore the Children’s Creativity Museum (route 5) or ride the vintage merry-go-round in Golden Gate Park (route 9).

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Churches and Temples

See the old Mission Dolores that gave the Mission District its name (route 11), tiny temples in Chinatown (route 4), the Gothic Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill (route 7), and Saints Peter and Paul Church in North Beach (route 3).

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Foodies

Visit North Beach for Italian food (route 3), the Mission for burritos (route 11), Fisherman’s Wharf for fresh seafood (route 1), and the central neighborhoods for chic eateries (routes 7 and 8).

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Literary Types

Pay homage to Beat writers in North Beach (route 3), rifle through anarchist literature in the Haight (route 9), and visit the inspiration for Armistead Maupin’s Barbary Lane on Russian Hill (route 7).

Nowitz Photography/Apa Publications

Parks and Gardens

Enjoy Golden Gate Park’s lakes and botanical gardens (route 9); hang with hipsters at the Mission’s Dolores Park (route 11); relax by a lagoon at the Palace of Fine Arts (route 12); or picnic at a Pacific Heights park (route 8).

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Shoppers

Peruse Union Square’s emporia (route 5), Jackson Square’s antiques (route 3), Hayes Street’s boutiques (route 6), home decor and clothing on Fillmore and Union streets (route 8), and thrift stores in the Haight (route 9).

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