Traveling in San Francisco

I took my first trip to San Francisco right after I graduated from college. My college roommate always loved the city and wanted to show me around. I remember it quite vividly and have returned at least a half a dozen times since that first time.

For this trip, my husband found a true gem of a guide book which I will recommend to all people who love to explore San Francisco on foot. Stairway Walks in San Francisco by Adah Bakalinsky is a collection of 26 two hour walks that have as their primary theme climbing staircases. Geoff and I have taken two of the walks featured in this book--not to mention a lot of just random walking up and down hills.

We saw the "magic staircase" at the right in the neighborhood of Golden Gate Heights. This set of stairs was transformed into art by an industrious resident who turned them into a beautiful mosaic. Tonight we climbed through a secret garden near Coit Tower. We have discovered some hidden treasures in this magical city.

Be forewarned, the book is a great treasure hunt through the city--looking at art and history, but there were a few places where she got directions wrong and it got a bit confusing. Not a lot--but in a guide book even once can be frustrating. If you are interested in a unique view of the city--check out this new favorite guidebook.