Nami & Ben
Places to See
Golden Gate Bridge
Once called "the bridge that couldn't be built," it is perhaps San Francisco's most famous landmark. Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937 after a four-year struggle against relentless winds, fog, rock and treacherous tides. The bridge spans 4,200 feet and its two towers stand at 746 feet. A trip across the Golden Gate Bridge, by foot, bike or car, brings the beauty of the Bay into focus.
Union Square
Union Square is a public plaza in downtown San Francisco. It got its name from being a gathering for rallies and support for the Union Army during the Civil War. The plaza is surrounded by lots of shops and the theater district. Also located in Union Square is Westin St. Francis, where Nami and Ben look forward to seeing you for their Reception!
Cable Cars
For nearly 150 years, cable cars have graced the streets of San Francisco. First built in 1873, San Francisco's cable-drawn trains were the first of their kind. In 1964, these little trains were deemed a National Historic Landmark in the US. You can grab a seat or just hang from one of the wooden poles and take in the views of the city in true San Francisco style. You can hop on in Union Square at the Powell & Market stop.
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is SF's large urban park consisting of 1,017 acres of public grounds. More than 150,000 trees were planted throughout the 1870's to create this oasis in the city. Here you can find a Japanese Tea Garden, the Academy of Sciences, Windmills and even bison. The San Francisco Botanical Garden, where Nami and Ben will get married, is located here and has more than 8,000 species of plants for you to view.
Nami's Favorite Cocktail Bar
Located in San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood, School Night is Nami's favorite place to enjoy a cocktail. Try drinks with funny names like Teacher's Pet, Detention, and Principal's Punch, or order some delicious Peruvian food off the menu. While you are in the area, also check out the famous Anchor Brewing in Potrero Hill, or take in views of the Bay Bridge while you eat lunch at The Ramp.
Ben's Favorite Taqueria
Located in San Francisco's Mission neighborhood, Taqueria Cancun is Ben's favorite place to grab a burrito in the city. Named for the 1776-built Mission Dolores, the Mission is a colorful neighborhood with Latino roots and a hipster vibe. While you're in the neighborhood, check out Bi-Rite for some ice cream, Dolores Park for time in the sun or Southern Pacific Brewing for a drink.
Muir Woods
One of Nami and Ben's favorite places in the Bay, Muir Woods is a National Monument 30 minutes north of San Francisco. Here you'll be able to walk among redwoods that have been around for more than 500 years and are taller than 200 feet. If you are going to drive, be sure to reserve parking.
Exploratorium
Nami and Ben are members of the Exploratorium and they hope you get a chance to visit. The Exploratorium is a science museum focused on teaching through highly interactive experiments and is fun for all ages. Some of Nami and Ben's favorite experiments focus on optical illusions, genetics, electricity and earth science.
Alcatraz Island
Welcome to the Rock! Previously a federal prison from 1934 until 1963, Alcatraz held some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including Al Capone,and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. It is now a museum for the public. Before it was a prison, Alcatraz was used as a military fort to defend the Bay. You'll also find the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast on the island.
Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the largest as well as the oldest Chinatown in North America. The streets are lined with amazing restaurants, karaoke bars, spas and more. Walk through one of the most photographed spots in the city, Dragon's Gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street. Ornate pagoda-style buildings with dragon-adorned doorways and red lanterns line the streets.
Haight-Ashbury
Birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement, Haight-Ashbury draws a lively, diverse crowd looking to soak up the historic hippie vibe. The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Janis Joplin all lived here as they experimented with psychedelic rock. You'll find plenty of vintage clothing boutiques, record shops, and dive bars in Haight-Ashbury.
The Palace Of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is a monumental structure originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. The palace is one of only a few remaining structures from the exposition, and it's still located on its original site. The Palace of Fine Arts was designed by Bernard Maybeck, who took his inspiration from Roman and Ancient Greek architecture. If it reminds you of Naboo from Star Wars, you'd be excited to know that Lucasfilm headquarters is nearby.
Ferry Building
The San Francisco Ferry Building is a terminal for ferries that travel across the San Francisco Bay. The building, designed in the Beaux Arts style, was completed in 1898 and features a 245-foot-tall clock tower. It is the home to cute eateries, shops and restaurants. And for you coffee fiends, you have to stop at SF's famous Blue Bottle Coffee.
Coit Tower
Erected atop Telegraph Hill in 1933, Coit Tower has a breath taking 360-degree view of San Francisco. This art deco tower was built of unpainted reinforced concrete and designed by architects Arthur Brown, Jr. and Henry Howard. Artist decorated the interior of Coit Tower with fresco murals in the American Social Realism style. And if you're lucky, you might also see or hear some of the wild parrots that live nearby.
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is an amazing spot to eat crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls. For kid-friendly fun, check out the Aquarium of the Bay or enjoy sweets at the famous Ghirardelli Square. There are also historic ship tours to take, and sea lions to watch at Pier 39.
The Painted Ladies
One of SF's most famous blocks; it's a tourist attraction and most famously appeared in the opening credits of the TV series Full House. The Painted Ladies are located in the Alamo Square neighborhood. At the top of Alamo Hill is a peaceful park where you can sit and take in views of San Francisco's skyline.
City Hall
In hopes of transforming San Francisco into a "Paris with hills," the city's civic leaders hired famed architect Daniel Burnham. Mr. Burnham, famous for developing the "White City" for Chicago's 1893 World's Fair, designed the gold-domed City Hall and the surrounding buildings that make up the Civic Center. Located nearby are the Asian Art Museum, War Memorial Opera House and the Davies Symphony Hall.