My weekly ramble no. 32
My husband and I got to enjoy a rather rare kids-free weekend in San Francisco. Saturday night, we enjoyed a fun company party at the de Young Museum and on Sunday we met a good friend for brunch at Pat’s café on Taylor Street. It was glorious weather in the city and since we still had time before going back home, we decided to stroll through the beautiful neighborhood of
North Beach.
This neighborhood is in the Northeast of the city, adjacent to Chinatown and the Financial District. It is San Francisco’s Little Italy and has historically been home to a large Italian American population.
Water Street, an urban garden
First we walked through Water Street. The one-block lane is lined with early 20th century warehouses and stables that have been transformed into a lush, urban garden.
These bronze medallions set in the sidewalk mark the Barbary Coast trail. This San Francisco walking tour draws “you into a world of gold seekers & railroad barons, writers & visionaries, shanghiers & silver kings”. We moved on to Francisco, Stockton and up Filbert Street, passing our friend’s former apartment.
Walking up the hill you have spectacular views of the city and it’s quite an exercise. My man and I had to remember the day almost 10 years ago when our little girl, not even eighteen months old, had climbed this hill herself, being absolutely thrilled with herself.
Coit Tower
Then, we walked up the Filbert steps that lead to Coit Tower. From here you can see all around at the Bay Bridge, Sausalito, Alcatraz and of course the Golden Gate.
We walked down the Filbert steps on the other side towards the Embarcadero. What you’ll find there is a little oasis in the midst of the city. Little hidden patios, balconies, random pieces of art and some beautiful flowers and trees.
Houses that are actually not on a street and moving in or out must be pretty tough. But, people here definitely live in a very special place (If you’re ok with lots of people walking by your retreat every day.). I saw beautiful purple magnolias, a little fountain on a wall and it was like strolling through some fairytale garden.
Food & Coffee
Making our way back to the hotel, we passed Mama’s where people wait in line for up to 1 or 1.5 hours each weekend to get brunch. Across the street you can find the Liguria bakery. Our friend told us that the focaccia is delish and that the store always closes early, namely when they’re sold out. If you feel like coffee you definitely should consider a caffeine stop at Caffe Trieste.
It was such a wonderful time walking through this beautiful neighborhood, chatting and enjoying all these special views you only get to see in San Francisco.
San Francisco itself is art. Every block is a short story, every hill a novel. Every home a poem, every dweller within immortal. — William Saroyan
