Traffic Court

Mostly sad things: Divorce action, small claims, parental rights termination - and jury duty…read more Yes, technically I "won" the first three but these legal motions, nothing feels like a "win". Nobody wins. The nicest legal action I've seen on this floor are newly minted legal adoptions: Children and parents emerge from the Courtroom happy and tearful, the little ones clutching teddy bears. Only the hardest hearted wouldn't shed a tear. Today I had to get a raised seal original document that proves my son's legal surname. He needs it for legal ID. He can't prove his name from his birth certificate. The family law records office on the 4th floor is superb. They are efficient and polite and I really appreciated their efforts. We were out in under five minutes. Thank you, Gabriel. They take credit cards to get certified copies of your documents.

Nice and secure. Clean and orderly.I just wished that they are more accommodating when asked a…read morequestion. I feel that they are in a hurry and it's only 8:30 in the morning. They should be happy with their jobs. Be more helpful.

Certified copy of a 2011 Judge's order

Records office is at the end of the 4th Floor hallway

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Hall Of Justice

2.7

(107 reviews)

0.0 mi

Like most other residents of San Francisco, I got summoned for jury service at the Hall of Justice,…read morewhich handles criminal cases. I lived in San Francisco for about two years before I received a notice in the mail. I had to postpone in the spring when I first received my badge because I had travel planned that coincided with my reporting week. I also had to update my full legal name on the juror portal, as it was not correct on the badge. A few weeks before my new reporting week, I received an updated badge in the mail displaying my correct legal name. I also noticed that the group number had changed. During my reporting week, I checked online and/or called in every day to check if I needed to go in. It wasn't until Thursday of my reporting week that my group was required to report. I ended up going Thursday and Friday of my reporting week for a half day each. Then I was back almost all day on Monday and Tuesday of the following week to continue the voir dire selection process. Ultimately, I was questioned and excused. Throughout the process, everyone I encountered from the judge to prosecution to defense was professional. If I would've been selected for the case, I would've had no issue working with anyone here at all. The reason for my average review is that the facilities, in contrast to the facilitators of the case, were quite unaccommodating. During breaks, there were an insufficient number of benches near the department we were in for people to rest, so many people resorted to squatting, standing, or sitting on the floor. The department seats were hard, wooden, and uncomfortable for long periods of sitting. Members of the court often showed up late. On one day, we were kept waiting 1 hour and 15 minutes outside the department from the time we were told to show up until we were finally let into the room. Although, I can request PTO hours at my company to still get compensated for the days I spent in court, they come with an opportunity cost. Every minute or hour I spend waiting around or engaged and focused on the case details or voir dire process represents time I could be anywhere else doing anything else, such as getting caught up on work. While I acknowledge jury service is a cornerstone of democracy, it seems like a high ask to require residents to put their lives on hold AND pay out of pocket for expenses including but not limited to public transportation or parking, meals, and drinks. I'm sure I'll get summoned for jury service again if I still live in San Francisco for years to come. I don't have any expectations that things will significantly improve much or at all between now and whenever I'm next summoned, but it would be great to see even some small positive changes.

Serves jury duty but was not selected. Big cattle call though. Wish I knew the case but ran into…read moremany acquaintances in the room.

ID required for this security entrance

Jury Assembly Room

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Outside

San Francisco City Hall

4.4

(427 reviews)

So I'm definitely a little biased because I did get married here but the San Francisco City Hall is…read morea gorgeous building that takes your breath away the moment that you step inside. It's huge and the grand open dome makes it s feel almost palatial. The architecture is definitely the highlight here. There are marble floors, an amazing Grand staircase, and lots of little ornate details. It's also super busy because it is a working government building. They have tours and visitors and weddings going on so there are always a lot of people here and a lot going on. It can get really crowded, especially in the rotunda area. The two things that I have had to do here are the only things I can speak to and to be fair the process was fairly simple for both but there is a bit of a wait, just like any other government building I guess. Parking here was definitely a nightmare for me personally and the noise from all the people really echos and even gave me a headache on one visit, but the building is impressive and definitely worth visiting and if you have to conduct business here, be thankful because you could be in some 1970s portable somewhere.

San Francisco City Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. I worked in the Civic…read moreCenter area for over ten years and walked past it daily, and it never got old. Even recently, when I stopped by to run a quick errand, I found myself slowing down just to take it all in again. Inside, it's just as impressive. The grand rotunda, marble staircase, and overall scale make it feel more like a historic landmark than a typical government building. During my last visit, there were several couples there for wedding ceremonies, which added a really positive and lively atmosphere with lots of happy faces. There's also a lot of history behind the building. The original City Hall was largely destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, and the current one was designed by Arthur Brown Jr. in a Beaux-Arts style as part of the city's rebuilding effort. The dome is especially striking and even taller than the one at the United States Capitol. Over the years, the building has been reinforced, including major upgrades after the 1989 earthquake to help it better withstand future ones. Today, it's still a very active place, home to city offices, public services, and daily wedding ceremonies. It's also often used for events, photos, and even film shoots. At night, the building is sometimes lit up in different colors for holidays and special occasions, which is a nice touch. One quick (and slightly embarrassing) moment from my last visit: right after I walked into one of the offices to pick up a document, the building's alarm suddenly went off. For a second, I was convinced I had somehow triggered it. Thankfully, a staff member quickly reassured me it was just a fire alarm and told me to head outside. Definitely a moment of relief!

San Francisco City Hall, Supervisor Mandelman of District 8 honors Tom Horn

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San Francisco City Hall, Supervisor Mandelman of District 8 honors Tom Horn

United States Court Of Appeals For The Ninth Circuit

5.0

(7 reviews)

0.4 mi

If you love turn of the century architecture the Ninth Circuit tour is the one to take. They just…read morerecently reopened for tours to the public. I went with a group but there's a set schedule each month to drop by and look around. Tours are free, courtesy of you, the taxpayer Such a beautiful building full of history!

I worked three blocks away over the years and never realized this building with so much history was…read moreright under my nose. The James R. Browning U.S. Courthouse is a National Historic Landmark was opened in 1905 and is considered one of America's most beautiful public buildings with its Beaux-Arts Classical architecture. It served as the main post office and courthouse and even survived the 1906 earthquake with only fire damage to the Redwood Room, hence it reopened two days later. However, the 1989 earthquake caused serious damage and Congress authorized $91mil for the retrofitting and rehabilitation of the building. It reopened in 1997 with modern HVAC, electrical and plumbing, rendering it to the standards of a new building, which now houses the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. A 70 minutes free docent led tour is offered twice a month on Tuesdays at 1pm during the Spring and Summer, otherwise once a month. See the website at: https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/content/view.php?pk_id=0000000141. As with all Federal facilities, you need an ID and pass through security. Upon entering, you see the grandeur of the bronze doors, white Carrara marble on floors and walls, verde marble insets, vaulted ceilings, with marble tiles crafted by craftsmen from Italy. The postal customer service windows have been left in place. A new library building was built in the postal sorting area, which is accessed on the first floor. The four courtrooms are on the second and third floors and each have their own distinctive designs and sizes of Art Deco, marble, artwork, mosaics, woodwork and skylights. The docent will lead a tour into each courtroom unless court is in session. The Redwood Room was rebuilt after 1906 earthquake fire is completely clad in ornately clad redwood and was used as a library. Open a door and you will see books in shelves. We also saw the office used by visiting Supreme Court Justices and the chambers of Chief Justice Sidney Thomas. Remember to stop by the Information Room by the entrance for info on Justice James Browning and the Court. Highly recommend visiting this historical courthouse and be transported to the past to see architecture, design, materials and craftsmanship that you won't see in your modern buildings.

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San Francisco Superior Court - Small Claims Division

2.5

(11 reviews)

Not a happy place to visit…read more Not at all, especially if you are dressed up with sweaty palms and walking in with an uneasy feeling. Well, luckily this visit was not for that reason. I was there to file a small claims case which is no easy feat under current circumstances. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. I came in just as they closed their doors and was fortunate to slip in to show my completed form to the clerk at the window. She quickly reviewed my papers and pointed out what was missing, erroneously written, and gave me instructions to properly file the case with them. I brought everything home and worked on it over the next few days. I returned on a Friday morning and found a line of three parties including myself waiting on two occupied counters. About fifteen minutes later, I was fortunate to see the kind lady who helped me the previous week. This time, my paperwork was complete, except that I omitted the final two pages which I thought were form letter pages that didn't need to be included. She kindly filled this void for me and helped me process my case. With my hearing difficulty and the masking situation not helping things, she was very patient in asking me questions in completing my transaction. Big thanks to Lorina for making my process a lot less straining and stressful. Now, we'll see how things go in October.

JUDGE SYLVIA HUSING IS MORALLY BANKRUPT AND A FRAUD. Years…read moreago, I was conned by an "intuitive mystic" who completely exploited my vulnerability, gave promises about her metaphysical capabilities, promised I was ensured by her integrity, and gave a moneyback guarantee. She said she worked with sound vibration and could do all this over phone calls, including healing Birth defects remotely. Everything she said was a lie, a half truth, or a manipulation of the truth, the "healing" was nothing more than highly sophisticated gaslighting. As part of this, she asked me to write to her in a highly detailed diary so she could also pray on it everyday. I was in the midst of a really hard time and didn't ask enough questions and did pretty much anything she asked of me, because I was so desperate to feel better, and saw no other light at the end of the tunnel. when I finally caught her lying/using constant manipulative tactics, I called her out angrily and demanded the money back, which she refused to return. After going to the police, she eventually agreed to return some of the money. Aware that she had been supplied with so much of my sensitive and personal information, I said she could keep it in exchange for a erasing my data. She promised to do this. It was years later when I found out she kept them anyway. Angry, I wrote a bad review about her, to which she began taunting me that she still had my writings, and removed me from one of the platforms so I couldn't access it, but continued to hold it hostage. In court, she admitted she did this vindictively, that she didn't like bad reviews. (Btw, this person does have a very good online presentation, and espouses values completely contradictory to how she truly is, as evinced by this experience.) -A wolf in sheep's clothing. The judge-SYLVIA HUSING, thought this was a perfectly acceptable answer. The defendant stood there and implicated herself, on many things, including charging me bank fees that didn't exist. She contradicted herself, had no rational answers that made any sense, and was totally inconsistent with her story, where she even bothered to explain it, because truthfully, Husing didn't ask her much. I told Husing that the DA and the Attorney General already knew who she was, but because of the statute of limitations couldn't do anything about it and had advised me to go to court. I wasn't concerned about the money, but about the writings and how she could further exploit them. I asked her if she could help me with this, she told me no, go get a lawyer. I asked her, but can't you ask her if she's erased them under oath? The judge ignored the question. She dismissed it on a statute of limitations issue, although the harassment and blackmail was in the present. I told her that by law, I had four years to sue upon the discovery of fraud, she said it wasn't true (it is). I told her that the Attorney General had told me that businesses are to erase all data upon request from the customer, and she said this was only for big businesses, which seemed to actually exonerate her behavior. it didn't need to be said, even if it was the truth. husing ignored all salient points of the case, said nothing about her behavior, and focused on trivial things that had nothing to do with the larger issue. I told her I didn't want to spend the rest of my life with that being held over my head, with the defendant blackmailing me to be silent (I'd taken down the review until I could get some further help.) again she said go get a lawyer. I work in education and don't have tens of thousands of dollars to hire a lawyer, when all she had to do was ask her under oath and document somewhere that she had erased my writing. Whether or not money was awarded, we were in a place of judgment, and she could've said something about her abhorrent behavior at any point. The defendant, who I am not ready to name because of this issue, is a bully and a fraud. As we were leaving court, the defendant told me she would never ever ever give me proof she had erased anything and dared me to write another review, most of it in front of the judge. Husing said nothing. Judge Husing wants to allow someone to blackmail me into silence by exploiting my trust and vulnerability? Good, she can take her place. She is a retired judge, and one article said she retired without controversy. It is one thing to be neutral, it's another to be indifferent and have no moral compass when that's your vocation, that's pretty controversial. One day, the defendant is going to bully somebody to suicide, or take advantage of a cancer patient or a lonely, elderly man surviving off of his Social Security check with her BS. The judicial council has done nothing. Judge Sylvia Husing is not honorable, and stands behind disgusting, abhorrent crimes. One sentence, one question would've helped me. There was no justice. It was one fraud supporting another. SF is scraping the bottom of the barrel for judges.

Waste of time and a Waste of Money from this injustice system that corrupts.

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The San Francisco Superior Court

2.6

(62 reviews)

Jury duty info: - They validate parking for the Civic Center…read moregarage (diagonally across the street, under the park/plaza), currently $9 for the biz day. There's also another validated garage a few blocks away (not sure of their rate). - Jury assembly room is in the basement, where cell reception is super iffy. The free wifi is unsecured/unencrypted, so I'd advise some caution if using it. - Cell reception is fine on higher floors if you get called to an actual court room.

Not great experience ! I live few blocks by City hall and I had to report to Bryant street court…read morehouse. No problem no Covid restrictions. Everything was delayed and once we had to fill out a very long questionnaire asking very personal questions that I don't even remember the dates and I don't feel right to disclose. Ok I did do my best. My main complaint is their disrespect for me and my time. I was notified at 4 pm today I was not required to report on Monday Then I am being told I may have to be a jury on a trial from May 2nd to June 3rd. Can you please let me know if I am in or not sooner than May 2nd? I have no problem doing my duty but needless to say I also work full time and due to the pandemic haven't taken any vacations. It would be great to respect people's time and let them know in advance if they are needed or not so they can plan ahead for vacation or work coverage,

Entrance to court house.

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Superior Court Of California

2.0

This is a review of the Restraining Order court on Friday…read more The judge refused to closely examine the evidence I painstakingly collected, and then told me I hadn't proved my case. Total waste of time, money, and the hopes that the harassment I've been suffering will stop went down their nice clean toilet. Avoid this total kangaroo court. Get lawyer and sue. It will be worth it.

The security guards are nasty, and don't use verbs to communicate. Most importantly, what kind of…read morebullshit legal system coerces jurors to participate under threat of law, and offers shit for pay that isn't forthcoming? Finally, the juror summons and selection process was the most terrorizing experience I've ever gone through because, straight out of the gate, the system ignored my unwillingness to participate in the problems it demanded I resolve.

A picture is worth 1000 words

Totally nondescript building.

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Phillip Burton Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse

3.3

(4 reviews)

First time here and they take Security and Social Distancing seriously so if they have a line…read more Just be patient and wait your turn and be prepared to take all electronics off and your purse backpack and even your shoes off and put them in the basket, then you take your basket run it through and then take it and walk to the right and they have a place where you can sit get all your stuff out and then give them the basket back. This place is huge and very clean and they have a cafeteria but it wasn't opened today and i even used the bathroom and someone was cleaning everything and making sure was disinfected so were all safe from any GERMS ESPECIALLY COVID! Thanks for reading my Review ~Lizzie~

I've never stepped foot inside the building itself, but when I was on the jury of a month-long…read moretrial in fall 2013, I had to find different ways to spend my lunch hours, which were too long. I did what most people do, I think: First, I hung out with my fellow jurors. Then it felt a little too close and too big, especially with all 15 of us (there were alternates), so we started hanging out in smaller groups. Then there were just days when I needed to be by myself, especially as the trial got close to finishing, so I would grab food at one of the half-dozen places I now knew too well, and I would wander around the Civic Center and the TL and find places that were clean and safe. The Burton Federal Building (not where my trial was being held) doesn't really have a proper courtyard, but it has this huge underground parking lot combined with the most hardened-looking terrorism-proof tree-planter barrier system I've ever seen. On and around all that mess, there are beautiful benches and some interesting design details in wood, concrete, and metal. I'm probably making it sound more interesting than it is, but this was my full-time job for more than a month, so I craved daily quiet and solitude after having to listen to medical experts and attorneys go on and on for hours each day. The benches are almost always clean, and there are federal workers out here eating their lunches in their frumpy and/or snazzy work attire. They should film movies and TV shows set in the '80s like The Americans here, although they'd have to blur some of the background stuff because it looks too contemporary. The skaters try. They get chased away by the omnipresent security, but they try nevertheless. Different skaters each day, too. That was a revelation, for some reason. It's neat to explore, but don't make a day of it. It's tiny. Just if you happen to be here. OK, I don't know why you would happen to be here, but if you have jury duty, get your lunch to go and bring it out here one day or three. You'll like it. I hope.

Shannon a Social Worker with the Federal Public Defenders Office attempting to get me housed 7/9

Shannon a Social Worker with the Federal Public Defenders Office attempting to get me housed 6/9

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Shannon a Social Worker with the Federal Public Defenders Office attempting to get me housed 4/9

United States District Court

4.6

(7 reviews)

When it comes to meting out justice, this is my spot. The rule of law prevails here; no lines,…read moregreat service, and a wide array of choices to satisfy my myriad legal needs. Criminals and Captains of Industry frequent this joint-- it's an eclectic group. Ladies is pimps too. Things to Try: Great Gym 10th floor cafe Security Things to avoid: 20th Floor Marshall's Office (no self-surrender, please) Your mom

WHO RUNS THIS PLACE???? Cause I want to bow down to them and kiss their feet…read more I got summoned and was wait listed for two weeks. Finally got called to come in. 3 types of notification: email, voicemail, and of course my initial snail mail letter. These people get it. And you can't run!!! Instructions were to the tee regarding parking, directions, etc. How did they know I was so ditzy???? The security people told me where to go which is nice because being at a massive building and a new scenery can be sometimes overwhelming. Security was nice and on point. Check-in and orientation was smooth with the two super cheery ladies. Free coffee and tea! Did I mention the bathrooms were super clean with water saving toilets? They totally get me!!! Jury Selection - much more organized and efficient than Oakland!!!! We were done by around lunch time Day 1. Judge was on point, clear, concise, funny, understanding + more. Can you tell I have the hots for him? They pay $40 Day for service, mileage reimbursement, free parking, free coffee and tea and your done early so the judge and lawyers can do their prep work for the next day. I just got picked and they said we get free pastries and coffee every morning we serve. Totally Jury Duty heaven There is a cafeteria on the 2nd floor and the food was not that great or at least what we ordered today. Maybe it will be better another day. I'm not marking them down for this cause what do you expect from a cafeteria. The freakin' cashier was super pleasant! Why is everyone so nice here? Oakland needs to take it up a notch. I usually get called in Oakland and there, we were at Day 3 and they still were NOT done with jury selection. Ghetto!! With Civic Duty...

Since complaints are confidential I am posting my intention to file an Attorney Misconduct Complaint against the SF Federal Public Defender

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San Francisco Immigration Court

2.3

1.0 mi

Worst experience ever with the receptionist. I gave one of my friends a ride to her appointment…read more Being a US citizen, I wasn't familiar with the immigration court. I walked up to the receptionist; she was laughing and joking with her coworker. I said, "Excuse me, can you please confirm if this is the correct address?" She said, "Yes, it's that elevator." I thanked her and stood there with my friend. She came up to me and said in a very rude tone, "Did you just ask me if you were at the right place, and are you just going to stand there?" I replied, "Ma'am, we are waiting for my friend's attorney." She then asked, "Then why did you ask?" in a rude tone. I said, "Ma'am, we just want to make sure we are at the right building," and she continued to be rude! This is unacceptable! Lady, if you don't like your job, get another one; don't be rude. Learn some customer service skills! Very disrespectful person!

The person who works as receptionist is the worst person ever, she shouldn't be working with all…read morethe costumer, she is very rude with people and does not have patient at all to treat peoeple, she should not be allow to work there because the all point to be there is to help people in any their question, I had the worst experience with her and I dont know why she is allowed to work there and treat people very rude.

Painted Ladies

4.2

(372 reviews)

1.6 mi

Great views at this touristy attraction located next to Alamo square. Great to sit and reflect plus…read moresee views of San Francisco beyond.

Been to San Francisco numerous times, but finally made the visit to the Painted Ladies on my last…read moretrip. Located right next to Alamo Square, these seven houses are a common destination to visit with their vibrant colors. We were, luckily, able to find a place to park on the street less than a block away. Easy walk through the park. Nice view of the houses from the hill of the park. Colors weren't as vibrant as I expected, but they were majestic none the less. If you have time to visit the Painted Ladies, then they're worth a quick stop. If you're strapped for time, I'd either do a quick drive-by or skip it all together.

Smurfs were taking pictures with Painted Ladies

08.23.25 Painted Ladies - the most famous set across the street from Alamo Square Park along Steiner Street

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If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know. -Louis Armstrong

Nimitz House

5.0

3.4 mi

When crossing the eastern span of the San Francisco Bridge, few people realize the history of the…read moremilitary in the area. One specifically, the Nimitz House, hidden just under the freeway on the east side of Yerba Buena island, has an incredible story and history! This house was the final residence of General Chester Nimitz, the leader and architect of WWII Pacific Theater. Simply said, the man whose leadership and strategy was used to win the war and allowed the Allies to proclaim victory. This house is a three story mansion and shows its unique architectural splendor as you approach it. It contains large windows which enabled views of the east bay and if you search the internet, you will see the elegant interior - a fitting home for its resident and his family. Gen Nimitz past away in this home at the age of 81 from a stroke. Unfortunately, California is not maintaining the residence and it has been falling in disrepair. Paint, windows, and the structure are all showing signs of neglect. Don't let its condition stop you from visiting though. Although you can't enter, you can appreciate its history and marvel of the fantastic area and views it provided.

Have you ever fallen into a rabbit hole of discovery on the Internet, only to find yourself, at…read more3am, looking at pictures of seemingly abandoned buildings on islands off the coasts of California or Mexico, which you found by zooming into said islands on Google maps and looking through the posted photos, then wondering who the hell this random guy named Christian is who posted the photos not even five months ago? What is Christian's story, you wonder, as you continue to look through the other attractions of the island, which does not include residential or commercial buildings, only to discover a few hiking trails that lead seemingly to nowhere...but what's this? A campsite with no electricity, running water, or bathrooms? Just a field on an island designated as a campsite, reached by some trail made by a dude with a machete, or something? But despite the lack of these amenities...there are picnic tables! Who decided first that it should be a campsite? Who brought the tables? What are the backstories? I've found some neat places online using this exact technique, and I've been fortunate enough to visit such places. It's cool to stand in the location of such a place after seeing all the pictures online and building it up in your head, and honestly, what makes these places better is when there aren't a ton of people crowding around when you get there, trying to take a picture for their Instagram. Sometimes, like in the case of this house, I do the reverse and come upon a neat building, art piece, or other landmark as I'm out doing other things, then furiously search the Internet for more info on the history. For me, the places that are a bit mysterious are the coolest finds. We came across this spot accidentally; we had gone to see the mission in downtown and stopped to check out Treasure Island on the way back. We drove around a bit looking for a good place to see the skyline, and came upon this very unique bit of Yerba Buena, which is somewhat hidden on the side and requires you take some twists and turns down a side road. Although there is an informational board in front of this house that suggests many people visit this place, the houses are surprisingly well-kept, with all windows intact and walls free of graffiti tags, and things are generally not trashed by garbage human beings. Looking into and around each of the houses, I got the sense that this is an area that is largely unvisited, especially compared to the neighboring areas of San Francisco, and now even Treasure Island. I wanted to do my own digging to see how well-known this weird circle of Victorian-style houses, juxtaposed beneath the modern industrial backdrop of the various overpass-bridges, are to people my age online. The results were interesting. One Reddit post with someone claiming you can rent these out for events. Quite a few articles discussing some cool historical facts, like how the Navy wouldn't let the developers of the overpass build over the house if it would block the sunshine (this house was where Admiral Chester W. Nimitz lived the last years of his life). You can easily see the curve of the overpass, as if someone nudged it out of the way. Not a whole lot more on it, other than apparently Willie Brown (past SF mayor) trying to make it the mayor's ceremonial mansion (god, please don't). Overall, despite not being able to go inside any of these houses, they're kept in beautiful condition by someone I'm assuming to be a groundskeeper, and a stop here is worth it for the view alone. Just don't mind the whizzing and whirring of the cars commuting from above.

Senior Officer Quarters beside the mansion.

Swing in the yard

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Senior Officers housing still stand beside the mansion.

The Westerfeld House

5.0

1.8 mi

This house is incredible with an amazing history. Truly gorgeous and fun to share with people who…read morehaven't seen it before.

"You see that mansion up there on the hill? They say Charles Manson lived there, in the top room…read moreof the house." That was my first introduction to The Westerfeld House from the drugged out property manager who used to manage my apartment building - and he was wrong (surprise!) But there is a tie to the Manson Family: One of its members lived there until he moved to Spawn Ranch. And rumor is Charles Manson did visit a few times. Tom Wolfe even wrote about The Westerfeld House in The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test calling it, "A great old shambling Gothic house, a freaking decayed giant known as 'The Russian Embassy.'" (I'm curious if one of my mom's law school friends crashed there because she was one of Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters. It IS a small little world in which we live.) Built by a wealthy chocolatier then sold to the architect of the Palace Hotel, the Westerfeld House was built in 1889 for the then-grand sum of just under $10,000 ($27M in today's money) and is now a designated Landmark and privately owned. It housed a nightclub called "Dark Eyes" in the late 1920s just before the stock market crash then it was divided up into a boarding house in the '40s. In the '60s, Joplin and Big Brother & The Holding Company and the Grateful Dead used to hang out at The Westerfeld House. In the 1970s the founder of the church of Satan lived there (his pet lion left some deep claw marks in the ornate door frames and molding around the house). Longtime and current owner, Jim Siegel, apparently had Buddhist monks bless the house because of its provenance. I've gotten a chuckle over the years that its owner sometimes hangs hand-painted protest signs as window coverings: When Alamo Square became a huge tourist destination (it took a long time to be "discovered", surprisingly) it seemed like all the tour bus companies discovered it at once: There were eight or more busses every 5-8 minutes buzzing the park and blaring Tony Bennett's "I Left My Heart.." And Siegel hung signs that read "Get off the damn bus, walk around and SEE the city!" In so many ways, The Westerfeld House is so very representative of San Francisco! Look for the house on Fulton at Scott that looks a bit like the Addams Family mansion and you're there.

Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square

Another view

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Beautiful building- Westfield House

Dragon's Gate

4.3

(144 reviews)

1.0 mi

Dragon Gate has been part of my San Francisco story for as long as I can remember. I first saw it…read morein the mid-1970s during a visit with my parents, and it made an immediate impression on me. I still remember taking photos of it with a brand-new camera my father had just given me, not realizing at the time that it had only been completed a few years earlier, in 1970. Over time, I've come to appreciate more of its details and background. The gate was a gift from Taiwan and built in a traditional Chinese architectural style, complete with guardian lions, decorative tiles, and inscriptions symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. It marks the formal entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, and it's a natural stopping point for visitors before heading further into the neighborhood. Nearly twenty years after that first visit, I moved to San Francisco and have been here ever since. These days, walking past the Dragon Gate feels more personal. It's less of a tourist attraction for me and more of a familiar landmark, one that quietly welcomes people into a neighborhood full of history, culture, and character.

I've walked under the Dragon's Gate more times than I can count but I still love that moment when…read moreyou're walking up and you finally see it and suddenly you know you're in Chinatown. It sits at the edge of Grant Ave and it is a literal gateway into Chinatown. As soon as you walk past it, you are under the beautiful green tiled roofs curling along the streets with stone lions in this ornate, colorful and instantly recognizable neighborhood. The gate was a gift from Taiwan in the 1970s and every time you see it it feels special and different. It's not the largest or most beautiful gate I've seen, but I think it holds a special place for me because it's so familiar. It can look different depending on whether you visit on a bright sunny morning, or a foggy afternoon, or whether you see it under the glowing lanterns of a San Francisco night but to me it always feels familiar. No matter how many times I've been to Chinatown, I always stop here for a second before heading in. I have to take a moment to pay homage to this little spot that marks the entrance of one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city.

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49 Mile Scenic Drive

3.7

(25 reviews)

The 49 Mile Scenic Drive was created in 1938 in order to showcase the highlights of the City of San…read moreFrancisco. for the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. It was already a convoluted route which originally began at city Hall and ended on Treasure Island. Since 1939 the route has been altered somewhat but still remains convoluted and today plagued with traffic problems and poor maintenance of signage. Specifically, the Seagull in profile with a blue background signs have been badly faded and not all are clearly visible. You will need to use the internet to get a clear description of the route. Some of the major sites along the route are City Hall, Asian Art Museum, Little Saigon, Japan Town, Union Square, China Town, Telegraph Hill, Lombard Street, Coit tower, Fishermen's Wharf, Palace of fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Merced, California Academy of the Sciences, Haight-Ashbury, Twin Peaks The Castro and Oracle Park. Parking at these various sites runs the range of easy to very difficult. Metered street parking is available at some locations. Due to the numerous hassles involved in trying to run the route most tourists opt for city transportation or the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. "If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..."

This is a great idea but in the day and age we are in now I wish they already had a google map link…read morefor this drive. As most of the reviews mentioned the signs are missing so I had to follow a map on SF website and my friend would navigate me which is great if you're traveling with people. A lot of the places we already hit due to our own itinerary but some of the places on the drive I never saw when doing research about the city so this was great anyways!