Great Jazz Spot in San Francisco

After World War II, San Francisco had a vibrant jazz scene centered along Fillmore Street in the Western Addition. This all came to an end in the 1960s when the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency destroyed the neighborhood in the name of progress. Victorian homes were torn down and families displaced.

It took a long time for the neighborhood to come back. In recent years new condominiums and commercial spaces were built along the section of Fillmore Street just south of Japantown. To help reignite the old spirit, the Redevelopment Agency asked Yoshi's, the venerable Oakland Jazz Club, to open a club in what is now being called the Fillmore Jazz Preservation District.

In August, I had a chance to dine at Yoshi's restaurant and to take in three concerts at the club. I highly recommend both to visitors and locals. The restaurant has excellent Japanese-inspired cuisine. The staff knows that many diners will be taking in a show at the club and paces the service accordingly.

The club provides an intimate setting to hear nationally and internationally known acts. Yoshi's features a wide array of music including Jazz, funk, African music, and vocalists. Sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese appetizers can be munched on while you enjoy the show. Tickets may be purchased on the Yoshi's website. All seats are reserved. There's not a bad seat in the house.

Lombard Street - The Crookedest Street in the World

The block of Lombard Street, between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, is one of San Francisco's premier tourist attractions. During the busy summer season, parades of visitors flock to Lombard Street to see its eight cures, hydrangeas, and bougainvillea.

Many people visit Lombard Street by car. On busy weekend days, there can be a one- or two-block long line of cars waiting on Lombard Street, west of the crooked section, for the opportunity to experience this only-in-San Francisco attraction. Here's an easy tip to avoid the lengthy wait. Ascend Russian Hill via Union Street. Turn north (toward the bay) on Hyde Street. Drive three blocks to Lombard Street and turn right to start your descent. There is almost never a wait in this direction. Approaching Lombard Street from this direction can easily save you up to 20 minutes of waiting in your car.

If you don't have a car, the Powell-Hyde cable car stops at the corner of Lombard and Hyde Streets, right at the top of the curvy part of Lombard. The Powell-Mason cable car stops at the corner of Lombard Street and Columbus Avenue, a short walk from the bottom of the crooked section.

None of the scheduled tour operators can take you within three blocks of Lombard Street, so take a tour of San Francisco with Blue Heron Custom Tours and Travel. We'll take you down the Crookedest Street in the World as well as the steepest street in San Francisco -- Filbert Street, between Hyde and Leavenworth, a 31.5 degree angle. To book a private tour of San Francisco, call (866) 326-4237 (toll free) or e-mail me by clicking here.

Muir Beach Ovelook & Pelican Inn

On Muir Woods tours I frequently take my guests to the Muir Beach Overlook. This old army lookout is located just north of the village of Muir Beach off of Hwy. 1. A short walk out to the point overlooking the Pacific will reward you with panoramic views of the ocean from San Francisco to Point Reyes. Here is one of the best spots to witness the dramatic meeting of cliffs and ocean that is the northern California coastline. On really clear days you can see the Farallon Islands, which are about 25 miles offshore. Be forewarned that the Muir Beach Overlook is often fogged in during the summer. The sun can be shining at Muir Woods while the Overlook, which is about five miles away, is shrouded in fog.

You can combine a visit to the Overlook with lunch at the Pelican Inn in Muir Beach. This quaint bed and breakfast serves classic British food along with some American favorites. The pub has some great beers on tap, including cellar-temperature Guinness Stout. The Pelican Inn's restaurant is open for lunch daily. On Sundays freshly carved roast beef, ham, and turkey are served. The pub serves snacks and light food throughout the day.

If you would like to take a private tour that includes a visit to the Muir Beach Overlook and/or lunch at the Pelican Inn, please call me at (866) 326-4237 or e-mail me by clicking here. (The big scheduled tour operators do not include the Overlook on their tours.)