San Francisco (Tolmasoff)

What are we doing this weekend?Your child asks this simple question, but you have no idea."We can use our membership at that science museum," you answer to a frown."Again?!" Weekends used to be great. An easy day out to the playground, a trip to the kid's museum... .. but now your kids want more. What new and interesting adventure can you put together at the drop of a hat? San Francisco is full of wondrous places to go, but you are drawing a blank. What do you do? "Let's go to Golden Gate Park?"You find that spark of an idea, but what do you choose, where do you go, what are the parking options, and how do you make it interesting? Generations of San Franciscans have delighted in what Golden Gate Park contains. Reclaimed from the sand dunes, west of San Francisco's city limits 150 years ago in an area called the Outside Lands, San Francisco undertook a massive project of turning 1000 acres of land into a spectacular park that would reach all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Have you ever wonderedWhy are there two windmills at the west end of the park? Where did all the lakes come from? Are they all man-made? Where are the relics from the 1906 earthquake? Did the Polo Fields ever host a Polo match? Are they buffalo or bison, what's the difference? Who sails all the tiny boats? Do the fly-fishing anglers catch any fish in the park? Are there old rail lines in the park? Is there a place to practice archery in the park? Where can I get a freshly made (root) beer? Or venture beyond the park and make your way to explore the ruins of Sutro Baths and imagine the swimming palace that burned down behind the Cliff House. Go up the hill a little further to explore the park that was once his estate and gardens. Venture out further and hike the former rail line kids from 100 years ago could ride for a nickel and delight in this cliff-hugging trip followed by a day at Sutro's. Explore several wondrous days out wandering the west end of Golden Gate Park with your family, learning a bit of history along the way. Start creating memories you and your kids will cherish, get to know this city better than before. This book will show you where to go and stories to share.