LOCAL RIDES: Golden Gate Bridge/Fort Point
“The Golden Gate Bridge offers enduring proof that human beings can alter the planet with reverence.”
– Kevin Star
The crown jewel of the Bay Area is the Golden Gate Bridge.
Few structures on the planet surpass our iconic bridge for aesthetics, profile and function. Bay Area native or transplant, we all identify with the stability of its expansive shoulders, uncomplicated design and embodiment of freedom, coexistence and the spirit of adventure making this the perfect destination for a San Francisco Harley-Davidson rental experience.
One of the most photographed structures in the world, few people experience the view from Fort Point.
The soft contours of the hills behind the engaging skyline evokes such a mysterious back story that The City and specifically the Bridge become main characters in any production.
Can you imagine having one of these movies without the City as their “Co-Star”? (bonus points if you can identify the movies)
"A good man always knows his limitations”
- H. Calahan
Slick, stylish with uncompromising strength. McQueen was great in this movie too!
On your way to Fort Point, you’ll ride along the waterfront on The Embarcadero (mile 17), and equally stunning landmarks of Pier 39, Aquatic Park and
San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf's (mile 19)
All things being equal, I’d rather be riding than on a guided tour but this is one of the few exceptions I make. Sure it’s crowded but the self-paced tours are rich with information, views and insights. If you plan on visiting between March and October, make sure you order your tickets well in advance as tickets ARE NOT AVAILABLE as a walk-up option. Get Tickets Here
Make sure to stop along the Marina Greens for pix of "The Rock".
After the tour, score major bonus points with your passenger by having lunch most anywhere along the wharf.
The best food is at: Capurro's Restaurant on Jefferson St.
The best restaurant with a view of the bay is at: Franciscan Crab Restaurant.
If you like seafood, ask about the Cioppino and you’ll soon discover the true meaning of the term, “San Francisco treat” has nothing to do with TV commercials or faux rice/pasta in a box.
If you’re travelling solo or with your road crew, try: Jacks Cannery Bar
Jacks is not the place to go if you require linen service, drink umbrellas or impeccable service. I wouldn’t suggest going there if you’re in a hurry either but if you want some good food while watching a game and a dizzying selection of craft beer, you might enjoy the wait.
Just around the block is the Buena Vista Cafe. Every San Franciscan knows the story of the origin of the “Irish Coffee” I share it with you here for free… but tips are always welcome.
“Stanton Delaplane, a travel writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, brought Irish coffee to the United States after drinking it at Shannon Airport, when he worked with the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco to start serving it on November 10, 1952, and worked with the bar owners Jack Koeppler and George Freeberg to recreate the Irish method for floating the cream on top of the coffee, sampling the drink one night until he nearly passed out. Delaplane popularized the drink by mentioning it frequently in his travel column, which was widely read throughout America. In later years, after the Buena Vista had served, by its count, more than 30 million of the drinks, Delaplane and the owners grew tired of the drink. A friend commented that the problem with Irish coffee is that it ruins three good drinks: coffee, cream, and whiskey. - Wikipedia
“A city is not gauged by its length and width, but by the broadness of its vision and the height of its dreams. But it is also judged by how it affects people — not only those who live there, but by those who just visit.”
- H. Caen