SFO - To Do 09May26 (Alamo Square Painted Ladies, St Dominic's Catholic Church)

San Francisco - To Do
San Francisco - To Eat

SFO - To Do

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Sunset at the Alamo Square
Alamo Square 
(Painted Ladies)

*Views from Alamo Square*

The classic Painted ladies is a small strip that's picturesque and used for many TV films,  and opening credits of Full House and movies like Mrs .Doubtfire (Click here for full write up of day trip visiting house where the film was filmed.)

Its an alright park to visit. Really just for the iconic view of those few houses and that's about it. If you're liking the trees in the area, a hike to Lands end would be better. 

You maybe interested in Singapore's equivalent of painted houses. Located in joo Chiat the peranakan houses.

St Dominic's Catholic Church

Feels more like an European church found in SFO.  

Click here for ABBA Location of St Domninic's Catholic Church.
You may also be interested in these other churches in SFO, with Cathedral of Saint Mary in Particular the most captivating in my opinion. 
- Grace Cathedral, a lovely large space and intricately carved doors in SFO
- Saints Peter and Paul Church SFO

- Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, amazingly modern, huge and a unique center piece, highly recommended.

Click here for ABBA Location of St Domninic's Catholic Church.

SFO - To Do 17Jan25 (Russian Hill-Macondray Lane, The Original Swensen's, Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, Sunsets in SFO)

San Francisco - To Stay
San Francisco - To Do
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SFO - To Do

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Russian Hill-Macondray Lane Historic District

*Click here for wrirte up on visitng Alcatraz*
*Click here for Views of Alcatraz at Sunrise from
the Golden Gate Bridge, another great morning iteneary.*

This place is more of a healthy upslope walk rather than a pure look out place. Moist of the view points are largely blocked by tree growth. 

However there still are some great views of Alcatraz and the bay area. There are many other locations within the Bay Area to get great views. Okay if looking for exercise and/or intending to check out the Original Swensen's after. Click here for ABBA Location of The Original Swensen's
You maybe interested in Lombard Sunrise or views from Golden Gate Promenade.
You maybe interested in amazing Panoramic views from Coit Tower.

Click here for ABBA location of Russian Hill-Macondray Lane

The Original Swensen's
(opened in 1948)
*The original and last store in the USA*

*Not your standard flavors.*

Swensen’s started in 1948 in San Francisco, founded by Earle Swensen, and became famous for quality ice cream and big sundaes. 

This is one for the memories as the first and the very last Swensen's in the United States. Iyt is still  found at the original location in the Russian Hill neighborhood. Worth checking out if you're a fan of their brand and their ice-cream flavor range and quality are equally amazing!

*Bordeaux cherry flavored.*

Samples are available and a basic cone with a single scoop ice-cream goes at USD5.45.
Click here for ABBA Location of The Original Swensen's

 

Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption
0730am/9am Sunday Mass

Click here for ABBA location of Cathedral of Saint Mary of The Assumption

*"Morning Neighbor. Welcoming church attendees in the morning.*

*Morning service*

Designed in the spirit of Vatican II, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption breaks from traditional cathedral styles with a bold modern form that emphasizes openness and community. 

*The organ was designed specifically for St.Mary by the
Ruffatti Brothers in Padua, Italy. 4,842pipes total.*

*(L)The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, (R) The Crucifixion.*

*One of the four pillars built deep into the bed rock to support the church's structure.*

Simply beautiful with their unique center piece being 14 tiers of triangular aluminium rods, symbolizing the love and grace from god to his people. 

This is my first time enjoying and exploring such a modern looking church. Attending the first service at Golden Hour offered some really nice picture opportunities.

*Neighboring St. Mark's Lutheran Church at 7am in the morning.*

*View of the valley with the Sunrise reflecting of the Cathedral of Saint Mary.*

*Post service at 830am*

A little effort to manage attending the service that suits your timings but it was well worth the sunrise, the quiet, changing colors and the interior stained glass illuminating as the sun rose!

(Click here for views at Sunrise from the Golden Gate and short cycle another well worth activity in SFO) Look to their website for organ performances and mass timings. (Click here for official info)

You may also be interested in these other churches in SFO.
- Grace Cathedral in SFO
- Saints Peter and Paul Church SFO

As this Church is dedicated to the Vigin Mary, one has to check out the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Paris where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Catherine in 1830, giving her the design for medallion worn by millions. (Click for the full write up.)

Click here for ABBA location of Cathedral of Saint Mary of The Assumption

Sunsets in SFO

Some sunset shots whilst on the way back from Russian hill and on second day along Pier39.

Taken On:
17Jan26 

*Packing up for the day.*

*Fishing equipment along the wharf.*
Taken On:
18Jan26

*Hanging decorations in the setting sun.*

*Enjoying the sunset together.*

*Sunset through the SkyStar Wheel*

*Blue&Gold Ferry making its way out.
Click to find out more about a half day Sausalito trip with a boat ride back.*

SFO - To Do 26Aug25 (Legion of Honor, The Holocaust Memorial, Lands End Hiking Trail)

San Francisco - To Stay
San Francisco - To Do
San Francisco - To Eat

SFO - To Eat

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Legion of Honor
Entry USD20/adult



*Quite cool to see these pack of Dogs as we left the museum.*

*The thinker by Thinker sculpture was created by French sculptor Auguste Rodin*

The Legion of Honor is special because it’s a replica of a Paris palace, was built as a World War I memorial, and holds a world-class art collection with masterpieces from across 4,000 years.

*The grounds itself has some great photo spots*

A decent sized curation that's easy to follow from oldest to newest. Start with the smallest number and work around the museum. It has just the right size and variety to have a little something for everyone and yet not be overwhelming. A welcomed visit really and worth the entry fee. 

*John the Baptist down the halls.*

*Mary Magdalense, the first to see Jesus after his resurrection*

Other Notable Art-centric museums that you may want to check out on your travels that'd I'd recommend for different reasons and focuses. 

> Musée d'Orsay - Great variety of famous works from various genres. 
> MOMA in NYC - Starry Night, Salvador Dali, Warhol, Monet.  A real pleasant surprise especially to see so many iconic pieces..
> Paris - The Lourve of Course. 
> Van Gough Museum in AMS

> Rome - The amazing collection and murals at the Sistine Chapel

> AMS - For impressive street art murals in a grungy and cool location, one has to check out Straat Museum. More modern and definitely worth the entry charge!
Click here for ABBA location of Musée d'Orsay 

Click here for ABBA location of Legion of Honor

The Holocaust Memorial

One may want to pay Dachau a visit in Munich to get a better understanding of the Holocaust. Click here for full write up.

Click here for ABBA location of The Holocaust memorial just outside of the Legion of Honor.

Lands End Hiking Trail
Part of the full trail covering about 4.5km hike in total

The views are spectacular but its a hard earned one especially with the walk back up the multitude of steps.
*Note that the Lands End Labyrinth have since been removed.*

Here are some other look out points for SFO's Golden Gate Bridge.
- From the Golden Gate Visitor Center. Great for sunrise and sunset shots.
- Battery Spencer Lookout point across where Sausalito is.
- Crissy Field's South Beach.

*Taken at Mile Rock Beach.*

The entire route is definitely a light workout so keep that in mind! The views are great and its an easy ride back to the pier 39/45 where most of the touristy action takes place. 

Further down is the bathhouse which is another great little hike spot to check out near the now closed Cliffhouse (Click for full write-up).

*The Lincoln Park Steps, famous for their colorful mosaic artwork, created through a community restoration project. They serve as a public art landmark, a popular photo spot, and a gateway to Lincoln Park, near the Legion of Honor and scenic trails.*

You maybe interested in shorter hikes like at Braemar Hill park in HKG for amazing views. It's a little challenging to get 'THE SHOT' but the views are breathtaking. 

Click here for Lands End Trail