VOICES Publishing from the AAJA National Convention
It’s a jam-packed week at the 2015 AAJA convention and you’re worried that you might not get a chance to explore the picturesque city of San Francisco. In less than two hours, you can explore some of the most popular spots of what’s known to locals as the 7-by-7, using San Francisco’s buses, cable cars and trolleys. This is an alternative to the city’s underground Bay Area Rapid Transportation (BART) subway and train line.
Using the city’s Muni rail, here’s how you can visit a few of those spots quickly and for less than $10.
CHINATOWN
The oldest Chinatown in North America and the largest one outside of Asia, this must-see location is around Grant Avenue and Stockton Street and is easily accessible by walk or public transportation. You can shop for cheap deals, eat everything from fresh egg tarts to lobster sashimi and explore pieces of history hidden in the streets of Chinatown.
How to get there: Just walk outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel and you will immediately see the California cable car. For $7, you can take a ride on this line towards Market Street straight to Chinatown. After eight stops, get off at the intersection of California Street and Davis Street. Estimated time: 6 minutes
FISHERMAN’S WHARF
You can’t leave SF without eating from a sourdough bread bowl. With its sweeping views of the Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf is home to food attractions like Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square. Cheap souvenirs, fresh seafood eats and classy waterfront restaurants make this side of town a destination.
How to get there: From Chinatown, take Muni bus 30 for less than $3 to Fisherman’s Wharf. Keep your eyes open. You’ll be passing by Russian Hill and North Beach, two of the many neighborhoods in the city. Get off the bus at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and North Point Street. Estimated time: 12 minutes
GOLDEN GATE PARK
If you want a break without having to leave the city, this is your go-to place. While there is no direct bus to Golden Gate Park, you have to make the effort to see this 1,017-acre public area. This park includes science museums and flower gardens and home to popular attractions including the California Academy of Sciences, Conservatory of Flowers and the Japanese Tea Garden.
How to get there: From Fisherman’s Wharf, take Muni bus 27 towards North and get off at Richardson Avenue and Francisco Street. Then take the 28 towards Daly City Station and you’ll hit Golden Gate Park at Presidio Boulevard and Fulton Street stop. Estimated time: 25 minutes
Within walking distance: Pier 7 is within walking distance from the Hyatt Hotel and has grand views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and the city skyline.
To find out where you can buy Muni passes, visit https://www.sfmta.com/
