[San Francisco, CA] Steinhart Aquarium in the Academy of Sciences

Welcome to the Academy of Sciences' Steinhart Aquarium. Although the majority of the ocean is still unexplored and unexplained, the Steinhart Aquarium opens up a small window of the Ocean's biodiversity through interactive aquariums containing up to 900 species!

I remembered the Steinhart Aquarium quite differently as a child. It was incredible back then, but nothing like it is today. The Steinhart Aquarium was first opened in 1923, but in 2005, the Academy of Sciences started renovations and was completed in 2008. So what you see today is the more modern version of what it was like back then.

[San Francisco, CA] Academy of Sciences' Philippine Coral Reef

What a beautiful display of the Philippine Coral Reef! I guarantee you will get your breath taken away when you come across this section of the Steinhart Aquarium in the California Academy of Sciences. As you step into the room, you are greeted by the color Regal Blue. The color of mystery, calmness, and wonder. The main window of the 212,000 gallon aquarium, stretches in curvatures across the room, from ceiling to floor, behind a thick sheet of glass where you can see hundreds of different kinds of fish, swimming in and out of rocks covered in coral reefs, soft sponges, and other living creatures. Find your Doris and Nemos here! There are dozens of them swimming around!

[San Francisco, CA] The Academy of Sciences' Claude, "The Albino Alligator"

Meet the Academy of Sciences' most famous resident, Claude "The Albino Alligator". He lives in The Swamp among his Alligator Snappy Turtle cousins, along with other aquatic neighbors. You may find him on his favorite rock, or you may find him in a corner like I did when I payed a visit. You can also get as close as eye level with him on the lower levels of the museum to see what life is like at the bottom of a swamp.

[San Francisco, CA] Academy of Sciences' Indoor Rainforest!

Have you ever been curious of what an actual rainforest is like, but not really interested in flying to the Amazon or Madagascar just scratch an itch of curiosity? Well, the Academy of Sciences located in San Francisco has recreated an indoors, four-story living rainforest, the Osher Rainforest!

This rainforest is incased in a 90 ft diameter glass dome. The walls are also made out of glass, so you can admired the magnificence from the outside. As you walk inside, you will immediate notice the climate change. The temperature is kept around 82-85 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity of 75%. 

RELATED POST: [San Francisco, CA] Academy of Sciences' Living Roof

As you walk up the three stories, you will encounter three different ecosystems that exist in an actual rainforest. Although the levels in this rainforest's replica is inspired by different rainforests around the world, just keep in mind that all rainforests do have different levels, each with their own ecosystems. 

So at the ground level, you experience the Bornean Forest Floor. This ground level is suppose to be a replica of the Borneo Rainforest, an island located in Asia. The second level you will find the Madagascan Mid-Story, and we all know where Madagascar is. The third level is the Canopy of a Costa Rican forest. Once at the top floor, you get an elevator ride to the "basement" level where you get a view of the Amazonian Flooded Forest inside a 100,000 gallon tank full of fish life.

The Academy of Sciences state that there are 1,600 living creatures in this rainforest. Unfortunately, the majority of the living creatures are contained in glass aquariums, but of course, a lot of these animals are poisonous and for obviously safety reasons, it is safer for them to be in these little habitats. The only animals and insects that are allowed to roam free in the forest are numerous butterflies and colorful birds. It gets pretty exciting when one of these beautiful butterflies fly and land close to you, if not on you. 

It seriously is whole another ecosystem inside the dome. It is definitely one of the best exhibits the Academy of Sciences has to offer. Not only do you learn more about the Rainforest, but you also get to experience a snippet of what an actual rainforest is like, especially the climate. It would be even cooler is they made it rain as well, but of course a feature like that will require a lot more maintenance and monitoring to keep things in check, but a feature like that would definitely add to the imagination.

Happy Wandering, Alice.

[San Francisco, CA] Academy of Sciences' Living Roof

Without their Living Roof, the Academy of Sciences will go into chaos. The Living Roof may look like an oversized garden, but it does so much more than to look pretty. 

It is known as the Heart of the Academy.

What does it do for the museum as a whole, you ask?

[San Francisco, CA] The Art Bistro (6900 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121)

Bagel Sandwiches and Authentic Thai Tea; these are what The Art Bistro is know for. 

Dear Travel Diary #4 (Part1): Great Heights of SF

Dear Travel Diary,

San Francisco is a city built on top of hills. A lot of hills! Today I was able to experience the extent of these hills from 3 famous San Francisco hill locations: Twin Peaks, Turtle Hill, and Golden Gate Park.

My cousin, Jane, who is a local, was wonderful enough to be my chauffeur, as well as, my tour guide today.

We started the day with a visit to the Twin Peaks. I have driven through there before, and I even checked out the view at night, but I had never been there during the daytime. Nighttime is great with all the lights, but it was nice for a change to be able to see the buildings individually than just an abundance of fluorescent lights. The view is incredible up here and even more incredible on top of one of the peaks (where you are allowed to climb up).

My favorite part of the day was the climb to Turtle Hill. It is an experience that I think everyone must take. You start your journey at the foot of the Hidden Garden Steps. These steps consist of hundreds of ceramic tiles that come together to create a picture in each section. This flight contains 11 sections, so you get 11 beautiful garden themed pieces, each with a story that you can read about on their website.

The next stairway you need to take is even more incredible than the Hidden Garden Steps. This stairway have two different names. It's nicknamed by the locals as "The Moraga Steps", but its real name is the 16th Avenue Tiles Steps. I personally like the nickname better. This stairway is a beautiful, mirrored ceramic mosaic masterpiece. It is magnificent during the day, but come when the moon is full, and the mirrored pieces just glistens wonderfully in the moonlight.

The last stairway to the top is less glamorous but it takes you to a view of the City worth seeing. The view at Turtle Hill is one of the best in San Francisco (in my opinion). Also, Turtle Hill is a nickname given to it by the locals because at a distance the hill looks like a giant turtle, but it is formally know as "The Grandview Park". I think Turtle Hill suits it better, don't you?

Finally, the last great view I was able to see today is in the wonderful Golden Gate Park, particular a great up close view of The Academy of Sciences, in Hamon Observatory Tower located in de Young Museum. This viewing platform is free to enter for all visitors, and it gives you a wonderful 360 degree view of its surroundings.

Another great spot within the park that also offers the visitor a wonderful view is on top of Strawberry Hill. I did visit part of Strawberry Hill that day, but unfortunately did not climb to the top. I will definitely do so for the next visit!


Happy Wandering, Alice.

To watch my day, here is a link to: "Travel Vlog: (Part 1) Great Heights of San Francisco.

[San Francisco, CA] Golden Gate Park

The famous Golden Gate Park! If you choose to pay a visit, make sure you have your entire day free. There is a lot to see and do. Heck, you need a good two to three days to truly see and experience everything the park has to offer, and that is only if you keep on your course, but then again, it's easy to get distracted here.

Fountain in the Music Concourse Area.

I'm not going to bore you with the history and the beginnings of the park. If you are interested in learning more about the bones of such an incredible park, here is a link that holds most if not everything you need to know about the place. Of course, there is always wikipedia!

I have visited the Golden Gate Park numerous times, more than I can count. Even so, I still have not explored every inch of the park. There is that much to see, but from the attractions that this place has to offer, here are a few of my favorites. I am sure the more I visit this park, the more I will add to this list.

Picture taken in Hamon Tower

Academy of Sciences:
If you have not heard of Academy of Sciences yet, once you have visited, you will not forget your experience. They have built entire ecosystems in this building, including one on their roof, also known as, The Living Roof. This is a great museum for kids and adults alike.

M.H. de Young Memorial Museum:
This fine arts museum showcases American Art starting from the 17th Century to today. If historic artifacts and art pieces is not for you, at least enjoy the incredible view in the Hamon Tower.

Stow Lake & Strawberry Hill:

You cannot miss Stow Lake or that ginormous island, also known as, Strawberry Hill, smacked in the middle of it. This is the perfect area for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. There are many beautiful features to see, such as the Chinese Pavilion, a man-made waterfall, and a breathtaking view of the City of San Francisco at the top of Strawberry Hill.

Shakespeare Garden:

Feeling romantic? Stop by at Shakespeare Garden and be romanced. This garden is a popular spot for weddings, and one step through the gate, you immediately know why. This little, peaceful garden is the perfect representation of the romance in many of Shakespeare's work.

There is much, much more than this. I will add more to this post as I visit more in the near future. In the mean time, I hope you get the chance to explore some, if not all, of this little green gem in the grand City of San Francisco.

Happy Wandering, Alice.

[San Francisco, CA] Strawberry Hill (Located in Golden Gate Park)

Once upon a time, this beautiful hill exuded a delightful fragrance of sweet strawberries. The hill was covered by wild strawberries, hence where the name "Strawberry Hill" has come from. Today, you are lucky to come across a patch of these wild strawberries, but they had long been replaced (not by choice) by invasive plants such as, the Cape Ivy and Ice Plant from South Africa.

Today, Strawberry Hill is a popular tourist attraction in the City of San Francisco. Situated in the Middle of Golden Gate Park's Stow Lake, Strawberry Hill reaches up to 430 ft high. It offers one of San Francisco's best views.

RELATED POST: [San Francisco, CA] Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden (Located: Golden Gate Park)

The beautiful view is not the only feature this hill has to offer. My favorite is a beautiful man-made waterfall. It is a popular spot for taking selfies, but watch your step; the pathway is made of flat-rocks, all separated by a few inches to allow water flow from the waterfall straight into Stow Lake.

Other features consist of a Golden Gate Pavillion, a gift from San Francisco's sister city, Taipei, and the hill is an excellent spot for bird watching fanatics.

Happy Wandering, Alice.

[San Francisco, CA] Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden (Located in Golden Gate Park)

At the west-north end of Golden Gate Park, you will find a cute little garden with a gigantic Dutch Windmill. This garden is named "Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden". Come during the early months of the year to see the spectacular scene of hundreds of tulips in bloom. If you come during off season, you may miss the beautiful tulips but the staff of Golden Gate Park made sure there are seasonal flowers and other plants to enjoy. So do not to worry, the garden is colorful year round. However, the garden is the most beautiful with the tulips, of course.

RELATED POST: [San Francisco, CA] William Shakespeare Garden (Located in Golden Gate Park)

So who is Queen Wilhelmina? She is the former Queen of the Netherlands, and she is the reason why Golden Gate Park has the Dutch Windmill. You can't miss it in this small but sweet garden. She donated the structure to the City in 1902. The Dutch Windmill used to be a huge part of the park's irrigation system, where it pumped water to plants that reached as far as strawberry hill. Today it is a great piece of history of the Golden Gate Park.

Happy Wandering, Alice.

[San Francisco, CA] Shakespeare Garden (located in Golden Gate Park)

Secluded and tucked away behind a fence of foliage, it is easy to pass over this little garden amongst the loud, exciting more popular attractions of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. It is located right around the corner of the amazing Academy of Sciences! Who can compare to that. 

But Shakespeare Garden has its own little charm that keeps visitors coming back for more.

[San Francisco, CA] Hamon Observation Tower, aka "De Young's View Tower"

If you haven't noticed the tower attached to the M.H de Young Memorial Museum yet, notice it now because you are missing out on an incredible view of not only the Golden Gate Park, but a good portion of the City of San Francisco.

View of Academy of Sciences and Music Concourse

RELATED POST: [San Francisco, CA] The Twin Peaks 

At the top of the tower is an observation room where the walls are made up entirely of glass, giving the viewer a clear, 360 spectacular view. The best part? Although you have to pay in order to see the museum, Hamon Observation Tower is free to visit. The elevator to the tower is located at the right of the building's entry way, while the museum is to the left. So make sure to head right upon entering, unless you need to use the restrooms, then go left. But after the washroom, just turn back and head right. You will love the view.

Happy Wandering, Alice.

[San Francisco, CA] Hidden Garden Steps (16th Ave, between Kirkham & Lawton)

Why settle for one remarkable mosaic stairway when you can have two? In 2010, project Hidden Garden Steps began in the same fashion the first mosaic stairway, 16th Avenue, was created. The project team also consist of Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher, the two ladies that started the first mosaic stairway along 16th Avenue and Moraga Ave. It is also a symbol for strengthening the community.

RELATED POST: San Francisco Golden Gate Height's 16th Avenue Mosaic Stairway

The difference between this ceramic mosaic stairway to the one along Moraga Ave is that each flight of stairs has a backstory to it, and there are nine different back stories. So there are nine flights of stairs, each with a different design. You can read about each story on the Hidden Garden Steps website.

Along each side of the stairs consist of different plants, as well as, trees. You will find this stairway is a lot more shaded than the 16th Avenue stairway. With the immense amount of trees hanging over the steps...Hidden Garden Steps is the perfect name for this masterpiece.

Happy Wandering, Alice.

[San Francisco, CA] Twin Peaks (501 Twin Peaks Blvd)

It's hard not to see the Twin Peaks when they are 925ft tall. They are the second tallest hills in San Francisco, second to Mount Davidson that reaches up to 928 ft, but the twin peaks are double the fun.

[San Francisco] Golden Gate Height's 16th Avenue Mosaic Stairway

The 16th Avenue Mosaic Stairway is a pure representation of a community coming together, and creating something worthwhile, positive, and beautiful. Today, in modern day society, it feels like close knit communities are a rare find especially when it comes to metropolitan cities like San Francisco. People are not as friendly to their neighbors as they once were. I mean, when I run out of sugar, I would rather put on my coat and drive to the store in the middle of the night, than knock on my neighbor's door to ask for a cup of sugar.

However, the residents of the Golden Gate Heights Neighborhood proved that community still exists by coming together to create this wonderful mosaic masterpiece between 16th and Moraga Avenue.

This project was tarted by neighborhood residents, Jessie Audette and Alice Yee Xavier in 2003, in hopes to connect the neighbors in a community project too beautify the neighborhood. It worked. Over 300 neighbors participated in creating the handmade animal, bird and fish tiles with names embedded in them. The overall design was created by Artists Aileen Barr and Colette Crutcher. In September 2005, the masterpiece was finished.



What a sight it is. The mosaic has an Earth and Element Theme. At the base, it starts with water, than as you make your way up, the water turns to earth, then rises to the sky where the Moon and Sun sits at the top.

RELATED POST: [San Francisco] Grand View Park, aka, "Turtle Hill"

If you think it's beautiful in the daytime, wait until night, especially during the full moon. The mirror mosaic pieces scattered throughout the art piece catches the moonlight and gives off a magical glistening glow. I hear that it also looks spectacular during sunrise and sundown.

This is a beautiful creation and the perfect representation of community hands working together.

Happy Wandering, Alice.

[San Francisco] Grand View Park, aka "Turtle Hill"

The Grand View Park, had long been nicknamed "Turtle Hill" by the folks of San Francisco. As I made my way up to the top, I couldn't figure out why it had such an odd nickname...until I went online to do some research and came upon a photo in Wikipedia that made it quite obvious on why people had nicknamed the hill "Turtle Hill". In order to understand the Turtle reference, you need to be at a good distance away to see that the hill with its trees does looks like a giant turtle. Amazing isn't it!

That's not the only amazingness Grand View Park has to offer. There is also the "Grand View". You can see all of San Francisco's best features! You get an incredible new of the Golden Gate Park, the skyscrapers of Downtown, and the Pacific Ocean. You can also see as far as Marin County, which is pass the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay!

If you are into geology, get excited because the Grand View Park sits on top of a 140 Million-Old Rock called the Franciscan Chert, that used to sit at the bottom of the ocean. You are able to see a lot of the exposed rock at the very top of the hill. Watch your footing because between the sand and uneven rocks, it's easy to trip, especially when most of your attention will be taken by Turtle Hill's incredible 360 view.

Happy Wandering, Alice.

[Dear Travel Diary #3] Old Quarry turned Hiking Park

Dear Travel Diary,

Today I went on a little trip to the City of Saratoga. It is slowly becoming one of my favorite small cities in the Bay Area. It is a city where I see myself living in the near future...however cost of living here is insanely high where houses are in the million dollar range! With such a high cost of living, it is not surprising that this area is a huge supporter of beautiful luxury, such as the Arts. To see what I am talking about, Montalvo Arts Center is the perfect example of that.

Old Mining Equipment besides Picnic Area.

The reason why I am visiting today, is that I heard of a new park that has recently opened, (in October 2015, to be exact). After some research and learning about the history of the place, I know I had to check it out.

The park is called Saratoga Quarry Park. Back in the 1800's, the hills of the park were mined for copper, limestone, and gravel all the way up until the 1950s. If you would like more information and history of the park, here is a link to another blogpost, Saratoga Quarry Park, I had written earlier.

Mining Entrance

I like that Saratoga kept a few of the old mining relics and features in the park. They made the history of these hills the main focus with signs all along the lower levels of the park. I have to admit, the old mining equipment and tunnels is the most interesting part of the park. Everything else, from the hiking trails to the scenic viewpoint to the pond are very lack luster. At least the views on the hike up to the view point are pretty.

Views of Vineyards can be seen on the trail.

The park as a whole seems very unfinished. There are closed off paths that go further up the hills, but are deemed too hazardous to explore, but seeing these paths, I get the feeling that there are plans on expanding the trails in the future. If expansion is in the works, then I am excited about what this park will look like in the next five or six years. It will be cool to view and compare old footage with new footage, just to see the changes.

Happy Wandering, Alice.

To watch my day, here is a link to: "Travel Vlog: #3 Old Quarry turned Hiking Park"

[Saratoga, CA] Quarry Park

Not too long ago, around the late 1990s, hidden in the lush hills of Saratoga, there lies an abandoned quarry only known to the residents of its small town. County employees will use this site for family and friends get togethers even though it was a restricted area. These first rebels helped shape the park to what it is today. They installed and maintained picnic tables, barbecue pits, and cleared out the area for seating. In 2011, the City of Saratoga acquired the property and in 2014, the master plan for the park was approved. Saratoga Quarry Park opened its doors to the public in October 2015.

The park is considered a baby compared to the history within these hills. This 64-acre area has been an active part of the city since the 1850s. The hills were first mined for copper then limestone, and finally gravel, sand and rocks into the early 1900s. Mining ceased in 1967, and slowly but surely became a popular spot for recreational activities.

The City of Saratoga was careful to keep its history remembered throughout the park. Signs and pieces of mining equipment can be found throughout the grounds, starting from the entrance all the way to the second levels of the hiking trails, where visitors can view and admire remnants of the past.

The old barbecue fire pits, as well as, the sitting areas created by the County Employees are still there. Sadly the barbecue pits are not in use anymore. The area is nicely shaded and quiet due to the surrounding trees. There is a great sense of privacy here which is most likely why the residence of Saratoga find this area to be a great small event spot before it was even open to the public.

At the very top of the hiking trails is a lookout point where you can get a "glimpse" of the city below. I wrote "glimpse" in quotations because you can hardly see anything due to the massive trees blocking the view. Don't let this discourage you from taking the trip up. The hike is not strenuous and along the way you get a beautiful view of Saratoga's Vineyards across the ways.

There is also a small pond a little into the hike, but in the summer season the pond can be dried up and become overgrown with bamboo and other plants. I happened to walk right past it on my visit because it didn't look like a pond at all. It was overgrown and unkept despite the park being opened only a little over a year ago.

RELATED POST: [Saratoga, CA] Montalvo "Villa of the Arts" Center

The Quarry in all sense has great history rooted in it, but the park itself feels unfinished. There are many closed off paths leading higher up the hill, most likely left by miners, but it is a clear sign that this little park has the potential of expanding and becoming a real hiking ground in the near future. At the moment, it only offers a nice little stroll and a nice little history lesson. All it needs is 45 minutes of your time.

Happy Wandering, Alice.