Howcast https://howcast.com The best source for fun, free, and useful how-to videos and guides. Fri, 04 Oct 2013 17:15:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://howcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/cropped-305991373_448685880636965_5438840228078552196_n-32x32.png Howcast https://howcast.com 32 32 Visiting the Presidio in San Francisco https://howcast.com/videos/514493-visiting-the-presidio-san-francisco/ Fri, 04 Oct 2013 17:15:43 +0000 https://howcast.com/videos/514493-visiting-the-presidio-san-francisco/

Transcript

San Francisco has many beautiful parks, but the Presidio is the most impressive park in the city.

If you prefer rugged wildlife to manicured gardens, the Presidio is just the park you’re looking for.

The woods in the Presidio are perfect for hiking.

But there’s also plenty to do if you’re not interested in working up a sweat.

On Crissy Field you’ll find restaurants, paved paths for walking and biking, and kid-friendly educational facilities.

There’s the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center, where children can learn about marine ecosystems and get a close look at marine life.

The Crissy Field Center offers an even broader selection of exhibits and educational resources on environmental science.

But if all you want is a good view, the Presidio is actually a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The view of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge can’t be beat.

The Golden Gate Bridge is almost synonymous with San Francisco.

Though crossing the Golden Gate Bridge should be a part of any visit to San Francisco, getting to see it up close is also important too!

The Presidio is a must on your trip to San Francisco.

]]>
Visiting Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco https://howcast.com/videos/514492-visiting-fishermans-wharf-san-francisco/ Fri, 04 Oct 2013 17:11:29 +0000 https://howcast.com/videos/514492-visiting-fishermans-wharf-san-francisco/

Transcript

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s top attractions. It might be considerd a tourist trap, but there’s always plenty to do, whether you want to go shopping or visit one of the city’s more unique museums.

Fisherman’s Wharf is where you’ll find the popular waterfront shopping center Pier 39, it’s the best place to pick up your souvenirs — t-shirts, pens, hats.

Pier 39 is also probably the only place you’ll ever get to see sea lions while you shop.

Fisherman’s Wharf is also a good place to find a meal. Though many chain restaurants are on the wharf these days, independent restaurants are still thriving and some of them have even been around since as far back as the 1920s.

If you like seafood, you’re in luck–you’ll have lots of options to choose from.

Given the proximity to the water, there’s also plenty of live fish around. Visit the Aquarium of the Bay to learn about the wildlife in the San Francisco Bay.

There are also a number of unusual museums in Fisherman’s Wharf. Visit Mechanical Museum where you can play any of the hundreds of old-fashioned penny-arcade games in their collection.

It might be touristy, but a trip to San Francisco is incomplete without paying a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf.

]]>
Visiting the Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco https://howcast.com/videos/514491-visiting-the-yerba-buena-gardens-san-francisco/ Fri, 04 Oct 2013 17:03:28 +0000 https://howcast.com/videos/514491-visiting-the-yerba-buena-gardens-san-francisco/

Transcript

San Franciscans love their parks, and Yerba Buena Gardens is a local favorite. This park covers two city blocks with open space and carefully tended gardens. It’s an escape from the city within the city and it’s also a good destination for those travelling with children.

The park has many kid-friendly amenities, including a vintage carousel, an ice-skating rink, and the Children’s Creativity Museum.

The gardens are also a place to experience local arts. Public art can be found throughout the park. The most notable piece of artwork is the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Fountain. This awe-inspiring monument is made up of shining slabs of glass with excerpts from Dr. King’s speeches inscribed upon them, water flowing over the words.

Yerba Buena Gardens doesn’t limit itself to public art. The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, located right in the park, welcomes all kinds of contemporary artists.

The fine arts are well represented in the Center’s museum, while musicians and dancers take the stage. Independent films of all genres are also given screenings here.

Many of San Francisco’s best museums are also in the vicinity of the park. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Cartoon Art Museum, the Contemporary Jewish Museum and the Museum of the African Diaspora are all minutes away.

The Yerba Buena Gardens’ location and amenities make it a cultural oasis in the middle of the city.

]]>
Top 8 Places to Eat & Drink in San Francisco https://howcast.com/videos/514490-top-8-places-to-eat-drink-san-francisco/ Fri, 04 Oct 2013 16:59:28 +0000 https://howcast.com/videos/514490-top-8-places-to-eat-drink-san-francisco/

Transcript

Boasting a broad variety cuisines from all over the world, San Francisco is the perfect city for foodies.

For the best in fine Californian cuisine, go to Gary Danko. It may be pricey, but the outstanding food and service are worth it. Or indulge in an extravagant French dinner at Fleur de Lys.

Meanwhile, Delfina prepares delicious Italian-style food with seasonal, local ingredients.

Quince takes inspiration from Italian and French cuisines to create delicious new dishes.

For fusion cuisine, Benu is a must. Creative dishes combining local ingredients with Asian flavors and techniques will excite adventurous eaters.

There are also plenty of excellent choices for Chinese food in San Francisco. Go to Ton Kiang for dim sum based on cuisine from the Hakka region of China.

There are also a number of restaurants that have stood the test of time serving simple, regional food. Swan Oyster Depot has been serving delicious, amazingly fresh seafood since 1912, and it’s still as popular as ever and Zuni Café is another established local favorite. Except for a few signature dishes, like the widely praised roast chicken, the menu changes every day.

San Francisco’s restaurants are among the world’s best because they all emphasize creativity, variety, and high quality.

]]>
How to Get Around San Francisco https://howcast.com/videos/514489-how-to-get-around-san-francisco/ Fri, 04 Oct 2013 16:57:12 +0000 https://howcast.com/videos/514489-how-to-get-around-san-francisco/

Transcript

There’s no reason to rent a car in San Francisco.

Traffic is heavy, parking is expensive, and there are plenty of other options.

Most of the neighborhoods are small enough that you can easily get around on foot.

But if you want to get somewhere faster, it’s best to take public transportation.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, or Muni, covers the subway, buses, cable cars, and streetcars.

The Muni system is easy to use and covers the whole city. It’s also cheap. Though cable car rides do cost a bit more.

Many visitors choose to pay extra just for the experience of riding one and if you’re in San Francisco you may as well experience a cable car ride at least once.

You can pay for all rides in cash, or with a pre-paid pass. There are a variety of payment options. Visit sfmta.com for information about payment, schedules, maps, and a trip planner.

The Muni system and your own two feet are probably all you need to get around San Francisco, but if all else fails you can take a taxi. Don’t count on being able to hail a taxi on the street–they can be hard to find. Be sure to call in advance if you think you’ll need a ride. San Francisco taxis are also quite pricey, especially if you happen to get stuck in traffic.

Outside of San Francisco’s taxi situation, you don’t have anything to worry about. There are lots of ways to get around San Francisco easily and cheaply.

]]>
Best Time to Visit San Francisco https://howcast.com/videos/514488-best-time-to-visit-san-francisco/ Fri, 04 Oct 2013 16:55:17 +0000 https://howcast.com/videos/514488-best-time-to-visit-san-francisco/

Transcript

It’s possible to enjoy San Francisco year-round, but you might want to consider the city’s unusual weather when planning your trip.

In any season, San Francisco’s temperature rarely gets lower than 50 degrees or higher than the mid-70s. Summers are usually chilly, with daily highs often below 70.

Fog keeps it from getting sunny for most of the day and winds coming off the Pacific will make you shiver.

If you have your heart set on the beach, San Francisco isn’t for you.

Summer brings the disadvantages of crowds and higher prices due to tourism. Spring will be better in terms of crowds and prices, but don’t expect dry, warm, comfortable days.

If you don’t mind carrying an umbrella, winter is a great time to visit San Francisco. It will be windy and rainy, but it rarely actually freezes and storms are unusual.

Except around the holidays, San Francisco receives the fewest visitors in the winter, so it’s the least expensive time to visit.

But the very best time to visit is in the fall, which is often the warmest and sunniest season. Fall is also outside of peak tourist season, making it less expensive and less crowded.

Whenever you visit, you’ll need to bring a jacket. Even in the warmer months, it tends to get cold quickly as evening sets in.

The unique weather is just one of the things that makes San Francisco such an interesting place to visit.

]]>
Top 8 Museums to Visit in San Francisco https://howcast.com/videos/514487-top-8-museums-to-visit-san-francisco/ Fri, 04 Oct 2013 16:51:49 +0000 https://howcast.com/videos/514487-top-8-museums-to-visit-san-francisco/

Transcript

San Francisco’s museum scene is among the world’s best, in terms of both variety and quality.

The two Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco — The de Young Museum & The Legion of Honor — shouldn’t be missed.

The de Young contains one of the best collections of American art around.

The Legion of Honor, has an excellent collection of European art. The Rodin sculptures are not to be missed.

Visit the Asian Art Museum to see one of the most extensive collections of Asian art in the world. Art and artifacts from a vast number of Asian cultures spanning thousands of years of history can be seen here.

On the other hand, the Contemporary Jewish Museum doesn’t keep a collection at all. This museum focuses on exhibitions, so there’s always something new and current.

But San Francisco’s museums aren’t restricted to art. One of the city’s best museums is the California Academy of Sciences. This extensive natural science museum has an aquarium, a rainforest exhibit, a planetarium, and much more.

The Exploratorium is another great science museum — geared towards kids. The interactive exhibits are educational, fun, and safe even for very young children.

The Mechanical Museum is another interactive museum. Play one of the hundreds of old-fashioned penny-arcade games in the collection.

Finally, visit the Cable Car Museum to learn about the history of San Francisco’s cable cars and how they work.

San Francisco’s museums bring everyone closer to an understanding of life in San Francisco and beyond.

]]>
Top 8 Places to Visit in San Francisco https://howcast.com/videos/514486-top-8-places-to-visit-san-francisco/ Fri, 04 Oct 2013 16:49:20 +0000 https://howcast.com/videos/514486-top-8-places-to-visit-san-francisco/

Transcript

San Francisco is full of world-famous tourist attractions.

The Golden Gate Bridge is almost synonymous with San Francisco. This iconic art deco suspension bridge is easily one of the most famous bridges in the world. Whether you walk or drive, crossing it is a must.

Fisherman’s Wharf is another of San Francisco’s most famous attractions. It might be considered a tourist trap, but there’s always plenty to do, whether you want to shop or visit one of the city’s more unique museums.

If you get hungry, the Ferry Building isn’t far away. The food at this gourmet market will satisfy any foodie’s craving.

San Francisco also boasts several beautiful parks. Dolores Park is small but lively, with a great view of the Mission neighborhood. Lincoln Park is much larger and more rugged, though the park is also home to a golf course and the Legion of Honor museum. There’s also the Yerba Buena Gardens, where you can see the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Fountain while you enjoy the fresh air.

But the Presidio is the most impressive park in the city. The view of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge can’t be beat.

For the best view of San Francisco itself, you’ll have to make the steep climb up to the top of Telegraph Hill. But San Francisco’s diverse and vibrant beauty can be seen from anywhere in the city.

]]>
Top 7 Neighborhoods to Visit in San Francisco https://howcast.com/videos/514485-top-7-neighborhoods-to-visit-san-francisco/ Fri, 04 Oct 2013 16:46:19 +0000 https://howcast.com/videos/514485-top-7-neighborhoods-to-visit-san-francisco/

Transcript

San Francisco is a relatively small city, which is lucky for visitors because there’s a lot to see.

There’s Nob Hill, which has long been one of San Francisco’s wealthiest neighborhoods. If you can afford it, stay in one of the luxurious, historic hotels. If you can’t, pass through to see the grandeur instead.

The Mission district is known for being the heart of San Francisco’s Latin American community. It’s also a great place to go bar-hopping or find a delicious, inexpensive meal.

North Beach is known as San Francisco’s Little Italy. Come here to relax in a cafe and enjoy the old-fashioned European atmosphere.

Right next to North Beach is the much more lively Chinatown. San Francisco’s Chinatown is both the oldest and largest Chinese community in North America. It’s still thriving today as a destination for both tourists and locals.

One of San Francisco’s more famous neighborhoods is the Haight district. There are lots of unique clubs and stores in the Haight, but it’s also a great place for people-watching.

Not far from the Haight is the Castro district. This is America’s oldest and largest Lesbian and Gay community, and it’s one of the liveliest places in San Francisco.

Finally, it might be touristy, but a trip to San Francisco is incomplete without paying a visit to Fisherman’s Wharf. Not all of the restaurants are chains, and there are enough museums to suit anybody’s interests.

San Francisco is such a diverse city, every neighborhood offers a glimpse of a different culture and way of life.

]]>