We have a local organic grocery store called Real Foods 4 blocks away.  Also 3 blocks away there is also a corner store with many essentials open very late and there is a Walgreen's right across the street from this store.  Just walk down Willard Street to Parnassus, turn right and walk to the corner of Stanyan.  There is also a Trader Joe's grocery store on Masonic near Geary, there is a Whole Foods at California at Gough and there will be a Whole Foods coming to Stanyan at Haight in 2010.

 
 

There are over 15 tennis courts within walking distance of the house in Golden Gate Park.  No guarantees on scheduling a game for you, but we have a couple friends that played a bit in college, now in their early 40s that really love to play so if you need a game feel free to ask.

 
 

Lake Tahoe is about a 4 hour drive from the house if the roads are clear.  This season the snow has been outstanding and of course it is nice to come back to San Francisco when it is 67 degrees now in January - lovely and one reason why we have made San Francisco our home.

 
 

We went to the members' pre-opening of the California Academy of Sciences and think that visitors will very much enjoy the exhibits at the academy.  The architecture alone is worth seeing - see the website of the Academy to get an appreciation.  Kids (and parents) enjoyed the T Rex skeleton, a great whale skeleton and several marine exhibits.  There is a swamp and an African wildlife exhibit to name a few.  Our son's favorite though was the two heads snake - I guess my favorite too.  The Academy within a mile from the house so about a 15-20 minute walk or very short drive.

 
 

Located in the Inner Sunset on 9th between Irving and Judah, this is a co-op bakery.  You have to go in the morning and try any of their baked goods but if you want a suggestion, you could enjoy the pecan rolls, the coffee cake, or the banana muffins.  The coffee is also very good.  You can sit at the bakery inside or out and you can also walk down to the Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park (our preference).

 
 

We love the live performances put on by the Buddy Club.  The exhibits are also terrific.  This is very close to the house - either a long walk or a short ride.

http://www.randallmuseum.org

 
 

Two tops picks close by are (in order of proximity):
1. Grattan Playground (about 6 blocks away at Stanyan and Grattan)
2. Children's Playground at Golden Gate Park (see park map)

Other playgrounds close by that we like alot:
Rossi Playground (Arguello and Anza near USF)
Julius Kahn Playground (in the Presidio)

 
 

This is your ticket either out to the ocean (Ocean Beach), to Union Square (connect to cable cars and Fisherman's Wharf), to downtown and the baseball stadium where the San Francisco Giants play (and sometimes concerts are held there as well).

The closest stop is Stanyan and Carl.

For more see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N_Judah

 
 

There is no shortage of dining alternatives in San Francisco.  From the property alone, guests can walk to 3 different neighborhoods that feature outstanding fine and casual dining with every type of fare imaginable.  Cole Street is 4 blocks away, the Inner Sunset is well worth the 10-15 minute walk and Haight Street is a similar distance.  We usually keep menus in the guest house so you have plenty of delivery options in addition to dining out.
Partial list of favorites:
Zazie on Cole Street
Bambinos (Italian) on Cole Street
Arizmendi Bakery on 9th Street at Irving
Crepes on Cole (Carl and Cole)
Siam Lotus - Thai - Haight Street at Cole
Cha Cha Cha - Cuban - Haight Street
Park Chou at 9th Street between Irving and Lincoln
LaAvineda (Mexican) on Irving at 7th Ave
Andy's (Chinese) on Irving between 13th and 14th
Ebisu (sushi) on 9th between Irving and Lincoln

 
 

San Francisco has something for everyone.  No matter how long you stay, there is not enough time to do all the things worth doing.  We wanted to offer some ideas on this page and guests are welcome to add their tips.