Cole Valley and Duboce Park
Escape the hype of Haight-Ashbury by heading a few blocks south to Cole Valley. With its picturesque family homes, small coffee shops, and creative boutiques, it is perhaps the most intimate of all the city's neighborhoods. Stroll to the heart of the district at Cole and Carl streets, then head over the hill to Duboce Park, where the playground draws a friendly local crowd. For a glimpse of quintessential San Francisco, walk down Noe Street: This shady stretch, which runs directly south from the park, is dotted with box gardens, dog walkers, coffee-clutching couples, and public benches that offer a chance to relax and take in the scene.
Eat
Boulange de Cole Valley
1000 Cole St., (415) 242-2442; closed Mondays.
Great for its coffee, tea, croissants, and classic French food, like seasonal quiches.
Burger Meister86 Carl St., (415) 566-1274.
Organic hamburgers and hot dogs, perfect for palates of all ages.
Shop
Egg & the Urban Mercantile
85 Carl St., (415) 564-2248; closed Mondays
Go for home and baby wares, including Japanese paper-animal balloons and graphic plywood place mats.
Do
Duboce Park
50 Scott Street, Duboce St. between Scott St. and Steiner St.
The verdant playground in this neighborhood park has a spongy floor made of recycled tires.
Randall Museum199 Museum Way, (415) 554-9600; closed Mondays
Admission is free at this arts and science museum perched on a hill just up from Duboce Park. Sit outside for breathtaking views; inside kids can pet rabbits and explore the permanent California wildlife exhibit.
Conservatory of FlowersGolden Gate Park, JFK Dr., (415) 666-7001; closed Mondays.
Even locals visit this soaring Victorian glass structure, which houses exotic botanicals from more than 50 countries around the world.
deYoung Museum50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., (415) 750-3600; closed Mondays
Set in a grassy enclave of Golden Gate Park, this art museum was recently rebuilt by famed Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron. Kids can run free in the museum's sculpture and children's garden.
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