Meander off of Marina Boulevard past the St. Francis Yacht Club to the mysterious Wave Organ, a bizarre creation constructed in the mid-1980s out of stonework from an abandoned graveyard. Built on a jetty, the large sculpture attempts to create musical sound by funneling wave reverberations through a number of pipes; high tide is the best time to try and get a listen, but even if you don't hear much the site is a unique escape and offers impressive views of the bay.
One of the city's most unusual bars has to be BrainWash, a place where you can not only do some wash (or drop off some wash or dry-cleaning) but also have some beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverages in a fun and funky atmosphere. To top things off, the combination laundromat/café on Folsom Street also serves up some decent eats, from breakfast standbys to pastas, salads and creative sandwiches.
Movie buffs will savor a night at the Castro Theatre on Castro Street, a grand old art deco palace showcasing classic films plus book signings and other special events. Live pre-show tunes from a Wurlitzer organ adds to retro atmosphere.
For a live show--and gourmet meal--you'll never forget, get tickets for Teatro ZinZanni at Pier 29. Housed in a colorful venue akin to the world's fanciest circus tent, this dining/live entertainment experience blends vaudeville with music and cabaret in an evening that will make you laugh frequently and gasp in amazement as well.
While not exactly an unknown attraction, the Exploratorium is definitely a bit offbeat and all too often overlooked by visiting families. Located on Lyon Street by the Palace of Fine Arts, this cavernous trove of interactive science and technology exhibits will entertain kids of all ages-as well as adults with a spirit of adventure-for hours on end.
Anyone who grew up reading or collecting comic books, or with an interest in graphic novels, manga or anime, will savor a visit to the Cartoon Art Museum on Mission Street. Spurred by an endowment from the late, great Charles Schultz in 1987 the one-of-a-kind attraction contains more than 6,000 original works in its collection and plays perpetual host to an eclectic blend of changing exhibitions as well.
Boasting superb vistas from its perch on Telegraph Hill, Julius' Castle is a regal restaurant dating back to 1922 that is off the beaten path but worth seeking out. Located on a Montgomery Street cul-de-sac only accessible by traversing Union Street on the hill's western slope, the exquisite institution focuses on impeccable steaks, seafood and Italian dishes that live up to the impressive ambiance.
