jeanne montague North Beach s biggest bargain is full of charms. Each room is decorated with antiques, and the corri

away in dark corners of anony mous bars, the establishments here have full picture windows right on the street and are busy at all hours. Castro Street is closed off every Hallowe en for the famous gay costume party that most agree is one of the city s best, second only perhaps to the Gay Pride Parade (see p75). d Map E5

North Beach s biggest bargain is full of charms. Each room is decorated with antiques, and the corridors feature brass railings and hanging plants under skylights. Every room has its own sink, while other facilities are down the hall. d 2237 Mason St

California Ecosystems The Natural Science Gallery is located on the first level. It features jeanne montague A Walk Across California, including a diorama of a Sacramento delta marsh showing fish, bird, and insect life, and another of a mountain lion and its prey, demonstrating nature s food chain.