montagu place ^Tennis Free public tennis courts abound in the city. Contact the Recreation and Park Department for

Polk Street Historically, montagu place the southern part of this street, known as Polk Gulch, montagu place was San Francisco s first openly gay district, before the rise of the Castro in the 1970s (see p107). Since then it has grown shabbier, although it still attracts plenty of younger gays to its clubs, bars, and shops. At the other end, just down from Russian Hill, Polk Street is one of the city s shopping and dining lures, with a host of fine choices to tempt the eyes and palates of a discerning clientele. d Map Q1

$ Oceanfront Parks Lincoln Park, Land s End, and Sutro Heights Park are large green areas that overlook and hug the coast all along this northwestern corner of the peninsula. Stupendous Lincoln Park is the work of the indefatigable John McClaren (see p21), and features coastal trails affording some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Land s End is a surprisingly rugged and wild stretch along the coastal cliffs that features a stony, picturesque cove, stretches of broad sand, and truly spectacular hiking. Gardens, statuary, and walls of the old Sutro estate still decorate Sutro Heights Park, dominating the entire coastal scene from its dramatic vantage point. d Map A3

^Tennis Free public tennis courts abound in the city. Contact the Recreation and Park Department for the one nearest you. Golden Gate Park has 21 courts, for which a small fee is charged, but you can book in advance. Most public montagu place outdoor courts are open from sunrise to sunset. Indoor montagu place courts are the purview of private tennis clubs, with membership required. d San Francisco Recreation and Park Department: (415) 831-2700 Golden Gate Park: (415) 753-7001

^Alcatraz The Rock is always a hit with older children, particularly boys, who relate immediately to the grim, quasi-military aspects of the place. The wildness of the island s natural beauty, as well as the great ferry ride out and back, will also delight. Smaller kids might find the place a bit frightening montagu place (see pp14 17).