San Francisco's South Beach

In the spring of 2000, Giants left-hander Kirk Reuter threw the first pitch at Pacific Bell Park, the ruddy brick stadium (now called AT&T Park) that sits right on San Francisco Bay. The neighborhood has never been the same. Once a sleepy industrial zone, South Beach is now a lively district where you can sip wine, shop for modern furniture, and rent sea kayaks. You can also easily visit the area by ferryboat or train. Check out www.511.org [3] for details on public transit options around the ballpark. Area code is 415.

• Too bad the All-Star Game in July at AT&T Park is sold out. But not all Giants games are. Log on to www.sfgiants.com [4] for tickets.
• Long home runs splash-land in the bay, and you can try to catch one by renting a boat from City Kayak. South Beach Harbor, 357-1010.
• Tres Agaves calls itself a "tequila lounge." The bar mixes what might be the best margaritas in town, and the restaurant spit-roasts chickens basted in citrus tequila sauce. 130 Townsend St., 227-0500.
• It’s easy to spot South Beach Park. A 60-foot-tall red sculpture by renowned American artist Mark di Suvero rises above this grassy stretch. At the park’s south end, pick up the Port Walk, a path that travels between the water and the stadium and goes past a chain-link fence where those who couldn’t get tickets can watch the game for free.
• Even if you can’t afford a $5,000 chandelier dipped in rubber, you should stop in Limn, a modern furniture store stocked with outlandish pieces. 290 Townsend St., 543-5466.
• In a former warehouse with brick walls and iron buttresses, District pours 35 wines by the glass and offers a selection of cheeses, salumi, and small bites. 216 Townsend St., 896-2120.
• Next to the bleachers, the patio at MoMo’s is the most popular place around on game days. Order a glass of pinot noir and the Yankee pot roast—just don’t say "Yankee" too loud. 760 Second St., 227-8660.

Photography by Mitch Tobias

This article was first published in July 2007. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.