By Josh Sens

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 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 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.