Macondray Lane

Macondray Lane is a favorite somewhat secret destination among San Francisco locals. It is located on the south east side of Russian Hill and is a pedestrian lane that offers great views of Alcatraz. It was featured in Tales of the City and called Barbary Lane. It was the home of characters Mary Ann Singleton and Michael Tolliver and is now a popular destination of the book's fans. It is two blocks in length from Taylor to Leavenworth Street. Steps descend at the end of Taylor. Spending time at Macondray Lane is free and a great way to enjoy the temperate San Francisco climate. The street is lined with trees, bushes, and quaint homes, and feels removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. It can be tough to find, so either make your trek with a local familiar with the area or take along a good GPS system. It usually takes about five or ten minutes to walk the lane, but there are many off-shoots of the main street, so plan to stay for a few hours. Views from Macondray Lane are one of the main reasons people head there for a stroll and in addition to Alcatraz, walkers can see Angel Island, the Bay and the town of Marin. A wooden trellis marks the entranceway to the lane and the streets are cobblestone.