While every attempt has been made to ensure the greatest degree of accuracy of the contents within, 20 States on Wheels makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this book and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this book. No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, contents of this book or its URLs to other Internet resources. Reference in this the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by 20 States on Wheels. Many of the photographs used in this book were taken directly by team members of 20 States on Wheels. All photographs not taken by our team members were posted online under Creative Commons 2.0 copyright licensing, and an attribution to the photographer is listed.
for Haley Rue, fellow adventurer, whose spirit lives on.
S F O
San Francisco, CA by Kunho
Before I began this trip, I had met Cyn Cheung only once in my life, at a social entrepreneurship conference at Harvard. She had reached out to us, expressing her interest in joining the team, after seeing a promotional video Brad and I made. We were looking everywhere for additional teammates and were happy to have her. Yes,
had only met for two hours! Cyn was even more brave, as she had never even met either Brad or You-Myeong, and hardly knew me at all. As soon as I arrived in San Francisco, Cyn and I met up and went to pick up the minivan we rented from Hertz. After some initial trouble – the car we had negotiated could not have a hand control installed – we got an upgrade from Hertz to a huge SUV. You-Myeong and Brad arrived two days later. We loaded the trunk with our big suitcases, started our grand journey. we were all burning with excitement and were ple days one of the most memorable sights was the huge Golden Gate Bridge stretching across the bay. We took lots of pictures and thought eagerly about all of the iconic sights we had yet to see. The hills were very steep for wheeling around, but with both Brad and You-Myeong helping we managed to get where we needed to go. At night we stopped by Chistop on our journey to spend to our friends and family back home.
20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
15
Basics Weather San Francisco locals will advise you to bring layers to shed--fog in the morning can bring low temperatures early in the day, while later on the sun will burn through to a warmer clime. Here are some basic guidelines: Spring The weather is unpredictable in this season; prepare for a range of temperatures and degrees of wetness. Bring a rain jacket and umbrella. Summer Morning temperatures around 50s, and afternoons around 70s. Bring a light jacket you can shed.
Autumn Warmer daytime temperatures, up to 80s, though nights can be as cool as 50s. Some say this is the nicest time to visit, with warmer temperatures and sunny days. Pack a light jacket for after sundown. Winter Rainier than summers; temperature may dip below 50s. Bring a jacket and umbrella.
Parking with a Disability Placard California DOES NOT recognize disability placards from other states. To obtain a California disabled parking placard, you must apply for a travel placard at the DMV, good for up to 90 days. For detailed information on the application process to obtain a travel disabled placard in California, see“Obtaining a Disability Placard� under the Planning section (page 6). Drivers with a disability placard or handicap license plate can park for free at regular metered parking except red and yellow topped meters, and are exempt from metered parking time limits in San Francisco. However, even drivers with disability placards cannot park at one place for over 72 hours. Additionally, please be careful where you park, as a placard does not exempt you from tow away restrictions.
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20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA S F O
Accessible Taxi The following are some companies in the area that offer wheelchair accessible taxis. Be sure to make a reservation at least 1 to 2 hours in advance. Although each cab company claims to have many accessible taxis, at any given time each company might actually have only 1-3 wheelchair accessible cabs available. DeSoto Cab Luxor Cab Town Taxi
(415) 970-1303 (415) 282-4141 (415) 401-8900
www.desotogo.com www.luxorcab.com www.sftowntaxi.com
Accessible Van Rental The following are some companies in San Francisco that rent wheelchair accessible vans: Mobility Works of San Francisco, CA Toll-Free: (877) 659-1481 Local: (415) 200-0658 2010 Duane Ave, Santa Clara, California 95054 Mobility Works rents wheelchair accessible vans and offers 1 vehicle with hand controls. Reserve well in advance as this vehicle may be booked for long periods of time. There is an $85 fee for delivery to the airport. Wheelers of California Toll-Free: (877) 358-6722 Local: (831) 722-6804 San Francisco International Airport: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, California 90045 Wheelers rents wheelchair accessible vans but does not offer vehicles with hand controls.
20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
17
Basics Transportation San Francisco’s public transportation system, Muni, offers a variety of services including bus, subway, and historic streetcar and cable car systems. These means of public transportation have varying degrees of accessibility. The bus system is entirely accessible; the subway and historic streetcar systems are partly accessible; the cable car system is not accessible. People with disabilities are eligible for reduced fares. To be eligible for the disability discount, you must carry proof of disability (Medicare card or parking placard) and a photo ID. SFMTA Accessible Services One South Van Ness Avenue, 7th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103 Phone: (415) 701-4485 Fax: (415) 701-4728 TTY: (415) 701-4730 Bus ment areas. Fares: Adults: Youth (5-17): Seniors, Disabled, Medicare patients:
$2.00 $0.75 $0.75
Subway While all underground stations are accessible by elevator, some aboveground stops are not accessible. For underground stations, street level elevators lead down to a concourse level, where signs will direct you to an elevator that leads down to platform level. Fares: Adults: $2.00 map on Youth (5-17): $0.75 next page Seniors, Disabled, Medicare patients: $0.75
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20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA S F O
Subway Accessibility Map See the map below, which only names and labels the accessible stops. Inaccessible stops are represented as unlabeled notches. To see this map in greater detail, visit our website at 20statesonwheels.com/maps
Historic Streetcars San Francisco’s Historic Streetcars run in the F line. These are partially accessible-some stations are accessible and some are not. There are three types of Streetcars. These streetcars run essentially the same routes but differ in the map on historical periods in which they ran. next page Fares: Adults: $2.75 Youth (5-17), Senior (65+), Disabled: $0.75 Children (5 and under): free Cable Car San Francisco’s historic Cable Car system is unfortunately not accessible.
20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
19
Basics Transportation (cont’d)
Historic Streetcars Accessibility Map The map to the right labels accessible stops with the international handicap sign and inaccessible stops with a red x. Accessible stations have lifts or ramps that allow wheelchair users to board the historic streetcars.
Muni Metro F Line Wheelchair Accessible Not Accessible
20
20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA S F O
Beach Wheelchairs If you’re planning to go to the beach while in San Francisco, the following beaches offer special wheelchairs capable of going on sand. All beach wheelMuir Beach and Stinson Beach Phone: (415) 561-4958
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21
Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge, completed in 1937, is a feat of modern engineering.
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA 94129 (415) 921-5858 www.goldengatebridge.org Parking
Hours Price
Southeast Side Visitor Parking Lot lot with designated handicap parking available $0.25 for 15 minutes Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California 94129 Northeast Side Parking Lot (Vista Point) lot with designated handicap parking available free parking (with a four hour limit) US-101, Sausalito, California 94965 Daily 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Southeast Visitor Center) Toll rates for crossing the bridge vary. For current rates: www.goldengatebridge.org/tolls
spanning the Golden Gate strait, is one of the most iconic symbols of San Francisco and one of the Wonders of the Modern World. Particularly stunning views of the bridge are available at two viewing locations, one on the Southeast side of the bridge and one on the Northeast side, which is also known as Vista Point. The easily wheelchair accessible, even with assistance, as it is necessary to hike up a loose, steep gravel path to get to the top. The Southeast side, which is paved and
22
20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA
Twin Peaks is the place to go for a panoramic view of the city.
S F O Courtesy of Marc Liyanage
Twin Peaks 501 Twin Peaks Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94114 (415) 831-6331 www.sfrecpark.org/destination/twin-peaks Bathroom Parking
accessible restroom at Christmas Tree point lot with designated handicap parking at Christmas Tree point
These two elevated mountain peaks are famous for providing one of the best views of the Bay Area. Twin Peaks is composed of a long outdoor observation deck on top of a mountainous route most conveniently reached by car. Park at the lot by Christmas Tree point, where most tourists stop to take pictures of the around the viewing area, but the route to the top of the peaks is too steep for wheelchair users. The weather at Twin Peaks is very changeable, and when it is sure to check that skies will be clear ahead of your visit. Make sure to visit on a clear night for a special view.
Courtesy of Nitesh Aggerwal
20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
23
Attractions Several shops and restaurants open to street level.
San Francisco Chinatown Grant Ave and Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94101 www.sanfranciscochinatown.com Parking
street parking, or parking lots within walking distance (area very hilly, exercise caution)
Chinatown San Francisco is the oldest Chinatown in North America and contains the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. This Chinatown is a charming, well-decorated area with many restaurants and shops. Although the main street is relatively level, the immediate surrounding area is very hilly and steep, and wheelchair users will likely need assistance to reach Chinatown from any of the nearby parking garages. In addition, some of the restaurants and shops here are inaccessible due to stairs at their entrances. With some perseverance, a wheelchair user Be aware that Chinatown’s immediate el restaurants, and most of the shops are open to vicinity is very hilly. street level. Street parking is available, though it and the area around Chinatown is very hilly. Locals enjoy a quiet afternoon with some nice music. San Francisco’s Chinatown has the largest Chinese community outside Asia. 2435 20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA
Union Square 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108 www.visitunionsquaresf.com Entrance Bathroom Parking
Powell and Post Street accessible public restroom at intersection of Powell and Geary Street lot with designated handicap parking available. Enter from Geary or Post Street
The Dewey Monument, completed in 1903, commemorates the Spanish-American War hero Admiral George Dewey.
The square’s immediate vicinity
A famous Macy’s store in Union Square, former headquarters of Macy’s West.
20 States on Wheels 3525 San Francisco, CA
S F O
Attractions San Francisco City Hall, completed in 1915, has the tallest dome in the United States.
San Francisco City Hall 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Pl, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 701-2311 www.sfgsa.org/index.aspx?page=1085 Entrance Bathroom Parking Map Hours
main entrance accessible via exterior ramp (follow accessible signs) and staff-operated stairlift designated handicap street parking available map indicates accessibility Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sat-Sun Closed The historic San Francisco City Hall has been renovated to be fully accessible. Enter through either the front or back entrance, where security will help you up a lift to the main foyer. The center of the building was blocked off to all members of the public when we visited, but otherwise the whole building is accessible to wheelchair users.
Ramps and lifts make the entrance accessible. Ramps and elevators inside the building provide an alternative to stairs. 26
20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA S F O
The famous peace pagoda, built in 1968.
San Francisco Japantown 1610 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115 www.sfjapantown.org
Parking
street parking; some parking lots available within walking distance
San Francisco’s Japantown is one of only three remaining Japantowns in America. Its simple traditional architectural style, with buildings including a ‘Toruser. Street parking is available but this area can get fairly crowded and it may be
The view is best from the bottom of the street.
Lombard Street Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94133 Lombard Street is one of the most famous streets in America. This aesthetically pleasing road, composed of 8 sharp turns on a steep hillbest view is from the bottom of the street looking up. For best results, we recommend getting out of your car and taking pictures at the foot of the hill. Due to the area’s very steep hills, Lombard Street is only feasibly navigable by car. 20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
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Attractions Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 Beach Street & The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133 (415) 981-7437 www.pier39.com Bathroom Parking Map Hours
accessible restrooms are available on the second and the Bay Theatre Pier 39 offers a parking garage with designated handicap parking, and there are several lots in the immediate area. Pier 39 map indicates location of accessible lifts Mon-Sun 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
San Francisco’s Aquarium is located by Pier 39.
Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco’s northern waterfront area, attracts a large number of tourists with lots of seafood and souvenirs, um, Marine Mammal Center and views of California sea lions. The shopping center at Pier 39 is one of the most popular destinations in the Wharf, and offers various shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. An accesis available by the Sea Lion Center. There are several parking garages in the surrounding area. The sidenear the water are easy to
Fresh seafood is sold all along the Wharf!
28
A dock at Fisherman’s Wharf.
20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
large, so you should be prepared to wheel around a fair amount.
San Francisco, CA S F O
In addition to the ferry terminal, the Ferry Building houses many stores and restaurants.
A view of the marketplace from an incoming ferry.
Courtesy of Joe Mabel
Ferry Building Market Place One Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111 (415) 983-8030 www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com Entrance Bathroom Parking Map Hours
fully accessible main entrance accessible restrooms in North and South Ferry Terminals lots with designated handicap parking at Embarcadero and Washington, Pier 1, and 75 Howard. all facilities are accessible but map does not indicate accessibility Mon - Fri 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sat 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sun 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ferry Building Marketplace is a historic market with a variety of shops that sell produce and gourmet artisan food such as bread, cheese, meat, pastries, also two bathrooms located in the North and South Ferry Terminals, both of wheelchair users. 20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
29
Attractions Golden Gate Ferry Ferry Building Marketplace: 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111 (415) 455-2000 www.goldengateferry.org Entrance
accessible ramp offers access to all ferries. Staff assistance available. accessible restrooms in all ferries, and in the terminals at Sausalito and Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco. lots with designated handicap parking in Sausalito, Ferry Building, Embarcadero and Washington, Pier 1, and 75 Howard.
Bathroom Parking Hours
Price
Sausalito to San Francisco Ferry Building Mon - Fri 7:10 a.m. – 7:20 p.m. Sat - Sun 11:20 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. San Francisco Ferry Building to Sausalito Mon - Fri 7:40 a.m. – 7:55 p.m. Sat - Sun 10:40 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Larkspur to San Francisco Ferry Building Mon - Fri 5:45 a.m. – 8:50 p.m. Sat - Sun 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. San Francisco Ferry Building to Larkspur Mon - Fri 6:20 a.m. – 9:35 p.m. Sat - Sun 12:40 a.m. – 7:25 p.m. Full schedule: http://goldengateferry.org/schedules/
Disability Discount - 50% off full adult fare Ticket prices vary by route. Check the website at www.sanfranciscobayferry.com for ticket availability and pricing. The Golden Gate Ferry service provides transportation across the bay to and from Larkspur, Sausalito, Alcatraz Island, and San Francisco City. The most popular attractions are Sausalito and Alcatraz Island. All ferries are accessible by ramp, and the staff will assist you in boarding and leaving the ferry. Inside, all levels are accessible by staff-operated lift. Simply ask to go to the
Besides transport, the ferry offers a beautiful view of the city skyline.
3035 20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
The boarding and smooth. Staff will assist with boarding and embarkation.
San Francisco, CA S F O
Courtesy of Kyle Hawton
Though Sausalito can be very hilly, the waterfront
Sausalito Sausalito Ferry Landing, Humboldt Avenue, Sausalito, CA 94965 www.sausalito.org/pages/ThingsToDo/ While not technically in San Francisco, this charming town across the GoldLocated about a half hour drive from the city center, the drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to the town offers a great view of the mountains and the shining bay. You can also take a ferry to Sausalito from the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Once there, you can enjoy hilly and wheelchair users may need some assistance moving about. The wharf
20 States on Wheels 3531 San Francisco, CA
Attractions
Alcatraz Island was a famous high-security federal prison from 1934-1963, when it held some of the most notorious criminals in American history.
Courtesy of Bruce Cooper
Alcatraz Island Pier 33, 1398 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133 (415) 561-4900 www.alcatrazcruises.com/website/accessibility.aspx Entrance
Bathroom Parking Tours Map
Pier 33 and ferry fully accessible; accessible shuttle provides transport to prison for wheelchair users; some buildings on the island only reachable by “extremely steep� slopes accessible restrooms at the dock and in prison lot with designated handicap parking at Pier 33 Alcatraz Cruises offers several tours, each of which is accessible map indicates tram pickup and dropoff locations, but does not indicate accessibility of routes and buildings
Alcatraz Island, the former high-security federal prison, is today an immensely popular tourist destination. Tickets should be purchased far in advance of your visit; in peak season, tickets can be sold out a month in advance. We ourselves were not able to secure tickets and could not physically visit the island. If you are unable to secure tickets for your stay, you can line up early at the
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20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA S F O
A long hallway of inmates’ cells at the prison.
Courtesy of Dustin Gaffke
A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available at Pier 33, where an accessible ferry will depart for Alcatraz Island. Once at Alcatraz, the walk up the island to the prison is very steep, but a shuttle service provides transport for those with physical disabilities. Due to limited space on the shuttle, wheelchair users can only take one guest on the shuttle with them; other guests will have to walk up to the prison. According to the website, the main prison is accessible plays, bookstores, and the theater are also accessible. However, many areas on the island are described as “extremely steep,” including the Building 64 exhibits, the Morgue Building, and the Check Station. The route from the cell house to the recreation area is only reachable by stairs. Alcatraz Landing does not provide wheelchairs on loan. The map marks pickup and dropoff locations for the accessible tram but does not indicate steepness of routes or accessibility of buildings.
Courtesy of Etsy Ketsy
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Attractions
Stanford University 450 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305 (650) 723-2300 visit.stanford.edu/tours/ Parking Tours
Various lots with designated handicap parking across campus The visitor center offers both walking tours and golf necessary accommodations for people with disabilities.
Map Hours
map indicates accessibility Mon - Fri: 8:30 a.m. Sat - Sun: 10:00 a.m.
-
5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
Stanford lies in Palo Alto, next to Silicon Valley, about a 40 minute drive from San Francisco. The campus itself is huge, but the roads are smooth and well public shuttle service, the Marguerite Shuttle, runs Monday to Friday except on university holidays. 34
20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA S F O
The gate to the Main Quad at Stanford University, one of the most elite institutions of higher learning in the United States.
The free wheelchair accessible bus service provides transport across campus, and to downtown Palo Alto.
Stanford Main
Many buildings here do not have names and are designated only
Quad
The main quad is the heart of Stanford’s campus.
visited locations in Stanford, and is a popular spot for taking picpresident, and several academic buildings. 20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
35
The main entrance of the church is not accessible, and you must enter through the east side (left in this photo).
Stanford Memorial Entrance Bathroom
Church
main entrance not accessible; accessible entrance on east side of the building accessible restroom by east entrance
Stanford’s Memorial Church, designated by the abbreviation “MemChu,� was built in 1903 by Jane Stanford as a memorial to her late husband. The original was destroyed during an earthentrance is not accessible, but there is an alternative accessible entrance on the east side of the building. 36
20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
Attractions
San Francisco, CA S F O
Courtesy of King of Hearts, Tony Jin
Hoover Tower was built in 1941 thanks to a generous donation from President Herbert Hoover.
Stanford Hoover Entrance Bathroom Price Hours
Tower
main entrance not accessible; accessible entrance on west side of building. Contact staff by intercom to open. accessible restroom by hallway to the right of accessible entrance Adults: $3.00 Seniors (65 and older): $2.00 Children (12 and under): $2.00 Daily 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Last Tickets sold at 3:50 p.m.
Hoover Tower was built in 1941 to celebrate Stanford’s 50th anniversary. Today the tower is a famous landmark enjoyed by students, alumni, and the loaccessible by elevator. The main entrance is not accessible, but an alternative accessible entrance with a ramp is located on the west side of the building. This entrance is kept locked, and you will need to ask guest services via intercom to unlock the door. 20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
37
Hotels
in San Francisco
This randomly compiled list displays some of the hotels with accessible rooms in San Francisco.
38
Hotel Name
Star Rating
Address
Phone
Buena Vista Motor Inn
1
1599 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 923-9600
Town House
2
1650 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 885-5163
CitiGarden
2
245 S Airport Blvd South San Francisco, CA, 94080
(650) 589-7200
El Capitan Hotel
2
2361 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 695-1597
La Luna Inn
2
2599 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 346-4664
Hotel North Beach
2
935 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 986-9911
Comfort Inn and Suites SF Airport North
2
121 E Grand Ave South San Francisco, CA 94080
(650) 589-7100
Phoenix Hotel
2
601 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 776-1380
Bay Bridge Inn
2
966 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 397-0657
Hotel Tomo
3
1800 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 921-4000
Hotel Carlton
3
1075 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 673-0242
Club Quarters
3
424 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 392-7400
Hotel Triton
3
342 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 394-0500
The Mosser Hotel
3
54 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 986-4400
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
4
780 Mission St, San Francisco, CA (415) 896-1600 94103
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
4
Hotel Palomar San Francisco
4
The Fairmont San Francisco Hotel
5
20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
345 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 398-1234
12 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 348-1111 950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 772-5000
S F O
# Accessible # with Roll-in Shower Designated Distance to Rooms Showers Accommodations Handicap Parking Downtown (miles) 2
2
built-in bench
yes
1.8
1
0
tub with built-in bench
yes
2.1
12
4
yes
11.2
89
accessible shared restroom
parking not included
1.8
2
2
chair provided
yes
2.7
1
1
built-in bench
parking not included
2.6
10
7
built-in bench
yes
10
2
2
bathroom stools provided
yes
1.8
1
1
yes
1.3
7
3
built-in bench
yes
1.2
1
1
built-in bench
valet parking
1.6
7
7
no designated handicap parking
2.6
3
3
built-in bench
valet parking
2.1
1
1
built-in bench
valet parking
1.8
40
12
built-in bench
valet parking
1.9
21
7
street parking
3.6
7
2
roll-ins w/ built-in bench;
no designated handicap parking
1.8
31
8
built-in bench
yes
2 20 States on Wheels San Francisco, CA
39