As a kid I went to Catholic School and I went to church. Sacred Heart Church at the top of a hill on Fillmore at Fell had a steeple bell that didn't ring too loud but could be seen across many neighbourhoods. The church is part of a complex of buildings completed in 1888 including the Rectory next door, the Convent around the corner and School down the block. All of the buildings could be easily accessed through the playground in the middle of the complex.
In the '60s and '70s, this church was a meeting place for San Francisco State University student activists against the war in Vietnam. The parish complex was the site of the local Black Panther Party Breakfast Program. The United Farmworkers Union started the 1970 lettuce boycott here. It's no wonder that the nuns I remember in school were so badass. This place nurtured revolutions.
Seismic retrofitting was too costly after the 1989 earthquake and the church was closed in 2004. The buildings were eventually sold and the Church of 8 Wheels, founded by David G Miles Jr, debuted in 2013. He's been known as the Godfather of Skating since he moved to SF in 1979. Anything roller skating related around the city, including the fun in Golden Gate Park over the last 40 years, is thanks to him.
Skating lessons are available an hour before the doors open. All ages in the first few hours. Sundays and evenings are adults only. Check the schedule for details. Costumes are optional but encouraged.
Find your way with 157 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
My neighborhood park is San Francisco is "Mountain Lake Park." It's one of our last remaining natural lakes,
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You'll sail completely around Alcatraz and then out to sea, pass other boats, and experience the fog rolling into the Bay—a very cool experience.
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Custom-built in Italy, it features more than 30 colorful animals and is the only bay area carousel with artistic renderings of all the SF landmarks!
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"Trouble Coffee" in San Francisco is a category of its own. Let's say it belongs to the 'badass coffee' category. Makes me feel like a rough surfer girl!
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It's an easy hike with trees, ferns, and other bits of nature surrounding the trail. If you stop and listen, you will hear… nothing.
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"Hook Fish Co" in San Francisco is deep in the Sunset Avenues and is perfect for when you have a hankering for some scrumptious fish tacos!
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The building of the City Hall itself is an architectural wonder. Stand below the dome and wander through the main floor, which is open to the public!
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I love coming to Alamo Square in San Francisco and getting a yummy park coffee from Lady Falcon Coffee Club and their converted 1940s bread truck!
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"The Spire" in The Presidio in San Francisco is one of the many reasons to come visit. A natural skyscraper, it reminds me of Where the Wild Things Are...
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"Saint Frank Coffee" in San Francisco feels like an airy museum on the inside. I always leave with a few bags of coffee and an iced latte in hand...
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I've never been to a cafe that made me feel as if I had been teleported to another place than "Stable Cafe" in San Francisco... Felt like I was in Italy!
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"The Mill SF" with its red brick exterior gets one curious straight away! I come here for their awesome toast, especially the cinnamon sugar toast!
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157 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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