The Beer Hall

The end of the line, where two operators push the cable car around by hand. Free to stand and watch, and reliably good for ten minutes.

The barracks where immigrants were held from 1910 to 1940, with the poems they left on the walls, a beach and picnic areas, 1.2 miles from the ferry dock.

Union Square hotel with an indoor pool and family suites, a solid pick with school-age kids.

Burritos built to order since 1991, with chips and salsa on the table.

Huge bowls of pho and crisp imperial rolls in a small, no-frills room.

A compact play area with swings and a slide, plus a basketball court and clubhouse that runs year round programs.