Fort Mason Center in the Marina

Known as Lower Fort Mason, this 13-acre complex is home to many nonprofits and offers free museums, a bookstore, art galleries and food for your enjoyment. The center consists of five landmark buildings, two pavilions (used for festivals and exhibitions) and a pier with spectacular views.

An Army post since the Civil War era, today Fort Mason is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The warehouse buildings were built in 1912 to hold Army supplies.

Sam Shepard and Michael McClure got their start at Fort Mason Center's Magic Theatre. Greens Restaurant, one of San Francisco's most elegant vegetarian restaurants, is located here. And on Sundays, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Farmers' Market offers flowers, organic produce, pastries and other goodies.

The Visitor Information Center in Building A, where you can get a free map identifying the landmark buildings, and what's in each. Pick up a newsletter, too, if you'd like information about special events. While in Building A, visit the SFMOMA Artists Gallery, where you can not only peruse works of art but also buy them. Promoting Northern California artists, the gallery presents eight exhibitions a year in its main gallery. Look out the large windows to see a wonderful view of ships.

In Building C, visit the free Museo ItaloAmericano to see exhibits of Italian and Italian American culture and art. While there, look at the lovely bronze elephant by Beniamino Bufano. Stop in at Book Bay, a superb used-book store where you can browse an extensive collection of books, music, videos and magazines, all deeply discounted. If you're ready to splurge, you can even find first editions. Also in the bookstore is the Readers Cafe, where you can relax and have Blue Bottle coffee, beer, wine and snacks. Proceeds from the bookstore and the cafe go to the San Francisco Public Library.