San Francisco Civic Center The Civic Center is the hub of San Francisco culture, the heart of local government, and the city's geographic center. Connecting the downtown area to the east with Castro, Sunset, and Richmond neighborhoods to the west, the Civic Center is both a destination and a thoroughfare for visitors and residents alike. Dignified and imposing, the district is the site of some of the City's most significant architecture, including the elegant War Memorial Opera House, the Veteran's Building, the stunning Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, and the Main Library, which together host the majority of the City's cultural events. The Civic Center is also home to the beautifully domed, 55-story City Hall and many official municipal buildings, plus a vibrant array of restaurants and shops. Financial District This heart of high finance boasts a concentration of prominent domestic and international banks, including the corporate headquarters of Wells Fargo and Charles Schwab. Along with numerous other companies, these entities have transformed the area into the "Wall Street of the West." The Pacific Stock Exchange and successful brokerage firms, such as Thomas Weisel Partners and Montgomery Securities, add to San Francisco's status as a financial center. These corporate headquarters, including the landmark Transamerica Pyramid on Columbus Avenue, are bordered by Washington, Market, and Montgomery Streets, and by the Bay. The Financial District is also home to the Embarcadero Center, which offers hundreds of shops, offices, and restaurants to peruse in a modern, multilevel, urban environment. Mission District Centrally located between urban thoroughfares and mellow hillside dwellings, the Mission District stretches along Mission Street from Cesar Chavez (Army) to Market Street, bordered by Dolores Street to the west and Potrero Street to the east. This fast-changing community spreads east from San Francisco's oldest building - Mission Dolores, established in 1776. Dozens of vibrant murals cover building facades and alley walls. For tourists and residents alike, Dolores Park provides spectacular views of the Bay and the city skyline. Visitors are attracted to the Mission's Spanish tapas bars, trendy creperies, and upscale California eateries. In the neighborhood bars and sidewalk cafes, you're as likely to be entertained by a wandering mariachi band as a jukebox. Skyway Whether driving to or from the Peninsula on Highway 101 or across the Bay Bridge on Interstate 80, every commuter traveling to or through San Francisco experiences the James Lick Skyway. Creatively customized, dramatic display units make this heavily traveled strip of roadway the Times Square of the West, and one of the most desirable advertising locations in the country. South of Market South of Market (SOMA) has undergone a major transformation in the last several years. With developers converting industrial space to trendy live-work lofts, new restaurants have prospered and nightclubs are now plentiful. This hot and trendy area is home to Pacific Bell Park, the Metreon Entertainment Complex, Moscone Convention Center/Yerba Buena Center and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). San Francisco's film, video, and multimedia industry also has staked a claim here. Home to the Southern Pacific train depot (Cal Train) and the Transbay bus terminal, SOMA still reigns as San Francisco's transportation hub. Interstate 80, connecting Oakland and San Francisco, traverses SOMA, transporting millions of cars over local rooftops and onto the Bay Bridge. During the day, SOMA is a frenzy of commuters and delivery vehicles, as vehicles make use of every lane and every parking spot at every moment. Union Square The hub of the City's commercial center, Union Square is a tribute to the power of shopping. Department stores such as Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue, signature flagship stores including Levi's and Niketown, and exclusive fashion boutiques are all represented in the area. Fine-art galleries, restaurants, theatres and major hotels also make Union Square a popular destination for visitors.