The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) serves the children living in the city of San Francisco. The ethnic and racial diversity of this large multicultural and multilingual public school system is viewed very positively, readying students for diversity in the “real world.” There are many top universities and colleges in the area, including the University of California at Berkeley and Stanford University. The University of California at San Francisco is a top health and science institution. San Francisco State University is a top school for applied research studies. The Academy of Art College is the largest fully accredited private school of art and design in the nation.

Parks and recreation areas in the Twin Peaks District include Glen Canyon Park. The canyon cuts between neighborhoods and offers hiking and nature study. Red tail hawks fly above the canyon while raccoons, skunks and possums forage below. Islais Creek, one of the last naturally occurring streams in the city, supports native plants such as monkey flowers and coyote brush. Laguna Honda Reservoir is another interesting place to hike. The undeveloped area is home to native plants. Mt. Davidson Park offers hiking and great views from the eastern slope of the mountain. Glen Park Recreation Center offers classes and activities for all ages. Miraloma Playground has a ball field, tennis and volleyball courts, a recreation center, open grass areas and two playgrounds. A tennis court, ball field and play area can be found at Aptos Playground. Golden Gate Heights Park is a green area ready for exploration with lovely views from many of the park’s trails. Grandview Park offers excellent views along with interesting natural features. This park is also among the last habitats for the rare and endangered Dune Tansy and Franciscan Wallflower.

Close to residents in Twin Peak West is Golden Gate Park. Designed by Scottish landscape gardener John McLaren, the park boasts a dozen lakes, plant material from all over the world, and interesting trails. A bison paddock, Dutch windmill, playing fields, tennis courts, a polo stadium and equestrian center, golf course and music concourse offer something for everyone. Golden Gate Park is a great place to watch the sun set, the famous fog roll in, and the Golden Gate and Bay bridges light up. Historic facilities include the Academy of Sciences, DeYoung Museum, Bandshell Pavillion, Beach Chalet and restaurant, the Conservatory of Flowers, and McLaren Lodge. In addition to this, many statuary monuments dot the park.

Lake Merced is near several neighborhoods in Twin Peaks West. Lake Merced consists of North Lake, South Lake, East Lake and Impound Lake. These freshwater lakes are home to a variety of birds and offer fishing, boating, biking, and trails. The Lake Merced Sports Center has a restaurant, bait shop and boat launch. Also nearby is Stonestown Shopping Center, the only “suburban” shopping center in the city of San Francisco. The San Francisco Zoo is also close to Twin Peaks West. More than 1,000 animals and birds are housed in specialized habitats such as Gorilla World, the feline conservancy, and Koala Crossing. The Children’s Zoo includes nature trails, live insect displays, a barnyard and a petting area. Also in the District is Harding Park. Playgrounds, trails, lake access and a public golf course deemed a “hidden gem” after its recent renovation make Harding Park a favorite of all San Franciscans. Sigmund Stern Grove is adjacent to West Portal. This 33-acre park has serene picnic areas, a lake and trails. Concerts are held here throughout the summer.

The arts are important to San Francisco residents. Murals decorate the Mission District and museums are everywhere, housing a vast range of objects. The Cartoon Art Museum features comic books, animated movies and sculpture. The Ansel Adams Center for Photography displays the artist’s works in changing exhibits. The Cable Car Museum is the home of the city’s first cable car, built in 1873. The Pacific Heritage Museum showcases the cultures of people living all around the Pacific Ocean. The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park features a bayside recreation area called Aquatic Park. The Maritime Museum chronicles the history of water transportation from 1800 in models, artifacts and photographs. The Telephone Pioneer Communications Museum contains antique telephones along with switchboards, photographs and memorabilia. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is housed in a modern building designed by Mario Botta. The museum houses a large collection of modern and contemporary art. The Mission San Francisco de Asis was built in 1776 by Father Junipero Serra. The original redwood timbers still stand, lashed together by leather strips. A museum at the mission contains old manuscripts and relics of bygone days.

Also of historical interest is the Grand Pacheco Staircase in Forest Hill. The Grand Pacheco Staircase, which originally served as an entrance to the neighborhood, is considered one of the most elegant stairways in the city.

Professional sports teams in the Bay Area include the National League Giants, the American League Oakland A’s, the National Football League San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders, the NBA Golden State Warriors, and the National Hockey League San Jose Sharks.