12.20.07
From the issue Suddenly Solitude
In Yoda's Hood
It's not part of a college, but it is the only Bay Area campus that's actually in a national park. George Lucas's Letterman Digital Arts Center in San Francisco's Presidio is a great place for a winter afternoon walk—and you don't have to be an employee to enjoy it. The 23 acres of open space have all the goods: loping grass hills with postcard views of the Palace of Fine Arts and the Golden Gate Bridge, a gazebo, meandering paths scattered with benches, and a stone-lined creek that runs into a pond, complete with a water fountain. Check out Yoda in front of Building B. Happy he will be to see you.
TIP: Grab a drink and some specialty "duck buns" at the onsite restaurant and wine bar Pres a Vi. The reasonably priced menu has lots of options—relaxing park views included. Go on a Thursday evening and you'll be treated to live jazz.
The Letterman Digital Arts Center is located on the northeast side of the Presidio. For a map click here.
