Now: Ocean Avenue stretches like a crooked belt over the waist of the city. Walking past the shops and eateries here, one feels something between tranqulity and desolation.
Then: The Cow Palace was completed in 1941, having been built for livestock exhibitions.
How To Get There: The J-Church Muni line and BART both go to Balboa Park, and the K-line runs directly through Ocean Avenue, although both of those are a long ride from the center of the city (BART being the fastest). Traffic isn't heavy in this area, and you can usually stop anywhere along Ocean Avenue if you're driving.
Fruit Barn Produce and Health Food on Ocean Avenue
Ambrosia Bakery
Villa d'Este Italian Cuisine on Ocean Avenue, just east of 19th Avenue
San Jose Avenue and Santa Ynez Avenue, the intersection of the J-Church Muni Balboa Park stop
Balboa Park entrance
Balboa Park at Havelock Street
Ocean View Playground entrance, at Plymouth Avenue and Montana Street
Ocean View Playground
Tennis Courts at Ocean View Playground
Field at Ocean View Playground
Recreation Center at Ocean View Playground
Plymouth Avenue in Ingleside, looking north toward Bernal Heights
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