It’s always a wee bit distracting when a movie takes place in a city you know very well.  In “So I Married An Axe Murderer”, Nancy Travis’ apartment exists both in North Beach and Russian Hill, depending on the scene.

Thankfully, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” wasn’t too far off.  (Needless to say, some spoilerish stuff ahead.) Sure, they threw in a somewhat gratuitous shot of Twin Peaks, and the cable car scene was amusingly inaccurate.  But, both scenes could be rationalized — Caeser had to figure out how to navigate his team across the Golden Gate Bridge! In related news, Caeser has some commendable visual-spatial intelligence.

If you haven’t taken the smart-juice, here’s my guide to the five local landmarks featured in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”.  The links will take you to my day trips featuring the landmarks, with all the information you need to get there and tips on what to do once you’re there.  Enjoy!

1. The San Francisco Zoo

The first time the San Francisco Zoo comes on screen, it is a much welcome comedic break in the action.  James Franco and Caeser, the latter hidden in a baby stroller, whip around the ape exhibit while the apes, interest piqued, mosey over to check out the new guy.

The San Francisco Zoo is a remarkable place, with overflowing foliage and the Pacific mere feet away.  It’s too bad that Rupert Wyatt, the director, didn’t use that to his advantage.  Perhaps, like with Muir Woods, they merely simulated the Zoo using CGI?

See here: A day trip to the San Francisco Zoo and an Ocean Beach Sunset.

 

2. Muir Woods National Monument, aka “the Redwoods”

If you happened to catch “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” at the Century SF last Friday night, we were the two people laughing out loud at the Muir Woods scenes.  We could accept the idea of an intelligent ape, drinking in the smart juice in utero. James Franco as a neurobiologist, sure.  An ape sanctuary in San Bruno run by Draco Malfoy? If you say so.  But, having Muir Woods all to yourself?  Oh, movie.  That’s just crossing the line.

Where were the hoards of people?  They just parked, in the Muir Woods parking lot, and walked right in?  With a chimpanzee?  What?

This is because the Muir Woods scenes were all CGI’d.  I can’t stress enough that if you’re planning a trip to Muir Woods, get there when it opens. The small parking lot is full by 10am, which means you’ll have to park 6 miles away and take the Muir Woods Shuttle Bus to the park. (It’s also much more romantic and serene in the early morning, when the morning fog is still burning off.)

See here: A day trip to Muir Woods.

 

3. Twin Peaks

One of the coolest scenes is the stampede of apes down the side of Twin Peaks in the middle of the night.  Eerie!  Unlike the “San Bruno Primate Sanctuary” biodome, Twin Peaks actually exists and is one of the best places to take in city views.

You can reach Twin Peaks by car or transit.  There is plenty of parking at the top, and you can get pretty awesome views without any climbing or walking whatsoever, so this is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible.  You can also take the MUNI (Route 48) close to the summit, and hike up the camelback-like peaks.

See here: A day hike to Twin Peaks.

 

4. The Powell Street Cable Car

We may have also laughed when the apes took a ride on the trolley car.  Sometimes, you just need to hop onto the side of a cable car, I suppose, on your way to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Note to travelers: you can’t take a cable car to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Also note: this is because Golden Gate Bridge is not even close to Nob Hill, where that scene takes place.  That was just a bit more Hollywood wizadry.

If you would like to take in the Powell Street cable cars and views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Nob Hill, you’ll have to head 20 stories up, to the Top of the Mark.  It is a great spot for cocktails, appetizers, and watching the sun set behind the Golden Gate Bridge.

See here: A day trip to Union Square and taking in the sunset at Top of the Mark

 

5. The Golden Gate Bridge

Two pivotal scenes involve Caeser taking in the scenery from the top of a redwood tree at Muir Woods.  Since I imagine the forest rangers might take issue with you swinging around the redwood canopy, I recommend two spots where you can take in the same Golden Gate Bridge views.

The first is at Hendrik Point in the Marin Headlands (where I took the above photo).  This is an iconic shot of the Golden Gate Bridge, with San Francisco behind it.  It is an easy drive from the city, and there is plenty of parking.

The second, and more challenging, is Fort Cronkhite, also in the Marin Headlands.  The hike meanders along a ridge overlooking the Pacific and then heads inland.  As you zigzag your way up the cliff, the entire city of San Francisco will come into view, along with an overhead shot of the Golden Gate Bridge.  It’s a terrific hike, with an awesome payoff.

If you’d like to stay in the city, you can also see the bridge up close and personal on this hike from Crissy Fields, under the Golden Gate Bridge, and over to Baker Beach.

See here: Day trips to the Golden Gate Bridge.