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San Francisco’s wheel of fun (and views!)
SkyStar Wheel, the 150-foot-tall observation attraction in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, has reopened after being shut down for more than three months due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. Last week’s reopening came after health officials moved the city from the purple tier to the less restrictive red one, which allows for the return of a number of public activities.
The 15-story-tall observation wheel is made up of 36 enclosed, “well-ventilated” gondolas, officials say, delivering views stretching from downtown San Francisco to the Pacific Ocean. COVID-19 precautions in effect include “thorough sanitizing of all gondolas between each use; only family and friends will share a gondola; social distancing in queues; onsite handwashing; and temperature testing for staff and riders.”
The attraction was installed in March 2020 as part of celebrations surrounding Golden Gate Park’s 150th anniversary, but the opening date was delayed due to the pandemic. It eventually opened on Oct. 21, delivering over 65,000rides during 39days before closing again on Nov. 29 due to the surge in coronavirus cases.
Details: The SkyStar is located in the Music Concourse plaza near the de Young Museum; hours are noon10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; public parking available 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at the Music Concourse Garage (entrance on Fulton Street); $12-$18; skystarwheel.com.