Gracious Mediterranean-style homes, expansive views of the Bay and a precarious foothold on the earth are hallmarks of this sunny, affluent neighborhood, home to the Palace of Fine Arts, the Exploratorium and Fort Mason Center. Marina real estate is at once sought after for its waterfront proximity and warm microclimate and feared because of its instability during earthquakes (the district is built almost entirely on landfill). The Marina 's main drag, Chestnut Street , is one of the trendiest shopping areas in town, particularly for women's fashion. Boutiques are flanked by bustling restaurants, movie theaters, saloons and the beautiful people sipping espresso or margaritas at cheerily crowded bars and cafes. A few blocks north of Chestnut on the waterfront is Marina Green, where sunbathers, volleyball players and kite-flying enthusiasts take in amazing views of the Bay, the harbor and the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Promenade is a 3.5-mile footpath that runs along the shore from Hyde Street Pier to Fort Point; you can pick it up at the end of Marina Green. The trail is a great way to take some of the most scenic and historic sites in the city at a leisurely pace. Map 1, H2