San Francisco travel guide

 

 

This neighborhood in the Upper Market portion of the city has long been the heart of San Francisco's GLBT community. ... more

This neighborhood in the Upper Market portion of the city has long been the heart of San Francisco's GLBT community. In addition to attending special events and taking historic tours of the Castro, you can also shop at boutiques or catch a movie at the grand and ornate Castro Theater, which has been a neighborhood fixture since 1922. close

 

 

If you want to see it all, spend a couple days following this serpentine loop through the city. It takes in great vie... more

If you want to see it all, spend a couple days following this serpentine loop through the city. It takes in great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and visits nearly every major attraction and neighborhood in the city. You can pick up a map of the route at any of the city's official visitor centers. close

 

 

Labeled as "the crookedest street in San Francisco," this short stretch of Lombard Street on Russian Hill makes eight... more

Labeled as "the crookedest street in San Francisco," this short stretch of Lombard Street on Russian Hill makes eight hairpin turns in one block. There's little to do here but watch drivers negotiate the steep pitch among the impeccably maintained flowerbeds, but that alone makes it a great curiosity for onlookers. close

 

 

East meets West in this, the oldest Chinatown in the United States. As a hub of cultural activity for the city's well... more

East meets West in this, the oldest Chinatown in the United States. As a hub of cultural activity for the city's well-established Chinese community, the neighborhood has plenty to offer including colorful stores along Grant Avenue and delicious dim sum. close

 

 

As one of the only mobile U.S. National Historic Landmarks, the cable cars of San Francisco have become one of the mo... more

As one of the only mobile U.S. National Historic Landmarks, the cable cars of San Francisco have become one of the most enduring attractions in the city. Take the Powell-Hyde line, which is the most scenic. It passes through Union Square and Chinatown and climbs Russian Hill, where views stretch for miles across San Francisco Bay. close

 

 

This bright white tower atop Telegraph Hill lends San Francisco a European feel. Take the elevator to the top for stu... more

This bright white tower atop Telegraph Hill lends San Francisco a European feel. Take the elevator to the top for stunning views, and keep an eye on the lookout for the famous flock of parrots that sometimes perch in the cypress trees along the hill's slopes. close

 

 

For the history of San Francisco's founding and some of the best Latino cuisine in the United States, you have to vis... more

For the history of San Francisco's founding and some of the best Latino cuisine in the United States, you have to visit "The Mission." This enclave south of downtown is where you'll find Mission Dolores, the oldest structure in San Francisco and the sixth of California's famous missions. close

 

 

In addition to being a spacious, grassy park in the heart of the city, Alamo Square is home to the city's most famous... more

In addition to being a spacious, grassy park in the heart of the city, Alamo Square is home to the city's most famous Victorian homes, "The Painted Ladies," which line the park's eastern edge. Their pastel colors mark a stunning contrast to the city skyline in the distance. close

 

 

If you are a first-time visitor, a tour of this former maximum-security prison on an island in San Francisco Bay is a... more

If you are a first-time visitor, a tour of this former maximum-security prison on an island in San Francisco Bay is a must. Here you will discover the stories of Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly and Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz," who was portrayed by Burt Lancaster in a famous 1962 film. The boat ride there includes some of the best views of Golden Gate Bridge. close

 

 

With the likes of Henri Matisse and Diego Rivera gracing its walls, this institution in San Francisco's Yerba Buena n... more

With the likes of Henri Matisse and Diego Rivera gracing its walls, this institution in San Francisco's Yerba Buena neighborhood is one of the premier modern art facilities in the world. However, much of its vibrancy comes the rotating exhibits of contemporary artists, who range in discipline from sculpture to interactive art. close

 

 

Pier 39 is filled with family attractions, but the pick of the bunch is the Aquarium of the Bay, where exhibits — suc... more

Pier 39 is filled with family attractions, but the pick of the bunch is the Aquarium of the Bay, where exhibits — such as a 300-foot glass tunnel under the sea — allow kids to understand San Francisco Bay's incredible ecosystem firsthand. Shark Week is every week at Aquarium of the Bay! There's something ginormous swimming in the water at Aquarium of the Bay. Weighing in at more than 330 pounds and measuring nearly 10 feet, Shirley, Aquarium of the Bay's newest sevengill shark, is the largest in captivity. Get up close and personal with Shirley and the Aquarium's 70 other sharks, 364 days a year. Gain further insight into the largest predators of the San Francisco Bay when the Aquarium's divers feed its nine sevengill sharks on Thursdays and Sundays at 1:30pm. Visit www.aquariumofthebay.com to learn more. Also, Aquarium of the Bay is pleased to announce the return of AquaTots, its unique monthly drop-in program for two-to-five-year olds. AquaTots is held on the second Friday of each month and is free, with paid Aquarium admission. Children and their caregivers can stay for the entire two-hour session or just participate in specific stories, live animal interaction, crafts, songs and games that interest them the most. Each month focuses on a different animal theme: November 14 will feature "Fantastic Fish" and December 12 will showcase "Silly Sea Stars." close

 

 

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is one of the largest urban national parks in the world. Established... more

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is one of the largest urban national parks in the world. Established in 1972, as part of a trend to make national park resources more accessible to urban populations and bring "parks to the people," GGNRA's 75,398 acres of land and water extend north of the Golden Gate Bridge to Tomales Bay in Marin County and south to San Mateo County, encompassing 59 miles of bay and ocean shoreline. These lands represent one of the nation's largest coastal preserves and attract 16 million visitors each year, making GGNRA one of the National Park Service most highly visited units. The park contains numerous historical and cultural resources, including Alcatraz, Marin Headlands, Nike Missile Site, Fort Mason, as well as Muir Woods National Monument, Fort Point National Historic Site and the Presidio of San Francisco. close

 

 

This unique family attraction puts an emphasis on letting children explore their creative sides. Kids can create thei... more

This unique family attraction puts an emphasis on letting children explore their creative sides. Kids can create their own animations, music videos and digital light paintings. close

 

 

With sweeping views of the city and bay, AT&T Park is considered by many to be one of best parks in baseball. During ... more

With sweeping views of the city and bay, AT&T Park is considered by many to be one of best parks in baseball. During Giants games, the it offers the added thrill of watching home runs land in San Francisco Bay just beyond the right field stands. The stadium also holds many special events throughout the year. close

 

 

Bar Crudo is a modern raw bar offering an elegant menu of cooked, chilled, or raw, fresh seafood paired with wine and... more

Bar Crudo is a modern raw bar offering an elegant menu of cooked, chilled, or raw, fresh seafood paired with wine and an extensive selection of Belgian beer. Tucked above Union Square, the charming setting offers intimate dining for seafood enthusiasts. close

 

 

San Franciscans love great food and great wine (understandably since Napa is around the corner), but that doesn't mea... more

San Franciscans love great food and great wine (understandably since Napa is around the corner), but that doesn't mean they also don't love cheap eats. Q seems to blend both passions into one place, with a great wine list and comfort food ranging from portobello risotto to macaroni and cheese with tater tots. close

 

 

Foreign Cinema restaurant offers a daily changing California/Mediterranean-inspired menu in an industrial chic settin... more

Foreign Cinema restaurant offers a daily changing California/Mediterranean-inspired menu in an industrial chic setting located in the heart of the bustling Mission district. Foreign and independent films are also screened in the covered outdoor courtyard. close

 

 

It has been said that dim sum is the ultimate Chinese dining experience, and since San Francisco has one of the large... more

It has been said that dim sum is the ultimate Chinese dining experience, and since San Francisco has one of the largest Chinese populations in North America, it goes without saying that dim sum is everywhere. Yank Sing, located in the South of Market area, is our pick. It has an upscale feel with a dim sum cart loaded with specialty items not found elsewhere. close

 

 

The Slanted Door is a modern Vietnamese restaurant that showcases the abundance of produce as well as ecologically fa... more

The Slanted Door is a modern Vietnamese restaurant that showcases the abundance of produce as well as ecologically farmed meat, game and poultry found at farms around the San Francisco Bay Area. The food, relaxed atmosphere, Riesling-driven wine list, full bar with premium brands and fresh squeezed juices and hard-to-find Chinese teas all speak to the restaurant's originality and commitment to quality. close

 

 

For something a little more offbeat, head to this warehouse turned gallery/bar for art exhibits and DJ-hosted parties. more

For something a little more offbeat, head to this warehouse turned gallery/bar for art exhibits and DJ-hosted parties. close

 

 

This little hot spot in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is the place to go for an airy atmosphere and innovative mixe... more

This little hot spot in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is the place to go for an airy atmosphere and innovative mixed drinks. The menu includes detailed descriptions of each drink's origin. close

 

 

Just west of Union Square is where theater-goers head after dark. Top-flight Broadway shows as well as local producti... more

Just west of Union Square is where theater-goers head after dark. Top-flight Broadway shows as well as local productions are staged throughout the year. The historic Golden Gate and Curran Theatres are venues of particular note. close

 

 

Located in the heart of San Francisco's Marina District, Nectar Wine Lounge brings together the very nectar which fee... more

Located in the heart of San Francisco's Marina District, Nectar Wine Lounge brings together the very nectar which feeds the soul. Their 50 frequently metamorphosing wine selections by the glass span the vastness of the globe and of the palate, and their 900 selection bottle list offers something for even the most adventurous of spirit. Wines are also available for retail purchase. Executive Chef Jason Moniz crafts exquisite and mouth-watering dishes, utilizing a New Californian approach with International fusion. Their small plates tantalize the tongue and bring fullness and life to each wine-pairing. The decor is a stunningly beautiful marriage of chic, New York style with a distinctly San Francisco aesthetic that is at once both warm and cool. close

 

 

Yoshi's Jazz Club and Japanese Restaurant is a 28,000 square-foot, two-story, state-of-the-art venue and features the... more

Yoshi's Jazz Club and Japanese Restaurant is a 28,000 square-foot, two-story, state-of-the-art venue and features the best of local, national and international jazz artists with seating for 417 in the jazz club and nearly 371 in the restaurant and lounge. Yoshi's also offers great dining by Chef Sho, whose creations feature a slightly different version of his modern take on Japanese cuisine. close

 

 

This lovely neighborhood between Alamo Square and Market Street has become the place for boutique shopping in the cit... more

This lovely neighborhood between Alamo Square and Market Street has become the place for boutique shopping in the city. Head to Ver Unica for vintage clothing, Azalea for locally designed and savvy threads and Gimme Shoes for high-quality footwear. close

 

 

For the polar opposite of Union Square, serious shoppers head to the Fillmore neighborhood, where there is hardly a f... more

For the polar opposite of Union Square, serious shoppers head to the Fillmore neighborhood, where there is hardly a franchise in sight. Stop by Nest for handmade quilts or Neja Cosmetics for beauty products. close

 

 

Not to be confused with Union Square, this Victorian row in the northern part of the city offers shopping opportuniti... more

Not to be confused with Union Square, this Victorian row in the northern part of the city offers shopping opportunities in an intimate, neighborhood setting. Of particular interest are the area's collection of jewelers who sell unique necklaces, earrings and bracelets, but there is also a good supply of chain and indie clothing shops. close

 

 

Sometimes its great to have a unique and intimate shopping experience at a boutique. Other times, its just great to h... more

Sometimes its great to have a unique and intimate shopping experience at a boutique. Other times, its just great to have it all. In case of the latter, it's off to Union Square. This hub of activity boasts numerous department stores (think Macy's or Bloomingdale's), international brands (e.g. bebe or H&M) and high-end stores that only the world's style capitals are entitled to have (like Gucci, Chanel or Escada). close

 

 

The Ferry Building Marketplace is a people's marketplace serving residents and travelers alike. Located within the hi... more

The Ferry Building Marketplace is a people's marketplace serving residents and travelers alike. Located within the historic Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street, shops large and small celebrate food in all its forms, offering everything from artisan cheeses to the freshest of local fish. Restaurants and cafes serve cuisine representing the quality and cultural diversity of San Francisco's best chefs. close