Images of San Francisco

San Francisco Maps

Experience San Francisco

Exploring San Francisco

Where to Eat

Where to Stay

Performing Arts

Nightlife

Sports and the Outdoors

Shopping

Marin County, Berkeley, and Oakland

Wine Country

Travel Smart

About Our Writers

Credits and Copyright

Main Table of Contents

EXPERIENCE SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco Neighborhoods: West

San Francisco Neighborhoods: East

A Waterfront Walk

EXPLORING SAN FRANCISCO

Union Square and Chinatown

SoMa

Civic Center

Nob Hill and Russian Hill

North Beach

On the Waterfront

The Presidio

The Western Shoreline

The Haight, the Castro and Noe Valley

Mission District

Pacific Heights and Japantown

SHOPPING

Shopping: Union Square

Shopping: The Haight

Shopping: The Mission and Noe Valley

MARIN COUNTY, BERKELEY, AND OAKLAND

Marin County

WINE COUNTRY

Napa Valley

Sonoma Valley: Sonoma to Santa Rosa

Sonoma Valley: Santa Rosa to Healdsburg

Main Table of Contents

San Francisco Today

San Francisco Planner

What’s Where

San Francisco Top Attractions

Local for a Day

San Francisco with Kids

Top Walking Tours

A Waterfront Walk: the Ferry Building to Fisherman’s Wharf

Great Itineraries

Free and Almost Free

Offbeat SF

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The quintessential boomtown, San Francisco has been alternately riding high and crashing since the gold rush. Those bearish during the heady days of the dot-com bubble had barely finished dancing on the grave of the Internet economy when biotech rode into town, turning bust to boom once again before the housing market downturn brought the city’s previously stratospheric median home price right back down to earth and the nationwide economic downturn saw unemployment rates at 9.5%. So which San Francisco will you find when you come to town? A reversal of fortune is always possible, but here’s a snapshot of what the city’s like—for now, anyway.

TODAY’S SAN FRANCISCO:

. . . is just as liberal as you’ve heard. Baghdad by the Bay, Sodom by the Sea: prudish types have been pegging San Francisco as a bastion of sexy liberalism since the town first rolled out the welcome mat. And we do tend to espouse a pretty live-and-let-live attitude here. Health insurance for city employees has covered gender-reassignment surgery since 2001. We voted in 2005 to ban handguns and city supervisors banned Happy Meals (“nutritionally deficient meals with toys”) in 2010; we have a female fire chief, Joanne Hayes-White; and our biggest bash of the year is June’s Gay Pride celebration, when roughly a million people descend on the city to party. Revered politician Nancy Pelosi, a favorite target of House Republicans, can still count on a huge popular majority at home.

. . . embraces its eccentrics. If a 6-foot-tall transvestite in evening wear doesn’t merit a second look, just what does it take to stand out in this town? If history serves, it takes quirkiness and staying power. For instance, back in the 19th century a San Francisco businessman declared himself Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. Instead of shipping him off to a nice, quiet place, San Franciscans became his willing subjects, police officers saluted him, and newspapers printed his proclamations (among them that the Democrats and Republicans be abolished for bickering).

Today the Brown Twins, ladies of a certain age who dress alike in eye-catching outfits and are always together, have their own place on the list of San Francisco icons. There’s also Pink Man, who rides a unicycle wearing a hot pink unitard and cape. (He says you can tell someone’s a local when “they don’t balk at Pink Man.”)

One of the most celebrated eccentrics is Frank Chu, a middle-aged guy in a frumpy suit who’s been faithfully carrying a picket sign around the Financial District since the 1990s. He accuses various politicians of being in cahoots and keeping millions of dollars from him and the population of the “12 galaxies.” The city’s response? Politicians and local businesses buy ad space on the back of his sign, and fans named a (now defunct) bar 12 Galaxies in tribute and created an online Frank Chu–style sign generator (acme.com/chumaker).

. . . may be exploring the limits of its tolerance. The sight of homeless folks camped out in doorways and parks has long been familiar in the city, but voters finally reached the end of their ropes. In 2010 they narrowly passed a law, aimed straight at panhandlers and the kids that line Haight Street, that makes it illegal to sit or lie on city sidewalks between 7 am and 11 pm. Looks like even laid-back San Franciscans have a limit to their tolerance. Even the city’s quirky annual Bay to Breakers race, known for nudity and merriment as well as drunkenness and public urination, has had to grow up and clean up its act after neighbors finally tired of chasing inebriated participants off their property. Grown up doesn’t have to mean stuffy, though—participants are still free to run naked.

. . . is reshaping its downtown. Limited by its geography, San Francisco simply has nowhere to go but up. The sprawling area south of Market Street was long an industrial center, but since that industry has dried up, new high-rise developments are underway. Plot the nascent high-rises on a map and you can see a radical shift southward, stretching from Mission Street to Mission Bay (where UCSF’s 43-acre medical and biotech campus is rising). More than 20 towers are in the works, several of which will eclipse the city’s current tallest building, the 853-foot Transamerica Pyramid.

Got your bearings? Then join the locals as they constantly check the pulse of the city. Although the frenzied adrenaline rush of the dot-com era has died down, a new wave of energy is gathering.

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San-Francisco Temperatures | Weather | Getting Around | Festivals and Parades | 5 Helpful SF Websites | . . . and three more just for ha-has

You can visit San Francisco comfortably any time of year. Possibly the best time is September and October, when the city’s summerlike weather brings outdoor concerts and festivals. The climate here always feels Mediterranean and moderate—with a foggy, sometimes chilly bite. The temperature rarely drops below 40°F, and anything warmer than 80°F is considered a heat wave. Be prepared for rain in winter, especially December and January. Winds off the ocean can add to the chill factor. That old joke about summer in SF feeling like winter is true at heart, but once you move inland, it gets warmer. (And some locals swear that the thermostat has inched up in recent years.)

SAN FRANCISCO TEMPERATURES

Jan.

56F

13C

May

64F

17C

Sept.

70F

21C

46F

08C

51F

10C

56F

13C

Feb.

60F

15C

June

66F

19C

Oct.

69F

20C

48F

09C

53F

11C

55F

13C

Mar.

61F

16C

July

66F

19C

Nov.

64F

18C

49F

09C

54F

12C

51F

10C

Apr.

63F

17C

Aug.

66F

19C

Dec.

57F

14C

50F

10C

54F

12C

47F

08C

WEATHER

Thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco has remarkably consistent weather throughout the year. The average high is 63°F and the average low is 51°F. Summer comes late in San Francisco, which sees its warmest days in September and October. On average, the city gets 20 inches of rainfall a year, most of it in the December-to-March period.

GETTING AROUND

Walking: San Francisco rewards walking, and the areas that most visitors cover are easy (and safe) to reach on foot. However, many neighborhoods have steep—make that steep—hills. In some areas the sidewalk is carved into steps; a place that seems just a few blocks away might be a real hike, depending on the grade. When your calves ache, you’re that much closer to being a local.

By Subway: BART is San Francisco’s subway, limited to one straight line through the city. Within the city, it’s a handy way to get to the Mission or perhaps Civic Center. BART is most useful for reaching the East Bay or SFO and Oakland’s airport. There are no special visitor passes for BART; within town a ticket runs $1.75.

On Muni: Muni includes the city’s extensive system of buses, electric streetcars, nostalgic F-line trolleys, and cable cars. The trolleys and cable cars are a pleasure for the ride alone, and they run in well-traveled areas like Market Street and, in the case of the cable cars, the hills from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. Basic fare for the bus, streetcars, and trolleys is $2; cable-car tickets cost $6 one-way. At $14, a one-day Muni Passport, which includes cable car rides, is a great deal.

By Car or Taxi: Considering its precipitous hills, one-way streets, and infuriating dearth of parking, San Francisco is not a good place to drive yourself. Taxis, however, can come in very handy. Call one or hail one on the street; they tend to cluster around downtown hotels.

FESTIVALS AND PARADES

San Francisco’s major parades and festivals are notoriously creative, energetic, and often off-the-wall. Among the hundreds of events on the city’s annual calendar, here are the ones that are especially characteristic and fun.

Chinese New Year, February. This celebration in North America’s largest Chinatown lasts for almost three weeks. The grand finale is the spectacularly loud, crowded, and colorful Golden Dragon Parade, which rocks with firecrackers. If you don’t want to stand on the sidewalk for hours in advance, buy bleacher seats. Contact the Chinese Chamber of Commerce (415/982–3071 | www.chineseparade.com) for more info.

St. Patrick’s Day, March. Held on the Saturday closest to March 17, the festival includes snake races and a parade through downtown.

St. Stupid’s Day Parade, April. The First Church of the Last Laugh (www.saintstupid.com) holds this fantastically funny event on—when else?—April 1. Hundreds of people wander through the Financial District dressed in elaborate costumes (although there are fewer drag queens than on Halloween). Parade-goers toss socks at the Stock Exchange and sing their way down Columbus Avenue.

San Francisco International Film Festival, April–May. The country’s longest-running film festival packs in audiences with premieres, international films, and rarities. Check the listings (415/561–5000 | www.sfiff.org) well in advance; screenings can sell out quickly.

Cinco de Mayo Festival, May. On the Sunday closest to May 5, the Mission District boils with activity, including a vibrant parade, Mexican music, and dancing in the streets.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Celebration, June. More than half a million people come to join the world’s largest pride event, with a downtown parade roaring to a start by leather-clad Dykes on Bikes. If you’re visiting around this time—June 29–30, 2013—book your hotel far ahead (415/864–0831 | www.sfpride.org).

San Francisco Open Studios, October. More than 700 artists open their studios to the public. It’s a great window into the local fine-arts scene (415/861–9838 | www.artspan.org).

Dance-Along Nutcracker, December. This holiday tradition, part spoof and part warmhearted family event, was started by the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band (www.sflgfb.org). You can join the dancers onstage or simply toss snowflakes from the audience.

5 HELPFUL SF WEBSITES . . .

Check out these online options—besides our own www.fodors.com.

www.sanfrancisco.travel for the San Francisco visitor bureau.

www.sfgate.com from the major daily newspaper, especially www.sfgate.com/sfguide (for city neighborhoods and events) and www.sfgate.com/entertainment (for entertainment articles and listings).

www.sfist.com for a daily feed of local news, gossip, and SF preoccupations.

www.mistersf.com for a passionate local’s rundown on favorite local spots and city FAQs.

www.sfstation.com for daily listings on all sorts of events, restaurants, clubs, etc.

. . . AND THREE MORE JUST FOR HA-HAS

www.burritoeater.com for opinionated reviews of Bay Area burritos.

www.ibabuzz.com/bottomsup for all things beer and wine in the city.

www.quirkysanfrancisco.com for gorgeous photos of off-the-beaten-path gems.

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Union Square. Home to a tourism trifecta: hotels, public transportation, and shopping. There are more hotel beds here than in any other neighborhood in the city; several transit options converge, including the cable cars. The square itself is dominated by flagship stores, but if you’re not a shopper, this area may bore you.

Chinatown. Live fish flopping around on ice; the scent of incense, cigarettes, and vanilla; bargains announced in myriad Chinese dialects . . . you’ll feel that you should have brought your passport.

SoMa. Anchored by SFMOMA and Yerba Buena Gardens, SoMa is a once-industrial neighborhood that’s in transition. Luxury condos and stylish restaurants abound and cool dance clubs draw the bridge-and-tunnel crowd, but some parts are still gritty.

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Civic Center. Monumental city government buildings and performing-arts venues dominate, but it’s also a chronic homeless magnet. Locals love Hayes Valley, the chic little neighborhood west of City Hall.

Nob Hill. Topped by staid and elegant behemoths, hotels that ooze reserve and breeding, Nob Hill is old-money San Francisco.

Russian Hill. These steep streets hold a vibrant, classy neighborhood that’s very au courant. Locals flock to Polk and Hyde streets, the hill’s main commercial avenues, for excellent neighborhood eateries and fantastic window-shopping.

North Beach. The city’s small Italian neighborhood makes even locals feel like they’re on holiday. In the morning fresh focaccia beckons, and there are few better ways to laze away an afternoon than in one of North Beach’s cafés.

Embarcadero. The city’s northeastern waterfront is anchored at the foot of Market Street by the exquisitely restored Ferry Building. The promenade that starts in back has great views of the bay and the Bay Bridge.

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The Northern Waterfront. Wandering the shops and so-called attractions of Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square, the only locals you’ll meet will be the ones with visitors in tow. Everything here is designed for tourists, so if you’re looking for a souvenir shop . . .

Jackson Square. For history buffs and antiques lovers, this upscale corner of the Financial District is a pleasant diversion.

The Marina. With fine-wine shops, trendy boutiques, fashionable cafés and restaurants, and pricey waterfront homes, the Marina is San Francisco’s yuppiest neighborhood. It’s also home to the exquisite 1915 Palace of Fine Arts.

The Presidio. Locals come to the Presidio, the wooded shoreline park just west of the Marina, for a quick in-town getaway, the spirit lift only an amble on the sand in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge can provide.

Golden Gate Park. Covering more than 1,000 acres of greenery, with sports fields, windmills, museums, gardens, and a few buffalo thrown in for good measure, Golden Gate Park is San Francisco’s backyard.

The Western Shoreline. A natural gem underappreciated by locals and visitors alike, the city’s windswept Pacific shore stretches for miles.

The Haight. If you’re looking for ‘60s souvenirs, you can find them here, along with some of the loveliest Victorians in town (and aggressive panhandling). Hip locals come for the great secondhand shops, cheap brunch, and low-key bars and cafés.

The Castro. Yes, it’s proudly rainbow-flag-waving, in-your-face fab, but the Castro is a friendly neighborhood that welcomes visitors of all stripes. Shop the trendy boutiques, and catch a film at the truly noteworthy Castro Theatre.

Noe Valley. A cute, pricey neighborhood favored by young families. The main strip, 24th Street, is lined with coffee shops, eateries, and boutiques selling fancy bath products and trendy children’s clothing.

The Mission District. When the sun sets, people descend on the Mission from all over the Bay Area for destination restaurants, excellent bargain-price ethnic eateries, and the hippest bar scene around.

Pacific Heights. This neighborhood has some of San Francisco’s most opulent real estate—but in most cases you’ll have to be content with an exterior view.

Japantown. A tight-knit Japanese-American population supports this area, of interest to outsiders mostly for the ethnic shopping and dining opportunities of the Japan Center and the small streets just north.

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GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

San Francisco’s signature International Orange entryway is the city’s majestic background, and about 10 million people a year head to the bridge for an up-close look. Walking the 1.7 miles to Marin County—inches from roaring traffic, steel shaking beneath your feet, and a far-too-low railing between you and the water 200 feet below—is much more than a superlative photo op (though it’s that, too).

ALCATRAZ

Considering how many movies have been set here, you might feel that you’ve already “been there, done that”—but you really shouldn’t miss a trip to America’s most infamous federal pen. Husky-throated onetime inmates and grizzled former guards bring the Rock to life on the wonderful audio tour; you’ll hear yarns about desperate escape attempts and notorious crooks like Al Capone while you walk the cold cement cellblock. But it’s not all doom and gloom: you’ll enjoy stunning views of the city skyline on the ferry ride to and from the island.

FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Once part of a thriving fishing industry, Fisherman’s Wharf has deteriorated into a giant harpoon aimed straight at your wallet. Throngs from all over the world come to hear the sea lions bark; buy cheap T-shirts; and chow down on overpriced, mediocre food. It’s all an utter mystery to locals, who don’t come here. Ever. See the magnificent historic ships at the Hyde Street Pier, then take your money and run.

GOLDEN GATE PARK

It may be world famous, but first and foremost the park is the city’s backyard. Come here any day of the week and you’ll find a microcosm of San Francisco, from the Russian senior citizens feeding the pigeons at Stow Lake and the moms pushing strollers through the botanical gardens to school kids exploring the fabulous California Academy of Sciences and arts boosters checking out the latest at the de Young Museum. Be sure to visit the park’s iconic treasures, including the serene Japanese Tea Garden and the beautiful Victorian Conservatory of Flowers. If you have the time to venture farther into this urban oasis, you’ll discover less-accessible gems like the Beach Chalet and the wild western shores of Ocean Beach.

CABLE CARS

You’ve already seen them (on the big screen, in magazines, and, admit it, on the Rice-a-Roni box). And considering a ticket costs $6 a pop, do you really need to ride a cable car? Yes, you do, at least once during your visit. Flag down a Powell–Hyde car along Powell Street, grab the pole, and clatter and jiggle up mansion-topped Nob Hill. Crest the hill, and hold on for the hair-raising descent to Fisherman’s Wharf, with sun glittering off the bay and Alcatraz bobbing in the distance. Don’t deny it—this would be a deal at twice the price.

PALACE OF FINE ARTS

Perched on a swan-filled lagoon near the Marina’s yacht harbor, this stirringly beautiful terra-cotta-color domed structure has an otherworldly quality about it. Built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition and newly restored, the palace is a San Francisco architect’s version of a Roman ruin, and it’s been eliciting gasps for almost a century. Try to see it from the water.

COIT TOWER

Most people assume that this stubby white tower atop Telegraph Hill is supposed to look like a fire-hose nozzle. And considering that a fire truck–chasing, cross-dressing 19th-century socialite donated the funds to build it, maybe it is. The tower itself is of vague interest—it does house the history of San Francisco in murals—but the parking lot at its base and tiny park out back have fantastic views of the city and the bay. The tower sits at the top of Telegraph Hill’s Filbert Steps, a steep stairway through glorious gardens with vistas of transcendent beauty, an only–in–San Francisco spot locals cherish.

FERRY BUILDING

Foodies rejoice! The historic Ferry Building is stuffed to the brim with all things tasty, including cafés, restaurants, a farmers’ market, and merchants peddling everything from wine and olive oil to oysters and mushrooms. The building backs up to the bay, so the views are great—but they’re even better from the decks of the departing ferries.

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

One look at the building’s monumental exterior—glass, glass, and more glass, all topped with 2½ acres of native plants on its undulating living roof—and you’ll know this isn’t just another science museum. Super-funky architecture and “green” everything (denim as insulation and rechargeable vehicle stations) enclose a full day’s diversions. Visit Claude, the languid albino crocodile, a waddle of penguins, a four-story walk-through rain forest complete with free-flying butterflies, a planetarium, a good, old-fashioned natural-history hall, and more.

WINE COUNTRY

You don’t need to be a connoisseur to enjoy a trip to Napa or Sonoma . . . or both (hey, you’re on vacation). But there’s more to a Wine Country visit than vineyard tours and tastings: landmark restaurants, breathtaking scenery, fantastic artwork, hot-air-balloon rides, and secluded boutique hotels. And when you’re ready for a break, a great glass of wine is never that far out of reach.

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Want to get a slice of local life by just hanging out, skipping the sightseeing? These experiences will let you pretend you’re a San Franciscan, without a whopping rent check.

SHOP THE FERRY PLAZA FARMERS’ MARKET

Roll out of bed and make your way to the Ferry Building—preferably on a Saturday—to join locals and celebrity chefs on a taste bud–driven raid. Out front, farmer-run stands showcase the Bay Area’s finest organic, free-range, locavore goods. The indoor stalls will keep your mouth watering with artisanal cheeses, chocolates, and luscious pastries. Snag some takeaway food and perfectly ripe fruit for a picnic.

STRETCH YOUR LEGS IN THE PRESIDIO

Spend a few hours wandering around this former military base at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. The park is redeveloping the old military buildings, along with ball fields and other rec areas. Join people walking their dogs on the wooded hiking trails, or amble the paths along the sand of Crissy Field, then get in line for a cocoa at the Warming Hut.

HANG OUT IN HAYES VALLEY

Long beloved of artsy, cutting-edge locals, this quarter of cool cafés and high-design boutiques is either coming into its own or getting too big for its britches, depending on whom you ask. The renovation of Octavia Boulevard, one of this neighborhood’s main arteries, makes Hayes Valley even busier. Grab a coffee from local cult microroasters Blue Bottle Coffee or a brew at the new Suppenküche Biergarten and check out the latest temporary art installation in Patricia’s Green, the petite community park.

FIND A QUIET BEACH

Leave the beach near Fisherman’s Wharf far behind and seek out these two instead. Breezy Baker Beach, tucked against the cliffs just south of the Golden Gate Bridge, is known for its bridge and ocean views—and its nudists, those hardy souls. A bit farther south, nestled in ultra-pricey Seacliff, is China Beach, a smaller, more secluded spot that’s never crowded.

LINGER OVER BREAKFAST

Notoriously food-centric San Franciscans are big on the most important meal of the day. The lines at popular breakfast places can be just as long as those at the hottest nightspots. Some longtime favorites include:

Mama’s.

The line forms early at this tried-and-true diner. | 1701 Stockton St. , at Filbert St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/362–6421.

Kate’s Kitchen.

Heaping plates of Southern-inspired fare take the edge off a hairy-tongued Lower Haight morning after. | 471 Haight St. , near Fillmore St., Lower Haight | 94117 | 415/626–3984.

Ella’s.

Oatmeal and chicken hash are served alongside gussied-up standbys like brandied French toast. | 500 Presidio Ave. , at California St., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/441–5669.

NURSE A COFFEE

Spend a few hours in the right independent café or coffeehouse and you’ll feel like you’re in a neighborhood living room. Come for a jolt of java, sometimes a reasonably priced meal, and usually Wi-Fi. Stay all afternoon—nobody minds—and you’ll see the best reflection of a microcommunity.

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ON THE MOVE

Cable Cars. This one’s a no-brainer. But don’t miss the Cable Car Terminus at Powell and Market streets, where conductors push the iconic cars on giant turntables, and the Cable Car Museum, where you can see how cable cars work.

Adventure Cat Sailing. Them: playing on the trampoline at the bow of this 55-foot catamaran. You: enjoying a drink and the bay sunset on the stern deck.

F-Line Trolleys. Thomas the Tank Engine fan in tow? Hop on one of the F-line’s neat historic streetcars. TIP Bonus: this line connects other kid-friendly sights, like Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and the San Francisco Railway Museum.

SNEAK IN SOME CULTURE

Stern Grove Festival. Enjoying a delicious picnic in a eucalyptus grove, your kids might not even complain that they’re listening to—gasp—classical music (or Latin jazz, or opera).

ODC/San Francisco. Best known for its holiday production of The Velveteen Rabbit, the dance troupe also holds other performances throughout the year.

San Francisco Mime Troupe. We know, it sounds lame. But these aren’t your father’s mimes, or mimes at all. In fact, they’re a vocal political theater troupe that gives family-friendly outdoor performances.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Muir Woods. If these massive trees look tall to you, imagine seeing them from 2 or 4 feet lower.

Stow Lake. When feeding bread to the ducks gets old (like that’s ever going to happen), you can rent a rowboat or paddleboat.

Golden Gate Promenade. If your kids can handle a 3.3-mile walk, this one’s a beauty—winding from Aquatic Park Beach, through the Presidio, to Fort Point Pier near the base of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Aquatic Park Beach. Does your brood include a wannabe Michael Phelps? Then head to this popular beach, one of the few places around the city where it’s safe to swim. TIP Many other Bay Area beaches have powerful currents that make swimming dangerous.

JUST PLAIN FUN

AT&T Park. Emerald grass, a sun-kissed day, a hot dog in your hand . . . and suddenly, you’re 10 again, too.

Dim Sum. A rolling buffet for which kids point and pick—likely an instant hit.

Fisherman’s Wharf, Hyde Street Pier, Ghirardelli Square, and Pier 39. The phrase “tourist trap” may come to mind, but in this area you can get a shrimp cocktail, clamber around old ships, snack on chocolate, and laugh at the sea lions.

Musée Mécanique. How did people entertain themselves before Wii (or TV)? Come here to find out.

Rooftop @ Yerba Buena Gardens. Head here for ice-skating, bowling, a carousel, a playground, and the Children’s Creativity Museum, a hands-on arts-and-technology center.

San Francisco Zoo. Between Grizzly Gulch, Lemur Forest, and Koala Crossing, you can make a day of it.

LEARN A THING OR TWO

California Academy of Sciences. Dinosaurs, penguins, free-flying rainforest butterflies, giant snakes . . . what’s not to like?

Exploratorium. A very hands-on science museum, including the full-immersion Tactile Dome.

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All About Chinatown.

A delightful “behind-the-scenes” look at the neighborhood. Owner Linda Lee and her guides stop in Ross Alley and at a Buddhist temple. At herbal and food markets you’ll learn the therapeutic benefits of fish stomachs and ponder uses for live partridges. | 415/982–8839 | www.allaboutchinatown.com.

Chinatown Alleyway Tours.

To learn about the modern Chinatown community, join up with one of these young guides. Tour leaders, who all grew up here, discuss Chinatown’s history and current social issues. | 415/984–1478 | www.chinatownalleywaytours.org.

Don Herron’s Dashiell Hammett Tour.

Brush up on your noir slang and join trench-coated guide Herron for a walk by the mystery writer’s haunts and the locations from some of Hammett’s novels. At four hours for $10, it’s one of the best deals going. | www.donherron.com.

Foot! Comedy Walking Tours.

You’ll likely find yourself breathless with laughter, not just gasping after a steep hill. The tour leaders are all moonlighting pro comedians; they’ve got offerings like the Nob Hill tour “Hobnobbing With Gobs of Snobs.” | 415/793–5378 | www.foottours.com.

Local Tastes of the City Tours.

If you want to aggressively snack your way through a neighborhood as you walk it, consider hanging with cookbook author Tom Medin. You’ll learn why certain things just taste better in San Francisco—like coffee and anything baked with sourdough—and you’ll get tips about how to find good food once you get back home. Along the way, you’ll gorge yourself into oblivion: the North Beach tour, for instance, might include multiple stops for coffee and baked goods. | 415/665–0480, 888/358–8687 | www.localtastesofthecitytours.com.

Precita Eyes Mural Walks.

For an insider’s look at the Mission District’s vibrant murals, this is the place to call. The nonprofit organization has nurtured this local art form from the get-go, and the folks here stay on top of the latest additions. | 415/285–2287 | www.precitaeyes.org.

San Francisco City Guides.

An outstanding free service supported by the San Francisco Public Library. Walking-tour themes range from individual neighborhoods to local history (the gold rush, the 1906 quake, ghost walks) to architecture. Each May and October additional walks are offered. Although the tours are free and the knowledgeable guides are volunteers, it’s appropriate to make a $5 donation for these nonprofit programs. Tour schedules are available at library branches and at the San Francisco Visitor Information Center at Powell and Market streets. | 415/557–4266 | www.sfcityguides.org.

Wok Wiz Chinatown Tour.

The late cookbook author and Chinatown booster Shirley Fong-Torres founded Wok Wiz, and her team continues to lead these walks. Conversation topics include folklore and, of course, food. One version called “I Can’t Believe I Ate My Way Through Chinatown!” includes breakfast and lunch. | 650/355–9657 | www.wokwiz.com.

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THE FERRY BUILDING: FOODIE MECCA

Standing sentry at the foot of Market Street, the Ferry Building offers organic, seasonal delights from such local treasures as Cowgirl Creamery and Prather Ranch Meat Company. Take your picnic to a bench out back and take in the bay and the Bay Bridge.

EMBARCADERO: NEW LIFE FOR OLD PIERS

Heading north on the Embarcadero as the piers go up in number, watch for a mélange of historical info on black-and-white pillars, engraved in the sidewalk, and on plaques. These line Pier 1, where the giant paddle wheeler San Francisco Belle docks. Pier 7 juts out far into the bay; an evening stroll here is lovely (if chilly) under the street lamps.

Just two blocks beyond at Pier 15, the city’s excellent hands-on science museum, the Exploratorium, will reopen in 2013. Meanwhile, stop by local chocolatier Tcho, at Pier 17, for free samples and hot cocoa.

NORTH BEACH DETOUR: LEVI’S AND COIT TOWER

Near Pier 17, a left on Union and a right on Battery leads to Levi Strauss headquarters, where visitors can shop for jeans or peruse artifacts such as miners’ jeans from the 1880s. Back across Battery, Levi’s Plaza is one of the most manicured parks in town.

Consider heading west on Filbert or Greenwich and ascending one of the steep staircases clinging to Telegraph Hill for spectacular views and a peek into the lush stairway gardens along the way up to Coit Tower. Then return down the stairs to continue along the Embarcadero.

EMBARCADERO NORTH END: TOURIST SAN FRANCISCO

Continuing north up the Embarcadero, Alcatraz Landing (Pier 33) is a good spot to pick up souvenirs even if you’re not taking the highly recommended tour. Pier 39 is just around the corner, with its cornucopia of souvenir vendors; thankfully, sea lion–watching is still free.

A few blocks farther north is Fisherman’s Wharf, at Pier 45. Bypass the wax museum and make a beeline for the fabulous vintage arcade Musée Mécanique (at the foot of Taylor Street). For crab- and bunny-shape sourdough loaves, stop by Boudin Bakery just down Taylor.

LAST STOP: HISTORIC VESSELS AT THE HYDE STREET PIER

Follow the towering masts to the foot of Hyde Street and the collection of exquisitely restored ships there. Afterward, head up Hyde to the cable-car turnaround, where you can grab an Irish coffee at the Buena Vista.

—Denise M. Leto

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BRING YOUR APPETITE

Start the day at the Ferry Building, which is stuffed with tempting produce, cafés, and artisanal treats. Nab a little something for breakfast, then take the California line cable car uphill to Chinatown. Walk along Grant Avenue and Stockton Street, peeking into mysterious herb apothecaries, live-seafood stores, and sweet-smelling tea shops before having a dim sum lunch or a steamed-bun snack.

Then head to North Beach for a post-meal espresso or pastry at one of the classic outdoor cafés. The Italian delis, bakeries, and pasta houses are worth visiting even if you can’t eat another bite. Get your appetite back by making your way uphill to Coit Tower for sweeping views of the bay. (Climbing the steep stairways is a tough but scenically stunning way to do this.)

At the end of the day, either head back to North Beach’s Columbus Avenue and let one of the restaurant hawkers talk you into coming in for pasta, or make the trip to the Mission District for fantastic, inexpensive ethnic food.

WORK THE WHARF

Fisherman’s Wharf and the surrounding attractions may be touristy with a capital T, but there are some fun experiences to be had. With your pre-reserved ticket in hand (do this in advance, since tours frequently sell out), set out for Alcatraz. When the ferry docks back at Pier 33, head north along the waterfront to Pier 39. If you’re on a kitschy-souvenir hunt, browse through the pier’s overpriced stores. Otherwise, see if you can spot sea lions basking on floating platforms on the pier’s north side. Take a step back in time to early-20th-century San Francisco at delightful Musée Mécanique, then grab an Irish coffee at the Buena Vista.

As tempting as it might be to dine on the water, most Fisherman’s Wharf restaurants have less-than-spectacular food (Gary Danko is an exception). A better and cheaper option is to pick up some to-go Dungeness crab from one of the outdoor vendors and eat as you stroll along the waterfront. Or hop on the Powell–Hyde or Powell–Mason cable-car line for better dining on Russian Hill or in North Beach.

ART AND RETAIL THERAPY

Beat the crowds in the morning at SFMOMA (remember that it’s closed Wednesday). The modern art collection is one of SoMa’s main magnets, but there are several other museums to consider, too, such as the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Museum of the African Diaspora, and the San Francisco Craft and Folk Art Museum.

Take a break from exhibits across the street from SFMOMA in the expansive Yerba Buena Gardens. Then head up 4th Street and join the masses at the Bloomingdale’s-anchored Westfield San Francisco Shopping Centre (and its spectacular dining court) and the shops around Union Square. This area isn’t known for great restaurants, so when you’re ready for dinner, head to Belden Place. This bistro-lined alley (some places here are closed Sunday) is one of the few places around Union Square where locals dine.

To top off the evening, gaze down on the city lights from one of the square’s sky-view lounges like Harry Denton’s Starlight Room.

GOLDEN GATE PARK

Golden Gate Park is better than usual on Sunday, when its main arteries are closed to cars. Start your day at the glorious Conservatory of Flowers (closed Monday). Be sure to take in the scenes ingeniously rendered in flowers out front. Pace the wooden bridges and stone pathways of the Japanese Tea Garden before hitting the San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum. Next up: the striking de Young Museum (closed Monday) and the glorious California Academy of Sciences. Make your way west, stopping at Stow Lake, where you can rent a boat and paddle near Strawberry Hill. Back on land, continue west toward Ocean Beach and the endless Pacific. Cap off your tour by kicking back with a pint to enjoy the sunset ocean view at the Beach Chalet.

FIND THE FUNKY NEIGHBORHOODS

Ride the antique trolleys to the western end of the F-line in the Castro. Stroll down Castro Street, past the art-deco Castro Theatre, window-shopping and stopping at any café that tempts you. Head east on 16th Street to Dolores Street and Mission Dolores, and wander rows of centuries-old gravestones in its tiny cemetery.

Then hit the “Valencia Corridor” (Valencia Street between 16th and 20th streets), dipping into independent bookstores, hipster cafés, and quirky shops. Seek out the area’s vibrant, often politically charged murals, either on your own or on a tour with the Precita Eyes organization. Stay in the Mission for dinner and drinks; this is one of the city’s best neighborhoods for restaurants and watering holes.

TAKE IT TO THE BRIDGE

Start with a stroll and a search for picnic supplies in the Marina before heading to the gorgeous Palace of Fine Arts. Spread your blanket next to its lovely lagoon, or head toward the sailboats docked next to the swath of grass known as Marina Green. Continue west into the Presidio and make for Crissy Field, the marshland and sandy beach along the northern shore, for your picnic. With the Golden Gate Bridge view to inspire you, head onto or over the bridge itself. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes; the bridge is 1.7 miles across. Save this for a sunny day—and don’t forget your jacket!

BAY VIEWS AND REAL ESTATE ENVY

Start at terraced Ina Coolbrith Park on Russian Hill for broad vistas of the bay. Ascend the Vallejo Steps and you’re within easy reach of Russian Hill’s best hidden lanes. Explore famous Macondray Lane; then head around the corner to Leavenworth Street just north of Union Street and look left for the steps to equally lovely but virtually unknown Havens Place. Continue north to zigzag down crooked Lombard Street. If you still have some stamina, head west to Pacific Heights, where you can check out the Haas-Lilienthal House, a Queen Anne treasure, and scads of other Victorians. Want to snap a picture of that iconic row of “painted ladies” with the city’s skyline in the background? You’ll need to head to Alamo Square in the Western Addition (Hayes and Steiner streets). Finally, head back to Hyde Street for dinner at one of Russian Hill’s trendy eateries.

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Despite—or perhaps because of—the astronomical cost of living here, San Francisco offers loads of free diversions. Here are our picks for the best free things to do in the city, in alphabetical order. (That is, in addition to the free theater that is life in San Francisco’s neighborhoods, parks, beaches, churches, and other public spaces.) Also check out sf.funcheap.com for a calendar of random, offbeat, and often free one-offs.

FREE MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

Chinese Culture Center

Creativity Explored

Fort Point National Historic Site

Museo Italo-Americano

Octagon House

Randall Museum

San Francisco Cable Car Museum

San Francisco Railway Museum

SFMOMA Artists Gallery

Walter & McBean Galleries at the San Francisco Art Institute

Wells Fargo History Museum

FREE MUSEUM TIMES

The first week of every month brings a bonanza of free museum times.

Asian Art Museum, first Sunday of every month

Cartoon Art Museum, first Tuesday of every month is pay-what-you-wish

Chinese Historical Society of America, first Thursday of every month

Contemporary Jewish Museum, first Tuesday of every month

de Young Museum, first Tuesday of every month

Exploratorium, first Wednesday of every month

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) History Museum, first Wednesday of every month

Legion of Honor, first Tuesday of every month

Museum of Craft and Folk Art, first Tuesday of every month

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, first Tuesday of every month

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (galleries), first Tuesday of every month

FREE CONCERTS

The Golden Gate Park Band plays free public concerts on Sunday afternoon, April through October, on the Music Concourse in the namesake park. You might hear anything from Sousa marches to show tunes.

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music offers frequent free recitals year-round at its Civic Center home.

Stern Grove Festival concerts, held on Sunday afternoon from June through August, are a long-standing city tradition. Performances range from opera to jazz to pop music. The amphitheater is in a beautiful eucalyptus grove, so come early and picnic before the show.

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival hosts many concerts and performances from May through October (sometimes almost daily), including Latin jazz, global music, dance, even puppet shows.

FREE TOURS

The San Francisco City Guides walking tours are easily one of the best deals going. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic guides lead walks that focus on a particular neighborhood, theme, or historical period, like Victorian architecture in Alamo Square or the bawdy days of the Barbary Coast. The tours are free, though a $5 donation is welcome.

City Hall offers free tours of its grandiose HQ on weekdays.

MORE GREAT EXPERIENCES FOR $6 OR LESS

See some baseball at AT&T Park, for free! Go to the stadium’s Portwalk, beyond the outfield wall, and you’ll have a standing-room view of the game through the open fence. The fans who watch here are known as the Knothole Gang. BYO peanuts.

Visit the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Chinatown. This is technically free, although you’ll have to resist the temptation to take photos (a 50¢ fee) and buy cookies. There are several nearby spots where you can get a delicious snack for just a dollar or two, like the custard tarts at Golden Gate Bakery. Stop in one or two of Chinatown’s incense-filled temples, too—it’s best to give a small donation, but you’ll feel a world away.

Do your own walking tour of the Mission District’s fantastic outdoor murals, then grab a bite at a taqueria or taco truck.

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge—an obvious but breathtaking choice.

Choose a perfect treat at the Ferry Building’s fabulous marketplace—maybe a scoop of Ciao Bella gelato or a croissant from Miette—and stroll the waterfront promenade toward the Bay Bridge to Cupid’s Span, the giant bow-and-arrow sculpture impaling Rincon Park.

Visit the Diego Rivera mural at the San Francisco Art Institute, then sip a cuppa at the school’s café and check out the million-dollar view from its North Beach perch.

Tour the grounds around the Palace of Fine Arts, circling its swan-filled lagoon. Next, walk through the Presidio to the Letterman Digital Arts Center campus. Visit the Yoda fountain, then peek inside the building beyond to see a life-size Darth Vader figure. To further explore the Presidio, you can hop the free PresidiGo shuttle. (The Presidio also has lots of free parking.)

Check out the offerings at lively El Rio bar in the Mission District. They often have free live music and very cheap drink specials.

Hike up to the top of Telegraph Hill for sweeping city and bay views. Since the surrounding trees aren’t often trimmed back, the view isn’t quite as terrific as the one from the hill’s Coit Tower, but it’s still a knockout.

Keep your eyes peeled in summer for free movie nights in the park. Saturday screenings happen at Dolores Park, Union Square, and Washington Square Park; see www.sfntf.org.

Ride a cable car. We hate to harp on this, but you gotta do it at least once.

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Looking for an unusual San Francisco experience that’ll give you bragging rights? Try one of these quirky choices—even a local would be impressed.

16th Avenue Steps. Just standing at the base of this glorious mosaic of a stairway in the Inner Sunset is a treat: its underwater theme gives way to daytime dragonflies and butterflies, eventually transitioning to a starry, bat-studded night sky. Hike to the top, and you may have tiny Grand View Park all to yourself. The view (after a further climb) is, well, grand. | Moraga St., between 15th and 16th aves.

ATA. Dedicated to getting anyone’s art in front of an audience, Artists’ Television Access has been showing films by local artists for more than 20 years. An open-minded crowd comes to ATA’s tiny space, where $6 to $10 gets you a peek at what might be the next groundbreaker. | www.atasite.org

Audium. Billed as a “theater of sound-sculptured space,” Audium is an experience like no other. Every Friday and Saturday a few dozen participants sit in concentric circles in a completely soundproofed room in utter darkness, and music plays over the 169 speakers strategically placed, well, everywhere. | www.audium.org

Mt. Davidson. Ask most San Franciscans what the highest point in town is and they’ll likely say Twin Peaks, but it’s actually this “mountain,” the next hill over. Visible from all over town but rarely visited, Mt. Davidson is topped with a eucalyptus-filled park. Finding the road up here is tricky (entrance at Dalewood and Myra ways), but once you get there you’ll have amazing views—while all those tourists are still waiting for a parking space on Twin Peaks.

Nightlife at the Cal Academy of Sciences. Supersize snakes, waddling penguins, and taxidermy are cool anytime, but throw in a cash bar and a DJ and this science club gets even cooler. Join the trendiest of geek crowds knocking back drinks and getting up close and personal with wild animals (with help from the academy’s staffers) Thursdays from 6 pm to 10 pm; 21 and over. | www.calacademy.org

Nontraditional holiday celebrations. If you find yourself in town on a holiday, chances are the locals are commemorating it in an unorthodox way. Valentine’s Day and you want to do something special with your honey? How about the mass pillow fight at Ferry Plaza? Easter Sunday after Mass? Check out BYOBW; at Bring Your Own Big Wheel—yes, those plastic ride ons from grade-school days—often costumed grown-ups fly down the windy bit of Vermont Street with knees akimbo. Celebrations here are a bit of a non sequitur, but that’s all part of the fun.

Red Hots Burlesque. Divey Mission hotspot El Rio is hopping most any night, but the saucy ladies of Red Hots Burlesque absolutely pack the house Friday evenings with their sexy, funny, body-positive show. You can even visit their School of Shimmy and take some new moves home with you.

Slides at AT&T Park. The massive Coke bottle looming over the AT&T ballpark is a familiar sight, but most people don’t know that you can slide inside. The Coca-Cola Superslide has a series of slides twisting and turning down the bottle’s contours. Kids aren’t the only ones who get a kick out of the 56-foot “Guzzlers” and the 20-foot “Twist-Offs.” It’s open for free on some nongame days.

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Main Table of Contents

Union Square and Chinatown

SoMa and Civic Center

Nob Hill and Russian Hill

North Beach

On the Waterfront

The Marina and the Presidio

The Western Shoreline and Golden Gate Park

The Haight, the Castro, and Noe Valley

Mission District

Pacific Heights and Japantown

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Top 5 Reasons to Go | Quick Bites | Getting There | Making the Most of Your Time | Union Square | Chinatown

Updated by Denise M. Leto

The Union Square area bristles with big-city bravado, while just a stone’s throw away is a place that feels like a city unto itself, Chinatown. The two areas share a strong commercial streak, although manifested very differently. In Union Square the crowds zigzag among international brands, trailing glossy shopping bags. A few blocks north, people dash between small neighborhood stores, their arms draped with plastic totes filled with groceries or souvenirs.

The city’s finest department stores put on their best faces in Union Square, along with such exclusive emporiums as Tiffany & Co. and Prada, and such big-name franchises as Niketown, Apple Store, H&M, and Barney’s. Visitors lay their heads at several dozen hotels within a three-block walk of the square, and the downtown theater district and many fine-arts galleries are nearby. By any measure, Union Square is shop-centric; if you’re not that into shopping, you can find little beyond buildings of vague historical interest to entice you here.

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A few blocks uphill is the abrupt beginning of dense and insular Chinatown—the oldest such community in the country. When the street signs have Chinese characters, produce stalls crowd pedestrians off the sidewalk, and folks scurry by with telltale pink plastic shopping bags, you’ll know you’re there. (The neighborhood huddles together in the 17 blocks and 41 alleys bordered roughly by Bush, Kearny, and Powell streets and Broadway.) Chinatown has been attracting the curious for more than 100 years, and no neighborhood in the city absorbs as many tourists without seeming to forfeit its character. Join the flow and step into another world. Good-luck banners of crimson and gold hang beside dragon-entwined lampposts and pagoda roofs, while honking cars chime in with shoppers bargaining loudly in Cantonese or Mandarin.

TOP 5 REASONS TO GO

Ross Alley, Chinatown: Breathe in the scented air as you watch the nimble hands at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, then kick back with a cocktail at Li Po around the corner, rumored to be haunted by the ghost of an opium junkie still looking to score.

Return to noir San Francisco: Have a late martini lunch under the gaze of the Maltese Falcon at John’s Grill, then swing through the lobby of the Flood Building and nod to the other Maltese Falcon there.

Shop the Square: Prime your credit cards and dive right in, from Bloomie’s to the boutiques of Maiden Lane.

Tin How Temple: Climb the narrow stairway to this space with hundreds of red lanterns, then step onto the tiny balcony and take in the alley scene below.

Elevator at the St. Francis: Ride a glass elevator to the sky (or the 32nd floor) for a gorgeous view of the cityscape, especially in the evening when the lights come up.

QUICK BITES

Cako Bakery.

Only the hardiest souls pass by Cako without succumbing to the siren call of the perfect cupcake. | 211 O’Farrell St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/404–7303.

Eastern Bakery.

This packed space that claims to be Chinatown’s oldest bakery has become a must-stop on the tourist trail. But Eastern isn’t a tourist trap, because the goods back up the rep. The dirt-cheap steamed pork buns make a terrific lunch on the go. | 720 Grant Ave., Chinatown | 94108 | 415/433–7973.

Irish Bank.

If you’re after a substantial bite to eat, duck into the Irish Bank, across from the Chinatown Gate, for fish-and-chips. | 10 Mark La., at Bush St., east of Grant Ave., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/788–7152.

GETTING THERE

In these two neighborhoods, cars equal hassle. Traffic is slow and parking is pricey. Save yourself the frustration and take advantage of the confluence of public transit at Powell and Market streets; buses, BART (Powell Street Station), cable cars, and F-line streetcars run here.

For the love of Buddha, don’t drive in Chinatown! The steep, narrow, one-way streets are notoriously difficult to navigate by car. Both Powell lines of the cable-car system pass through. You can also take the 30–Stockton bus; this route is a virtual “Chinatown Express,” running from Fisherman’s Wharf down Stockton Street through Chinatown to Union Square.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

Set aside at least an hour to scope out the stores and sights in and around Union Square—or most of the day if you’re a shopper—but don’t bother arriving before 10am, when the first shops open. Sunday is a bit quieter.

Give yourself at least two hours to see compact Chinatown. If possible, come on a weekday (less crowded) and before lunchtime (busiest with locals). You won’t need more than 15 or 20 minutes at any of the sights themselves, but exploring the shops and alleys is, indeed, the whole point.

UNION SQUARE

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Maiden Lane.

Known as Morton Street in the raffish Barbary Coast era, this former red-light district reported at least one murder a week during the late 19th century. Things cooled down after the 1906 fire destroyed the brothels, and these days Maiden Lane is a chic, boutique-lined pedestrian mall stretching two blocks, between Stockton and Kearny streets. Wrought-iron gates close the street to traffic most days between 11 and 5, when the lane becomes a patchwork of umbrella-shaded tables.

At 140 Maiden Lane you can see the only Frank Lloyd Wright building in San Francisco. Walking through the brick archway and recessed entry feels a bit like entering a glowing cave. The interior’s graceful, curving ramp and skylights are said to have been his model for the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Xanadu Gallery, which showcases Baltic, Latin American, and African folk art, now occupies the space. | Between Stockton and Kearny Sts., Union Sq. | 94108

Union Square.

Ground zero for big-name shopping in the city and within walking distance of most hotels, Union Square is home base for many visitors. The St. Francis and Macy’s line two sides of the square, with Saks, Neiman-Marcus, and Tiffany & Co. bordering the other sides, and shopping titan Bloomie’s lies just a few blocks down the cable-car tracks. Considered the heart of San Francisco’s downtown since 1850, the landscaped, 2½-acre square is about the only place you can sit for free in this part of town. Back in 2002, the public responded to Union Square’s redesign with a resounding shrug. With its pretty landscaping, easier street access, and the addition of a café (welcome, but nothing special), it certainly was an improvement over the previous concrete wasteland. Four globular lamp sculptures by the artist R.M. Fischer preside over the space; there’s also a café, an open-air stage, a visitor information booth, and a front-row seat to the cable-car tracks. And there’s a familiar kaleidoscope of characters: office workers sunning and brown-bagging, street musicians, shoppers taking a rest, kids chasing pigeons, and a fair number of homeless people.

The square takes its name from the violent pro-Union demonstrations staged here before the Civil War. At center stage, Robert Ingersoll Aitken’s Victory Monument commemorates Commodore George Dewey’s victory over the Spanish fleet at Manila in 1898. The 97-foot Corinthian column, topped by a bronze figure symbolizing naval conquest, was dedicated by Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 and withstood the 1906 earthquake. After the earthquake and fire of 1906, the square was dubbed Little St. Francis because of the temporary shelter erected for residents of the St. Francis Hotel. Actor John Barrymore (grandfather of actress Drew Barrymore and a notorious carouser) was among the guests pressed into volunteering to stack bricks in the square. His uncle, thespian John Drew, remarked, “It took an act of God to get John out of bed and the United States Army to get him to work.”

On the eastern edge of Union Square, TIX Bay Area (415/433–7827 info only | www.theatrebayarea.org) provides half-price day-of-performance tickets to all types of performing-arts events, as well as regular full-price box-office services.

Union Square covers a convenient four-level garage, allegedly the first underground garage in the world. | Bordered by Powell, Stockton, Post, and Geary Sts., Union Sq. | 94108.

WORTH NOTING

American Conservatory Theater.

Celebrated local architects Bliss and Faville, also responsible for the nearby St. Francis Hotel, designed the neoclassical home of San Francisco’s premier repertory theater company. The 1910 structure, which replaced one destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, sustained heavy damage in the 1989 quake but was beautifully restored. A.C.T. is renowned for productions by playwrights such as Tony Kushner (Angels in America) and Tom Stoppard (The Invention of Love premiered here), and cutting-edge works such as The Black Rider by Tom Waits, William S. Burroughs, and Robert Wilson. | 415 Geary St., box office at 405 Geary St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/749–2228 | www.act-sf.org.

Hallidie Building.

Named for cable-car inventor Andrew S. Hallidie, this 1918 structure is best viewed from across the street. Willis Polk’s revolutionary glass-curtain wall—believed to be the world’s first such facade—hangs a foot beyond the reinforced concrete of the frame. The reflecting glass, decorative exterior fire escapes that appear to be metal balconies, and Venetian Gothic cornice are notably lovely. | 130 Sutter St., between Kearny and Montgomery Sts., Union Sq. | 94104

Lotta’s Fountain.

Saucy gold rush–era actress, singer, and dancer Lotta Crabtree so aroused the city’s miners that they were known to shower her with gold nuggets and silver dollars after her performances. The peculiar, rather clunky fountain was her way of saying thanks to her fans. Given to the city in 1875, the fountain became a meeting place for survivors after the 1906 earthquake. Each April 18, the anniversary of the quake, San Franciscans gather at this quirky monument. You can see an image of Lotta herself in one of the Anton Refregier murals in Rincon Center. | Traffic triangle at intersection of 3rd, Market, Kearny, and Geary Sts., Union Sq. | 94108

San Francisco Visitor Information Center.

A multilingual staff operates this facility below the cable-car terminus. Staffers answer questions and provide maps and pamphlets. You can also pick up discount coupons—the savings can be significant, especially for families—and hotel brochures here. If you’re planning to hit the big-ticket stops like the California Academy of Sciences, the Exploratorium, and SFMOMA, and ride the cable cars, consider picking up a CityPass here (or at any of the attractions it covers). TIP The CityPass ($69, $39 ages 5–12), good for nine days including seven days of transit, will save you about 50%. Also buy your Muni Passport here. | Hallidie Plaza, lower level, Powell and Market Sts., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/391–2000, 415/283–0177 | www.sanfrancisco.travel | Weekdays 9–5, Sat. 9–3; also Sun. 9–3 May–Oct.

Westin St. Francis Hotel.

The second-oldest hotel in the city, established in 1904, was conceived by railroad baron and financier Charles Crocker and his associates as a hostelry for their millionaire friends. Swift service and sumptuous surroundings have always been hallmarks of the property. After the hotel was ravaged by the 1906 fire, a larger, more luxurious Italian Renaissance–style residence was opened in 1907 to attract loyal clients from among the world’s rich and powerful. The hotel’s checkered past includes the ill-fated 1921 bash in the suite of the silent-film comedian Fatty Arbuckle, at which a woman became ill and later died. Arbuckle endured three sensational trials for rape and murder before being acquitted, by which time his career was kaput. In 1975 Sara Jane Moore, standing among a crowd outside the hotel, attempted to shoot then-president Gerald Ford. As might be imagined, no plaques in the lobby commemorate these events. TIP One of the best views in the city is from the glass elevators here—and best of all, a ride is free. Zip up to the 32nd floor for a bird’s-eye view; the lights of the nighttime cityscape are particularly lovely. Don’t be shy if you’re not a guest: some visitors make this a stop every time they’re in town. Every November the hotel’s pastry chef adds a new touch to his spectacular, rotating 12-foot gingerbread castle, on display in the grand lobby—a fun holiday treat for families. | 335 Powell St., at Geary St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/397–7000 | www.westinstfrancis.com.

CHINATOWN

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Chinatown Gate.

This is the official entrance to Chinatown. Stone lions flank the base of the pagoda-topped gate; the lions, dragons, and fish up top symbolize wealth, prosperity, and other good things. The four Chinese characters immediately beneath the pagoda represent the philosophy of Sun Yat-sen (1866–1925), the leader who unified China in the early 20th century. Sun Yat-sen, who lived in exile in San Francisco for a few years, promoted the notion of friendship and peace among all nations based on equality, justice, and goodwill. The vertical characters under the left pagoda read “peace” and “trust,” the ones under the right pagoda “respect” and “love.” The whole shebang telegraphs the internationally understood message of “photo op.” | Grant Ave. at Bush St., Chinatown | 94108.

Chinatown Kite Shop.

This family-run shop has been selling bright, fun-shaped kites—dragons, butterflies, sharks—since the 1960s. | 717 Grant Ave., at Sacramento St., Chinatown | 94108 | 415/989–5182 | www.chinatownkite.com.

Dragon House.

A veritable museum, the store sells authentic, centuries-old antiques like ivory carvings and jade figures (including a naughty statue or two). | 455 Grant Ave., Chinatown | 94108 | 415/421–3693.

Tin How Temple.

Duck into the inconspicuous doorway, climb three flights of stairs—on the second floor is a mah-jongg parlor whose patrons hope the spirits above will favor them—and be assaulted by the aroma of incense in this tiny, altar-filled room. Day Ju, one of the first three Chinese to arrive in San Francisco, dedicated this temple to the Queen of the Heavens and the Goddess of the Seven Seas in 1852. In the temple’s entryway, elderly ladies can often be seen preparing “money” to be burned as offerings to various Buddhist gods or as funds for ancestors to use in the afterlife. Hundreds of red-and-gold lanterns cover the ceiling; the larger the lamp, the larger its donor’s contribution to the temple. Gifts of oranges, dim sum, and money left by the faithful, who kneel mumbling prayers, rest on altars to various gods. Tin How presides over the middle back of the temple, flanked by one red and one green lesser god. Take a good look around, since taking photographs is not allowed. | 125 Waverly Pl., Chinatown | 94108 | No phone | Free, donations accepted | Daily 9–4.

Old Shanghai.

One of the largest selections of hand-painted robes, formal dresses, and jackets in Chinatown, plus chic Asian-inspired pieces and smaller items that make great souvenirs. | 645 Grant Ave., Chinatown | 94108 | 415/986–1222.

Chinatown Tongs

If you take it from Hollywood, Chinese tongs (secretive fraternal associations) rank right up there with the Italian Mafia and the Japanese yakuza. The general public perception is one of an honor-bound brotherhood with an impenetrable code of silence; fortunes amassed through prostitution and narcotics; and disputes settled in a hail of gunfire, preferably in a crowded restaurant. In fact, the tongs began as an innocent community service—but for roughly a century there’s been more than a little truth to the sensational image.

When Chinese immigrants first arrived in San Francisco during the gold rush, they made a beeline for an appropriate tong. These benevolent organizations welcomed people from specific regions of China, or those with certain family names, and helped new arrivals get a foothold. For thousands of men otherwise alone in the city, these tongs were a vital social connection. It didn’t take long, however, until offers of protection services ushered in a new criminal element, casting a sinister shadow over all the tongs, legitimate or not.

As gambling parlors, illegal lotteries, opium dens, and brothels took root, many tongs became the go-to sources for turf protection and retribution. Early on, the muscle behind the tongs became known as “hatchet men” for their weapons of choice. (They believed guns made too much noise.)

“Tong wars” regularly broke out between competing groups, with especially blood-soaked periods in the 1920s and 1970s. Today the tongs are less influential than at the turn of the 20th century, but they remain a major part of Chinatown life, as they own large swaths of real estate and provide care for the elderly. The criminal side is alive and well, profiting from prostitution and drugs and doing a brisk business in pirated music and DVDs. Violence still erupts, too. In 2006 Allen Leung, a prominent community leader, was shot dead in his shop on Jackson Street. Among his activities, Leung was a very influential “dragon head” of the Hop Sing tong, a group involved in prostitution, the heroin trade, and other underground activities. And just as in the movies, no one’s talking.

—Denise M. Leto

WORTH NOTING

Chinese Culture Center.

Mostly a place for the community to gather for calligraphy and Mandarin classes, the center also houses a gallery with occasionally interesting temporary exhibits by Chinese and Chinese-American artists. Two-hour Chinatown heritage walks depart every Saturday at 10 am; call for reservations. | Hilton, 750 Kearny St., 3rd fl., Chinatown | 94108 | 415/986–1822 | www.c-c-c.org | Free | Tues.–Sat. 10–4.

Chinese Historical Society of America Museum and Learning Center.

This airy, light-filled gallery has displays about the Chinese-American experience from 19th-century agriculture to 21st-century food and fashion trends, including a moving collection of racist games and toys. A separate room hosts rotating exhibits by contemporary Chinese-American artists. | 965 Clay St., Chinatown | 94108 | 415/391–1188 | www.chsa.org | $5, free 1st Thurs. of month | Tues.–Fri. noon–5, Sat. 11–4.

Chinese Six Companies.

Once the White House of Chinatown, this striking building has balconies and lion-supported columns. Begun as an umbrella group for the many family and regional tongs (mutual-aid and fraternal organizations) that sprang up to help gold-rush immigrants, the Chinese Six Companies functioned as a government within Chinatown, settling disputes among members and fighting against anti-Chinese laws. The business leaders who ran the six companies (which still exist) dominated the neighborhood’s political and economic life for decades. The building is closed to the public. | 843 Stockton St., Chinatown | 94108.

Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.

Follow your nose down Ross Alley to this tiny but fragrant cookie factory. Workers sit at circular motorized griddles and wait for dollops of batter to drop onto a tiny metal plate, which rotates into an oven. A few moments later out comes a cookie that’s pliable and ready for folding. It’s easy to peek in for a moment, and hard to leave without a few free samples. A bagful of cookies—with mildly racy “adult” fortunes or more benign ones—costs $4.50. You can also purchase the cookies “fortuneless” in their waferlike unfolded state, which makes snacking that much more efficient. Being allowed to photograph the cookie makers at work will set you back 50¢. | 56 Ross Alley, west of and parallel to Grant Ave., between Washington and Jackson Sts., Chinatown | 94108 | 415/781–3956 | Free | Daily 9–8.

Kong Chow Temple.

This ornate temple sets a somber, spiritual tone right away with a sign warning visitors not to touch anything. The god to whom the members of this temple pray represents honesty and trust. Chinese stores and restaurants often display his image because he’s thought to bring good luck in business. Chinese immigrants established the temple in 1851; its congregation moved to this building in 1977. Take the elevator up to the fourth floor, where incense fills the air. You can show respect by placing a dollar or two in the donation box and by leaving your camera in its case. Amid the statuary, flowers, and richly colored altars (red wards off evil spirits and signifies virility, green symbolizes longevity, and gold connotes majesty), a couple of plaques announce that “Mrs. Harry S. Truman came to this temple in June 1948 for a prediction on the outcome of the election … this fortune came true.” The temple’s balcony has a good view of Chinatown. | 855 Stockton St., Chinatown | 94108 | No phone | Free | Mon.–Sat. 9–4.

Old Chinese Telephone Exchange.

After the 1906 earthquake, many Chinatown buildings were rebuilt in Western style with pagoda roof and fancy balconies slapped on. This building—today the Bank of Canton—is the exception, an example of top-to-bottom Chinese architecture. The intricate three-tier pagoda was built in 1909. The exchange’s operators were renowned for their prodigious memories, about which the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce boasted in 1914: “These girls respond all day with hardly a mistake to calls that are given (in English or one of five Chinese dialects) by the name of the subscriber instead of by his number—a mental feat that would be practically impossible to most high-schooled American misses.” | Bank of Canton, 743 Washington St., Chinatown | 94108.

Old St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Dedicated in 1854, this served as the city’s Catholic cathedral until 1891. The verse below the massive clock face beseeched naughty Barbary Coast boys: “Son, observe the time and fly from evil.” Across the street from the church in St. Mary’s Square, a statue of Sun Yat-sen towers over the site of the Chinese leader’s favorite reading spot during his years in San Francisco. TIP A surprisingly peaceful spot, St. Mary’s Square also has a couple of small, well-kept playgrounds, perfect for a break from the hustle and bustle of Chinatown. | Grant Ave. and California St., Chinatown | 94108.

Portsmouth Square.

Chinatown’s living room buzzes with activity. The square, with its pagoda-shape structures, is a favorite spot for morning tai chi; by noon dozens of men huddle around Chinese chess tables, engaged in not-always-legal competition. Kids scamper about the square’s two grungy playgrounds (warning: the bathrooms are sketchy). Back in the late 19th century this land was near the waterfront. The square is named for the U.S.S. Portsmouth, the ship helmed by Captain John Montgomery, who in 1846 raised the American flag here and claimed the then-Mexican land for the U.S. A couple of years later, Sam Brannan kicked off the gold rush at the square when he waved his loot and proclaimed, “Gold from the American River!” Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of Treasure Island, often dropped by, chatting up the sailors who hung out here. Some of the information he gleaned about life at sea found its way into his fiction. A bronze galleon sculpture, a tribute to Stevenson, anchors the square’s northwest corner. | Bordered by Walter Lum Pl. and Kearny, Washington, and Clay Sts., Chinatown | 94108.

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Top 5 Reasons to Go | Quick Bites | Getting There | Making the Most of Your Time | SoMa | Civic Center

Updated by Denise M. Leto

To a newcomer, SoMa (short for “south of Market”) and Civic Center may look like cheek-by-jowl neighbors—they’re divided by Market Street. To locals, though, these areas are firmly separate entities, especially since Market Street itself is considered such a strong demarcation line. Both neighborhoods have a core of cultural sights but more than their share of sketchy blocks.

SoMa is less a neighborhood than a sprawling area of wide, traffic-heavy boulevards lined with office high-rises and pricey live-work lofts. Aside from the fact that many of them work in the area, locals are drawn to the cultural offerings, smattering of destination restaurants, and concentration of dance clubs. In terms of sightseeing, SoMa holds a few points of interest—SFMOMA and the museums of the Yerba Buena District top the list—and these are conveniently close together.

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SoMa was once known as South of the Slot (read: the Wrong Side of the Tracks) in reference to the cable-car slot that ran up Market Street. Ever since gold-rush miners set up their tents in 1848, SoMa has played a major role in housing immigrants to the city. Industry took over much of the area when the 1906 earthquake collapsed most of the homes.

SoMa’s emergence as a focal point of San Francisco’s cultural life was more than three decades in the making. Huge sections of the then-industrial neighborhood were razed in the 1960s, and alternative artists and the gay leather crowd set up shop. A dozen bars and bathhouses frequented by the latter group cropped up; some survive today, and the legacy of that time is the still-raucous annual Folsom Street Fair. The neighborhood lost many artists to the far reaches of SoMa and to the Mission District when urban renewal finally began in earnest in the 1970s; still more fled when the dot-com heyday sent prices here skyrocketing.

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Life in the SoMa of the mid-to-late 1990s was what the gold rush must have felt like. Young prospectors flooded in to take their pick of well-paying jobs at high-tech startups. Companies with hot (or not) ideas filled their $100-plus-per-square-foot offices with recent college grads, foosball tables, $1,000 ergonomic chairs, and free catered meals. Gaggles of gadget-toting twentysomethings spent their evenings wandering from launch party to marketing event, loading up on swag. Rents—commercial in SoMa and residential citywide—went through the roof, but the dot-commers could still pony up while waiting for the holy grail of the IPO. South Park, the green oval anchored by high-tech hangout Caffè Centro, briefly became the center of the universe.

The electric buzz of the dot-com boom, when venture capitalists couldn’t give their money away fast enough, changed the face of the neighborhood forever. Today’s post-boom SoMa is sobered up and on the rise; the thousands of kids rich on paper have been replaced with substantially wealthy people staking out luxury high-rises in striking residential towers, such as 62-story One Rincon Hill, the pencil-thin building at the end of the Bay Bridge. The area may still have more than its share of seedy pockets, but even in earthquake town, the penthouse atop the chic St. Regis sold for a record-breaking $28 million in 2011.

Across Market Street from the western edge of SoMa is another of the city’s patchy neighborhoods, the Civic Center, between McAllister and Grove streets and Franklin and Hyde streets. The optimistic “City Beautiful” movement of the early 20th century produced the Beaux Arts–style complex for which this area is named, including the War Memorial Opera House, the Veterans Building, and the old public library, now home of the Asian Art Museum. The centerpiece is the eye-catching, gold-dome City Hall. The current Main Library on Larkin Street between Fulton and Grove streets is a modern variation on the Civic Center’s architectural theme.

The Civic Center area may have been set up on City Beautiful principles, but illusion soon gives way to reality. The buildings are grand, but there’s a stark juxtaposition of the powerful and the powerless here. Many of the city’s most destitute residents eke out an existence on the neighborhood’s streets and plazas. Despite the evidence of social problems, there are areas of interest on either side of City Hall. East of City Hall is United Nations Plaza, which hosts a more utilitarian version of the Ferry Building’s glorious farmers’ market twice weekly. On the west side of City Hall are the War Memorial Opera House, Davies Symphony Hall, and other cultural institutions. A few upscale restaurants in the surrounding blocks cater to the theater-symphony crowd. Tickets to a show at one of the grand performance halls are the main reason to venture here.

TOP 5 REASONS TO GO

SFMOMA: Big-name modern art exhibits in a durably cool building.

Asian Art Museum: Stand face-to-face with a massive gold Buddha in one of the world’s largest collections of Asian art.

Club-hopping in SoMa: Shake it with the cool, friendly crowd that fills SoMa’s dance clubs until the wee hours, and all weekend long at the EndUp.

Yerba Buena Gardens: Gather picnic provisions and choose a spot on the grass in downtown’s oasis.

Hanging out at Patricia’s Green: Grab a cup of coffee or an ice cream—Blue Bottle and Smitten Ice Cream are just around the corner—and head to the narrow swath of park that serves as hopping Hayes Valley’s living room. Check out the monumental temporary art exhibit—it always has an interactive element—and the little ones clambering on the fantastic climbing dome.

QUICK BITES

Samovar Tea Lounge.

In the Yerba Buena Gardens, this spot is a serene retreat with glass walls overlooking an infinity pool. Especially on a blustery day, the organic and fair-trade teas hit the spot. | 730 Howard St., at 4th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/227–9400.

Metreon Dining Terrace.

The fancy food court at the reconceived Metreon shopping and entertainment complex dazzles the palate with soups, salads, crepes, burritos, sushi, Vietnamese rolls, and other delectables from local favorites. | Metreon, 101 4th St., between Mission and Howard Sts., SoMa | 94103.

Blue Bottle Coffee.

If you see a clutch of people gathered around what looks like a garage in Hayes Valley, chances are you’ve stumbled upon Blue Bottle Coffee, a tiny stand selling what many claim is the best organic coffee on the planet. The “artisanal microroasting” philosophy says that all coffee should be brewed within 24 hours of roasting, and yes, they are Very Serious. | 315 Linden St., at Gough St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/252–7535.

GETTING THERE

For most SoMa visitors, who stick close to SFMOMA and the Yerba Buena Gardens, getting here is a matter of walking roughly 10 minutes from Union Square, less from the Market Street transit.

It’s best to reach Civic Center by BART, bus, or F-line. Hoofing it from Union Square requires walking through the unsavory Tenderloin area, and from SoMa it’s a long, ugly haul.

After dark, safety concerns dictate a cab for both neighborhoods.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

You could spend all day museum-hopping in SoMa. Allow two hours to see SFMOMA; if there’s a big show on, avoid the line by buying tickets online and arrive early to beat the throngs. An hour each should do it for the Museum of the African Diaspora, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Center for the Arts, less than that for the minor museums.

SoMa after dark is another adventure entirely. More interested in Merlot or megaclubs than Matisse? Start here around 8 pm for dinner, then move on to a bar or dance spot.

Don’t be suckered by visions of grand architecture and “important” performing-arts venues in Civic Center. Unless you have tickets to the opera, ballet, or a concert, there’s no good reason for you to spend much time here.

SOMA

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Daniel Liebeskind designed the postmodern CJM, whose impossible-to-ignore diagonal blue cube juts out of a painstakingly restored power substation. A physical manifestation of the Hebrew phrase l’chaim (to life), the cube may have obscure philosophical origins, but Liebeskind created a unique, light-filled space that merits a stroll through the lobby even if current exhibits don’t entice you into the galleries. Be sure to check out the seam where old building meets new. TIP In mid-November 2012 look for The Snowy Day and the Art of Ezra Jack Keats, the first major U.S. exhibit to showcase this award-winning author and illustrator. It runs through late February 2013. | 736 Mission St., between 3rd and 4th Sts., SoMa | 94103 | 415/655–7800 | www.thecjm.org | $12, $5 Thurs. after 5 pm, free 1st Tues. of the month | Thurs. 1–8, Fri.–Tues. 11–5.

Fodor’s Choice | San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). With its brick facade and a striped central tower lopped at a lipstick-like angle, architect Mario Botta’s SFMOMA building fairly screams “modern-art museum.” The stripes continue inside, from the black marble and gray granite of the floors to the wooden slats on the ceiling. TIP Taking in all four exhibit floors can be overwhelming, but keep in mind that the heavy hitters are on floors 2 and 3. Floor 2 gets the big-name traveling exhibits and collection highlights such as Matisse’s Woman with the Hat, Diego Rivera’s The Flower Carrier, and Georgia O’Keeffe’s Black Place 1. Photography buffs should hustle up to floor 3, with its works by Ansel Adams and Alfred Stieglitz. Large-scale contemporary exhibits unfold on floors 4 and 5. If it’s on display, don’t miss sculptor Jeff Koons’ memorably creepy, life-size gilded porcelain Michael Jackson and Bubbles, on the fifth floor at the end of the Turret Bridge, a vertiginous catwalk dangling under the central tower. (Look down if you dare.) The window at the bridge’s other (west) end offers a great view of the Yerba Buena Gardens below. Back on the fifth floor’s east side is the garage-top sculpture garden.

SFMOMA highlights in late 2012 and into 2013 include Jasper Johns: Seeing with the Mind’s Eye and the documentary photography exhibit South Africa in Apartheid and After. A massive expansion expected later this decade will showcase the renowned collection of the late GAP founder, Donald Fisher, and his wife, Doris.

Caffè Museo, accessible from the street, provides a refuge with reasonably priced drinks and light meals. The museum’s large store sells fun gadgets, artsy doodads of all kinds, very modern furniture, and has a superb collection of kids’ books. TIP No ticket is required to visit the lobby, so if it’s the architecture you’re interested in, you can peek for free. | 151 3rd St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/357–4000 | www.sfmoma.org | $18, free 1st Tues. of month, ½ price Thurs. 6–9 | Labor Day–Memorial Day, Fri.–Tues. 11–5:45, Thurs. 11–8:45; Memorial Day–Labor Day, Fri.–Tues. 10–5:45, Thurs. 10–8:45.

Yerba Buena Gardens.

There’s not much south of Market that encourages lingering outdoors, or indeed walking at all, with this notable exception. These two blocks encompass the Center for the Arts, Metreon, Moscone Convention Center, and the convention center’s rooftop Children’s Creativity Museum, but the gardens themselves are the everyday draw. Office workers escape to the green swath of the East Garden. The memorial to Martin Luther King Jr. is the focal point here. Powerful streams of water surge over large, jagged stone columns, mirroring the enduring force of King’s words that are carved on the stone walls and on glass blocks behind the waterfall. Moscone North is behind the memorial, and an overhead walkway leads to Moscone South and its rooftop attractions. TIP The gardens are liveliest during the week and especially during the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival (May through October, | www.ybgf.org), when free performances run from Latin music to Balinese dance.

Atop the Moscone Convention Center perch a few lures for kids. The historic Looff carousel ($3 for two rides) twirls daily 11 to 6. South of the carousel is the Children’s Creativity Museum (415/820–3320 | creativity.org), a high-tech, interactive arts-and-technology center ($10) geared to children ages eight and over. Kids can make Claymation videos, work in a computer lab, check out new games and apps, and perform and record music videos. The museum is open 10–4 Wednesday through Sunday. Also part of the rooftop complex are gardens, an ice-skating rink, and a bowling alley. | Bordered by 3rd, 4th, Mission, and Folsom Sts., SoMa | 94103 | No phone | www.yerbabuenagardens.com | Free | Daily sunrise–10 pm.

WORTH NOTING

California Historical Society.

If you’re not a history buff, the CHS might seem like an obvious skip—who wants to look at fading old photographs and musty artifacts? If the answer is an indignant “I do!” or if you’re just curious, these airy galleries are well worth a stop. A rotating selection draws from the society’s vast repository of Californiana—hundreds of thousands of photographs, publications, paintings, and gold-rush paraphernalia. TIP From out front, take a look across the street: this is the best view of the Museum of the African Diaspora’s three-story photo mosaic. | 678 Mission St., SoMa | 94105 | 415/357–1848 | www.californiahistoricalsociety.org | $3 | Wed.–Sat. noon–5; galleries close between exhibitions.

Cartoon Art Museum.

Krazy Kat, Zippy the Pinhead, Batman, and other colorful cartoon icons greet you at the Cartoon Art Museum, established with an endowment from cartoonist-icon Charles M. Schulz. The museum’s strength is its changing exhibits, which explore such topics as America from the perspective of international political cartoons, and the output of women and African-American cartoonists. Serious fans of cartoons—especially those on the quirky underground side—will likely enjoy the exhibits; those with a casual interest may be disappointed. The museum store carries loads of cool titles to add to your collection. | 655 Mission St., SoMa | 94105 | 415/227–8666 | www.cartoonart.org | $7, pay what you wish 1st Tues. of month | Tues.–Sun. 11–5.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Mint Plaza. Arising from what had long been a gritty, windswept cut-through behind the abandoned Old Mint, L-shape Mint Plaza is that vibrant mix that urban planners always aim for but often miss: stylish urban residences (that are actually occupied) cheek-by-jowl with thriving local businesses, all combining to produce a happening street scene. Stop by Blue Bottle Café for coffee and a nosh or grab a table at Chez Papa, one of the city’s favorite French bistros. Even the mint itself is being reinvented: the San Francisco Museum is slated to open inside the renovated structure in the next few years. | Jessie and Mint Sts., near Mission and 5th Sts., SoMa | 94105.

Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD).

Dedicated to the influence that people of African descent have had all over the world, MoAD provokes discussion from the get-go with the question, “When did you discover you are African?” painted on the wall at the entrance. With no permanent collection, the museum is light on displays and heavy on interactive exhibits. For instance, you can sit in a darkened theater and listen to the moving life stories of slaves; hear snippets of music that helped create genres from gospel to hip-hop; and see videos about the Civil Rights movement or the Haitian Revolution. Some grumble that sweeping generalities replace specific information, but almost everyone can appreciate the museum’s most striking exhibit in the front window. The three-story mosaic, made from thousands of photographs, forms the image of a little girl’s face. Walk up the stairs inside the museum and view the photographs up close—Malcolm X is there, Muhammad Ali, too, along with everyday folks—but the best view is from across the street. | 685 Mission St., SoMa | 94105 | 415/358–7200 | www.moadsf.org | $10 | Wed.–Sat. 11–6, Sun. noon–5.

Museum of Craft and Folk Art.

If you’re in the area, this one-room museum is a great way to spend a half hour. Its bright space hosts five rotating exhibits per year showcasing American folk art, tribal art, and contemporary crafts. One exhibit saw the museum transformed into a forest of plants, trees, and a river, all created from paper by an artisan in Japan. Another was devoted entirely to the art of the ukulele. The tiny shop in front (no admission fee) sells high-end, sometimes whimsical artworks. | 51 Yerba Buena La., SoMa | 94103 | 415/227–4888 | www.mocfa.org | $5, free 1st Tues. | Wed.–Sat. 11–6.

Palace Hotel.

The city’s oldest hotel, a Sheraton property, has a storied past. It opened in 1875, but fire destroyed the original Palace after the 1906 earthquake, despite the hotel’s 28,000-gallon reservoir. (The current building dates from 1909.) President Warren Harding died at the Palace while still in office in 1923, and the body of King Kalakaua of Hawaii spent a night here after he died in San Francisco in 1891. The managers play up this ghoulish history with talk of a haunted guest room, but the real draw is simply the Palace’s opulent surroundings.

San Francisco City Guides (415/557–4266) offers free guided tours of the Palace Hotel’s grand interior. You see the glass-dome Garden Court restaurant, mosaic-tile floors in Oriental rug designs, and Maxfield Parrish’s wall-size painting The Pied Piper, the centerpiece of the Pied Piper Bar. Tours happen Tuesday and Saturday at 10 and Thursday at 2. | 2 New Montgomery St., SoMa | 94105 | 415/512–1111 | www.sfpalace.com.

Rincon Center.

The only reason to visit what is basically a modern office building is the striking Works Project Administration mural by Anton Refregier in the lobby of the streamlined moderne–style former post office on the building’s Mission Street side. The 27 panels depict California life from the days when Native Americans were the state’s sole inhabitants through World War I. Completion of this significant work was interrupted by World War II (which explains the swastika in the final panel) and political infighting. The latter led to some alteration in Refregier’s “radical” historical interpretations; they exuded too much populist sentiment for some of the politicians who opposed the artist. A sheer five-story column of water resembling a mini-rainstorm is the centerpiece of the indoor arcade around the corner from the mural. | Bordered by Steuart, Spear, Mission, and Howard Sts., SoMa | 94105.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

You never know what’s going to be on display at this facility in Yerba Buena Gardens, but whether it’s an exhibit of Mexican street art (graffiti to laypeople), innovative modern dance, or baffling video installations, it’s likely to be memorable. The productions here tend to draw a young, energetic crowd, and lean hard toward the cutting edge. | 701 Mission St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/978–2787 | www.ybca.org | Galleries $7, free 1st Tues. of month | Thurs.–Sat. noon–8, Sun. noon–6, 1st Tues. of the month noon–8.

CIVIC CENTER

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Asian Art Museum.

Expecting a building full of Buddhas and jade? Well, yeah, you can find plenty of that here. Happily, though, you don’t have to be a connoisseur of Asian art to appreciate a visit to this splendidly renovated museum, whose monumental exterior conceals a light, open, and welcoming space. The fraction of the museum’s items on display (about 2,500 pieces from a 15,000-plus-piece collection) is laid out thematically and by region, making it easy to follow developments.

Begin on the third floor, where highlights of Buddhist art in Southeast Asia and early China include a large, jewel-encrusted, exquisitely painted 19th-century Burmese Buddha and clothed rod puppets from Java. On the second floor you can find later Chinese works, as well as pieces from Korea and Japan. Look for a cobalt tiger jauntily smoking a pipe on a whimsical Korean jar and delicate Japanese tea implements. The ground floor displays rotating exhibits, including contemporary and traveling shows. TIP If you’d like to attend one of the occasional tea ceremonies and tastings at the Japanese Teahouse, call ahead, since preregistration is required. | 200 Larkin St., between McAllister and Fulton Sts., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/581–3500 | www.asianart.org | $12, free 1st Sun. of month; $10 some Thurs. 5–9; tea ceremony $27, includes museum | Tues.–Sun. 10–5; Jan.–Oct., Thurs. until 9.

WORTH NOTING

City Hall.

This imposing 1915 structure with its massive gold-leaf dome—higher than the U.S. Capitol’s—is about as close to a palace as you’re going to get in San Francisco. (Alas, the metal detectors take something away from the grandeur.) The classic granite-and-marble behemoth was modeled after St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome. Architect Arthur Brown Jr., who also designed Coit Tower and the War Memorial Opera House, designed an interior with grand columns and a sweeping central staircase. San Franciscans were thrilled, and probably a bit surprised, when his firm built City Hall in just a few years. The 1899 structure it replaced had taken 27 years to erect, as corrupt builders and politicians lined their pockets with funds earmarked for it. That building collapsed in about 27 seconds during the 1906 earthquake, revealing trash and newspapers mixed into the construction materials.

City Hall was spruced up and seismically retrofitted in the late 1990s, but the sense of history remains palpable. Some noteworthy events that have taken place here include the marriage of Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio (1954); the hosing—down the central staircase—of civil-rights and freedom-of-speech protesters (1960); the murders of Mayor George Moscone and openly gay supervisor Harvey Milk (1978); the torching of the lobby by angry members of the gay community in response to the light sentence given to the former supervisor who killed both men (1979); and the registrations of scores of gay couples in celebration of the passage of San Francisco’s Domestic Partners Act (1991). February 2004 has come to be known as the Winter of Love: thousands of gay and lesbian couples responded to Mayor Gavin Newsom’s decision to issue marriage licenses to same-sex partners, turning City Hall into the site of raucous celebration and joyful nuptials for a month before the state Supreme Court ordered the practice stopped. That celebratory scene replayed during 2008, when scores of couples were wed between the court’s June ruling that everyone enjoys the civil right to marry and the November passage of California’s ballot proposition banning same-sex marriage. (Stay tuned as the issue moves through the courts and perhaps back to the voters.) Free tours are offered weekdays at 10, noon, and 2.

The South Light Court houses a modest, rotating display from the collection of the Museum of the City of San Francisco (www.sfmuseum.org), including historical items, maps, and photographs. That enormous, 700-pound iron head once crowned the Goddess of Progress statue, which topped the old City Hall building when it crumbled during the 1906 earthquake.

Across Polk Street is Civic Center Plaza, with lawns, walkways, seasonal flower beds, a playground, and an underground parking garage. This sprawling space is generally clean but somewhat grim. A large part of the city’s homeless population hangs out here, despite frequently being shunted away, so the plaza can feel dodgy. | Bordered by Van Ness Ave. and Polk, Grove, and McAllister Sts., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/554–6023 | www.sfgov.org/site/cityhall | Free | Weekdays 8–8.

Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall.

Fascinating and futuristic looking, this 2,750-seat hall is the home of the San Francisco Symphony. The glass wraparound lobby and pop-out balcony high on the southeast corner are visible from outside, as is the Henry Moore bronze sculpture that sits on the sidewalk at Van Ness Avenue and Grove Street. The hall’s 59 adjustable Plexiglas acoustical disks cascade from the ceiling like hanging windshields. Scheduled tours (75 minutes), which meet at the Grove Street entrance, take in Davies and the nearby War Memorial Opera House and Herbst Theatre. | 201 Van Ness Ave., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/552–8338 | www.sfwmpac.org | Tours $5 | Tours Mon. on the hr 10–2.

San Francisco Public Library.

Topped with a swirl like an art-deco nautilus, the library’s seven-level glass atrium fills the building with light. Opened in 1996, the New Main (as Herb Caen dubbed it) is a modernized version of the old Beaux Arts–style library. You may appreciate the basement-level café, Wi-Fi, and 15-minute Internet terminal access. On the sixth floor the San Francisco History Center has fun rotating exhibits of city ephemera. TIP Noir fans should head to the back of the center; you can see “Maltese Falcon” statues in the Flood Building and at John’s Grill, but this is the only place to see novelist Dashiell Hammett’s typewriter. Free tours of the library are conducted the second Wednesday of the month at 2:30. | 100 Larkin St., at Grove St., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/557–4400 | sfpl.org | Mon. and Sat. 10–6, Tues.–Thurs. 9–8, Fri. noon–6, Sun. noon–5.

United Nations Plaza.

Locals know this plaza for two things: its Wednesday and Sunday farmers’ market—cheap and earthy to the Ferry Building’s pricey and beautiful—and its homeless population, which seems to return no matter how many times the city tries to shunt them aside. Brick pillars listing various nations and the dates of their admittance into the United Nations line the plaza, and its floor is inscribed with the goals and philosophy of the United Nations charter, which was signed at the War Memorial Opera House in 1945. | Fulton St. between Hyde and Market Sts., Civic Center | 94102.

War Memorial Opera House.

During San Francisco’s Barbary Coast days, operagoers smoked cigars, didn’t check their revolvers, and expressed their appreciation with “shrill whistles and savage yells,” as one observer put it. All the old opera houses were destroyed in the 1906 quake, but lusty support for opera continued. The San Francisco Opera didn’t have a permanent home until the War Memorial Opera House was inaugurated in 1932 with a performance of Tosca. Modeled after its European counterparts, the building has a vaulted and coffered ceiling, marble foyer, two balconies, and a huge silver art-deco chandelier that resembles a sunburst. The San Francisco Opera performs here from September through December and in summer; the opera house hosts the San Francisco Ballet from February through May, with December Nutcracker performances. | 301 Van Ness Ave., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/621–6600 | www.sfwmpac.org.

War Memorial Veterans Building.

Performing- and visual-arts organizations occupy much of this 1930s structure. Herbst Theatre (415/392–4400) hosts classical ensembles, dance performances, and City Arts and Lectures events. Also in the building are two galleries that charge no admission. The street-level San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery (415/554–6080 | Free | open Wed.–Sat. noon–5) displays the works of Bay Area artists. The Museum of Performance & Design (415/255–4800; | open weekdays 10–5) occupies part of the fourth floor. A small gallery hosts interesting exhibitions, but the organization functions mainly as a library and research center for the San Francisco Bay Area’s rich performing-arts legacy. | 401 Van Ness Ave., Civic Center | 94102 | www.sfwmpac.org.

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Top 5 Reasons to Go | Quick Bites | Getting There | Making the Most of Your Time | Nob Hill | Russian Hill

Updated by Denise M. Leto

In place of the quirky charm and cultural diversity that mark other San Francisco neighborhoods, Nob Hill exudes history and good breeding. Topped with some of the city’s most elegant hotels, Gothic Grace Cathedral, and private blue-blood clubs, it’s the pinnacle of privilege. One hill over, across Pacific Avenue, is another old-family bastion, Russian Hill. It may not be quite as wealthy as Nob Hill, but it’s no slouch—and it’s got jaw-dropping views.

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Nob Hill was officially dubbed during the 1870s when “the Big Four”—Charles Crocker, Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, and Collis Huntington, who were involved in the construction of the transcontinental railroad—built their hilltop estates. The lingo is thick from this era: those on the hilltop were referred to as “nabobs” (originally meaning a provincial governor from India) and “swells,” and the hill itself was called Snob Hill, a term that survives to this day. By 1882 so many estates had sprung up on Nob Hill that Robert Louis Stevenson called it “the hill of palaces.” But the 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed all the palatial mansions except for portions of the James Flood brownstone. History buffs may choose to linger here, but for most visitors, a casual glimpse from a cable car will be enough.

Essentially a tony residential neighborhood of spiffy pieds-à-terre, Victorian flats, Edwardian cottages, and boxlike condos, Russian Hill has some of the city’s loveliest stairway walks, hidden garden ways, and steepest streets—not to mention those bay views. Several stories explain the origin of Russian Hill’s name. One legend has it that Russian farmers raised vegetables here for Farallon Islands seal hunters; another attributes the name to a Russian sailor of prodigious drinking habits who drowned when he fell into a well on the hill. A plaque at the top of the Vallejo Steps gives credence to the version that says sailors of the Russian-American company were buried here in the 1840s. Be sure to visit the sign for yourself—its location offers perhaps the finest vantage point on the hill.

TOP 5 REASONS TO GO

Macondray Lane: Duck into this secret, lush garden lane and walk its narrow, uneven cobblestones.

Vallejo Steps area: Make the steep climb up to lovely Ina Coolbrith Park, then continue up along the glorious garden path of the Vallejo Steps to a spectacular view at the top.

San Francisco Art Institute: Contemplate a Diego Rivera mural and stop at the café for cheap organic coffee and a priceless view of the city and the bay. It may be the best way to spend an hour for a buck in town.

Cable Car Museum: Ride a cable car all the way back to the barn, hanging on tight as it clack-clack-clacks its way up Nob Hill, then go behind the scenes at the museum.

Play “Bullitt” on the steepest streets: For the ride of your life, take a drive up and down the city’s steepest streets on Russian Hill. A trip over the precipice of Filbert or Jones will make you feel as if you’re falling off the edge of the world.

QUICK BITES

Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco.

A harpist plays the classics and other tunes during afternoon tea, served weekends 1–4:30. A holiday tradition, afternoon tea is served daily between Thanksgiving and Christmas. | 600 Stockton St., at California St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/296–7465 | www.ritzcarlton.com.

Swensen’s Ice Cream.

The original Swensen’s has been a neighborhood favorite since it opened in 1948. An antique sign still fronts the tiny shop, but concessions to the times include such ice-cream flavors as green tea and lychee. | 1999 Hyde St., at Union St., Russian Hill | 94109 | 415/775–6818.

GETTING THERE

The thing about Russian Hill and Nob Hill is that they’re both especially steep hills. If you’re not up for the hike, a cable car is certainly the most exciting way to reach the top. Take the California line for Nob Hill and the Powell–Hyde line for Russian Hill. Buses serve the area as well, such as the 1–California bus for Nob Hill, but the routes only run east–west. Only the cable cars tackle the steeper north–south streets. Driving yourself is a hassle, since parking is a challenge on these crowded, precipitous streets.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

Since walking Nob Hill is (almost) all about gazing at exteriors, touring the neighborhood during daylight hours is a must. The sights here don’t require a lot of visiting time—say a half hour each at the Cable Car Museum and Grace Cathedral—but allow time for the walk itself. An afternoon visit is ideal for Russian Hill, so you can browse the shops. You could cover both neighborhoods in three or four hours. If you time it just right, you can finish up with a sunset cocktail at a swanky hotel lounge or the retro-tiki Tonga Room.

NOB HILL

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Cable Car Museum.

The Cable Car Museum is one of the city’s best free offerings and an absolute must for kids. (You can even ride a cable car there, since all three lines stop between Russian Hill and Nob Hill.) The museum, which is inside the city’s last cable-car barn, takes the top off the system to let you see how it all works. Eternally humming and squealing, the massive powerhouse cable wheels steal the show. You can also climb aboard a vintage car and take the grip, let the kids ring a cable-car bell (briefly), and check out vintage gear dating from 1873.

The gift shop sells cable-car paraphernalia, including an authentic gripman’s bell for $600 (it’ll sound like Powell Street in your house every day). For significantly less, you can pick up a key chain made from a piece of worn-out cable. | 1201 Mason St., at Washington St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/474–1887 | www.cablecarmuseum.com | Free | Oct.–Mar., daily 10–5; Apr.–Sept., daily 10–6.

Grace Cathedral.

Not many churches can boast an altarpiece by Keith Haring and not one but two labyrinths. The seat of the Episcopal Church in San Francisco, this soaring Gothic-style structure, erected on the site of Charles Crocker’s mansion, took 53 years to build, wrapping up in 1964. The gilded bronze doors at the east entrance were taken from casts of Lorenzo Ghiberti’s incredible Gates of Paradise, which are on the Baptistery in Florence, Italy. A black-and-bronze stone sculpture of St. Francis by Beniamino Bufano greets you as you enter.

The 35-foot-wide limestone labyrinth is a replica of the 13th-century stone maze on the floor of Chartres Cathedral. All are encouraged to walk the ¼-mi-long labyrinth, a ritual based on the tradition of meditative walking. There’s also a terrazzo outdoor labyrinth on the church’s north side. The AIDS Interfaith Chapel, to the right as you enter Grace, contains a metal triptych by the late artist Keith Haring and panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt. TIP Especially dramatic times to view the cathedral are during Thursday-night evensong (5:15) and during special holiday programs. | 1100 California St., at Taylor St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/749–6300 | www.gracecathedral.org | Weekdays 7–6, Sat. 8–6, Sun. 8–7.

A Walk through Nob Hill and Russian Hill

Start a tour of Nob Hill and Russian Hill with a cable-car ride up to California and Powell streets on Nob Hill (all lines go here). Walking two blocks east you can pass all the Big Four mansions-cum-hotels on the hill. Peek at the Keith Haring triptych in impressive Grace Cathedral; grab a Peet’s coffee in the basement café if you need a lift. Next, head down to the Cable Car Museum to see the machinery in action. Then make your way to Russian Hill—a cable car is a fine way to reach the peak—to visit some of the city’s loveliest hidden lanes and stairways. At Mason and Vallejo streets, head up the Vallejo Steps, passing contemplative, terraced Ina Coolbrith Park and beautifully tended private gardens. Take in the sweeping city and bay view from the top of the hill, then head right on Jones Street and duck right under the trellis to wooded and shady Macondray Lane. From here it’s a six-block hike to crooked Lombard Street. If you’ve still got some steam, be sure to go another block to see Diego Rivera’s mural and the surprise panoramic view from the San Francisco Art Institute.

WORTH NOTING

Fairmont San Francisco.

The hotel’s dazzling opening was delayed a year by the 1906 quake, but since then the marble palace has hosted presidents, royalty, movie stars, and local nabobs. Things have changed since its early days, however: on the eve of World War I you could get a room for as low as $2.50 per night, meals included. Nowadays, prices go as high as $8,000, which buys a night in the eight-room, Persian-art-filled penthouse suite. Swing through the opulent lobby on your way to tea (served weekends 1:30–3:30) at the Laurel Court restaurant. Don’t miss an evening cocktail (a mai tai is in order) in the kitschy Tonga Room, complete with tiki huts, a sporadic tropical rainstorm, and a floating bandstand. | 950 Mason St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/772–5000 | www.fairmont.com.

InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel.

Built on the ashes of railroad tycoon Mark Hopkins’s grand estate (constructed at his wife’s urging; Hopkins himself preferred to live frugally), this 19-story hotel went up in 1926. A combination of French château and Spanish Renaissance architecture, with noteworthy terra-cotta detailing, it has hosted statesmen, royalty, and Hollywood celebrities. The 11-room penthouse was turned into a glass-wall cocktail lounge in 1939: the Top of the Mark is remembered fondly by thousands of World War II veterans who jammed the lounge before leaving for overseas duty. Wives and sweethearts watching the ships depart gave the room’s northwest nook its name—Weepers’ Corner. TIP With its 360-degree views, the lounge is a wonderful spot for a nighttime drink. | 999 California St., at Mason St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/392–3434 | www.markhopkins.net.

Nob Hill Masonic Center.

Erected by Freemasons in 1957, the hall is familiar to locals mostly as a concert and lecture venue, where such notables as Van Morrison and Al Gore have appeared. But you don’t need a ticket to check out artist Emile Norman’s impressive lobby mosaic. Mainly in rich greens and yellows, it depicts the Masons’ role in California history. There’s also an intricate model of King Solomon’s Temple in the lobby. | 1111 California St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/776–7457 | www.masonicauditorium.com | Lobby weekdays 9–5.

Pacific Union Club.

The former home of silver baron James Flood cost a whopping $1.5 million in 1886, when even a stylish Victorian like the Haas-Lilienthal House cost less than $20,000. All that cash did buy some structural stability. The Flood residence (to be precise, its shell) was the only Nob Hill mansion to survive the 1906 earthquake and fire. The Pacific Union Club, a bastion of the wealthy and powerful, purchased the house in 1907 and commissioned Willis Polk to redesign it; the architect added the semicircular wings and third floor. (The ornate fence design dates from the mansion’s construction.) West of the house, Huntington Park is the site of the Huntington mansion, destroyed in 1906. Mrs. Huntington donated the land to the city for use as a park; the Crockers purchased the Fountain of the Tortoises, based on the original in Rome. TIP The benches around the fountain offer a welcome break after climbing Nob Hill. It’s hard to get the skinny on the club itself; its 700 or so members allegedly follow the directive “no women, no Democrats, no reporters.” Those who join usually spend years on the waiting list and undergo a stringent vetting process, the rigors of which might embarrass the NSA. Needless to say, the club is closed to the public. | 1000 California St., Nob Hill | 94108.

The Stanford Court Hotel.

In 1876 trendsetter Leland Stanford, a California governor and founder of Stanford University, was the first to build an estate on Nob Hill. The only part that survived the earthquake was a basalt-and-granite wall that’s been restored; check it out from the eastern side of the hotel. In 1912 an apartment house was built on the site of the former estate, and in 1972 the present-day hotel was constructed from the shell of that building. A stained-glass dome tops the carriage entrance. | 905 California St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/989–3500 | www.marriott.com.

RUSSIAN HILL

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Ina Coolbrith Park.

If you make it all the way up here, you may have the place all to yourself, or at least feel as if you do. The park’s terraces are carved from a hill so steep that it’s difficult to see if anyone else is there or not. Locals love this park because it feels like a secret no one else knows about—one of the city’s magic hidden gardens, with a meditative setting and spectacular views of the bay peeking out from among the trees. A poet, Oakland librarian, and niece of Mormon prophet Joseph Smith, Ina Coolbrith (1842–1928) introduced Jack London and Isadora Duncan to the world of books. For years she entertained literary greats in her Macondray Lane home near the park. In 1915 she was named poet laureate of California. | Vallejo St. between Mason and Taylor Sts., Russian Hill | 94133.

Lombard Street.

The block-long “Crookedest Street in the World” makes eight switchbacks down the east face of Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth streets. Residents bemoan the traffic jam outside their front doors, but the throngs continue. Join the line of cars waiting to drive down the steep hill, or avoid the whole mess and walk down the steps on either side of Lombard. You take in super views of North Beach and Coit Tower whether you walk or drive—though if you’re the one behind the wheel, you’d better keep your eye on the road lest you become yet another of the many folks who ram the garden barriers. TIP Can’t stand the traffic? Thrill seekers of a different stripe may want to head two blocks south of Lombard to Filbert Street. At a gradient of 31.5%, the hair-raising descent between Hyde and Leavenworth streets is the city’s steepest. Go slowly! | Lombard St. between Hyde and Leavenworth Sts., Russian Hill | 94109.

Fodor’s Choice | Macondray Lane.

San Francisco has no shortage of impressive, grand homes, but it’s the tiny fairy-tale lanes that make most folks want to move here, and Macondray Lane is the quintessential hidden garden. Enter under a lovely wooden trellis and proceed down a quiet, cobbled pedestrian lane lined with Edwardian cottages and flowering plants and trees. Watch your step—the cobblestones are quite uneven in spots. A flight of steep wooden stairs at the end of the lane leads to Taylor Street—on the way down you can’t miss the bay views. If you’ve read any of Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City books, you may find the lane vaguely familiar. It’s the thinly disguised setting for part of the series’ action. | Between Jones and Taylor Sts., and Union and Green Sts., Russian Hill | 94133.

San Francisco Art Institute.

A Moorish-tile fountain in a tree-shaded courtyard draws the eye as soon as you enter the institute. The number-one reason for a visit is Mexican master Diego Rivera’s Making of a Fresco Showing the Building of a City (1931), in the student gallery to your immediate left inside the entrance. Rivera himself is in the fresco—his broad behind is to the viewer—and he’s surrounded by his assistants. They in turn are surrounded by a construction scene, laborers, and city notables such as sculptor Robert Stackpole and architect Timothy Pfleuger. The Making of a Fresco is one of three San Francisco murals painted by Rivera. The number-two reason to come here is the café, or more precisely the eye-popping, panoramic view from the café, which serves surprisingly decent food for a song.

The older portions of the Art Institute, including the lovely Mission-style bell tower, were erected in 1926. To this day, otherwise pragmatic people claim that ghostly footsteps can be heard in the tower at night. Ansel Adams created the school’s fine-arts photography department in 1946, and school directors established the country’s first fine-arts film program. Notable faculty and alumni have included painter Richard Diebenkorn and photographers Dorothea Lange, Edward Weston, and Annie Leibovitz.

The Walter & McBean Galleries (415/749–4563 | Tues.–Sat. 11–6) exhibit the often provocative works of established artists. | 800 Chestnut St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/771–7020 | www.sfai.edu | Galleries free | Student gallery daily 8:30–8:30.

WORTH NOTING

Feusier House.

Octagonal houses were once thought to make the best use of space and enhance the physical and mental well-being of their occupants. A brief mid-19th-century craze inspired the construction of several in San Francisco. Only the Feusier House, built in 1857, and the Octagon House in Pacific Heights remain standing. A private residence, the Feusier House is easy to overlook unless you look closely—it’s dwarfed by the large-scale apartments around it. Across from the Feusier House is the 1907 Firehouse (1088 Green St.). Louise M. Davies, the local art patron for whom Symphony Hall is named, bought it from the city in 1957. The firehouse is closed to the public, but it’s worth taking in the exterior. | 1067 Green St., Russian Hill | 94133.

Vallejo Steps area.

Several Russian Hill buildings survived the 1906 earthquake and fire and remain standing. Patriotic firefighters saved what’s come to be known as the Flag House (1652–56 Taylor St.) when they spotted the American flag on the property and doused the flames with seltzer water and wet sand. The owner, a flag collector, fearing the house would burn to the ground, wanted it to go down in style, with “all flags flying.” The Flag House, at the southwest corner of Ina Coolbrith Park, is one of a number of California Shingle–style homes in this neighborhood, several of which were designed by Willis Polk.

Polk also laid out the Vallejo Steps, which climb the steep ridge across Taylor Street from the Flag House. If the walk up the steps themselves is too steep for you, it’s possible to park at the top of the steps by heading east on Vallejo from Jones.

The Polk-Williams House (Taylor and Vallejo Sts.) was designed by Polk, who lived in one of its finer sections.The architect also designed 1034–1036 Vallejo, across the street from the Polk-Williams House. | Taylor and Vallejo Sts., steps lead up toward Jones St., Russian Hill.

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Top 5 Reasons to Go | Quick Bites | Getting There | Making the Most of Your Time | Top Attractions

Updated by Denise M. Leto

San Francisco novelist Herbert Gold calls North Beach “the longest-running, most glorious American bohemian operetta outside Greenwich Village.” Indeed, to anyone who’s spent some time in its eccentric old bars and cafés, North Beach evokes everything from the Barbary Coast days to the no-less-rowdy Beatnik era.

Italian bakeries appear frozen in time, homages to Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg pop up everywhere, and strip joints, the modern equivalent of the Barbary Coast’s “houses of ill repute,” do business on Broadway. With its outdoor café tables, throngs of tourists, and holiday vibe, this is probably the part of town Europeans are thinking of when they say San Francisco is the most European city in America.

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The neighborhood truly was a beach at the time of the gold rush—the bay extended into the hollow between Telegraph and Russian hills. Among the first immigrants to Yerba Buena during the early 1840s were young men from the northern provinces of Italy. The Genoese started the fishing industry in the newly renamed boomtown of San Francisco, as well as a much-needed produce business. Later, Sicilians emerged as leaders of the fishing fleets and eventually as proprietors of the seafood restaurants lining Fisherman’s Wharf. Meanwhile, their Genoese cousins established banking and manufacturing empires.

Once almost exclusively Italian-American, today North Beach is a mixture of Italian (many of them elderly), Chinese, and San Francisco yuppie. But walk down narrow Romolo Place (off Broadway east of Columbus) or Genoa Place (off Union west of Kearny) or Medau Place (off Filbert west of Grant) and you can feel the immigrant Italian roots of this neighborhood. Locals know that most of the city’s finest Italian restaurants are elsewhere, but North Beach is the place that puts folks in mind of Italian food, and there are many decent options to choose from. Bakeries sell focaccia fresh from the oven; eaten warm or cold, it’s the perfect portable food. Many other aromas fill the air: coffee beans, deli meats and cheeses, Italian pastries, and—always—pungent garlic.

TOP 5 REASONS TO GO

Espresso, espresso, espresso: Or cappuccino, Americano, mocha—however you take your caffeine, this is the neighborhood for it. Hanging out in a café constitutes sightseeing here, so find a chair and get to work.

Colorful watering holes: The high concentration of bars with character, like Tosca Café and Vesuvio, makes North Beach the perfect neighborhood for a pub crawl.

Filbert Steps: Walk down this dizzying stairway from Telegraph Hill’s Coit Tower, past lush private gardens and jaw-dropping bay views—and listen for the hill’s famous screeching parrots.

Grant Avenue: Check out vanguard boutiques, rambling antiques shops, and cavernous old-time bars, all chockablock on narrow Grant Avenue. The best stuff is crowded into the four blocks between Columbus Avenue and Filbert Street.

Browsing books at City Lights: Illuminate your mind at this Beat-era landmark. Its great book selection, author events, and keen staff make it just as cool as ever.

QUICK BITES

Liguria Bakery.

Many consider the fresh-from-the-oven focaccia here the neighborhood’s best. Arrive before noon. When the focaccia is gone, the place usually closes. | 1700 Stockton St., at Filbert St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/421–3786.

Molinari Delicatessen.

The friendly paesans behind the counter serve up the most delicious, and quite possibly the biggest, sandwiches in town. Take a number, grab your bread from the bin, and gaze upon the sandwich board. If you want to eat in, say a prayer to the patron saint of table nabbing—there are only three tables, outside. Fortunately, Washington Square Park is close by. | 373 Columbus Ave., at Vallejo St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/421–2337.

GETTING THERE

The Powell–Mason cable-car line can drop you within a block of Washington Square Park, in the heart of North Beach. The 30–Stockton and 15–3rd Street buses run to the neighborhood from Market Street. Once you’re here, North Beach is a snap to explore on foot. Most of it is relatively flat—but climbing Telegraph Hill to reach Coit Tower is another story entirely.

A North Beach Walk

To hit the highlights of the neighborhood, start off with a browse at Beat landmark City Lights Bookstore. For cool boutique shopping, head north up Grant Avenue. Otherwise, it’s time to get down to the serious business of hanging out. Make a left onto Columbus Avenue when you leave the bookstore and walk the strip until you find a café table or pastry display that calls your name.

Fortified, continue down Columbus to Washington Square, where you can walk or take the 39 bus up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower’s views. Be sure to take in the gorgeous gardens along the Filbert Steps on the way down. Finally, reward yourself by returning to Columbus Avenue for a drink at one of the atmosphere-steeped watering holes like Tosca, which is run by a woman Sean Penn calls “the last of the great saloon mistresses.”

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

There’s no bad time of day to visit this quarter. The cafés buzz from morning to night, the shops along main drags Columbus Avenue and Broadway tend to stay open until at least 6 or 7 pm, and late-night revelers don’t start checking their watches until about 2 am. Sunday is quieter, since some shops close (though City Lights is open daily, until midnight).

Plan to spend a few hours here. It’s all about lingering, and the only major “sightseeing” spot is Coit Tower. The walk up to the tower is strenuous but rewarding; if you can tough it, make time for it. If you’re driving, keep in mind that parking is difficult, especially at night.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

City Lights Bookstore.

Take a look at the exterior of the store: the replica of a revolutionary mural destroyed in Chiapas, Mexico, by military forces; the poetry in the windows; and the sign that says “Turn your sell [sic] phone off. Be here now.” This place isn’t just doling out best sellers. Designated a city landmark, the hangout of Beat-era writers—Allen Ginsberg and store founder Lawrence Ferlinghetti among them—remains a vital part of San Francisco’s literary scene. Browse the three levels of sometimes haphazardly arranged poetry, philosophy, politics, fiction, history, and local zines, to the tune of creaking wood floors. TIP Be sure to check the calendar of literary events.

Back in the day, the basement was a kind of literary living room, where writers like Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac would read and even receive mail. Ferlinghetti cemented City Lights’s place in history by publishing Ginsberg’s Howl and Other Poems in 1956. The small volume was ignored in the mainstream . . . until Ferlinghetti and the bookstore manager were arrested for corruption of youth and obscenity. In the landmark First Amendment trial that followed, the judge exonerated both men, declaring that a work that has “redeeming social significance” can’t be obscene. Howl went on to become a classic.

Kerouac Alley, branching off Columbus Avenue next to City Lights, was rehabbed in 2007. Embedded in the pavement are quotes from Ferlinghetti, Maya Angelou, Confucius, John Steinbeck, and the street’s namesake. | 261 Columbus Ave., North Beach | 94133 | 415/362–8193 | www.citylights.com | Daily 10 am–midnight.

Top 3 Espresso Spots in North Beach

Caffè Trieste.

The Giotta family celebrates the art of a good espresso as well as a good tune at Caffè Trieste. Every Saturday from noon to 2 pm, the family presents a weekly musical. Arrive early to secure seats. The program ranges from Italian pop and folk music to operas, and patrons are encouraged to participate. If you’re one of the few people in creation who hasn’t begun a screenplay, here’s some inspiration: legend has it that Francis Ford Coppola wrote The Godfather screenplay here. | 601 Vallejo St. , at Grant Ave., North Beach | 94133 | 415/392–6739.

Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store.

Intimate, triangular Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store serves up great hot focaccia sandwiches and North Beach–worthy espresso at its few tables and beautiful antique oak bar under old-time posters. On sunny days, take your order across the street to Washington Square for a classic San Francisco picnic. | 566 Columbus Ave. , North Beach | 94133 | 415/362–0536.

Caffè Roma.

A glance at the menu board—”Espresso: $1.80, Espresso with lemon: $10”—will clue you in that Caffè Roma takes its coffee a lot more seriously than it takes itself. And if you’ve got a problem with that, owner Tony Azzollini will convince you, from his refusal to make your coffee extra hot to his insistence that you drink your espresso the moment it’s brewed. Airy and decidedly undistracting—black and white marble is the predominant theme—Roma is a no-nonsense coffee drinker’s pit stop for a hot cup as well as coffee drinks, pastries, and wine. Spot the massive red roaster in the window and you’ll know you’re here. And if you insist on the lemon twist, you deserve to pay. | 526 Columbus Ave. , North Beach | 94133 | 415/296–7942.

Coit Tower.

Whether or not you agree that it resembles a fire-hose nozzle, this 210-foot tower is among San Francisco’s most distinctive skyline sights. Although the monument wasn’t intended as a tribute to firemen, it’s often considered as such because of the donor’s special attachment to the local fire company. As the story goes, a young gold rush–era girl, Lillie Hitchcock Coit (known as Miss Lil), was a fervent admirer of her local fire company—so much so that she once deserted a wedding party and chased down the street after her favorite engine, Knickerbocker No. 5, while clad in her bridesmaid finery. She became the Knickerbocker Company’s mascot and always signed her name “Lillie Coit 5.” When Lillie died in 1929 she left the city $125,000 to “expend in an appropriate manner . . . to the beauty of San Francisco.”

You can ride the elevator to the top of the tower—the only thing you have to pay for here—to enjoy the view of the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge; due north is Alcatraz Island. TIP The views from the base of the tower are also expansive—and free. Parking at Coit Tower is limited; in fact, you may have to wait (and wait) for a space. Save yourself some frustration and take the 39 bus, which goes all the way up to the tower’s base, or, if you’re in good shape, hike up.

Inside the tower, 19 Depression-era murals depict California’s economic and political life. The federal government commissioned the paintings from 25 local artists, and ended up funding a controversy. The radical Mexican painter Diego Rivera inspired the murals’ socialist-realist style, with its biting cultural commentary, particularly about the exploitation of workers. At the time the murals were painted, clashes between management and labor along the waterfront and elsewhere in San Francisco were widespread. | Telegraph Hill Blvd. at Greenwich St. or Lombard St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/362–0808 | Free; elevator to top $7 | Mar.–Sept., daily 10–5:30; Oct.–Feb., daily 9–4:30.

Fodor’s Choice | Telegraph Hill.

Residents here have some of the city’s best views, as well as the most difficult ascents to their aeries. The hill rises from the east end of Lombard Street to a height of 284 feet and is capped by Coit Tower . Imagine lugging your groceries up that! If you brave the slope, though, you can be rewarded with a “secret treasure” SF moment. Filbert Street starts up the hill, then becomes the Filbert Steps when the going gets too steep. You can cut between the Filbert Steps and another flight, the Greenwich Steps, on up to the hilltop. As you climb, you can pass some of the city’s oldest houses and be surrounded by beautiful, flowering private gardens. In some places the trees grow over the stairs so it feels as if you’re walking through a green tunnel; elsewhere, you’ll have wide-open views of the bay. And the telegraphic name? It comes from the hill’s status as the first Morse code signal station back in 1853. | Bordered by Lombard, Filbert, Kearny, and Sansome Sts., North Beach | 94133.

The Parrots of Telegraph Hill

While on Telegraph Hill, you might be startled by a chorus of piercing squawks and a rushing sound of wings. No, you’re not about to have a Hitchcock bird-attack moment. These small, vivid green parrots with cherry-red heads number in the hundreds; they’re descendants of former pets that escaped or were released by their owners. (The birds dislike cages and they bite if bothered . . . must’ve been some disillusioned owners along the way.)

The parrots like to roost high in the aging cypress trees on the hill, chattering and fluttering, sometimes taking wing en masse. They’re not popular with most residents, but they did find a champion in local bohemian Mark Bittner, a former street musician. Bittner began chronicling their habits, publishing a book and battling the homeowners who wanted to cut down the cypresses. A documentary, The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, made the issue a cause célèbre. In 2007 City Hall, which recognizes a golden goose when it sees one, stepped in and brokered a solution to keep the celebrity birds in town. The city will cover the homeowners’ insurance worries and plant new trees for the next generation of wild parrots.

—Denise M. Leto

WORTH NOTING

Beat Museum.

This small museum, opened in 2006, is likely to see an uptick in visitors in response to the 2012 movie version of On the Road. Check out exhibits such as the “Beat pad,” a mock-up of one of the cheap, tiny North Beach apartments the writers and artists populated in the 1950s, complete with bongos and bottle-as-candleholder. Memorabilia include the shirt Neal Cassady wore while driving Ken Kesey’s Merry Prankster bus, “Further.” An early photo of the legendary bus is juxtaposed with a more current picture showing it covered with moss and overgrowth, labeled “Nothing lasts.” Indeed. There are also manuscripts, letters, and early editions by Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti. The gift store has a good selection of Beat philosophy, though it’s nothing you won’t find across the street at City Lights. TIP One weekend a month the museum offers a 90-minute Beat walking tour of North Beach; the $20 price includes museum admission. | 540 Broadway, North Beach | 94133 | 800/537–6822 | www.thebeatmuseum.org | $5 | Daily 10–7.

Grant Avenue.

Originally called Calle de la Fundación, Grant Avenue is the oldest street in the city, but it’s got plenty of young blood. Here dusty bars such as the Saloon and perennial favorites like the Savoy Tivoli mix with hotshot boutiques, odd curio shops like the antique jumble that is Aria, atmospheric cafés such as the boho haven Caffè Trieste, and authentic Italian delis. While the street runs from Union Square through Chinatown, North Beach, and beyond, the fun stuff in this neighborhood is crowded into the four blocks between Columbus Avenue and Filbert Street. | North Beach | 94133.

Levi Strauss Headquarters.

The carefully landscaped complex appears so collegiate that it’s affectionately known as LSU—short for Levi Strauss University. Lawns complement the redbrick buildings, and gurgling fountains drown out the sounds of traffic, providing a perfect environment for brown-bag and picnic lunches. The lobby visitor center has displays focusing on the history of the company, including jeans that saw the gold rush, videos about Levi’s marketing and textile restoration, and decades’ worth of vintage Levi’s shirts on a rotating dry-cleaner’s rack. TIP Get Levi’s and Dockers straight from the source at the cozy new boutique here, open daily. The Filbert Steps to Coit Tower are across the street. | Levi’s Plaza, 1155 Battery St., North Beach | 94111 | Weekdays 9–6, Sat. noon–5. Closed Sun.

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Camera-toting visitors focus their lenses on the Romanesque splendor of what’s often called the Italian Cathedral. Completed in 1924, the church has Disneyesque stone-white towers that are local landmarks. Mass reflects the neighborhood; it’s given in English, Italian, and Chinese. (This is one of the few churches in town where you can hear mass in Italian.) Following their 1954 City Hall wedding, Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio had their wedding photos snapped here. TIP On the first Sunday of October a mass followed by a parade to Fisherman’s Wharf celebrates the Blessing of the Fleet. Another popular event is the Columbus Day pageant in North Beach, with a parade that ends at the church. | 666 Filbert St., at Washington Sq., North Beach | 94133 | 415/421–0809 | www.stspeterpaul.san-francisco.ca.us.

Sentinel Building.

A striking triangular shape and a gorgeous green patina make this 1907 building at the end of Columbus Avenue a visual knockout. In the 1970s local filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola bought the building to use for his production company. The ground floor is now Coppola’s stylish wine bar, Café Zoetrope. Stop in for wines from the Coppola vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, simple Italian dishes, and foodie gifts. | 916 Kearny St., at Columbus Ave., North Beach | 94133.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: 1360 Montgomery Street. In the 1947 film Dark Passage Humphrey Bogart plays an escaped prisoner from San Quentin convicted of killing his wife. His real-life wife, Lauren Bacall, befriends him and lets him hole up in her apartment, inside this fantastic art-deco building. From the street you can view the etched-glass gazelles and palms counterpointing a silvered fresco of a heroic bridge worker. | Montgomery St. between Union and Filbert Sts., near top of Filbert Steps, North Beach | 94133.

Washington Square.

Once the daytime social heart of Little Italy, this grassy patch has changed character numerous times over the years. The Beats hung out in the 1950s, hippies camped out in the 1960s and early ’70s, and nowadays you’re just as likely to see kids of Southeast Asian descent tossing a Frisbee as Italian men or women chatting about their children and the old country. In the morning elderly Asians perform the motions of tai chi, but by midmorning groups of conservatively dressed Italian men in their seventies and eighties begin to arrive. Any time of day, the park may attract a number of homeless people, who stretch out to rest on the benches and grass, and young locals sunbathing or running their dogs. Lillie Hitchcock Coit, in yet another show of affection for San Francisco’s firefighters, donated the statue of two firemen with a child they rescued. TIP The North Beach Festival, the city’s oldest street fair, celebrates the area’s Italian culture here each June. | Bordered by Columbus Ave. and Stockton, Filbert, and Union Sts., North Beach | 94133.

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Top 5 Reasons to Go | Quick Bites | Getting There | Making the Most of Your Time | Ferries | Top Attractions

Updated by Denise M. Leto

San Francisco’s waterfront neighborhoods have fabulous views and utterly different personalities. Kitschy, overpriced Fisherman’s Wharf struggles to maintain the last shreds of its existence as a working wharf, while Pier 39 is a full-fledged consumer circus. The Ferry Building draws well-heeled locals with its culinary pleasures, firmly reconnecting the Embarcadero to downtown. Between the Ferry Building and Pier 39 a former maritime no-man’s-land is filling in with the new Exploratorium, Alcatraz Landing, fashionable waterfront restaurants, and restored pedestrian-friendly piers.

Previous Map | Next Map | San Francisco Maps

Today’s shoreline was once Yerba Buena Cove, filled in during the latter half of the 19th century, when San Francisco was a brawling, extravagant gold-rush town. Jackson Square, now a genteel and upscale corner of the inland Financial District, was the heart of the Barbary Coast, bordering some of the roughest wharves in the world. Below Montgomery Street (in today’s Financial District), between California Street and Broadway, lies a remnant of these wild days: more than 100 ships abandoned by frantic crews and passengers caught up in gold fever lie under the foundations of buildings here.

TOP 5 REASONS TO GO

Ferry Building: Join locals eyeing luscious produce and foods prepared by some of the city’s best chefs at San Francisco’s premier farmers’ market on Saturday morning.

Hyde Street Pier: Sing sea chanteys and raise the sails aboard the gorgeously restored 19th-century square-rigged ship Balclutha, then hit Buena Vista for an Irish coffee.

Alcatraz: Go from a scenic bay tour to “the hole”—solitary confinement in absolute darkness—while inmates and guards tell you stories about what life was really like on the Rock.

F-line: Grab a polished wooden seat aboard one of the city’s lovingly restored vintage streetcars and clatter down the tracks toward the Ferry Building’s spire.

Musée Mécanique: Take a pocketful of quarters and enter this arcade of vintage machines.

QUICK BITES

The Ferry Building is everyone’s favorite spot for a bite on the Embarcadero.

Out the Door.

Grab something to go from the beloved Vietnamese restaurant Slanted Door’s takeout counter. | Ferry Building, 1 Ferry Plaza, Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/321–3740.

Miette.

If you need a sweet treat, head to pink Miette, where the cakes and pastries are absolute organic perfection. | 1 Ferry Plaza, Embarcadero | 94115 | 415/837–0300.

GETTING THERE

The Powell–Hyde and Powell–Mason cable-car lines both end near Fisherman’s Wharf. The walk from downtown through North Beach to the northern waterfront is lovely, and if you stick to Columbus Avenue, the incline is relatively gentle. F-line trolleys, often packed to capacity, run all the way down Market to the Embarcadero, then north to the Wharf.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

If you’re planning to go to Alcatraz, be sure to buy your tickets in advance, as tours frequently sell out. Alcatraz ferries leave from Pier 33—so there isn’t a single good reason to suffer Pier 39’s tacky, overpriced attractions. If you’re a sailor at heart, though, definitely spend an hour with the historic ships of the Hyde Street Pier.

FERRIES

The bay is a huge part of San Francisco’s charm, and getting out on the water gives you an attractive and unique (though windy) perspective on the city. Keep in mind that a ride on a commuter ferry is cheaper than a cruise, and just as lovely.

Red and White Fleet.

The Red and White Fleet has the widest range of tour options, including sunset cruises from April to October. | Pier 43½, Fisherman’s Wharf | 94124 | 415/673–2900 | www.redandwhite.com.

Blue & Gold Fleet.

The Blue & Gold Fleet offers bay cruises and, in summer, high-speed RocketBoat rides, as well as ferry service to Oakland, Alameda, Tiburon, Sausalito, Vallejo, and Angel Island. | Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/705–5555 | www.blueandgoldfleet.com.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Alcatraz.

Thousands of visitors come every day to walk in the footsteps of Alcatraz’s notorious criminals. The stories of life and death on “the Rock” may sometimes be exaggerated, but it’s almost impossible to resist the chance to wander the cellblock that tamed the country’s toughest gangsters and saw daring escape attempts of tremendous desperation. Fewer than 2,000 inmates ever did time on the Rock, and though they weren’t the worst criminals, they were definitely the worst prisoners, include Al “Scarface” Capone, Robert “The Birdman” Stroud, and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.

Some tips for escaping to Alcatraz: 1) Buy your ticket in advance. Visit the website for Alcatraz Cruises (www.alcatrazcruises.com) to scout out available departure times for the ferry. Prepay by credit card and keep a receipt record; the ticket price covers the boat ride and the audio tour. Pick up your ticket at the “will call” window at Pier 33 up to an hour before sailing. 2) Dress smart. Bring a jacket to ward off the chill from the boat ride and wear comfortable shoes. 3) Go for the evening tour. You’ll get even more out of your Alcatraz experience at night. The evening tour has programs not offered during the day, the bridge-to-bridge view of the city twinkles at night, and your “prison experience” will be amplified as darkness falls. 4) Be mindful of scheduled and limited-capacity talks. Some programs are only given once a day (the schedule is posted in the cell house). Certain talks have limited-capacity seating, so keep an eye out for a cell-house staffer handing out passes shortly before the start time.

The boat ride to the island is brief (15 minutes), but affords beautiful views of the city, Marin County, and the East Bay. The audio tour, highly recommended, includes observations by guards and prisoners about life in one of America’s most notorious penal colonies. Plan your schedule to allow at least three hours for the visit and boat rides combined. | Pier 33, Embarcadero | 94133 | 415/981–7625 | www.nps.gov/alca | $28, including audio tour; $35 evening tour, including audio | Ferry departs every 30–45 mins Sept.–late May, daily 9:30–2:15, 4:20 for evening tour Thurs.–Mon. only; late May–Aug., daily 9:30–4:15, 6:30 and 7:30 for evening tour.

Exploratorium.

Walking into this fascinating “museum of science, art, and human perception” is like visiting a mad scientist’s laboratory. Most of the exhibits are supersize, and you can play with everything. After moving into its new, larger digs on the Embarcadero in April 2013, the Exploratorium will have even more space for its signature experiential exhibits, including a new Tinkering Studio and a brand-new glass Bay Observatory building, where exhibits inside will help visitors better understand what they see outside. Look for surprises outside the building, too. Quintessential Exploratorium exhibits remain: Get an Alice in Wonderland feeling in the distortion room, where you seem to shrink and grow as you walk across the slanted, checkered floor. In the shadow room, a powerful flash freezes an image of your shadow on the wall; jumping is a favorite pose. “Pushover” demonstrates cow-tipping, but for people: stand on one foot and try to keep your balance while a friend swings a striped panel in front of you (trust us, you’re going to fall).

More than 650 other exhibits focus on sea and insect life, computers, electricity, patterns and light, language, the weather, and much more. “Explainers”—usually high-school students on their days off—demonstrate cool scientific tools and procedures, like DNA sample-collection and cow-eye dissection. One surefire hit is the pitch-black, touchy-feely Tactile Dome, newly built in the Embarcadero space. In this geodesic dome strewn with textured objects, you crawl through a course of ladders, slides, and tunnels, relying solely on your sense of touch. Not surprisingly, lovey-dovey couples sometimes linger in the “grope dome,” but be forewarned: the staff will turn on the lights if they have to. TIP Reservations are required for the Tactile Dome, and will get you 75 minutes of access. You have to be at least seven years old to go through the dome, and the space is not for the claustrophobic. The Exploratorium plans to remain open in its Marina home through January 2013. Call ahead to confirm which location is open when you visit and the hours it’s open. | Piers 15–17, Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/561–0360 general information, 415/561–0362 Tactile Dome reservations | www.exploratorium.edu | $15, free 1st Wed. of month; Tactile Dome $5 extra | Tues.–Sun. 10–5.

Fodor’s Choice | Ferry Building.

The jewel of the Embarcadero, erected in 1896, is topped by a 230-foot clock tower modeled after the campanile of the cathedral in Seville, Spain. On the morning of April 18, 1906, the tower’s four clock faces, powered by the swinging of a 14-foot pendulum, stopped at 5:17—the moment the great earthquake struck—and stayed still for 12 months.

Today San Franciscans flock to the street-level marketplace, stocking up on supplies from local favorites such as Acme Bread, Scharffen Berger Chocolate, Cowgirl Creamery, and Blue Bottle Coffee. Lucky diners claim a coveted table at Slanted Door, the city’s beloved high-end Vietnamese restaurant. The seafood bars at Hog Island Oyster Company and Ferry Plaza Seafood have fantastic city panoramas—or you can take your purchases around to the building’s bay side, where benches face views of the Bay Bridge. On Saturday mornings the plazas outside the building buzz with an upscale farmers’ market where you can buy exotic sandwiches and other munchables. Extending from the piers on the north side of the building south to the Bay Bridge, the waterfront promenade is a favorite among joggers and picnickers, with a front-row view of the sailboats slipping by. The Ferry Building also serves actual ferries: from behind the building they sail to Sausalito, Larkspur, Tiburon, and the East Bay. | Embarcadero at foot of Market St., Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/983–8030 | www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com.

QUICK BITES: Buena Vista Café. Even locals love this café, which claims to be the first place in the United States to have served Irish coffee. The café opens at 9 am weekdays (8 am weekends) and dishes up a great breakfast. The bartenders serve about 2,000 Irish coffees a day, so it’s always crowded; try for a table overlooking Victorian Park and its cable-car turntable. | 2765 Hyde St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 415/474–5044.

Fisherman’s Wharf.

It may be one of the city’s best-known attractions, but the Wharf is a no-go zone for most locals, who shy away from the difficult parking, overpriced food, and cheesy shops at third-rate shopping centers like the Cannery at Del Monte Square. If you can’t resist a visit here, come early to avoid the crowds and get a sense of the Wharf’s functional role—it’s not just an amusement park replica.

Most of the entertainment at the Wharf is schlocky and overpriced, with one notable exception: the splendid Musée Mécanique (415/346–2000 | Weekdays 10–7, weekends 10–8), a time-warped arcade with antique mechanical contrivances, including peep shows and nickelodeons. Some favorites are the giant and rather creepy “Laffing Sal,” an arm-wrestling machine, the world’s only steam-powered motorcycle, and mechanical fortune-telling figures that speak from their curtained boxes. Note the depictions of race that betray the prejudices of the time: stoned Chinese figures in the “Opium-Den” and clown-faced African-Americans eating watermelon in the “Mechanical Farm.” Admission is free, but you’ll need quarters to bring the machines to life.

Just outside, the USS Pampanito (Pier 45 | 415/775–1943 | www.maritime.org/pamphome.htm | Oct.–Memorial Day, Sun.–Thurs. 9–6, Fri. and Sat. 9–8; Memorial Day–Sept., Thurs.–Tues. 9–8, Wed. 9–6) provides an intriguing if mildly claustrophobic glimpse into life on a submarine during World War II. The sub sank six Japanese warships and damaged four others. Admission is $10; the family pass is a great deal at $20 for two adults and up to four kids.

Among the two floors of exhibits at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum (175 Jefferson St. | 415/771–6188 | www.ripleysf.com | $19.99 | Late June–Labor Day, Sun.–Thurs. 9 am–11 pm, Fri. and Sat. 9 am–midnight; Labor Day–early June, Sun.–Thurs. 10–10, Fri. and Sat. 10 am–midnight) is a tribute to San Francisco—an 8-foot-long scale model of a cable car, made entirely of matchsticks.

Notables from local boy Robin Williams to King Tut await at the Wax Museum (145 Jefferson St. | 415/202–0400 or 800/439–4305 | www.waxmuseum.com), open daily 10–9. Admission is $14. | Jefferson St. between Leavenworth St. and Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf.

Hyde Street Pier.

Cotton candy and souvenirs are all well and good, but if you want to get to the heart of the Wharf—boats—there’s no better place to do it than at this pier, one of the Wharf area’s best bargains. Depending on the time of day, you might see boatbuilders at work or children pretending to man an early-1900s ship.

Don’t pass up the centerpiece collection of historic vessels, part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, almost all of which can be boarded. The Balclutha, an 1886 full-rigged three-masted sailing vessel that’s more than 250 feet long, sailed around Cape Horn 17 times; kids especially love the Eureka, a side-wheel passenger and car ferry, for her onboard collection of vintage cars; the Hercules is a steam-powered tugboat. The C.A. Thayer, a three-masted schooner, recently underwent a painstaking restoration.

Across the street from the pier and almost a museum in itself is the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park’s Visitor Center (499 Jefferson St. | 415/447–5000 | June–Aug., daily 9:30–5:30; Sept.–May, daily 9:30–5) is happily free of mind-numbing, text-heavy displays. Instead, fun large-scale exhibits, such as a huge First Order Fresnel lighthouse lens and a shipwrecked boat, make this an engaging and relatively quick stop.

Though it’s still undergoing long-term restoration, the Maritime Museum (900 Beach St., at Polk St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | Lobby daily 10–4) is worth a peek now to see its lobby mural, a gorgeous underwater dreamscape. | Hyde and Jefferson Sts., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 415/561–7100 | www.nps.gov/safr | Ships $5 | June–Aug., daily 9:30–5:30; Sept.–May, daily 9:30–5.

Escape from Alcatraz

Federal prison officials liked to claim that it was impossible to escape Alcatraz, and for the most part, that assertion was true. For seasoned swimmers, though, the trip has never posed a problem—in fact, it’s been downright popular.

In the 1930s, in an attempt to dissuade the feds from converting Alcatraz into a prison, a handful of schoolgirls made the swim to the city. At age sixty, native son Jack LaLanne did it (for the second time) while shackled and towing a 1,000-pound rowboat. Every year a couple of thousand participants take the plunge during the annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Heck, a dog made the crossing in 2005 and finished well ahead of most of the (human) pack. And in 2006, seven-year-old Braxton Bilbrey became the youngest “escapee” on record. Incidentally, those reports of shark-infested waters are true—but the sharks aren’t a dangerous species.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: S.S. Jeremiah O’Brien. A participant in the D-Day landing in Normandy during World War II, this Liberty Ship freighter is one of two such vessels (out of 2,500 built) still in working order. To keep the 1943 ship in sailing shape, the steam engine—which appears in the film Titanic—is operated dockside seven times a year on special “steaming weekends.” Cruises take place several times a year between May and October, and the vessel is open to visitors daily. | Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/544–0100 | www.ssjeremiahobrien.org | $10 | Daily 9–4.

Pier 39.

The city’s most popular waterfront attraction draws millions of visitors each year who come to browse through its shops and concessions hawking every conceivable form of souvenir. The pier can be quite crowded, and the numerous street performers may leave you feeling more harassed than entertained. Arriving early in the morning ensures you a front-row view of the sea lions, but if you’re here to shop—and make no mistake about it, Pier 39 wants your money—be aware that most stores don’t open until 9:30 or 10 (later in winter).

Pick up a buckwheat hull–filled otter neck wrap or a plush sea lion to snuggle at the Marine Mammal Center Store (415/289–7373), whose proceeds benefit Sausalito’s respected wild-animal hospital, the Marine Mammal Center.

Sales of the excellent books, maps, and collectibles at National Park Store (415/433–7221)—including a series of gorgeous, distinctive art-deco posters for Alcatraz, the Presidio, Fort Point, and the other members of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area—at the National Park Store help to support the National Park Service.

Brilliant colors enliven the double-decker San Francisco Carousel ($3 per ride), decorated with images of such city landmarks as the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street.

Follow the sound of barking to the northwest side of the pier to view the sea lions that flop about the floating docks.

At Aquarium of the Bay (415/623–5300 or 888/732–3483 | www.aquariumofthebay.org | $16.95 | June–Sept., daily 9–8; Mar.–May and Oct., Mon.–Thurs. 10–7, Fri.–Sun. 10–8; Nov.–Feb., daily 10–7) moving walkways transport you through a space surrounded on three sides by water filled with indigenous San Francisco Bay marine life, from fish and plankton to sharks. Many find the aquarium overpriced; if you can, take advantage of the family rate ($46 for two adults and two kids under 12).

The California Welcome Center (415/981–1280 | www.visitcwc.com | Daily 10–6), on Pier 39’s second level, can help you reserve tours and plan your time in the city.

Parking (free with validation from a Pier 39 restaurant) is at the Pier 39 Garage, off Powell Street at the Embarcadero. | Beach St. at Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | www.pier39.com.

WORTH NOTING

Angel Island.

For an outdoorsy adventure, consider a day at this island northwest of Alcatraz. Discovered by Spaniards in 1775 and declared a U.S. military reserve 75 years later, the island was used as a screening ground for Asian, mostly Chinese, immigrants—who were often held for months, even years, before being granted entry—from 1910 until 1940. You can visit the restored Immigration Station, from the dock where detainees landed to the barracks where you can see the poems in Chinese script they etched onto the walls. In 1963 the government designated Angel Island a state park. Today people come for picnics, hikes along the scenic 5-mile path that winds around the island’s perimeter, and tram tours that explain the park’s history; venture inland and you’ll likely see evidence of the 2008 fire that burned away more than a third of the island’s 740 acres. Twenty-five bicycles are permitted on the ferry on a first-come, first-served basis, and you can rent mountain bikes for $10 an hour or $35 a day at the landing (daily April through October; call during other times). There are also a dozen primitive campsites. Blue & Gold Fleet is the only Angel Island ferry service with departures from San Francisco. Boats leave from Pier 41 and the Ferry Building. | Pier 41, Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/435–1915 park information and ferry schedules, 415/705–5555, 800/426–8687 tickets | www.parks.ca.gov, www.angelisland.com | $17 | Daily 8 am–sunset.

Ghirardelli Square.

Most of the redbrick buildings in this early-20th-century complex were once part of the Ghirardelli factory. Now tourists come here to pick up the famous chocolate, though you can purchase it all over town and save yourself a trip to what is essentially a mall. But this is the only place to watch the cool chocolate manufactory in action. (If you’re a chocoholic, this definitely beats the Cannery.) There are no fewer than three Ghirardelli stores here, as well as gift shops and a couple of restaurants—including Ana Mandara—that even locals love. Fairmont recently opened an upscale urban time-share directly on the square. Placards throughout the square describe the factory’s history. | 900 N. Point St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 415/775–5500 | www.ghirardellisq.com.

Jackson Square.

This was the heart of the Barbary Coast of the Gay Nineties (the 1890s, that is). Although most of the red-light district was destroyed in the fire that followed the 1906 earthquake, old redbrick buildings and narrow alleys recall the romance and rowdiness of San Francisco’s early days. The days of brothels and bar fights are long gone—now Jackson Square is a genteel, quiet corner of the Financial District. It’s of interest to the historically inclined and antiques-shop browsers, but otherwise safely skipped.

Some of the city’s first business buildings, survivors of the 1906 quake, still stand between Montgomery and Sansome streets. After a few decades of neglect, these old-timers were adopted by preservation-minded interior designers and wholesale furniture dealers for use as showrooms. In 1972 the city officially designated the area—bordered by Columbus Avenue on the west, Broadway and Pacific Avenue on the north, Washington Street on the south, and Sansome Street on the east—San Francisco’s first historic district. When property values soared, many of the fabric and furniture outlets fled to Potrero Hill. Advertising agencies, attorneys, and antiques dealers now occupy the Jackson Square–area structures.

It takes a bit of conjuring to evoke the wild Barbary Coast days when checking out the now-gentrified gold rush–era buildings in the 700 block of Montgomery Street. But this was an especially colorful block. Author Mark Twain was a reporter for the spunky Golden Era newspaper, which occupied No. 732 (now part of the building at No. 744). From 1959 to 1996 the late ambulance-chaser extraordinaire, lawyer Melvin Belli, had his headquarters at Nos. 722 and 728–730. There was never a dull moment in Belli’s world; he represented clients from Mae West to Gloria Sykes (who in 1964 claimed that a cable-car accident turned her into a nymphomaniac) to Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. Whenever he won a case, he fired a cannon and raised the Jolly Roger. Belli was also known for receiving a letter from the never-caught Zodiac killer. It seems fitting that the building sat for years, deteriorating and moldering, while the late attorney’s sons fought wife number five (joined with Belli in holy matrimony just three months before his death). She eventually won, but today the dilapidated building is for sale.

Restored 19th-century brick buildings line Hotaling Place, which connects Washington and Jackson streets. The lane is named for the head of the A.P. Hotaling Company whiskey distillery (451 Jackson St., at Hotaling Pl.), which was the largest liquor repository on the West Coast in its day. (Hotaling whiskey is still made in the city, by the way; look for their single malts for a sip of truly local flavor.) | Jackson Sq. district, bordered by Broadway and Washington, Kearny, and Sansome Sts., Financial District.

Market Street Buildings.

The street, which bisects the city at an angle, has consistently challenged San Francisco’s architects. One of the most intriguing responses to this challenge sits diagonally across Market Street from the Palace Hotel. The tower of the Hobart Building (No. 582) combines a flat facade and oval sides and is considered one of Willis Polk’s best works in the city. East on Market Street is Charles Havens’s triangular Flatiron Building (Nos. 540–548), another classic solution. At Bush Street, the Donahue Monument holds its own against the skyscrapers that tower over the intersection. This homage to waterfront mechanics, which survived the 1906 earthquake (a famous photograph shows Market Street in ruins around the sculpture), was designed by Douglas Tilden, a noted California sculptor. The plaque in the sidewalk next to the monument marks the spot as the location of the San Francisco Bay shoreline in 1848. Telltale nautical details such as anchors, ropes, and shells adorn the gracefully detailed Matson Building (No. 215), built in the 1920s for the shipping line Matson Navigation. | Between New Montgomery and Beale Sts., Financial District | 94111.

San Francisco National Maritime Museum.

You’ll feel as if you’re out to sea when you step aboard, er, inside this sturdy, round, ship-shape structure dubbed the Bathhouse. The museum, part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, is in the midst of a multiyear renovation. The first floor is finished and sparkling, and you can visit the veranda and the lobby, with its stunningly restored undersea dreamscape mural. When restoration is complete, you’ll be able to view the museum’s three floors of intricate ship models, beautifully restored figureheads, photographs of life at sea, and other artifacts chronicling the maritime history of San Francisco and the West Coast. The views from the top floor are stunning, as are those from the first-floor balcony, which overlooks the beach; also check out the lovely WPA-era tile designs on your way to the steamships exhibit. | Aquatic Park, foot of Polk St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 415/447–5000 | www.nps.gov/safr | Donation suggested | Daily 10–4.

San Francisco Railway Museum.

A labor of love brought to you by the same vintage-transit enthusiasts responsible for the F-line’s revival, this one-room museum and store celebrates the city’s storied streetcars and cable cars with photographs, models, and artifacts. The permanent exhibit includes the replicated end of a streetcar with a working cab—complete with controls and a bell—for kids to explore; the cool, antique Wiley birdcage traffic signal; and models and display cases to view. Right on the F-line track, just across from the Ferry Building, this is a great quick stop. | 77 Steuart St., Embarcadero | 94105 | 415/974–1948 | www.streetcar.org | Free | Tues.–Sun. 10–6.

Transamerica Pyramid.

It’s neither owned by Transamerica nor is it a pyramid, but this 853-foot-tall obelisk is the most photographed of the city’s high-rises. Excoriated in the design stages as “the world’s largest architectural folly,” the icon was quickly hailed as a masterpiece when it opened in 1972. Today it’s probably the city’s most recognized structure after the Golden Gate Bridge. A fragrant redwood grove along the east side of the building, replete with benches and a cheerful fountain, is a placid patch in which to unwind. | 600 Montgomery St., Financial District | 94111 | www.transamerica.com.

Alcatraz as Native Land

In the 1960s Native Americans attempted to reclaim Alcatraz, citing an 1868 treaty that granted Native Americans any surplus federal land. Their activism crested in 1969, when several dozen Native Americans began a 19-month occupation, supported by public opinion and friendly media.

The group offered to buy the island from the government for $24 worth of beads and other goods—exactly what Native Americans had been paid for Manhattan in 1626. In their Proclamation to the Great White Father and His People, the group laid out the 10 reasons why Alcatraz would make an ideal Indian reservation, among them: “There is no industry and so unemployment is very great,” and “The soil is rocky and nonproductive, and the land does not support game.” The last holdouts were removed by federal agents in 1971, but today’s visitors are still greeted with the huge graffitied message: “Indians Welcome. Indian Land.”

Wells Fargo Bank History Museum.

There were no formal banks in San Francisco during the early years of the gold rush, and miners often entrusted their gold dust to saloon keepers. In 1852 Wells Fargo opened its first bank in the city, and the company soon established banking offices in mother-lode camps throughout California. Stagecoaches and pony-express riders connected points around the burgeoning state, where the population boomed from 15,000 to 200,000 between 1848 and 1852. The museum displays samples of nuggets and gold dust from mines, a mural-size map of the Mother Lode, mementos of the poet bandit Black Bart (who signed his poems “Po8”), and an old telegraph machine on which you can practice sending codes. The showpiece is a red Concord stagecoach, the likes of which carried passengers from St. Joseph, Missouri, to San Francisco in just three weeks during the 1850s. | 420 Montgomery St., Financial District | 94104 | 415/396–2619 | www.wellsfargohistory.com | Free | Weekdays 9–5.

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Top 5 Reasons to Go | Quick Bites | Getting There | Making the Most of Your Time | The Marina | Presidio

Updated by Denise M. Leto

Yachts bob at their moorings, satisfied-looking folks jog along the Marina Green, and multimillion-dollar homes overlook the bay in this picturesque, if somewhat sterile, neighborhood. Does it all seem a bit too perfect? Well, it got this way after the hard knock of Loma Prieta—the current pretty face was put on after hundreds of homes collapsed in the 1989 earthquake. Just west of this waterfront area is a more natural beauty: the Presidio. Once a military base, this beautiful, sprawling park is mostly green space, with hills, woods, and the marshlands of Crissy Field.

It’s often said that the Marina’s 1989 disaster was literally built on the legacy of the Great Quake. Local legend has it that rubble from the 1906 catastrophe was used to fill in the area—unstable landfill that then liquefied when the Loma Prieta temblor struck. That story was disproved in 2004, but regardless of the origin of Marina land, its shaky character stays the same. The district suffered the worst damage in the city from the 1989 quake, and many residents fled in search of more-solid ground. Others stayed put. “I realize that we’re sitting on Jell-O,” said one local. “[But] how many areas are as beautiful as the Marina? At some point, you just have to pick your poison ….”

Well-funded postcollegiates and the nouveau riche quickly replaced those who left, changing the tenor of this formerly low-key neighborhood. The number of yuppie coffee emporiums skyrocketed, a bank became a Williams-Sonoma, and the local grocer gave way to a Pottery Barn. On weekends a young, fairly homogeneous, well-to-do crowd floods the cafés and bars. (Some things don’t change—even before the quake, the Marina Safeway was a famed pickup place for straight singles, hence the nickname “Dateway.”) One unquestionable improvement has been the influx of contemporary cuisine into this former bastion of outdated Italian fare. South of Lombard Street is the Marina’s affluent neighbor, Cow Hollow, whose main drag, Union Street, has some of the city’s best boutique shopping and a good selection of fun, fine restaurants and cafés. Joggers and kite-flyers head to the Marina Green, the strip of lawn between the yacht club and the mansions of Marina Boulevard.

The Presidio, meanwhile, is going through some shake-ups, too. Back in 1996 President Clinton signed a bill placing the Presidio in the hands of a trust corporation as part of a novel money-generating experiment. The trust manages most of the Presidio land, leasing buildings and allowing limited development with the goal of making enough money to cover the Presidio’s operating costs. The National Park Service oversees the coastal sections. Whether this arrangement is a worthy model for national parks of the future, or the first step in the crass commercialization of a public resource, is the subject of debate and due to be officially evaluated in 2013. Whatever the outcome, the Presidio will still have superb views and the best hiking and biking areas in San Francisco; a drive through the lush area is also a treat.

TOP 5 REASONS TO GO

Golden Gate Bridge: Get a good look at the iconic span from the Presidio, then bundle up and walk over the water.

Shop Cow Hollow and the Marina: Browse hip boutiques and lavish antiques shops on Union Street, Cow Hollow’s main drag. Then head north to Chestnut Street.

Palace of Fine Arts: Bring a picnic to this movingly beautiful faux-Greek remnant of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition and travel back in time to the city’s post-earthquake-and-fire coming-out party.

Crissy Field: Try to spot egrets and herons from the bayside wooden boardwalk over this restored tidal marshland.

Presidio wanderings: Lace up your walking shoes and follow one of the wooded trails; the city will feel a hundred miles away. If you have a car, take a meandering drive, stopping at any and all ocean lookouts—Inspiration Point and Immigrant Point will take your breath away.

QUICK BITES

Greens to Go.

The take-out wing of the famous vegetarian restaurant carries mouthwatering premade salads, sandwiches, and soups. There aren’t any seats, but a steep flight of stairs leads up to a grassy park with splendid views of the Marina. | Fort Mason, Bldg. A, Marina | 94123 | 415/771–6330.

La Boulange.

Its signature periwinkle awning announces La Boulange, which serves tartines (open-faced sandwiches) in addition to perfect pastries and cakes. Free refills of organic coffee and a welcoming interior encourage lingering. | 1909 Union St., at Laguna St., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/440–4450.

GETTING THERE

The only public transportation to this part of town is the bus, so if you don’t have a car, take the 30–Stockton to Chestnut and Laguna in the Marina, two blocks south of Fort Mason.

The Marina and the Presidio are great for biking and easily reached along the Embarcadero.

The Presidio, vast and with plenty of free parking, is one area where it pays to have a car. If you’re driving to either the Marina or the Presidio, parking isn’t too bad—the Palace of Fine Arts and Crissy Field all have free lots.

For those without wheels, the free year-round shuttle PresidiGo, which loops through the Presidio every half hour, is a dream; ride the whole route for a good 45-minute overview. Pick it up at the transit center at Lincoln Boulevard and Graham Street. From 10 to 3 a free shuttle runs from Howard and Main streets downtown to the Presidio (Muni Passport holders can ride this shuttle during commuter hours as well). For a map and schedule, check www.presidio.gov.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge takes about 30 minutes, but leave some time to take in the view on the other side. If you aren’t in a hurry, plan to spend at least two to three hours in the Presidio, and be sure to allow 15 minutes to stroll around the stunning Palace of Fine Arts. In a pinch, make a 30- to 45-minute swing-through for the views. Shoppers can burn up an entire day browsing the Marina’s Chestnut Street and Cow Hollow’s Union Street. Weekends are liveliest, while Mondays are quiet, since some shops close.

THE MARINA

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Fodor’s Choice | Palace of Fine Arts.

At first glance this stunning, rosy rococo palace seems to be from another world, and indeed, it’s the sole survivor of the many tinted-plaster structures (a temporary classical city of sorts) built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the world’s fair that celebrated San Francisco’s recovery from the 1906 earthquake and fire. The expo buildings originally extended about a mile along the shore. Bernard Maybeck designed this faux–Roman classic beauty, which was reconstructed in concrete and reopened in 1967. A victim of the elements, the Palace required a piece-by-piece renovation that was completed in 2008.

The pseudo-Latin language adorning the Palace’s exterior urns continues to stump scholars. The massive columns (each topped with four “weeping maidens”), great rotunda, and swan-filled lagoon have been used in countless fashion layouts, films, and wedding photo shoots. After admiring the lagoon, look across the street to the house at 3460 Baker Street. If the maidens out front look familiar, they should—they’re original casts of the lovely “garland ladies” you can see in the Palace’s colonnade. | 3301 Lyon St., at Beach St., Marina | 94123 | 415/561–0364 Palace history tours | www.palaceoffinearts.org | Free | Daily 24 hrs.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Wave Organ. Conceived by environmental artist Peter Richards and fashioned by master stonecutter George Gonzales, this unusual wave-activated acoustic sculpture gives off subtle harmonic sounds produced by seawater as it passes through 25 tubes. The sound is loudest at high tide. The granite and marble used for walkways, benches, and alcoves that are part of the piece were salvaged from a gold rush–era cemetery. | North of Marina Green at end of jetty by Yacht Rd., park in lot north of Marina Blvd. at Lyon St., Marina | 94129.

WORTH NOTING

Fort Mason Center.

Originally a depot for the shipment of supplies to the Pacific during World War II, the fort was converted into a cultural center in 1977. Here you can find the vegetarian restaurant Greens and shops, galleries, and performance spaces, most of which are closed Monday. You have to be seriously into Italian-American culture to appreciate the text- and photograph-heavy exhibits at the Museo Italo-Americano (Bldg. C | 415/673–2200 | museoitaloamericano.org | Tues.–Sun. noon–4), but depending on the exhibit, it might be worth a glance if you’re already at Fort Mason. Plus, it’s free. The temporary exhibits downstairs at the free SFMOMA Artists Gallery (Bldg. A | 415/441–4777) can be great, but head upstairs and check out the paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs for sale and for rent. It’s a fun scene, with folks flipping through the works like posters. You won’t find a Picasso or a Rembrandt here, but you can find works of high quality by emerging Northern California artists—and where else can you get a $50,000 work of art to hang on your wall for $400 (a month)? It’s open Tuesday through Saturday 11:30–5:30. While waiting for its permanent home downtown, the Mexican Museum (Bldg. D | 415/202–9700) hosts temporary exhibits in this small space. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday noon to 4 and admission is free. | Buchanan St. and Marina Blvd., Marina | 94123 | 415/345–7500 event information | www.fortmason.org.

PRESIDIO

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Fodor’s Choice | Golden Gate Bridge.

The suspension bridge that connects San Francisco with Marin County has long wowed sightseers with its simple but powerful art-deco design. Completed in 1937 after four years of construction, the 1.7-mile span and its 750-foot towers were built to withstand winds of more than 100 mph. It’s also not a bad place to be in an earthquake: designed to sway up to 27.7 feet, the Golden Gate Bridge, unlike the Bay Bridge, was undamaged by the 1989 Loma Prieta quake. (If you’re on the bridge when it’s windy, stand still and you can feel it swaying a bit.) Though it’s frequently gusty and misty—always bring a jacket, no matter what the weather’s like—the bridge provides unparalleled views of the Bay Area. Muni buses 28 and 76 make stops at the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza, on the San Francisco side. However, drive to fully appreciate the bridge from multiple vantage points in and around the Presidio; you’ll be able to park at designated areas.

From the bridge’s eastern-side walkway—the only side pedestrians are allowed on—you can take in the San Francisco skyline and the bay islands; look west for the wild hills of the Marin Headlands, the curving coast south to Land’s End, and the Pacific Ocean. On sunny days sailboats dot the water, and brave windsurfers test the often-treacherous tides beneath the bridge. A vista point on the Marin side gives you a spectacular city panorama.

But there’s a well-known, darker side to the bridge’s story, too. The bridge is perhaps the world’s most popular suicide platform, with an average of about 20 jumpers per year. (The first leaped just three months after the bridge’s completion, and the official count was stopped in 1995 as the 1,000th jump approached.) Signs along the bridge read “There is hope. Make the call,” referring the disconsolate to the special telephones on the bridge. Bridge officers, who patrol the walkway and watch by security camera to spot potential jumpers, successfully talk down two-thirds to three-quarters of them each year. Documentary filmmaker Eric Steel’s controversial 2006 movie The Bridge once again put pressure on the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District to install a suicide barrier. The unobtrusive net supported by most locals is finally in the design phase, though funding hasn’t been secured. | Lincoln Blvd. near Doyle Dr. and Fort Point, Presidio | 94129 | 415/921–5858 | www.goldengatebridge.org | Pedestrians Mar.–Oct., daily 5 am–9 pm; Nov.–Feb., daily 5 am–6 pm; hrs change with daylight saving time. Bicyclists daily 24 hrs.

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Presidio.

When San Franciscans want to spend a day in the woods, they head here. The Presidio has 1,400 acres of hills and majestic woods, two small beaches, and stunning views of the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin County. Famed environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy’s sculpture greets visitors at the Arguello Gate entrance. The 100-plus-foot Spire, made of 37 cypress logs reclaimed from the Presidio, looks like a rough, natural version of a church spire. TIP The best lookout points lie along Washington Boulevard, which meanders through the park.

Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the Presidio was a military post for more than 200 years. Don Juan Bautista de Anza and a band of Spanish settlers first claimed the area in 1776. It became a Mexican garrison in 1822, when Mexico gained its independence from Spain; U.S. troops forcibly occupied the Presidio in 1846. The U.S. Sixth Army was stationed here until October 1994.

Today the area is being transformed into a self-sustaining national park with a combination of public, commercial, and residential projects. In 2005 Bay Area filmmaker George Lucas opened the Letterman Digital Arts Center, his 23-acre digital studio “campus,” along the eastern edge of the land. Seventeen of those acres are exquisitely landscaped and open to the public. If you have kids in tow or are a Star Wars fan yourself, sidle over to the Yoda fountain (Letterman Dr. and Dewitt Rd.), between two of the ILM buildings.

The battle over the fate of the rest of the Presidio is ongoing. Many older buildings have been reconstructed; the issue now is how to fill them. The original plan described a nexus for arts, education, and environmental groups. Since the Presidio’s overseeing trust was tasked with making the park financially self-sufficient by 2013, which means generating enough revenue to keep afloat without the federal government’s monthly $20 million checks, many fear that money will trump culture. The Asian-theme SenSpa and a new Walt Disney museum have opened, and a lodge at the Main Post is in the planning stages. With old military housing now repurposed as apartments and homes with rents up to $10,000 a month, there’s some concern that the Presidio will become an incoherent mix of pricey real estate. Still, the $6 million that Lucas shells out annually for rent does plant a lot of saplings.

The Presidio also has two beaches, a golf course, a visitor center, and picnic sites; the views from the many overlooks are sublime.

Especially popular is Crissy Field, a stretch of restored marshland along the sand of the bay. Kids on bikes, folks walking dogs, and joggers share the paved path along the shore, often winding up at the Warming Hut, a combination café and fun gift store at the end of the path, for a hot chocolate in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. Midway along the Golden Gate Promenade that winds along the shore is the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center, where kids can get a close-up view of small sea creatures and learn about the rich ecosystem offshore. Temporarily relocated to East Beach, just across from the Palace of Fine Arts, Crissy Field Center offers great children’s programs and has cool science displays; grab lunch at the Beach Hut Café next door. West of the Golden Gate Bridge is sandy Baker Beach, beloved for its spectacular views and laid-back vibe (read: you’ll see naked people here). This is one of those places that inspires local pride. | Between Marina and Lincoln Park, Presidio | 94129 | www.nps.gov/prsf and www.presidio.gov.

The Presidio with Kids

If you’re in town with children (and you have a car), the sprawling, bayside Presidio offers enough kid-friendly diversions for one very full day. Start off at Julius Kahn Park, on the Presidio’s southern edge, which has a disproportionate number of structures that spin. Swing by George Lucas’s Letterman Digital Arts Center to check out the Yoda fountain; then head to the Immigrant Point Lookout on Washington Boulevard, with views of the bay and the ocean. Children love the pet cemetery, with its sweet, leaning headstones; it’s near the stables, where you might glimpse some of the park police’s equestrian members. Older kids might enjoy a stop at the Walt Disney Family Museum (104 Montgomery St. | 94129 | 415/345–6800) to see the model of Disneyland and a replica of the ambulance jeep Disney drove during World War I. The last stop is Crissy Field, where kids can ride bikes, skate, or run along the beach and clamber over the rocks; the view of the Golden Gate Bridge from below is captivating. Two nature centers here have fun, hands-on exhibits for kids. Finally, stop by the Warming Hut, at the western end of Crissy Field, for sandwiches and hot chocolate. You can also do a version of this day using the PresidiGo shuttle, but you’ll need to adapt your route according to the shuttle stops.

WORTH NOTING

Fort Point.

Dwarfed today by the Golden Gate Bridge, this brick fortress constructed between 1853 and 1861 was designed to protect San Francisco from a Civil War sea attack that never materialized. It was also used as a coastal-defense fortification post during World War II, when soldiers stood watch here. This National Historic Site is now a sprawling museum filled with military memorabilia, surrounding a lonely, windswept courtyard. The building has a gloomy air and is suitably atmospheric. (It’s usually chilly and windy, too, so bring a jacket.) On days when Fort Point is staffed, guided group tours and cannon drills take place. The top floor affords a unique angle on the bay. TIP Take care when walking along the front side of the building, as it’s slippery, and the waves have a dizzying effect. Note that the fort is open only Friday through Sunday. The fort’s popular guided candlelight tours, available only in winter, sell out in advance, so be sure to book ahead. Southeast of this structure is the Fort Point Mine Depot, an army facility that functioned as the headquarters for underwater mining operations throughout World War II. Today it’s the Warming Hut, a National Park Service café and bookstore. | Marine Dr. off Lincoln Blvd., Presidio | 94129 | 415/556–1693 | www.nps.gov/fopo | Free | Fri.–Sun. 10–5.

Walt Disney Family Museum.

Beautifully refurbished brick barracks house this tribute to the man behind Mickey Mouse, the Disney Studios, and Disneyland. The smartly organized displays include hundreds of family photos, and well-chosen videos play throughout. Disney’s legendary attention to detail becomes particularly evident in the cels and footage of Fantasia, Sleeping Beauty, and other animation classics. “The Toughest Period in My Whole Life” exhibit sheds light on lesser-known bits of history: the animators’ strike at Disney Studios, the films Walt Disney made for the U.S. military during World War II, and his testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee during its investigation of communist influence in Hollywood. The glass-walled gallery showcasing Disney’s wildlife films takes full advantage of the museum’s location, with a lovely view of Presidio trees and the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. The liveliest exhibit and the largest gallery documents the creation of Disneyland with a fun, detailed model of what Disney imagined the park would be. Teacups spin, the Matterhorn looms, and that world-famous castle leads the way to Fantasyland. You won’t be the first to leave humming “It’s a Small World.” In the final gallery, titled simply “December 16, 1966,” a series of sweet cartoons chronicles the world’s reaction to Disney’s sudden death. The one-way flow of the galleries deposits you near the attractive gift shop, which carries cool Disney-related stuff, and a café serving sandwiches, salads, and drinks. The downstairs theater shows Disney films ($7 extra) twice daily. | Main Post, 104 Montgomery St., off Lincoln Blvd., Presidio | 94129 | 415/345–6800 | disney.go.com/disneyatoz/familymuseum | $20 | Wed.–Mon. 10–6.

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Top 5 Reasons to Go | Quick Bites | Getting There | Making the Most of Your Time | Top Attractions | Golden Gate Park

Updated by Denise M. Leto

Few American cities provide a more intimate and dramatic view of the power and fury of the surf attacking the shore than San Francisco does along its wild Western Shoreline. From Lincoln Park in the north, along Ocean Beach from the Richmond south to the Sunset, a different breed of San Franciscan chooses to live in this area: surfers who brave the heaviest fog to ride the waves; writers who seek solace and inspiration in this city outpost; dog lovers committed to giving their pets a good workout each day.

From Lands End in Lincoln Park you have some of the best views of the Golden Gate (the name was given to the opening of San Francisco Bay long before the bridge was built) and the Marin Headlands. From the historic Cliff House south to the sprawling San Francisco Zoo, the Great Highway and Ocean Beach run along the western edge of the city. (If you’re here in winter or spring, keep your eyes peeled for migrating gray whales.) The wind is often strong along the shoreline, summer fog can blanket the ocean beaches, and the water is cold and usually too rough for swimming. Don’t forget your jacket!

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TOP 5 REASONS TO GO

Lands End: Head down the freshly restored Coastal Trail near the Cliff House; you’ll quickly find yourself in a forest with unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Toast the sunset at the Beach Chalet: Top off a day of exploring with a cocktail overlooking Ocean Beach.

Legion of Honor: Tear yourself away from the spectacular setting and eye-popping view and travel back to 18th-century Europe through the paintings, drawings, and porcelain collected here.

Ocean Beach: Wrap up warm and stroll along the strand on a brisk, cloudy day and you’ll feel like a gritty local. Then thaw out over a bowl of steaming pho in the Richmond.

Old-time San Francisco: Wandering among the ruins of the Sutro Baths below the Cliff House, close your eyes and imagine vintage San Francisco: the monumental baths, popular amusement park Playland at the Beach, and that great old teetering, Victorian Cliff House of days gone by.

QUICK BITES

Beach Chalet and Park Chalet.

The gorgeous setting often overshadows the upscale comfort food at the upstairs Beach Chalet and its downstairs sister, Park Chalet, across from Ocean Beach, on the western edge of Golden Gate Park. | 1000 Great Hwy., at JFK Dr. | 94121 | 415/386–8439.

Hunan Café 2.

With its plain-wrap storefront, this mom-and-pop shop may not look like much, but the friendly folks here serve delicious Chinese food; favorites include the ginger-and-onion chicken, Mongolian beef, and hot-and-sour soup. | 4450 Cabrillo St., at 46th Ave., Outer Richmond | 94121 | 415/751–1283.

GETTING THERE

To reach the Western Shoreline from downtown by bus, take the 38–Geary, which runs all the way to 48th and Point Lobos avenues, just east of the Cliff House. Along the Western Shoreline, the 18–46th Avenue bus runs between the Legion of Honor and the zoo (and beyond).

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

Despite low-lying fog and often biting chill, the premier sights of the Western Shoreline are outdoors—gorgeous hiking trails and sandy stretches of coastline. Bundle up and start off on the Coastal Trail, which passes by the Legion of Honor. Continue west to catch the sunset from the Cliff House or the Beach Chalet. If you don’t want to do the entire 3-mile hike, you can spend an hour touring the museum, catch the stunning views just below it, and head to the beach.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Fodor’s Choice | Legion of Honor.

The old adage of real estate—location, location, location—is at full force here. You can’t beat the site of this museum of European art atop cliffs overlooking the ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands. A pyramidal glass skylight in the entrance court illuminates the lower-level galleries, which exhibit prints and drawings, English and European porcelain, and ancient Assyrian, Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art. The 20-plus galleries on the upper level display the permanent collection of European art (paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, and tapestries) from the 14th century to the present day.

The noteworthy Auguste Rodin collection includes two galleries devoted to the master and a third with works by Rodin and other 19th-century sculptors. An original cast of Rodin’s The Thinker welcomes you as you walk through the courtyard. As fine as the museum is, the setting and view outshine the collection and make a trip here worthwhile.

The Legion Café, on the lower level, serves tasty light meals (soup, sandwiches, grilled chicken) inside and on a garden terrace. (Unfortunately, there’s no view.) Just north of the museum’s parking lot is George Segal’s The Holocaust, a stark white installation that evokes life in concentration camps during World War II. It’s haunting at night, when backlighted by lights in the Legion’s parking lot. TIP Admission to the Legion also counts as same-day admission to the de Young Museum. | 34th Ave. at Clement St., Outer Richmond | 94121 | 415/750–3600 | legionofhonor.famsf.org | $10, $2 off with Muni transfer, free 1st Tues. of month | Tues.–Sun. 9:30–5:15.

John McLaren, the Boss Gardner

Fiery Scotsman John McLaren reigned as park superintendent from 1890 to 1943, ruling with an iron fist and often taking on City Hall to defend “his” park. When government officials planned to build a trolley line through the park, McLaren cursed “the rascals at City Hall” and marched downtown to challenge the decision, complaining that many plantings would be destroyed. The city planner assured him that the rail line would cut through a sparsely planted area of the park, but McLaren dragged the man to the site—which had miraculously bloomed into a lush flower garden overnight. When park police wanted to remove a tree that was too close to their stationhouse, McLaren allegedly replied, “I’m a reasonable man. Let’s compromise, and you move the station.”

McLaren hated statues and planted around them so vigorously that some, long forgotten, were only excavated after his death. Some say he hid the one of himself in the stables; discovered and installed posthumously, it strolls McLaren’s beloved Rhododendron Dell. When he reached retirement age, instead of a gold watch he got the title Superintendent for Life, and finally died peacefully at home, in the park building now known as McLaren Lodge.

—Denise M. Leto

Lincoln Park.

Although many of the city’s green spaces are gentle and welcoming, Lincoln Park is a wild 275-acre park with windswept cliffs and panoramic views. The newly renovated Coastal Trail, the park’s most dramatic one, leads out to Lands End; pick it up west of the Legion of Honor (at the end of El Camino del Mar) or from the parking lot at Point Lobos and El Camino del Mar. Time your hike to hit Mile Rock at low tide, and you might catch a glimpse of two wrecked ships peeking up from their watery graves. TIP Do be careful if you hike here; landslides are frequent, and many people have fallen into the sea by standing too close to the edge of a crumbling bluff top.

On the tamer side, large Monterey cypresses line the fairways at Lincoln Park’s 18-hole golf course, near the Legion of Honor. At one time this land was the Golden Gate Cemetery, where the dead were segregated by nationality; most were indigent and interred without ceremony in the potter’s field. In 1900 the Board of Supervisors voted to ban burials within city limits, and all but two city cemeteries (at Mission Dolores and the Presidio) were moved to Colma, a small town just south of San Francisco. When digging has to be done in the park, bones occasionally surface again. | Entrance at 34th Ave. at Clement St., Outer Richmond | 94121.

Creating Golden Gate Park

In the 1860s, San Francisco was booming. The California gold rush and the transcontinental railroad had swelled the city’s population, and San Francisco needed a magnificent public green space to emulate its older, eastern siblings.

City Hall chose an unlikely location: a vast expanse of sand dunes on the western side of the city. The local government cut a deal with the squatters who lived in the area, and in 1870, Golden Gate Park was born . . . on paper, anyway.

William Hammond Hall, a civil engineer first hired to survey the land, became the park’s intrepid first superintendent and began to create an urban oasis. In five years he managed to plant 60,000 trees—a feat on its own, considering that 75% of the park was covered in sand. Legend has it that after many plants failed to take root, a spilled sack of horse feed saved the day. Hall noticed that the toppled barley sprouted, so he mixed lupine with the grain, and voilà—greenery.

–Denise M. Leto

WORTH NOTING

Cliff House.

A meal at the Cliff House isn’t about the food—the spectacular ocean view is what brings folks here. The vistas, which include offshore Seal Rock (the barking marine mammals who reside there are actually sea lions), can be 30 miles or more on a clear day—or less than a mile on foggy days. TIP Come for drinks just before sunset; then head back into town for dinner.

Three buildings have occupied this site since 1863. The current building dates from 1909; a 2004 renovation has left a strikingly attractive restaurant and a squat concrete viewing platform out back. The complex, owned by the National Park Service, includes a gift shop.

Sitting on the observation deck is the Giant Camera, a camera obscura with its lens pointing skyward housed in a cute yellow-painted wooden shack. Built in the 1940s and threatened many times with demolition, it’s now on the National Register of Historic Places. Step into the dark, tiny room inside (for a $3 fee); a fascinating 360-degree image of the surrounding area—which rotates as the “lens” on the roof rotates—is projected on a large, circular table. TIP In winter and spring you may also glimpse migrating gray whales from the observation deck.

To the north of the Cliff House are the ruins of the once-grand glass-roof Sutro Baths, which you can explore on your own (they look a bit like water-storage receptacles). Adolf Sutro, eccentric onetime San Francisco mayor and Cliff House owner, built the bath complex, including a train out to the site, in 1896, so that everyday folks could enjoy the benefits of swimming. Six enormous baths (some freshwater and some seawater), more than 500 dressing rooms, and several restaurants covered 3 acres north of the Cliff House and accommodated 25,000 bathers. Likened to Roman baths in a European glass palace, the baths were for decades the favorite destination of San Franciscans in search of entertainment. The complex fell into disuse after World War II, was closed in 1952, and burned down (under officially questionable circumstances—wink, wink) during demolition in 1966. | 1090 Point Lobos Ave., Outer Richmond | 94121 | 415/386–3330 | www.cliffhouse.com | Free | Weekdays 9 am–9:30 pm, weekends 9 am–10 pm.

Ocean Beach.

Stretching 3 miles along the western side of the city from the Richmond to the Sunset, this sandy swath of the Pacific coast is good for jogging or walking the dog—but not for swimming. The water is so cold that surfers wear wet suits year-round, and riptides are strong. As for sunbathing, it’s rarely warm enough here; think meditative walking instead of sun worshipping.

Paths on both sides of the Great Highway lead from Lincoln Way to Sloat Boulevard (near the zoo); the beachside path winds through landscaped sand dunes, and the paved path across the highway is good for biking and in-line skating. (Though you have to rent bikes elsewhere.) The Beach Chalet restaurant and brewpub is across the Great Highway from Ocean Beach, about five blocks south of the Cliff House. | Along Great Hwy. from Cliff House to Sloat Blvd. and beyond | 94122.

San Francisco Zoo.

Ever since one of its tigers escaped its enclosure and killed a visitor on Christmas Day 2007, the city’s zoo has concentrated on polishing its image, raising funds to update its habitats, and restoring its reputation with animal welfare organizations. Occupying prime oceanfront property, the zoo is touting its metamorphosis into the “New Zoo,” a wildlife-focused recreation center that inspires visitors to become conservationists. Integrated exhibits group different species of animals from the same geographic areas together in enclosures that don’t look like cages. More than 250 species reside here, including endangered species such as the snow leopard, Sumatran tiger, grizzly bear, and as of 2011, a new Siberian tiger.

The zoo’s superstar exhibit is Grizzly Gulch, where orphaned sisters Kachina and Kiona enchant visitors with their frolicking and swimming. When the bears are in the water, the only thing between you and them is (thankfully thick) glass. Grizzly feedings are 11:30 am daily.

The Lemur Forest has five varieties of the bug-eyed, long-tailed primates from Madagascar. You can help hoist food into the lemurs’ feeding towers and watch the fuzzy creatures climb up to chow down. African Kikuyu grass carpets the circular outer area of Gorilla Preserve, one of the largest and most natural gorilla habitats of any zoo in the world. Trees and shrubs create communal play areas.

Ten species of rare monkeys—including black howler monkeys, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, and macaques—live and play at the two-tier Primate Discovery Center, which contains 23 interactive learning exhibits on the ground level.

Magellanic penguins waddle about the rather sad concrete Penguin Island, splashing and frolicking in its 200-foot pool. Feeding times are 10:15 and 3:30. Koalas peer out from among the trees in Koala Crossing, and kangaroos and wallabies headline the Australian Walkabout exhibit. The 7-acre Puente al Sur (Bridge to the South) re-creates habitats in South America, replete with giant anteaters and capybaras.

An African Savanna exhibit mixes giraffes, zebras, kudus, ostriches, and many other species, all living together in a 3-acre section with a central viewing spot accessed by a covered passageway.

The 6-acre Children’s Zoo has about 300 mammals, birds, and reptiles, plus an insect zoo, a meerkat and prairie-dog exhibit, a nature trail, a nature theater, a restored 1921 Dentzel carousel, and a mini–steam train. A ride on the train costs $4, and you can hop astride one of the carousel’s 52 hand-carved menagerie animals for $2. | Sloat Blvd. and 47th Ave. (Muni L–Taraval streetcar from downtown), Sunset | 94132 | 415/753–7080 | www.sfzoo.org | $15, $1 off with Muni transfer | Mid-Mar.–Oct., daily 10–5; Nov.–mid-Mar., daily 10–4.

Sutro Heights Park.

Crows and other large birds battle the heady breezes at this cliff-top park on what were once the grounds of the home of Adolph Sutro, an eccentric mining engineer and former San Francisco mayor. An extremely wealthy man, Sutro may have owned about 10% of San Francisco at one point, but he couldn’t buy good taste: a few remnants of his gaudy, faux-classical statue collection still stand (including the lions at what was the main gate). Monterey cypresses and Canary Island palms dot the park, and photos on placards depict what things looked like before the house burned down in 1896, from the greenhouse to the ornate carpet-bed designs.

All that remains of the main house is its foundation. Climb up for a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean and the Cliff House below (which Sutro owned), and try to imagine what the perspective might have been like from one of the upper floors. San Francisco City Guides (415/557–4266) runs a free Saturday tour of the park that starts at 2 (meet at the lion statue at 48th and Point Lobos avenues). | Point Lobos and 48th Aves., Outer Richmond | 94121.

GOLDEN GATE PARK

Jogging, cycling, skating, picnicking, going to a museum, checking out a concert, dozing in the sunshine . . . Golden Gate Park is the perfect playground for fast-paced types, laid-back dawdlers, and everyone in between. More than 1,000 acres, stretching from the Haight all the way to the windy Pacific coast, the park is a vast patchwork of woods, trails, lakes, lush gardens, sports facilities, museums—even a herd of buffalo. You can hit the highlights in a few hours, but it would literally take days to fully explore the entire park.

Conservatory of Flowers.

Whatever you do, be sure to at least drive by the Conservatory of Flowers—it’s just too darn pretty to miss. The gorgeous, white-framed 1878 glass structure is topped with a 14-ton glass dome. Stepping inside the giant greenhouse is like taking a quick trip to the rain forest, with its earthy smell and humid warmth. The undeniable highlight is the Aquatic Plants section, where lily pads float and carnivorous plants dine on bugs to the sounds of rushing water. On the east side of the conservatory (to the right as you face the building), cypress, pine, and redwood trees surround the Dahlia Garden, which blooms in summer and fall. To the west is the Rhododendron Dell, which contains 850 varieties, more than any other garden in the country. It’s a favorite local Mother’s Day picnic spot. | John F. Kennedy Dr. at Conservatory Dr., Golden Gate Park | 94118 | 415/666–7001 | www.conservatoryofflowers.org | $7, free 1st Tues. of month | Tues.–Sun. 10–4:30.

Stow Lake.

Russian seniors feed the pigeons, kids watch turtles sunning themselves, and joggers circle this placid body of water, Golden Gate Park’s largest lake. Early park superintendent John McLaren may have snarked that manmade Stow Lake was “a shoestring around a watermelon,” but for more than a century visitors have come to walk its paths and bridges, paddle boats, and climb Strawberry Hill (the “watermelon”). Cross one of the bridges—the 19th-century stone bridge on the southwest side is lovely—and ascend the hill; keep your eyes open for the waterfall and an elaborate Chinese Pavilion. | Off John F. Kennedy Dr. | 94118 | 415/752–0347 boat rental, 415/668–6699 surrey and bike rental | Boat rentals daily 10–4, surrey and bicycle rentals daily 9–dusk.

San Francisco Japanese Tea Garden.

As you amble through the manicured landscape, past Japanese sculptures and perfect miniature pagodas, over ponds of carp that have been here since before the 1906 quake, you may be transported to a more peaceful plane. Or maybe the shrieks of kids clambering over the almost vertical “humpback” bridges will keep you firmly in the here and now. Either way, this garden is one of those tourist spots that’s truly worth a stop (a half hour will do). And at 5 acres, it’s large enough that you’ll always be able to find a bit of serenity, even when the tour buses drop by. The garden is especially lovely in April, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. | Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., off John F. Kennedy Dr., Golden Gate Park | 94118 | 415/752–4227 | www.japaneseteagardensf.com | $7, free Mon., Wed., and Fri. if you enter by 10 am | Mar.–Oct., daily 9–6; Nov.–Feb., daily 9–4:45.

Koret Children’s Quarter.

The country’s first public children’s playground reopened in 2007 after a spectacular renovation, with wave-shaped climbing walls, old-fashioned cement slides, and a 20-plus-foot rope climbing structure that kids love and parents fear. Thankfully, one holdover is the beautiful, handcrafted 1912 Herschell-Spillman carousel. The lovely stone Sharon Building, next to the playground, offers kids’ art classes. Bring a picnic or pick up grub nearby on 9th Avenue and you could spend the entire day here. Be aware that the playground, which has separate areas for toddlers and bigger kids, is unenclosed and sightlines can be obstructed. | Golden Gate Park, Bowling Green Dr., off Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Golden Gate Park | 94118 | 415/831–2700 | Playground free; carousel $2, kids 6–12 $1 | Playground daily dawn–dusk; carousel Memorial Day–Labor Day, daily 10–4:30, Labor Day–Memorial Day, Fri.–Sun. 10–4:30.

de Young Museum.

It seems that everyone in town has a strong opinion about the de Young Museum: Some adore its striking copper facade, while others just hope that the green patina of age will mellow the effect. Most maligned is the 144-foot tower, but the view from its ninth-story observation room, ringed by floor-to-ceiling windows and free to the public, is worth a trip here by itself. The building almost overshadows the de Young’s respected collection of American, African, and Oceanic art. The museum also plays host to major international exhibits, such as 2010’s showing of postimpressionist works on loan from the Musée d’Orsay and 2011’s exhibit of 100 works from Paris’s Musée National Picasso. | 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., Golden Gate Park | 94118 | 415/750–3600 | deyoung.famsf.org | $10, free 1st Tues. of month | Tues.–Sun. 9:30–5:15; mid-Jan.–Nov., Fri. until 8:45.

California Academy of Sciences.

With its native plant–covered living roof, retractable ceiling, three-story rain forest, gigantic planetarium, living coral reef, and frolicking penguins, the Cal Academy is one of the city’s most spectacular treasures. Dramatically designed by Renzo Piano, it’s an eco-friendly, energy-efficient adventure in biodiversity and green architecture. The roof’s large mounds and hills mirror the local topography, and Piano’s audacious design completes the dramatic transformation of the park’s Music Concourse. Moving away from a restrictive role as a backward-looking museum that catalogued natural history, the new academy is all about sustainability and the future, but you’ll still find those beloved dioramas in African Hall.

By the time you arrive, hopefully you’ve decided which shows and programs to attend, looked at the academy’s floor plan, and designed a plan to cover it all in the time you have. And if not, here’s the quick version: Head left from the entrance to the wooden walkway over otherworldly rays in the Philippine Coral Reef, then continue to the Swamp to see the famous albino alligator. Swing through African Hall and gander at the penguins, take the elevator up to the living roof, then return to the main floor and get in line to explore the Rainforests of the World, ducking free-flying butterflies and watching for other live surprises. You’ll end up below ground in the Amazonian Flooded Rainforest, where you can explore the academy’s other aquarium exhibits. Phew. | 55 Music Concourse Dr. | 94118 | 415/379–8000 | www.calacademy.org | $29.95, free one Sun. per quarter | Mon.–Sat. 9:30–5, Sun. 11–5.

San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum.

One of the best picnic spots in a very picnic-friendly park, the 55-acre arboretum specializes in plants from areas with climates similar to that of the Bay Area. Walk the Eastern Australian garden to see tough, pokey shrubs and plants with cartoon-like names, such as the hilly-pilly tree. Kids gravitate toward the large shallow fountain and the pond with ducks, turtles, and egrets. Alas, the city began charging admission to the gardens in 2010, so it’s a slightly less alluring picnic spot compared to the free stretches in front of the Conservatory of Flowers and on the Music Concourse between the de Young and the Cal Academy. | Enter the park at 9th Ave. at Lincoln Way, Golden Gate Park | 94122 | 415/661–1316 | www.sfbotanicalgarden.org | $7, free 2nd Tues. of month | Apr.–Oct., daily 9–6; Nov.–Mar., daily 10–5.

National AIDS Memorial Grove.

This lush, serene 7-acre grove was conceived as a living memorial to the disease’s victims. Coast live oaks, Monterey pines, coast redwoods, and other trees flank the grove. There are also two stone circles, one recording the names of the dead and their loved ones, the other engraved with a poem. Free 20-minute tours are available some Saturdays. | Golden Gate Park, Middle Dr. E, west of tennis courts, Golden Gate Park | 94118 | 415/765–0497 | www.aidsmemorial.org.

Beach Chalet.

Hugging the park’s western border, this 1925 Willis Polk–designed structure houses gorgeous Depression-era murals of familiar San Francisco scenes, while verses by local poets adorn niches here and there. Stop by the ground-floor visitor center on your way to indulge in a microbrew upstairs, ideally at sunset. | 1000 Great Hwy. | 94121 | 415/386–8439 restaurant | www.beachchalet.com | Restaurant Mon.–Thurs. 9 am–10 pm, Fri. 9 am–11 pm, Sat. 8 am–11 pm, Sun. 8 am–10 pm.

Dutch Windmill.

It may not pump water anymore, but this carefully restored windmill, built in 1903 to irrigate Golden Gate Park, continues to enchant visitors. The Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden here is a welcoming respite, particularly lovely during its February and March bloom. On the south side of the park, the Murphy Windmill is undergoing renovation and received its refurbished copper dome in 2011; swing by for an interesting comparison. | Golden Gate Park, John F. Kennedy Dr., a half block east of Great Hwy. | 94121 | No phone | Dawn–dusk.

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Top 5 Reasons to Go | Quick Bites | Getting There | Making the Most of Your Time | The Haight | The Castro | Noe Valley

Updated by Denise M. Leto

These distinct neighborhoods are where the city’s soul resides. They wear their personalities large and proud, and all are perfect for just strolling around. Like a slide show of San Franciscan history, you can move from the Haight’s residue of 1960s counterculture to the Castro’s connection to 1970s and ‘80s gay life to 1990s gentrification in Noe Valley. Although historic events thrust the Haight and the Castro onto the international stage, both are anything but stagnant—they’re still dynamic areas well worth exploring.

During the 1960s the siren song of free love, peace, and mind-altering substances lured thousands of young people to the Haight, a neighborhood just east of Golden Gate Park. By 1966 the area had become a hot spot for rock artists, including the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Janis Joplin. Some of the most infamous flower children, including Charles Manson and People’s Temple founder Jim Jones, also called the Haight home.

Today the ’60s message of peace, civil rights, and higher consciousness has been distilled into a successful blend of commercialism and progressive causes: the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic, founded in 1967, survives at the corner of Haight and Clayton, while throwbacks like Bound Together Books (the anarchist book collective), the head shop Pipe Dreams, and a bevy of tie-dye shops all keep the Summer of Love alive in their own way. The Haight’s famous political spirit—it was the first neighborhood in the nation to lead a freeway revolt, and it continues to host regular boycotts against chain stores—survives alongside some of the finest Victorian-lined streets in the city. And the kids continue to come: this is where young people who end up on San Francisco’s streets most often gather. Visitors tend to find the Haight either edgy and exhilarating or scummy and intimidating (the panhandling here can be aggressive).

Just over Buena Vista Hill from Haight Street, nestled at the base of Twin Peaks, lies the brash and sassy Castro District—the social, political, and cultural center of San Francisco’s thriving gay (and, to a lesser extent, lesbian) community. This neighborhood is one of the city’s liveliest and most welcoming, especially on weekends. Streets teem with folks out shopping, pushing political causes, heading to art films, and lingering in bars and cafés. Hard-bodied men in painted-on tees cruise the cutting-edge clothing and novelty stores, and pairs of all genders and sexual persuasions hold hands. Brightly painted, intricately restored Victorians line the streets here, making the Castro a good place to view striking examples of the architecture San Francisco is famous for.

Still farther south lies Noe Valley—also known as Stroller Valley for its relatively high concentration of little ones—an upscale but relaxed enclave that’s one of the city’s most desirable places to live. Church Street and 24th Street, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfares, teem with laid-back cafés, kid-friendly restaurants, and comfortable, old-time shops. You can also see remnants of Noe Valley’s agricultural beginnings: Billy Goat Hill (at Castro and 30th streets), a wild-grass hill often draped in fog, is named for the goats that grazed here right into the 20th century.

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TOP 5 REASONS TO GO

Castro Theatre: Take in a film at this gorgeous throwback and join the audience shouting out lines, commentary, and songs. Come early and let the Wurlitzer set the mood.

Sunday brunch in the Castro: Recover from Saturday night (with the entire community) at one of the top brunch destinations: Lime (2247 Market), Chow (215 Church), or Tangerine (3499 16th).

Vintage shopping in the Haight: Find the perfect chiffon dress at La Rosa, a pristine faux-leopard coat at Held Over, or the motorcycle jacket of your dreams at Buffalo Exchange.

24th Street stroll: Take a leisurely ramble down lovable Noe Valley’s main drag, lined with unpretentious cafés, comfy eateries, and cute one-of-a-kind shops.

Cliff’s Variety: Stroll the aisles of the Castro’s “hardware” store (479 Castro St.) for lightbulbs, hammers, and pipes (as well as false eyelashes, tiaras, and feather boas) to get a feel for this neighborhood’s full-tilt flair.

QUICK BITES

Lovejoy’s Tea Room.

The tearoom is a homey jumble, with its lace-covered tables, couches, and mismatched chairs set among the antiques for sale. High tea and cream tea are served, along with traditional English-tearoom “fayre.” | 1351 Church St., at Clipper St., Noe Valley | 94114 | 415/648–5895 | www.lovejoystearoom.com.

Coffee to the People.

Get a jolt of organic fair-trade caffeine and a bit of revolutionary spirit at this book-filled café. | 1206 Masonic Ave., at Haight St., Haight | 94117 | 415/626–2435.

Philz Coffee.

The aroma alone might lure you into Philz Coffee, just off the main drag of Castro Street. Its fedora-hung, cramped space gives off a casual vibe, but don’t be fooled: the city’s second most-popular place (after Blue Bottle) for the über-serious coffee drinker serves up the strongest handcrafted cup of joe in town. | 4023 18th St., Castro | 94114 | 415/875–9656.

Hanging Out in the Haight

There’s no finer way to ease into a lazy day in the Haight than with a towering stack of cornmeal pancakes at Kate’s Kitchen. After conquering that mountain of chow, stagger over six blocks to another challenge: the hike up Buena Vista Park, an occasionally dodgy green space with a payoff of sweeping city and bridge views. Back on Haight Street, 1960s flashbacks await at vintage head shop Pipe Dreams and the brightly colored tie-dye shop Positively Haight Street. The fabled Haight-Ashbury intersection can be anticlimactic; walk a block south to the Grateful Dead house.

Back in the here and now, head to Held Over, where you’ll find gorgeous vintage clothes minus the secondhand jumble, then venture into taxidermy–vintage jewelry–goth gallery Loved to Death and pick up a pair of beetle-wing earrings or a human-tooth bracelet on your way to Amoeba, the used-vinyl-and-CD mecca. When you eventually emerge, you can do some shoe-gazing at John Fluevog before schlepping your finds back to Cha Cha Cha to indulge in some sangria and spicy Caribbean-ish fare. Then it’s off to retro-swank Aub Zam Zam for a nightcap.

—Denise M. Leto

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

The Upper Haight is only a few blocks long, and although there are plenty of shops and amusements, an hour or so should be enough. Many restaurants here cater to the morning-after crowd, so this is a great place for brunch. With the prevalence of panhandling in this area, you may be most comfortable here during the day.

The Castro, with its fun storefronts, invites unhurried exploration; allot at least 60 to 90 minutes. Visit in the evening to check out the lively nightlife, or in the late morning—especially on weekends—when the street scene is hopping.

Hippie History

The eternal lure for twentysomethings, cheap rent, first helped spawn an indelible part of SF’s history and public image. In the early 1960s young people started streaming into the sprawling, inexpensive Victorians in the area around the University of San Francisco. The new Haight locals earnestly planned a new era of communal living, individual empowerment, and expanded consciousness.

Golden Gate Park’s Panhandle, a thin strip of green on the Haight’s northern edge, was their public gathering spot—the site of protests, concerts, food giveaways, and general hanging out. In 1967 George Harrison strolled up the park’s Hippie Hill, borrowed a guitar, and played for a while before someone finally recognized him. He led the crowd, Pied Piper–style, into the Haight.

At first the counterculture was all about sharing and taking care of one another—a good thing, considering most hippies were either broke or had renounced money. They hadn’t renounced food, though, and the daily free “feeds” in the Panhandle were a staple for many. The Diggers, an anarchist street-theater group, were known for handing out bread shaped like the big coffee cans they baked it in. (The Diggers also gave us immortal phrases such as “Do your own thing.”)

At the time, the U.S. government, Harvard professor Timothy Leary, a Stanford student named Ken Kesey, and the kids in the Haight were all experimenting with LSD. Acid was legal, widely available, and usually given away for free. At Kesey’s all-night parties, called “acid tests,” a buck got you a cup of “electric” Kool-Aid, a preview of psychedelic art, and an earful of the house band, the Grateful Dead. LSD was deemed illegal in 1966, and the kids responded by staging a Love Pageant Rally, where they dropped acid tabs en masse and rocked out to Janis Joplin and the Dead.

Things crested early in 1967, when between 10,000 and 50,000 people (“depending on whether you were a policeman or a hippie,” according to one hippie) gathered at the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park for the Human Be-In of the Gathering of the Tribes. Allen Ginsberg and Timothy Leary spoke, the Dead and Jefferson Airplane played, and people costumed with beads and feathers waved flags, clanged cymbals, and beat drums. A parachutist dropped onto the field, tossing fistfuls of acid tabs to the crowd. America watched via satellite, gape-mouthed—it was every conservative parent’s nightmare.

Later that year, thousands heeded Scott McKenzie’s song “San Francisco,” which promised “For those who come to San Francisco, Summertime will be a love-in there.” The Summer of Love swelled the Haight’s population from 7,000 to 75,000; people came both to join in and to ogle the nutty subculture. But degenerates soon joined the gentle people, heroin replaced LSD, crime was rampant, and the Haight began a fast slide.

Hippies will tell you the Human Be-In was the pinnacle of their scene, while the Summer of Love came from outside—a media creation that turned their movement into a monster. Still, the idea of that fictional summer still lingers, and to this day pilgrims from all over the world come to the Haight to search for a past that never was.

A loop through Noe Valley takes about an hour. With its popular breakfast spots and cafés, this neighborhood is a good place for a morning stroll. After you’ve filled up, browse the shops along 24th and Church streets.

GETTING THERE

The Castro is the end of the line for the F-line, and both the Castro and Noe Valley are served by the J–Church Metro. The only public transit that runs to the Haight is the bus; take the 71–Haight/Noriega from Union Square or the 6–Parnassus from Polk and Market. If you’re on foot, keep in mind that the hill between the Castro and Noe Valley is very steep.

Castro and Noe Walk

The Castro and Noe Valley are both neighborhoods that beg to be walked—or ambled through, really, without time pressure or an absolute destination. Hit the Castro first, beginning at Harvey Milk Plaza under the gigantic rainbow flag. If you’re going on to Noe Valley, first head east down Market Street for the cafés, bistros, and shops, then go back to Castro Street and head south, past the glorious art-deco Castro Theatre, checking out boutiques and cafés along the way (Cliff’s Variety, at 479 Castro Street, is a must). To tour Noe Valley, go east down 18th Street to Church (at Dolores Park), and then either strap on your hiking boots and head south over the hill or hop the J–Church to 24th Street, the center of this rambling neighborhood.

THE HAIGHT

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Haight-Ashbury Intersection.

On October 6, 1967, hippies took over the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets to proclaim the “Death of Hip.” If they thought hip was dead then, they’d find absolute confirmation of it today, what with the only tie-dye in sight on the famed corner being Ben & Jerry’s storefront.

Two Haights

The Haight is actually composed of two distinct neighborhoods: the Lower Haight runs from Divisadero to Webster; the Upper Haight, immediately east of Golden Gate Park, is the part people tend to call Haight-Ashbury (and the part that’s covered here). San Franciscans come to the Upper Haight for the myriad vintage clothing stores concentrated in its few blocks, bars with character, restaurants where huge breakfast portions take the edge off a hangover, and Amoeba, the best place in town for new and used CDs and vinyl. The Lower Haight is a lively, grittier stretch with several well-loved pubs and a smattering of niche music shops.

Everyone knows the Summer of Love had something to do with free love and LSD, but the drugs and other excesses of that period have tended to obscure the residents’ serious attempts to create an America that was more spiritually oriented, more environmentally aware, and less caught up in commercialism. The Diggers, a radical group of actors and populist agitators, for example, operated a free shop a few blocks off Haight Street. Everything really was free at the free shop; people brought in things they didn’t need and took things they did. (The group also coined immortal phrases like “Do your own thing.”)

Among the folks who hung out in or near the Haight during the late 1960s were writers Richard Brautigan, Allen Ginsberg, Ken Kesey, and Gary Snyder; anarchist Abbie Hoffman; rock performers Marty Balin, Jerry Garcia, Janis Joplin, and Grace Slick; LSD champion Timothy Leary; and filmmaker Kenneth Anger. If you’re keen to feel something resembling the hippie spirit these days, there’s always Hippie Hill, just inside the Haight Street entrance of Golden Gate Park. Think drum circles, guitar players, and whiffs of pot smoke. | Haight.

The Evolution of Gay San Francisco

San Francisco’s gay community has been a part of the city since its earliest days. As a port city and a major hub during the 19th-century gold rush, San Francisco became known for its sexual openness along with all its other liberalities. But a major catalyst for the rise of a gay community was World War II.

During the war, hundreds of thousands of servicemen cycled through “Sodom by the Sea,” and for most, San Francisco’s permissive atmosphere was an eye-opening experience. The army’s “off-limits” lists of forbidden establishments unintentionally (but effectively) pointed the way to the city’s gay bars. When soldiers were dishonorably discharged for homosexual activity, many stayed on.

Scores of these newcomers found homes in what was then called Eureka Valley. When the war ended, the predominantly Irish-Catholic families in that neighborhood began to move out, heading for the ‘burbs. The new arrivals snapped up the Victorians on the main drag, Castro Street.

The establishment pushed back. In the 1950s San Francisco’s police chief vowed to crack down on “perverts,” and the city’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender residents lived in fear of getting caught in police raids. (Arrest meant being outed in the morning paper.) But harassment helped galvanize the community. The Daughters of Bilitis lesbian organization was founded in the city in 1955; the gay male Mattachine Society, started in Los Angeles in 1950, followed suit with an SF branch.

By the mid-1960s these clashing interests gave the growing gay population a national profile. The police upped their policy of harassment, but overplayed their hand. In 1965 they dramatically raided a New Year’s benefit event, and the tide of public opinion began to turn. The police were forced to appoint the first-ever liaison to the gay community. Local gay organizations began to lobby openly. As one gay participant noted, “We didn’t go back into the woodwork.”

The 1970s—thumping disco, raucous street parties, and gay bashing—were a tumultuous time for the gay community. Thousands from across the country flocked to San Francisco’s gay scene. Eureka Valley had more than 60 gay bars, the bathhouse scene in SoMa (where the leather crowd held court) was thriving, and graffiti around town read “Save San Francisco—Kill a Fag.” When the Eureka Valley Merchants Association refused to admit gay-owned businesses in 1974, camera shop owner Harvey Milk founded the Castro Valley Association, and the neighborhood’s new moniker was born. Milk was elected to the city’s Board of Supervisors in 1977, its first openly gay official (and the inspirational figure for the Oscar-winning film Milk).

San Francisco’s gay community was getting serious about politics, civil rights, and self-preservation, but it still loved a party: 350,000 people attended the 1978 Gay Freedom Day Parade, where the rainbow flag debuted. But on November 27, 1978, Milk and Mayor George Moscone were gunned down in City Hall by enraged former city council member Dan White. Thousands marched in silent tribute out of the Castro down to City Hall.

When the killer got a relatively light conviction of manslaughter, the next march was not silent. Another crowd of thousands converged on City Hall, this time smashing windows, burning 12 police cars, and fighting with police in what became known as the White Night Riot. The police retaliated by storming the Castro.

The gay community recovered, even thrived—especially economically—but in 1981 the first medical and journalistic reports of a dangerous new disease surfaced. A notice appeared in a Castro pharmacy’s window warning people about “the gay cancer,” later named AIDS. By 1983 the populations most vulnerable to the burgeoning epidemic were publicly identified as gay men in San Francisco and New York City.

San Francisco gay activists were quick to mobilize, starting foundations as early as 1982 to care for the sick, along with public memorials to raise awareness nationwide. By 1990 the disease had killed 10,000 San Franciscans. Local organizations lobbied hard to speed up drug development and FDA approvals. Since then, the city’s network of volunteer organizations and public outreach has been recognized as one of the best global models for combating the disease.

Today the Castro is still the heart of San Francisco’s gay life—though many young hetero families have also moved in. As the gay mecca becomes diluted, debate about the neighborhood’s character and future continues. But the legacy remains, as was evident when a Harvey Milk bust was unveiled in City Hall on May 22, 2008, Milk’s birthday.

WORTH NOTING

Buena Vista Park.

If you can manage the steep climb, this eucalyptus-filled park has great city views. Be sure to scan the stone rain gutters lining many of the park’s walkways for inscribed names and dates; these are the remains of gravestones left unclaimed when the city closed the Laurel Hill cemetery around 1940. You might also come across used needles and condoms; definitely avoid the park after dark, when these items are left behind. | Haight St. between Lyon St. and Buena Vista Ave. W, Haight | 94117.

QUICK BITES: Cha Cha Cha. Boisterous Cha Cha Cha serves island cuisine, a mix of Cajun, Southwestern, and Caribbean influences. The decor is Technicolor tropical plastic, and the food is hot and spicy. Try the fried calamari or chili-spiked shrimp, and wash everything down with a pitcher of Cha Cha Cha’s signature sangria. Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait for dinner. | 1801 Haight St., at Shrader St., Haight | 94117 | 415/386–7670.

Grateful Dead House.

On the outside, this is just one more well-kept Victorian on a street that’s full of them—but true fans of the Dead may find some inspiration at this legendary structure. The three-story house (closed to the public) is tastefully painted in sedate mauves, tans, and teals (no bright tie-dye colors here). | 710 Ashbury St., just past Waller St., Haight | 94117.

Red Victorian Bed & Breakfast Inn and Peace Center.

By even the most generous accounts, the Summer of Love quickly crashed and burned, and the Haight veered sharply away from the higher goals that inspired that fabled summer. In 1977 Sami Sunchild acquired the Red Vic, built as a hotel in 1904, with the aim of preserving the best of 1960s ideals. She decorated her rooms with 1960s themes—one chamber is called the Flower Child Room—and opened the Peace Arts Gallery on the ground floor. Here you can buy her paintings, T-shirts, and “meditative art,” along with books about the Haight and prayer flags. Simple, cheap vegan and vegetarian fare is available in the Peace Café, and there’s also a meditation room. | 1665 Haight St., Haight | 94117 | 415/864–1978 | www.redvic.com.

Spreckels Mansion.

Not to be confused with the Spreckels Mansion of Pacific Heights, this house was built for sugar baron Richard Spreckels in 1887. Jack London and Ambrose Bierce both lived and wrote here, while more recent residents included musician Graham Nash and actor Danny Glover. The boxy, putty-color Victorian—today a private home—is in mint condition. | 737 Buena Vista Ave. W, Haight | 94117.

THE CASTRO

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Castro Theatre.

Here’s a classic way to join in the Castro community: grab some popcorn and catch a flick at this gorgeous, 1,500-seat art-deco theater; opened in 1922, it’s the grandest of San Francisco’s few remaining movie palaces. The neon marquee, which stands at the top of the Castro strip, is the neighborhood’s great landmark. The Castro was the fitting host of 2008’s red-carpet preview of Gus Van Sant’s film Milk, starring Sean Penn as openly gay San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk. The theater’s elaborate Spanish baroque interior is fairly well preserved. Before many shows the theater’s pipe organ rises from the orchestra pit and an organist plays pop and movie tunes, usually ending with the Jeanette McDonald standard “San Francisco” (go ahead, sing along). The crowd can be enthusiastic and vocal, talking back to the screen as loudly as it talks to them. Classics such as Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? take on a whole new life, with the assembled beating the actors to the punch and fashioning even snappier comebacks for Elizabeth Taylor. Head here to catch classics, a Fellini film retrospective, or the latest take on same-sex love. | 429 Castro St., Castro | 94114 | 415/621–6120 | www.castrotheatre.com.

WORTH NOTING

Clarke’s Mansion.

Built for attorney Alfred “Nobby” Clarke, this 1892 off-white baroque Queen Anne home was dubbed Clarke’s Folly. (His wife refused to inhabit it because it was in an unfashionable part of town—at the time, anyone who was anyone lived on Nob Hill.) The greenery-shrouded house (now apartments) is a beauty, with dormers, cupolas, rounded bay windows, and huge turrets topped by gold-leaf spheres. | 250 Douglass St., between 18th and 19th Sts., Castro | 94114.

QUICK BITES: Café Flore. Sometimes referred to as Café Floorshow because it’s such a see-and-be-seen place, Café Flore serves coffee drinks, beer, and tasty café fare. It’s a good place to catch the latest Castro gossip. | 2298 Market St., Castro | 94114 | 415/621–8579.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: GLBT Historical Society Museum. Finally in a home of its own, the one-room Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Historical Society Museum presents multimedia exhibits from its vast holdings covering San Francisco’s expansive queer history. You might hear the audio tape Harvey Milk made for the community in the event of his assassination, view an exhibit on prominent African-Americans gays and lesbians in the city, and flip through a memory book with pictures and thoughts on some of the more than 20,000 San Franciscans lost to AIDS. Though perhaps not for the faint of heart (those offended by sex toys and photos of lustily frolicking naked people may, well, be offended), this thoughtful display offers an inside look at these communities so integral to the fabric of San Francisco life. | 4127 18 St., Castro | 94114 | 415/621–1107 | www.glbthistory.org | $5, free 1st Wed. of the month | Mon. and Wed.–Sat. 11–7.

Harvey Milk Plaza.

An 18-foot-long rainbow flag, the symbol of gay pride, flies above this plaza named for the man who electrified the city in 1977 by being elected to its Board of Supervisors as an openly gay candidate. In the early 1970s Milk had opened a camera store on the block of Castro Street between 18th and 19th streets. The store became the center for his campaign to open San Francisco’s social and political life to gays and lesbians.

The liberal Milk hadn’t served a full year of his term before he and Mayor George Moscone, also a liberal, were shot in November 1978 at City Hall. The murderer was a conservative ex-supervisor named Dan White, who had recently resigned his post and then became enraged when Moscone wouldn’t reinstate him. Milk and White had often been at odds on the board, and White thought Milk had been part of a cabal to keep him from returning to his post. Milk’s assassination shocked the gay community, which became infuriated when the infamous “Twinkie defense”—that junk food had led to diminished mental capacity—resulted in a manslaughter verdict for White. During the so-called White Night Riot of May 21, 1979, gays and their allies stormed City Hall, torching its lobby and several police cars.

Milk, who had feared assassination, left behind a tape recording in which he urged the community to continue the work he had begun. His legacy is the high visibility of gay people throughout city government; a bust of him was unveiled at City Hall on his birthday in 2008, and the 2008 film Milk gives insight into his life. A plaque at the base of the flagpole lists the names of past and present openly gay and lesbian state and local officials. | Southwest corner of Castro and Market Sts., Castro | 94114.

Randall Museum.

The best thing about visiting this free nature museum for kids may be its tremendous views of San Francisco. Younger kids who are still excited about petting a rabbit, touching a snakeskin, or seeing a live hawk will enjoy a trip here. (Many of the creatures here can’t be released into the wild due to injury or other problems.) The museum sits beneath a hill variously known as Red Rock, Museum Hill, and, correctly, Corona Heights; hike up the steep but short trail for great, unobstructed city views. TIP It’s a great resource for local families, but if you’re going to take the kids to just one museum in town, make it the Exploratorium (see the On the Waterfront chapter). | 199 Museum Way, off Roosevelt Way, Castro | 94115 | 415/554–9600 | www.randallmuseum.org | Free | Tues.–Sat. 10–5.

NOE VALLEY

WORTH NOTING

Axford House.

This mauve house was built in 1877, when Noe Valley was still a rural area, as evidenced by the hayloft in the gable of the adjacent carriage house. The house is perched several feet above the sidewalk. Various types of roses grow in the well-maintained garden that surrounds the house, which is a private home. | 1190 Noe St., at 25th St., Noe Valley | 94114.

Golden Fire Hydrant.

When all the other fire hydrants went dry during the fire that followed the 1906 earthquake, this one kept pumping. Noe Valley and the Mission District were thus spared the devastation wrought elsewhere in the city, which explains the large number of pre-quake homes here. Every year on April 18 (the anniversary of the quake) folks gather here to share stories about the earthquake, and the famous hydrant gets a fresh coat of gold paint. | Church and 20th Sts., southeast corner, across from Dolores Park, Noe Valley | 94114.

Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Branch Library.

In the early 20th century philanthropist Andrew Carnegie told Americans he would build them elegant libraries if they would fill them with books. A community garden flanks part of the yellow-brick library (completely renovated and reopened in 2008) that Carnegie financed, and there’s a deck (accessed through the children’s book room) with picnic tables where you can relax and admire Carnegie’s inspired structure. | 451 Jersey St., Noe Valley | 94114 | 415/355–5707 | Tues. 10–9, Wed. 1–9, Thurs. and Sat. 10–6, Fri. 1–6, Sun. 1–5.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Twin Peaks. Windswept and desolate Twin Peaks yields sweeping vistas of San Francisco and the neighboring East and North Bay counties. You can get a real feel for the city’s layout here; arrive before the late-afternoon fog turns the view into pea soup in summer. To drive here, head west from Castro Street up Market Street, which eventually becomes Portola Drive. Turn right (north) on Twin Peaks Boulevard and follow the signs to the top. Muni Bus 37–Corbett heads west to Twin Peaks from Market Street. Catch this bus above the Castro Street Muni light-rail station on the island west of Castro at Market Street. | Twin Peaks.

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Top 5 Reasons to Go | Quick Bites | Getting There | Making the Most of Your Time | Top Attractions

Updated by Denise M Leto

The eight blocks of Valencia Street between 16th and 24th streets—what’s come to be known as the Valencia Corridor—typify the neighborhood’s diversity. Businesses on the block between 16th and 17th streets, for instance, include an upscale Peruvian restaurant, an Indian grocery and sundries store, a tattoo parlor, the yuppie-chic bar Blondie’s, a handful of funky home-decor stores, a pizzeria, a taqueria, a Turkish restaurant, a sushi bar, bargain and pricey thrift shops, and the Puerto Alegre restaurant, a hole-in-the-wall with pack-a-punch margaritas locals revere. On the other hand, Mission Street itself, three blocks east, is mostly a down-at-the-heels row of check-cashing places, dollar stores, and residential hotels—but there are more than a few great taquerias. And the farther east you go, the sketchier the neighborhood gets.

Italian and Irish in the early 20th century, the Mission became heavily Latino in the late 1960s, when immigrants from Mexico and Central America began arriving. An influx of Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, and other immigrants, along with a young bohemian crowd enticed by cheap rents and the burgeoning arts-and-nightlife scene, followed in the 1980s and early 1990s. The skyrocketing rents of the late 1990s have leveled off and the district is yet again in transition. The Mission is still scruffy in patches, so as you plan your explorations, take into account your comfort zone. TIP Be prepared for homelessness and drug use around the BART stations, prostitution along Mission Street, and raucous bar-hoppers along the Valencia Corridor.

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TOP 5 REASONS TO GO

Bar-hop: Embrace your inner (or not-so-inner) hipster. Start off at Medjool’s rare rooftop deck, then move up to the stylish Nihon Whisky Lounge or pull up a chair in pretension-free Truck. Round the night off in the company of the 150+ beers available at the Monk’s Kettle.

Chow down on phenomenal, cheap ethnic food: Keen appetites and thin wallets will meet their match here. Just try to decide between deliciously fresh burritos, garlicky falafel, thin-crust pizza, savory crepes, and more.

One-of-a-kind shopping: Barter for buried treasure at 826 Valencia and its Pirate Supply Store, then hop next door and say hello to the giraffe’s head at the mad taxidermy–cum–garden store hodgepodge that is Paxton Gate.

Vivid murals: Check out dozens of energetic, colorful public artworks in alleyways and on building exteriors.

Hang out in Dolores Park: Join Mission locals and their dogs on this hilly expanse of green with a glorious view of downtown and, if you’re lucky, the Bay Bridge.

Touring the Mission's Murals

Since the 1970s, groups of artists have worked to transform the city’s walls into canvases, art accessible to everyone. Muralists here fall into two loose categories: those in the Latin American tradition of addressing political and social justice issues through art, and everyone else (those who simply paint on a large scale and like lots of people to see it).

Rediscovering the work of Mexican liberal artist and muralist Diego Rivera in the 1960s, Latino muralists began to address public issues on the community’s walls. Heavily Latino since the 1970s, the Mission District became the collective canvas for these artists. The Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center emerged to support those artists and galvanize collaborative projects in the neighborhood. Early on, the San Francisco Arts Commission hired the center to create murals all over town. Of the 800-plus murals that adorn city surfaces, a good quarter of them were painted by muralists associated with Precita Eyes.

Bright Sunbelt colors reflect the medium’s historical geography; in contemporary work, look for anime and woodblock cuts along with traditional Latino symbols. Here are the best and brightest of the Mission District:

826 Valencia. Fans of graphic novelist Chris Ware will want to take a good look at the facade here. Ware designed the intricate mural for the storefront, a meditation on the evolution of human communication.

Balmy Alley. The most famous of the Mission’s murals—a vivid sweep from end to end. This group series began in 1971 and still gets new additions.

Caltrain Depot. Facing the train yard near 7th and Townsend streets is Brian Barneclo’s behemoth Systems Mural Project (2011), exploring everything from the nervous system to the ecosystem. At 24,000 square feet, the city’s largest mural is also among its most high-profile artworks, visible from passenger trains and the freeway.

Clarion Alley. A new generation of muralists is creating a fresh alley-cum-gallery here, between Valencia and Mission streets and 17th and 18th streets. The loosely connected artists of the Clarion Alley Mural Project (CAMP) represent a broad range of styles and imagery. Carpet-draped Indonesian elephants plod calmly down the block; kung fu movie-style headlines shout slogans. The works here offer a dense glimpse at the Mission’s contemporary art scene.

Shotwell Street grocery. Brian Barneclo’s gigantic Food Chain adorns a grocery store on Shotwell Street between 14th and 15th streets. It’s a retro, 1950s-style celebration of the city’s many neighborhoods (and the food chain), complete with an ant birthday party and worms finishing off a human skull. But in a cute way. Barneclo fans can see more of his work at Rye bar or Nopa restaurant.

24th Street. Several murals in the Mexican political tradition adorn the buildings along 24th Street, including St. Peter’s (at Alabama Street) and even McDonald’s (at Mission Street).

Women’s Building. Maestrapeace—the impressive, towering mural that seems to enclose this building—celebrates women around the world who work for peace.

QUICK BITES

La Victoria.

Latin-American pastries are the specialty at La Victoria. You can also pick up a coffee. | 2937 24th St., at Alabama St., Mission | 94110 | 415/642–7120.

Stable Café.

In what was the carriage house of a long-ago mayor, the Stable serves up a mean latte as well as soups and sandwiches. | 2128 Folsom St., at 17th St., Mission | 94110 | 415/552–1199.

Tartine Bakery.

It may not be quick—the line often snakes out the door—but if you’re hankering after the perfect croque monsieur or frangapine, Tartine is certainly worth the wait. Skip the line and head to the register in the back right corner if you’re just ordering drinks. | 600 Guerrero St., at 18th St., Mission | 94110 | 415/487–2600.

GETTING THERE

After climbing the hills downtown, you’ll find the Mission to be welcomingly flat. BART’s two Mission District stations drop you right in the heart of the action. Get off at 16th Street for Mission Dolores, shopping, nightlife, and restaurants, or 24th Street to see the neighborhood murals. The busy 14–Mission bus runs all the way from downtown into the neighborhood, but BART is a much faster and more direct route. Parking can be a drag, especially on weekend evenings. If you’re heading out in the evening, your safest bet would be taking a cab, since some blocks are sketchy.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

A walk that includes Mission Dolores and the neighborhood’s murals takes about two hours. If you plan to go on a mural walk with the Precita Eyes organization or if you’re a window-shopper, add at least another hour. The Mission is a neighborhood that sleeps in. In the afternoon and evening the main drags really come to life.

Sunday through Tuesday is relatively quiet here, especially in the evening—a great time to get a café table with no wait. If you’re getting bummed out by fog elsewhere in the city, come here—the Mission wins out in San Francisco’s system of microclimates.

The Mission has a number of distinct personalities: it’s the Latino neighborhood, where working-class folks raise their families and where gangs occasionally clash; it’s the hipster hood, where tattooed and pierced twenty- and thirtysomethings hold court in the coolest cafés and bars in town; it’s a culinary epicenter, with the strongest concentration of destination restaurants and affordable ethnic cuisine; and it’s the artists’ quarter, where murals adorn literally blocks of walls. It’s also the city’s equivalent of the Sunshine State—this neighborhood’s always the last to succumb to fog.

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Balmy Alley.

Mission District artists have transformed the walls of their neighborhood with paintings, and Balmy Alley is one of the best-executed examples. Murals fill the one-block alley, with newer ones continually filling in the blank spaces. Local children working with adults started the project in 1971. Since then dozens of artists have steadily added to it, with the aim of promoting peace in Central America, as well as community spirit and AIDS awareness. TIP Be alert here: the 25th Street end of the alley adjoins a somewhat dangerous area. | 24th St. between and parallel to Harrison and Treat Sts., alley runs south to 25th St., Mission | 94110.

Mission Dolores.

Two churches stand side by side at this mission, including the small adobe Mission San Francisco de Asís, the oldest standing structure in San Francisco. Completed in 1791, it’s the sixth of the 21 California missions founded by Father Junípero Serra in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Its ceiling depicts original Ohlone Indian basket designs, executed in vegetable dyes. The tiny chapel includes frescoes and a hand-painted wooden altar. There’s a hidden treasure here, too. In 2004 an archaeologist and an artist crawling along the ceiling’s rafters opened a trap door behind the altar and rediscovered the mission’s original mural, painted with natural dyes by Native Americans in 1791. The centuries have taken their toll, so the team photographed the 20-by-22-foot mural and began digitally restoring the photographic version. Among the images is a dagger-pierced Sacred Heart of Jesus. There’s a small museum covering the mission’s founding and history, and the pretty little mission cemetery (made famous by a scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo) maintains the graves of mid-19th-century European immigrants. (The remains of an estimated 5,000 Native Americans lie in unmarked graves.) Services are held in both the Mission San Francisco de Asís and next door in the handsome multi-dome basilica. | Dolores and 16th Sts., Mission | 94114 | 415/621–8203 | www.missiondolores.org | $5 donation, audio tour $7 | Nov.–Apr., daily 9–4; May–Oct., daily 9–4:30.

San Francisco on Film

With its spectacular cityscape, atmospheric fog, and a camera-ready iconic bridge, it’s little wonder that San Francisco has been the setting for hundreds of films. While you’re running around town, you might have the occasional sense of déjà vu, sparked by a scene from a Hitchcock or Clint Eastwood thriller.

Zodiac, a 2007 drama about a legendary Bay Area serial killer, filmed scenes at the real-life locations where victims were gunned down. It also re-created the San Francisco Chronicle offices, but down south in L.A.

City Hall shows up in the Clint Eastwood cop thrillers Dirty Harry and Magnum Force, and is set aflame in the James Bond flick A View to a Kill. Its domed interior became a nightclub for Robin Williams’ Bicentennial Man and a courthouse in Tucker: The Man and His Dream.

Streets in Russian Hill, Potrero Hill, and North Beach were used for the supreme car-chase sequence in Bullitt. The namesake detective, played by Steve McQueen, lived in Nob Hill at 1153–57 Taylor Street. And the “King of Cool” did much of his own stunt driving, thank you very much.

Brocklebank Apartments, at Mason and Sacramento streets in Nob Hill, appears in several films, most notably as the posh residence of Kim Novak in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Other key Vertigo locations include the cemetery of Mission Dolores and the waterfront at Fort Point.

The great Bogie-and-Bacall noir film Dark Passage revolves around the art-deco apartment building at 1360 Montgomery Street and the nearby Filbert Steps.

Dashiell Hammett’s Thin Man characters, Nick and Nora Charles, do much of their sleuthing in the city, especially in films like After the Thin Man, in which the base of Coit Tower stands in as the entrance to the Charles’ home.

North Beach’s Tosca Café, at 242 Columbus Avenue, is the bar where Michael Douglas unwinds in Basic Instinct.

The Hilton Hotel at 333 O’Farrell Street became the “Hotel Bristol,” the scene of much of the mayhem caused by Barbra Streisand in What’s Up, Doc?

At 2640 Steiner Street in Pacific Heights is the elegant home that Robin Williams infiltrates while disguised as a nanny in Mrs. Doubtfire.

The Castro of the 1970s comes alive in Milk, Gus Van Sant’s film starring Sean Penn as slain San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk.

And, of course, there are plenty of movies about the notorious federal prison on Alcatraz Island, including Burt Lancaster’s redemption drama Birdman of Alcatraz, Clint Eastwood’s suspenseful Escape from Alcatraz, the goofy So I Married an Axe Murderer, and the Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage action flick, The Rock.

—Jim Van Buskirk

WORTH NOTING

Creativity Explored.

Joyous, if chaotic, creativity pervades the workshops of this art-education center and gallery for developmentally disabled adults. Several dozen adults work at the center each day—guided by a staff of working artists—painting, working in the darkroom, producing videos, and crafting prints, textiles, and ceramics. On weekdays you can drop by and see the artists at work. The art produced here is striking, and some of it is for sale; this is a great place to find a unique San Francisco masterpiece to take home. | 3245 16th St., Mission | 94103 | 415/863–2108 | www.creativityexplored.org | Free | Mon.–Wed. and Fri. 10–3, Thurs. 10–7, weekends noon–5.

Galería de la Raza.

San Francisco’s premier showcase for contemporary Latino art, the gallery exhibits the works of mostly local artists. Events include readings and spoken word by local poets and writers, screenings of Latin American and Spanish films, and theater works by local minority theater troupes. Just across the street, amazing art festoons the 24th Street/York Street Minipark, a tiny urban playground. A mosaic-covered Quetzalcoatl serpent plunges into the ground and rises, creating hills for little ones to clamber over, and mural-covered walls surround the space. | 2857 24th St., at Bryant St., Mission | 94110 | 415/826–8009 | www.galeriadelaraza.org | Gallery Tues. 1–7, Wed.–Sat. noon–6.

Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center.

Founded by muralists, this nonprofit arts organization designs and creates murals. The artists themselves lead informative guided walks of murals in the area. Most tours start with a 45-minute slide presentation. The bike and walking trips, which take between one and three hours, pass several dozen murals. May is Mural Awareness Month, with visits to murals-in-progress and presentations by artists. You can pick up a map of 24th Street’s murals at the center and buy art supplies, T-shirts, postcards, and other mural-related items. Bike tours are available by appointment; Saturday’s 11 am walking tour meets at Cafe Venice, at 24th and Mission streets. (All other tours meet at the center.) | 2981 24th St., Mission | 94110 | 415/285–2287 | www.precitaeyes.org | Center free, tours $12–$15 | Center weekdays 10–5, Sat. 10–4, Sun. noon–4; walks weekends at 11 and 1:30 or by appointment.

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Top 5 Reasons to Go | Quick Bites | Getting There | Making the Most of Your Time | Pacific Heights | Japantown

Updated by Denise M. Leto

Pacific Heights and Japantown are something of an odd couple: privileged, old-school San Francisco and the workaday commercial center of Japanese-American life in the city, stacked virtually on top of each other. The sprawling, extravagant mansions of Pacific Heights gradually give way to the more modest Victorians and unassuming housing tracts of Japantown. The most interesting spots in Japantown huddle in the Japan Center, the neighborhood’s two-block centerpiece, and along Post Street. You can find plenty of authentic Japanese treats in the shops and restaurants.

Pacific Heights defines San Francisco’s most expensive and dramatic real estate. Grand Victorians line the streets, mansions and town houses are priced in the millions, and there are magnificent views from almost any point in the neighborhood. Old money and new, personalities in the limelight and those who prefer absolute media anonymity live here, and few outsiders see anything other than the pleasing facades of Queen Anne charmers, English Tudor imports, and baroque bastions. Nancy Pelosi and Dianne Feinstein, Larry Ellison, and Gordon Getty all own impressive homes here, but not even pockets as deep as those can buy a large garden—space in the city is simply at too much of a premium. The boutiques and restaurants along Fillmore, which range from glam to funky, have become a draw for the whole city.

Japantown, on the other hand, feels somewhat adrift. (Also called Nihonmachi, it’s centered on the southern slope of Pacific Heights, north of Geary Boulevard between Fillmore and Laguna streets.) The Japan Center mall, for instance, comes across as rather sterile. Where Chinatown is densely populated and still largely Chinese, Japantown struggles to retain its unique character.

The Japanese community in San Francisco started around 1860; after the 1906 earthquake and fire many of these newcomers settled in the Western Addition. By the 1930s they had opened shops, markets, meeting halls, and restaurants and established Shinto and Buddhist temples. But during World War II the area was virtually gutted, when many of its residents, including second- and third-generation Americans, were forced into so-called relocation camps. During the 1960s and ’70s redevelopment further eroded the neighborhood, and most Japanese-Americans now live elsewhere in the city.

Still, when several key properties in the neighborhood were sold in 2007, a vocal group rallied to “save Japantown,” and some new blood is finally infusing the neighborhood with energy: Robert Redford’s Sundance corporation revived the Kabuki Theatre; local hotel group Joie de Vivre took over the Hotel Kabuki; and the new J-Pop Center, New People, brings Japanese pop culture and a long-missing youthful vibe to the neighborhood. TIP Japantown is a relatively safe area, but the Western Addition, south of Geary Boulevard, can be dangerous even during the daytime. Avoid going too far west of Fillmore Street on either side of Geary.

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TOP 5 REASONS TO GO

Chic shopping on Fillmore Street: Browse the superfine shops along Pacific Heights’ main drag.

Picnic with a view at Lafayette Park: Gather supplies along Fillmore Street and climb to the top of this park. It’s surrounded by grand homes and has a sweeping view of the city.

Asian food galore in the Japan Center: Graze your way through the mall, from sushi boat offerings at Isobune to quick bean-paste snacks at May’s Coffee Shop, decked out like an open-air Japanese restaurant.

Spa serenity at Kabuki Springs: Enter the peaceful lobby and prepare to be transported at the Japanese-style communal baths.

See how the other half lives: Check out the grand, historic homes along the tree-lined streets of Pacific Heights.

QUICK BITES

La Boulangerie.

Patrons of this oh-so-French bakery and patisserie swoon for its perfect baguettes, rounds, croissants, and tartlets. Flaky-crust savory tarts filled with veggies and cheese or leeks and prosciutto make perfect picnic fare for Lafayette Park. | 2325 Pine St., at Fillmore St., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/440–0356.

Isobune.

Red-and-white lanterns adorn the room at the Japan Center’s Isobune, where “sushi boats” float around the counter. Crowds of customers take what they want and pay per dish at the end of the meal. | Kintetsu Bldg., 1737 Post St., at Buchanan St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/563–1030.

New People Café.

Refuel with Blue Bottle coffee and a bento box before you shop around Japantown. | 1746 Post St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/525–8630

GETTING THERE

Steep streets in Pacific Heights make for impressive views and rough walking; unless you’re in decent shape, consider taking a car or taxi to this neighborhood.

The only public transit that runs through the area is the bus. For Pacific Heights proper, take the 12–Folsom to its terminus at Van Ness and Pacific avenues and walk west. For shopping on Union Street in Cow Hollow (lower Pacific Heights), catch the 41–Union or the 45–Union bus.

Buses that run to Japantown from downtown include the 2–Clement, 3–Jackson, and the very busy 38–Geary.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

Give yourself an hour to wander Fillmore Street, more if you’re planning to have a meal here or picnic in Lafayette or Alta Plaza parks. Checking out the stunning homes in Pacific Heights is best done by car, unless you have serious stamina; a half hour should be enough.

Since the Japan Center is the main highlight of Japantown, plan a daytime visit for a meal and some window-shopping; lunchtime is ideal.

A Pacific Heights Walk

Start at Broadway and Webster Street, where four notable estates stand within a block of one another. Two are on the north side of Broadway to the west of the intersection, one is on the same side to the east, and the last is half a block south on Webster Street. Head south down Webster and hang a right onto Clay to Alta Plaza Park, or skip the park and turn left on Jackson to the Whittier Mansion, on the corner of Jackson and Laguna streets. Head south down Laguna and cross Washington Street to Lafayette Park. Walk on Washington along the edge of Lafayette Park, past the formal French Spreckels Mansion at the corner of Octavia Street, and continue east two more blocks to Franklin Street. Turn left (north); halfway down the block stands the handsome Haas-Lilienthal House. Head back south on Franklin Street, stopping to view several Franklin Street buildings. At California Street, turn right (west) to see more noteworthy Victorians on that street and Laguna Street. Beyond Laguna, continue three blocks west back to Fillmore Street.

PACIFIC HEIGHTS

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Haas-Lilienthal House.

A small display of photographs on the bottom floor of this elaborate, gray 1886 Queen Anne house makes clear that despite its lofty stature and striking, round third-story tower, the house was modest compared with some of the giants that fell victim to the 1906 earthquake and fire. The Foundation for San Francisco’s Architectural Heritage operates the home, whose carefully kept rooms provide an intriguing glimpse into late-19th-century life through period furniture, authentic details (antique dishes in the kitchen built-in), and photos of the family who occupied the house until 1972. Volunteers conduct one-hour house tours three days a week and informative two-hour walking tours ($8) of the Civic Center, Broadway, and Union Street areas on Saturday afternoon, and of the eastern portion of Pacific Heights on Sunday afternoon (call or check website for schedule). | 2007 Franklin St., between Washington and Jackson Sts., Pacific Heights | 94109 | 415/441–3004 | www.sfheritage.org | Entry $8 | 1-hr tour Wed. and Sat. noon–3, Sun. 11–4; 2-hr tour Sun. at 12:30.

Noteworthy Victorians.

Two Italianate Victorians (1818 and 1834 California St.) stand out on the 1800 block of California. A block west is the Victorian-era Atherton House (1990 California St.), whose mildly daffy design incorporates Queen Anne, Stick-Eastlake, and other architectural elements. Many claim the house—now apartments—is haunted by the ghosts of its 19th-century residents, who regularly whisper, glow, and generally cause a mild fuss. The oft-photographed Laguna Street Victorians, on the west side of the 1800 block of Laguna Street, cost between $2,000 and $2,600 when they were built in the 1870s. No bright colors here though—most of the paint jobs are in soft beiges or pastels. | California St. between Franklin and Octavia Sts., and Laguna St. between Pine and Bush Sts., Pacific Heights | 94109.

WORTH NOTING

Alta Plaza Park.

Golden Gate Park’s longtime superintendent, John McLaren, designed Alta Plaza in 1910, modeling its terracing on that of the Grand Casino in Monte Carlo, Monaco. From the top you can see Marin to the north, downtown to the east, Twin Peaks to the south, and Golden Gate Park to the west. Kids love the many play structures at the large, enclosed playground at the top; everywhere else is dog territory. | Bordered by Clay, Steiner, Jackson, and Scott Sts., Pacific Heights | 94115.

Broadway and Webster Street Estates.

Broadway uptown, unlike its garish North Beach stretch, has plenty of prestigious addresses. The three-story palace at 2222 Broadway, which has an intricately filigreed doorway, was built by Comstock silver-mine heir James Flood and later donated to a religious order. The Convent of the Sacred Heart purchased the Grant House at 2220 Broadway. These two buildings, along with a Flood property at 2120 Broadway, are used as school quarters. A gold-mine heir, William Bourn II, commissioned Willis Polk to build the nearby brick mansion at 2550 Webster Street. | Pacific Heights.

Franklin Street Buildings.

What at first looks like a stone facade on the Golden Gate Church (1901 Franklin St.) is actually redwood painted white. A Georgian-style residence built in the early 1900s for a coffee merchant sits at 1735 Franklin. On the northeast corner of Franklin and California streets is a Christian Science church; built in the Tuscan revival style, it’s noteworthy for its terra-cotta detailing. The Coleman House (1701 Franklin St.) is an impressive twin-turret Queen Anne mansion that was built for a gold-rush mining and lumber baron. Don’t miss the large, brilliant-purple stained-glass window on the house’s north side. | Franklin St. between Washington and California Sts., Pacific Heights | 94109.

Lafayette Park.

Clusters of trees dot this four-block-square oasis for sunbathers and dog-and-Frisbee teams. On the south side of the park, squat but elegant 2151 Sacramento, a private condominium, is the site of a home occupied by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in the late 19th century. Coats of arms blaze in the front stained-glass windows. The park itself is a lovely neighborhood space, where Pacific Heights residents laze in the sun or exercise their pedigreed canines while gazing at downtown’s skyline in the distance. | Bordered by Laguna, Gough, Sacramento, and Washington Sts., Pacific Heights | 94115.

Octagon House.

This eight-sided home sits across the street from its original site on Gough Street; it’s one of two remaining octagonal houses in the city (the other is on Russian Hill), and the only one open to the public. White quoins accent each of the eight corners of the pretty blue-gray exterior, and a colonial-style garden completes the picture. Inside, it’s full of antique American furniture, decorative arts (paintings, silver, rugs), and documents from the 18th and 19th centuries. A deck of Revolutionary-era hand-painted playing cards takes an antimonarchist position: in place of kings, queens, and jacks, the American upstarts substituted American statesmen, Roman goddesses, and Indian chiefs. | 2645 Gough St., Pacific Heights | 94123 | 415/441–7512 | Free, donations encouraged | Feb.–Dec., 2nd Sun. and 2nd and 4th Thurs. of month noon–3; group tours weekdays by appointment.

Spreckels Mansion.

Shrouded behind tall juniper hedges at the corner of lovely winding, brick Octavia Street, overlooking Lafayette Park, the estate was built for sugar heir Adolph Spreckels and his wife Alma. Mrs. Spreckels was so pleased with her house that she commissioned George Applegarth to design another building in a similar vein: the Legion of Honor. One of the city’s great iconoclasts, Alma Spreckels was the model for the bronze figure atop the Victory Monument in Union Square. Today this house belongs to prolific romance novelist Danielle Steel. | 2080 Washington St., at Octavia St., Pacific Heights | 94109.

Vedanta Society.

A pastiche of colonial, Queen Anne, Moorish, and Hindu opulence, lavender with turrets battling red-top onion domes, and Victorian detailing everywhere, this 1905 structure was the first Hindu temple in the West. Vedanta, an underlying philosophy of Hinduism, maintains that all religions are paths to one goal. Although the Vedanta Society’s main location is the temple at Vallejo and Fillmore streets (closed Tuesday), this temple (open only Friday evening 8–9) is the organization’s heart. | 2963 Webster St., Pacific Heights | 94123 | 415/922–2323 | www.sfvedanta.org.

Wedding Houses.

These identical white double-peak homes (joined in the middle) were erected in the late 1870s or early 1880s by dairy rancher James Cudworth as wedding gifts for his two daughters. These days the buildings house an English-style pub and a pizzeria. | 1980 Union St., Pacific Heights | 94123.

Whittier Mansion.

With a Spanish-tile roof and scrolled bay windows on all four sides, this is one of the most elegant 19th-century houses in the state. Unlike other grand mansions lost in the 1906 quake, the Whittier Mansion was built so solidly that only a chimney toppled over during the disaster. | 2090 Jackson St., Pacific Heights | 94109.

JAPANTOWN

TOP ATTRACTIONS

Japan Center.

Cool and curious trinkets, noodle houses and sushi joints, a destination bookstore, and a peek at Japanese culture high and low await at this 5-acre complex designed in 1968 by noted American architect Minoru Yamasaki. The Japan Center includes the shop- and restaurant-filled Kintetsu and Kinokuniya buildings; the excellent Kabuki Springs & Spa; the Hotel Kabuki; and the Sundance Kabuki, Robert Redford’s fancy, reserved-seating cinema/restaurant complex. Unfortunately, the development hasn’t aged well, and its Peace Plaza, where seasonal festivals are held, is an unwelcoming sea of cement.

The Kinokuniya Bookstores, in the Kinokuniya Building, have an extensive selection of Japanese-language books, manga (graphic novels), books on design, and English-language translations and books on Japanese topics. Just outside, follow the Japanese teenagers to Pika Pika, where you and your friends can step into a photo booth and then use special effects and stickers to decorate your creation. On the bridge connecting the center’s two buildings, check out Shige Antiques for yukata (lightweight cotton kimonos) for kids and lovely silk kimonos, and Asakichi and its tiny incense shop for tinkling wind chimes and display-worthy teakettles. Continue into the Kintetsu Building for a selection of Japanese restaurants.

Between the Miyako Mall and Kintetsu Building are the five-tier, 100-foot-tall Peace Pagoda and the Peace Plaza. The pagoda, which draws on the 1,200-year-old tradition of miniature round pagodas dedicated to eternal peace, was designed in the late 1960s by Yoshiro Taniguchi to convey the “friendship and goodwill” of the Japanese people to the people of the United States. The plaza itself is a shadeless, unwelcoming stretch of cement with little seating. Continue into the Miyako Mall to Ichiban Kan, a Japanese dollar store where you can pick up fun Japanese kitchenware, tote bags decorated with hedgehogs, and erasers shaped like food. | Bordered by Geary Blvd. and Fillmore, Post, and Laguna Sts., Japantown | 94115 | No phone.

Kabuki Springs & Spa.

This serene spa is one Japantown destination that draws locals from all over town, from hipster to grandma, Japanese-American or not. Balinese urns decorate the communal bath area of this house of tranquillity.

The massage menu has also expanded well beyond traditional shiatsu technique. The experience is no less relaxing, however, and the treatment regimen includes facials, salt scrubs, and mud and seaweed wraps. You can take your massage in a private room with a bath or in a curtained-off area.

The communal baths ($22 weekdays, $25 weekends) contain hot and cold tubs, a large Japanese-style bath, a sauna, a steam room, and showers. Bang the gong for quiet if your fellow bathers are speaking too loudly. The clothing-optional baths are open for men only on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday; women bathe on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Bathing suits are required on Tuesday, when the baths are coed.

Men and women can reserve private rooms daily. An 80-minute massage-and-private-bath package costs $120; a package that includes a 50-minute massage and the use of the communal baths costs $100. | 1750 Geary Blvd., Japantown | 94115 | 415/922–6000 | www.kabukisprings.com | Daily 10–10.

WORTH NOTING

Japan Center Mall.

The buildings lining this open-air mall are of the shoji school of architecture. The shops are geared more toward locals—travel agencies, electronics shops—but there are some fun Japanese-goods stores. Arrive early in the day and you may score some fabulous mochi (a soft, sweet Japanese rice treat) at Benkyodo (1747 Buchanan St. | 415/922–1244). It’s easy to spend hours among the fabulous origami and craft papers at Paper Tree (1743 Buchanan St. | 415/921–7100). You can have a seat on local artist Ruth Asawa’s twin origami-style fountains, which sit in the middle of the mall; they’re squat circular structures made of fieldstone, with three levels for sitting and a brick floor. Be sure to swing around the corner, just off the mall, to Super 7 (1628 Post St. | 415/409–4700), home of many large plastic Godzillas, glow-in-the-dark robots, and cool graphic tees. | Buchanan St. between Post and Sutter Sts., Japantown | 94115 | No phone.

New People.

The kids’ counterpart to the Japan Center, this fresh shopping center combines a cinema, café, shopping, and a gallery with a successful synergy. The ground-floor cinema shows classic and cutting-edge Asian (largely Japanese) films and is home to the San Francisco Film Society. Grab a bento box and a cup of Blue Bottle at the café before perusing the coolest collection of Japanese pop-culture fun stuff and fashion in town at New People: The Store and in the Fashion Floor Boutiques, then be sure to check out what’s on display in the tiny gallery space upstairs. | 1746 Post St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/525–8630 store, 415/525–8600 cinema | www.newpeopleworld.com | Mon.–Sat. noon–7, Sun. noon–6.

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Main Table of Contents

The Scene

Restaurants By Neighborhood

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San Francisco Dining Planner | Spotlight on Union Square, Financial District, and Chinatown | Spotlight on SoMa, Civic Center, and Hayes Valley | Spotlight on North Beach, Nob Hill, and Russian Hill | Spotlight on The Waterfront | Spotlight on The Mission, the Castro, and Noe Valley | Spotlight on Pacific Heights, the Marina, and Japantown | Spotlight on Haight, Richmond, and Sunset

Updated by Marcia Gagliardi

You can find just about any food in San Francisco, a place where trends are set and culinary diversity rules. Since the 1849 gold rush flooded the city with foreign flavors, residents’ appetites for exotic eats haven’t diminished by even one bite.

Today San Francisco remains a vital culinary crossroads, with nearly every ethnic cuisine represented, from Afghan to Vietnamese. You don’t just go out for Chinese here: regional offerings range from the classic Cantonese to the obscure Hakka cuisine of southern China. And although locals have long headed to the Mission District for Latin food, Chinatown for Asian food, and North Beach for Italian food, they also know that every part of the city offers dining experiences. One of the biggest trends to hit San Francisco is pizza—from obsessive pizzaiolos making authentic Neapolitan pies in imported Italian ovens, to chefs doing their own California spin—you’ll be able to find quality pizzas in practically every neighborhood. And with the recent explosion of food trucks, renegade street-food stands, and pop-up restaurants, the local dining scene has become even more varied, creative, and exciting.

Diners also have grown increasingly serious about what they’re sipping. In response, restaurateurs are offering more sophisticated wine lists, emphasizing new vintners, lesser-known varietals, and emerging wine-making regions, in addition to more environmental choices like biodynamic and organic wines. And cocktail lovers have been treated to an explosion of innovative drinks that are keeping the city’s much-admired bartenders busy pouring, stirring, and shaking from one end of town to the other. Last but not least, beer is also gaining a foothold around the city, from new brewpubs brewing their own beer, to quality beers showing up on beverage lists.

SAN FRANCISCO DINING PLANNER

EATING OUT STRATEGY

Where should we eat? With hundreds, even thousands, of San Francisco eateries competing for your attention, it may seem like a daunting question. But fret not. Our expert writers and editors have done most of the legwork. Delve in, and enjoy!

RESERVATIONS

If you’re determined to snag a table at a restaurant with lots of buzz, call and make a reservation as far in advance as possible—try dining there earlier in the week if the Friday and Saturday tables are all full. You can also get lucky at the last minute if you’re flexible—and friendly. Most restaurants keep at least a few tables (and sometimes more) open for walk-ins and VIPs, and you should always ask if there’s a bar or counter you can dine at. Show up for dinner early (5:30 pm) or late (after 9 pm) and politely inquire about any last-minute vacancies or cancellations—you can also try calling a restaurant in the early afternoon, because that’s when they’re making their reservation confirmation calls. If you’re calling a few days ahead of time, ask if you can be put on a waiting list. Occasionally, an eatery may ask you to call the day before your scheduled meal to reconfirm: don’t forget, or you could lose out. As a last resort, don’t forget many popular San Francisco restaurants are also open for lunch.

HOURS

Unless otherwise noted, the restaurants listed in this guide are open daily for lunch and dinner. Prime time for dinner is around 7:30 or 8 pm, and although there are places for night owls to fuel up, most restaurants stop serving around 10 pm. Restaurants, along with bars and clubs, may serve alcohol between the hours of 6 am and 2 am. The legal age to buy alcoholic beverages in California is 21.

WHAT TO WEAR

In general, San Franciscans are neat but casual dressers; only at the top-notch dining rooms do you see a more formal style. But the way you look can influence how you’re treated—and where you’re seated. Generally speaking, jeans will suffice at most table-service restaurants in the $ to $$ range. Moving up from there, many pricier restaurants require jackets, and some insist on ties. In reviews, we mention dress only when men are required to wear a jacket or a jacket and tie. Note that shorts, sweatpants, and sports jerseys are rarely appropriate. When in doubt, call the restaurant and ask.

PRICES

If you’re watching your budget, be sure to ask the price of daily specials. The charge for these dishes can sometimes be out of line with the menu. If you eat early or late you may be able to take advantage of a prix-fixe deal not offered at peak hours. Many upscale restaurants offer lunch deals with special menus at bargain prices. Credit cards are widely accepted, but some restaurants (particularly smaller ones) accept only cash. Also, keep in mind that a restaurant listed as $$$ may actually have a good deal or two, such as an early prix-fixe dinner or a great bar scene and good, reasonably priced bar food to go with it.

TIPPING AND TAXES

In most restaurants, tip the waiter 18%–20%. (To figure out a 20% tip quickly, just move the decimal spot one place to the left and double that.)

Bills for parties of six or more sometimes include the tip. Tip at least $1 per drink at the bar; $2 if it’s a labor-intensive cocktail. Also be aware that some restaurants, now required to fund the city’s new universal health-care ordinance, are passing these costs along to their customers instead of raising prices—usually in the form of a 3%–4% surcharge or a $1–$3.50-per-head charge. (SF sales tax is currently at 8.5%).

CHILDREN

Dining with youngsters in the city does not have to mean culinary exile.

SMOKING

Smoking is banned in all city restaurants and bars, and is now banned in all restaurant outdoor areas, from sidewalk seating to patios.

PARKING

Most upper-end restaurants offer valet parking—worth considering in crowded neighborhoods such as North Beach, Russian Hill, Union Square, and the Mission. There’s often a nominal charge and a time restriction on validated parking.

SPOTLIGHT ON UNION SQUARE, FINANCIAL DISTRICT, AND CHINATOWN

Fashion, business, and history collide in this broad swath of the city, where you can eat for pennies or spend your rent in a single sitting.

Around Union Squaredepartment stores and boutiques rule, and hotels—from Campton Place to the Sir Francis Drake with its Scala’s Bistro (432 Powell St. | 415/395–8555)—pull diners in for pricey lunches and pricier dinners.

Here and in the nearby Financial District, CEOs can hide away in old-school dining rooms, like the red walls and tufted booths at Alfred’s Steakhouse (659 Merchant St. | 415/781–7058), while ladies who lunch pop into Café Claude (7 Claude La. | 415/392–3505).

But budget-minded locals know to slip into sandwich shops that line Kearny, Montgomery, and Bush streets (and the adjoining alleys), or to head to Sutter and Post streets, where modest storefronts dish up well-priced Burmese, Japanese, Thai, and Indonesian plates. Or you can hotfoot it over to the narrow lanes of Chinatown, where a bowl of wonton soup or a rice plate in dozens of storefront eateries along Jackson, Clay, or Washington streets will bring change from a five-dollar bill.

EURO FLAVOR

San Franciscans like to brag about their city’s European atmosphere, citing Belden Place as evidence of that claim. The charming pedestrian-only street is anchored by the historic Sam’s Grill (374 Bush St. | 415/421–0594), a seafood institution that opened in this location in 1946.

Beyond Sam’s, the possibilities are a delicious mix of European tables (but don’t be surprised by the hawkers—competition is fierce), with French favorites like Plouf (40 Belden Pl. | 415/986–6491), Café Bastille (22 Belden Pl. | 415/986–5673), and the Italian Café Tiramisu (28 Belden Pl. | 415/421–7044).

DIVING INTO DIM SUM

The popular Cantonese midday custom of going out for dim sum—small dishes, both savory and sweet, hot and cold—can be explored on nearly every block in Chinatown. In big restaurants servers push dish-laden carts around the dining room, and diners select what they want. Smaller places dispense with the carts in favor of more easily managed trays. You won’t always know what you’re choosing, so embrace the mystery.

New Asia (772 Pacific Ave. | 415/391–6666) is perfect for dim sum newbies—English is spoken here, and the sprawling room means you won’t stick out like a sore thumb. For the best selection, try for a table near the kitchen; by the time the carts make their way upstairs, they’re picked over.

For more-adventurous spirits, Dol Ho (808 Pacific Ave. | 415/392–2828) is a hole-in-the-wall serving up good dim sum at great prices. Neighborhood regulars fill the small space, snapping up the best items from the single cart. There’s not much English spoken here, but the authenticity and low tab make any sign-language efforts pay off.

When you walk downstairs into Hang Ah (1 Pagoda Pl., at Stockton St. | 415/982–5686), you’ll feel that you’ve discovered a long-hidden gem, where you can fill up on conventional dim sum for a song.

If you’re in a rush, stop at friendly You’s (675 Broadway | 415/788–7028), a busy take-out spot famous for its (huge) barbecued pork buns.

Many locals like Great Eastern (649 Jackson St. | 415/986–2500) because they can check off what they want on dim sum menus instead of waiting for a cart.

Others, especially Financial District workers on weekdays and families on weekends, migrate to City View Restaurant (622 Commercial St. | 415/398–2838) for its relatively quiet dining room, ample choices, and atmospheric location.

AND FOR DESSERT

Chinatown’s Eastern Bakery (720 Grant Ave., near Sacramento St. | 415/982–5157) is the neighborhood’s oldest bakery (since 1924) and best-known outpost for traditional mooncakes, in some two-dozen styles, from winter melon to yellow bean to coconut. If you’re not tempted by mooncakes, try the tiny egg-custard tartlets (often still warm) or the coffee crunch cake, with coffee-flavor pastry cream between sponge-cake layers and crunchy toffee on top.

If you’re willing to head a little bit into the “TenderNob,” that minineighborhood where the lower part of Nob Hill meets the Tenderloin, you’ll be rewarded at Hooker’s Sweet Treats (442 Hyde St., near Ellis St.), a stylish and small oasis known for its house-made salted chocolate-caramels, chocolate-banana bread pudding with hard sauce, cookies, and locally roasted coffee drinks. The owner (Hooker) is from New Orleans, which shows in the bohemian aesthetic.

SPOTLIGHT ON SOMA, CIVIC CENTER, AND HAYES VALLEY

These areas prove that terrific restaurants can spring up in gritty surroundings—and often they’ll help spur a general neighborhood improvement. This serving of gentrification comes with tempting menus and stylish dining rooms.

The hip SoMa once was a warehouse district punctuated by blue-collar households. Nowadays, the same streets are chockablock with residential lofts, trendy bars and clubs, and scores of restaurants that fuel the mostly young and single local crowd (or business types in town for a convention).

The Civic Center is heavy with government buildings and grand performance spaces. Its dining scene is geared for people grabbing a bite before or after La Bohème or Mahler.

Hayes Valley is sprouting several hip and haute dining destinations around its main stem, Hayes Street. The low-key vibe in its wine bars and cafés makes it easy to feel like a local.

WAKE UP

One of the better locals’ secrets is at Arlequin Café & Food To Go (384 Hayes St., near Gough St. | 415/626–1211), the little sister to the classy Absinthe restaurant. The casual place has plenty of self-serve items, plus homemade granola or oatmeal for the healthy set; egg lovers should go for the egg sandwiches that come on a bagel, levain, or a croissant. The best part? There’s a garden patio in the back with tables among the trees. It’s so comfortable, you might even stay for lunch. And why wouldn’t you, with choices like Indian-spiced lamb burger and a three-cheese mac ‘n cheese.

EAT CHEAP OR DINE CHIC

Snacking Around …

SoMa: Tree-lined South Park is a charming green oasis. The park is bordered by 2nd and 3rd streets, and Brannan and Bryant streets. A cute neighborhood café is The Butler & the Chef (155 S. Park St. | 415/896–2075), which offers organic breakfast and lunch items, including croissants and croque monsieurs (grilled ham-and-cheese sandwiches) that will make you think you’re in Paris. Take your pick of inventive grilled-cheese sandwiches (with soup on the side) at The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen (1 S. Park Ave., Suite 103A, at 2nd St. | 415/243–0107). Closer to Market Street, the takeaway-only Sentinel sandwich shop (35 New Montgomery St. | 415/284–9960), with Canteen’s star chef Dennis Leary at the helm, builds and wraps one of the city’s best Reubens.

Hayes Valley: You can enjoy duck meatballs or a stellar Wagyu burger off the J Lounge menu at Jardinière (300 Grove St., at Franklin St. | 415/861–5555). Sit at the bar at Absinthe (398 Hayes St., at Gough St. | 415/551–1590), which has an excellent and filling French onion soup for under $10. At Frjtz (581 Hayes St., near Laguna St. | 415/864–7654) you can opt for Belgian fries (with a wild array of dips!), mussels, or crepes.

SoMa Sophisticates

Around Brannan and 4th streets and nearby South Park, several classy restaurants dish up eats, including the Japanese-influenced Alexander’s Steakhouse (448 Brannan St. | 415/495–1111), the lively small-plates Coco500 (500 Brannan St . | 415/543–2222), and the very French South Park Café (108 S. Park St . | 415/495–7275).

AND FOR DESSERT

We hope you’re up for a French macarons tasting, because the neighborhood is full of these brightly colored meringue-based treats.

First stop is Chantal Guillon (437 Hayes St., near Gough St. | 415/864–2400), a store featuring macarons made by a French pastry chef and full of flavors like Italian pistachio, jasmine green tea, and Persian rose.

Head to the nearby Miette Confiserie (449 Octavia St., near Hayes St. | 415/626–6221) and take your pick of candies and confections from local artisans and from around the world—get a few of their buttercream-filled macarons to nibble as you stroll.

SPOTLIGHT ON NORTH BEACH, NOB HILL, AND RUSSIAN HILL

One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, North Beach continues to speak Italian, albeit in fewer households than it did when Joe DiMaggio was hitting home runs at the local playground. But the Italian presence in the markets and cafés is deliciously unmissable.

Columbus Avenue, North Beach’s primary commercial artery, and nearby side streets boast dozens of moderately priced Italian restaurants and coffee bars that San Franciscans flock to for a dose of strong community feeling.

Nob Hill, the most famous hill in a city of hills, is known for its iconic hotels—the Fairmont, the Mark, the Ritz-Carlton, the Huntington—though only the Ritz-Carlton’s Parallel 37 is a destination for diners and the cocktailing crowd.

Nearby Russian Hill, which rises from Columbus Avenue, has few restaurants on its peak and higher slopes, but packs in scores of kitchens and cafés, especially around Polk and Larkin streets, as it descends to Van Ness Avenue.

BOB’S DONUTS

OK, doughnuts aren’t the healthiest food, but if you’re gonna splurge, why not make it count with the award-winning dough rings at the no-frills Bob’s Donuts (1621 Polk St., near Clay St. | 415/776–3141). However you like ‘em—cake, glazed, raised, sugared, or apple-studded—Bob’s makes them 24 hours a day. They’re fried in small batches, guaranteeing that every bite is fresh and delicious.

ON THE CHEAP: BIG FLAVORS IN . . .

Little Italy

The casual bites to be found in this neighborhood are plenty. The century-old Molinari’s (373 Columbus Ave., at Vallejo St. | 415/421–2337) makes classic Italian sandwiches to order—mortadella, salami, prosciutto—that are great for toting to a bench in nearby Washington Square Park. So, too, does the aptly named Petite Deli (752 Columbus Ave., between Filbert and Greenwich Sts. | 415/398–1682), a one-woman operation where the customers rave about the egg-salad sandwich and the Turkey Delight with cranberry sauce. You can also grab hot Italian beef sandwiches, house-made corned beef, or a New York–style slice from the city’s only coal-fired pizza oven at Tony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Slice House (1556 Stockton St., near Union St. | 415/835–9888). If you prefer to eat indoors, grab a table at the modest Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store (566 Columbus Ave., at Union St. | 415/362–0536), which no longer sells cigars but is known for a hearty meatball sandwich on focaccia.

For good coffee, take a seat at the more than half-century-old Caffè Trieste (609 Vallejo St., at Grant Ave. | 415/982–2605), where you may also be serenaded by local opera singers. Or grab a sidewalk table at Caffè Greco (423 Columbus Ave., near Vallejo St. | 415/397–6261) to enjoy espresso and one of the better versions of tiramisu in the neighborhood.

Little Saigon

The southern edge of Nob Hill bleeds into the mean streets of the Tenderloin. But hidden here are some Vietnamese culinary gems, especially on Larkin Street. That’s where you can find Bodega Bistro (607 Larkin St. | 415/921–1218), one of the neighborhood’s most popular Vietnamese restaurants, along with Pagolac (655 Larkin St. | 415/776–3234), and the famous chicken pho ga at Turtle Tower (631 Larkin St. | 415/409–3333).

AND FOR DESSERT

Jacqueline Margulis makes only one thing at her small, charming Café Jacqueline (1454 Grant Ave., between Union and Green Sts. | 415/981–5565): tall, airy, gorgeous soufflés, both savory and sweet. She bakes up classics like bittersweet-chocolate, strawberry, or Grand Marnier—in addition to one with seasonal fruit—all of them with creamy centers. Each soufflé serves two–four people.

For more creamy goodness, grab a buttery scoop of gelato at the venerable Gelato Classico (576 Union St., between Stockton St. and Grant Ave. | 415/391–6667), a slim spot with just a counter and rarely a place to sit. Every flavor—and there are many—looks delicious, and the patient staff hands over a taste to curious customers—which, face it, is everyone. The coppa mista, a wild swirl of vanilla, chocolate, pistachio, and rum gelatos, is a house specialty, and a good way to satisfy the craving for multiple flavors.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE WATERFRONT

Locals and visitors alike flock here for gorgeous bay views, a world-class waterfront esplanade, and a Ferry Building that is much better known for its food than its boat rides.

Not surprisingly, both restaurateurs and diners appreciate proximity to the water, and a slew of restaurants, including the award-winning Boulevard (1 Mission St. | 415/543–6084), Hotel Vitale’s sleek Americano (8 Mission St. | 415/278–3777), the splashy Waterbar (399 Embarcadero | 415/284–9922), the meat-driven Epic Roasthouse (369 Embarcadero | 415/369–9955), and the Tokyo-chic Ozumo (161 Steuart St. | 415/882–1333).

To the north of the Ferry Building lies Fisherman’s Wharf, a jumbled mix of seafood dining rooms, sidewalk vendors, and trinket shops that visitors religiously trudge through and San Franciscans invariably dismiss as a tourist trap. But even disdainful locals are sometimes seen making their way home from the Wharf with a cracked crab tucked under one arm and a loaf of sourdough bread under the other.

DUNGENESS CRAB

The local Dungeness season runs from November through June, which is when San Franciscans descend on the more than half-dozen crab stands at the Wharf. Buy an expertly cracked and cooked-to-order Dungeness at the stand in front of Fisherman’s Grotto #9 (2847 Jefferson St., at Taylor | 415/673–7025), pick up a loaf of sourdough bread, and feast on a true San Francisco tradition. If you happen to be in town in February, you’re in for a treat: events honoring the celebrated crustacean occur throughout the month at restaurants citywide, as part of the annual San Francisco Crab Festival.

A MOVABLE FEAST

The Ferry Building Marketplace (1 Ferry Bldg., Embarcadero) is located at the foot of Market Street on the Embarcadero, with a magnetic pull that makes even the most jaded gourmands go weak in the knees. It has just about everything: you can slurp stellar oysters at the bar at Hog Island Oyster Bar (415/391–7117), snack on Baja fish tacos at Mijita (415/399–0814) or the sublime egg salad sandwich at Il Cane Rosso (415/391–7599). Hungry for Asian fare? The Japan-based Delica rf-1 (415/834–0344) offers an irresistible daily bento, and sushi at their new counter. Looking for a panino packed with salumi? Or how about a meat cone (you read that correctly!)? Boccalone Salumeria (415/433–6500) will build it for you. Happy with just a cheese sandwich? Stop in at Sidekick (415/392–4000), the snack counter with gougères, cheese sandwiches, and more from the ladies behind Cowgirl Creamery (415/362–9354)—or just stop at the original Cowgirl shop for a wedge of artisanal blue, and then grab a crusty baguette at the Acme Bread Company (415/288–2978) a few steps away. Or order a burger at Gott’s Roadside Tray Gourmet (415/328–3663), chuck wagon chili from American Eatery (415/391–0420), a Vietnamese spring roll at Out the Door (415/321–3740), or a glass of Pinot Noir at the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant (415/391–9400). Have a sweet tooth? There are chocolates at Recchiuti Confections (415/834–9494), cookies and cupcakes at Miette (415/837–0300), and creamy gelato at Ciao Bella (415/834–9330).

Local favorite: Boulette’s Larder

Long before you get to Boulette’s Larder (Ferry Bldg. | 415/399–1155), you know something is cooking. The aromas that rise from this retail food shop and daytime dining spot waft through the Ferry Building Marketplace, drawing people to the southern end of the complex. Breakfast might be poached eggs and Dungeness crab, while lunch is whatever is on the stove that day. Sundays bring beignets.

AND FOR DESSERT

For a real San Francisco treat, DeLise Dessert Café (327 Bay St., North Beach | 415/ 399–9694) features fantastic (and organic) homemade ice creams (like salted caramel brownie), mini pastries, cupcakes, and excellent coffee. If you’re a fan of cupcakes, then beeline to Kara’s Cupcakes (900 N. Point St., Ghirardelli Sq. | 415/351–2253), where a long glass case holds about a dozen flavors, including the excellent java version. Or go traditional and stop at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop (900 N. Point St., Ghirardelli Sq. | 415/474–3938), where you can first see the equipment that was used to make chocolate in 19th-century San Francisco and then sit down to a luscious hot-fudge sundae, banana split, or cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE MISSION, THE CASTRO, AND NOE VALLEY

You’ll never go hungry here, in some of San Francisco’s most jam-packed restaurant neighborhoods. From dirt-cheap taquerias to hip tapas joints, city dwellers know this sector as the go-to area for a great meal.

Head over to the Mission to dig into Mexican and Latin American menus. In recent years the Latino community has been sharing the neighborhood with legions of twenty- and thirtysomethings who pack the dozens of eateries along Valencia Street, between 16th and 24th streets, and Mission Street from 19th to 24th streets. East of the Mission, Potrero Hill is home to a cluster of casual dining rooms in the blocks around Connecticut and 18th streets.

The Castro neighborhood, the epicenter of the city’s gay community, is chockablock with restaurants and bars. Market Street between Church and Castro streets is a great stretch for people-watching and café- or bistro-hopping. Just south, in Noe Valley, everyone seems to be pushing a baby carriage, but they’re all eating out too, mostly along 24th Street from Church to Castro streets, and on Church Street from 24th to 30th streets.

WAKE UP

A placard at the door says to sign in and wait to be seated at homey Chloe’s Café (1399 Church St., between 26th and Clipper Sts. | 415/648–4116). That wait for your croissant French toast or banana-walnut pancakes is bound to be long on weekends—hey, everyone else has the same delicious idea—so come with your patience. Come with cash in your pocket, too, as no credit cards are taken.

MEXICAN VERSUS ITALIAN

For years the Mission was where San Franciscans went to eat burritos and tacos, enchiladas, and tamales. But in the mid-1990s new Italian eateries began to open up in this Mexican stronghold, with Parmesan and pasta becoming as common as queso fresco and frijoles. (And the number of Italian places opening just keeps growing.) Thankfully for diners, there are plenty of tasty choices on both sides of the menu.

AND FOR DESSERT

The Mission has ice cream in every flavor imaginable. Bi-Rite Creamery (3692 18th St., near Valencia St. | 415/626–5600) balances orbs of salted caramel or soft serve in organic cones. And the venerable Mitchell’s (668 San Jose St., at 29th St. | 415/648–2300) has been scooping flavors like toasted almond and Mexican chocolate since 1953. Cult ice-cream shop Humphry Slocombe (2790 Harrison St., near 24th St. | 415/550–6971) is famous for irreverent flavors like Thai chili lime sorbet. For something baked, wait in line at the ever-busy Tartine Bakery (600 Guerrero St., at 18th St. | 415/487–2600), where the staff pulls devil’s food cakes, banana-cream tarts, éclairs, and brownies from the oven daily. And if doughnuts and coffee are your thing, head to Dynamo Donut & Coffee (2760 24th St., between Potrero and York Sts. | 415/920–1978), and dunk a chocolate-star anise doughnut in a cup of joe.

SPOTLIGHT ON PACIFIC HEIGHTS, THE MARINA, AND JAPANTOWN

One of the city’s best public transit rides is on the 22–Fillmore trolley bus, from the edge of Japantown at Geary Boulevard and Fillmore Street, up through mansion-lined Pacific Heights, then down to Cow Hollow and the Marina. We recommend jumping on and off the trolley, stopping for treats along the way.

In Japantown, which covers about six city blocks, start with a green tea latte at the pillbox-size Tan Tan Café in the Japan Center (Kinokuniya Bldg. | 415/346–6260), or an ice-cream-and-fruit-filled crepe next door at Sophie’s Crepes (415/929–7732).

Up the hill, Lower Pacific Heights is all about shopping. But growling stomachs can find relief in a Vietnamese lunch at the chic Out the Door (2232 Bush St., near Fillmore St. | 415/923–9575) or a baguette sandwich at La Boulangerie (2325 Pine St. | 415/440–0356).

ITALIAN WINE BAR

A simple bite and a glass of Dolcetto d’Alba may be all you want after a long day of scaling San Francisco’s hills. The small, delightfully rustic Ottimista Enoteca (1838 Union St. | 415/674–8400), pictured at upper right, offers just that, with more than two-dozen wines by the glass and small plates like baked olives, saffron-scented arancine (deep-fried, fontina-stuffed rice balls), and bruschetta with seasonal toppings. For something more substantial, try the tagliatelle with Bolognese ragout. If you’re out late, end on a sweet note with a glass of Vin Santo and biscotti, served until 2 am on weekends (it can be quite the hot spot).

TASTE OF TOKYO, WEST-COAST STYLE

At San Francisco’s three-building Japan Center mall, bordered by Geary Boulevard and Post, Fillmore, and Laguna streets, you can eat as they do in Tokyo, stopping in at the sleek Juban (Kinokuniya Bldg. | 415/776–5822) for yakiniku, meat grilled at your table, including American Kobe rib eye; at the homey Izumiya (Kinokuniya Bldg. | 415/441–6867), where okonomiyaki, a design-your-own savory pancake studded with pork or squid, is the draw; or at the refined (and rather serious) Ino Sushi (Mikyako Bldg. | 415/922–3121), with its 10-seat sushi bar and handful of tables.

Noodle aficionados will want to try the house-made ramen at Sapporo-ya (Kinokuniya Bldg. | 415/563–7400) or the soba and udon at Mifune (Kintetsu Bldg. | 415/922–0337). If your group wants a mix of specialties, wend your way to Takara (Miyako Bldg. | 415/921–2000), a shokuji dokoro, or Japanese bistro, which offers a mix of choices, from sushi to tempura (the cooked dishes are especially delicious).

Brunching Like a Local

Don’t be surprised on weekend mornings to find San Franciscans of all ages waiting in line—rain or shine—at eateries around town. Like attending church or watching Sunday football, going out to brunch is a revered weekend ritual here, a time for friends and family to gather and gab. And, of course, to eat.

The ever-popular Ella’s (500 Presidio Ave. | 415/441–5669) is well known for its sticky buns and chicken hash with eggs.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the homey breakfast porridge or pho at Out the Door (2232 Bush St., near Fillmore St. | 415/923–9575)—but don’t worry, breakfast traditionalists will find some egg dishes as well.

AND FOR DESSERT

The father-daughter team at Fillmore Bakeshop (1890 Fillmore St., at Bush St. | 415/923–0711) is baking contemporary European-American treats, and winning over the neighborhood with their Danishes and almond-pear croissants. There isn’t much seating—so you may have to nab something portable.

Another pastry case that will tempt your willpower is at La Boulangerie (2325 Pine St., at Fillmore St. | 415/440–0356), chock-full of classic French pastries and cookies like cannelés de Bordeaux, madeleines, and grab-and-go sandwiches. Just look for the bright blue exterior.

SPOTLIGHT ON HAIGHT, RICHMOND, AND SUNSET

The Haight-Ashbury was home base for the country’s famed 1960s counterculture, and its café scene still reflects that colorful past. For ethnic flavors, go to the neighborhoods on either side of Golden Gate Park.

Over time, the Haight has become two distinct neighborhoods. The Upper Haight is an energetic commercial stretch from Masonic Avenue to Stanyan Street, where head shops and tofu-burger joints still thrive.

There are a few upscale restaurants, like neighborhood favorite Magnolia Pub & Brewery (1398 Haight St. | 415/ 864–7468), with top-notch house-brewed beers and an organic approach to pub fare, including an excellent burger and a killer brunch.

Meanwhile, the modestly gritty Lower Haight has emerged as a lively bohemian quarter of sorts, with mostly ethnic eateries lining the blocks between Webster and Pierce streets. Chic newcomer Maven (598 Haight St. | 415/829–7982) is shaking up excellent cocktails paired with small plates.

HAUTE PIES

The shoebox-size Pizzetta 211 (211 23rd Ave., near Clement St., Richmond | 415/379–9880) puts together thin-crust pies topped with the kinds of ingredients that are worth the (almost) constant wait. The selection changes daily: the tomato, basil, and mozzarella pizza and the Sardinian cheese, pine nut, and rosemary pie are a couple of the only constants on the menu (the white anchovies that top the pizzas here are also stellar). Pizzetta 211 is open daily for lunch and dinner, but doesn’t take reservations and is cash only. Go early to avoid a long wait.

EXPLORING THE RICHMOND DISTRICT

New Chinatown

Since the early 20th century the Richmond District has been a desirable family address. Today those families are primarily Asian, and the neighborhood has been dubbed New Chinatown, though its dining choices go far beyond the People’s Republic. Locals in search of a meal head to four main areas: Clement Street from Arguello Boulevard to 26th Avenue, Geary Boulevard from Masonic Avenue to 26th Avenue, and Balboa Street from 5th to 8th avenues and 33rd to 39th avenues. Clement Street is a sea of temptation.

If you’d like to try the complex curries and salads at the always-busy Burma SuperStar (309 Clement St., near 3rd Ave. | 415/387–2147), put your name and cell phone number on the waiting list as soon as you get to the neighborhood.

A cluster of plain-Jane storefronts fire up smoky charcoal braziers on Geary Boulevard between Arguello Boulevard and 10th Avenue, including the Wooden Charcoal Barbecue House (4611 Geary Blvd. | 415/751–6336), which serves up Korean bulkogi, or grilled beef ribs.

Old Russia

Nostalgia hangs heavy in the dining room of the half-century-old Cinderella Bakery and Restaurant (436 Balboa St., near 5th Ave. | 415/751–9690), where diners tuck into borscht, dumplings, and cabbage rolls while sipping kvass, or beer brewed from bread. Be sure to stop at the bakery counter on your way out for a flaky napoleon or cheese pastries. The homey Katia’s (600 5th Ave., at Balboa St. | 415/668–9292) has samovars ready for Russian tea service, along with hearty pel’meni (dumplings) and excellent pies during the holidays. Not far away, at Moscow and Tblisi Bakery (5540 Geary Blvd., near 19th Ave. | 415/668–6959), locals line up for some of those same old-country tastes, including piroshki (meat- and vegetable-filled pastries) and poppy-seed rolls.

AND FOR DESSERT

Out in the Richmond, you would be hard-pressed to find a longtime resident who didn’t spend some of his or her youth in the truly kitschy Toy Boat Dessert Cafe (401 Clement St., between 5th and 6th Aves. | 415/751–7505), where Double Rainbow ice cream competes with a battalion of vintage toys. You won’t find toys at the funky Joe’s Ice Cream (5420 Geary Blvd., at 18th Ave. | 415/751–1950), or a “Joe” either. But Mutsuhiko and Aki Murashige have been keeping Joe’s name honest since 1979, when they bought the business. They fashion thick milk shakes and put together their own It’s-It, San Francisco’s iconic ice-cream sandwich—using house-made ice cream. For the finest princess cake in the city, look no further than Schubert’s Bakery (521 Clement St., at 6th Ave. | 415/ 752–1580), known for their excellent cakes (since 1911!), along with tarts, cookies, and more. There are a few tables where you can sit and enjoy your sweets.

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Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Table of Contents

Union Square | Chinatown | SoMa and Civic Center | Hayes Valley | Financial District | Nob Hill | Russian Hill | Van Ness/Polk | North Beach | Fisherman’s Wharf | Embarcadero | The Marina and the Presidio | Cow Hollow | The Haight | The Castro | Noe Valley | Mission District | Pacific Heights | Japantown | Richmond | Sunset District |

UNION SQUARE

Canteen.

$$$ | AMERICAN | Blink, and you’ll miss this place. Chef-owner Dennis Leary has transformed this narrow coffee shop into a popular spot where locals and visiting gourmands rub elbows. The intimate dining room has just 20 seats (7 at a counter and a quartet of booths). But that’s all Leary, with a modest open kitchen and a single assistant, can handle. The inspired dinner menu, which changes often, offers only four first courses, four mains, and three or four desserts. A typical meal might start with chestnut soup and rabbit confit, followed by a gratin of chanterelles and tomatoes, or pork tenderloin with braised cranberry beans and fig-olive jus, and then a stellar vanilla soufflé. On Tuesday and Saturday nights a three-course prix-fixe menu is in force (no choices within each course) for $43–$50. Because this is a one-man band, there are set times to dine: 6 pm and 8 pm on Tuesday and 6 pm, 7:30 pm, and 9:15 pm Wednesday through Sunday. Brunch (only on Sunday 8 am until 2 pm) is a popular option; don’t miss the eggs Benedict. | Average main: $26 | 817 Sutter St., Union Sq. | 94109 | 415/928–8870 | www.sfcanteen.com | Reservations essential | Closed Mon.

Farallon.

$$$ | SEAFOOD | Sculpted jellyfish chandeliers, kelp-covered columns, and sea-urchin lights give this swanky Pat Kuleto–designed restaurant a decidedly quirky look. But there’s nothing quirky about chef Mark Franz’s impeccable seafood, which reels in serious diners from coast to coast. An extensive raw bar includes chilled Maine lobster with a trio of dipping sauces. The menu changes daily, but you might find prawn and scallop quenelles, cedar plank–grilled trout, and scallops with truffled potato ravioli. Meat eaters aren’t ignored, with such choices as filet of beef and a pork chop. While it may not be the newest restaurant on the scene, Farallon still delivers a memorable experience, and the focus on using sustainable seafood is very current. If you want to enjoy the surroundings but not pay the price, you can take a seat at the French-style oyster bar and fill up on oyster shooters, a shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, french fries with aioli, and more from the less expensive bar menu (there is also happy hour until 7 pm). For dessert, the carrot cake shouldn’t be missed. | Average main: $29 | 450 Post St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/956–6969 | www.farallonrestaurant.com | No lunch.

Fleur de Lys.

$$$$ | FRENCH | The creativity of chef-owner Hubert Keller has brought every conceivable culinary award to this romantic spot. His three-, four-, and five-course prix-fixe menus (each course with many choices), priced from $72 to $95, include plenty of foie gras, squab, lobster, and truffles to satisfy palates geared to fancy French dishes. Choosing some items will boost your tab, such as $25 extra for filet mignon with foie gras, $82 extra for an ounce of domestic osetra caviar, and even $6 extra for chocolate soufflé. Presentations can be playful, like the Fleurburger (a beignet with chocolate ganache) for dessert. The dining room, with its dramatic tented ceiling of 900 yards of draped and swathed fabric, is as showy as the food (and it’s special-occasion central). Savvy world travelers may find the menu style to be stagnant, some of the dishes a bit odd (like truffled macaroni and cheese in brioche), and a few dishes miss the mark completely; but the busy dining room shows the affable Keller has many devoted fans. | Average main: $82 | 777 Sutter St., Union Sq. | 94109 | 415/673–7779 | www.fleurdelyssf.com | Reservations essential Jacket required | Closed Sun. No lunch.

Le Colonial.

$$$$ | VIETNAMESE | The scene is high-style (and high-priced) Vietnamese food served up in a French-colonial time machine: stamped-tin ceiling, period photographs, slow-moving fans, and tropical plants. Local society types who can’t be bothered with dining in Little Saigon in the Tenderloin come for the sea bass steamed in banana leaves, green papaya salad, and lamb chops with grilled eggplant salad. Pick from among the big selection of fried or fresh appetizer rolls, filled with everything from shredded duck to Dungeness crab. Downstairs are two large and rather formal dining rooms. Anything goes upstairs in the lively lounge: you can eat appetizers, you can move to the music (Friday and Saturday is when it gets hopping) and listen to live music Monday through Thursday (Sundays there is a pianist), or you can just sip a cocktail at the bar and take in the scene. Plenty of locals find the dining room stuffy—and expensive—but are quick to defend the lounge. | Average main: $32 | 20 Cosmo Pl., Union Sq. | 94109 | 415/931–3600 | www.lecolonialsf.com | No lunch.

Michael Mina.

$$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Chef Michael Mina moved his eponymous restaurant and reopened in the former AQUA location on California Street, where he got his start (and worked for 13 years). Although he has more than a dozen restaurants scattered around the country, this location is his baby. The space is chic and minimalist, highlighting natural elements like dark walnut tables and handmade and custom porcelain. The menu is very Franco-Japanese, with luxurious renditions of shabu-shabu (yes, there is foie involved) and kampachi crudo with sea urchin, while a few dishes nod to Italy, like a notable risotto with lobster. The bar and lounge area draws a busy Financial District scene after work (the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres sampler are recommended), and it’s an ideal setting for a business dinner. The restaurant even opened for lunch due to the demand (power lunchers got their way)—the set menu for lunch runs $49 for three courses, or $59 for four. | Average main: $38 | 252 California St., Financial District | 94111 | 415/397–9222 | www.michaelmina.net | No lunch Sat. and Sun.

Millennium.

$$$ | VEGETARIAN | Inside the Best Western Hotel California, this big, wood-lined dining room is a well-known destination for visiting vegans and vegetarians. The seasonal menu of “animal-free” dishes made with organic and seasonal ingredients often includes Asian flair. Sample dishes include flat bread with roasted chanterelle mushrooms, sunchoke, and caramelized radicchio; rice flour and coriander seed–crusted oyster mushrooms; pumpkin tamales; and cannellini runner bean and smoked leek gratin. All dishes are dressed up with bold flavors, and numerous ingredients (sometimes a few too many). Come dessert, the chocolate almond midnight (mocha chocolate filling in an almond-cashew crust) remains steadfast on the menu for a reason. A long list of organic wines is available, and a five-course tasting menu ($72) is offered for when your wallet is full; if not try the “Frugal Foodie” three-course menu Sunday through Wednesday for $39. Even raw diners can request a three-course tasting menu with two days’ notice ($65). | Average main: $24 | Hotel California, 580 Geary St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/345–3900 | www.millenniumrestaurant.com | No lunch.

Scala’s Bistro.

$$$ | ITALIAN | Smart leather-and-wood booths, a pressed-tin ceiling, a menu of rustic Italian (and a few French) dishes, a steady hum of activity—it’s hard not to like the big-city feel of this hotel dining room. Fritto misto of shrimp, squid, and fennel; orecchiette with spicy sausage and broccoli; and a grilled pork chop are among the evening’s hearty choices from chef Jen Biesty. The room is open late, making it a welcome destination for pizzettas and dessert—with sweet successes like the Bostini cream pie and Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate! (a chocolate creation of mousse, pecan crust, gelato, and sauce). | Average main: $30 | Sir Francis Drake Hotel, 432 Powell St., Union Sq. | 94122 | 415/395–8555 | www.scalasbistro.com.

CHINATOWN

Great Eastern.

$$ | CHINESE | Don’t be tempted to order a Szechuan or Beijing dish here or you’ll leave unhappy. This is a Cantonese restaurant, and that means fresh, simply prepared seafood, quickly cooked vegetables and meats, clear soups, and no fiery chilies. Tanks filled with crabs, black bass, catfish, shrimp, and other freshwater- and saltwater creatures occupy a corner of the street-level main dining room. Look to them for your meal, but check prices, as swimming seafood isn’t cheap. Kids will find their Chinese-restaurant favorites here: stir-fried noodles, cashew chicken, fried rice. Dim sum (until 3 pm) is also popular (there aren’t any carts, however—you order off a paper sheet, and the dumplings come out of the kitchen piping hot). Avoid the basement dining room if possible, which is brightly lit but also claustrophobic. Toward midnight, Chinese night owls drop in for a plate of noodles or a bowl of congee (rice porridge). | Average main: $19 | 649 Jackson St., Chinatown | 94133 | 415/986–2500.

R&G Lounge.

$$ | CHINESE | The name conjures up an image of a dark, smoky bar with a piano player, but this Cantonese restaurant is actually as bright as a new penny. On the lower level (entrance on Kearny Street) is a no-tablecloth dining room that’s packed at lunch and dinner. The classy upstairs space (entrance on Commercial Street) is a favorite stop for Chinese businessmen on expense accounts and special-occasion banquets. The street-level room on Kearny is a comfortable spot to wait for an open table. A menu with photographs helps you pick from the many wonderful, sometimes pricey, always authentic dishes, such as the famous salt-and-pepper Dungeness crab, roast squab, and shrimp-stuffed tofu (and much of the seafood is fresh from the tank). | Average main: $20 | 631 Kearny St., Chinatown | 94117 | 415/982–7877 | www.rnglounge.com.

SOMA AND CIVIC CENTER

Ame.

$$$$ | ECLECTIC | America and Japan, along with France and Italy, converge here on the plates of chef Hiro Sone. Favorite dishes include chawan mushi (egg custard) with sea urchin, mushrooms, and lobster and the well-loved sake-marinated black cod. Dishes from the sushi bar offer additional delights; a particular standout is the tuna tartare with a slow-poached Jidori egg and sea urchin. The dining room is an attractive and modern space in the handsome St. Regis, which shelters both hotel guest rooms and condominium residences, including one that Al Gore makes his West Coast home. Not surprisingly, the space and the plates attract members of the local—and, some would say, stuffy—elite who know food and have the means to pay a lofty price for it. Some excellent sakes and wines are additional trappings for those with good taste. A small sushi counter is ideal for solo diners on an expense account. | Average main: $36 | St. Regis Hotel, 689 Mission St., SoMa | 94105 | 415/284–4040 | www.amerestaurant.com | No lunch.

AQ.

$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | A chic addition to a somewhat sketchy stretch of Mission Street, this spot has a lot going for it: spirit lovers will want to perch at the bar for an excellent, hand-crafted cocktail served in vintage glassware, while culinary connoisseurs will want to sit at the chef’s counter to watch the talented kitchen staff led by chef Mark Liberman. Diners can opt for a table in the handsome dining room with friendly, helpful service. The menu is California progressive, exhibiting cutting edge techniques with height-of-the-season ingredients. (Although the menu isn’t the only thing that’s seasonal: the look of the restaurant will also change each season, including the staff uniforms, and decor elements.) Starters are presented elegantly—like cardoons and Dungeness crab, or a silky venison tartare—and also contain many flavor components and textures, all harmonious. Main dishes may include duck aged on the bone, or branzino with a rich potato side dish. There’s also Sunday brunch service, with corned beef hash and a burger. | Average main: $25 | 1085 Mission St. at 7th St, SoMa | 94103 | 415/341–9000 | www.aq-sf.com | No lunch. No brunch Sat.

Fodor’s Choice | Benu.

$$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | One of the most high-profile restaurants to open in the city, chef-owner Corey Lee launched his contemporary American restaurant much to the delight of food-obsessed locals and travelers alike. His pedigree spans 15 years in fine dining (including a position as chef de cuisine at The French Laundry), but Benu is decidedly more relaxed—no jacket required. The dining room is very minimalist, with bare wood tables and high-backed banquettes along the walls. While some guests come early in the week to dine on the à la carte menu, the 17-course tasting menu (mandatory on Friday and Saturday nights) is the way to go if your pocketbook can handle it. Each dish is a marvel, from the meticulous presentation (Lee has had pieces specifically designed for the restaurant and each course) to the sophisticated flavors and textures. Fans of Asian cuisine will be particularly thrilled to see his elegant handling of ingredients like xiao long bao dumplings and sea cucumber. He utilizes many modern techniques, but never in an alienating way. You may find dishes like Hokkaido sea cucumber stuffed with shrimp, pork belly, eggplant, fermented pepper or eel, feuille de brick, crème fraiche, lime. An extremely professional staff is behind the quick pacing and on-point wine pairings. Couples expecting an ultra-romantic environment may be a bit disappointed by the stark atmosphere, but culinary adventurers will be thrilled. | Average main: $160 | 22 Hawthorne St., SoMa | 94105 | 415/685–4860 | www.benusf.com | Reservations essential | Closed Sun. and Mon.

Café Chaat.

$ | INDIAN | This no-frills spot (part of a small chain) trades in cheap and tasty Indian snacks called chaat. Standout dishes include pani puri, small, hollow bread puffs you fill with seasoned potatoes and chickpeas, and chicken and fish pakora fritters. Chewy naan is served alongside simple fish, lamb, chicken, and vegetable curries. The flat bread is also used for wraps, including one filled with tandoori chicken, onions, and cilantro. Lassi (a yogurt drink) lovers can satisfy their cravings with salty, sweet, and mango versions. At lunchtime, order at the counter; come dinner, tableside service is usually in effect. | Average main: $9 | 320 3rd St., SoMa | 94107 | 415/979–9946 | www.cafechaatsf.com.

Chez Papa Resto.

$$$ | FRENCH | Downtown’s newish Mint Plaza, tucked behind the city’s 1874 federal mint, is home to this utterly urban 70-seat restaurant, with its exposed concrete, bare-wood-topped tables, and high black ceiling. The outdoor patio gets packed during lunch and on warm evenings. A contemporary French menu—beef tartare, sous vide duck egg and confit hash, braised beef cheeks, cocoa nib éclair—reads like a culinary retelling of An American in Paris. A three-course prix-fixe business lunch ($24), with a few choices in each category, is available. And for the deal-seeking after-work crowd, happy hour delivers six-buck classic cocktails and some bar nibbles from 5 to 7 pm weekdays. | Average main: $27 | 4 Mint Plaza, SoMa | 94103 | 415/546–4134 | www.chezpapasf.com | Closed Sun.

Citizen’s Band.

$$ | DINER | A fresh take on the classic American diner, this busy corner spot seems to always pack in its coveted 40 seats. The draw: one of the city’s tastiest versions of mac and cheese (topped with onion rings sporting a shattering exterior), fried chicken with red-eye gravy, and an excellent burger sandwiched inside a bun from the next-door neighbor, Pinkie’s Bakery. There are also more “fine diner” dishes—like seasonal salads and pan-roasted rock cod—that further reveal chef-owner Chris Beerman’s experience in finer restaurants. Brunch brings eggs Benedict, while lunch has more sandwich options (try the fried chicken). The vibe is very SoMa, with an edgy and eclectic crowd that can match the rock and roll playing (sometimes loudly) on the stereo, but the well-chosen wine list keeps things elevated. Solo diners can try for a seat at the counter. | Average main: $22 | 1198 Folsom St. at 8th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/556–4901 | www.citizensbandsf.com.

COCO500.

$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Chef-owner Loretta Keller (working with chef Michael Morrison) are behind this chic small-plates and not-so-small-plates venue. Menu categories like “California dirt (local organic vegetables)” reflect Keller’s modern and ingredient-driven outlook, as do dishes like the COCOmole taco, which pairs tortilla triangles with beef cheeks and a chili-chocolate mole sauce. You’ll also find duck liver terrine, wood-fired pizzas, ricotta agnolotti, wood oven braised pork shoulder, and a signature vacherin (crème anglaise, Swiss meringue, coffee ice cream, and chocolate sauce) from the restaurant’s earlier days as Bizou. For a simpler and smaller sweet ending, order the COCOcups with chocolate and peanut butter. The delicious and flexible menu mix pulls in young SoMa office workers and sophisticated mature diners, all cheerfully grazing the menu, whether it’s a business lunch, happy hour, or dinnertime. The dining room has a mid-century look to it, with comfortable chairs in a cornflower blue and tables set close to each other, plus a bar and lounge area. The cocktails are also a big draw here. | Average main: $24 | 500 Brannan St., SoMa | 94107 | 415/543–2222 | www.coco500.com | Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Fifth Floor.

$$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | A clubhouse for well-off diners, this swanky spot is tucked away in the Palomar Hotel. The kitchen has seen toques come and go in the last few years, but at least they’ve always been talented. And the latest to take the helm is chef David Bazirgan, bringing modern techniques and exciting ingredient combinations to the forefront. Dressed up in sandy beige walls, hardwood floors, sleek dark-wood tables, and modern club chairs, the dining room sets a stylish backdrop for Contemporary American dishes like geoduck, surf and razor clam ceviche, uni flan, Brillat-Savarin ravioli, and tamarind-laquered duck breast. You can order dishes à la carte, but the menu is structured as a four-course affair—or enjoy a six-course tasting menu ($85). The extensive wine list is also of note. If you want to dial down the expense, enjoy a burger or the excellent charcuterie plate in the more casual lounge next door to the dining room, along with well-made cocktails. | Average main: $34 | Palomar Hotel, 12 4th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/348–1555 | www.fifthfloorrestaurant.com | Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch.

LuLu.

$$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | In its early years LuLu was a magnet for dot-commers, but now it seems to appeal more to business diners and conventioneers from nearby Moscone Center (although some locals still consider it a fave). Rustic cuisine that’s easy for large groups to share are the custom here, like mixed antipasti platters (you pick three items); mussels roasted in an iron skillet; wood-oven roasted poultry, meats, and shellfish; nightly rotisserie specials; and a small selection of pizzas and pastas. There is a well-supplied raw bar, and main-course specials include a rotisserie-cooked option that changes daily; Friday brings Kurobuta porchetta. Wine drinkers will appreciate the long list of choices by the glass. Note: when LuLu is packed, service can suffer. | Average main: $27 | 816 Folsom St., SoMa | 94107 | 415/495–5775 | www.restaurantlulu.com | Brunch Sun.

Marlowe.

$$ | AMERICAN | Formerly an Australian restaurant, this tucked-away little spot is now drawing crowds for chef Jennifer Puccio’s menu of hearty American bistro fare, like roasted bone marrow, steak tartare, and one of the city’s best burgers. Lunchtime brings sandwiches (try the fried chicken one), or snack on crisp Brussels sprouts chips, which can run out, they’re just that popular. There’s a small bar in the back, and diners also gather around the communal table. With penny tile floors, wood tables, and a navy-blue-and-white color scheme, the space has a classic aesthetic. It can feel loud and crammed—so don’t come on a romantic dinner. But do come hungry; and thirsty—there’s plenty on the wine list to choose from. | Average main: $22 | 330 Townsend St., SoMa | 94107 | 415/974–5599 | www.marlowesf.com | Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

RN74.

$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Every oenophile in town knows about this restaurant, named after the highway that crosses through Burgundy (Route Nationale 74), due to the involvment of celebrated sommelier Rajat Parr. But chef Jason Berthold’s refined American menu is just as strong as the wine list, highlighting seasonal dishes rooted in French technique. A rich sunchoke soup, with notes of espresso and hazelnut, comes out piping hot and is poured tableside, while Mendocino sea urchin is dramatically presented in its shell, enclosing potato mousseline and black trumpet mushrooms. Main dishes are generous, like a modern take on duck breast à la orange, served with Savoy cabbage and roasted salsify. Desserts are both delicious and cutting edge, like a yuzu cremeux with yogurt-shiso sherbet. The clever dining room has a train station motif (wines are listed on large departure boards), a change from the city’s typical natural-modern look. A post-work crowd tends to take over the bar and lounge, while the dining room is equally welcoming to business diners and those on a date. Sunday evenings, there’s a three-course, prix-fixe menu for $39 (and $30 wine bottle specials). | Average main: $28 | 301 Mission St. at Beale St., SoMa | 94105 | 415/543–7474 | www.rn74.com | No lunch weekends.

Salt House.

$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | A boisterous post-work crowd packs this high-ceiling, brick-lined dining space that once housed a printing press. Rusted girders, chandeliers fashioned from old postcard racks, and water poured from vintage milk bottles set a casual mood. Chef Robert Leva’s small plates, like crisp shrimp atop spicy green beans, almonds, and serrano ham; a popular (and rich) poutine; and foie gras with sautéed kumquats, are so appealing that it would be easy to make a meal of appetizers. Contemporary American mains include chicken with asparagus, sweetbreads, and gizzard panzanella; and petrale sole with onion fondue, baby shiitakes, chorizo, and Manila clams. Single diners can grab a seat at the big communal table and bar. | Average main: $26 | 545 Mission St., SoMa | 94104 | 415/543–8900 | www.salthousesf.com | No lunch weekends

Town Hall.

$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Well-known chefs Mitchell and Steven Rosenthal are the culinary brains behind this powerbroker’s pit stop. The fare is sophisticated American with some Southern flair—cornmeal fried oysters, roasted veal meatballs, spicy shrimp, juicy fried chicken, a thick pork chop, butterscotch-and-chocolate pot de crème—with plenty of variety to satisfy nearly everyone, and the portions ensure no one leaves hungry. The converted-warehouse space, with dark-wood floors, exposed brick walls, white wainscoting, and contemporary art, comfortably blends old with new. You can curl up with a cocktail on the heated patio (like a perfect Sazerac) while you wait for your table. The decibel level here can wear down your vocal chords, so ask for a quieter spot. | Average main: $26 | 342 Howard St., SoMa | 94105 | 415/908–3900 | www.townhallsf.com | No lunch weekends

Twenty Five Lusk.

$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | A splashy newcomer on the SoMa scene, this soaring space tucked off an alley doesn’t look like your usual San Francisco restaurant. There’s a chic downstairs lounge, with low-slung seating and a busy bar (serving tasty bar snacks, like soft pretzel bites), while the upstairs dining area has coveted booths, gleaming black and white surfaces, and raw wood beams. Chef Matthew Dolan’s lengthy contemporary American menu has some crowd favorites, like the tender and rich gnocchi with grilled artichoke, and mains like perfectly cooked Louisiana prawns on spicy grits. Some dishes may stumble or have too much truffle oil in them (but some diners like that ingredient). The wines are very well chosen, and the lime posset for dessert is a can’t miss. | Average main: $28 | 25 Lusk St., SoMa | 94107 | 415/495–5875 | www.twentyfivelusk.com.

Una Pizza Napoletana.

$$ | PIZZA | Inside this bare-bones location in SoMa you’ll find one of the best Neapolitan-style pizzas outside of Italy. Chef-owner Anthony Mangieri is an obsessive artisan, carefully making each and every pizza by hand. The spartan menu lists five kinds of pies (all versions of mozzarella and tomato) and a special on Saturdays. The crust exhibits a particular kind of perfection (the imported wood-fired oven is a beauty), and the top-notch toppings are placed just right. There isn’t much else on the menu (just some beverages and wines), so it really is all about the pizza. There can often be a line of fellow fans (and fanatics) waiting for a table, so don’t come in large groups (couples get seated more quickly). | Average main: $20 | 210 11th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/861–3444 | www.unapizza.com/sf | Closed Sun.–Tues.

Zaré at Fly Trap.

$$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | Chef-owner Hoss Zaré has brought vitality and personality to this classic San Francisco locale, while still maintaining its air of history and class. Both the bar and communal table fill up with an after-work crowd getting cocktails and digging into lamb burgers and other flavorful bites on the Mediterranean menu. (Note that Fridays can be particularly boisterous.) A sit-down dinner here is ideal for friends, dates, dinner with the parents, and casual business—the non-tablecloth environment keeps things comfortable. The menu features many exotic ingredients from the chef’s Persian upbringing, while still maintaining a California vibe and some updated presentations. Wild mushroom cake, bone marrow, and braised lamb neck are more on the hearty side, while the smoked trout with cucumber “noodles” and local halibut keep things light. The cardamom panna cotta for dessert (and the baklava) are crowd pleasers. Solo diners are welcome at the bar. | Average main: $27 | 606 Folsom St., SoMa | 94107 | 415/243–0580 | www.zareflytrap.com | Closed Sun. No lunch.

Zero Zero.

$$ | ITALIAN | Chef-owner Bruce Hill (of Bix and Picco fame) has created a popular and comfortable California-Italian restaurant where you can go almost any time of day, whether you’re craving one of his standout thin-crust “Cali-politan” pizzas for lunch, a cocktail and an order of Taleggio-stuffed arancini after work, house-made pasta for dinner, or flavorful skillet-fried chicken thighs with a waffle for brunch. Ingredients are fresh and seasonal, and portions are affordable and easy to share. (Large groups can also order punch bowls for the table.) Choose-your-own-toppings soft serve for dessert is a hit. There’s a lengthy downstairs bar and lounge, with another second smaller bar upstairs that are both packed in the evenings with diners and drinkers alike. | Average main: $17 | 826 Folsom St., SoMa | 94107 | 415/348–8800 | www.zerozerosf.com.

HAYES VALLEY

Absinthe.

$$$ | FRENCH | This corner restaurant seems to be always busy, whether it’s the opera crowd grabbing a pre-performance meal, the weekend brunch set jockeying for an outside table, or the neighborhood’s night owls coming in for a drink and a bite at the bar. Chef Adam Keough’s brasserie-inspired menu of onion soup, cold seafood platters, beef tartare, potato-crusted Artic char, and pork rib eye with jalapeño-cheddar grits is well-matched with an upscale, dark wood–lined, white-tablecloth dining room. The bar and lounge, reminiscent of a Belle Époque Parisian café, offer an excellent late-night bar menu, with oysters, grass-fed-beef burger (delicious with caramelized onions and a fried egg), and the soft garlic pretzels with Mornay sauce (a must). A hearty weekend brunch is designed to heal—ditto for the decadant cocktails. | Average main: $28 | 398 Hayes St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/551–1590 | www.absinthe.com | Closed Mon.

Bar Jules.

$$$ | FRENCH | An open kitchen, a counter lined with red-topped stools, a dozen or so small tables with wicker bistro chairs, and a generally young crowd are tucked into this cozy, bright eatery on the edge of trendy Hayes Valley. The daily-changing blackboard menu is small and invariably appealing, with seasonal dishes like Dungeness crab salad with chives, avocado, and chervil; cauliflower and sunchoke gratin with Gruyère and thyme; and wood-grilled skirt steak with warm olives sauce. Desserts range from Meyer lemon tart to butterscotch pudding to the famed Chocolate Nemesis. Sunday brunch draws a neighborhood crowd to the sunny storefront. On the downside: service can be slow, and the sea of hard surfaces can make quiet conversation impossible. | Average main: $25 | 609 Hayes St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/621–5482 | www.barjules.com | Closed Mon. No lunch Tues. No dinner Sun.

Hayes Street Grill.

$$$ | SEAFOOD | Arrive here just as local music lovers are folding their napkins and heading off for the 8 pm curtain at the nearby Opera House, and you’ll snag a table and some perfectly fresh, sustainable, and often local seafood. Much of the fish—sea bass, steelhead, swordfish—is simply grilled and served with a choice of sauces from beurre blanc to lemon-and-caper butter. A pile of crisp, thin Belgian frites rides alongside the grilled offerings. Seasonal dishes can include combinations like local petrale sole with Mendocino white chanterelles, thyme, and fingerling potatoes (Patricia Unterman oversees the kitchen with chef Rob Zaborny). Folks who eschew water-based fare will be happy to know a flatiron steak and thick pork chops are on the menu, in addition to an excellent burger. Anyone on a budget will want to come after 7:30 pm for the three-course prix-fixe menu priced at just $33. Brass coat hooks, white tablecloths, a long bar, and a mix of banquettes and tables define the traditional San Francisco look of this four-decades-old seafood stronghold. | Average main: $26 | 320 Hayes St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/863–5545 | www.hayesstreetgrill.com | No lunch weekends.

Jardinière.

$$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | A special anniversary? An important business dinner? A fat tax refund? These are the reasons you book a table at Jardinière. The restaurant takes its name from chef-owner Traci Des Jardins, and the sophisticated interior, with its eye-catching oval atrium and curving staircase, fills nightly with locals and out-of-towners alike. An equally sophisticated French-Californian dining room menu, served upstairs in the atrium, changes daily, but regularly includes such high-priced adornments as caviar, foie gras, and truffles. (The tasting menu is available for $120.) Downstairs, the lounge menu, with smaller plates and smaller prices ($8 to $18), is ideal for when you want to eat light while visiting with friends or tame your hunger before or after the nearby opera or symphony. Cheese lovers will appreciate the wide variety of choices—both Old World and New—housed in the glassed-in cheese-aging chamber in the rear of the restaurant. The choice wine selection is worthy of celebration in and of itself. | Average main: $38 | 300 Grove St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/861–5555 | www.jardiniere.com | Reservations essential | No lunch.

Sebo.

$$$ | SUSHI | Owner and sushi chef Michael Black has created a unique sushi restaurant in San Francisco, and you could walk right by if you didn’t have the address. There is a small counter in the back, which is where you’ll want a seat if it’s available. The case is full of only the most fresh, seasonal, and sustainable seafood—so no unagi or bluefin tuna here. You also won’t find Americanized sushi like spicy tuna hand rolls; this is a place for more traditional nigiri, along with some California flair on some presentations. You’ll probably try some fish you’ve never even had before, all very artfully cut and presented. The dining room has beautiful wood tables with a natural-modern look to them. Enjoy the sake selections by Beau Timken, who has his sake shop (True Sake) just up the street. | Average main: $30 | 517 Hayes St., Hayes Valley | 415/864–2122 | www.sebosf.com | Closed Sun. and Mon.

Suppenküche.

$$ | GERMAN | Nobody goes hungry—and no beer drinker goes thirsty—at this lively, hip outpost of simple German cooking in the trendy Hayes Valley corridor. When the room gets crowded, which it regularly does, strangers sit together at unfinished pine tables. Servers are quick and efficient, and keep the pace moving along. The hearty food—bratwurst and red cabbage, potato pancakes with house-made applesauce, meat loaf, braised beef, pork loin, schnitzel, strudel—is tasty and kind to your pocketbook, and the imported brews are first-rate. There’s also a popular Sunday brunch, with appealing fare such as gravlax with mustard-dill sauce and pancakes with brandied raisins. | Average main: $18 | 525 Laguna St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/252–9289 | www.suppenkuche.com | No lunch.

Fodor’s Choice | Zuni Café.

$$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | After one bite of chef Judy Rodgers’ succulent brick-oven-roasted whole chicken with Tuscan bread salad, you’ll understand why she’s a national star (and why it’s the most well known chicken dish in town). Food is served here on two floors; the rabbit warren of rooms on the second level includes a balcony overlooking the main dining room. Mingle among a disparate mix that reflects the makeup of the city—casual and dressy, young and old, hip and staid—at the long copper bar where trays of briny-fresh oysters on the half shell are dispensed along with cocktails and wine. The southern French–Italian menu changes daily, though the signature chicken, prepared for two, is a fixture (and, alas, its cost reflects its popularity). Rotating dishes are simple but made with excellent ingredients, like house-cured anchovies with Parmigiano-Reggiano, deep-fried squid and lemons, ricotta gnocchi with seasonal vegetables, and brick-oven squab with polenta. Desserts include crumbly crusted tarts and a cream-laced coffee granita. The lunchtime (and late-night) burger on rosemary focaccia with a side of shoestring potatoes is a favorite with locals. | Average main: $28 | 1658 Market St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/552–2522 | www.zunicafe.com | Closed Mon.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Barbacco.

$$ | ITALIAN | The busy sister restaurant to neighboring Perbacco, this spot is all about affordable smaller plates that are big on flavor. Financial District workers crowd in for lunch or happy hour at the communal tables and long counter, while diners from all over town make their reservations for the evening. The room has a chic Milanese look to it, but the food is soulful and rustic. Start with the ascolane (stuffed olives) and arancini (risotto croquettes), and move on to plates of the excellent house-made charcuterie, a variety of bruschette, hearty pastas, delicious “angry mussels,” and larger plates like Sicilian meatballs. There are plenty of Italian wines to explore by the glass, and a well-informed staff to tell you about them. | Average main: $21 | 220 California St., Financial District | 94111 | 415/955–1919 | www.barbaccosf.com | No lunch weekends. Closed Sun.

Bocadillos.

$$ | SPANISH | The name means “sandwiches,” but that’s only half the story here. You’ll find 13 bocadillos at lunchtime: plump rolls filled with everything from serrano ham to Catalan sausage with arugula to a memorable lamb burger (pick two for $10). But at night chef-owner Gerald Hirigoyen, who also owns the high-profile Piperade, focuses on tapas, offering some two-dozen choices, including a savory octopus carpaccio, an equally superb pig’s trotters with chopped egg salad, and patatas bravas (potatoes) with romesco sauce (a thick combination of red pepper, tomato, almonds, and garlic). His wine list is well matched to the dishes. A youngish crowd typically piles into the dining space, decorated with redbrick walls, wire chairs, and small square light fixtures. Be prepared to wait for a seat. The large communal table is a good perch for singles. If you’re in the neighborhood at breakfast time, there is plenty here to keep you happy, including a scrambled-eggs-and-cheese bocadillo or house-made chorizo and eggs. | Average main: $22 | 710 Montgomery St., Financial District | 94111 | 415/982–2622 | www.bocasf.com | Reservations not accepted | Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Café Claude.

$$ | FRENCH | If you think this place looks straight out of Paris, you’re right. Nearly everything, from the zinc bar and the banquettes to the light fixtures and cinema posters, was shipped from a defunct café in the City of Light to this atmospheric downtown alley. Order a croque monsieur or niçoise salad at lunchtime. The francophone kitchen sends out even more French staples for dinner, like escargots, steak tartare, coquilles Saint-Jacques, and coq au vin. Grab a table outdoors (heat lamps keep you warm on cool nights) and pretend you are at a Parisian sidewalk café. Stop by Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights starting at 7:30 pm to enjoy live jazz along with your meal. | Average main: $22 | 7 Claude La., Financial District | 94108 | 415/392–3515 | www.cafeclaude.com | No lunch Sun.

Cotogna.

$$$ | ITALIAN | Just next door to its fancier big sister, Quince, this urban trattoria is just as in demand. Chef Michael Tusk’s lush Italian dishes are driven by the seasons, and are full of flavor and refined-yet-rustic execution. The pastas (like the raviolo di ricotta, farm egg, and brown butter) and warm house-made ricotta with wild mushrooms are irresistible, but so is the juicy spit-roasted pork. The look is just comfortably chic, with wood tables, quality stemware, and fantastic Italian wines to match (all bottles are $40 each, and $10 by the glass). There are also some excellent cocktails to enjoy at the back bar while waiting for your table (walk-ins are sure to discover a wait). The polished service, lively crowd, and daily changing menu keep diners coming back, again and again. | Average main: $24 | 490 Pacific Ave., Financial District | 94133 | 415/775–8508 | www.cotognasf.com | Reservations essential | No lunch Sun.

Garden Court.

$$$$ | AMERICAN | The old San Francisco of women in white gloves and men in fedoras lives on in the extravagant Sunday buffet brunch ($75) in the Garden Court of the historic Palace Hotel. The choices seem endless, with everything from pancakes, omelets, and salads to roast beef, sushi, dim sum, and raw oysters available. The buffet is short on culinary innovation here, but delivers a bountiful selection, good quality, and a classic atmosphere. Appetites are heightened by the great live jazz that fills the stunning space, with its stained-glass ceiling, towering Ionic columns, and crystal chandeliers. If you can’t make it to the Palace for Sunday brunch, try the Saturday-afternoon high tea. | Average main: $75 | Palace Hotel, 2 New Montgomery St., Financial District | 94105 | 415/546–5089 | www.sfpalacerestaurants.com/gardencourt | Reservations essential | No dinner.

Gitane.

$$$ | ECLECTIC | Just across the alley from its sister restaurant, Café Claude, Gitane is definitely the hotter Pippa to Claude’s subdued Kate. The decor is unlike any other in the city: lush red lamps, tuffeted curved seats, and oversized contemporary art give it an eclectic vibe. The downstairs bar makes inventive and flavorful cocktails (many of them are sherry-based), and seats are usually in demand. Upstairs in the colorful dining room, guests dine on chef Bridget Batson’s flavor-forward cuisine. The eclectic Spanish-Mediterranean menu includes bacon bonbons (prunes stuffed with goat cheese and wrapped in smoked bacon), lamb tartare, Catalan flatbreads, stuffed calamares, and quail stuffed with chorizo and apple. The wine list is packed with Spanish wines, sherries, and Madeiras, and the very capable staff can help steer you toward good selections. There is also outdoor seating, but the interior is a seductive part of the experience here, which is why it’s also a popular date spot. | Average main: $26 | 6 Claude Lane, Financial District | 94108 | 415/788–6686 | www.gitanerestaurant.com | Closed Sun. and Mon.

Kokkari.

$$$ | GREEK | With its white tablecloths, candlelight, and wood-beamed ceilings, the interior of this tony restaurant won’t recall homey tavernas just steps from the Acropolis. But its menu will satisfy your craving for outstanding Greek taverna food—albeit at steak-house prices. Most savvy diners start off with a trio of dips—eggplant, yogurt, and cucumber—and taramosalata, fish roe puréed with olive oil and bread crumbs. The feta they get here is also some of the best. Main courses showcase such Athenian standards as moussaka, a mixed seafood grill, lemon-oregano chicken, and notable grilled lamb chops. Special items off the rotisserie are worth strong consideration (and if the incredible goat stew with orzo is available, get it). A bar menu of small plates—crispy smelts, feta-stuffed phyllo, grilled octopus—satisfies weekday afternoon customers and draws a lively after-work scene. Desserts like semolina custard wrapped in phyllo (it has a dedicated following) and yogurt with broken pieces of baklava make for a light, sweet finish. The crowd gets a bit younger as the night goes on (especially on the weekends), and the friendly servers make sure everyone leaves happy. | Average main: $30 | 200 Jackson St., Financial District | 94111 | 415/981–0983 | www.kokkari.com | No lunch weekends.

Naan ‘N’ Curry.

$ | INDIAN | You will find no frills here—and minimal service—but you will find food fresh off the fire at rock-bottom prices. This is just one location in a local mini-chain of Indian-Pakistani eateries that cater primarily to starving students, young office workers, local South Asians, and anyone else who likes spicy food but doesn’t give a damn about atmosphere. The tandoor-fired chicken tikka masala, bhindi (okra with onion and spices), garlic naan, and tongue-scorching tandoori lamb chops are favorites. The Bollywood music is too loud, but the naan is the size of a hubcap and the chai (milk) tea is free. | Average main: $8 | 533 Jackson St., Financial District | 94133 | 415/693–0499 | www.naanncurry.com.

Perbacco.

$$$ | ITALIAN | With its long marble bar and open kitchen, this brick-lined two-story space oozes big-city charm. The arrival of skinny, brittle breadsticks is the first sign that the kitchen understands the cuisine of northern Italy, specifically Piedmont. And if the breadbasket doesn’t convince you, try the antipasto of house-made cured meats (chef Staffan Terje is known for making some of the city’s finest salumi) or burrata (cream-filled mozzarella) with seasonal vegetables, the delicate agnolotti dal plin (veal-stuffed pasta with a cabbage-laced meat sauce), or pappardelle with short rib ragù. The clientele, a mix of business types and Italian food aficionados, appreciates the big, smart wine list along with the superb food. | Average main: $25 | 230 California St., Financial District | 94111 | 415/955–0663 | www.perbaccosf.com | Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Plouf.

$$ | SEAFOOD | A gold mine for mussel lovers, this French-friendly spot offers seven preparations to choose from, plus a variety of clam dishes, all at a modest price. Among the best are marinière (white wine, garlic, and parsley) and one combining coconut milk, lime juice, and chili. Add a side of the skinny fries and that’s all most appetites need. The rest of the menu includes meaty dishes like lamb shank and New York strip to satisfy any unrepentant carnivores, but many of the presentations seem to be stuck in the last decade (same story with the lackluster desserts, complete with squeeze-bottle squiggles adorning the plates). The tables are clustered together in the lively dining room, so you might overhear neighboring conversations. Solo diners will find a bar where they can dine. On temperate days and nights, try for one of the tables outdoors. | Average main: $22 | 40 Belden Pl., Financial District | 94104 | 415/986–6491 | www.ploufsf.com | Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Fodor’s Choice | Quince.

$$$$ | ITALIAN | Previously housed in a small space in Pacific Heights, this smart, wildly praised restaurant has moved and expanded to a much bigger, more elegant space in Jackson Square. Chef-owner Michael Tusk, who has cooked at the legendary Chez Panisse and Oliveto, oversees the kitchen, where he uses only the finest local ingredients to turn out his Italian-inspired cuisine. The four-course menu ($95) or chef’s tasting menu ($140) changes regularly, featuring a delicious selection of their famed pastas and seasonal dishes, such as tortelloni with robiola and cardoons, quail with cabbage and sausage, suckling pig and sweetbreads, and bosc pear with Medjool date genoise. Don’t pass up the cheese course ($16 supplement)—it’s one of the city’s finer selections. The 800-bottle-strong wine list is top-notch, but can get pricey (a $35 corkage fee means you won’t save much by bringing your own bottle), and the seamless service is both refined and welcoming. The lounge is an optimal place to swing by for an excellent cocktail. (You can also slink next door to Quince’s new casual offshoot, Cotogna, for an affordable and rustic meal, at either lunch or dinner.) | Average main: $95 | 470 Pacific Ave., Financial District | 94133 | 415/775–8500 | www.quincerestaurant.com | Reservations essential | No lunch.

Tadich Grill.

$$$ | SEAFOOD | Locations and owners have changed more than once since this old-timer started as a coffee stand on the waterfront in 1849, but the crowds keep coming. Generations of regulars advise that simple grills, sautés, and panfries are the best choices. Dishes are very classic and straightforward. Try the Dungeness crab cocktail, crab Louie, and cioppino during crab season (usually November to May), the Pacific halibut between January and May, and iconic San Francisco sand dabs year-round. Happily, the old-fashioned house-made tartar sauce doesn’t change with the seasons. There’s a long counter full of seating, a few tables, and the coveted private booths (complete with a bell to summon the waiter). A long line of business types at noon is inevitable (late afternoon can be a better time to swing by if possible). The crusty, white-coated waiters are a throwback to another time, and the old-school bartenders serve up martinis as good as the mollusks. Finish the night with the Tadich rice custard pudding, topped with bourbon hard sauce. | Average main: $25 | 240 California St., Financial District | 94111 | 415/391–1849 | www.tadichgrill.com | Reservations not accepted | Closed Sun.

Eating with Kids

Kids can be fussy eaters, but parents can be, too, so picking places that will satisfy both is important. Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent possibilities all over town.

Sears Fine Food.

If you’re downtown for breakfast, stop at the touristy but venerable Sears Fine Food, home of “the world-famous Swedish pancakes.” Eighteen of the silver-dollar-size beauties cost less than a movie ticket. | 439 Powell St., near Post St. | 94102 | 415/986–0700.

City View Restaurant.

Nearby in Chinatown, City View Restaurant serves a varied selection of dim sum, with tasty pork buns for kids and more-exotic fare for adults. | 662 Commercial St., near Kearny St. | 94111 | 415/398–2838.

Pluto’s.

Try Pluto’s after a visit to Golden Gate Park. Small kids love the chicken nuggets and mac and cheese, whereas bigger kids will likely opt for one of the two-fisted sandwiches or make-your-own salads. Everyone will want a double fudge brownie for dessert. | 627 Irving St., between 7th and 8th Sts. | 94122 | 415/753–8867.

Barney’s Gourmet Burgers.

With locations all over the Bay Area, including this one not far from Fort Mason and the Exploratorium, this chain caters to older kids and their parents with mile-high burgers and giant salads. But Barney’s doesn’t forget “kids under 8,” who have their own menu featuring a burger, an all-beef frank, chicken strips with ranch dressing, and more. | 3344 Steiner St., near Union St. | 94114 | 415/563–0307 | www.barneyshamburgers.com.

The Ferry Building on the Embarcadero has plenty of kid-friendly options, from Mijita Cocina Mexicana, which has its own kids’ menu, to Gott’s Roadside Tray Gourmet, for burgers, shakes, and more. (And the outdoor access can help keep the little ones entertained.)

La Corneta.

The Mission has dozens of no-frills taco-and-burrito parlors; especially worthy is bustling La Corneta, which has a baby burrito and well-made quesadillas. | 2731 Mission St., between 23rd and 24th Sts. | 94110 | 415/643–7001.

St. Francis Fountain.

Banana splits and hot-fudge sundaes are what St. Francis Fountain is known for, along with its vintage decor (and popularity with hipsters for weekend brunch). Opened in 1918, it recalls the early 1950s, and the menu, with its burgers, BLTs, grilled-cheese sandwiches, and chili with corn bread, is timeless. | 2801 24th St., at York St. | 94110 | 415/826–4200.

Rosamunde Sausage Grill.

In Lower Haight, the small Rosamunde Sausage Grill serves just that—a slew of different sausages, from Polish to duck to Weisswurst (Bavarian veal). You get your choice of two toppings, like grilled onions, sauerkraut, and chili, and since there are only six stools, plan on takeout. Hint: head to nearby Duboce Park, with its cute playground. | 545 Haight St., between Steiner and Fillmore Sts. | 94110 | 415/437–6851.

Park Chalet.

Finally, both kids and adults love to be by the ocean, and the Park Chalet, hidden behind the two-story Beach Chalet, offers pizza, mac and cheese, sticky ribs, and a big banana split. | 1000 Great Hwy., at Fulton St. | 94121 | 415/386–8439.

Wayfare Tavern.

$$$ | AMERICAN | This energetic and upscale American tavern owned by TV chef and personality (and restaurateur) Tyler Florence appeals to locals and visitors alike. It has a good-looking style that’s rich with turn-of-the-century Americana, including brick walls, comfortable booths, wood tables, multiple levels, and there’s even a billiards room. The approachable menu has deviled eggs, fresh seafood, excellent salads (the Green Goddess dressing is particularly good), and the decadent burger and fried chicken are both favorites. (Try not to fill up on the complimentary popovers.) Since it’s located in the Financial District, expect a busy crowd at lunch that also likes to have cocktails after work. The volume can be loud, so this won’t be a good fit if you’re bringing grandma out for dinner. There are also a few outdoor tables, but they’re hard to snag. | Average main: $27 | 558 Sacramento St., Financial District | 415/722–9060 | www.wayfaretavern.com | No lunch Sun.

Yank Sing.

$$ | CHINESE | The granddaddy of SF dim sum teahouses, Yank Sing opened in a plain-Jane storefront in Chinatown in 1959, but left its Cantonese neighbors behind for the high-rises of downtown by the 1970s. This brightly decorated location on quiet Stevenson Street (there’s also a big, brassy branch in the Rincon Center) serves some of San Francisco’s best dim sum to office workers on weekdays and to big, boisterous families on weekends. The kitchen cooks up some 100 varieties of dim sum on a rotating basis, offering 60 different types daily. These include both the classic (steamed pork buns, shrimp dumplings, egg custard tartlets) and the creative (scallion-skewered prawns tied with bacon, lobster and tobiko roe dumplings, basil seafood dumplings). The Shanghai soup dumplings are a classic—and some of the best in the city. The carts will keep whirring up to your table, and the tab can rise quickly, so diners should pace themselves. A take-out counter makes a meal on the run a satisfying and penny-wise compromise when office duties—or touring—won’t wait. | Average main: $16 | 49 Stevenson St., Financial District | 94105 | 415/541–4949 | www.yanksing.com | No dinner.

NOB HILL

Masa’s.

$$$$ | FRENCH | Although the toque has been passed to several chefs since the tragic death of founding chef Masataka Kobayashi in 1984, this 25-year-old restaurant, with its chocolate-brown walls, white fabric ceiling, and vermilion-silk-shaded lanterns, remains a noted destination for fine dining in San Francisco. Chef Gregory Short, who worked alongside Thomas Keller at the famed French Laundry for seven years, has been at the helm since 2004. His tasting menus of four or seven courses, including a vegetarian option, all showcase the bounty of the seasons, from winter root vegetables to summer peaches. The California-French cuisine also features Japanse flair (an homage to Masa), and all the dishes are laced with luxe ingredients, from foie gras to Maine lobster to prime beef. In fall, when northern Italy’s exquisite white truffles are in season, Short typically puts together a tasting menu that tucks them into every course, which will hopefully include a silky truffle custard whose perfume you can smell before it arrives at the table. The mignardise cart of candies, cookies, and chocolates is a famous component to the dining experience here. Wine drinkers are in excellent hands, with an award-winning list by sommelier Alan Murray that includes many small-production wines from around the globe. The elegant room has a formal atmosphere that is thankfully far from stuffy or suffocating, although a jacket is preferred for gentlemen. | Average main: $98 | Hotel Vintage Court, 648 Bush St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/989–7154 | www.masasrestaurant.com | Reservations essential | Jacket required | Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch.

Parallel 37.

$$$ | AMERICAN | Previously the Ritz-Carlton’s formal Dining Room restaurant, Parallel 37 is the new incarnation designed for modern diners craving a more approachable atmosphere. Gone are the fine linens and stuffy ambiance—now there’s a chic bar and lounge area, while the low-slung dining room has wood tables, curving booths, and a backlit wall with images of oak trees. The quality of chef Ron Siegel’s contemporary American cuisine, however, remains as impeccable as ever. A beautifully plated starter of kampachi sashimi or short-rib ravioli are followed by main dishes like duck, pork, or rib eye, all with refined accompaniments and sophisticated flavors. The cocktail bar and lounge feature quality bar bites (and even a burger) to go along with the handcrafted cocktails. The same polished Ritz service (and extensive wine list) remains, and they even lowered the valet parking rate to $10 to encourage people to swing by and enjoy the scene. | Average main: $28 | 600 Stockton St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/773–6198 | www.parallel37sf.com.

RUSSIAN HILL

La Folie.

$$$$ | FRENCH | This small, très Parisian establishment has long been a favorite of Francophiles (and anyone who loves foie gras). The restaurant, outfitted in warm woods, copper tones, and white linens, is smartly designed to let chef-owner Roland Passot’s whimsical cuisine take center stage. Passot is often seen greeting return customers (and welcoming new ones). Choose from well-apportioned prix-fixe menus of three, four, or five courses ($80, $90, and $100, respectively). The dishes, such as a napoleon of Dungeness crab salad with a cauliflower and curry panna cotta or the rôti of squab and quail wrapped in crisp and thin potato, are artfully presented and delicious. Vegetarians will be happy to discover a menu of their own ($90). Such rarefied preparation is costly, of course, so you may want to save La Folie for a special occasion. Everyone will enjoy the complimentary petit fours that arrive at the end of the meal. (La Folie Lounge just next door has cocktails and small plates on the menu—you can also order à la carte off La Folie’s menu.) | Average main: $80 | 2316 Polk St., Russian Hill | 94109 | 415/776–5577 | www.lafolie.com | Closed Sun. No lunch.

VAN NESS/POLK

Fodor’s Choice | Acquerello.

$$$$ | ITALIAN | For years, devotees of chef-owner Suzette Gresham-Tognetti’s high-end but soulful Italian cooking have been swooning over her incomparable Parmesan budino (pudding), ridged pasta with foie gras and truffles, and veal loin rolled and stuffed with seasonal vegetables. Dishes are complex, refined, and also feature some cutting-edge touches and techniques. Dinners are prix-fixe, with three ($70), four ($82), or five ($96) courses and at least six choices within each course. Tognetti also tempts with a chef’s eight-course tasting menu ($195, with wine pairings). The cheese course is definitely worth indulging in since each one has been lovingly selected. Co-owner Giancarlo Paterlini (and his son) oversee the service and the deep list of Italian wines, both of which are superb. The room, with its vaulted ceiling and terra-cotta and pale-ocher palette, suits the refined food. This is a true San Francisco dining gem that is worth every penny. | Average main: $70 | 1722 Sacramento St., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/567–5432 | www.acquerello.com | Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch.

Bodega Bistro.

$$ | VIETNAMESE | Located on the slightly sketchy edge of the Tenderloin, this casual Vietnamese bistro brims at lunchtime with savvy eaters from Civic Center offices who come in for steaming bowls of pho (the beef versions are particularly good). For dinner, groups of diners overload round tables with green papaya salad, roast squab, bun cha Hanoi (broiled pork, herbs, rice vermicelli, and lettuce wrapped in rice paper), and salt-and-pepper Dungeness crab with garlic noodles, the latter priced for a special occasion. You’ll see many French touches on the extensive menu. | Average main: $18 | 607 Larkin St., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/921–1218.

Harris’.

$$$$ | STEAKHOUSE | Red meat connoisseurs will appreciate this old-school restaurant, home to some of the best dry-aged steaks in town, including pricey “American-style” Kobe rib eye. Harris’ ages its beef for 21 days; proof of the process is visible from the street through a window where large cuts are displayed. There are a dozen steaks to choose from, plus grilled chops, chicken, and a couple of seafood dishes (like Maine lobster) for anyone who wants to steer clear of beef. Although the steaks come with your choice of potato, don’t overlook classic sides like creamed spinach and sautéed mushrooms. If you’re a martini or Manhattan drinker, take this opportunity to enjoy an artful (and generous) example of those cocktails. (The lounge is also a fun scene for a cocktail and a steak, plus some live jazz.) And if you want to try to cook this top-notch beef yourself, you can pick up raw steaks to go at the well-stocked beef counter. | Average main: $48 | 2100 Van Ness Ave., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/673–1888 | www.harrisrestaurant.com | Reservations essential | No lunch.

Helmand Palace.

$$ | AFGHAN | In late 2007 this popular—and popularly priced—restaurant moved from a scruffy block of Broadway in North Beach to a smaller Van Ness address and added “Palace” to its name; but everything else—authentic Afghan cooking and a handsomely outfitted dining room—stayed intact. Highlights of the reasonably priced menu include aushak (leek-filled ravioli served with yogurt and ground beef), sweet baked pumpkin with yogurt-and-garlic sauce, and the half lamb rack with sautéed eggplant and rice served on Afghan flat bread. Basmati rice pudding, perfumed with cardamom and pistachio, is an exotic finish. | Average main: $16 | 2424 Van Ness Ave., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/362–0641 | www.helmandpalace.com | No lunch.

Lers Ros.

$ | THAI | Diners who navigate the somewhat sketchy neighborhood surrounding this highly authentic Thai restaurant are richly rewarded. Skip the “same old” familiar dishes like pad thai and take this opportunity to try something new—Thai herb sausage and sliced pork shoulder are good appetizers to share. The pork belly with crispy rind and basil leaves and duck larb (meat salad) come packed with flavor—speaking of which, the menu is full of sinus-clearing dishes, so be sure to specify how hot you can really handle it. If you come in a group, you’ll be able to try more dishes on the lengthy menu. There are nightly late hours and free delivery as well. The room is a bit nondescript, but is contemporary and clean (with some quirky pop music playing in the background). There is a second and recently opened location on Hayes and Franklin in Hayes Valley, with food-friendly wines and sleek decor. | Average main: $14 | 730 Larkin St., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/931–6917 | www.lersros.com.

Pagolac.

$ | VIETNAMESE | Savvy local diners know that Pagolac serves an affordable “seven-way beef” dinner, the classic south Vietnamese feast of seven different beef dishes for an unbelievable $16 per person (two-person minimum). This is also a good place for lotus-root salad with pink shrimp, all kinds of rolls, the shrimp with sugarcane, aromatic clay pots, and noodles or rice topped with protein—pork, beef, shrimp, chicken—in all forms—fried, shredded, grilled. It’s easy food to share with a group. The narrow space is decorated in dark-wood tables and chairs and a few nice pieces of Vietnamese art, and the service, though sometimes a little ragged, is always friendly. Of course, such low prices and good food haven’t remained a secret, so come before 6 or after 9 to avoid a long wait (and don’t forget to bring your cash). | Average main: $12 | 655 Larkin St., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/776–3234 | No credit cards | Closed Mon. No lunch.

Fodor’s Choice | Swan Oyster Depot.

$$ | SEAFOOD | Half fish market and half diner, this small, slim, family-run seafood operation, open since 1912, has no tables, just a narrow marble counter with about a dozen-and-a-half stools. Most people come in to buy perfectly fresh salmon, halibut, crabs, and other seafood to take home. Everyone else hops onto one of the rickety stools to enjoy a bowl of clam chowder—the only hot food served—a dozen oysters, half a cracked crab, a slice of crusty sourdough, a big shrimp salad, or a smaller shrimp cocktail. And it’s all served up with a side of big personality from the jovial folks behind the counter who make you feel like a regular. Come early or late to avoid a long wait. And since this place is notoriously cash-only (and seafood is not exactly cheap!), be sure to come with a full wallet. | Average main: $18 | 1517 Polk St., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/673–1101 | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | Closed Sun. No dinner.

NORTH BEACH

Fodor’s Choice | Coi.

$$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Daniel Patterson, who has made a name for himself internationally both as a chef and as a pundit on contemporary restaurant trends, has created a destination restaurant, an enchanting spot on the gritty end of Broadway. There are two dining rooms: the front room, a bit more casual with rustic wood tables and banquettes with pillows, and the 30-seat formal dining room, with soft lighting, luxe linens, and gold-taupe banquettes along the two walls. On offer is an 11-course tasting menu ($165), full of the bounty of Bay Area produce and ingredients. The highly seasonal and obsessively sourced food (some of it is even foraged by chef Patterson) matches the space in sophistication, with such inspired dishes as Dungeness crab raviolo with sheep sorrel and butter crab broth; aged duck breast with stuffed cabbage, roasted beets, horseradish, and dill; and Monterey Bay abalone with heirloom chicories and shellfish sauce. The kitchen is always tinkering and innovating, so the menu feels like a new and often exciting culinary experience. | Prix-fixe: $165 | 373 Broadway, North Beach | 94113 | 415/393–9000 | www.coirestaurant.com | Closed Sun., Mon. and Tues. No lunch.

Fodor’s Choice | L’Osteria del Forno.

$ | ITALIAN | Pass through the door of this modest storefront and you’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled into a homey trattoria in Italy, with the staff chattering in Italian and seductive aromas drifting from the open kitchen through the sunny yellow dining room. Each day the kitchen produces small plates of simply cooked vegetables (grilled peppers, roasted potatoes with yams and carrots), a few baked pastas, a daily special or two, lamb skewers, a roast of the day, creamy polenta, and thin-crust pizzas—including a memorable “white” pie topped with porcini mushrooms and mozzarella. (All the hot dishes come out of an oven—no stove here, so don’t come expecting a large selection of pastas.) Wine drinkers will find a good match for any dish they order on the all-Italian list, which showcases gems from limited-production vineyards. At lunch try one of North Beach’s best focaccia sandwiches. The space is petite, so don’t come with a large group, and there can often be a wait for a table. | Average main: $15 | 519 Columbus Ave., North Beach | 94133 | 415/982–1124 | www.losteriadelforno.com | No credit cards | Closed Tues.

Maykadeh.

$$ | MIDDLE EASTERN | Although it sits in an Italian neighborhood, this authentic Persian restaurant has a large and faithful following of homesick Iranian émigrés—and locals in-the-know. Lamb dishes with rice are the specialties, served in a warm and attractive (but not showy) dining room. Among the many appetizers are traditional dishes such as eggplant with mint sauce, pickled vegetables, and saffron-and-lime-spiced lamb tongue. Along with the requisite—and tasty—kebabs, the restaurant serves a variety of poultry and meats marinated in olive oil, lime juice, and herbs (the tender chicken joojeh kebab is particularly delicious). Anyone looking for a hearty, traditional main dish should order ghorme sabzee, lamb shank braised with a bouquet of Middle Eastern spices, or baghali polo, lamb shank with fava beans and rice served only on Sunday. It’s delightful food to share, and the room is full of groups of family and friends dining together. Give yourself plenty of time here, as service occasionally slows to a crawl. The affordable valet parking is a bonus. | Average main: $22 | 470 Green St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/362–8286 | www.maykadehrestaurant.com.

Park Tavern.

$$$ | AMERICAN | This upscale American tavern right on Washington Square has been a hit from the day it opened. Chef Jennifer Puccio has created a menu that is appealing for many, whether you’re at the bar and just want some deviled eggs and charcuterie, in the dining room for a meal of salad and roast chicken, or lingering over a sunny brunch of country ham and farm poached eggs. Favorites from Puccio and business partner Anna Weinberg’s Marlowe are also on the menu: the famed burger and Brussels sprout chips. The bar is as lively as the dining room (blame the refreshing cocktails), but the volume remains at a pleasant level. The dining room has a handsome look to it, a bit classic bistro with an urban touch. Finish the night with the monthly rotating birthday cake, and be sure to make a wish as you blow out the candle. | Average main: $25 | 1652 Stockton St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/989–7300 | www.parktavernsf.com | Closed Mon.

Rose Pistola.

$$$ | ITALIAN | This busy spot is named for one of North Beach’s most revered barkeeps (and fortunately the cocktails here are excellent), while the food celebrates the neighborhood’s early Ligurian settlers. A big bar area opens onto the sidewalk, and an exhibition kitchen lets you keep an eye on your order. The menu changes daily, but a large assortment of antipasti—house-made salumi; grilled octopus with potatoes; bruschetta with crabmeat and romesco—and pizzas from the wood-burning oven are delicious, as are the cioppino made with local fish and the freshly made pastas. The menu was recently revamped by executive chef Mark Gordon (also of Terzo), bringing the quality and style up to the times. Even though the tab can shoot up pretty fast, the tourist-heavy crowds keep coming. | Average main: $30 | 532 Columbus Ave., North Beach | 94133 | 415/399–0499 | www.rosepistolasf.com.

Tommaso’s.

$$ | PIZZA | San Francisco’s first wood-fired pizza oven was installed here in 1935 when the restaurant opened. The oven is still here, and the restaurant, with its coat hooks, boothlike dining nooks, and communal table running the length of the basement dining room, has changed little since those early days. The pizzas’ delightfully chewy crusts, creamy mozzarella, and full-bodied house-made sauce have kept legions of happy eaters returning for decades. Pair one of the hearty pies with a salad of grilled sweet peppers, green beans, or broccoli dressed in lemon juice and olive oil and a bottle of the house wine. There are also a variety of old-school pasta dishes (think: ravioli, spaghetti, manicotti), and baked chicken and veal dishes. If you have room—and you may not if you ordered a small pizza for yourself—keep with the classic theme and treat yourself to tiramisu. | Average main: $21 | 1042 Kearny St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/398–9696 | www.tomassos.com | Reservations not accepted | Closed Mon. No lunch.

FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Fodor’s Choice | Gary Danko.

$$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Be prepared to wait your turn for a table behind chef Gary Danko’s legion of loyal fans, who typically keep the reservation book chock-full here (plan on reserving two months in advance). The cost of a meal ($69–$102) is pegged to the number of courses, from three to five. The decadent menu spans a classic yet Californian style that changes seasonally; it may include risotto with lobster and rock shrimp, lemon pepper duck breast with duck hash, and herb-crusted lamb loin. A diet-destroying chocolate soufflé with two sauces is usually among the desserts. So, too, is a “no-cholesterol” Grand Marnier soufflé with raspberry sorbet, perfect for diners with a conscience or a heart problem. But then there’s the amazing cheese cart. The wine list is the size of a small-town phone book, and the banquette-lined rooms, with beautiful wood floors and stunning (but restrained) floral arrangements, are as memorable as the food and impeccable service. | Average main: $69 | 800 N. Point St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94115 | 415/749–2060 | www.garydanko.com | Reservations essential Jacket required | No lunch.

McCormick & Kuleto’s.

$$$ | SEAFOOD | It sounds like a visitor’s dream come true: a fabulous view of the bay from nearly every seat in the house, an old San Francisco atmosphere, a menu that changes daily depending on what’s fresh, and dozens of different fish and shellfish prepared in every imaginable fashion. But not everything is rosy at this seafood emporium, part of a nationwide chain. Food quality can be uneven, so stick with the simple preparations like oysters on the half shell and grilled fish. Or take in the bay view while fueling up on oyster shooters, ceviche, mussels, or bruschetta from the budget-friendly bar menu, all washed down with a cold beer. | Average main: $28 | Ghirardelli Sq., Beach and Larkin Sts., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 415/929–1730.

EMBARCADERO

Fodor’s Choice | Boulevard.

$$$$ | AMERICAN | Two of San Francisco’s top restaurant celebrities—chef Nancy Oakes and designer Pat Kuleto—are responsible for this high-profile, high-priced eatery in the magnificent 1889 Audiffred Building, a Parisian look-alike and one of the few downtown structures to survive the 1906 earthquake. Kuleto’s Belle-Époque interior and Oakes’s sophisticated-American-food-with-a-French-accent attract well-dressed locals and flush out-of-towners. The menu changes seasonally, but count on standout appetizers and generous portions of dishes like Maine lobster ravioli, grilled king salmon with wild rice and vegetables that include chanterelle mushrooms, and a wood-grilled pork prime rib chop with Kabocha squash gnocchi (all the entrées come with delicious side dishes). Save room (and calories) for one of the dynamite desserts, such as dark chocolate brioche custard. There’s counter seating for folks too hungry to wait for a table, and an American Kobe beef burger at lunchtime that lets you eat with the swells without raiding your piggy bank. The well-chosen wine list and excellent service are also hallmarks here. | Average main: $36 | 1 Mission St., Embarcadero | 94105 | 415/543–6084 | www.boulevardrestaurant.com | Reservations essential | No lunch weekends.

Epic Roasthouse.

$$$$ | STEAKHOUSE | “Epic” describes it all: the outsize dining room, the seven-foot flywheel and pulley that sits in the middle of it (an homage to old bay-side pump houses), the mile-wide bay view, the huge metal fireplace, the hearty slabs of meat, and, alas, the prices. This is the latest venture, along with the seafood-theme Waterbar right next door, of famed restaurant architect-owner Pat Kuleto. Chef Jan Birnbaum, a Louisiana native who made his name first in San Francisco and later in the Napa Valley, is in charge of putting $46 New York strip steaks and $20 burgers on the fire. There are also seafood, duck, and plenty of other non-beef dishes; unfortunately some dishes on the menu can occasionally fall victim to less-than-perfect execution. For sides, he has opted for sautéed spinach with garlic confit over classic creamed spinach, and you can take your pick from six different preparations of potatoes. If you don’t have a Texas-size wallet but still want an Epic experience, head upstairs to the Quiver bar and graze from the rather extensive bar menu, served only until 8 pm (there’s also a busy happy hour, and a $20 deal for a burger, beer, and brownie at any time in the bar). Weekend brunch has a variety of options, and there’s always that expansive view of the bay. | Average main: $42 | 369 Embarcadero, between Folsom and Harrison Sts., Embarcadero | 94105 | 415/369–9955 | www.epicroasthousesf.com | No lunch Mon.–Fri.

Fog City Diner.

$$ | AMERICAN | A far cry from the no-frills diner of Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks, this fully chromed destination has all the trappings of a luxurious railroad car: wood paneling, huge windows, comfortable booths, and attentive staff. The menu is both classic and contemporary, and includes cheddar biscuits; mac-and-cheese made with three cheeses; barbecued spareribs; a pork chop; cioppino; a half-pound burger with a choice of cheese; and milk shakes and root-beer floats. Locals complain of uneven quality for the price and too many out-of-towners, but plenty of folks who work in the area fill the booths at lunch and dinner. | Average main: $20 | 1300 Battery St., Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/982–2000 | www.fogcitydiner.com.

Hog Island Oyster Company.

$$ | SEAFOOD | Hog Island, a thriving oyster farm in Tomales Bay, north of San Francisco, serves up its harvest at this attractive raw bar and retail shop in the busy Ferry Building. The U-shape counter and a handful of tables seat no more than three-dozen diners, who come here for impeccably fresh oysters (from Hog Island and elsewhere) or clams (from Hog Island) on the half shell. Other mollusk-centered options include a first-rate oyster stew, baked oysters, clam chowder, and “steamer” clams with Israeli couscous. The bar also turns out what is arguably one of the city’s best grilled-cheese sandwiches (with three artisanal cheeses on artisanal bread) this side of Wisconsin. You need to eat early, however, as the bar closes at 8 on weekdays and 6 on weekends. Happy hour, 5 to 7 on Monday and Thursday, is an oyster lover’s dream and jam-packed: chef’s choice of oysters for a buck apiece and a pint of beer for $4. | Average main: $20 | Ferry Bldg., Embarcadero at Market St., Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/391–7117 | www.hogislandoysters.com.

La Mar Cebicheria Peruana.

$$$ | PERUVIAN | Set right on the water’s edge, this casually chic restaurant is divided into three areas: a lounge with a long ceviche bar where diners watch chefs put together their plates; the savvy Pisco Bar facing the Embarcadero, where bartenders make a dozen different cocktails based on Peru’s famed Pisco brandy; and a bright blue and whitewashed dining room overlooking an outdoor patio and the bay. Your waiter will start you out with a pile of potato and plantain chips with three dipping sauces, but then you’re on your own, choosing from a long list of ceviches, can’t-miss causas (whipped potatoes topped with a choice of fish, shellfish, or vegetable salads), and everything from crisp, lightly deep-fried fish and shellfish to soups and stews and rice dishes, many spiked with Peruvian chilies. The original La Mar is in Lima, Peru. San Francisco is the first stop in its campaign to open a string of cebicherias across the United States and Latin America. The view of the water is especially enjoyable during lunch or a warm evening. | Average main: $25 | Pier 1½ between Washington and Jackson Sts., Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/397–8880 | www.lamarcebicheria.com.

Mijita Cocina Mexicana.

$ | MEXICAN | Famed local chef Traci Des Jardins is the culinary powerhouse behind one of the city’s best-known white-tablecloth restaurants, Jardinière. But to honor her Latin roots, she chose Mexican hot chocolate over martinis when she opened this casual taqueria and weekend brunch spot. The tacos here feature handmade corn tortillas and fillings like carnitas (slow-cooked pork), mahimahi, and carne asada (grilled strips of marinated meat). The superb meatball soup and Oaxacan chicken tamales are served daily, and the weekend brings breakfast favorites like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros, classic Mexican dishes with eggs, tortillas, and salsa (served all day). Kid-size burritos (beans and cheese) and quesadillas will keep your niños happy. Ingredients are purchased from suppliers whose foods are produced in a sustainable manner, making prices here a bit higher than at many Mexican eateries, but you can feel good about where those pennies go. Seating is simple—wooden tables and benches—but some outside tables offer a perfect perch for watching gulls on the bay. Plan to eat dinner early; Mijita closes at 7 on weekdays, 8 on weekends. On Fridays in the summer, you can get margaritas for $5, all day. (There is a second location, with a full bar and later hours, near the AT&T Park.) | Average main: $9 | Ferry Bldg., Embarcadero at Market St., Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/399–0814 | www.mijitasf.com | No dinner Sun.

One Market.

$$$ | AMERICAN | A giant among American chefs, Bradley Ogden runs an upscale mini–restaurant chain that stretches from Marin County to San Diego. This large space with a bay view and a grown-up ambience is his well-known San Francisco outpost. (He also boasts a steak house in the downtown Westfield Centre.) The two-tier dining room seats 140—many of them suits brokering deals—and serves a seasonal, wonderfully homey yet refined menu from chef Mark Dommen that can include tender bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with dandelion greens, pan-roasted wild sturgeon with smoked potato purée, and roasted Liberty Farms duck breast and sausage. There is also a weekly changing whole animal menu every Friday and Saturday night, both à la carte and as a four-course prix-fixe for $45. Folks who want only a small sweet to finish can choose from a half-dozen mini-desserts, such as chocolate toffee almond cake, a mint chip ice-cream bar, or butterscotch pudding. The wine list includes the best California labels, many by the glass. Hearty appetites will appreciate the three-course market menu for just $39. Business types on a budget can opt for the two-course lunch for $22.50. | Average main: $29 | 1 Market St., Embarcadero | 94105 | 415/777–5577 | www.onemarket.com | Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Piperade.

$$$ | BASQUE | Longtime San Francisco chef Gerald Hirogoyen serves a French-Basque menu full of the rustic dishes of his childhood. Among them are garlic soup with rock shrimp, bacon, bread, and egg; cold poached foie gras with apple compote; pipérade (cooked peppers and tomatoes served with serrano ham and poached egg); warm sheep’s-milk cheese–and–ham terrine; and lamb chops with white beans. There are daily Basque specials for $26, or a prix-fixe menu for $38, which includes the special, a daily soup or butter lettuce salad, and dessert. Try a Basque wine from the impressive list, and don’t miss the featherweight orange-blossom beignets or the pastry cream–filled gâteau basque with cherry preserves on the extensive dessert menu. Service in the typically packed dining room is professional without being stuffy. Hirogoyen is often seen on premises; he also operates a small café and take-out operation around the corner and the small-plates Bocadillos in the Financial District. | Average main: $28 | 1015 Battery St., Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/391–2555 | www.piperade.com | Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Slanted Door.

$$$ | VIETNAMESE | If you’re looking for homey Vietnamese food served in a down-to-earth dining room at a decent price, don’t stop here. Celebrated chef-owner Charles Phan has mastered the upmarket, Western-accented Vietnamese menu. To showcase his cuisine, he built a big space with sleek wooden tables and chairs, white marble floors, a cocktail lounge, a bar, and an enviable bay view. Among his popular cult dishes are green papaya salad, daikon rice cakes, cellophane crab noodles, chicken clay pot, and shaking beef (tender beef cubes with garlic and onion)—and they don’t come cheap, although the dishes are made with quality ingredients. Alas, the crush of fame means that no one speaking in a normal voice can be heard. To avoid the midday and evening crowds (and to save some bucks), stop in for the afternoon-tea menu (spring rolls, grilled pork over rice noodles), dine at the bar, or visit Out the Door, Phan’s take-out counter around the corner from the restaurant. A second Out the Door, complete with table service, is a popular location in the Lower Pacific Heights (and the quality of the food seems to be better). | Average main: $29 | Ferry Bldg., Embarcadero at Market St., Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/861–8032 | www.slanteddoor.com | Reservations essential.

Waterbar.

$$$$ | SEAFOOD | When you walk in the door of Waterbar, there’s no mistaking what’s on the menu. The sprawling dining room is dominated by sky-high aquariums filled with candidates—or at least cousins of candidates (the kitchen has its own aquariums)—for your dinner plate. Every fin and shell is sustainably sourced, so there’s no guilt in sitting down to a plate of chili-roasted Dungeness crab, pan-seared scallops, or grilled Pacific swordfish. Waterbar, like its next-door neighbor, Epic Roasthouse, is part of the empire of high-energy architect-restaurateur Pat Kuleto. Chef Parke Ulrich, who spent a decade at the city’s celebrated seafood palace Farallon, dishes up the catch raw, cured, and cooked in dozens of ways, while nationally acclaimed pastry chef Emily Luchetti handles the sweet end of the menu. If you want to experience this splashy, watery world and can’t afford the spendy seafood, grab a seat at the raw bar, where you can snack off the bar menu and take in the drop-dead bay view (there’s also a $1 oyster happy hour daily 11:30 am–6 pm); weekend brunch is glorious on the patio on a sunny day. | Average main: $35 | 399 Embarcadero, between Folsom and Harrison Sts., Embarcadero | 94105 | 415/284–9922 | www.waterbarsf.com.

THE MARINA AND THE PRESIDIO

A16.

$$$ | ITALIAN | Marina residents—and, judging from the crowds, everybody else—gravitate to this lively trattoria, named for the autostrada that winds through Italy’s sunny south. The kitchen serves the food of Naples and surrounding Campania, with a twist of seasonal California ingredients. Cult classics on the menu include creamy burrata with olive oil and crostini and crisp-crust pizzas, including a classic Neapolitan Margherita (mozzarella, tomato, and basil). Among the regularly changing pastas are rustic favorites like maccaronara with ragu napoletana and house-made ricotta salata, and dishes like petrale sole with Monterey squid, sunchokes, and grilled lemon with salmoriglio (a southern Italian sauce with garlic and herbs). An expertly chosen wine list of primarily southern Italian with some California wines suits the fare perfectly, along with a newly expanded beer list. The long dining room includes an animated bar scene near the door; ask for a table in the quieter alcove at the far end. Reservations are easier to snag midweek. | Average main: $24 | 2355 Chestnut St., Marina | 94101 | 415/771–2216 | www.a16sf.com | No lunch Sat.–Tues.

Greens Restaurant.

$$ | VEGETARIAN | Owned and operated by the San Francisco Zen Center, this nonprofit vegetarian restaurant gets some of its fresh produce from the center’s famous organic Green Gulch Farm. Floor-to-ceiling windows give diners a sweeping view of the Marina and the Golden Gate Bridge. Despite the lack of meat, hearty dishes from chef Annie Somerville like a shepherd’s pie with wild mushrooms, or the ample vegetable brochette plate really satisfy. Other standouts include thin-crust pizza with local cheese, potato, and grilled onions; and the salads really are something special, especially the wilted spinach salad with croutons, feta, and olives. An à la carte menu is offered on Sunday and weeknights, but on Saturday a $49 four-course prix-fixe dinner is served. Weekend brunch is a good time to watch boaters on the bay. A small counter just inside the front door stocks sandwiches, soups, and sweets for easy takeout (and it’s open in the morning). | Average main: $19 | Bldg. A, Fort Mason, enter across Marina Blvd. from Safeway, Marina | 94123 | 415/771–6222 | www.greensrestaurant.com | No lunch Sat.–Mon.

Isa.

$$ | FRENCH | Beyond Isa’s tiny storefront dining room is a heated, candlelit patio that consistently draws couples on date night, ladies night out, and groups of friends celebrating birthdays. The extensive menu of French-inspired tapas is known for its seared foie gras, flatiron steak, potato-wrapped sea bass, and veal-sweetbreads-and-mushroom fricassee, but unfortunately the menu hasn’t changed much in recent years and feels a bit tired. Portions are small plates designed to be shared instead of full-size entrées, so hearty appetites can run up a sizable tab for less-than-fabulous fare. A good way to keep your costs down is to opt for the three-course prix-fixe menu offered Monday through Thursday for $29.95, and all wines by the glass are $5 before 7 pm every day. | Average main: $22 | 3324 Steiner St., Marina | 94123 | 415/567–9588 | www.isarestaurant.com | No lunch.

Tacolicious.

$$ | MEXICAN | A Mexican Marina hotspot, Tacolicious draws a young and energetic crowd that fuels up on equal parts tacos and tequila, or on chilaquiles and Bloody Marias during weekend brunch. The menu uses many local and sustainable ingredients, but still keeps it affordable (and crowd pleasing, with chili con carne and taquitos). Tables are usually laden with made-to-order guacamole and platters of well-stuffed tacos (the carnitas and short-rib versions are especially full of flavor). You’ll also see groups ordering rounds of “chupitos,” easy-to-drink shots of tequila mixed with juices, from prickly pair to passion fruit. The pan con chocolate is a holdover from the previous restaurant’s incarnation for a good reason—it’s a delicious finish. If you are hard of hearing or don’t want to speak in a raised voice, this is not the restaurant for you, unless you land one of the few outside tables. | Average main: $15 | 2031 Chestnut St., Marina | 94123 | 415/346–1966 | www.tacolicioussf.com.

COW HOLLOW

Betelnut.

$$ | ASIAN | Most of the young, hip crowd that packs this Union Street landmark probably don’t know what a betel nut is—it’s the seed of an Asian palm, chewed for the mild high it delivers—but they do know they like the Pan-Asian cuisine and adventurous drinks (everything from martinis to house-brewed rice beer and sake flights). The menu, divided into big and small plates, noodles, dumplings, and salads, includes chili-crusted calamari, spicy Chinese green beans (which are usually on every table, along with the chicken in lettuce cups), flavor-packed cumin lamb in sesame buns, sea bass “cha ca la vong” prepared table-side, plus a memorable beggar’s chicken baked in clay. Tuesday nights feature a special roast pork dinner. Lacquered walls, bamboo ceiling fans, and period posters create a comfortably exotic mood that matches the food. Patience is required to cope with long wait times and the occasional noise from large parties. | Average main: $19 | 2030 Union St., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/929–8855 | www.betelnutrestaurant.com.

Rose’s Café.

$$ | ITALIAN | Sleepy-headed locals turn up at Rose’s for the breakfast pizza of smoked ham, eggs, and fontina; house-baked pastries and breads; poached eggs with Yukon Gold potato and mushroom hash; or soft polenta with mascarpone and jam. Midday is time for a roasted chicken and fontina sandwich; pizza with wild nettles; or linguine with clams. Evening hours find customers eating their way through more pizza and pasta if they are on a budget, and skirt steak and roasted chicken if they aren’t. The ingredients are top-notch, the service is friendly, and the seating is in comfortable booths, at tables, and at a counter. At the outside tables, overhead heaters keep you toasty when the temperature dips. Expect long lines for Sunday brunch. | Average main: $22 | 2298 Union St., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/775–2200 | www.rosescafesf.com.

Terzo.

$$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | With its zinc tapas bar, fireplace, big communal table, and mix of leather banquettes and oak tables, Terzo has what it takes to pull in the neighborhood social set and everyone else who appreciates expertly prepared Mediterranean fare. The restaurant is known for its small-plates menu, but also offers full-size entrées. On the compact, seasonally shifting menu you might find creamy hummus and warmed-to-order pita, chanterelles with crisp polenta and pecorino, grilled calamari with lentils, chicken spiedini, and grilled mahi mahi with garbanzos and Meyer lemon salsa verde. But a plate of irresistible onion strings is available year-round. The extensive wine list is loaded with interesting vintners and varietals (some of them on the pricey side). Choosing from a handful of aperitifs—Lillet, Dubonnet, sherry, vermouth—is a good way to start your meal. | Average main: $24 | 3011 Steiner St., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/441–3200 | www.terzosf.com | No lunch.

THE HAIGHT

Indian Oven.

$$ | INDIAN | This white-tablecloth northern Indian restaurant draws diners from all over the city who come for the tandoori specialties—chicken, lamb, breads. Classics like saag paneer (spinach with Indian cheese), aloo gobhi (potato, cauliflower, and spices), and bengan bartha (roasted eggplant with onions and spices) are also excellent. The chef wants to keep his clientele around for the long haul, too, and puts a little “heart healthy” icon next to some of the menu items. On Friday and Saturday nights famished patrons overflow onto the sidewalk as they wait for open tables. If you try to linger over a mango lassi or an order of the excellent kheer (rice pudding) on one of these nights, you’ll probably be hurried along by a waiter. For better service, come on a slower weeknight or for lunch. | Average main: $16 | 233 Fillmore St., Lower Haight | 94117 | 415/626–1628 | www.indianovensf.com.

Nopa.

$$$ | AMERICAN | In the mid-2000s North of the Panhandle became the city’s newest talked-about neighborhood in part because of the big, bustling Nopa, which was cleverly named after it. This casual space, with its high ceilings, concrete floor, long bar, and sea of tables, suits the high-energy crowd of young professionals mixed with stylish neighborhood residents that fill it every night (and since the kitchen doesn’t close until 1 am, plenty of restaurant industry types come in and pack the bar late into the night). Diners come primarily for the rustic fare, like an always winning flat bread topped with fennel sausage and caramelized onions; the vegetable tagine with lemon yogurt; smoky, crisp-skinned rotisserie chicken; a juicy grass-fed hamburger with thick-cut fries; one of the city’s best pork chops; and for dessert, the donutlike sopapillas. But they also love the lively spirit of the place. Unfortunately, that buzz sometimes means that raised voices are the only way to communicate with fellow diners. A big communal table and the friendly bar ease the way for anyone dining out on his or her own. Wine lovers are happily satisfied here with the excellent list, and weekend brunch is one of the city’s best (and most popular—arrive a few minutes before they open at 11 am to score a table). | Average main: $24 | 560 Divisadero St., Haight | 94117 | 415/864–8643 | www.nopasf.com | No lunch.

Fodor’s Choice | Nopalito.

$$ | MEXICAN | This is one of the more unusual (and delicious) Mexican restaurants in the city—the two chefs here were originally cooks in the kitchen at Nopa around the corner, and their staff/family meals were so delicious that the Nopa owners were inspired to create this restaurant around their cooking. The menu features authentic recipes prepared skillfully with excellent ingredients, from a bright ceviche and seasonal salads to the succulent pork carnitas and a fulfilling posole. All the tortillas are made from an organic house-ground masa (also used in the delicious tortilla chips layering the chilaquiles during weekend brunch). It’s a casual space with a variety of tables, communal seating, and a counter, quite popular with families and equally pleasing for adult groups perusing its well-selected tequila list. Expect a steady wait in the evening—you’ll have to leave your name on a list, but you can call before heading over to get your name on the waitlist in advance. There’s also a take-out window if you’re feeling impatient. | Average main: $15 | 306 Broderick St., Haight | 94117 | 415/437–0303 | www.nopalitosf.com.

Thep Phanom.

$$ | THAI | Long ago, local food critics and restaurant goers began singing the praises of Thep Phanom. The tune hasn’t stopped, except for an occasional sour note on rising prices. Duck is deliciously prepared in several ways—atop a mound of spinach, in a fragrant curry, minced for salad. Seafood (in various guises) is another specialty, along with warm eggplant salad, fried tofu with peanut sauce, spicy beef salad, fried quail, and rich Thai curries. The lengthy regular menu is supplemented by a list of daily specials, which only makes it harder to make a decision. At least you’ll be pondering your choices in comfortable surroundings: the cozy dining room is lined with Thai art and artifacts that owner Pathama Parikanont has collected over the years. | Average main: $15 | 400 Waller St., Lower Haight | 94117 | 415/431–2526 | www.thepphanom.com | No lunch.

Uva Enoteca.

$$ | ITALIAN | A marble counter, a handful of banquettes, tables for two and four, a long brick wall, a young, savvy staff—Uva has all the trappings of the perfectly casual Italian wine bar. The menu is straightforward: assortments of Italian cured meats and cheeses, about 10 salads and vegetable dishes, and 4–5 pastas or pizzas, plus a few larger dishes for dinner, like pork loin or sausages. Italian wine aficionados appreciate the more than 15 wines by the glass, available in two sizes, assaggio (2 ounces) and quartino (8 ounces), and a long list of bottles. Many of the vini are from small vineyards and all of them are carefully chosen. Even the gelato is special, made by a local artisan. There’s also a weekend brunch. | Average main: $16 | 568 Haight St., Lower Haight | 94117 | 415/829–2024 | www.uvaenoteca.com | No lunch.

THE CASTRO

Chow.

$ | AMERICAN | Consistently popular and consciously unpretentious, Chow is a funky-yet-savvy diner where soporific standards like hamburgers, pizzas, and spaghetti with meatballs are treated with culinary respect. A magnet for penny-pinchers, the restaurant has built its reputation on honest and approachable fare made with fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients priced to sell (even the burger is made with grass-fed beef). Diners will discover Asian dishes mixed in with the primarily American/Italian menu (the silky wontons are popular). Salads, pastas, and mains come in two (or even three) sizes to accommodate big and small appetites, there’s a daily sandwich special, and kids can peruse their mini-menu. Because reservations are restricted to large parties, folks hoping to snag seats usually surround the doorway. Call ahead to put your name down during busy times, or come early (before 6:30) or late (after 10) to reduce the wait—and don’t even think about leaving without trying the ginger cake with caramel sauce. The wine list has some well-chosen picks. | Average main: $13 | 215 Church St., Castro | 94114 | 415/552–2469 | www.chowfoodbar.com.

Frances.

$$$ | FRENCH | One of the hottest tickets in town, Frances is located, ironically, on a sleepy residential street in the Castro. Chef-owner Melissa Perello’s menu of California and French cuisine is well executed, balanced, and notably affordable for the high quality. Bacon beignets, tender gnocchi, and a savory bavette steak are becoming favorites on the seasonally driven menu, while new entries like baked clams with bacon cream and a duck confit and kale salad are angling to become stand-bys as well. An apple galette for dessert hits all the right notes. The small space is simply designed and casual, with a limited number of close tables (hence the difficulty in landing a reservation). Service here is both very professional and warm, and there’s a small bar area for desperate diners who want to try their luck for a walk-in spot at the counter. | Average main: $27 | 3870 17th St., Castro | 94114 | 415/621–3870 | www.frances-sf.com | Reservations essential | Closed Mon. No lunch.

Woodhouse Fish Co.

$$ | SEAFOOD | New Englanders hungry for a lobster roll fix need look no further than this superfriendly spot, where the utterly authentic lobster rolls, properly served on a buttered top-loaded bun and accompanied with slaw and fries, come in two sizes (three ounces or six)—but then there’s the Dungeness crab roll, too. You’ll also find fried Ipswich clams, crab cakes, fish-and-chips, clam chowder, and plenty more to keep East Coast seafood partisans smiling. When Dungeness crab season starts, come in for their fresh supply, excellent in a Louie salad or just served cracked. The restaurant’s V-shape storefront, which stands on a busy Market Street corner, is all worn wood and paint and comfortably funky. On Tuesday, all day long, West Coast oysters are just a buck apiece. It seems like everyone in the neighborhood turns out for this delicious bargain, so be prepared to wait for a table. A second branch has now opened in Lower Pacific Heights. | Average main: $17 | 2073 Market St., Castro | 94119 | 415/437–2722 | www.woodhousefish.com | Reservations not accepted.

NOE VALLEY

Incanto.

$$$ | ITALIAN | Everything is thoughtfully executed at Incanto, starting with your table water: filtered, chilled, and carbonated, the very good local tap water is served and presented in eco-friendly reusable glass carafes. That thoughtfulness extends to the seasonal, sustainably grown, and harvested ingredients produced by local farmers, and even to the portion sizes—pastas come in two sizes, depending upon your appetite. Chef Chris Cosentino’s adventurous, daily-changing menu highlights invariably tasty and offal-loaded dishes not found at many other SF restaurants. Italian dishes with Californian influences and ingredients include sweetbreads and pickled citron salsa; spaghettini with Sardinian cured tuna heart, egg yolk, and parsley; shaved tripe salad with Meyer lemon, chili, and parsley; veal breast with baby radish, turnip, and blackstrap molasses; and lemon verbena panna cotta and candied bergamot. Large groups should look into ordering a Leg of Beast or whole pig dinner. The recently renovated interior is casual and comfortable, with wood tables and chairs and large photographs on the walls, while the wine list of obscure Italian labels has many available by the glass. | Average main: $25 | 1550 Church St., at Duncan St., Noe Valley | 94131 | 415/641–4500 | www.incanto.biz | Closed Tues. No lunch.

La Ciccia.

$$$ | ITALIAN | Chef Massimiliano Conti quickly won a loyal following after opening this charming neighborhood trattoria with his wife Lorella, the only restaurant in the city exclusively serving Sardinian food. The island’s classics are all represented—octopus stew in a spicy tomato sauce; seared lamb tenderloin drizzled with cooked grape must; fresh spaghetti with spicy oil and bottarga (salted mullet roe); and fregola (pebble-shape pasta) with sea urchin, tomato, and cured tuna heart. The modest space came with a pizza oven, so Conti also turns out a pair of respectable thin-crust pies and housemade bread. The award-winning and unexpectedly extensive wine list looks no further than Italy, and one-fourth of the choices are Sardinian. The staff is both friendly and efficient, and Conti and his wife regularly circle the room to make sure everyone is happy. It’s not only a local’s favorite, but a restaurant industry favorite as well, so tables are usually booked well in advance. | Average main: $25 | 291 30th St., Noe Valley | 94131 | 415/550–8114 | www.laciccia.com | Closed Mon. No lunch.

MISSION DISTRICT

Angkor Borei.

$ | CAMBODIAN | Aromatic Thai basil, lemongrass, and softly sizzling chilies perfume this modest neighborhood restaurant, opened by Cambodian refugees in the late 1980s. The menu includes an array of curries; salads of squid or cold noodles with ground fish; a crisp, pork-and-sprout-filled crepe; and lightly curried fish mousse cooked in a banana leaf basket. Chicken grilled on skewers and served with mild pickled vegetables is a house specialty, as are the green papaya salad, the stewed ground pork (prahok) in coconut milk with spices, and the panfried catfish. Vegetarians will be happy to discover two full pages of selections. Service is friendly though sometimes languid, so don’t stop here when you’re in a hurry. | Average main: $11 | 3471 Mission St., Mission | 94110 | 415/550–8417 | www.cambodiankitchen.com | No lunch Sun., closed Tue.

Bar Tartine.

$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | An offshoot of the cultlike Tartine Bakery, this restaurant provides one way you can get a taste of their famed (and always sold-out) country loaf. It’s a definite neighborhood restaurant, drawing an energetic crowd to the cozy and artsy space. Chef Nicolaus Balla’s flavor-packed menu is all about an Eastern European sensibility with California seasonality and some Japanese influences. It includes an array of house-pickled items, the indulgent langos (fried potato bread), seasonal salads like one with persimmon, pressed cheese, chicories, walnut, and orange honey, pickled housemade sausage, and larger (and homey) dishes like chicken paprikas and a fisherman’s stew. The dessert list features the stunning chocolate dobos torte, with hazelnut cream and burnt orange caramel, and the extensive wine and beer list makes this a fun place to swing by for a glass—if you can find a seat. Weekend brunch is one of the more distinct offerings in the city, with an array of smørrebrød (toppings like trumpet mushroom, mizuna, and cultured butter on sprouted rye) and buckwheat blintzes, and a beef brisket hash with celery root, parsnip, Yukon Gold potatoes, and fried eggs. | Average main: $22 | 561 Valencia St., Mission | 94110 | 415/487–1600 | www.bartartine.com | Closed Mon. No lunch weekdays.

Beretta.

$$ | ITALIAN | The formula here basically works: excellent cocktails, an array of affordable antipasti, solid pizzas, risottos, piatti del giorno (daily mains), and fantastic late hours. The bartenders are both serious and friendly, smiling when they detail the ten or so gins you can choose from for your cocktail. The pizzas respect their Italian heritage (thin crusts, traditional and contemporary toppings) and the antipasti are an appealing mix of vegetables (the eggplant caponatina with burrata is a standout), fish (a light fritto misto or marinated sardines), and artisanal salumi (cured meats). The long, ascetically outfitted room—tin ceiling, white walls, bare wood tables—is casual and smart, and typically filled with a young crowd. What doesn’t work here? Conversation, unless you speak pretty loudly or read lips. The weekend brunch is hit with the neighborhood crowd. Reservations are accepted for groups of six or more only—but smaller groups can call ahead (up to an hour in advance) to get your name on the waiting list. | Average main: $16 | 1199 Valencia St., Mission | 94110 | 415/695–1199 | www.berettasf.com | No lunch weekdays.

Chez Papa Bistrot.

$$$ | FRENCH | France arrived on Potrero Hill with this restaurant, which delivers food, waiters, and charm that would be right at home in Provence. The modest corner restaurant, with a Mediterranean blue awning, big windows overlooking the street, and a small heated patio, caters to a lively crowd that can make conversation difficult. Small plates include bistro classics like mussels in pastis, beef tartare, and a leek and tomato tart. Big plates range from duck confit, to grilled flatiron steak and frites, to homey lamb daube. The lavender crème brûlée or chocolate fondant provides a sweet ending. The $34.95 prix-fixe (Sun.–Thurs.) is also a good deal for the penny-wise. To accommodate the overflow of Hill residents who have packed this place since day one, the owners opened the tiny (and more casual) Chez Maman (crepes, burgers, salads) a few doors down the block. | Average main: $23 | 1401 18th St., Potrero Hill | 94107 | 415/824–8205 | www.chezpapasf.com | No lunch Sun.

Fodor’s Choice | Delfina.

$$$ | ITALIAN | “Irresistible.” That’s how countless die-hard fans describe Craig and Anne Stoll’s Delfina. Such wild enthusiasm has made patience the critical virtue for anyone wanting a reservation here (although walk-ins can find some success at a counter and in the bar area). The urban interior is comfortable, with hardwood floors, aluminum-top tables, a tile bar, and a casual, friendly atmosphere. The menu changes daily, and among the usual offerings are grilled squid with warm white-bean salad and excellent tripe (they’re also known for their spaghetti). If Piemontese fresh white truffles have made their way to San Francisco, you are likely to find hand-cut tagliarini dressed with butter, cream, and the pricey aromatic fungus on the menu alongside dishes built on more-prosaic ingredients. The panna cotta is the best in its class. The storefront next door is home to pint-size Pizzeria Delfina. And for folks who can’t get to the Mission, the Stolls have opened a second pizzeria on California Street in lively Lower Pacific Heights. | Average main: $25 | 3621 18th St., Mission | 94110 | 415/552–4055 | www.delfinasf.com | Reservations essential | No lunch.

Fodor’s Choice | Dosa on Valencia.

$$ | INDIAN | Like Indian food but crave more than chicken tikka masala and naan? Dosa is your answer. This temple of South Indian cuisine, done in cheerful tones of tangerine and turmeric, serves not only the large, thin savory pancake for which it is named, but also curries, uttapam (open-face pancakes), and various starters, breads, rice dishes, and chutneys. You can select from about 10 different dosa fillings, ranging from traditional potatoes, onions, and cashews to spinach and fennel stems. Each comes with tomato and fresh coconut chutneys and sambar (lentil curry) for dipping. Tamil lamb curry with fennel and tomatoes and poppy seed prawns are popular, as are starters like Chennai chicken (chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and lightly fried), and the new Indian street-food additions, like vada pav (a vegetarian slider). The wine and beer lists are top drawer, and both include some Indian labels; the cocktail list is also very food friendly. Weekend brunch offers a nice change from the usual brunch suspects (the flavorful pani puri are a must). Queues for this Mission District spot convinced the owners to open a second, splashier branch on the corner of Fillmore and Post in Japantown. | Average main: $15 | 995 Valencia St., at 21st St., Mission | 94110 | 415/642–3672 | www.dosasf.com | No lunch.

Farina.

$$$$ | ITALIAN | Locals shed a tear when Anna’s Danish Cookies closed in this spot. But anyone who craves the Ligurian fare of northern Italy—the home of pesto, focaccia, and delicate pastas—is bound to be pleased with the offerings at Farina (just prepared to pay top dollar). Here diners fill up on such iconic dishes as focaccia di Recco (paper-thin pizzalike focaccia sandwiching melted stracchino cheese), handmade “handkerchief” pasta dressed with the city’s best pesto, and pansotti stuffed with borage and ricotta. Those with slim pocketbooks should stay away from the very pricey secondi (Piemontese beef, Genovese–style fish stew) and instead choose from the regularly changing array of Ligurian carbs and small dishes of salads and seasonal vegetables. Sunday brunch offerings sometimes include braised eggs with black-truffle butter or sunny-side-up eggs with pancetta. The interior is chic and eye catching, with an urban crowd to match. | Average main: $38 | 3560 18th St., at Dearborn St., Mission | 94110 | 415/565–0360 | www.farina-foods.com | No lunch. No brunch Sat.

Foreign Cinema.

$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Forget popcorn. In this hip, loftlike space “dinner and a movie” become one joyous event. Classic films like René Clément’s noirish 1960 Purple Noon and Krzysztof Kieslowski’s 1990 Blue are projected on a wall in a large inner courtyard while you’re served perfectly shucked oysters on the half shell, warm brandade, house-cured sardines, chef-owners’ Gayle Pirie and John Clark’s excellent fried chicken, pork chop, or seafood stew from the dinner menu; or a Dungeness crab panino or chicken-liver pâté from the café menu. Avid filmgoers should keep in mind that it’s really more about dining than movie watching here. Kids aren’t forgotten, with celery and carrot sticks, pasta with butter and cheese, and two scoops of ice cream for just $7. The adjacent two-level Laszlo Bar has well-executed cocktails and nightly DJs, and the weekend brunch brings throngs of people fighting for a spot on the patio for some of the city’s best egg dishes and Bloody Marys. | Average main: $25 | 2534 Mission St., Mission | 94110 | 415/648–7600 | www.foreigncinema.com | No lunch.

La Santaneca de la Mission.

$ | LATIN AMERICAN | Lots of El Salvadorans live in the Mission, and they head here for pupusas, stuffed cornmeal rounds that are more or less the hamburger of their homeland. It usually comes filled with beans, cheese, or meat—sometimes in combination—and is eaten with seasoned shredded cabbage (and is less than $2 apiece). The kitchen at this friendly, family-run place also makes the more unusual rice-flour pupusa, as well as other dishes popular in Central America, including fried plantains, seafood soup, tamales filled with chicken or pork, chicharrones (fried pork skins), and yucca. Accompany your meal with horchata, a cooling rice-based drink flavored with cinnamon. Service is sometimes a bit slow, and pupusas are made to order, so don’t come here when you’re in a rush. | Average main: $7 | 2815 Mission St., Mission | 94110 | 415/285–2131 | No credit cards.

Limón.

$$ | PERUVIAN | Cooks in Peru and Ecuador have long argued over which country invented ceviche, a dish consisting of raw fish marinated in citrus juices. Most diners at Limón would probably line up with the Peruvians after eating the myriad, delicious versions here (try the red snapper, calamari, octopus, and shrimp), all accompanied by yucca and corn, and prepared by chef-owner Martin Castillo. They also like the empanadas, flaky pastries filled with minced beef, olives, and raisins; the hearty lomo saltado, beef strips sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and potatoes (although sadly served deconstructed on a plate instead of in a bowl so the flavors can all meld together); and the arroz con mariscos, mixed seafood with spicy saffron rice. Everything is served family style. Choose from a list of pisco (Peruvian brandy)-based sour cocktails for sipping with your meal. The crowd and atmosphere are a bit all over the map, from small groups of twentysomethings to couples out for a bite. | Average main: $20 | 524 Valencia St., Mission | 94110 | 415/252–0918.

Limón Rotisserie.

$ | LATIN AMERICAN | The kid sister of Limón, this cheery but modest dining room outfitted with dark-wood tables and brightened with splashes of yellow, orange, and lime-green is just a 10-minute walk from its busy sibling. The neighborhood is a bit bleak, but the friendly prices and even friendlier staff quickly help you forget the street scene. An order of the crisp-skinned citrus-y chicken, which is typically fresh off the rotisserie, comes with a pair of sauces and a choice of two sides, including rice-and-bean cakes called tacu-tacu, green salad, grilled vegetables, french fries, and yucca fries. The $19.95 whole chicken served family style is good for groups. There are also ceviches, and small hot plates like the jalea, with fried seafood, yucca, and huacatay tartar sauce. You won’t go thirsty, either. The list of beverages includes pisco (Peruvian brandy)-based cocktails, wines by the glass, and beers. | Average main: $10 | 1001 S. Van Ness Ave., Mission | 94110 | 415/821–2134 | www.limonrotisserie.com | Reservations not accepted.

Mission Chinese Food.

$ | CHINESE | A wildly popular Mission restaurant that has the unexpected arrangement of sharing a kitchen and dining room with another Chinese restaurant, Lung Shan. Chef Danny Bowien and partner Anthony Myint are behind a unique menu that highlights Chinese classic dishes made with quality meats and ingredients and techniques (think broccoli and beef cheek with poached oyster and smoked oyster sauce). Some of the dishes spike hot, like the ma po tofu and kung pao pastrami, and milder dishes like the Westlake rice porridge are homey and satisfying. The restaurant is definitely dingy, but the food keeps them coming. The lines to dine here can be discouraging, so if lunchtime is an option, try that instead. Many locals rely on delivery for their fix. | Average main: $12 | 2234 Mission St., Mission | 94110 | 415/863–2800 | www.missionchinesefood.com | Closed Wed.

Range.

$$$ | AMERICAN | The name sounds strictly down-home, but this place looks and feels big city. Just across the threshold is a full bar stocked with the best bottles—and plenty of people to appreciate them. A view into the kitchen with a line of tables opposite comes next, and then the dining room furnished with roomy banquettes, dim light, and a chatty crowd. Chef/co-owner Phil West’s compact, changing menu is a nice mix of high-end and homey, with chicken liver mousse or artichoke-stuffed pasta with walnuts, goat cheese, and rosemary–brown butter sharing space with Alaskan cod with hedgehog mushrooms, green chard, crescent potatoes, and Fresno chile vinaigrette. On the sweeter side, you’ll find some excellent seasonal desserts, plus a bittersweet chocolate soufflé with prune-walnut ice cream. For the more ascetic, there are buckwheat crepes with huckleberries and chicory ice cream. Service is smooth—informative but not gushy—in both the dining room and the bar. Adventurous cocktail drinkers will want to dip into the specialty drinks menu before dinner—and maybe after as well. | Average main: $25 | 842 Valencia St., Mission | 94110 | 415/282–8283 | www.rangesf.com | No lunch.

Saison.

$$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | One wouldn’t expect to find such a stylish restaurant on this dingy street in the Mission, but that’s part of the charm of this rare and hidden-away gem. The kitchen and everything that comes out of it is rooted in European style, but made with premium local ingredients (the kitchen even employs a full-time forager). Chef Joshua Skenes’s 12-course tasting menu is full of memorable flavors and artful plating, with many items cooked on the outdoor hearth. The dining room only has 18 seats, with one seating per evening. The menu is $198, including wine pairings by sommelier Mark Bright (there is also seating at a chef counter in the kitchen, priced at an over-the-top $498). The outdoor terrace (overlooking the hearth) is lovely on a warm night, but the natural modern styling of the dining room also charms. This is definitely a special-occasion restaurant, but also perfect for those who want a unique dining experience—the chef is an up-and-comer, gaining more accolades each year. | Prix-fixe: $198 | 2124 Folsom St., Mission | 94110 | 415/828–7990 | www.saisonsf.com | Reservations essential | Closed Sun. and Mon.

SanJalisco.

$ | MEXICAN | This old-time, sun-filled, colorful, family-run restaurant is a neighborhood gem (and it’s not just because it serves breakfast all day). At brunch, try the hearty chilaquiles, made from day-old tortillas cut into strips and cooked with cheese, eggs, chilies, and sauce. Or order eggs scrambled with cactus or with chicharrones (crisp pork skins) and served with freshly made tortillas. Soup offerings change daily, with Tuesday’s albondigas (meatballs) comfort food at its best. On weekends, adventurous eaters may opt for birria, a spicy goat stew, or menudo, a tongue-searing soup made from tripe, calf’s foot, and hominy. The latter is a time-honored hangover cure—but don’t come expecting margaritas here (although you will find beer and sangria). Bring plenty of change for the jukebox loaded with Latin hits. | Average main: $11 | 901 S. Van Ness Ave., Mission | 94110 | 415/648–8383 | www.sanjalisco.com.

Coffee with a Shot of Local Flavor

Blue Bottle Coffee.

North Beach may have the highest coffee profile, but fantastic brews can be found all over town. Tear yourself away from Columbus Avenue and head to Hayes Valley’s Blue Bottle Coffee, a modest kiosk where the organic beans (no more than two days from the roaster) are ground for each cup and the espresso is automatically ristretto—a short shot. (Although traditionalists stick with the long lines at the quirky kiosk, a few years ago Blue Bottle opened a “proper café” downtown in Mint Plaza, and there’s another location in the Ferry Plaza Marketplace.) | Average main: $1 | 315 Linden St., near Gough St. | 94133 | 415/252–7535.

Ritual Coffee Roasters.

In the Mission District, the owners of the popular Ritual Coffee Roasters have plunked their roaster in the back of the café, so you know where your beans—usually single-origin, rather than a blend—were roasted when you order your espresso or drip coffee. | Average main: $1 | 1026 Valencia St., between 21st and 22nd Sts. | 94110 | 415/641–1024.

Four Barrel Coffee.

Coffee aficionados should also head down Valencia Street to Four Barrel Coffee for excellent house-roasted coffee in a fun and funky space, packed with Mission hipsters, cyclists, and artists (be sure to look at the selection of Dynamo donuts as well). | Average main: $1 | 375 Valencia St., between 14th and 15th Sts. | 94103 | 415/252–0800.

Farley’s.

While you’re sipping your inky strong cup at friendly Farley’s, a neighborhood institution on sunny Potrero Hill, you can play chess, check out the eclectic magazine selection, or catch up on the local gossip. | Average main: $1 | 1315 18th St., at Texas St. | 94107 | 415/648–1545.

Mojo Bicycle Café.

If you are a serious bicyclist and serious about coffee, the funky Mojo Bicycle Café, in the increasingly hip North of the Panhandle neighborhood, is the place for you. You can down an espresso made from locally roasted fair-trade beans, tuck into a great sandwich, and either buy or admire a beautiful new bike or get the one you are riding fixed. | Average main: $1 | 639A Divisadero St., between Grove and Hayes Sts. | 94117 | 415/440–2338.

Café du Soleil.

In the Lower Haight, sun seekers grab an outside table at Café du Soleil and sip bowls of café au lait with their morning croissant. | Average main: $1 | 200 Fillmore St., at Waller St. | 94117 | 415/934–8637.

Red’s Java House.

And anyone looking for a real cup of joe in a bare-bones pine shack should join the savvy dock workers, carpenters, and young suits at the more than 80-year-old Red’s Java House, where the coffee typically follows a cheeseburger and a Bud and the gorgeous view of the East Bay is priceless. | Average main: $1 | Pier 30, between Embarcadero and Bryant St. | 94105 | 415/777–5626.

—Sharon Silva

PACIFIC HEIGHTS

Florio.

$$$ | FRENCH | San Franciscans have always had a weakness for little French bistros, which helped make Florio a hit from the day it opened. It had all the elements: a space that looked like a Paris address, classic charcuterie and roast chicken, and reasonably priced French wines. Since then, this neighborhood favorite has picked up a thick Italian accent, with chicken-liver crostini, veal and sweetbread tortellini, and risotto with chanterelles lining up next to salade lyonnaise, steamed mussels, poulet rôti, and steak frites on the menu. Save room for the kitchen’s crème caramel, a neighborhood favorite. The room can get noisy, so don’t come here hoping for a quiet tête-à-tête. You can eat at the bar, too, a nice plus if you’re on the town solo. | Average main: $26 | 1915 Fillmore St., Lower Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/775–4300 | www.floriosf.com | No lunch.

Out the Door.

$$$ | VIETNAMESE | A casual offshoot of Charles Phan’s Slanted Door, this spot is actually where locals prefer to go for his version of Vietnamese food made with high-end ingredients. The look is chic and simple, with an open kitchen, a communal table, counter seating, and an eclectic crowd ranging from Pacific Heights ladies to couples on a first date to young parents with their kids in tow. You can find all the Phan classics (spring rolls, daikon rice cake, crab and cellophane noodles, shaking beef), but there are plenty of other standout dishes on the menu, like fried chicken. (Vegetarians will also find plenty to eat.) Lunch has some delicious soups, breakfast features porridge (jook) alongside tasty egg dishes, and the weekend brunch is truly delicious. There’s excellent Vietnamese coffee made with Blue Bottle’s brew, and plenty of quality wines and beers on tap to choose from. | Average main: $24 | 2232 Bush St., Lower Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/923–9575 | www.outthedoors.com.

SPQR.

$$$ | ITALIAN | If you know your Italian history, you know this acronym roughly translates to the senate and people of Rome. Brought to you by the same team that operates the Marina’s wildly popular A16, SPQR is a chic, friendly spot—bare-top tables, open kitchen, old travel posters on the walls—with a dedicated neighborhood following of all ages. Of course, that dedication usually means a long wait for a table, unless you made reservations, or turn up after 9 or on a slow Monday. Singles and walk-in couples can opt for a seat at the two counters (one looks into the galley kitchen). The loyalists come here for the 12 antipasti and spuntini (the chicken liver and crispy pig’s ears are favorites), 8 superlative pastas (many of them are stuffed), and savory mains, like bacon-wrapped rabbit saddle. The appetizing and inventive menu changes constantly with the seasons (and chef Matthew Accarrino’s whims), but the pastas are particularly notable—you’ll want to try a few at least, so come hungry. The Italian wine list is also full of gems, with wonderful choices by the glass. It’s a comfortable brunch destination on the weekends as well, although it’s tough to snag one of the few outdoor tables. | Average main: $26 | 1911 Fillmore St., Lower Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/771–7779 | www.spqrsf.com | No lunch.

Spruce.

$$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | One of the hottest reservations in town from the day it opened, Spruce caters to the city’s social set, with the older crowd sliding into oversized faux ostrich chairs in the early hours and the younger set taking their places after 8 (there’s also quite the lunch club during the week). The large space, a former 1930s auto barn, shelters a high-style dining room and a more casual bar and library lounge. Charcuterie, bavette steak with bordelaise sauce and duck-fat potatoes, and sweetbreads reflect the French slant of the modern American menu. The wine list is a star here (especially a delight for Riesling fans). If you can’t wrangle a table, stop in at the take-out café next door, which carries not only sandwiches, salads, and pastries (like the exquisite palmiers) but also anything from the dining room menu to go. And if you are watching your pocketbook, you can graze off the bar menu (which includes their excellent burger and boudin blanc) and watch the swells come and go over a well-crafted cocktail. | Average main: $34 | 3640 Sacramento St., Pacific Heights | 94118 | 415/931–5100 | www.sprucesf.com | Reservations essential | No lunch weekends.

JAPANTOWN

Fodor’s Choice | Dosa on Fillmore.

$$ | INDIAN | As soon as the large door swings open to this happening two-level space, diners are greeted with a sexy atmosphere with bright colors, vivid artwork, upbeat music, a lively bar scene, and the smell of spices in the air. This is the second location of the popular Dosa on Valencia, but it’s definitely the glamorous younger sister, with a full bar, an expanded menu, and much more room. The menu entices with savory fish dishes, fall-off-the-bone pepper chicken, and papery dosas stuffed with a variety of fillings. The restaurant handles group dining often, and has a special menu you can customize. Return for lunch and indulge in the Indian street-food selections, and the famed pani puri (little crisp puffs you fill with mint and tamarind water and pop all at once into your mouth). | Average main: $17 | 1700 Fillmore St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/441–3672 | www.dosasf.com | No lunch Mon. and Tues.

Maki.

$$ | JAPANESE | Wappa-meshi, rice topped with meat or fish and steamed in a bamboo basket, is the specialty at this diminutive and quiet restaurant featuring the refined Kansai cuisine of Osaka and Kyoto. The sashimi, sukiyaki, udon (try the shrimp tempura version), chawan mushi custard, and freshwater eel on rice in a lacquer box are also first-rate. Everything is served on beautiful tableware, from the smallest sunomono salad to a big lunchtime donburi, protein-topped rice. Maki stocks an impressive assortment of sakes, which it serves in exquisite decanters. Some complain of gruff service, while others find the staff to be kind and helpful. There are seats inside the small dining room, or “outside” in the hallway of the Kinokuniya building. | Average main: $18 | Japan Center, Kinokuniya Bldg., 1825 Post St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/921–5215 | Closed Mon. No lunch Thu.

Mifune.

$ | JAPANESE | Thin brown soba and thick white udon are the stars at this long-popular North American outpost of an Osaka-based noodle empire. A line regularly snakes out the door, but the house-made noodles, served both hot and cold and with a score of toppings, are worth the wait (and the line moves quickly). Seating is at wooden tables, where diners of every age can be heard slurping down big bowls of such traditional Japanese combinations as nabeyaki udon, wheat noodles topped with tempura, chicken, and fish cake; and tenzaru, cold noodles and hot tempura with gingery dipping sauce served on lacquered trays. The noodle-phobic can choose from a few rice dishes and sushi. | Average main: $9 | Japan Center, Kintetsu Bldg., 1737 Post St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/922–0337 | www.mifune.com.

Yoshi’s.

$$$ | JAPANESE | San Franciscans were long envious of Oakland jazz lovers who had Yoshi’s restaurant and nationally known jazz club at their doorstep. But with the 2007 opening of Yoshi’s in San Francisco’s slowly rising jazz district on the edge of Japantown, that envy became history. While talented musicians do their thing in a separate space, the equally talented chef Shotaro “Sho” Kamio serves a menu of pricey Japanese food, from smoked duck breast tataki to large plates like roasted miso–marinated lamb chops with a maitake-madeira demi, wasabi garlic mousse, and sautéed escarole. There are also sashimi platters, classic nigiri choices, and Westernized maki rolls for those who want avocado and unagi when they go out for sushi. The big, handsome restaurant harbors stylish booths, a sushi bar, small tables, a tatami room, a mezzanine lounge, and a bar. When funds are tight, you can order from the club/lounge menu in the bar, which has California rolls, spicy shrimp tempura, and an array of burgers. | Average main: $28 | 1330 Fillmore St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/655–5600 | www.yoshis.com/sanfrancisco | No lunch.

RICHMOND

Fodor’s Choice | Aziza.

$$$ | MOROCCAN | Chef-owner Mourad Lahlou’s California-Moroccan food boasts a healthy dose of modernity that keeps locals coming back for his unique flavors and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Diners enjoy inspired and gorgeously plated first courses that are always changing with the seasons, like big fin squid with artichoke, citrus, piquillo, and olive, or sweetbreads with winter squash, cornichon, and marash pepper. The main courses are equally elegant, ranging from squab with smoked farro to lamb shank with apricot, turnips, and barley. The basteeya is one delicious holdover from the restaurant’s earlier rustic days, although it’s now made with duck confit. Desserts here are as sophisticated as the savory dishes. The attractive three-room dining area, done in blue, saffron, and white, is a warm, inviting sea of tiles, arches, and candlelight. The wine list is very food-friendly, with some organic and biodynamic options, while cocktail enthusiasts can pick from more than two-dozen inspired drinks that use ingredients like tarragon, kaffir lime, and cumin. | Average main: $27 | 5800 Geary Blvd., Richmond | 94121 | 415/752–2222 | www.aziza-sf.com | Closed Tues. No lunch.

Good Noodle.

$ | VIETNAMESE | The menu at this no-frills Formica-and-linoleum spot is big and remarkably cheap. You can order everything from Vietnamese salads to rice dishes and noodle plates. But the soups are what take up the most space on the menu, from the two-dozen varieties of pho, rice noodles in beef broth, to a dozen types of hu tieu, seafood and pork noodle soups. All of them are served in three sizes—small, medium, and large—usually separated by just 75¢, and no bowl is skimpy. Regulars, many of whom hail from Southeast Asia, favor the shrimp, fish ball, and pork slices soup with clear noodles and the special combo pho with rare steak, well-done brisket, tendon, and tripe. | Average main: $8 | 239 Clement St., Inner Richmond | 94118 | 415/379–9008.

Katia’s.

$$ | RUSSIAN | This cozy Richmond District gem serves Russian food guaranteed to make former Muscovites smile. Small dishes of eggplant, caviar, marinated mushrooms, blini and smoked salmon, and meat- or vegetable-filled piroshki are delicious ways to start a meal. Follow up with hearty beef Stroganoff, delicate chicken cutlets, or homey pelmeni, meat-filled dumplings in broth. You can sip a Russian beer—the porter is good—or a cup of Russian tea (Assam and Keemun blend) with milk or lemon. If you can put together a group, make a reservation for one of Katia’s afternoon tea parties, complete with sweets and savories and tea dispensed from a handsome samovar. | Average main: $16 | 600 5th Ave., Inner Richmond | 94118 | 415/668–9292 | www.katias.com | Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch weekends.

Ton Kiang.

$$ | CHINESE | This restaurant introduced the lightly seasoned Hakka cuisine of southern China, rarely found in this country and even obscure to many Chinese. Salt-baked chicken, stuffed bean curd, steamed fresh bacon with dried mustard greens, chicken in wine sauce, and clay pots of meats and seafood are among the hallmarks of the Hakka kitchen, and all of them are done well here, as the tables packed with local Chinese families and others prove. Don’t overlook the excellent seafood offerings like salt-and-pepper shrimp, catfish in black-bean sauce, or stir-fried crab with ginger and scallions. Even though it’s pricey, Ton Kiang is a local favorite for dim sum, opening in the morning for delicate dumplings of pea shoots and shrimp, scallops and shrimp, and pork and greens. You should expect a noontime rush (around 11 am on the weekend); a small selection of dim sum is available at night, too. | Average main: $18 | 5821 Geary Blvd., Richmond | 94121 | 415/387–8273 | www.tonkiang.net.

California Cuisine Controversy

In late 2005, in a culinary op-ed piece in the New York Times, San Francisco chef Daniel Patterson, of the much-praised Coi, accused his local colleagues of a lack of innovation, blaming their omnipresent “home cooking” style on their allegiance to Alice Waters, the recognized high priestess of California cuisine and, of course, of Berkeley’s Chez Panisse.

Not surprisingly, it sparked quite the heated rebuttal from local chefs, defending their creativity and commitment to pure ingredients and “letting the product speak for itself.”

The debate was rekindled again in 2009 when David Chang, the notable chef behind New York’s Momofuku, said of San Francisco: “There’s only a handful of restaurants that are manipulating food,” and that “every restaurant in San Francisco is serving figs on a plate with nothing on it.” While his comment was made during a spirited panel discussion with Anthony Bourdain, San Francisco chefs were again riled over the perception of their cuisine as being overly simplistic or uncreative.

These aren’t the first dustups over California cuisine, which was born in the early 1970s. From the beginning, folks have fought over who deserves credit for inventing what has become a highly marketable style. Waters, who opened Chez Panisse in 1971, gets the most votes. But chef Jeremiah Tower, who worked alongside Waters in those early days and later opened San Francisco’s once wildly popular but now shuttered Stars, has his partisans, as does Los Angeles chef Wolfgang Puck, creator of Spago restaurants.

What’s all the finger-pointing about? First and foremost, California cuisine is about using the best local seasonal ingredients, sustainably raised, in ways that showcase, rather than smother, them. In other words, simplicity, not complexity, rules. But it’s also about celebrating the state’s cultural diversity, from slipping Thai basil into an Italian sauté to adding lemongrass to a pot of French steamed mussels. Fresh, local, and imaginative are key descriptive words, and a kind of “eat local, think global” ethos drives the kitchen.

Critics insist that though the basic principles are sound, there’s too much copycat cuisine—too many warm goat-cheese salads, thin-crust pizzas, and widespread “farm to table” credos. Patterson describes it as “comfortable home cooking with no particular point of view.” And nearly everyone agrees that this self-conscious simplicity doesn’t come cheap. Dinner for two without wine can easily run $150, making California cuisine the fuel of the elite.

But there’s a new generation of chefs pushing San Francisco’s take on California cuisine to the next level, breaking boundaries with avant-garde techniques, integrating international flavors, and creative presentations—while still gloating that that their local ingredient sourcing is the freshest and best (foraging is the new mark of distinction). For now, this “fig on a plate” culinary rumble is guaranteed to continue, with plenty of partisans arguing both sides.

SUNSET DISTRICT

Park Chow.

$ | AMERICAN | What do spaghetti and meatballs, Thai noodles with chicken and shrimp, salads in three sizes, and big burgers have in common? They’re all on the eclectic comfort-food menu at Park Chow, made with sustainable ingredients yet offered at unbeatable prices. This neighborhood standby is also known for its desserts: fresh-baked pies and ginger cake with pumpkin ice cream are standouts. Kids get their own menu, with items such as burgers, grilled-cheese sandwiches, chicken fingers (made with organic chicken!), fish, and mini pizzas to choose from. In cool weather there’s a roaring fire in the dining-room fireplaces; in warm weather, get there early to snag an outdoor table. Either way, call ahead to put your name on the waiting list. Up early? You can sit down to breakfast on weekdays and brunch on weekends. The original location is in the Castro neighborhood. | Average main: $13 | 1240 9th Ave., Inner Sunset | 94122 | 415/665–9912 | www.chowfoodbar.com.

San Tung.

$$ | CHINESE | Many of the best chefs in Beijing’s imperial kitchens hailed from China’s northeastern province of Shandong. San Franciscans, with or without imperial ancestry, regularly enjoy dishes of the same province at this bare-bones storefront restaurant. Specialties include steamed dumplings—shrimp and leek dumplings are the most popular—and hand-pulled noodles, in soup or stir-fried. Among the typical accompaniments are a salad of jellyfish, seaweed, or sliced cucumbers and a plate of cold, poached chicken marinated in Shaoxing wine. Parents and kids regularly fight over platters of dry-fried chicken wings, a cult dish in the city. To get a table without a wait, come before or after the noon or dinner rush (parties of five or more should call before 5 pm for a reservation). | Average main: $16 | 1031 Irving St., Inner Sunset | 94122 | 415/242–0828 | www.santungrestaurant.com | Closed Wed.

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Main Table of Contents

The Scene

Hotels By Neighborhood

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San Francisco Lodging Planner

Updated by Michele Bigley

San Francisco serves up a dizzying array of lodging choices: cozy inns, kitschy motels, chic boutiques, dependable chain properties, and true grande dames. It’s not difficult to find the perfect fit for any budget.

Many city stalwarts have been spruced up recently. It seems as though everyone wants a new look, including the Ritz Carlton, Monaco, Mandarin, Argonaut, and the Palace. Nearly every accommodation listed below features fresh bedding, carpet, TVs, or paint.

If you’re searching for a centrally located, classy hotel, check out Union Square’s dramatic Clift, a property with surrealistic flavor, conjured by maverick star-designer Philippe Starck, or, perched atop Nob Hill, the historic Huntington Hotel, which discreetly hosts celebrities and royalty.

Now is a great time to go: hotel deals are easy to come by, and both new and established properties are trending toward the eco-friendly—SF hotels are “going green” in a big way. Although the Orchard Garden boasts San Francisco’s first all-new green construction, many other local properties are installing ecological upgrades. Most of the city’s hotels are non-smoking.

Wherever you stay, be sure to ask what’s included in your room rate. And when you settle into your perfect room, remember this tip: When in doubt, ask the concierge. This holds true for almost any request, whether you have special needs or burning desires (if anyone can get you tickets to a sold-out show or reservations at a fully booked restaurant, it’s the concierge). You’ll likely be impressed by the lengths hoteliers are willing to go to please their guests.

Finally, consider timing: If you’re flexible on dates, ask the reservationist if there’s a cheaper time to stay in your preferred travel window.

SAN FRANCISCO LODGING PLANNER

LODGING STRATEGY

Where should we stay? With hundreds of San Francisco hotels, it may seem like a daunting question. But fret not—our expert writers and editors have done most of the legwork. The selections here represent the best this city has to offer—from the best budget motels to the sleekest designer hotels.

RESERVATIONS

Reservations are always advised, especially during the peak seasons—August through November, weekends in December, and celebrations like gay pride, Mother’s Day, and Chinese New Year. From July through September 2013, the city is hosting the Louis Vuitton Cup and the America’s Cup Finals boat races and related events; hotels are likely to be heavily booked during this period. The San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau publishes a free lodging guide with a map and listings of San Francisco and Bay Area hotels. You can reserve a room, by phone or via the Internet, at more than 60 Bureau-recommended hotels. San Francisco Reservations can arrange reservations at more than 200 Bay Area hotels, often at discounted rates.

Booking

San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau.

415/391–2000 general information, 415/283–0177, 888/782–9673 lodging service | www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com.

San Francisco Reservations.

800/677–1500 | www.hotelres.com.

Bed & Breakfast San Francisco.

415/899–0060 | www.bbsf.com.

FACILITIES

When pricing accommodations, always ask what facilities are included and what entails an additional charge. All the hotels listed have private baths, central heating, and private phones unless otherwise noted. Many places don’t have air-conditioning, but you probably won’t need it. Even in September and October, when the city sees its warmest days, the temperature rarely climbs above 70°F.

Many hotels now have wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) available, although it’s not always free. Larger hotels often have video or high-speed checkout capability, and many can arrange babysitting. Pools are a rarity, but most large properties have gyms or health clubs, and sometimes full-scale spas; hotels without facilities usually have arrangements for guests at nearby gyms, sometimes for a fee. At the end of each review, we state whether any meals are included in the room rate.

PARKING

Several properties on Lombard Street and in the Civic Center area have free parking (but not always in a covered garage). Hotels in the Union Square and Nob Hill areas almost invariably charge $25 to $50-plus per day for a spot in their garages; note that if you are renting a car many hotels charge extra fees for SUVs. Occasionally hotel package deals include parking. Some B&Bs have limited free parking available, but many don’t, and require you to park on the street. Depending on the neighborhood and the time, this can be easy or quite difficult, so ask for realistic parking information when you call. Some hotels with paid parking offer a choice of valet parking with unlimited in-out privileges or self-parking (where the fee is less expensive and there’s no tipping).

FAMILY TRAVEL

San Francisco has gone to great lengths to attract family vacationers, and hotels have followed the family-friendly trend. Some properties provide diversions like in-room video games, suites with kitchenettes and fold-out sofa beds; some, like Hotel Diva, have even decked out special kids’ suites with toys, games, and karaoke machines. Most full-service San Francisco hotels provide roll-away beds, babysitting, and stroller rentals, but be sure to make arrangements when booking the room, not when you arrive.

PRICES

San Francisco hotel prices, among the highest in the United States, may come as an unpleasant surprise. But as at most hotels, prices are starting to soften. Weekend rates for double rooms in high season average about $200 a night citywide. Rates may vary widely according to room availability; always inquire about special rates and packages when making reservations; call the property directly, but also check its website and try Internet booking agencies. The lodgings we list are the cream of the crop in each price category.

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Union Square and Chinatown | SoMa and Civic Center | The Tenderloin | Hayes Valley | Financial District | Nob Hill and Russian Hill | Van Ness/Polk | North Beach | The Waterfront | The Marina and the Presidio | Cow Hollow | Mission District | Pacific Heights and Japantown | Richmond | By the Airport

Listed alphabetically within neighborhoods.

UNION SQUARE AND CHINATOWN

Scores of hotels—populated by first-time visitors, corporate travelers, and savvy globetrotters—surround Union Square, which is ground zero for retail shopping (plus, unfortunately, a large population of San Francisco’s homeless). Easy access to public transportation, attractions, the Financial District, and the Moscone Center has influenced major hotel chains to construct outposts here, but you’ll also find the city’s hippest boutique hotels, a couple of oh-so-precious B&Bs, and, a few blocks off Union Square, some value options.

UNION SQUARE

The Andrews Hotel.

$$ | HOTEL | Two blocks west of Union Square, this Queen Anne–style abode began its life in 1904 as the Sultan Turkish Baths; today newly renovated rooms and bathrooms are small but well decorated with Victorian reproductions, old-fashioned floral curtains with lace sheers, iron bedsteads draped with soft bedding atop new mattresses, ceiling fans, and large closets. The lobby is dominated by a huge Elliott grandfather clock and the original cage-style elevator, and is inhabited by a kind staff. Guest rooms include flat-screen TVs, new lighting, and leather chaises. A welcoming breakfast—including local Graffeo coffee and Bakers of Paris pastries—is displayed on each floor for guests to take back to rooms. Complimentary wine is served each evening in the lobby. Fino, the hotel restaurant, has been praised for its splendid service and delicious Italian fare. Pros: intimate; decor has character; moderately priced; free Wi-Fi. Cons: smallish rooms. TripAdvisor: “a San Francisco experience,” “friendly staff,” “quaint.” | Rooms from: $159 | 624 Post St., Union Sq. | 94109 | 415/563–6877, 800/926–3739 | www.andrewshotel.com | 48 rooms, 5 suites | Breakfast.

Beresford Arms.

$ | HOTEL | Surrounded by fancy molding and 10-foot-tall windows, the red-carpet lobby of this brick Victorian explains why the building is on the National Register of Historic Places. Rooms with dark-wood antique-reproduction furniture vary in size and setup: junior suites have sitting areas and either a wet bar or kitchenette; full suites have two queen beds, a Murphy bed, and a kitchen. All suites have a bidet in the bathroom and whirlpool bath. Standard rooms are quite cramped and, frankly, out of date, though they all recently received fresh carpet. Continental breakfast, afternoon tea, and wine are served beneath a crystal chandelier in the lobby. Pros: moderately priced; suites with kitchenettes and Murphy beds are a plus for families with kids; excellent service. Cons: no air-conditioning; cramped standard rooms; can be noisy at night. TripAdvisor: “quaint property with great location,” “a charming piece of the past,” “clean and friendly.” | Rooms from: $129 | 701 Post St., Union Sq. | 94109 | 415/673–2600, 800/533–6533 | www.beresford.com | 83 rooms, 12 suites | Breakfast.

Best Western Hotel California.

$ | HOTEL | A highly polished mahogany facade beckons you into the former Savoy Hotel, a 1913 building whose Western-style lobby with yellow-pane windows and oversize red-leather chairs recalls Gold Country hotels. Guests are greeted with a cold tequila shot—welcome to California! Traditional and modern comforts abound, including goose-down pillows and puffy featherbeds with 400-thread-count sheets. Suites have parlor rooms with a sofa and chair, a marble-top coffee table, and a large desk. Although all rooms at this Best Western property have been updated with amenities like flat-screen TVs and modern window shutters, they can still feel a bit closed in; small, dated baths and tiny closets add to this sensation. Complimentary afternoon wine and cheese are served in the lobby, and the food at the hotel’s Millennium Restaurant is so delicious that it’s hard for many to believe that it’s vegan (no meat or dairy). Pros: reasonably priced; just a few blocks from Union Square. Cons: somewhat dicey area—especially at night; smallish dark rooms; tight baths. TripAdvisor: “value for money,” “decent and handy,” “good stay for business.” | Rooms from: $129 | 580 Geary St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/441–2700, 800/780–7234, 800/227–4223 | www.hotelca.com/sanfrancisco | 70 rooms, 12 suites | Breakfast.

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square.

$$ | HOTEL | Built to accommodate visitors to the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, this busy hotel is considered by many to be one of the best bets on Union Square for comfort without extravagance. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the recently gussied up, albeit still modest, lobby overlook cable cars on Powell Street. The moderate-size Edwardian-style rooms, some with huge walk-in closets, have high ceilings, and were recently remodeled. Though a bit dated, the small, clean bathrooms have deep tubs—rubber ducky included. Fodorites appreciate the pillow menu and the friendly service (chat up the restaurant’s bartenders to find out new local eats). The pleasant Restaurant Luques serves breakfast and lunch, plus dinner (Wednesday through Saturday); complimentary coffee, tea, apples, and cookies are available around the clock in the lobby. Pros: huge walk-in closets; great value for Union Square; clean rooms. Cons: older building with dark hallways and rooms; small bathrooms; noise from cable cars. TripAdvisor: “nice for an old Union Square hotel,” “very well located,” “great value.” | Rooms from: $170 | 433 Powell St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/362–2004, 800/428–4748 | www.chancellorhotel.com | 135 rooms, 2 suites | No meals.

Clift San Francisco.

$$$ | HOTEL | A favorite of hipsters, music industry types, and celebrities fleeing the media onslaught—security discreetly keeps photographers and other heat-seekers away—this sexy hotel, whose entrance is so nondescript you can walk right past it without a hint of what’s inside, is the brainchild of entrepreneur Ian Schrager and artist-designer Philippe Starck. The moody, dramatically illuminated lobby is dominated by a gigantic Napoleonic chair that could accommodate Shrek, with room to spare. This theatrical staging is enhanced by surreal seating options like a leather love seat with buffalo tusks, all surrounding a floor-to-ceiling, pitch-black fireplace. Spacious rooms—as light as the lobby is darkly intriguing—have translucent orange Plexiglas tables, high ceilings, flat-screen TVs, and two huge “infinity” wall mirrors. Some visitors have remarked on the thin walls and advise booking a room on an upper-level floor to avoid street noise. The art-deco Redwood Room bar, paneled with wood from a 2,000-year-old tree, is known for its beautiful clientele. Asia de Cuba restaurant prepares an artful fusion of Asian and Latino cuisines. Pros: good rates compared to similar top-tier hotels in San Fran; surreal moody interior design; ideal location for shopping and theaters; close to public transportation; discreet and helpful staff. Cons: some guests note thin walls; street noise. TripAdvisor: “amazing staff,” “old-school cool,” “convenient stylish downtown option with good beds.” | Rooms from: $225 | 495 Geary St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/775–4700, 800/606–6090 | www.clifthotel.com | 337 rooms, 26 suites | No meals.

Executive Hotel Vintage Court.

$$ | HOTEL | This Napa Valley–inspired hotel two blocks from Union Square consistently updates rooms, which are named after California wineries. Some have sunny window seats, and all have large writing desks and dark-wood venetian blinds. Newly refreshed bathrooms are small; some have tub-showers, while others have stall showers. The Wine Country theme extends to complimentary local vintages served nightly in front of a roaring fire in the chocolate-hued lobby, where long couches encourage lingering. For a superior gastronomic experience, book a table at the adjoining Masa’s, one of the city’s most celebrated French restaurants. Pros: complimentary local wines; corner rooms offer plenty of light. Cons: small bathrooms; a bit of an uphill walk from downtown and many tourist spots. TripAdvisor: “great value and location,” “helpful staff,” “a little gem.” | Rooms from: $159 | 650 Bush St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/392–4666, 800/654–1100 | www.executivehotels.net/vintagecourt | 106 rooms, 1 suite | Breakfast.

Fodor’s Choice | Golden Gate Hotel.

$ | B&B/INN | Families looking for accommodations in the Union Square area will delight in this homey, family-run B&B. Built in 1913, the four-story Edwardian building has front and back bay windows and an original “birdcage” elevator that transports you to hallways lined with nostalgic historical photographs. Freshly painted and carpeted guest rooms are decorated with antiques, wicker pieces, and Laura Ashley bedding and curtains. Only fourteen rooms have private baths, some with claw-foot tubs. Sit in the cozy parlor by the fire and savor afternoon tea and homemade cookies. People with pet allergies should note: the resident cat and dog have the run of the house. Let the innkeepers know in advance, and they will air out the room before your arrival. Pros: friendly staff; spotless rooms; comfortable bedding; good location if you’re a walker. Cons: only some of the rooms have private baths. TripAdvisor: “a central city oasis,” “friendly staff,” “cozy little place.” | Rooms from: $105 | 775 Bush St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/392–3702, 800/835–1118 | www.goldengatehotel.com | 25 rooms, 14 with bath | Breakfast.

Grand Hyatt San Francisco.

$$ | HOTEL | After a $70 million renovation, the Grand Hyatt San Francisco has been completely reimagined. The new lobby evokes a communal spirit, with laser etchings of the San Francisco peninsula over floor-to-ceiling windows, and gas fireplaces. Rooms, embodying the comforts of home, feature warm autumnal tones, textured custom furniture like a plush suede desk chair, Chilewich window shades, original artwork, and teak beds. Windows can be blacked out from your bed with a press of a button. Other technological advances include a “jack pack” that allows you to plug in your computer or DVD player, which then projects on the swiveling flat screen. The key card connects to the thermostat and safe, letting you know if you left anything valuable upon checkout. Smallish bathrooms feature glass-top vanities and porcelain sinks large enough to bathe a small child. Spring for the Grand Club, and you’ll get a room on an upper floor and access to the all-day food and beverage service, computers, and concierge. Sidle up to the rooftop bar for 360-degree vistas of downtown and the bay. Pros: stylishly renovated; plenty of technological amenities; deals on weekends; stellar views from upper floors. Cons: small bathrooms; some guests complain about the Internet fee, which you must pay per device. TripAdvisor: “lovely quiet hotel,” “great location and service,” “comfortable room and incredible view.” | Rooms from: $199 | 345 Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/398-1234 | 659 | No meals.

Hilton San Francisco.

$$$ | HOTEL | With 1,908 newly renovated rooms and suites, this is the largest hotel in California—its lobby can sometimes feel like downtown at rush hour; its silvery tower rises 46 floors to a penthouse event space with awe-inspiring 360-degree panoramic views that rank among the finest in San Francisco. Handsome rooms, many with balconies and superlative views of their own, are either in the original 16-story building or in the tower, which was built in 1971. All rooms in the original building recently received a second soundproof window and sleek new earth-tone furnishings, and some also boast glass shower stalls. Accommodations on the 44th floor afford stunning city and bay views. Thirty-five executive cabana-style rooms surround a sheltered courtyard by an outdoor heated swimming pool and whirlpool. “Sight and Sound” guest rooms contain plasma TVs and custom connectivity panels for digital cameras, iPods, and video downloads. Urban Tavern is a place to enjoy a community table, charcuterie, and a simple dining menu. As the hotel borders the sometimes-dicey Tenderloin area, guests are directed east toward Union Square (two blocks away) when venturing out on foot after dark. Pros: super views; excellent service; full-service spa. Cons: area is dodgy after dark; there can be a wait at check-in. TripAdvisor: “on their game,” “great hotel,” “not your typical Hilton.” | Rooms from: $225 | 333 O’Farrell St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/771–1400 | www.hiltonsanfranciscohotel.com | 1,824 rooms, 84 suites | No meals.

Hotel Abri.

$$ | HOTEL | The Larkspur Hotel Collection has renovated the former Monticello Inn into a stylish hotel near Union Square shops, theaters, and restaurants. Most rooms are small but well appointed, with flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, comfy bedding, and L’Occitane bath products. The lobby has a modern feel, with a recessed fireplace and warm wood and stainless-steel accents. Puccini & Pinetti, an Italian restaurant next to the hotel, provides a lively bar scene. Free gym facilities are available a block away at Abri’s sister hotel, Villa Florence. Free morning coffee and newspapers are available in lobby. Pros: free Wi-Fi; shouting distance from the cable-car turnaround, shops, and eateries. Cons: most rooms have showers only; on-street parking nearly impossible. TripAdvisor: “perfect location,” “friendly staff,” “comfortable boutique hotel.” | Rooms from: $179 | 127 Ellis St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 866/823–4669, 415/392–8800 | www.hotel-abri.com | 63 rooms, 28 suites | No meals.

Hotel Beresford.

$ | HOTEL | This relatively inexpensive hotel is less than two blocks from Union Square. Well-maintained rooms with traditional furniture have recently received a wash of modernity—with fresh earth-toned linens, flat-screen TVs, and dark-wood furniture. The friendly staff assists with sightseeing arrangements, and the front desk has a large video library. The hotel has a small sitting room, a business center, and an exercise room. Pros: reasonably priced; close to Union Square; friendly staff; free Wi-Fi. Cons: no air-conditioning; small rooms. TripAdvisor: “great location,” “good hotel and service,” “lovely staff.” | Rooms from: $109 | 635 Sutter St., Union Sq. | 94109 | 415/673–9900, 800/533–6533 | www.beresford.com | 114 rooms | Breakfast.

Hotel Bijou.

$$ | HOTEL | Dedicated to the city’s cinematic history, this hotel’s tasteful lobby is filled with black-and-white photographs of local movie houses and reproductions of Tamara De Lempicka’s art-deco paintings. Each night the red-velvet curtains of the hotel’s twelve-seat 1930s “movie palace,” Le Petit Théâtre Bijou, open for guests-only shows, complimentary screenings of films shot on location in San Francisco; classic noirs such as The Maltese Falcon have been on the bill. Smallish but cheerful rooms are decorated with black-and-white movie stills and basic amenities. The convenience of this downtown location is offset by the proximity to the Tenderloin. Pros: near downtown; free nightly movies. Cons: close to the Tenderloin; small rooms. TripAdvisor: “charming,” “very helpful staff,” “basic.” | Rooms from: $180 | 111 Mason St., at Eddy St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/771–1200, 800/771–1022 | www.hotelbijou.com | 65 rooms | No meals.

Hotel des Arts.

$ | HOTEL | You’ll need to climb a narrow, nondescript staircase to discover this small, funky hotel, which doubles as an art gallery: the hallways and rooms have been transformed by international artists who painted splashy murals and installed site-specific small sculptures. The exhibited art is rotated constantly, so you can let serendipity be your guide. If you’re looking for a cool souvenir of your stay, some small paintings are available for purchase. Pros: art-gallery atmosphere; good location. Cons: only about half of the rooms have private baths; small rooms. TripAdvisor: “charming,” “comfortable and convenient,” “nice basic rooms.” | Rooms from: $89 | 447 Bush St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/956–3232, 800/956–4322 | www.sfhoteldesarts.com | 43 rooms | Breakfast.

Fodor’s Choice | Hotel Diva.

$$ | HOTEL | Entering this hotel requires stepping over footprints, handprints, and autographs embedded into the sidewalk by visiting stars; with two major theaters, the Curran and the American Conservatory Theater, just across the street, this hotel has long been a magnet for actors, musicians, writers, and artists. It’s undoubtedly a hip place, and the $2 million renovation in 2012 ensures that the guest rooms, especially the suites, are as urban and modern as the hotel’s clientele. New designer carpets complement brushed-steel industrial headboards that echo the shape of ocean waves. Crisp white sheets highlighted by a purple throw, and Harry Bertoia chairs add further character. Window shades evoke the hotel’s sexy chic with silhouettes of stiletto-heeled legs and a lingerie-clad model’s torso. In true Diva fashion, these teasing images can be viewed from the street below. Bathrooms are tiny but equipped with eco-friendly bath products. Kids will appreciate the colorful Little Divas Suites decked out in vibrant bedding and stocked with toys, Wii, and a karaoke machine. A Starbucks and Colibri Mexican Bistro are just off the lobby. Pros: clean; safe; in the heart of the theater district; accommodating service. Cons: no frills; tiny bathrooms. TripAdvisor: “lovely,” “well priced contemporary option,” “great location and staff.” | Rooms from: $199 | 440 Geary St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/885–0200, 800/553–1900 | www.hoteldiva.com | 115 rooms, 3 suites | No meals.

Hotel Monaco, San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | A cheery 1910 Beaux-Arts facade and snappily dressed doormen welcome you into a lobby dominated by a French inglenook fireplace, vaulted ceilings painted with whimsical murals of hot-air balloons, a marble staircase, and a large metal baobab tree dedicated to hotelier Bill Kimpton. At press time the hotel was embarking on a major renovation of its already striking guest quarters. Outer rooms feature bay-window seats overlooking the bustling theater district. If you didn’t bring a pet, request a “companion goldfish.” Guests have cheered the hotel’s staff for its “amazing service” and “attention to detail” and praised the Grand Café and Bar, which serves French/Californian cuisine. Take advantage of complimentary access to the recently redone Spa, where you can soak, steam, or bake to your heart’s content from 6 am to 10 pm. Pros: amazing service; stylish; full of character; near theater district. Cons: close to the Tenderloin; some discount-rate rooms are small. TripAdvisor: “fabulous bar,” “wonderful property,” “very friendly staff.” | Rooms from: $399 | 501 Geary St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/292–0100, 866/622–5284 | www.monaco-sf.com | 181 rooms, 20 suites | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | Hotel Nikko, San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | The vast surfaces of gray-flecked white marble and gurgling fountains in the neoclassical lobby of this business-traveler hotel have the sterility of an airport; however the crisply designed rooms in muted tones, with flat-screen TVs, modern (and newly renovated) bathrooms with sinks that sit on top of granite bases, plus separate showers and tubs, please jet-setters. Guest rooms were completely refreshed in 2011 to create a sleek new look highlighting the hotel’s Japanese essence, with new bedding, white-leather headboards and desk chairs, and pale-blue curtains. Some higher-end rooms come with complimentary breakfast. The excellent 10,000-square-foot Club Nikko fitness facility has traditional ofuros (Japanese soaking tubs), his-and-her kamaburso (Japanese meditation rooms), and a glass-enclosed 16-meter rooftop pool and a whirlpool. The Rrazz Room cabaret theater, located on the lobby level, is a venue for national talent and nostalgia acts most evenings. The hotel restaurant Anzu, which also received a makeover, serves California-Japanese cuisine. Pros: friendly multilingual staff; large indoor pool; very clean. Cons: rooms and antiseptic lobby lack color; some may find the atmosphere cold; expensive parking. TripAdvisor: “amazing room,” “friendly staff,” “great services and great gym.” | Rooms from: $265 | 222 Mason St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/394–1111, 800/248–3308 | www.hotelnikkosf.com | 510 rooms, 22 suites | No meals.

Hotel Rex.

$$ | HOTEL | At this stylish literary-themed hotel—named after San Francisco Renaissance poet, translator, and essayist Kenneth Rexroth and frequented by artists and writers—paintings and shelves of antiquarian books line the “library,” a homey lobby lounge where book readings and roundtable discussions take place as locals and tourists sip libations and eat decadent meals. Small, somewhat dark, cramped rooms with restored period furnishings and striped carpeting evoke the spirit of salon society. The hotel also provides modern touches like a study decorated with a collection of vintage typewriters (and two high-tech workstations). Currently breakfast and dinner are served in the Library Bar, which also hosts an evening wine reception with live jazz on Friday nights. At press time, celebrity chef Tyler Florence was preparing to open a restaurant at the Rex. Pros: convenient location; literary pedigree. Cons: cramped, airless rooms; tiny baths and closets; musty hallways. TripAdvisor: “perfect for the San Francisco experience,” “really friendly staff,” “atmosphere and style.” | Rooms from: $199 | 562 Sutter St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/433–4434, 800/433–4434 | www.thehotelrex.com | 92 rooms, 2 suites | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | Hotel Triton.

$$ | HOTEL | The spirit of fun has taken up full-time residence in this Kimpton property, which has a youngish, superfriendly staff; pink-and-blue-neon elevators; and a colorful psychedelic lobby mural depicting the San Francisco art and music scene—think flower power mixed with Andy Warhol. Playful furniture includes a green-and-gold metallic couch and striped carpeting, a whimsical and far-out setting for free morning coffee and tea, fresh afternoon cookies, evening wine events, and the on-call tarot reader. Smallish colorful rooms boast Chinese dragons stenciled over excerpts of Beat literature, striking yellow headboards, vintage chairs, and chalkboard doors donned with quotes from famed writers. The ultimate effect is a hybrid of San Francisco influences. Sinks are positioned outside the bathrooms, European style. The four celebrity-themed suites provide whimsy and decadence with panache—favorites include the Jerry Garcia room and The Häagen-Dazs “Sweet Suite,” with a fridge full of ice cream. A 24-hour yoga channel will help you find that elusive path to inner peace. Pros: attentive service; refreshingly funky atmosphere; hip arty environs; good location. Cons: rooms and baths are on the small side. TripAdvisor: “amazing staff,” “fun and swanky,” “best hotel ever.” | Rooms from: $179 | 342 Grant Ave., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/394–0500, 800-800-1299 | www.hoteltriton.com | 133 rooms, 7 suites | No meals.

Inn at Union Square.

$$$ | B&B/INN | Whether you are celebrating an anniversary or are in town for business, this crowd-pleasing B&B provides a retreat from the hustle of Union Square while being located in the heart of it all. The small inn dates back to 1912 when it was an antiquarian bookstore with accommodations to boot. A friendly staff mans the small lobby, while guests retreat upstairs to reasonably sized rooms decked out in maroon and gold. Poster beds, oversized pillows, flat-screen TVs, tubs and Aveda bath products add additional comforts. In the mornings, guests congregate on their floor’s lounge for expanded Continental breakfast; in the afternoon come wine and small bites; and before bed, guests munch on chocolate chip cookies and chat about their days. At turndown, staffers deliver bottles of water and chocolate. Pros: helpful staff; comfortable rooms; in the center of Union Square. Cons: some rooms can be noisy; interiors feel stuffy; cramped hallways. TripAdvisor: “quaint,” “great boutique hotel,” “outstanding service.” | Rooms from: $249 | 440 Post St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 800/288-4346 | 30 | Breakfast.

JW Marriott San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | Bullet elevators whisk guests skyward from the marble foyer of this John Portman–designed hotel, formerly the Pan Pacific. A graceful Matisse-inspired bronze sculpture encircles the fountain in the dramatically reconfigured 21-story lobby atrium. Guest rooms boast gold, olive, and maroon bedding, large flat-screen TVs, and versatile desks for dining or working. Elegant bathrooms contain new vanities and deep soaking tubs, which many guests rave about. The hotel recently completed a massive renovation of its fitness room and meeting rooms. Pros: recently renovated; convenient location; large rooms; luxurious bathrooms. Cons: comfortable but lacking character; some readers complain that the showers are too small. TripAdvisor: “a gem near Union Square,” “great location,” “wonderful hotel experience.” | Rooms from: $499 | 500 Post St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/771–8600 | www.jwmarriottunionsquare.com | 329 rooms, 8 suites | No meals.

Kensington Park Hotel.

$$$ | HOTEL | Built in the1920s in a Moorish and Gothic style, this intimate boutique hotel, originally designed to house the city’s Elks Club, has retained its distinctive period feel and features. The lobby is classically refined, with rich marble and dark-wood accents, crystal chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, and antique furnishings. Although the hotel completed a major renovation of its guest rooms in 2008, the upgrade didn’t include the bathrooms, which are sparkling, but on the small side. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, lacquer desks, and art deco touches. Complimentary morning coffee and evening tea and sherry are served daily in the lobby. The upper floors, whose rooms are equipped with telescopes to take in the city views, are the quietest, as are accommodations facing away from the busy downtown street. What the hotel lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in convenience and service. Some guests have commented that staying here is more like visiting a friend than being at a hotel. Plus, the location can’t be beat: Union Square is right outside the door. Pros: friendly personal service; guests rave about great location. Cons: some rooms have street noise; standard rooms are on the smallish side. TripAdvisor: “a gem for the nostalgic,” “superior staff attention,” “great location.” | Rooms from: $219 | 450 Post St., Union Sq. | 94111 | 415/788–6400, 800/553–1900 | www.kensingtonparkhotel.com | 92 rooms, 1 suite | No meals.

King George Hotel.

$ | HOTEL | Service and hospitality have been points of pride at this hotel since its 1914 opening, when room rates started at $1 a night. Though the compact rooms are attractively furnished in classic English style with walnut furniture and olive and mustard linens, they can feel a bit stuffy, dark, and cramped; baths and closets are minuscule. Service is excellent, though, and the front-desk and concierge staff cater to your every whim: they can book anything from a Fisherman’s Wharf tour to a dinner reservation. For a slightly higher rate you can enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening bar service next to the red-carpet lobby, or kick back in the comfortable, pub-style lounge. The hotel just completed an update of their heating systems and water heaters. Pros: friendly service; quiet, convenient location. Cons: no tubs; low ceilings in hallways; small closets; on the edge of the Tenderloin. TripAdvisor: “good base for exploring the city,” “great location,” “cozy and clean.” | Rooms from: $149 | 334 Mason St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/781–5050, 800/288–6005 | www.kinggeorge.com | 153 rooms | No meals.

Larkspur Union Square.

$$$ | HOTEL | This compact boutique hotel in a 1913 Edwardian building near Union Square retains the original period feel throughout the rooms, lobby, and lively Bar 1915. Rooms come with FeatherBorne beds, Lather natural bath and body products, and flat-screen TVs. A computer and printer are available in the library. As this is a historic building, some rooms, especially double rooms, and baths can feel cramped and claustrophobic—but for travelers who want to be near Union Square it’s a relatively inexpensive option. Pros: great location; spacious closets; clean; homey lobby. Cons: airless rooms and hallways; small baths. TripAdvisor: “comfortable beds,” “old fashioned,” “central location.” | Rooms from: $249 | 524 Sutter St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/421–2865, 866/823–4669 | www.larkspurhotels.com | 109 rooms, 5 suites | No meals.

Orchard Garden Hotel.

$$$$ | HOTEL | Feel virtuous and environmentally sensitive at the first San Francisco hotel built to environmentally stringent LEED specifications, exacting standards that mandate the incorporation of eco-friendly features such as chemical-free cleaning agents, recycling bins, and a custom guest-room key card energy-control system. Local artist Archie Held’s glass water sculpture in the lobby sets a high aesthetic standard. Hotel highlights include junior terrace rooms with private outdoor space and views of downtown, and a rooftop deck open to all guests, who are invited to bring their own refreshments and take in the sweeping city views. The owner’s collection of original artwork is scattered throughout the hotel and rooftop garden. Amenities include complimentary car service to the Financial District. Buffet breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner, can be enjoyed at Roots restaurant, which is supplied by organic and local purveyors. The simply styled rooms offer low-flow toilets, textiles in soothing hues of green and gold, and natural woods. Pros: environmentally sensitive; clean rooms; great location close to the Financial District and Chinatown. Cons: a bit of a hike from Union Square. TripAdvisor: “a beautiful modern hotel,” “nice staff,” “very comfortable.” | Rooms from: $259 | 46 Bush St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/399–9807, 888/717–2881 | www.theorchardgardenhotel.com | 86 rooms | Breakfast.

Orchard Hotel.

$$$$ | HOTEL | The 104-room hotel embraces state-of-the-art technology—from CD and DVD players in each room to Wi-Fi access throughout the building—mixing cutting-edge Silicon Valley chic with classic European touches. Unlike most of the area’s other boutique hotels, which occupy century-old buildings, the strictly-21st-century Orchard was built in 2000. The marble lobby, where the bronze statue Spring Awakening greets visitors, previews the dramatic architectural embellishments, like arched openings, vaulted ceilings, and stone floors that guests find throughout the hotel. With just 12 rooms per floor, the hotel feels intimate. Rooms, sizable by boutique-hotel standards, are done in a soft palette of relaxing colors, a balm for harried shoppers returning from a busy day of retail therapy in Union Square. The restaurant, Daffodil, serves seasonal California fare for breakfast and dinner. Like its “green sister,” the Orchard Garden, this hotel has also received LEED certification, giving SF visitors yet another eco-friendly option. Pros: cutting-edge technology; sizable boutique-style rooms; tech-savvy quarters; green pedigree. Cons: can be pricey. TripAdvisor: “pleasant stay,” “just like home,” “large room and perfect location.” | Rooms from: $269 | 665 Bush St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/362–8878, 888/717–2881 | www.theorchardhotel.com | 104 rooms, 9 suites | No meals.

Parc 55 Wyndham San Francisco-Union Square.

$$$$ | HOTEL | The city’s fourth-largest hotel in town bustles with activity, but its size is by no means overwhelming. Spacious standard rooms come with one king-size or two double beds, flat-screen TVs, handsome desks, and ergonomic chairs. Loveseats, placed by picture windows, offer a comfortable respite while you take in city and bay views. The off-white hallways are on the sterile side, and the bathrooms, while not particularly stylish, are clean and well laid out. All guest rooms received a sweeping renovation when the hotel became a Wyndham property in 2009, as did the meeting facilities, lobby, fitness room, and Club Lounge. Dining options include Cityhouse, a steak and seafood restaurant, and Smooth Thai, which serves lunch and dinner. Complimentary coffee service is available in the rooms and the lobby. Pros: close to public transportation, shops, and restaurants; comfortable rooms, some with nice views. Cons: the immediate area can be seedy at night; panhandlers abound; no street parking. | Rooms from: $259 | 55 Cyril Magnin St., near 5th and Market Sts., Union Sq. | 94102 | 800/595–0507, 415/392–8000 | www.parc55hotel.com | 1,015 rooms.

Petite Auberge.

$ | B&B/INN | The provincial room decor of this re-creation of an intimate French country inn pleases Francophiles looking for a retreat from hectic downtown. The small rooms each have bright flowered wallpaper, an old-fashioned writing desk, and a much-needed armoire (there’s little or no closet space). Many rooms have a gas fireplace, and the suite has a whirlpool tub. Afternoon tea, wine, and hors d’oeuvres are served in the lobby by the fire, and there’s a full-breakfast buffet in the downstairs dining room. For less city noise, splurge for a room in the back of the building. Pros: European charm. Cons: virtually no closet space; some guests complain that rooms need updating. TripAdvisor: “a touch of France,” “charming non-sterile inn,” “a real jewel in the city.” | Rooms from: $119 | 863 Bush St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/928–6000, 800/365–3004 | www.jdvhotels.com | 25 rooms, 1 suite | Breakfast.

The Prescott Hotel.

$$ | HOTEL | This relatively small establishment known for extremely personalized service prides itself on providing “good taste on Union Square.” The rooms, which recently received new carpets and televisions, are filled with cherry furniture and decorated in dark autumn colors. The bathrooms have marble-top sinks. Free coffee in the morning and wine in the evening are offered every day by a flickering fireplace in the living room. Executive Club Level rooms include free Continental breakfast and afternoon cocktails with Puck’s pizza in the private Executive Club Level lounge. The adjacent award winning restaurant/bar Postrio serves excellent seasonal California cuisine. Pros: good location; excellent café and bar, and restaurant is top-notch, too. Cons: off-site valet service can be slow; some guests complain of street noise; rooms in need of some TLC. TripAdvisor: “friendly and helpful staff,” “a very comfortable stay,” “fantastic gem.” | Rooms from: $179 | 545 Post St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/563–0303, 866/271–3632 | www.prescotthotel.com | 132 rooms, 32 suites | No meals.

San Francisco Marriott Union Square.

$$$$ | HOTEL | Business travelers appreciate the Marriott’s attention to their needs and its prime location near shopping, restaurants, nightspots, and public transportation. Guests are encouraged to bring their laptops or newspapers to the Great Room lobby, sit on autumn-hued couches at the picture windows, and watch the cable cars pass. Quarters have been conceived to please that breed of business traveler—and you know who you are—who totes every gadget imaginable. You’ll find easily accessible plugs, a movable desk, an ergonomic chair, and even a laptop connector to the flat-screen TV. Some rooms have views of the bay, city lights, and Union Square. In-room pullout sofas and rollaway bed options are a plus for families with children. Pros: convenient location; a slew of in-room amenities for business travelers. Cons: noisy street; feels corporate. TripAdvisor: “cozy and clean,” “very nice service,” “quiet.” | Rooms from: $279 | 480 Sutter St., Union Sq. | 94109 | 415/398–8900, 415/989–8823 | www.marriott.com | 447 rooms, 53 suites | No meals.

Sir Francis Drake Hotel.

$$ | HOTEL | Beefeater-costumed doormen welcome you into the regal lobby of this 1928 landmark property—newly unveiled from a $30 million renovation—decked out with chandeliers, Italian marble, velvet furnishings and a sparkling new centerpiece bar hugged by silver stools and a pair of Renaissance-inspired murals; the cumulative effect is of an Italian castle restored to her former glory. The renovation was just what this ole gal needed, injecting her with the energy of a teenager. Though quarters are fitted with typical technological amenities, the rooms are meant to evoke Sir Francis Drake’s era with regal headboards atop beds draped in blue, white, red, and grey. Bathrooms are, unfortunately, still tiny. You can bank on a first-rate location in an establishment steeped in history, including Harry Denton’s Starlight Room, on the hotel’s top floor. A tribute to faded 1920s glory, it’s one of the city’s best-known skyline bars. The hotel’s surprisingly affordable restaurant, Scala’s Bistro, serves better-than-average food in its somewhat noisy bi-level dining room. Pros: can’t beat the location; free in-room Wi-Fi; on-site restaurant and bar are moderately priced; renovation added needed spice to a faded queen. Cons: small baths; some complaints about unresponsive service and cleanliness. TripAdvisor: “very friendly staff,” “great service,” “smells of history.” | Rooms from: $199 | 450 Powell St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/392–7755, 800/795–7129 | www.sirfrancisdrake.com | 412 rooms, 4 suites | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | Taj Campton Place San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | Beauty and highly attentive service remain the hallmarks of this exquisite jewel-like, top-tier hotel. Fresh-cut orchids and Japanese floral arrangements bring natural beauty inside, where you’ll feel sheltered from the teeming crowds on the street. Updated rooms can be small but are well laid out and elegantly decorated in a contemporary Italian style, with sandy earth tones and handsome pear-wood paneling and cabinetry. Limestone baths have deep soaking tubs; double-pane windows keep city noises at bay, a plus in this active neighborhood. Free overnight shoeshine service, an attentive staff, and intuitive turndown service add to the enchantment. The Campton Place Restaurant, whose East Indian chef serves French-infused contemporary cuisine at dinner, is famed for its lavish breakfasts, decadent tasting menus, and luscious desserts. The lounge is a popular cocktail-hour hangout for the downtown crowd. Pros: attentive service; first-class restaurant; abundant natural light; the most lavish robes in town. Cons: pricey (but worth it). TripAdvisor: “fantastic service,” “amazing location,” “cozy.” | Rooms from: $615 | 340 Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/781–5555, 866/332–1670 | www.camptonplace.com | 101 rooms, 9 suites | No meals.

Room for the Kids

With some luck and a little planning, the family trip to San Francisco will be something you and your kids will always remember . . . in a good way. Finding the right lodgings can go a long way toward making your vacation a success.

Start with the practical stuff—the equivalent of eating your vegetables before you get dessert. You’ll want to find something with enough room, so look for places with full suites (more than one discrete room with a door between rooms) or junior suites (with an extra sitting–dining area) so the kids can play on their own without getting underfoot. Cow Hollow Motor Inn and Suites has apartment-size quarters, and the Fairmont Heritage Place’s spacious apartments can fit a large family. Hotel Diva tapped into the hip kiddo market by crafting luxe quarters for the playground set; imagine a bunk bed draped with colorful bedding, stuffed animals, toys, a Wii, and a karaoke machine. If you can’t afford a suite, places with big closets (such as the Chancellor) can help with the clutter of toys, strollers, and the like.

Motels with parking right outside your door (like those on Lombard Street) can help you clear clutter, too, as well as reduce the schlep factor coming and going. Many hotels contract with babysitting services, and some have child-friendly furnishings in certain rooms. Places with kitchens or kitchenettes (such as the Beresford Arms and the Laurel Inn) will make meals and snacks easier, and if you can afford it, room service is a great mess-free way to feed the group—just shove the dirty dishes into the hallway and call down to have them removed. Some expensive hotels, such as the Ritz-Carlton, have Club Levels with continuous food service all day. This option costs extra but can actually save you money on meals and snacks.

Now for the fun! Any place with a pool will probably be a hit if your kids can swim. Video games can also while away the hours if absolutely necessary. The Seal Rock Inn has a play area with a small pool, Ping-Pong table, and badminton court, and it’s close to the beach, which can be fun if it’s not too cold. Ask if your hotel has special welcome amenities for kids, such as the toys and games offered by the Hilton, Four Seasons, Argonaut, and Omni; complimentary kids’ snacks (such as cookies and milk at the Omni and the Hotel Del Sol); or a library of games, movies, and snacks for kiddos at the Fairmont Heritage Place.

The Fairmont has a wonderful “Doorman for a Day” program that lets kids don an official pint-size doorman’s cap to greet guests and blow a whistle to hail a taxi while Mom and Dad capture the moment with a camera supplied free by the hotel (kids get to keep the whistle). Kids staying at the Golden Gate Hotel like to ride up and down on the antique “birdcage” elevator and play with Pip the cat or Humphrey the friendly golden retriever. Enough fun for you? This is just a sampling—you’ll have to find the rest on your own!

–Andy Moore

Villa Florence.

$$$$ | HOTEL | This newly remodeled mid-size hotel promises a little bit of Italy on Powell Street. Bar Norcini, an Italian café-bar with marble surfaces, is just off the street, and a glass wall separates a wide lobby with high ceilings, comfy furnishings, and Italianate chandeliers from Kuleto’s, a boisterous, trendy restaurant often packed with locals. Guests can enter the restaurant directly from inside the hotel and eat there, or simply sit at the bar. The hotel’s freshly painted colorful hallways have plush orange-print carpets, and the traditional rooms, though not large, feel comfortable, upbeat, and expansive, with inviting FeatherBorne beds, new TVs and work desks. Bathrooms are clean and closets are spacious. Offering contemporary surroundings with Tuscan character and personalized service, it’s an attractive alternative to the sterility of the larger chain hotels in the area. Be warned: the hotel charges a resort fee to cover “amenities” like newspaper delivery or town car use. Pros: great location for those who want to be in the center of things; easy access to shopping, theater, and public transport; town cars drive guests around the city throughout the day. Cons: excess fees; noise from cable cars; crowded street. | Rooms from: $395 | 225 Powell St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/397–7700 | www.villaflorence.com | 154 rooms, 28 suites | No meals.

Westin St. Francis.

$$$$ | HOTEL | The site of sensational, headline-making scandals, this hotel’s past is shrouded as much in infamy as in stardust: This is where Sara Jane Moore tried to assassinate President Gerald Ford and where singer Al Jolson died playing poker—not to mention the tempest that erupted after a booze fest hosted by silent-film comedian Fatty Arbuckle in Suite 1219–21 ended with the death of an aspiring actress. The hotel is comprised of the original building (Empire-style furnishings, Victorian moldings) and a modern 32-story tower (Asian-inspired lacquered furniture, glass elevators); guests are divided when it comes to the virtues of the modern addition versus the historic building. A recent $40-million renovation upgraded the guest rooms on the historic side, all the suites, and most of the common areas. Adding to the air of upscale sophistication is the cool chic of Michael Mina’s classy Bourbon Steak restaurant and his new cocktail lounge, the Clock Bar, as well as the venerable Oak Room Restaurant, Chateau Montelena tasting room, and Caruso’s Café and lounge. Pros: fantastic beds; prime location; spacious rooms, some with great views. Cons: some guests comment on the long wait at check-in; rooms in original building can be small; glass elevators are not for the faint of heart. TripAdvisor: “better than ever,” “within walking distance to everything,” “beautiful hotel.” | Rooms from: $299 | 335 Powell St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/397–7000, 800/917–7458 | www.westinstfrancis.com | 1,157 rooms, 38 suites | No meals.

White Swan Inn.

$ | B&B/INN | A cozy library with a crackling fireplace is the heart of this inviting English-style B&B. Patrons rest on comfortable chairs and sofas in the lounge, where wine, cheese, and tea are served in the afternoon, and a gourmet breakfast buffet in the morning. The sizable rooms have plaid bedspreads, floral carpeting and wallpaper, reproduction Edwardian furniture, and gas fireplaces topped by a book-lined mantel. Adding to the charm, the friendly staff seems to know everyone’s name. Pros: cozy B&B antidote to sterile chain hotels; nice lounge and patio area. Cons: thin walls can make for noisy rooms; nearby streets can be rough at night; Union Square is three steep blocks downhill. TripAdvisor: “above and beyond service,” “friendly and comfortable,” “beautiful boutique style hotel.” | Rooms from: $139 | 845 Bush St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/775–1755, 800/999–9570 | www.jdvhotels.com | 25 rooms, 1 suite | Breakfast.

CHINATOWN

SW Hotel.

$$ | HOTEL | Opened in 1913 as the Columbo Hotel, this lodging on the bustling border between Chinatown and North Beach has rooms and suites decorated in a blend of Italian and Chinese styles, with Florentine wall coverings and Ming-style furniture. Old-fashioned wooden venetian blinds cover the windows, and baths have polished granite countertops. Top-floor rooms have nice views of Coit Tower and North Beach. Be warned: The smallest rooms have teensy closets and bathrooms, so ask for the most spacious accommodations available. A multilingual staff serves morning pastries and beverages in the renovated mezzanine area. Pros: top-floor views of Coit Tower; multilingual staff; self-serve parking under building. Cons: cramped closets and bathrooms; some guests complain of disappointing breakfast. TripAdvisor: “lots to like,” “very friendly service,” “great base for exploring Chinatown.” | Rooms from: $179 | 615 Broadway, Chinatown | 94133 | 415/362–2999, 888/595–9188 | www.swhotel.com | 81 rooms, 2 suites | Breakfast.

SOMA AND CIVIC CENTER

SoMa’s burgeoning lodging scene, spawned by the Moscone Convention Center, AT&T Park, and the conglomeration of museums and high-end eateries, includes some of the city’s greenest chain operations, and boutique hotels are opening that cater to techie conventioneers. In both SoMa and the Civic Center, you won’t want to take leisurely evening strolls, as the streets get seedy after dark.

SOMA

Best Western Plus Carriage Inn.

$ | HOTEL | The newly rebranded Best Western Plus Carriage Inn reminisces about San Francisco’s literary, subversive, and comedic history by paying homage to city legends. Upon entering the boisterous lobby, view the framed caricatures of the city’s brightest—you’ll notice everyone from the sign-toting Frank Chu to the Golden Gate’s favorite son, Robin Williams. Each spacious room—decked out in a funky stew of antique furnishings, Asian-themed throw pillows, and contemporary touches like flat-screen TVs—pay tribute to a local celebrity whose bio is carefully typed out on the room’s antique typewriter. Whether your room channels Cheech Marin or Mark Twain, you’ll find plenty of character and wit in this somewhat seedy slice of the city. Pros: plenty of character; spacious rooms; hot tub; free Wi-Fi and Continental breakfast. Cons: not the safest neighborhood; thin walls. TripAdvisor: “nice room,” “eclectic and edgy,” “perfect blend of quality and value.” | Rooms from: $129 | 140 7th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/552–8600, 866/539–0036 | www.carriageinnsf.com | 48 rooms | Breakfast.

Fodor’s Choice | Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | Occupying floors 5 through 17 of a skyscraper, this exclusive, award-winning hotel is sandwiched between multimillion-dollar condos, elite shops, and a premier sports-and-fitness complex. Elegant rooms with contemporary artwork and fine fresh linens have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking either Yerba Buena Gardens or the historic downtown. All have deep soaking tubs, glass-enclosed showers, and flat-screen TVs. From the contemporary street-level lobby, take the elevator to the vast Sports Club/LA, where you have free access to the junior Olympic pool, full-size indoor basketball court, and the rest of the magnificent facilities, classes, and spa services. Seasons restaurant serves pricey steak-house fare—emphasizing prime California cuts of meat—with playful interpretations on traditional sides, plus desserts fit for the royalty who frequent this luxe hotel. Various packages offer focuses on art, shopping, and cooking. Pros: near museums, galleries, restaurants, shopping and clubs; terrific fitness facilities; luxurious rooms and amenities. Cons: pricey; staff can be uppity. TripAdvisor: “faultless Four Seasons experience,” “high class,” “awesome service.” | Rooms from: $415 | 757 Market St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/633–3000, 800/332–3442, 800/819–5053 | www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco | 231 rooms, 46 suites | No meals.

Hotel Palomar San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | Favored by celebs, this hotel on the top five floors of the green-tile 1908 Pacific Place Building offers a luxurious oasis above the busiest part of town: a softly lighted lounge area with plush sofas gives way to the chic, and much raved about, Fifth Floor restaurant-café, renowned for its adventurous French cuisine and exquisite wine list. Spacious rooms promise refuge from downtown with muted alligator-pattern carpeting, drapes with bold taupe-and-cream stripes, flat-screen TVs, and sleek furniture echoing a 1930s sensibility. Corner kings have recently been spruced up to offer extra luxury. Sparkling bathrooms provide a decadent collection of botanical infusions for optimal relaxation. In-room spa services such as massage, manicures, and body wraps are facilitated through the Relax and Rejuvenate Spa. Fun Kimpton treats include in-room yoga, your own goldfish by your bed (upon request), guided morning runs along the waterfront, complimentary bikes, and the in-house pet dog, Maverick, everyone’s favorite pooch. Pros: in-room spa service available; first-class restaurant; good location; refuge from downtown. Cons: pricey. TripAdvisor: “customer service excels,” “a respite from the chaos,” “beautiful.” | Rooms from: $459 | 12 4th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/348–1111, 866/373–4941 | www.hotelpalomar-sf.com | 184 rooms, 11 suites | No meals.

InterContinental San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | The arctic-blue glass exterior and subdued, Zen-like lobby of this sparkling hotel may be as bland as an airport concourse, but they’re merely a prelude to the spectacularly light, expansive, thoughtfully laid-out guest rooms, which have all the ultramodern conveniences. The hotel lies within shouting distance of Moscone Center, so its business is geared toward convention and corporate travelers, which, depending on occupancy, can make for lower rates on weekends. Bar 888 specializes in vintage grappas, and Luce Restaurant, trimmed in iridescent black mosaic, serves Italian/Californian cuisine. The quiet Club Lounge offers hot breakfasts, tasty snacks, sandwiches, beverages, and desserts, plus access to computer terminals and a pleasant outdoor terrace. The spa provides an array of treatments ranging from massage to botanical facials. Hotel guests have access to the pool, whirlpool, and steam rooms. Be aware: the hotel is in a “transitional neighborhood.” Pros: a stone’s throw from the Moscone Center; well-equipped gym; near hip clubs and edgy eateries. Cons: conservative decor is a bit short on character; borders a rough neighborhood; a few blocks off from many major points of interest for tourists. TripAdvisor: “amazing stay,” “sweet dreams,” “great location.” | Rooms from: $289 | 888 Howard St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/616–6500, 866/781–2364 | www.intercontinentalsanfrancisco.com | 536 rooms, 14 suites | No meals.

The Mosser Hotel.

$ | HOTEL | Originally built by patron of the arts Alice Phelan in 1913 as the Keystone, this property was purchased in 1981 by composer Charles W. Mosser and completely renovated in 2003. The result is a compatible pairing of contemporary decor and original Victorian architectural elements. Recent upgrades include double-pane windows, new bedding, and flat-screen TVs. A musical motif extends throughout: Studio Paradiso, which offers state-of-the-art recording equipment and an expert technical staff, is next door, and handsomely framed lithographs of recording equipment hang on the walls of the rooms. Tastefully decorated in geometrical patterns of either olive-green or maroon, about three-quarters of the rooms have tiled private baths with deep tubs, and the rest offer clean, convenient shared facilities on each floor. Annabelle’s Bar & Bistro serves contemporary California-style cuisine for lunch and dinner. Ask for special rates at this convenient, stylish, family-owned hotel. Pros: convenient location; reasonably priced; music-themed rooms; lively SoMa location. Cons: a third of the rooms are without private baths; can be loud. TripAdvisor: “pleasant surprise,” “heart of the action,” “clean and cool.” | Rooms from: $109 | 54 4th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/986–4400, 800/227–3804 | www.themosser.com | 166 rooms, 112 with bath | Breakfast.

Palace Hotel, San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | Majestic is the word that best sums up this landmark hotel, which was the world’s largest and most luxurious when it opened in 1875. It was completely rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and fire, and the carriage entrance reemerged as the grand Garden Court restaurant. Despite major renovations in 2012, the architectural details that recall a bygone era remain, among them the Austrian crystal chandeliers; the tall, mirrored glass doors; and eight pairs of bronze-filigreed marble columns supporting a magnificent dome ceiling filtering natural light; it’s a refined environment ideally suited for the afternoon tea served on weekends and daily during holiday periods. Rooms have 14-foot ceilings, traditional mahogany furnishings, flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms. The wood-panel Pied Piper Bar is named after the delightful 1909 Maxfield Parrish mural behind the bar. Pros: gracious service; close to Union Square; near BART. Cons: design from another era; smallish rooms with even smaller baths; many nearby establishments closed on weekends; west-facing rooms can be warm and stuffy. TripAdvisor: “unique and worth every penny,” “great service,” “historic beauty.” | Rooms from: $599 | 2 New Montgomery St., SoMa | 94105 | 415/512–1111, 888/627–7196 | www.sfpalace.com | 518 rooms, 34 suites | No meals.

The Pickwick Hotel.

$ | HOTEL | This terra-cotta-clad neo-Gothic hotel, built in 1926, is decked out with a can’t-miss-it, seven-story corner sign straight out of film noir. Next door to the Westfield San Francisco Centre, which houses Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, and convenient to Moscone Center, the Yerba Buena Gardens, and Union Square, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers. The hotel just received a sweeping enhancement, bringing new carpets, curtains, windows, tubs and bedding to all rooms, some of which have flat-screen TVs, as well as a new look for the historical lobby. Little Joe’s offers Italian cuisine as well as traditional breakfast and lunch. The courteous multilingual staff provide welcome assistance (there’s 24-hour concierge service). Pros: multilingual staff; helpful concierges; close to Yerba Buena. Cons: not as opulent as some other options; some rooms dark and on the small side. TripAdvisor: “charming,” “basic,” “clean and comfortable.” | Rooms from: $149 | 85 5th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/267-3940, 800/227–3282, | www.thepickwickhotel.com | 187 rooms, 2 suites | No meals.

San Francisco Marriott Marquis.

$$$ | HOTEL | The distinctive design of this 40-story hotel has been compared to a parking meter and a jukebox. Inside, a five-story, glass-top atrium encloses a dining court lush with palm trees, tropical plants, a cascading fountain. There’s a Starbucks in the lobby. Contemporary cherry furniture fills the rooms, which have gold-and-orange bedspreads and curtains. Several hundred rooms also have writing desks and ergonomic chairs. The top-floor View lounge has huge, fan-shape windows with stunning views of the city. Recent renovations include the lobby, a new bar called Bin 55, a garden terrace restaurant, and the Mission Steak House. Look for artwork by Richard Diebenkorn and other major artists installed throughout the hotel, which is close to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Yerba Buena Gardens complex. Pros: stunning views from some rooms; in the cultural district; centered on business travelers. Cons: pricey parking; noisy lobby; some guests find the rooms sterile; rooms fill quickly during conferences. TripAdvisor: “great views,” “always a pleasure,” “first class all the way.” | Rooms from: $239 | 55 4th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/896–1600 | www.marriott.com/sfodt | 1,498 rooms, 134 suites | No meals.

The St. Regis San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | This may be the most luxurious hotel in the city. Guests often remark that it’s hipper and more modern than other hotels in the St. Regis chain, though the decor is still conservative: rooms have subdued cream-color, leather-texture walls and window seats, and most have city views. The 42-inch plasma-screen TVs and bedside guest digital assistants handle everything from raising the motorized window shades to controlling the entertainment systems to providing weather and other electronic information. Rooms also have Bose sound systems, a copier/fax/printer combo, and direct phone lines. Baths, with limestone tiling and TVs, have deep soaking tubs and separate showers with showerheads that rain straight down. All suites and some rooms have 24-hour butler service. The two-level spa has nine treatment rooms, and the area around the 50-foot lap pool, filled with natural light and bubbling water sounds, is a stunning essay in bright white. A Jacuzzi and sauna are in the immaculate dressing area. The showplace lobby has an elegant bar, restaurant, and a 16-foot-long, two-sided open fireplace. Pros: stunning, newly furnished rooms; good location; luxe spa; views. Cons: expensive; some guests report inconsistent service; hallway noise; long waits for room service and valet parking. TripAdvisor: “luxury redefined,” “great service,” “very nice property.” | Rooms from: $649 | 125 3rd St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/284–4000 | www.stregis.com/sanfrancisco | 214 rooms, 46 suites | No meals.

W San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | The epitome of cool urban chic and fashion forward in design and clientele, this swanky 31-story Starwood hotel owes some of its cachet to a prime location next door to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The hotel is infused with hip energy: techno-pop pulses in the lobby, bar, and Trace Restaurant; add the fog-color themed ottomans and grid-designed carpet to the mix, and you have a tribute to San Francisco city living. Compact and colorful guest rooms, some of which have upholstered window seats, come with flat-screen TVs, luxurious beds, comfy pillow-top mattresses, and goose-down comforters and pillows. Sleek baths sport green-glass countertops and shiny steel sinks. The glass-roof pool and hot-tub area, next to Bliss Spa, closes only from 1 am to 4 am, and the Whatever/Whenever concierge desk in the lobby operates 24/7. Upper floors boast excellent views of SFMOMA, Yerba Buena Gardens, and the Bay Bridge. Business guests predominate during the week, but on weekends the hotel attracts families with kids, and pets are always welcome. The accommodating staff will help parents arrange for babysitting and will take your pup for a walk. Fragrances waft throughout the hotel and guest rooms, so sensitive noses should call ahead to request special preparations. Pros: hip energy; sophisticated digs; in the heart of the cultural district; hotel is “going green.” Cons: hotel’s signature scents could pose a problem for sensitive noses. TripAdvisor: “excellent service,” “hip and fun,” “simply awesome.” | Rooms from: $349 | 181 3rd St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/777–5300 | www.wsanfrancisco.com | 404 rooms, 9 suites | No meals.

Westin San Francisco Market Street.

$$$ | HOTEL | Rising 36 stories over the bustling downtown and SoMa areas, this hotel revels in its views. Bright, airy rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. Floors 16 to 34 overlook Yerba Buena Gardens, the city, bay, and the hills beyond; others peer between the tall looming edifices of the Financial District (though some of these also glimpse the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay, or Alcatraz). Back on earth, the inlaid marble lobby is home to Ducca, a famed Italian restaurant with an outdoor eating area adjacent to a landscaped piazza and the new Contemporary Jewish Museum. Rooms feature Westin’s Heavenly beds and traditional tech-centered amenities for business travelers. A room with a treadmill or stationary bike is available. Pros: good location; clean rooms; fine restaurant and bar. Cons: some street noise; lots of convention and corporate business-types. TripAdvisor: “convenient and stylish,” “pleasant staff,” “great room and personalized service.” | Rooms from: $249 | 50 3rd St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/974–6400, 877/222–6699 | www.westin.com | 641 rooms, 26 suites | No meals.

CIVIC CENTER

Hotel Whitcomb.

$ | HOTEL | Built in 1910, this historic hotel was the temporary seat of city government from 1912 to 1915 before becoming a hotel in 1916. (What was once the mayor’s office now serves as the hotel’s administrative offices, and the jail cells are still intact in the hotel basement.) The expansive, well-appointed lobby boasts marble balustrades and columns, carved wooden ceilings, rare Janesero paneling, Austrian crystal chandeliers, Tiffany stained glass, and a ballroom with one of the largest parquet dance floors in the city. Broad halls lead to spacious, constantly refurbished rooms with flat-screen TVs, baths, and new carpeting. Northeast corner suites offer views of Market Street and the gold-encrusted dome of City Hall. Stroll out the front door to find the Civic Center Muni and BART stations and the main public library; the Asian Art Museum, Opera House, Davies Symphony Hall, and Westfield Centre are close by. Pros: good location; rich architectural and historic legacy; opulent lobby; airport shuttle; free Wi-Fi. Cons: difficult to find street parking; area can be dodgy at night; rooms are not as flashy as the lobby. TripAdvisor: “perfect San Francisco experience,” “magical,” “charming historic hotel with friendly staff.” | Rooms from: $129 | 1231 Market St., Civic Center | 94103 | 415/626–8000, 800/227–4747 | www.hotelwhitcomb.com | 447 rooms, 13 suites | No meals.

THE TENDERLOIN

Between Union Square, Nob Hill, and the Civic Center, this area contains some hip boutique hotels and happening bars (plus some of the best Vietnamese and Thai food in the state). Be aware that many transients live here; the streets can feel seedy even during the day.

Phoenix Hotel.

$ | HOTEL | A magnet for the hip at heart and ultracool—Little Richard, Elijah Wood, Sean Lennon, and members of R.E.M. and Pearl Jam have stayed here—so it’s not the best choice for those seeking peace and quiet (or anyone put off by the hotel’s location, on the fringes of the sketchy Tenderloin District). All suites, deluxe, and superior rooms have had their bathrooms redone of late. All guest rooms were spruced up in 2012 to continue the tropical retro theme with bamboo furniture, fresh white bedspreads with floral accents, new carpet, and original pieces by local artists. Standard rooms face the courtyard, a warm azure-tile pool, and a sculpture garden. In the evenings the crowd from the überhip Chambers eat + drink populates the cabanas and pool. The friendly staff is as groovy and hip as you’d expect. Pros: boho atmosphere; popular with musicians; hip new restaurant/bar; free parking. Cons: somewhat seedy location; no elevators; can be loud in the evenings. TripAdvisor: “an oasis of retro,” “surprisingly nice,” “not your usual San Francisco stay.” | Rooms from: $139 | 601 Eddy St., Tenderloin | 94109 | 415/776–1380, 800/248–9466 | www.thephoenixhotel.com | 41 rooms, 3 suites | Breakfast.

HAYES VALLEY

Hayes Valley Inn.

$ | B&B/INN | Offering “European charm in the heart of Hayes Valley,” the modest, clean rooms of this hotel come with sinks and vanities. Unfortunately, the bathroom is down the hall. The Opera House, Davies Symphony Hall, and a chic shopping and dining district are steps away on Hayes Street. Slightly larger, corner turret rooms overlook a busy intersection. The inn was purchased by new owners, who fancied up rooms and bathrooms, just a touch, in 2011. Pros: inexpensive; free local calls; close to shopping, restaurants, and theater. Cons: no in-room bathroom; no elevator; some street noise. TripAdvisor: “clean,” “funky and friendly,” “cozy.” | Rooms from: $100 | 417 Gough St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/431–9131, 800/930–7999 | www.hayesvalleyinn.com | 28 rooms with shared baths | Breakfast.

Inn at the Opera.

$$ | B&B/INN | Within walking distance of Davies Symphony Hall and the War Memorial Opera House, this homey boutique hotel caters to season-ticket holders for the opera, ballet, and symphony; it has been the venue of choice for stars of the music, dance, and opera worlds, from Luciano Pavarotti to Mikhail Baryshnikov. The genteel marble-floor lobby resembles the foyer of a finely appointed mansion, and the compact standard rooms feature dark-wood furnishings, queen-size pillow-top beds with 250-thread-count sheets, flat-screen TVs, and cozy terry robes. The sumptuous, romantically lit Ovation restaurant, with its Old World charm, is an intimate place for performers and audience members to congregate before and after shows. Rates include Continental breakfast buffet, and complimentary cookies and apples are available at the front desk. Pros: staff goes the extra mile; intimate restaurant. Cons: smallish rooms and bath; sold out far in advance during opera season. TripAdvisor: “very quaint,” “charming,” “really helpful staff.” | Rooms from: $159 | 333 Fulton St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/863–8400, 800/325–2708 | www.shellhospitality.com | 30 rooms, 18 suites | Breakfast.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

The large hotels here lure business travelers with some of the city’s finest luxury accommodations—with hefty price tags to boot. With public transportation, Union Square, the Ferry Building, Chinatown, and North Beach a short walk away, leisure travelers find this area a good base as well.

Galleria Park Hotel.

$$ | HOTEL | This boutique hotel, which has a dedicated clientele and is particularly packed on weekdays with corporate travelers, is close to BART, the Chinatown Gate, Union Square, and the high-end Crocker Galleria shopping complex. Small guest rooms are decked out in chartreuse and sage and offer typical technological amenities and eco-friendly bath products. The hotel manages to be both hip and comfortable, inviting guests to lounge in the lobby on soft couches. Complimentary morning coffee and tea and evening wine are served in front of the pièce de résistance, a massive, hand-sculpted art-nouveau fireplace that looks like it leaped out of a fairy tale. Restored original 1911 skylights and artwork by local artists contribute to the inviting atmosphere. Pros: can’t beat the location; one block from BART; friendly management. Cons: small rooms and baths; plenty of city noise. TripAdvisor: “smart and urbane,” “stylish hotel with great service,” “amazing staff.” | Rooms from: $190 | 191 Sutter St., Financial District | 94104 | 415/781–3060, 800/792–9639 | www.galleriapark.com | 177 rooms, 8 suites | No meals.

Hilton San Francisco Financial District.

$$$$ | HOTEL | A bridge over Kearny Street connects this hotel with Chinatown’s Portsmouth Square, and the Financial District and North Beach are also adjacent. The buzzing lobby’s minimalist decor represents the key elements of feng shui—water, earth, and fire—with potted plants, a glass fireplace, and a custom fountain. A wall-size map of San Francisco orients travelers to the local setting, and oversized clocks provide the current time around the globe. The 750 restaurant serves Northern California cuisine with Asian-fusion overtones. The Flyte coffee and wine bar showcases Napa and Sonoma wines, pairing them with small food plates, and serves Starbucks coffee. For a splurge, sample the Tru day spa, whose decadent treatments include the signature massage with oils and crèmes made on-site and the Pair’s Polish, a couple’s massage and body scrub in the tropical rain-forest room. The airy guest rooms are furnished with blond-wood Signature Serenity beds, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and large work desks with ergonomic chairs. Pros: abundant parking; bay and city views; award-winning spa; playground across the street. Cons: congested area. TripAdvisor: “beyond great staff,” “comfortable room with a view,” “absolutely spectacular.” | Rooms from: $255 | 750 Kearny St., Financial District | 94108 | 415/433–6600 | www.sanfranciscohiltonhotel.com | 537 rooms, 7 suites | Breakfast.

Le Méridien San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | Across Battery Street from the Embarcadero Center complex, this hotel attracts both leisure and business visitors with chic atmosphere and international style. Australian lacewood paneling, polished granite sinks, stylish contemporary furniture, and fresh flowers outfit the spacious guest rooms. The in-room safes have interior outlets for recharging laptops and cell phones. The Park Grill serves excellent, high-end Californian cuisine (breakfast and lunch), and the popular Bar 333 off the lobby offers a fanciful menu of California-style haute cuisine and an extensive list of wines and other libations. Pros: excellent service; ultraconvenient; spacious rooms; great views; top-notch concierge; interesting artwork throughout. Cons: strange New Age elevator sound track. TripAdvisor: “hip and contemporary,” “lovely room,” “great service.” | Rooms from: $259 | 333 Battery St., Financial District | 94111 | 415/296–2900 | www.lemeridien.com/sanfrancisco | 281 rooms, 79 suites | No meals.

Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | Two towers connected by glass-enclosed sky bridges compose the top 11 floors of one of San Francisco’s tallest buildings, offering spectacular panoramas from every room; the windows open so you can hear that trademark San Francisco sound: the “ding ding” of the cable cars some 40 floors below (and some rooms even include binoculars). At press time, the hotel was undergoing a major renovation of the lobby, guest rooms, and restaurant. Not to be lost are the rooms’ extra-deep tubs, showerheads the size of plates, and even stationery with your name on it. Pamper yourself with luxurious Egyptian-cotton sheets, two kinds of robes (terry and waffle-weave), and cozy slippers. A complimentary tea-and-cookie tray delivered to your room upon your arrival is one among many illustrations of the hotel’s commitment to service. Special-rate plans for families are available. Pros: spectacular “bridge-to-bridge” views; attentive service; in the running for the most comfy beds in the city. Cons: located in a business area that’s quiet on weekends; extremely pricey. TripAdvisor: “quiet pretty rooms with city views,” “top notch,” “fabulous staff and accommodations.” | Rooms from: $445 | 222 Sansome St., Financial District | 94104 | 415/276–9600, 800/622–0404 | www.mandarinoriental.com/sanfrancisco | 151 rooms, 7 suites | No meals.

Omni San Francisco Hotel.

$$$$ | HOTEL | Although the lobby’s glittering crystal chandeliers, dark mahogany paneling, and iron-and-marble staircase may hark back to an old-fashioned gentility, this 1926 redbrick-and-stone building, a former bank, is now home to a modern luxury hotel. The rooms have updated bedding, flat-screen TVs, 9-foot-high ceilings with crown moldings, San Francisco-themed photographs, and carved-mahogany furniture; sliding glass doors open to reveal bathrooms with marble floors and green-and-black granite basins. Daylight floods the corner suites, each of which has six tall windows. The updated Signature Rooms offer extra amenities such as complimentary breakfast for two, Internet service, bottled water, and nightly turndown service. Bob’s Steak and Chop House, which is more elegant than the name implies, is off the lobby. Pros: outstanding personalized service; cookies and milk for the kids; immaculately clean; historical flavor. Cons: so-so air-conditioning; rooftop views are less than inspiring. TripAdvisor: “excellent staff,” “classical feeling,” “hard to improve on perfection.” | Rooms from: $279 | 500 California St., Financial District | 94104 | 415/677–9494 | www.omnisanfrancisco.com | 347 rooms, 15 suites | No meals.

NOB HILL AND RUSSIAN HILL

These steep hills are alive with hostelries proffering treatment fit for (and provided to) kings, queens, and politicians. Stay here, and at the end of a long day of sightseeing a cable car can whisk you practically to your hotel’s doorstep. On Russian Hill, tree-lined streets house swanky cafés and shops.

Fairmont San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | This hotel, which dominates the top of Nob Hill like a European palace, has a rich history that includes surviving the 1906 earthquake and hosting the signing of the United Nations Charter in 1945. Architect Julia Morgan’s timeless 1907 lobby design includes alabaster walls and gilt-embellished ceilings supported by Corinthian columns. Rooms in the main building are done in conservative color schemes and have high ceilings, fine dark-wood furniture, colorful Chinese porcelain lamps, wonderful beds, flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms. Rooms in the Tower are generally larger and have better views. Amenities and special services (including free chicken soup if you’re under the weather and a newly crafted Media Lounge complete with multiplayer Guitar Hero and Wii Golf) keep loyal guests coming back. Don’t miss drinks at the recently spiffed up Tonga Room, an outsized Tiki lounge that serves blue tropical cocktails with umbrellas. Pros: huge bathrooms; stunning lobby; great location. Cons: some guests have complained about spotty service; hills can be challenging for those on foot. TripAdvisor: “still wonderful,” “great service,” “beautiful historic property.” | Rooms from: $449 | 950 Mason St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/772–5000, 800/257–7544 | www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco | 591 rooms, 65 suites | No meals.

Hotel Vertigo.

$ | HOTEL | Scenes in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller Vertigo were shot in this ornate hotel (it was a speakeasy during Prohibition), and designer Thomas Schoos has reworked the hotel’s interiors to pay tribute to the film. Schoos infused the guest rooms with a reckless whimsy—consider the tangerine highlights and the horse-head lamps, not to mention the classic Vertigo swirl logo along the walls. Although the hotel’s block includes several apartment buildings, a fancy salon, and cafés, the neighborhood can be dicey, so exercise caution when walking here at night. Pros: tons of personality; artsy decor. Cons: borderline neighborhood; no air-conditioning. TripAdvisor: “refreshing,” “quiet and modern,” “very chic.” | Rooms from: $119 | 940 Sutter St., between Leavenworth and Hyde Sts., Nob Hill | 94109 | 415/885–6800, 800/553–1900 | www.hotelvertigosf.com | 102 rooms, 8 suites | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | The Huntington Hotel.

$$$$ | HOTEL | The venerable ivy-covered hotel, a family-owned property for three generations, has provided gracious personal service to everyone from Bogart and Bacall to Picasso and Pavarotti. The spruced up and very spacious rooms and suites were apartments in a former life. Most have great views of Grace Cathedral, the bay, or the city skyline. Half have wet bars, and all have antique desks, customized furniture in rich textures, and luxurious bathrooms. The elegant Nob Hill Spa complex offers an array of services that can be enjoyed while taking in panoramic city views. Healthy spa cuisine and Champagne are served by white-jacketed waiters around an indoor pool with a fireplace lounge. To really chill out, guests can retreat to the Zen room to relax on chaise longues snuggled beneath the softest blankets and fuzziest pillows in town. The Big 4 Restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine. The clubby room has green-leather booths and a collection of San Francisco and western memorabilia. Pros: personal service; an aura of old San Francisco; guests have access to the primo spa with city views; cable car passes by right out front. Cons: up a steep hill from downtown. TripAdvisor: “top-notch hotel with gorgeous spa,” “impressive customer service,” “exceptional.” | Rooms from: $410 | 1075 California St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/474–5400, 800/227–4683 | www.huntingtonhotel.com | 96 rooms, 40 suites | No meals.

Lodging Alternatives

Vacation Rentals

If you want an alternative to a hotel—one that gives a more authentically San Francisco experience (or at least a slightly more spacious one)— vacation rentals are the way to go. Many families and long-term visitors have found great apartments for reasonable rates by searching online in specific neighborhoods. There are few reputable local vacation rental companies, but you can’t go wrong by visiting the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com), where some property owners list their rentals.

Camping

While most travelers do not equate camping with an urban experience, those nutty San Franciscans have toppled that belief. The Presidio of San Francisco has recently renovated its Rob Hill Campground (415/561–5444 | www.presidio.gov/explore/Pages/rob-hill-campground.aspx)—the only place to pitch a tent in the city. Perched atop the highest hill in San Francisco’s largest green space, beneath a canopy of eucalyptus trees, and with views of Baker Beach, this site may be small (there are two sites that house 30 people each) and expensive ($100 a night with a maximum of two nights), but you can imagine the bragging rights earned for a night spent outdoors in the fog. Book well in advance: as you might expect, sites fill fast. The season closes on October 31.

Hostels

No matter your age (or style of luggage), staying at a hostel saves cash. San Francisco’s three hostels are members of Hostelling International (the massive umbrella organization of thousands of properties all over the world). While members receive priority reservations (and discounts), you don’t have to pay the 30 bucks to join in order to stay the night. The San Francisco City Center and San Francisco Downtown hostels offer reasonable rates in the heart of the action. But the real steal is the San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel, as some rooms offer bay views. | www.norcalhostels.org.

InterContinental Mark Hopkins.

$$$ | HOTEL | The circular redbrick drive of this towering Nob Hill architectural landmark leads to an opulent mirrored, marble-floor lobby which is the gateway to luxurious rooms, with Frette linens and goose-down duvets, that glow with gold, cream, and yellow tones, and bathrooms that are lined with multicolor Italian marble. Rooms on the upper floors have views of either the Golden Gate Bridge or the downtown cityscape. The legendary rooftop lounge, the Top of the Mark, has dancing and live music—and a justly famous 100-martini cocktail menu—but the real star is the breathtaking near-360-degree view of the city (that can also be enjoyed during an elaborate Sunday brunch). The Mark is an especially glamorous destination on New Year’s Eve. The hotel oozes with history, from the nearly century-old mural in the Room of the Dons, to the minimuseum off the lobby and the art installations by local Academy of Art students. Stroll around and learn about the rich past of San Francisco’s Big Four railroad barons and why this hotel was a favorite of film director Alfred Hitchcock and so many celebrity residents. Pros: spectacular views; steeped in history; you can often find last-minute deals online. Cons: some guests have complained about stuffy, indifferent service and noisy rooms—especially for the price. TripAdvisor: “classic San Francisco,” “unforgettable,” “exceptional service.” | Rooms from: $229 | 1 Nob Hill, Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/392–3434, 800/662–4455 | www.intercontinentalmarkhopkins.com | 340 rooms, 40 suites | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | A preferred destination for travel-industry honchos, movie stars, and visitors alike, this hotel—a stunning tribute to beauty and attentive, professional service—is completing a $12.5-million renovation to offer a modern luxurious experience with Ritz style. Ionic columns grace the neoclassical facade; crystal chandeliers illuminate marble floors and walls in the lobby. At press time, guest rooms were slated for a new look to accompany the existing flat-screen TVs, featherbeds with 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton Frette sheets, and down comforters. Club Level rooms include use of the Club Lounge, which has a dedicated concierge and several elaborate complimentary food presentations daily. The Parallel 37 restaurant pays homage both to locally grown produce and global influences on the Bay Area. Afternoon tea service in the Lobby Lounge, which overlooks the beautifully landscaped Terrace courtyard, is a San Francisco institution, but with these new twists: tea service from around the world has been introduced, as have tea-infused cocktails. Pros: terrific service; all-day food service on Club Level; beautiful surroundings; fantastic new restaurant and Lobby Lounge; renovated fitness center. Cons: expensive; hilly location; no pool. TripAdvisor: “impeccable service,” “staff couldn’t be better,” “classic hotel.” | Rooms from: $399 | 600 Stockton St., at California St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/296–7465 | www.ritzcarlton.com | 276 rooms, 60 suites | No meals.

The Stanford Court Renaissance San Francisco Hotel.

$$$$ | HOTEL | A stained-glass dome dominates the lobby of this stately but comfortable hotel where once stood the mansion of Big Four railroad baron Leland Stanford. The rooms, decorated in warm tones and furnished with handsome lounge chairs and tasteful accessories, offer additional elegant touches like 300-thread-count Frette sheets, plush robes, heated towel racks, bathrooms with granite vanities, and nightly turndown service. Interior rooms are smaller than exterior ones but have less noise; the exterior rooms provide splendid views and the constant ding of the passing cable cars. A recent $35 million renovation has made Stanford Court sparkle. The new Aurea Restaurant offers a seasonal menu of California cuisine; it’s a fine place to grab a cocktail after trekking through Nob Hill. Pros: focus on comfort; classic elegance; great location on historic Nob Hill. Cons: up a steep hill from most popular tourist sights; some guests complain that rooms are small. TripAdvisor: “quiet area,” “great service,” “simply delightful.” | Rooms from: $269 | 905 California St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/989–3500 | www.stanfordcourt.com | 389 rooms, 4 suites | No meals.

VAN NESS/POLK

Locals patronize the bars, cheap eats, and nightclubs amid a mildly unsavory section north of Civic Center that straddles Polk Street and Van Ness Avenue. The few hotels on and near these parallel streets tend toward the funky as well, though some are good bargains. The farther north you go, the nicer things get.

Hotel Carlton.

$$ | HOTEL | “International vintage” aptly describes the eclectic collection of textiles, masks, globes, games, maps, postcards, and other ephemera from around the world that decorates this 1927 hotel. The simply furnished rooms, which have ceiling fans and views, are reminiscent of the kind of apartment that would belong to a globe-trotting bohemian aunt. Some of the higher floors enjoy city views. Five blocks from Union Square (complimentary town-car shuttle service is available to the Financial District each morning), two blocks from the California Street cable car, and one block from the eclectic shops and restaurants of Polk Street, the hotel is also on the northern edge of the seedy Civic Center/Tenderloin area. The welcoming lobby boasts a fireplace and daily newspapers, plus enchanting books on everything from astrology to living your destiny; a complimentary glass of wine is served here nightly. The restaurant Saha O (“to your health”) serves excellent Arabic fusion cuisine for breakfast and dinner. Pros: decent prices; decor with character; helpful staff; pet beds upon request. Cons: on the edge of a seedy area; several blocks from Union Square and restaurants; can be cold in winter (ask for a space heater). | Rooms from: $199 | 1075 Sutter St., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/673–0242, 800/922–7586 | www.hotelcarltonsf.com | 161 rooms, 1 suite.

NORTH BEACH

The bright lights and frenetic energy of North Beach have long appealed to travelers. Value boutique hotels blend in well with the cafés, delis, clubs, and artsy shops near Washington Square Park. Most accommodations are best for couples or solo travelers, as rooms tend to be petite.

Columbus Motor Inn.

$$ | HOTEL | Fodorites sing the praises of this affordable motor inn, calling it “a good family hotel if you have a car to park” and touting the lively North Beach location and proximity to Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf. Outside, the cable car dings by as guests cozy up in basic rooms decked out with oversize pillows, earth-tone bedding, and large flat-screen TVs. Big windows offer the occasional glimpse of downtown. A helpful staff, free parking, and Wi-Fi add to the allure. Off-season rates are a steal. Pros: free parking; affordable rooms; lively location; rooms are deep-cleaned every three months. Cons: lacks amenities; street-facing accommodations can be noisy. TripAdvisor: “excellent accommodations,” “best kept secret in SF,” “nice rooms.” | Rooms from: $165 | 1075 Columbus Ave., North Beach | 94133 | 415/885–1492 | 45 | No meals.

Hotel Bohème.

$$ | HOTEL | This small hotel in historic North Beach takes you back in time with cast-iron beds, large mirrored armoires, and memorabilia recalling the Beat generation—whose leading light, Allen Ginsberg, often stayed here (legend has it that in his later years he could be seen sitting in a window, typing away on his laptop computer). Screenwriters toiling nearby at Francis Ford Coppola’s dream factory, American Zoetrope, as well as sundry poets and artists, are frequent patrons. Rooms have a bistro table, two chairs, and tropical-style mosquito netting over the bed; bathrooms have cheerful yellow tiles and tiny showers. Rooms in the rear are a refuge from the noisy crush, especially on weekends. Complimentary sherry is served in the lobby. Pros: North Beach location with literary pedigree; stylish rooms; helpful staff. Cons: street parking is scarce; lots of traffic congestion; no air-conditioning; small rooms. TripAdvisor: “excellent location and good service,” “the heart of North Beach,” “charming with history.” | Rooms from: $184 | 444 Columbus Ave., North Beach | 94133 | 415/433–9111 | www.hotelboheme.com | 15 rooms | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | San Remo Hotel.

$ | HOTEL | A few blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf, this three-story 1906 Italianate Victorian—once home to longshoremen and Beat poets—has a narrow stairway from the street leading to the front desk and labyrinthine hallways; rooms are small but charming, with lace curtains, forest-green-painted wood floors, and brass beds and other antique furnishings. The top floor is brighter because it’s closer to the skylights that provide sunshine to the thriving population of potted plants that lines the brass-banistered hallways. About a third of the rooms have sinks, and all share spotless black-and-white-tile bathroom facilities with pull-chain toilets. Four recently created family suites (essentially two rooms with an adjoining door) can sleep up to five. The rooftop penthouse offers a private deck with Coit Tower views, a bathroom with a claw-foot tub, a TV, a coffeemaker, and plenty of privacy. Reserve the penthouse at least three months ahead (more for summer visits). Fior D’Italia, which bills itself as “America’s Oldest Italian Restaurant,” occupies the building’s entire first floor; guests receive a discount on meals there. Pros: inexpensive; historic; cozy. Cons: some rooms are dark; no private bath; spartan amenities. TripAdvisor: “quiet area,” “the best place for a budget traveler,” “rooftop splendor.” | Rooms from: $65 | 2237 Mason St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/776–8688, 800/352–7366 | www.sanremohotel.com | 64 rooms with shared baths, 1 suite | No meals.

Washington Square Inn.

$$ | B&B/INN | Overlooking the tree-lined park of its namesake and surrounded by fine shops and cafés, this gracious corner B&B sits at the foot of Telegraph Hill in the heart of North Beach. Both large and small rooms are individually decorated with Venetian and French accents; upgraded bathrooms are done in imported marble and tiles. Most rooms have gas fireplaces and beds with 400- to 600-thread-count sheets. The lobby, which has a gleaming mahogany fireplace and brass chandeliers, is the setting for free wine and antipasti in the evening. A complimentary Continental breakfast is served by the front windows. Pros: nice rooms; fun location. Cons: some guests complain about gruff management; no air-conditioning; street parking is difficult to come by. TripAdvisor: “most charming,” “our home in San Francisco,” “warm and friendly.” | Rooms from: $189 | 1660 Stockton St., at Filbert St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/981–4220, 800/388–0220 | www.wsisf.com | 15 rooms | Breakfast.

THE WATERFRONT

The hub of San Francisco’s kitschy tourist trade, Fisherman’s Wharf draws families to its chain hotels and smaller properties. Accommodations are generally playful, and many have swimming pools. The downside is that some lodgings lie far from other tourist attractions. The boutique hotels along the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building are more convenient, though at a cost.

FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Fodor’s Choice | Argonaut Hotel.

$$$$ | HOTEL | When the four-story Haslett Warehouse was a fruit-and-vegetable canning complex in 1907, boats docked right up against the building; today it’s a hotel with a nautical decor—think anchors, ropes, compasses, and a row of cruise-ship deck chairs in the lobby—that makes perfect sense given the fact that the Argonaut is part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (whose visitors center occupies the ground floor). The spacious rooms, many with a sofa bed in the sitting area, have recently been redesigned but still boast exposed-brick walls, wood-beam ceilings, and whitewashed wooden furniture reminiscent of a summer beach house. Windows open to the sea air and the sounds of the waterfront, and many rooms have views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Suites come with extra-deep whirlpool tubs and telescopes for close-up views of passing ships. Pros: bay views; near Hyde Street cable car; sofa beds; toys for the kids. Cons: nautical theme isn’t for everyone; cramped public areas; service can be hit or miss; location is a bit of a trek from other parts of town. TripAdvisor: “dog friendly and people friendly,” “surpasses expectations,” “lovely hotel.” | Rooms from: $319 | 495 Jefferson St., at Hyde St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 415/563–0800, 866/415–0704 | www.argonauthotel.com | 239 rooms, 13 suites | No meals.

Best Western Plus Tuscan Inn.

$$$ | HOTEL | Described by some Fodors.com users as a “hidden treasure,” this hotel’s redbrick facade barely hints at the Tuscan country villa that lies within. Each small, Italianate room has white-pine furniture, a completely mirrored wall, and a refurbished bathroom. Kimpton Hotels has added its signature stripes, polka dots, and vibrant color schemes to the mix, creating a playful, yet sophisticated look. Complimentary beverages are laid out mornings near the fireplace in the recently spruced-up lobby, where a convivial wine hour is held nightly. There’s free morning limousine service to the Financial District, though guests must find their own way back. Café Pescatore, the Italian seafood restaurant off the lobby, provides room service for breakfast. Pros: wine and beer hour; down-home feeling; great location near Fisherman’s Wharf. Cons: congested touristy area; small rooms. TripAdvisor: “pleasantly surprised,” “premium location,” “cozy room.” | Rooms from: $249 | 425 N. Point St., at Mason St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/561–1100, 800/648–4626 | www.tuscaninn.com | 212 rooms, 12 suites | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square.

$$$$ | RENTAL | Housed in the former Ghirardelli chocolate factory, these one-to-three-bedroom serviced apartments might possibly be the most luxurious accommodations in San Francisco. The effusive staff arranges dining and theater reservations, deposits guests (and picks them up) within a two-mile radius in the hotel’s Cadillac Escalades (for free), serves a fine Continental breakfast, plus coffee and tea throughout the day and wine and cheese in the evenings. Spacious apartments—with fully equipped gourmet kitchens, original brick walls, regal marble soaking tubs, plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, laundry facilities, modern furniture in chocolate hues, and views of Alcatraz (in bay-view residences)—promise both comfort and style without being stuffy. The decadent Ghirardelli chocolates at the nightly turndown and when guests check in recall the old factory days. The homey atmosphere spills into the game lounge throughout the day and out onto the Club terraces, where guests congregate around fire pits and gaze at the bay. Pros: luxury at its finest; gigantic apartments with heaps of amenities; bay views from most apartments; free hotel car to deliver you within a 2-mile radius. Cons: a bit of a trek from downtown; expensive. TripAdvisor: “comfort and style,” “great rooms,” “spectacular accommodations.” | Rooms from: $599 | 950 North Point St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 415/268–9900 | www.fairmont.com/ghirardelli | Breakfast.

Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf.

$$ | HOTEL | The location is key to this hotel’s popularity: it’s within walking distance of such tourist hot spots as Ghirardelli Square, the Cannery, Pier 39, Aquatic Park, and Alcatraz ferries; bay cruises dock nearby; and it’s across the street from a cable-car turnaround. The family-centered hotel recently gave its rooms, fitness center, and lobby a massive facelift and spruced up the moderately sized quarters with contemporary dark-hued furnishings, flat-screen TVs, and double-paned windows that keep out the considerable street noise. Each floor has a laundry room. The signature restaurant Knuckles also happens to be a historic sports bar, serving fancy burgers and a lavish breakfast buffet. If you happen to be in town during Fleet Week, you might see the Blue Angels posing for pictures in the brightly lit lobby. In 2012 the hotel gussied up its meeting rooms. Pros: primo sightseeing location; close to cable cars; friendly staff. Cons: street noise; crowds; expensive parking. TripAdvisor: “friendly service,” “great location and amenities,” “predictable in a very positive way.” | Rooms from: $199 | 555 N. Point St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/563–1234, 800/233–1234 | www.fishermanswharf.hyatt.com | 313 rooms, 8 suites | No meals.

Radisson Hotel Fisherman’s Wharf.

$$ | HOTEL | Directly facing Alcatraz, this city block–size hotel and shopping area at Fisherman’s Wharf has vast, unobstructed views of the bay. Contemporary rooms, many of which have water vistas, have been newly renovated to provide a more contemporary appeal—think crisp white bedding topped with merlot throws and a sweeping mural of the Golden Gate Bridge wallpapered behind Radisson’s signature Sleep Number beds, which allow you to adjust the firmness of each side of the bed individually. A landscaped courtyard with a fire pit, new modern furnishings, and a heated outdoor pool take up the center of the hotel complex, which provides the closest accommodations to Pier 39 and bay cruise docks. A new state-of-the-art fitness center and complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms further enhance the experience of staying here. Pros: good views; close to Pier 39 and docks; free Wi-Fi. Cons: touristy area. TripAdvisor: “great location,” “clean,” “helpful staff.” | Rooms from: $159 | 250 Beach St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/392–6700, 800/333–3333 | www.radisson.com/sanfranciscoca_wharf | 355 rooms | No meals.

San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf.

$$$ | HOTEL | After years of dust, the hotel has finally completed a slew of enhancements, making this property a good choice for families and business travelers wanting to be on the fringes of Fisherman’s Wharf. Rooms feature triple-sheeted lavish beds topped with an abundance of pillows for luxurious lounging on foggy mornings. One hundred rooms designed with business travelers in mind have an extra-large desk, an ergonomic chair, a speakerphone, and two data ports. Restaurant Spada serves three meals daily. Splurge on a wharf-facing room on floors three and above for a quieter night’s sleep. Pros: near tourist hot spots; comfortable bedding. Cons: touristy area; on a busy street; overpriced parking. TripAdvisor: “charming and well located,” “good amenities,” “pleasant experience.” | Rooms from: $229 | 1250 Columbus Ave., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/775–7555 | www.marriott.com | 269 rooms, 16 suites | No meals.

Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel.

$$$ | HOTEL | The Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf might not look like much from outside, but inside she is one festive gal. From the fire pits lining the parking area to the contemporary teal mood lighting in the lobby, guests have taken to the playful design, lounging in common spaces to sip wine, Skype their friends, and catch up on the news. Boisterous and bright, the hallways feature skylights, giant windows, and massive beach-ball pictures wallpapered between rooms. The fun doesn’t end in the guest quarters, though. Sloped walls let in plenty of sunshine through large windows, highlighting the candy-colored throw pillows atop Signature beds, the plush leather chair, and the geometric lamps. The hotel’s party-girl vibe caters to people wanting to enjoy the city rather than do business, which is why families flock here. Pros: in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf; newly renovated with fun colors; outdoor pool; free Wi-Fi in the Spressi café. Cons: touristy area; feels corporate. TripAdvisor: “clean,” “a 5-star wow experience,” “great staff and comfortable room.” | Rooms from: $219 | 2500 Mason St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/362–5500, 888/627–7024 | www.sheratonatthewharf.com | 524 rooms, 7 suites | No meals.

A Concierge's Top Tips

Concierges can be the Great Finessers of your trip: finding hard-to-get reservations or tickets, helping with business matters, and generally making your stay easier. Here’s the inside scoop from a former concierge.

Be specific. When soliciting help in choosing a restaurant, focus on what you like, not what you don’t. Avoid unhelpful statements such as “Where should I eat? I don’t like fish, I don’t like steak, and I don’t like Chinese.” Instead, tell the concierge what you do like and reveal your tastes, as in, “I love candlelit French bistros, but tonight I feel like something livelier, more casual, maybe Italian.” You’ll always get better results.

Do your homework. Nothing drives a concierge crazier than a guest who arrives at the desk and says, “I’m in San Francisco for two weeks, and I’ve never been here before. What should I do?” (Fortunately you’re already one step ahead by having consulted Fodor’s first!)

Save big at biz hotels. If you’re a weekend traveler on a midrange budget, you can sometimes get great deals at high-end hotels that cater primarily to business travelers. The opposite is true at tourist hotels, which spike their rates on weekends.

“Block” your room. If you want to book a particular room or room type, call the hotel on the morning of your arrival and reconfirm the arrangements with the front-office manager. Ask the manager to “block” (preassign) your room. This is especially important when the hotel is sold out and you’re arriving late at night; otherwise you’ll get the “last-sell” room—the least popular room reserved for the last-to-arrive guest.

Call ahead for your car. When you’re ready to retrieve your car from valet parking, don’t expect simply to arrive in the lobby, hand over your ticket, and instantly get your vehicle. Always call at least 10 minutes beforehand, lest you be left standing in the driveway, late for dinner.

Timing is everything. If you have a complicated request, or need to have a personal conversation with the concierge, call or stop by the desk in the late morning, midafternoon, or evening. Concierges are busiest in the morning at check-out time, when business travelers need the most assistance, and in the late afternoon and early evening at check-in time, when guests want dinner reservations. The ideal times to chitchat are usually between noon and 4 pm and 8 pm and 10 pm.

Tip early and often. For the best service, don’t wait to tip your concierge: give half the money up front, then the other half once your request has been fulfilled. If the staff knows you’re a good tipper, they’ll work extra hard to ensure that you get what you want, when you want it.

Tip your concierge based on the time spent arranging your request. For simple matters that require only one phone call, such as an airport shuttle, tip $2. For restaurant recommendations and reservations that require discussion and opinion, $5 to $20, the latter for harder-to-book tables. For itinerary planning, tip $20 to $100, depending on how complicated and time-consuming the arrangements are.

—John Vlahides

EMBARCADERO

Harbor Court Hotel.

$$$ | HOTEL | Exemplary service and a friendly staff earn high marks for this cozy hotel, which overlooks the Embarcadero and is within shouting distance of the Bay Bridge. Guest rooms are tight, but have double sets of soundproof windows and include nice touches such as wall-mounted 27-inch flat-screen TVs. Brightly colored throw pillows adorn beds with 320-thread-count sheets, and tub-showers have curved shower-curtain rods for more elbow room. Some rooms have views of the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building. Complimentary evening wine and late-night cookies and milk are served in the lounge, where coffee and tea are available mornings. For a fee, hotel guests can use the adjacent YMCA. The lobby has a Wii and other games for guests to play on rainy days. Pros: convenient location; quiet; friendly service; cozy. Cons: small rooms. TripAdvisor: “a dynamite place to stay,” “happiness on the Bay,” “comfy hotel in exciting area.” | Rooms from: $225 | 165 Steuart St., Embarcadero | 94105 | 415/882–1300, 866/792–6283 | www.harborcourthotel.com | 130 rooms, 1 suite | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | Hotel Vitale.

$$$$ | HOTEL | “Luxury, naturally,” the theme of this eight-story terraced bay-front hotel, is apparent in every thoughtful detail: little vases of aromatic herbs mounted outside each room; the penthouse day spa with soaking tubs set in a rooftop bamboo forest; and the aromatherapy garden off the patio of restaurant Americano, whose outdoor terrace is packed with hip jet-setters. Handsome rooms have 440-thread-count sheets, twice-daily maid service, limestone-lined baths, and views of the Bay Bridge, Embarcadero, Treasure Island, or the city skyline. Fodorites claim to love being across the street from the Ferry Building. Wi-Fi and LCD flat-screen TVs keep businesspeople in the loop, and spacious family studios have two sofa beds curtained off from the main sleeping area. As one Fodorite puts it, the hotel is “modern and sleek but very comfortable and inviting.” Pros: family-friendly studios; great views; fanciful spa; luxurious amenities throughout. Cons: cramped rooms can be noisy; some guests report inconsistent service from staff and find the hotel pricey. TripAdvisor: “the secret is out,” “breathtaking view of San Francisco Bay,” “modern atmosphere.”|Rooms from: $399 | 8 Mission St., Embarcadero | 94105 | 415/278–3700, 888/890–8688 | www.hotelvitale.com | 190 rooms, 9 suites | No meals.

Hyatt Regency San Francisco.

$$ | HOTEL | This 20-story gray concrete structure—designed by influential architect John Portman, who launched the trend of indoor-outdoor hotel environments—is the focal point of the Embarcadero Center, where more than 100 shops and restaurants cater to the Financial District. The spectacular 17-story atrium lobby, reportedly the largest hotel lobby in North America, is a marvel, with water elements, sprawling trees, a shimmering stream, a huge fountain, and the sleek Eclipse restaurant and bar. All rooms have city or bay views; 134 come with bay-view balconies. Renovation has been completed of the suites on the top two floors and the breathtaking Regency Club (formerly the rotating lounge bar, Equinox), which has a staggering 360-degree view of the city and bay. The Ferry Building—a hub of activity, great shopping, excellent eateries, and a highly popular weekend farmers’ market—is a short walk away. Pros: convenient location; elegant modernist design; great views. Cons: some may find it cool rather than cozy; wait for check-in can be long; geared toward business travelers. TripAdvisor: “beautiful lobby,” “awesome location,” “nicely furnished.” | Rooms from: $179 | 5 Embarcadero Center, Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/788–1234, 800/233–1234 | www.sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com | 802 rooms, 51 suites | No meals.

THE MARINA AND THE PRESIDIO

Marina and her sexy sister Cow Hollow are where the beautiful (and rich) go to see and be seen. Luxe B&Bs can be found here, but also reasonably priced motor inns whose enticements might include kitchenettes or free parking. The proximity to boutiques, eateries, and happening bars, as well as Crissy Field and the Presidio, make this area a popular choice.

Fodor’s Choice | Cow Hollow Motor Inn and Suites.

$ | RENTAL | Newly refreshed suites at this large, family-owned modern motel are more spacious than average, featuring one or two bedrooms, hardwood floors, sitting and dining areas, Oriental rugs, marble wood-burning fireplaces, big living rooms, and fully equipped kitchens. Resembling typical San Francisco apartments, some have views of the Golden Gate Bridge and others overlook the eclectic mix of shops, coffeehouses, and neighborhood businesses on Chestnut Street. Standard rooms, located in another building on Lombard Street, can be loud but are a fine budget choice for the chic Marina District zip code. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, new doors, and in-room safes. Pros: suites are the size of apartments; good for families; covered parking in building. Cons: congested neighborhood has a frat-boy feel; standard rooms are on a loud street. TripAdvisor: “a great location for tourists,” “sweet suites,” “good clean accommodation.” | Rooms from: $140 | 2190 Lombard St., Marina | 94123 | 415/921–5800 | www.cowhollowmotorinn.com | 117 rooms, 12 suites | No meals.

Hotel Del Sol.

$$ | HOTEL | Go tropical in the Marina District at this colorfully restored three-story 1950s motor lodge. The hotel’s proximity to Funston Playground, the Walt Disney Family Museum, the Presidio, Crissy Field, and Chestnut Street’s munchkin-favored shops make this place kid-friendly, as do free toys, games, DVDs, and evening cookies and milk. Since the Del Sol is only two blocks from Union Street shopping and restaurants, with easy access off Lombard Street, it will please adults, too. The hotel offers free morning town-car service to the Financial District for business travelers. Pros: kid-friendly; plenty of nearby places to eat and shop. Cons: far from downtown; faces a busy thoroughfare. TripAdvisor: “nicely made-over classic road hotel,” “customer service is alive and well,” “colorful refuge.” | Rooms from: $160 | 3100 Webster St., Marina | 94123 | 415/921–5520, 877/433–5765 | www.thehoteldelsol.com | 42 rooms, 15 suites | Breakfast.

Marina Inn.

$ | B&B/INN | Five blocks from the Marina, this four-story 1924 building feels like a B&B but is priced like a motel. Spacious English country–style rooms with vivid floral wallpaper and bedspreads are simply appointed with queen-size two-poster beds, private baths, small pinewood writing desks, and armoires. Some rooms have daybeds appropriate for a small child. The rooms facing Octavia and Lombard streets have bay windows with window seats, but they are noisier than the inside rooms. A simple Continental breakfast is served in the central sitting room. Pros: affordable; daybed option for kids. Cons: street-side rooms can be noisy. TripAdvisor: “quaint,” “great hotel,” “basic budget stay.” | Rooms from: $69 | 3110 Octavia St., at Lombard St., Marina | 94123 | 415/928–1000, 800/274–1420 | www.marinainn.com | 40 rooms | Breakfast.

Marina Motel.

$$ | HOTEL | Reminiscent of the motor courts of yesteryear, this family-owned motel is an inexpensive option within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and shops in the Marina District and on the waterfront. Although some rooms are next to the street, others are tucked away inside a courtyard planted with flowers and trees. The individual enclosed garages are a nice feature, too, especially in a neighborhood notorious for its lack of street parking. The motel, on the busy thoroughfare of Lombard Street, is of an older vintage, which translates to thin walls and no air-conditioning (though a/c is unnecessary on all but the hottest days). All rooms have been recently refreshed with new French country–style furnishings, thick windows, and carpet. Some rooms have kitchenettes with eating areas, and all have spotless baths and small shower stalls. Despite roaring traffic, the motel is a good value in a popular location. Pros: staff that accommodates guests with pets and kids; more character than the chain motels on the same strip. Cons: located on a busy street; rooms can be noisy and stuffy; staff can be gruff. | Rooms from: $169 | 2576 Lombard St., Marina | 94123 | 415/921–9406, 800/346–6118 | www.marinamotel.com | 39 rooms | No meals.

COW HOLLOW

Coventry Motor Inn.

$ | HOTEL | Among the many motels on busy Lombard Street, this is one of the cleanest, friendliest, and quietest—especially the rooms that don’t face Lombard. The oak-panel lobby is decorated with leather furniture and photographs of historic San Francisco, and the unusually spacious rooms have recently received Posturepedic beds and cosmetic fixes such as new carpets, bedspreads, and lamps. New –flat-screen TVs, plus well-lit dining and work areas make this a favorite with people hunting for comfort without a high price tag. Many rooms have bay windows, and some on the upper floors have views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Pros: clean; friendly; good value; lots of eateries nearby; free parking in building. Cons: busy street; few amenities. TripAdvisor: “great service,” “comfortable and convenient,” “cozy.” | Rooms from: $140 | 1901 Lombard St., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/567–1200 | www.coventrymotorinn.com | 69 rooms | No meals.

Pacific Heights Inn.

$ | HOTEL | One of the most genteel-looking motels in town, this two-story motor court near the busy intersection of Union and Van Ness is dressed up with wrought-iron railings and benches, hanging plants, and pebbled exterior walkways facing the parking lot. Recently renovated rooms, with floral bedspreads and brass beds, are unassuming and simple, with only five offering a bathtub; however, some have kitchenettes, pleasing families and budget travelers. Popular Room 28 offers a special Duxiana bed, which is especially kind to weary backs. Complimentary morning pastries and coffee are served in the lobby, along with a free newspaper. Pros: kitchenettes; free parking; reasonable rates; close walk to the Marina shopping and dining areas. Cons: noisy; crowded parking area. TripAdvisor: “convenient,” “comfortable bed,” “helpful staff.” | Rooms from: $119 | 1555 Union St., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/776–3310, 800/523–1801 | www.pacificheightsinn.com | 28 rooms, 12 suites | Breakfast.

Travelodge at the Presidio.

$ | HOTEL | This freshly painted green-and-tan three-story motel sits near the Lombard Street entrance to the woodsy Presidio; the beautifully manicured park of George Lucas’s Letterman Digital Arts complex is just two blocks away. The motel freshened up the bathrooms and furniture and added fresh bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. Standard motel amenities such as coffeemakers are supplied. Pros: professional service; a block from Lombard’s heaviest traffic, so slightly quieter than nearby options; near public transportation and natural beauty. Cons: no frills. | Rooms from: $129 | 2755 Lombard St., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/931–8581, 800/578–7878 | www.presidiotravelodge.com | 27 rooms | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | Union Street Inn.

$$$ | B&B/INN | Precious family antiques and unique artwork helped British innkeepers Jane Bertorelli and David Coyle (former chef for the Duke and Duchess of Bedford) transform this green-and-cream 1902 Edwardian into a delightful B&B. Equipped with candles, fresh flowers, wineglasses, and fine linens, rooms are popular with honeymooners and those looking for a romantic getaway with an English countryside ambiance. The Carriage House, separated from the main house by an old-fashioned English garden planted with lemon trees, is equipped with a double Jacuzzi, refinished hardwood floors, and upgraded bathrooms. Other rooms promise comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, new double-paned windows, a fruit basket upon arrival, and private bathrooms, many with stained-glass windows. An elaborate breakfast, which many guests rave about, is included, as are afternoon tea and evening hors d’oeuvres. Pros: personal service; Jane’s excellent full breakfast; romantic setting. Cons: parking in the neighborhood is tricky; no air-conditioning; no elevator. TripAdvisor: “gorgeous property with the best breakfasts,” “Victorian seduction,” “great hosts.” | Rooms from: $219 | 2229 Union St., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/346–0424 | www.unionstreetinn.com | 6 rooms | Breakfast.

MISSION DISTRICT

The vibrant Mission has long suffered in the hotel department, but travelers can find vacation rentals as well as an under-the-radar B&B straight out of a Victorian novel. The neighborhood’s evolution into a hot spot makes it iffy for wandering around late at night.

The Inn San Francisco.

$ | B&B/INN | No other bed-and-breakfast is as steeped in local lore as the Inn San Francisco: this Italianate Victorian mansion once belonged to a city commissioner who struck it rich in the potato business, and was then dubbed the city’s “Potato King”; for decades the 27-room mansion has welcomed visitors to the vibrant Mission District. Decked out in ornate poster beds, opulent Oriental rugs, and precious Victorian artifacts, guest quarters are everything from cozy (yes, that means snug) to spacious enough to fit a family (in the garden cottage). All guests have access to the hot tub—this inn is in the warmest slice of San Francisco—and receive a generous buffet breakfast. Pros: charming antiques; helpful staff; location on city’s sunny side; extensive library of books about Northern California history; free street parking. Cons: neighborhood can be sketchy at night; some rooms are very small. TripAdvisor: “a real taste of classy San Francisco,” “absolutely incredible,” “beautiful building with nice atmosphere.” | Rooms from: $120 | 943 S. Van Ness Ave, Mission District | 94110 | 415/641–0188, 800/359–0913 | www.innsf.com | 21 rooms | Breakfast.

PACIFIC HEIGHTS AND JAPANTOWN

A chic neighborhood—albeit a trek from downtown and many attractions—Pacific Heights pleases celebs, honeymooners, and other travelers with tony B&Bs and boutique properties. In adjoining Japantown, two newly imagined Japanese-style hotels rub elbows with anime shops, Asian markets, and fine noodle joints.

PACIFIC HEIGHTS

Fodor’s Choice | Hotel Drisco.

$$$$ | HOTEL | Pretend you’re a resident of one of the wealthiest and most beautiful residential neighborhoods in San Francisco at this understated, elegant 1903 Edwardian hotel. The quiet haven, which feels like a secluded B&B, serves as a celebrity hideaway for the likes of Ethan Hawke and Ashley Judd. Genteel furnishings and luxurious amenities grace pale yellow-and-white rooms, some of which have sweeping city views. Morning newspaper, plush robes, slippers, complimentary town-car service to downtown, the Financial District, and the Presidio in the morning, and nightly turndown service are included. A free breakfast is offered in a sunny, spacious room; wine is set out each evening in a lovely area off the lobby. Guests have commented on the helpful and incredibly friendly staff. Pros: great service; comfortable rooms; quiet residential retreat. Cons: small rooms; far from downtown. TripAdvisor: “peaceful elegance,” “fabulous place to spend a week,” “cozy and charming stay.” | Rooms from: $335 | 2901 Pacific Ave., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/346–2880, 800/634–7277 | www.hoteldrisco.com | 29 rooms, 19 suites | Breakfast.

Hotel Majestic.

$$ | HOTEL | Built in 1902 as a private residence, this five-story white Edwardian building is the city’s oldest continually operating hotel—movie-star sisters Joan Fontaine and Olivia de Havilland, symbols of Old Hollywood royalty, once lived here. Nicolas Cage, his uncle August Coppola, and the crew of Sweet November are among the more contemporary moviemakers who have visited the hotel’s elegant lobby, whose graceful decor includes antique chandeliers, plush Victorian chairs, and hundreds of antiquarian French books. Many rooms—which have either hand-painted four-poster or two-poster twin beds—have claw-foot tubs. The hotel, which survived both of San Francisco’s major 20th-century earthquakes, is legendary for its friendly ghost, the lovely Butterfly Bar, and the largest collection of exotic butterflies in Northern California—on display at the café bar, where you can also order light fare. Pros: quintessential SF hotel; destination café; Victorian flavor; quiet neighborhood; spacious rooms; perfect for a romantic getaway. Cons: you’ll need a cab to get downtown, take the bus, or walk 15 minutes. TripAdvisor: “like family,” “old style,” “wonderful historic hotel.” | Rooms from: $160 | 1500 Sutter St., Pacific Heights | 94109 | 415/441–1100, 800/869–8966 | www.thehotelmajestic.com | 47 rooms, 9 suites | No meals.

Jackson Court.

$ | B&B/INN | This B&B and time-share is a converted 1900 brownstone mansion on a tony residential block. Light, spacious rooms, some with fireplaces and window seats, blend antiques with contemporary furnishings and fresh flowers. An unusual hand-carved fireplace with gentle faces (said to depict the original owners) is the centerpiece of the parlor, where afternoon tea and cookies are served. The adjacent wood-panel game room is stocked with local information, books, and games. Free Continental breakfast served in the upstairs breakfast room can also be taken on trays back to your room or downstairs to the parlor. In 2012 the hotel refreshed rooms with new carpets, wallpaper, paint, bedding, and flat-screen TVs. Pros: pleasant residential area; games for rainy days. Cons: no air-conditioning; small and dated bathrooms; no tubs. | Rooms from: $140 | 2198 Jackson St., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/929–7670 | www.jacksoncourt.com | 10 rooms | Breakfast.

Laurel Inn.

$$ | HOTEL | The blue-and-tan Googie-style facade of this stylish inn suggests its 1963 urban-motel origins. Rooms, decorated in black and taupe, are spacious and clean; some have desks and fold-out sofas, and 18 offer convenient kitchenettes. Adjoining rooms can be connected to create a kid-friendly suite. Accommodations in the rear have cityscape views and tend to be quieter. For a fee, day passes are available to the extensive exercise facilities at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, directly across the street. Diverse shops and restaurants are one block away on Sacramento Street. The hotel also serves up complimentary coffee, tea, cookies and lemonade throughout the day. The newly branded Swank Cocktail Lounge lives up to its name, with 1960s-era furnishings, mixologists slinging funky cocktails, baristas whipping up Blue Bottle coffee, and James Bond on the telly outmaneuvering all his foes. Pros: clean; spacious; kid-friendly rooms; close to Sacramento Street shopping and dining. Cons: no air-conditioning; quite a distance from downtown. TripAdvisor: “different side of San Francisco,” “a nice little hotel,” “convenient location.” | Rooms from: $179 | 444 Presidio Ave., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/567–8467, 800/552–8735 | www.thelaurelinn.com | 49 rooms | Breakfast.

Queen Anne Hotel.

$ | B&B/INN | Built in the 1890s as a girls’ finishing school and located in fashionable Pacific Heights, this Victorian mansion has a large comfortable parlor done up in red brocade, lace, and heirloom antiques. Original stained glass, inlaid wood floors throughout its elegant hallways, and fireplaces add romance to a space with all the modern-day comforts too. Complimentary amenities include an expanded Continental breakfast, daily newspaper, weekday courtesy-car service to downtown, iPod docking stations, and afternoon tea and sherry. The versatile parlor, salon, boardroom, library, and covered outdoor courtyard make this a popular spot for weddings. The suites recently received new beds, linens, curtains, granite-tile bathrooms, and refrigerators, and the guest rooms were spruced up with flat-screen TVs and painted cherub murals. Some rooms have wood-burning fireplaces. Pros: free weekday car service; lots of character. Cons: 15-minute walk to downtown; slightly dated; some guests complain of stuffy, airless rooms. TripAdvisor: “very comfortable,” “a week of bliss,” “great Victorian hotel.” | Rooms from: $145 | 1590 Sutter St., Pacific Heights | 94109 | 415/441–2828, 800/227–3970 | www.queenanne.com | 41 rooms, 7 suites | Breakfast.

JAPANTOWN

Hotel Kabuki.

$ | HOTEL | A pagoda-style boutique hotel in Japantown, the Kabuki sits two blocks from Fillmore Street and Pacific Heights; Japanese-style rooms have futon beds with tatami mats, while the Western variety have traditional beds. All rooms are decorated with gorgeous Asian furniture and original artwork, and most have their own soaking rooms, which come with a bucket, stool, and a Japanese-style tub (one foot deeper than Western tubs). Rooms are in the tower and the garden wing, which has a traditional Japanese garden and waterfall. The O Izakaya Lounge serves breakfast daily and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Pros: serene environment; locally favored restaurant; great neighborhood for repeat visitors. Cons: a bit of a trek from downtown. TripAdvisor: “great neighborhood,” “wonderful stay,” “very nice and comfortable rooms.” | Rooms from: $129 | 1625 Post St., at Laguna St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/922–3200, 800/533–4567 | www.jdvhotels.com | 204 rooms, 14 suites | No meals.

Fodor’s Choice | Hotel Tomo.

$ | HOTEL | Japanese Pop, or J-Pop as it is known across the pond, comes alive in this Japantown boutique hotel, located just a couple of blocks from the chic Fillmore district, Yoshi’s, and the famous Fillmore concert venue. The Hotel Tomo draws hipsters and Japanophiles eager for unique digs in one of San Francisco’s most interesting neighborhoods. Inspired by the Japanese comic phenomena manga and anime, artist Heisuke Kitazawa created primary-color murals for the lobby, the popular Mums Restaurant, and each of the rooms. Cozy quarters offer Scandinavian wood furnishings with low Japanese-style beds, Keurig coffee makers, plus flat-screen TVs with video-game consoles and iPod docking stations. Mums Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily; in the evening locals and tourists line up for shabu-shabu, so make a reservation. Pros: J-Pop style; anime playing on the lobby TV and manga in your room; great price in a fun neighborhood. Cons: tight quarters; a trek from downtown. TripAdvisor: “great service,” “friendly accommodating staff,” “great value and comfortable.” | Rooms from: $149 | 1800 Sutter St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/921–4000 | www.hoteltomo.com | 125 rooms, 1 suite | No meals.

RICHMOND

Seal Rock Inn.

$ | HOTEL | About as far west as you can go in San Francisco without falling into the Pacific, this motel within easy walking distance of the Cliff House and Ocean Beach is a welcome refuge from the hubbub of downtown. Large rooms with accordion-style dividers separating a queen bed from two twins make it a good choice for families with kids, as does the recreation area with a small pool, Ping-Pong table, and badminton court. Recent improvements include new furniture, carpets, curtains, and mattresses; renovated bathrooms; and a new patio. Second-story rooms enjoy ocean views, some have kitchenettes, and a little restaurant serves breakfast and lunch. Pros: close to the beach; lots of activities for kids. Cons: no air-conditioning; no pets allowed; far from the action of the city; in the foggy part of town. TripAdvisor: “a true San Francisco experience,” “restful stay,” “quaint.” | Rooms from: $135 | 545 Point Lobos Ave., Richmond | 94121 | 415/752–8000, 888/732–5762 | www.sealrockinn.com | 27 rooms | No meals.

BY THE AIRPORT

Reasonably priced—and occasionally posh—digs can make this area a fine choice for budget seekers or travelers who disdain the urban bustle.

Bay Landing Hotel.

$$ | HOTEL | For an airport hotel, you can’t get much better than this European country-style property with unsurpassed bay views. In the entrance hall, guests play chess or read before the crackling fireplace as the effusive staff welcomes new arrivals. The homey guest rooms have flowered bedspreads, poster beds, and heavy wooden furnishings, but the selling point is the bay-front address, promising views out of the double-paned windows. Young and old stand in awe photographing planes that pass close by (in a strangely quiet way) on their way to land. Pros: spectacular bayfront views; friendly staff; breakfast included in rate. Cons: a trek from the city. TripAdvisor: “nice view and shower,” “best airport hotel ever,” “clean.” | Rooms from: $169 | 1550 Bayshore Hwy., | Burlingame | 94010 | 650/259–9000 | www.baylandinghotel.com | 130 rooms, 3 suites | Breakfast.

Embassy Suites San Francisco Airport, Burlingame.

$$ | HOTEL | Set on the bay, with clear vistas of airplanes flying above San Francisco in the distance, the building’s focal point is a nine-story atrium and tropical garden showcasing exotic towering palms, bamboo and banana plants, and koi-filled ponds all crowned by a waterfall; this is one of the most lovely hotels in the airport corridor. Each suite has a living room with work area, flat-screen TV, microwave, sleeper sofa, and bedroom; kitchenettes are conveniently located between the suite’s two rooms. Rates include a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, evening cocktails, and free access to the business center. Pros: low rates; pleasant accommodations. Cons: no standard rooms; no concierge. | Rooms from: $169 | 150 Anza Blvd., | Burlingame | 94010 | 650/342–4600, 800/362–2779 | www.sfoburlingame.embassysuites.com | 340 suites | Breakfast.

Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport.

$ | HOTEL | Your entry point to this dramatic hotel is a spectacular 10-story, 29,000-square-foot lobby atrium newly fitted with computer stations equipped with color printers for guests seeking more than the typical business-center atmosphere. Located 2 miles south of SFO, this is one of the largest airport convention hotels in Northern California. The services and amenities include hypoallergenic quarters, ergonomic workstations, and iHome docking stations. A free shuttle whisks guests to downtown Burlingame for shopping and dining, or to SFO, where you can catch BART to San Francisco. The in-house Knuckles Sports Bar, Cascades Lobby Bar, and Swiftwater Deli and Cafe provide food, cocktails, and caffeine fixes throughout the day. Pros: proximity to BART and SFO; free shuttle service. Cons: takes 20–30 minutes to get into the city. TripAdvisor: “beautiful view,” “always a pleasure,” “the Hyatt touch is still alive.” | Rooms from: $109 | 1333 Bayshore Hwy., | Burlingame | 94010 | 650/347–1234 | www.sanfranciscoairport.hyatt.com | 789 rooms, 26 suites | No meals.

La Quinta Inn.

$ | HOTEL | Just off Highway 101 in a mostly industrial area, this four-story, white-brick motel with a Spanish-style red-tile roof offers simple accommodations with bright, sparkling baths. In 2011 the motel refreshed the rooms with new paint, carpeting, and lighting. Their airport shuttle service is free. Pros: quiet; clean; low rates. Cons: in an industrial area next to the highway. | Rooms from: $69 | 20 Airport Blvd., | South San Francisco | 94080 | 650/583–2223 | www.659.lq.com | 170 rooms, 5 suites | Breakfast.

The Westin San Francisco Airport.

$$$$ | HOTEL | An elegant palm-lined entrance and sparkling fountain welcome you to this bay-front hotel, which caters mainly to business travelers and conventioneers. Uncluttered, soundproof accommodations have cherry furnishings and signature Westin Heavenly beds. About one hundred of the rooms have bay views, and all bathrooms are outfitted with double showerheads. An atrium with skylights encloses the pool and hot tub area, and the fitness center has circuit, free weight, and yoga equipment, as well as individual TVs. The warm, bright restaurant, Alfiere, serves a Mediterranean-influenced menu; and latte lovers will appreciate the Starbucks in the lobby. If you bring your pooch along, the hotel provides a complimentary dog bed. Pros: bay views; pet-friendly; next door to the airport; airport shuttle. Cons: far from the city; feels corporate. | Rooms from: $279 | 1 Old Bayshore Hwy., | Millbrae | 94030 | 650/692–3500 | www.westin.com | 390 rooms, 7 suites | No meals.

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Main Table of Contents

The Scene

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Performing Arts Planner | Dance | Film | Music | Opera | Performing Arts Centers | Spoken Word and Readings | Theater

Updated by Jerry James Stone

Sophisticated, offbeat, and often ahead of the curve, San Francisco’s performing-arts scene supports world-class opera, ballet, and theater productions, along with alternative dance events, avant-garde plays, groundbreaking documentaries, and a slew of spoken-word and other literary happenings.

The heart of the mainstream theater district lies on or near Geary Street, mostly west of Union Square, though touring Broadway shows land a little farther afield at big houses like the Orpheum and Golden Gate. But theater can be found all over town. For a bit of culture shock, slip out to eclectic districts like the Mission or Haight, where smaller theater companies reside and short-run and one-night-only performances happen on a regular basis.

The city’s opera house and symphony hall present the musical classics, and venues like the Masonic Auditorium and the Warfield host major rock and jazz talents, but the city’s extensive festival circuit broadens the possibilities considerably. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a beloved celebration of bluegrass, country, and roots music; Noise Pop is the nation’s premier alt-rock showcase; and Power to the Peaceful is an acid-trip back to the Summer of Love.

The range of offerings is just as eclectic on the film front. San Francisco moviegoers love blockbuster hits like everyone else, but they also champion little-known indie and art-house flicks and flock to the interactive sing-along musicals presented at Castro Theatre. Nearly every month an important film festival takes place.

If you don’t feel like dancing, there are plenty who do, from classical dancers to jugglers. And it doesn’t take stadium seating to make a performance space. Cafés, clubs, and bookstores often host poetry readings or author lectures.

PERFORMING ARTS PLANNER

TICKETS 101

The opera, symphony, the San Francisco Ballet’s The Nutcracker, and touring hit musicals are often sold out in advance. Tickets are usually available for other shows within a day of the performance.

City Box Office.

This charge-by-phone service, sells tickets for many performances and lectures. You can buy tickets in person at its downtown location weekdays 9:30–5:30. | 180 Redwood St., Suite 100, off Van Ness Ave. between Golden Gate Ave. and McAllister St., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/392–4400 | www.cityboxoffice.com.

San Francisco Performances.

SFP brings an eclectic array of top-flight global music and dance talents to various venues—mostly the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Davies Symphony Hall, and Herbst Theatre. Artists have included the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, Edgar Meyer, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Midori. Tickets can be purchased in person, online, or by phone. | 500 Sutter St., Suite 710 | 94102 | 415/392-2545 | www.performances.org.

Tickets.com.

You can charge tickets for everything from jazz concerts to Giants games by phone or online through Tickets.com. | 800/955–5566 | www.tickets.com.

TIX Bay Area.

Half-price, same-day tickets for many local and touring stage shows go on sale (cash only) at 11 am Tuesday through Saturday at the Union Square booth of TIX Bay Area. TIX is also a full-service ticket agency for theater and music events around the Bay Area, open Tuesday through Friday 11–6, Saturday 10–6, and Sunday 10–3. | Powell St. between Geary and Post Sts., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/433–7827 | www.tixbayarea.com.

LISTING INFORMATION

The best guide to the arts is the Sunday “Datebook” section (www.sfgate.com/datebook) of the San Francisco Chronicle. The four-day entertainment supplement “96 Hours” (www.sfgate.com/96hours) is in the Thursday Chronicle. Also check out the city’s free alternative weeklies, including SF Weekly (www.sfweekly.com) and the San Francisco Bay Guardian (www.sfbg.com).

Online, SF Station (www.sfstation.com) has a frequently updated arts and nightlife calendar. San Francisco Arts Monthly (www.sfarts.org), which is published at the end of the month, has arts features and events listings, plus a helpful “Visiting San Francisco?” section. For offbeat, emerging-artist performances, consult CounterPULSE (www.counterpulse.org).

DANCE

Local modern-dance groups such as Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet tour extensively and are well regarded by national dance critics. The San Francisco Ballet excels at both traditional and contemporary repertoires.

Dancers’ Group (www.dancersgroup.org) is a website with events and resource listings for dancers and dance aficionados. Voice of Dance (www.voiceofdance.com) is a national publication with local calendars. The Web-only DanceView Times (www.danceviewtimes.com) reviews productions and events.

Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet.

Since 1982 this company has been staging the fluid and gorgeous ballets of choreographer and founder Alonzo King, sometimes in collaboration with top-notch world musicians such as Zakir Hussain and Hamza El Din. Ballets incorporate both classical and modern techniques, with experimental set design, costumes, and music. The San Francisco season is in spring. | 415/863–3040 | www.linesballet.org.

Joe Goode Performance Group.

Physicality and high-flying style are the hallmarks of this original group, a blend of modern dance and theater. Works include narrative, video projections, and song, and succeed at being both poignant and funny. | 415/561–6565 | www.joegoode.org.

Margaret Jenkins Dance Company.

This nationally acclaimed modern troupe, founded in 1973, sometimes performs with popular local musicians such as the Kronos Quartet and the Paul Dresher Ensemble. Jenkins’s highly gestural style sometimes suggests the influence of the late Merce Cunningham, one of her teachers in the 1960s. | 415/861–3940, 415/392–4400 for tickets | www.mjdc.org.

ODC/San Francisco.

Popular with kids, this 10-member group’s annual Yuletide version of The Velveteen Rabbit (mid-November–mid-December), at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, ranks among the city’s best holiday-season performances. The group’s main repertory season generally runs intermittently between January and June. | 415/863–9834 | www.odcdance.org.

Fodor’s Choice | San Francisco Ballet.

For ballet-lovers, this company is reason alone to visit the Bay Area. Under artistic director Helgi Tomasson, the San Francisco Ballet’s works—both classical and contemporary—have won critical raves. The primary season runs from February through May. The repertoire includes full-length ballets such as Don Quixote and Sleeping Beauty; the December presentation of The Nutcracker is truly spectacular. The company also performs bold new dances from star choreographers such as William Forsythe and Mark Morris, alongside modern classics by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. Tickets and information are available at the War Memorial Opera House. | War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., at Grove St., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/865–2000 | www.sfballet.org | Weekdays 10–4.

Smuin Ballet/SF.

Former San Francisco Ballet director Michael Smuin founded this company, whose works are renowned for their gorgeous fluidity. It regularly integrates popular music—everything from Gershwin to the Beatles and Elton John—into its performances, most of which take place at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. | 415/556–5000 | www.smuinballet.org.

DANCE FESTIVALS

Ethnic Dance Festival.

About 30 of the Bay Area’s ethnic dance companies and soloists perform at this event, which takes place over three weekends in June. Ticket prices start at $22; some performances may offer half-price tickets for children under 16 years of age. | Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, Bay and Lyon Sts., Marina | 94123 | 415/474–3914 | www.worldartswest.org.

San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest.

The Bay Area has always been at the forefront of hip-hop, so it’s no surprise that the world’s first hip-hop festival, founded in 1999, is held here. Professional dancers from all over North America perform and give master classes at local studios for three days in November. | Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, Bay and Lyon Sts., Marina | 94123 | 415/392–4400 | www.sfhiphopdancefest.com.

FILM

Films of every stripe—3-D blockbusters, art-house indies, classic revivals—find an audience in the Bay Area. The region is also a filmmaking center, where documentaries and experimental works are produced on modest budgets, feature films and television programs are shot on location, and pioneering animation companies like Pixar Animation Studios, which is just across the bay in Emeryville, push the technological envelope.

San Francisco Cinematheque.

San Francisco Cinematheque showcases experimental film and digital media, with most screenings at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts or at Artists’ Television Access. | 415/552–1990 | www.sfcinematheque.org.

MOVIE THEATERS

The Bridge.

This well-maintained single-screen theater has been showing foreign and independent films for six decades. | 3010 Geary Blvd., at Blake St., Western Addition | 94118 | 415/267–4893.

Fodor’s Choice | Castro Theatre.

An art-deco showstopper, the Castro Theatre’s exterior is marked by a large neon sign that is practically viewable from anywhere in the city. The interior, along with the Mighty Wurlitzer preshow, transports you back to 1922 when the theater first opened. Foreign films, revivals, and local film festivals are just a few of the events you will find at this local treasure. TIP Its sing-along movie musicals are most popular, drawing diverse crowds from across the city and creating lines that wrap around the block. Parking is limited in the Castro District, so taking public transportation is advised. | 429 Castro St., near Market St., Castro | 94114 | 415/621–6120 | www.castrotheatre.com.

The Clay.

This small but comfortable single-screen theater dates to 1910 and shows first-run art-house films. | 2261 Fillmore St., at Clay St., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/267–4873.

Embarcadero Center Cinemas.

Shows often sell out at this extremely popular five-screen theater, which screens the best in first-run independent, art-house, and foreign films. | 1 Embarcadero Center, promenade level, Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/267–4893.

Lumière.

This three-screen theater tends toward experimental and foreign films, as well as documentaries. | 1572 California St., between Polk and Larkin Sts., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/267–4893.

Opera Plaza Cinemas.

The four theaters and their screens are small, but this is often the last place you can see an independent or foreign film before it ends its run in the city. It’s great for indie-film-loving procrastinators, but if you arrive late for the show, you may have to sit in the front row of the tiny screening room. | 601 Van Ness Ave., between Turk St. and Golden Gate Ave., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/267–4893.

Roxie Theater.

Film noir and indie features and documentaries, as well as first-run movies and classic foreign cinema, are the specialties here. | 3117 16th St., between Valencia and Guerrero Sts., Mission | 94103 | 415/863–1087 | www.roxie.com.

Sundance Kabuki Cinema.

Moviegoing at the Kabuki Cinema is a first-class experience. The seating is comfy and spaced out, unlike the usual packed theater, and you can reserve your seat in advance online, so you don’t need to arrive an hour early to snag one. The standard concession items are available, along with food options that are borderline gourmet. Plus beer and wine—which you can take into the theater!—are also served. Film screenings run the gamut from mainstream blockbusters to offbeat indies, so there’s something for everyone. | 1881 Post St., at Fillmore St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/346-3243 | www.sundancecinemas.com/kabuki.html.

FILM FESTIVALS

Area film festivals, especially the popular San Francisco International Film Festival, often attract sell-out crowds; many screenings feature Q&A sessions with directors and actors from around the world. Smaller niche events duplicate the format on a more intimate scale.

American Indian Film Festival.

This event, presented by the American Indian Film Institute, has been based in San Francisco since 1977. Each November the festival takes over various venues, including the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. | 415/554–0525 | www.aifisf.com.

San Francisco Independent Film Festival (Indiefest and Docfest).

This popular event presents a slate of movies that are defiantly out of the mainstream. Indiefest, which caters to a younger demographic, specializes in oddball fare rarely programmed at other festivals; Docfest performs the same service for documentaries you won’t find at the local multiplex. | 415/820–3907 | www.sfindie.com.

San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival.

Asian and Asian-American cinema is the focus of this March festival, presented by the Center for Asian American Media. The lineup includes feature and short films and videos—everything from animation to documentaries. | 415/863–0814 | www.caamedia.org.

San Francisco International Film Festival.

For two weeks each spring the San Francisco Film Society—which also sponsors year-round screenings and film series—takes over several theaters, including the Castro Theatre, the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, and Pacific Film Archive. The festival schedules about 200 films, documentaries, and videos from 50 countries; many are U.S. premieres. Tickets and program information can be found on the society’s website. | www.sffs.org.

San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival.

The world’s oldest and largest festival of its kind takes place at various venues for two weeks in late June. | 415/703–8650 | www.frameline.org/festival.

San Francisco International South Asian Film Festival.

Documentaries, feature films, and Bollywood movies are shown at this weeklong festival in November. | 415/835–4783 | www.thirdi.org/festival.

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival.

In late July and early August, the Castro Theatre and other Bay Area venues screen films as part of this event. Parties on the opening and closing nights of the festival celebrate the films and filmmakers. | 415/621–0556 | www.sfjff.org.

MUSIC

San Francisco’s symphony and opera perform in the Civic Center area, but musical ensembles can be found all over the Bay Area in smaller spaces, churches, museums, restaurants, and parks.

42nd Street Moon.

This group produces delightful “semistaged” concert performances of rare chestnuts from Broadway’s golden age of musical theater, such as L’il Abner and The Boys from Syracuse. The Eureka Theatre (215 Jackson St.) hosts most 42nd Street Moon shows. | 415/255–8207 | www.42ndstmoon.org.

Chanticleer.

A Bay Area treasure, this all-male a-cappella ensemble stages lively and technically flawless performances that show off a repertoire ranging from sacred medieval music to show tunes to contemporary avant-garde works. | 415/252–8589 | www.chanticleer.org.

Kronos Quartet.

Twentieth-century works and a number of premieres make up the programs for this always entertaining, Grammy Award–winning string ensemble, which spends much of the year traveling throughout the United States and abroad. | www.kronosquartet.org.

Noontime Concerts at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral.

This Gothic Revival church, completed in 1872 and rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake, hosts a notable chamber-music series on Tuesday at 12:30; suggested donation is $5. | 660 California St., Financial District | 94108 | 415/777–3211 | www.noontimeconcerts.org.

Old First Concerts.

The well-respected Friday-evening and Sunday-afternoon series includes chamber music, choral works, vocal soloists, new music, and jazz. Tickets are $17. | Old First Presbyterian Church, 1751 Sacramento St., at Van Ness Ave., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/474–1608 | www.oldfirstconcerts.org.

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra.

This ensemble has been lauded as the nation’s preeminent group for performances of early music. Its season of concerts, fall through spring, celebrates composers of the 17th and 18th centuries, including Handel, Vivaldi, and Bach. | 415/252–1288 | www.philharmonia.org.

Fodor’s Choice | San Francisco Symphony.

One of America’s top orchestras, the San Francisco Symphony performs from September through May, with additional summer performances of light classical music and show tunes; visiting artists perform here the rest of the year. The orchestra and its charismatic music director, Michael Tilson Thomas, who is known for his daring programming of 20th-century American works (most notably his Grammy Award–winning Mahler cycle), often perform with soloists of the caliber of Andre Watts, Gil Shaham, and Renée Fleming. The adventuresome side of the organization is amply illustrated by this symphony’s collaboration with the heavy-metal group Metallica. David Byrne has performed here, as well. Tickets run from $15 to $100. Many members of the San Francisco Symphony perform in the Summer in the City concert series, held in the 2,400-seat Davies Symphony Hall. The schedule includes light classics and Broadway, country, and movie music. | Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., at Grove St., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/864–6000 | www.sfsymphony.org.

MUSIC FESTIVALS

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival.

The city’s top free music event, as well as one of the greatest gatherings for bluegrass, country, and roots music in the country, takes place in late September or early October. Roughly 50,000 folks turn out to see the likes of Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and Del McCoury at Hellman Hollow (formerly Speedway Meadows) in Golden Gate Park. | www.strictlybluegrass.com.

Noise Pop Festival.

Widely considered to be one of the country’s top showcases for what’s new in indie-pop and alt-rock, Noise Pop is a weeklong festival in February or March held at Slim’s, the Great American Music Hall, The Independent, and other cool clubs. Founded in 1993, the low-key festival has helped local fans discover such talented acts as Modest Mouse, Kristin Hersh, and Bettie Serveert. (Phone info about the event is best obtained by calling the individual venues.) | 415/375–3370 | www.noisepop.com.

Power to the Peaceful.

A throwback to San Francisco’s Summer of Love, this three-day festival takes place in Golden Gate Park and is a lot like Woodstock—that is, the original one. Started by Michael Franti more than a decade ago, the event is a mix of musicians, speakers and peacemakers, and has seen such names as Woody Harrelson, Ziggy Marley, Amy Goodman, Alanis Morissette, and the Indigo Girls. TIP The “make love, not war” crowd is in full force here so wear something made from hemp or nothing at all, and you’ll fit right in. | www.powertothepeaceful.org.

San Francisco Bluegrass and Old Time Festival.

While the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival attracts both die-hard fans and casual listeners, this event targets those who can name all the players in Ralph Stanley’s band. The festival takes place each February at various small venues both in and around San Francisco. Past participants have included Kenny Hall, Laurie Lewis, Jackstraw, and, yes, Ralph Stanley. | No phone | www.sfbluegrass.org.

San Francisco Jazz Festival.

Every year starting in October, concert halls, clubs, and churches throughout the city host this acclaimed two-week festival. The popular event, which got its start in 1983, has featured such big-name acts as Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, and McCoy Tyner, as well as newer jazz stars like Brad Mehldau and Chris Botti. | 415/398–5655 | www.sfjazz.org.

San Francisco World Music Festival.

This respected autumn festival draws musicians from around the world to various Bay Area venues. Unlike some so-called world music festivals, this event truly is a global affair, offering more than just the standard assortment of Celtic acts and Latin jazz players. | 415/561–6571 | www.sfworldmusicfestival.org.

SFJAZZ Spring Season.

The increasingly popular counterpart to the fall festival, the Spring Season is programmed by artistic director Joshua Redman, a saxophone colossus who grew up in Berkeley. The lengthy festival runs roughly from mid-March to early June and features top-notch headliners. | 415/398–5655 | www.sfjazz.org.

Stern Grove Festival.

The nation’s oldest continual free summer music festival hosts Sunday-afternoon performances of symphony, opera, jazz, pop music, and dance. The amphitheater is in a beautiful eucalyptus grove below street level, perfect for picnicking before the show. (Dress for cool weather.) | Sloat Blvd. at 19th Ave., Sunset | 94102 | 415/252–6252 | www.sterngrove.org.

OPERA

Fodor’s Choice | San Francisco Opera.

Founded in 1923, this world-renowned company has resided at the Civic Center’s War Memorial Opera House since the building’s completion in 1932. Over its split season—September through January and June through July—the opera presents about 70 performances of 10 to 12 operas. Translations are projected above the stage during almost all non-English operas. Long considered a major international company and the most important operatic organization in the United States outside New York, the opera frequently embarks on productions with European opera companies and unconventional projects, some with a popular cultural edge designed to attract younger audiences. Ticket prices can range from $25 to $195. The full-time box office (Monday 10–5, Tuesday through Friday 10–6) is at 199 Grove Street, at Van Ness Avenue. | War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., at Grove St., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/864–3330 tickets | www.sfopera.com.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS

Fodor’s Choice | War Memorial Opera House.

With its soaring vaulted ceilings and marble foyer, this elegant 3,146-seat venue, built in 1932, rivals the Old World theaters of Europe. Part of the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, which also includes Davies Symphony Hall and Herbst Theatre, this is the home of the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Ballet. | 301 Van Ness Ave., at Grove St., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/621–6600 | www.sfwmpac.org.

Fodor’s Choice | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Across the street from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and abutting a lovely urban garden, this performing arts complex schedules interdisciplinary art exhibitions, touring and local dance troupes, music, film programs, and contemporary theater events. You can depend on the quality of the productions at Yerba Buena. Film buffs often come here to check out the San Francisco Cinematheque (|www.sfcinematheque.org), which showcases experimental film and digital media. And dance enthusiasts can attend concerts by a roster of city companies that perform here including Smuin Ballet/SF (|www.smuinballet.org), ODC/San Francisco (|www.odcdance.org), the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company, and Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet (|www.linesballet.org). The Lamplighters (|www.lamplighters.org), an alternative opera that specializes in Gilbert and Sullivan, also performs here. | 3rd and Howard Sts., SoMa | 94103 | 415/978–2787 | www.ybca.org.

SPOKEN WORD AND READINGS

Aspiring and established writers, poets, and performers step up to the mike all over town and put their words and egos on the line. Check listings in the alternative weeklies or the San Francisco Sunday Chronicle book-review section (www.sfgate.com/books).

Cafe International.

An open-mike session follows one or more featured readers here every Friday night at 8. Spoken-word performances are interspersed with acoustic musical acts. | 508 Haight St., at Fillmore St., Lower Haight | 94117 | 415/552–7390.

Fodor’s Choice | City Arts & Lectures.

Each year this program includes more than 20 fascinating conversations with writers, composers, actors, politicians, scientists, and others. The Herbst Theatre, in the Civic Center area, is usually the venue. Past speakers have included Nora Ephron, Salman Rushdie, Ken Burns, and Linda Ronstadt. | 415/392–4400 | www.cityarts.net.

Commonwealth Club of California.

The nation’s oldest public-affairs forum hosts speakers as diverse as Erin Brockovich and Bill Gates; every president since Teddy Roosevelt has addressed the club. Topics range from culture and politics to economics and foreign policy. Events are open to nonmembers; contact the club for the current schedule of events. Venues vary by speaker. Lectures are broadcast on NPR. | 595 Market St., at 2nd St., Financial District | 94105 | 415/597–6700 | www.commonwealthclub.org.

Modern Times Bookstore.

About six times a month, this progressive-minded Mission District store hosts writers for readings, question-and-answer sessions, and book signings. | 2919 24th St, at Florida St., Mission | 94110 | 415/282–9246 | www.mtbs.com.

West Coast Live.

Billed as “San Francisco’s Live Radio Show to the World,” the program invites an audience to its weekly broadcasts, many from the San Francisco Ferry Building or the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley. The eclectic guest list includes personalities such as Craig Newmark, Rita Moreno, Jamaica Kincaid, and Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman (the Mythbusters guys). | 415/664–9500 | www.wcl.org.

Writers With Drinks.

This quirky, oft-madcap, and hilariously funny spoken-word event is part reading, part circus variety show. Writers range from unknowns to rising stars and the occasional well-known author. Writers With Drinks usually takes place at the Make-Out Room, at 3225 22nd Street in the Mission. | www.writerswithdrinks.com.

Arts and Culture Beyond the City

Although most folks from outlying areas drive into San Francisco to enjoy the performing arts, there are plenty of reasons to head out of the city.

Film

Mill Valley Film Festival.

Marin County’s annual Mill Valley Film Festival, in early October, is a renowned community event. The films shown span the genres, from features and documentaries to video, animated, and experimental film. | 415/383–5256 | www.mvff.com.

Pacific Film Archive.

The Pacific Film Archive, affiliated with the University of California, screens a comprehensive mix of classics, American, and foreign films. | 2575 Bancroft Way, near Bowditch St., | Berkeley | 94720 | 510/642–0808 | www.bampfa.berkeley.edu.

Paramount Theatre.

The spectacular art-deco Paramount Theatre screens a few vintage flicks (The Sting, Casablanca) every month and presents live events. | 2025 Broadway, near 19th St. BART station, | Oakland | 94612 | 510/465–6400 | www.paramounttheatre.com.

Music

Berkeley Symphony Orchestra.

The Berkeley Symphony Orchestra rose to prominence under Kent Nagano’s baton and continues to prosper with Joana Carneiro now at the helm. The emphasis is on 20th-century composers. The orchestra plays a few concerts each year, in the University of California–Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall and elsewhere in Berkeley. TIP The acoustics in Zellerbach Hall are poor; sit in the front or middle orchestra for the best sound. | 510/841–2800 | www.berkeleysymphony.org.

Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse.

Some of the most talented practitioners of folk, blues, Cajun, and bluegrass perform at the alcohol-free Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse. | 2020 Addison St. , | Berkeley | 94704 | 510/644–2020 | www.thefreight.org.

Yoshi’s.

Oakland is home to Yoshi’s, one of the nation’s best jazz venues. | 510 Embarcadero St., between Washington and Clay Sts., | Oakland | 94607 | 510/238–9200 | www.yoshis.com.

Theater

Berkeley Repertory Theatre.

The Tony Award–winning Berkeley Repertory Theatre is the American Conservatory Theater’s major rival for leadership among the region’s resident professional companies. It performs an adventurous mix of classics and new plays from fall to spring in its theater complex, near BART’s Downtown Berkeley Station. Parking is difficult, so arrive early if you’re coming by car. | 2025 Addison St. , | Berkeley | 94704 | 510/647–2949 | www.berkeleyrep.org.

Cal Performances.

The Cal Performances series, held at various venues on the University of California–Berkeley campus from September through May, offers the Bay Area’s most varied bill of internationally acclaimed artists in all disciplines. | 510/642–9988 | www.calperformances.org.

THEATER

The three major commercial theaters—the Curran, Golden Gate, and Orpheum—are operated by the Shorenstein-Nederlander organization, which books touring plays and musicals, some before they open on Broadway. Theatre Bay Area (www.theatrebayarea.org) lists most Bay Area performances online.

American Conservatory Theater.

Not long after its founding in the mid-1960s, the city’s major nonprofit theater company became one of the nation’s leading regional theaters. During its season, which runs from early fall to late spring, ACT presents approximately eight plays, from classics to contemporary works, often in rotating repertory. In December ACT stages a much-loved version of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. The ACT ticket office (405 Geary St.) is next door to the American Conservatory Theater. | 415 Geary St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/749-2228 | www.act-sf.org.

Curran Theater.

Some of the biggest touring shows come to this theater, which has hosted classical music, dance, and stage performances since its 1925 opening. Shows are of the long-running Broadway musical variety, such as Stomp and Jersey Boys, and the seasonal A Christmas Carol. | 445 Geary St., at Mason St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/551–2000 | www.shnsf.com.

Exit Theatre.

The place for absurdist and experimental theater, this three-stage venue also presents the annual Fringe Festival in September. | 156 Eddy St., between Mason and Taylor Sts., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/931–1094 | www.theexit.org.

Golden Gate Theater.

This stylishly refurbished movie theater is now primarily a musical house. Touring productions of popular Broadway shows and revivals are its mainstays. | Golden Gate Ave. at Taylor St., Tenderloin | 94102 | 415/551–2000 | www.shnsf.com.

Lorraine Hansberry Theatre.

The performance of plays by black writers such as August Wilson and Langston Hughes is the raison d’être of this company, which recently moved to a 400-seat space. | 450 Post St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/474-8800 | www.lhtsf.org.

Magic Theatre.

Once Sam Shepard’s favorite showcase, the pint-size Magic presents works by rising American playwrights such as Matthew Wells, Karen Hartman, and Claire Chafee. | Fort Mason, Bldg. D, Laguna St. at Marina Blvd., Marina | 94123 | 415/441–8822 | www.magictheatre.org.

The Marsh.

Experimental works, including one-man and one-woman shows, works in progress, and new-vaudeville shows, can be seen here. | 1062 Valencia St., at 22nd St., Mission | 94110 | 800/838–3006 tickets, 415/826–5750 information | www.themarsh.org.

New Conservatory Theatre Center.

This three-stage complex hosts the annual Pride Season, focusing on contemporary gay- and lesbian-themed works, as well as other events, including educational plays for young people. | 25 Van Ness Ave., between Fell and Oak Sts., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/861–8972 | www.nctcsf.org.

New Pickle Circus.

The acrobatically inclined group generally performs at the Circus Center around Christmastime, with fire-breathing jugglers and high-flying trapeze artists. There are a few smaller productions in San Francisco and the Bay Area throughout the year. | 755 Frederick St. | 94117 | 415/759–8123 | www.circuscenter.org.

Orpheum Theater.

The biggest touring shows, such as Hairspray and The Lion King, are performed at this gorgeously restored 2,500-seat venue. The theater, opened in 1926 as a vaudeville stage, is as much an attraction as the shows. It was modeled after the Spanish baroque palaces and is considered one of the most beautiful theaters in the world; the interior walls have ornate cathedral-like stonework, and the gilded plaster ceiling is perforated with tiny lights. | 1192 Market St., at Hyde St., Tenderloin | 94102 | 415/551–2000 | www.shnsf.com.

San Francisco Mime Troupe.

The politically leftist, barbed satires of this Tony Award–winning troupe are hardly mime in the Marcel Marceau sense. The group performs afternoon musicals at area parks from the July 4 weekend through September, and taking one in is a perfect way to spend a sunny summer day. | 415/285–1717 | www.sfmt.org.

Fodor’s Choice | Teatro ZinZanni.

Contortionists, chanteuses, jugglers, illusionists, and circus performers entertain the audiences who dine on a surprisingly good five-course dinner in a fabulous antique Belgian traveling-dance-hall tent (slated for a permanent relocation to Broadway and the Embarcadero in late 2012). Be ready to laugh, and arrive early for a front-and-center table. Reservations are essential; tickets are $125 to $150; call or check the website for prices. And dress fancy. | Broadway and the Embarcadero, Northern Waterfront | 94111 | 415/438–2668 | www.zinzanni.org.

Theatre Rhinoceros.

Gay and lesbian performers and playwrights are showcased at various venues. | 1360 Mission St., Suite 200, Mission | 94103 | 800/838–3006 tickets, 415/552–4100 offices | www.therhino.org.

Theatre of Yugen.

The 700-year-old Japanese theatrical forms Noh (musical drama) and Kyogen (traditional Japanese comedy) are incorporated into experimental works here. | 2840 Mariposa St., between Florida and Alabama Sts., Mission 94110 | 415/621–0507 | www.theatreofyugen.org.

THEATER FESTIVALS

San Francisco Shakespeare Festival.

Free weekend performances of the Bard’s works take place in September in the Presidio. | 800/978–7529, 415/558–0888 | www.sfshakes.org.

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Main Table of Contents

The Scene

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Nightlife Planner | Union Square and Chinatown | SoMa and Civic Center | The Tenderloin | Hayes Valley | Financial District | Nob Hill and Russian Hill | Van Ness/Polk | North Beach | The Waterfront | The Marina and the Presidio | Cow Hollow | The Western Shoreline | Golden Gate Park | The Haight, the Castro, and Noe Valley | Mission District | Potrero Hill | Pacific Heights and Japantown | Western Addition | Bernal Heights | Richmond

Updated by Jerry James Stone

After hours, business folk and the working class give way to costume-clad partygoers, hippies and hipsters, downtown divas, frat boys, and those who prefer something a little more clothing-optional. Downtown and the Financial District remain pretty serious even after dark, and Nob Hill is staid, though you can’t beat views from penthouse lounges, the most famous being the Top of the Mark. Nearby North Beach is an even better starting point for an evening out.

Always lively, the areas of options include family-friendly dining spots, historic bars from the city’s bohemian past (among them Jack Kerouac’s old haunts), and even comedy clubs where stars such as Bill Cosby and Jay Leno cut their teeth. In SoMa there are many options for catching a drink before a Giants game, and plenty of brewpubs to celebrate in afterward. SoMa also hosts some of the hottest dance clubs, along with some saucy gay bars. While Union Square can be a bit trendy, even the swanky establishments have loosened things up in recent years.

Heading west to Hayes Valley, a more sophisticated crowd dabbles in the burgeoning “culinary cocktail movement.” Singles gravitate north of here to Cow Hollow and the Marina. Polk Street was a gay mecca before the Castro and still hosts some wild bars, but things get downright outlandish in the Castro District. Indie hipsters of all persuasions populate the Mission and Haight districts by night. Keep in mind, though, that some of the best times San Francisco has to offer will be found off the beaten path, in neighborhoods such as Bernal Heights and Dogpatch, the latter home to Yield, one of the city’s premier wine bars.

NIGHTLIFE PLANNER

HOURS

Sports bars and hotel bars tend to be open Sunday, but others may be closed. A few establishments—especially wine bars and restaurant bars—also close Monday. Last call is typically 1:30 am; Financial District bars catering to the after-work crowd, however, may stop serving as early as 9 or 10 pm, and generally close by midnight at the latest. Bands and performers usually take the stage between 8 and 11 pm. A handful of after-hours clubs are open until 4 am or all night.

LATE-NIGHT TRANSPORTATION

You’re better off taking public transportation or taxis on weekend nights, unless you’re heading downtown (Financial District or Union Square) and are willing to park in a lot. There’s only street parking in North Beach, the Mission, Castro, and the Haight, and finding a spot can be practically impossible. Muni stops running between 1 am and 5 am but has its limited Owl Service on nine lines—including the N, L, 90, 91, 14, and 22—every 30 minutes, though service cuts have made a dent in convenience and frequency; check | www.sfmuni.com for details. You can sometimes hail a taxi on the street in well-trodden nightlife locations like North Beach or the Mission, but you can also call for one (415/626–2345 Yellow Cab, 415/648–3181 Arrow). TIP Cabs in SF are more expensive than in other areas in the United States; expect to pay at least $15 to get anywhere within the city. Keep in mind that BART service across the bay stops shortly after midnight.

LOCAL LISTINGS

Entertainment information is printed in the pink Sunday “Datebook” section (www.sfgate.com/datebook) and the more calendar-based Thursday “96 Hours” section (www.sfgate.com/96hours) in the San Francisco Chronicle. Also consult any of the free alternative weeklies, notably the SF Weekly (www.sfweekly.com), which blurbs nightclubs and music, and the San Francisco Bay Guardian (www.sfbg.com), which lists neighborhood, avant-garde, and budget events. SF Station (www.sfstation.com; online only) has an up-to-date calendar of entertainment goings-on.

Top 5 Bars

Cliff House: Granted, it’s pricey and the interior is ho-hum, but huge picture windows with views of the rolling Pacific remind you why you came here in the first place.

El Rio: The perfect dive, with $2.50 drink specials, a stellar patio, and an ever-changing calendar of events (free oysters on Friday, salsa Sunday, . . .).

Hôtel Biron: Everything a small wine bar should be: intimate, stylish, and slightly hard to find, with an eclectic wine list and good small plates.

Smuggler’s Cove: Despite the gaudy (and distracting) pirate theme, this joint serves superb cocktails. Rum is king, with over 200 different styles available.

Vesuvio Café: One of those rare bars with a fleet of regulars that everyone knows about. It’s in one of the most touristy parts of town, but still manages to be cool.

SMOKING

By law, bars and clubs are smoke-free, except for the very few that are staffed entirely by the owners.

TICKETS AND COVERS

The cover charge at smaller, less popular clubs ranges from $5 to $10, and credit cards are rarely accepted for this. Covers at larger venues may spike to $30, and tickets usually can be purchased through Tickets.com or Ticketweb.com. Bars often have covers for live music—usually $5 to $15.

WHAT TO WEAR

Except for a few skyline lounges, you’re not expected to dress up. Still, San Franciscans are a stylish bunch. For women, dressed-up jeans with heels and cute tops are one popular uniform; for guys it’s button-up shirts or designer tees and well-tailored jeans. Of course, stylish means a black designer outfit at one place and funky thrift-store togs at another, so you have to use your judgment.

UNION SQUARE AND CHINATOWN

UNION SQUARE

Bars

Cantina.

Let the skull and crossbones over the entryway of this intimate little Latin bar be fair warning, because the magic the bartenders perform here is pure voodoo. The drinks are completely handcrafted with fresh ingredients, homemade bitters, and even homegrown citrus fruits, so service can be slow during busy times; fortunately, many cocktails are served in pitchers. TIP The most popular (and interesting) cocktail is the laughing buddha, a vibrant mix of lime, ginger, and serrano chiles. Arrive early and grab a seat in the lounge toward the back. | 580 Sutter St., at Mason St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/398–0195 | www.cantinasf.com.

Harry Denton’s Starlight Room.

Forget low-key drinks—the only way to experience Harry Denton’s is to go for a show. Cough up the cover charge and enjoy the opulent, over-the-top decor and entertainment (some of the best cover bands in the business, usually playing Top 40 hits from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s). Velvet booths and romantic lighting help re-create the 1950s high life on the 21st floor of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, and the small dance floor is packed on Friday and Saturday nights. Jackets are preferred for men. Call ahead—the room is sometimes closed for private events on weekdays. | Sir Francis Drake Hotel, 450 Powell St., between Post and Sutter Sts., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/395–8595 | www.harrydenton.com.

The Hidden Vine.

True to its name, this cozy wine bar is in a little alley (just north of Market Street) and the location is part of the appeal, but the wines and amuse-bouches make it truly worthwhile. A jumble of velvet chairs and love seats fills the space, and the owner, who serves most nights, acts as your sommelier. The space also features its very own bocce court. | 408 Merchant St, at Battery St., Financial District | 94111 | 415/674–3567 | www.thehiddenvine.com.

Le Colonial.

Down an easy-to-miss alley off Taylor Street is what appears to be a two-story plantation house in the center of the city. Without being kitschy, the top-floor bar successfully evokes French-colonial Vietnam, thanks to creaky wooden floors, Victorian sofas, a patio with potted palms, and tasty French-Vietnamese food and tropical cocktails. You’ll find local jazz bands playing early in the week, but come the weekend this is a full-on DJ-driven dance party. When you arrive, sweep past the café tables and the hostess and head up the stairs to your left. | 20 Cosmo Pl., off Taylor St., between Post and Sutter Sts., Union Sq. | 94109 | 415/931–3600 | www.lecolonialsf.com.

Otis.

The brainchild of a transplanted New Yorker, this tiny, two-level, art-deco-tinged watering hole that seats 49 is an ideal environment for upscale city denizens, hipsters, and corporate jockeys who have made this their hangout and, for the most part, kept the place a secret. And why shouldn’t they? Happy hour (weekdays 5–8 pm) offers light fare and a number of excellent specialty cocktails; the place doesn’t get jumping until around 10 pm, especially on weekends. Red lacquered walls, white leather couches optimal for people-watching, and the pièce de résistance—a stuffed peacock above the bar—add a touch of class and sass. Retreat to the cozy upstairs if you need to escape the clamor. | 25 Maiden La., off Kearny St., Union Sq. | 94108 | No phone | www.otissf.com.

The Rrazz Room.

Tucked away in the marble lobby of Hotel Nikko, the popular Rrazz Room books mostly cabaret acts, but also comedians, spoken-word artists, and other performers. Recent headliners have included Lypsinka, Elaine Stritch, Della Reese, the Freddy Cole Quartet, and local favorites Paula West and Wesla Whitfield. Light cuisine is offered on cabaret nights. A full bar, which serves a raft of specialty cocktails, wines, and coffee, is open daily beginning at 2 pm. Shows generally start at 8 pm (7 pm on Sunday), with occasional late shows at 10:30. Check the website for schedules and ticketing info. | 222 Mason St., between Ellis and O’Farrell Sts., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/394–1189 | www.therrazzroom.com.

Slide.

During Prohibition, one of the city’s more notorious speakeasies was accessible only via a secret-wall passage and a 15-foot slide that whisked patrons into the basement “restaurant” known as Coffee Dan’s (it wasn’t really a restaurant). That space has been reclaimed, restored, and aptly renamed Slide. A swanky, modern version of its former self, the place still has a slide, though stairs are also available. On the weekends, DJs spin a mix of hip-hop, downtempo, and Rat Pack–era hits from a 1920s baby grand piano that has been converted to a DJ booth. Like similar-themed bars within the city , the facility is completely unmarked. | 430 Mason St., at Geary St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/421–1916 | www.slidesf.com.

Fodor’s Choice | Vessel.

A relatively new club/lounge that’s enticing, romantic, and ultrahip in one package, Vessel has a cavalier glamour that embraces you as you descend the staircase into its sleekly designed 5,000-square-foot industrial space made intimate with glowing amber lighting and low-slung benches that line exposed brick walls. New York in attitude and decor, but quintessential San Francisco in its egalitarian mix of casual Gen-Xers, fortysomething professionals, and tourists, Vessel emits a classy, sexy vibe that telegraphs “this is the place to be” without snobbishness. Light food and signature cocktails are served in the lounge weekday evenings 5 to 9. Action picks up after 11 pm, when DJs and live acts take the stage pumping through a multimillion-dollar sound system. You can escape to strategically placed cognac leather love seats or dance on top of the long plank tables spotlighted from below. | 85 Campton Pl., at Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/433–8585 | www.vesselsf.com | No cover weeknights; weekends $10–$20; reserved seating $250–$500 | Wed. and Sat. 10 pm–2 am, Thurs. 9:30 pm–2 am, Fri. 4 pm–2 am.

Best Hotel Bars

Big 4 Bar.

Dark-wood paneling and green leather banquettes lend a masculine feel to the bar at the Huntington Hotel, where the over-30 crowd orders Scotch and Irish coffee. To accompany your whiskey, try the potpies or Irish stew. This place is a San Francisco history lesson—read up on the Big Four railroad barons (Stanford, Hopkins, Crocker, and the hotel’s namesake) before you go to get more out of the experience. | The Huntington Hotel, 1075 California St., at Mason St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/474–5400 | www.big4restaurant.com.

Pied Piper Bar.

Originally opened in 1875 (after being built for the then-extravagant price of $5 million), the Palace hotel is still one of San Francisco’s classiest. Suitably, this watering hole, which takes its name from the Maxfield Parrish mural The Pied Piper of Hamelin behind the bar, draws a very affluent and upscale clientele for its excellent two-olive martinis and other libations. | Palace Hotel, 2 New Montgomery St., at Market St., SoMa | 94105 | 415/512–1111 | www.sfpalace.com/Pied-Piper.

Redwood Room.

Opened in 1933 and updated by designer Philippe Starck in 2001, the Redwood Room at the Clift Hotel is a San Francisco icon. The entire room, floor to ceiling, is paneled with the wood from a single redwood tree, giving the place a rich, monochromatic look. The gorgeous original art-deco sconces and chandeliers still hang, but bizarre video installations on plasma screens also adorn the walls. It’s packed on weekend evenings after 10, when young scenesters swarm the hotel; for maximum glamour, visit on a weeknight. | Clift Hotel, 495 Geary St., at Taylor St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/929–2372 for table reservations, 415/775–4700 for hotel | www.clifthotel.com.

Seasons Bar.

The walnut-panel walls, inlaid cherrywood floor, and elegant furnishings of the tiny lobby bar capture the aesthetic of the coolly minimalist Four Seasons. Discreet staff members in dark suits serve top-shelf cocktails and salty nibbles. A piano player entertains Tuesday through Saturday evening in the lobby lounge, where you can relax on overstuffed sofas and chairs. The clientele is generally 40-plus and business-suited. | Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, 757 Market St., between 3rd and 4th Sts., SoMa | 94103 | 415/633–3000 | www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco/dining.

Tonga Room.

Since 1947 the Tonga Room has given San Francisco a taste of high Polynesian kitsch. Fake palm trees, grass huts, a lagoon (three-piece combos play pop standards on a floating barge), and faux monsoons—courtesy of sprinkler-system rain and simulated thunder and lightning—grow more surreal as you quaff fruity cocktails. | Fairmont San Francisco, 950 Mason St., at California St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/772–5278 | www.tongaroom.com.

W Café and XYZ Bar.

Floor-to-ceiling blue velvet draperies, black-and-white terrazzo floors, and a thumpin’ sound system set the aggressive see-and-be-seen tone of the lobby bar at the W Hotel, where a DJ spins hypnotic beats Wednesday through Friday evenings. Escape the ogling crowd by heading upstairs to the tucked-away XYZ Bar. | W Hotel, 181 3rd St., at Howard St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/777–5300 | www.wsanfrancisco.com.

CHINATOWN

Gay Nightlife

Bow Bow Cocktail Lounge.

An inclusive quirky, divey karaoke bar where you can get your kicks performing in front of a sometimes rowdy—but almost always supportive—audience of hip young things and Asian businessmen. | 1155 Grant Ave., near Broadway, Chinatown | 94133 | 415/421–6730.

SOMA AND CIVIC CENTER

SOMA

Bars

21st Amendment Brewery.

The popular 21st Amendment is known for its range of beer types, with nine taps going at all times. In the spring, the Hell or High Watermelon—a wheat beer—gets rave reviews. TIP Serious beer drinkers should try the Back in Black, a black IPA-style beer this brewpub helped pioneer. The space has an upmarket warehouse feel, though exposed wooden ceiling beams, framed photos, whitewashed brick walls, and hardwood floors make it feel cozy. | 563 2nd St., between Federal and Brannan Sts., SoMa | 94107 | 415/369–0900 | www.21st-amendment.com.

City Beer Store.

Called CBS by locals, this friendly neighborhood tasting room cum liquor mart has a wine-bar’s sensibility. Perfect for beer connoisseurs and the merely beer-curious alike, CBS stocks more than 300 different beers, with 10 or more on tap. The knowledgeable staff allows the indecisive to mix and match six-packs to go. Come early: The small space, which fills up quickly on event nights, closes at 10 pm except Sunday (6 pm) and is closed Monday. | 1168 Folsom St, at 8th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/503-1033 | www.citybeerstore.com.

Fourth Street Bar and Deli.

San Francisco may not be the best sports town in the country, but you’d never guess it by the buzzing scene at this huge, modern sports wonderland on the Marriott’s ground floor. The bar serves up 44 beers, 23 televisions, and all the salty, fried snacks you’ll need to enjoy the game properly. | San Francisco Marriott, 55 4th St., at Mission St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/442–6734.

Gordon Biersch Brewery and Restaurant.

This giant microbrewery has outlasted the boutique-beer trend and continues to draw big after-work crowds. Part of a nationwide empire that got its start in nearby Palo Alto, Gordon Biersch is known for its German-style pilsners and brews—as well as what some have called the greatest garlic fries in creation (though regulars give the burgers at this location low marks). TIP The outdoor seating area has killer views of the Bay Bridge, making this an ideal spot for an afternoon drink. | 2 Harrison St., at the Embarcadero, SoMa | 94105 | 415/243–8246 | www.gordonbiersch.com.

The Hotel Utah Saloon.

This funky hipster spot presents a mix of local bands and young national touring acts performing rock, indie pop, alt-country, and everything in between. The low-ceiling performance space is small, with a few tables grouped around the stage. Be sure to grab a Cuban sandwich from the bar before the show. The bar area takes up about half of this joint and is just as popular as the music. Monday is open-mike night. | 500 4th St., at Bryant St., SoMa | 94107 | 415/546–6300 | www.thehotelutah.com.

Nihon.

Whiskey lovers need to check this place out, if only to drool over the 150 or so bottles behind the bar. Nihon attracts a superswank, youngish crowd for decent (if pricey) Japanese tapas; the whiskeys pair with sushi surprisingly well. The dramatic lighting, close quarters, and blood-red tuffets make the bar more suitable for romance than business. | 1779 Folsom St., between Eire and 14th Sts., SoMa | 94103 | 415/552–4400 | www.nihon-sf.com.

Terroir.

The focus at this quaint wine bar is on natural (and mostly old-world) vintages, though it’s not impossible to find local offerings, too. And while the space may be small, the selection is not: over 700 different wines, stacked literally to the ceiling, compete for your attention. Don’t let the owners’ French accents intimidate you. The staff here is helpful. Terroir serves a small selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie to pair with the wines. TIP Go on a weekday and head to the candle-lit loft above the bar. It’s the best seat in the house. | 1116 Folsom St., at 7th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/558–9946 | www.terroirsf.com.

Thirsty Bear.

This eco-friendly brewpub is the perfect pit stop for those on a budget who don’t want to compromise. Thirsty Bear is the only certified organic brewery within the city limits, and the beers here are handcrafted variations on traditional styles. TIP If you can’t decide which beer to start with, sample all on tap for only $10. The bar’s tapas menu features seasonal meats and produce (mostly local) and sustainably harvested seafood. The upstairs pool hall is ideal for large groups. | 661 Howard St., at Hawthorne St., SoMa 94105 | 415/974–0905 | www.thirstybear.com.

View Lounge.

Art-deco-influenced floor-to-ceiling windows frame superb views on the 39th floor of the San Francisco Marriott. You won’t feel out of place here just getting a drink or two rather than dinner. It can get crowded here on weekends. | San Francisco Marriott, 55 4th St., between Mission and Market Sts., SoMa | 94103 | 415/896–1600.

Cabaret

asiaSF.

Saucy, sexy, and fun, this is one of the hottest places in town for a drag-show virgin. The entertainment, as well as gracious food service, is provided by some of the city’s most gorgeous “gender illusionists,” who strut in impossibly high heels on top of the catwalk bar, vamping to tunes like “Cabaret” and “Big Spender.” The creative Asian-influenced cuisine is surprisingly good. TIP Go on a weekday to avoid the bachelorette parties. Make reservations, or risk being turned away. Oh, and bring a camera. | 201 9th St., at Howard St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/255–2742 | www.asiasf.com.

Dance Clubs

111 Minna Gallery.

Gallery by day, bar–dance club by night, this unique warehouse space is usually full of hipsters and artsy young San Franciscans who prefer it to glitzier spots. The door is unmarked, and it’s on a small side street just south of Mission. Dance events typically take place Friday and Saturday 9 pm–2 am, though the bar opens around 5; 111 Minna is closed Monday. | 111 Minna St., between 2nd and New Montgomery Sts., SoMa | 94105 | 415/974–1719 | www.111minnagallery.com.

330 Ritch Street.

One of the city’s best parties, the long-running Popscene features Brit pop, ‘60s soul, and New Wave every Thursday. Live acts—such as the Killers, Hot Hot Heat, and Lily Allen—are thrown into the mix. The stylish, modern space also serves pizza and has 16 beers on tap. | 330 Ritch St., between 3rd and 4th Sts., SoMa | 94107 | 415/541–9574 | www.330ritch.com.

DNA Lounge.

The music changes nightly at the venerable DNA Lounge, but this club gets a star solely for Bootie. Held the second Saturday of each month, this popular mashup unites hard-core and indie rockers, hip-hop devotees, and emo fans. If a DJ mix of Gorillaz, Donna Summer, and Joy Division sounds like your bag, you’re in for a treat. Blow Up, which mixes euro-electro, house, and dance party jams most Friday nights, is also popular. On other nights, the place can be dead. Three bars and dance floors on two levels mean it’s rarely uncomfortably crowded. | 375 11th St., between Harrison and Folsom Sts., SoMa | 94103 | 415/626–1409.

The EndUp.

Sometimes 2 am is way too early. And with a 30-hour dance party starting at 10 pm on Saturday, the EndUp is by far SF’s most popular after-hours place, with possibly the best sound system in the city. TIP Said system is cranked. Even the cool kids wear earplugs. It can be a bit of a meat market, but this San Francisco institution doesn’t adhere to any particular scene. | 401 6th St., at Harrison St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/646–0999 | www.theendup.com | Thur. 10 pm to 4 am, Fri. 11 pm to 9 am, Sat. 10 pm–Mon. 4 am.

Mezzanine.

If you like megaclubs, then you’ll dig this industrial-chic two-story club, which doubles as a gallery and performance venue. Live acts have included Mos Def, the Dandy Warhols, and Def Jux artists. The crowd is generally mixed, straight and gay. If the jam-packed dance floor (which can accommodate nearly 1,000 people) overwhelms you, head upstairs to the quiet-ish mezzanine lounges to converse or to ogle the sexy crowd. | 444 Jessie St., at 5th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/625–8880 | www.mezzaninesf.com.

Gay Nightlife

Lone Star Saloon.

This watering hole is popular with bikers, bears, and the men who love them. The inside bar has an old-style-tavern feel, with barrels (not bowls) of peanuts, a pool table, a tiny dance floor, and a long wooden bar you half expect the bartender to sling a beer down. Weekend “Beer Busts” unfold on the great outdoor patio bar. Expect a big crowd on a sunny day. The scene here isn’t particularly female-friendly, and the action can get saucy during events like gay-pride day or the Folsom Street Fair. | 1354 Harrison St, at 9th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/863–9999 | www.lonestarsf.com.

The Stud.

Open since 1966, the Stud is the bar for glam trannies, bears, tight-teed pretty boys, ladies and their ladies, and a handful of straight onlookers who dance to the live DJ and watch world-class drag performers on the small stage. The entertainment is often campy, pee-your-pants funny, and downright fantastic. At Frolic, the Stud’s most outrageous party, club-goers dance the night away dressed as bunnies, kittens, and even stranger creatures. Each night’s music is different—from funk, soul, and hip-hop to ’80s tunes and disco favorites. | 1284 Harrison St., at 9th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/863–6623 | www.studsf.com.

Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Folk, and Blues Clubs

Slim’s.

National touring acts—mostly along the pop-punk and hard- and alt-rock lines but including metal and bluegrass—are the main draws at this venue, one of SoMa’s most popular nightclubs. Co-owner Boz Scaggs helps bring in the crowds and famous headliners like Dressy Bessy and Dead Meadow. | 333 11th St., between Harrison and Folsom Sts., SoMa | 94103 | 415/255–0333 | www.slimspresents.com.

CIVIC CENTER

Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Folk, and Blues Clubs

Warfield.

This former movie palace—a “palace” in every sense of the word—is now one of the city’s largest rock-and-roll venues, with tables and chairs downstairs and theater seating upstairs. The historic venue has booked everyone from Prince and the Grateful Dead to the Pretenders and the Killers. | 982 Market St., at Taylor St., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/345–0900 | thewarfieldtheatre.com.

THE TENDERLOIN

Bars

Bourbon & Branch.

The address and phone are unlisted, the black outer door unmarked, and when you make your reservation (required), you get a password for entry. In short, Bourbon & Branch reeks of Prohibition-era speakeasy cool. It’s not exclusive, though: everyone is granted a password. The place has sex appeal, with tin ceilings, bordello-red silk wallpaper, intimate booths, and low lighting; loud conversations and cell phones are not allowed. The menu of expertly mixed cocktails and quality bourbon and whiskey is substantial, but the servers aren’t always authorities. TIP This place is small, so couples or groups of four or fewer are ideal. Your reservation dictates your exit time, which is strictly enforced. | 501 Jones St., at O’Farrell St., Tenderloin | 94102 | No phone | www.bourbonandbranch.com.

Edinburgh Castle.

Work off your fish-and-chips and Scottish brew with a turn at the dartboard or pool table at this cavernous pub. It’s popular with locals and Brits who congregate at the long bar or in the scattered seating areas, downing single-malt Scotch or pints of Fuller’s. The pub holds weekly trivia nights and occasional Scottish cultural events (January’s Robert Burns celebration is a favorite). Be aware that the surrounding neighborhood is gritty. | 950 Geary St., between Larkin and Polk Sts., Tenderloin | 94109 | 415/885–4074 | www.castlenews.com.

Gay Nightlife

Divas.

In the rough-and-tumble Tenderloin, around the corner from the Polk Street bars, trannies (transvestites and transsexuals) and their admirers come here for the racy entertainment. Naughty Schoolgirls night is a major fave. This multilevel space has separate areas for stage performances, dancing, and quiet chats. It’s not a drag bar, as there is no sense of irony or camp about the place; the girls here are charming, and the fun is in the titillation. | 1081 Post St., between Larkin and Polk Sts., Tenderloin | 94109 | 415/474–3482 | www.divassf.com.

Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Folk, and Blues Clubs

Fodor’s Choice | Great American Music Hall.

You can find top-drawer entertainment at this eclectic nightclub. Acts range from the best in blues, folk, and jazz to up-and-coming college-radio and American-roots artists to of-the-moment indie rock stars (OK Go, Mates of State) and the establishment (Cowboy Junkies). The colorful marble-pillared emporium (built in 1907 as a bordello) also accommodates dancing at some shows. Pub grub is available most nights. | 859 O’Farrell St., between Polk and Larkin Sts., Tenderloin | 94109 | 415/885–0750 | www.slimspresents.com.

HAYES VALLEY

Bars

Hôtel Biron.

Sharing an alleylike block with the backs of Market Street restaurants, this tiny, cavelike (in a good way) spot displays rotating artwork of the Mission School aesthetic on its brick walls. The clientele is well-behaved twenty- to thirtysomethings who enjoy the cramped quarters, good range of wines and prices, off-the-beaten path location, soft lighting, and hip music. | 45 Rose St., off Market St. near Gough St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/703–0403 www.hotelbiron.com.

Smuggler’s Cove.

With the decor of a pirate ship and a slew of rum-based cocktails, you half expect Captain Jack Sparrow to sidle up next to you at this offbeat, Disney-esque hangout. But don’t let the kitschy ambiance fool you. The folks at Smuggler’s Cove take rum so seriously that they even make their own, which you can sample along with more than 200 other offerings, some of them vintage and very hard to find. A punchcard is provided so you can try all 70 cocktails and remember where you left off without getting shipwrecked. The small space has won numerous awards and fills up quickly, so arrive early. | 650 Gough St., at McAllister St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/869–1900 | www.smugglerscovesf.com.

Sugar.

Just trendy enough, but never pretentious, Sugar has fun cocktails (lemon drops, grape ‘o’ tinis), good drink specials, and a low-key vibe. DJs spin world and house music in this small, narrow neighborhood favorite. | 377 Hayes St., at Gough St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/255–7144 | www.sugarloungesf.com.

Gay Nightlife

The Mint Karaoke Lounge.

A mixed gay-straight crowd that’s drop-dead serious about its karaoke—to the point where you’d think an American Idol casting agent was in attendance—comes here seven nights a week. Regulars sing everything from Simon and Garfunkel songs to disco classics in front of an attentive audience. Do not walk onstage unprepared! Check out the songbook online to perfect your debut before you attempt to take the mike. | 1942 Market St., between Duboce Ave. and Laguna St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/626–4726 | www.themint.net.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Bars

Harrington’s Bar and Grill.

The epicenter for downtown festivities on St. Patrick’s Day, this family-owned Irish saloon (closed Sunday) is an attitude-free place for the well-tailored-suit set to have an after-work drink the rest of the year. The restaurant serves American fare, with the occasional Irish special, and has a good selection of imported beers. Another local favorite, the Royal Exchange, is next door and eerily similar. | 245 Front St., near Sacramento St., Financial District | 94111 | 415/392–7595 | www.harringtonsbarandgrill.com.

Hog Island Oyster Bar.

On a sunny day, is there anything better than sipping wine and eating oysters? Only if it’s here, on a waterside patio, with the looming Bay Bridge and the Oakland and Berkeley hills as a backdrop. The oysters are from Marin County, and many of the wines are from Sonoma or Napa. | Ferry Bldg., 1 Embarcadero Plaza, Financial District | 94111 | 415/391–7117 | www.hogislandoysters.com.

Comedy

Punchline.

A launch pad for the likes of Jay Leno and Whoopi Goldberg, this place books some of the nation’s top talents. Headliners have included Dave Chappelle, Margaret Cho, and Jay Mohr. No one under 18 is admitted. | 444 Battery St., between Clay and Washington Sts., Financial District | 94111 | 415/397–7573 | www.punchlinecomedyclub.com.

NOB HILL AND RUSSIAN HILL

NOB HILL

Bars

Top of the Mark.

A famous magazine photograph immortalized the bar atop the Mark Hopkins as a hot spot for World War II servicemen on leave or about to ship out. The view remains sensational. Entertainment ranges from solo jazz piano to six-piece jazz ensembles. Cover charges vary, but tend to be around $10 for shows that begin at 7 pm weekdays and 9 pm weekends. | Mark Hopkins InterContinental, 999 California St., at Mason St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/616–6916 | www.topofthemark.com.

The Wreck Room.

Shuffleboard, arcade basketball, a jukebox, and plenty of flat-screen TVs make the spacious yet divey Wreck Room feel like a time machine back to your college days. On the weekends the crowd is a sea of popped collars, baseball caps, and chest bumps, so get there early if you yearn for a turn at one of the games. | 1390 California St., at Hyde St., Nob Hill | 94109 | 415/932–6715 | www.thewreckroomsf.com.

RUSSIAN HILL

Bars

Royal Oak.

Tiffany-style lamps and cascading ferns contribute to the clubby feel of this comfortable spot, walkable from other nearby neighborhood bars. Arrive early to snag a seat on one of the antique, swoop-back tufted-velvet couches. | 2201 Polk St., at Vallejo St., Russian Hill | 94109 | 415/928–2303.

VAN NESS/POLK

Bars

Amélie.

A slice of modern French life right here in San Francisco, this cozy and romantic wine bar is an ideal spot for European oenophiles. Vintage theater seating is available up front—perfect for mingling with strangers. The prices are reasonable, the pours handsome. TIP Sit at the red-lacquer bar to learn about wine and pick up a French phrase or two. | 1754 Polk St., at Washington St., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/292–6916 | www.ameliesf.com.

Kozy Kar.

Outrageous and full of sexual energy, this may be the heterosexual equivalent of San Francisco’s gay bar scene. The drinks are stiff, but if they overwhelm you—or you just want to have fun—there’s a waterbed for you to lounge on. Cartoons and ’80s movies play on various televisions. Pay attention and you’ll catch frames of porn mixed in for good measure, but if you miss them, don’t worry: the bar and the floors are lined with vintage centerfolds. This tiny space with an even tinier dance floor is on the racy side, but it’s never creepy or uncomfortable. So don’t be afraid to bring your lady friend. Unless . . . | 1548 Polk St., at Sacramento St., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/346–5699 | www.kozykar.com.

Gay Nightlife

The Cinch.

This Wild West–themed neighborhood bar has pinball machines, pool tables, and a smoking patio. It’s not the least bit trendy, which is part of the charm for regulars. | 1723 Polk St., between Washington and Clay Sts., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/776–4162.

Red Devil Lounge.

Local and up-and-coming hip-hop, rap, funk, indie rock, and jazz acts perform at this plush, dimly lighted lounge. Intimate (as in tightly spaced) tables line the narrow balcony overlooking the dance floor. | 1695 Polk St., at Clay St., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/921–1695 | www.reddevillounge.com.

Greens Sports Bar.

Cramped and packed to the gills with sports memorabilia, Greens is the quintessential old-school neighborhood sports bar, with 18 screens and 18 beers on tap. Seating is on stools at high bar tables, and the HD TVs are positioned just right for optimal viewing. Food is not served here, but the bar has delivery menus. | 2239 Polk St., at Green St., Van Ness/Polk | 94109 | 415/775–4287.

NORTH BEACH

Bars

15 Romolo.

Easy to miss and overshadowed by the neighboring girlie shows, this watering hole serves up “artisanal” drinks—including riffs off your own suggestions—and intriguing fare like hot dogs stuffed with cheddar and wrapped in tortillas. With a non-Internet jukebox and a photo booth, we’re talking strictly old school. Check out the weekend brunch. | 15 Romolo Pl., between Broadway St. and Fresno St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/398–1359 | www.15romolo.com.

Bix.

The retro-chic martini-bar craze keeps going strong at glam, gorgeous Bix. Jazz combos provide the backbeat for the cocktail-swilling gadabouts and nattily dressed diners who pack the small bar area of this spirited yet refined supper club. Plenty of regulars stop in just to sip the well-crafted cocktails, so you won’t feel out of place if you’re not eating—but you will if you’re not wearing something chic. | 56 Gold St., off Montgomery St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/433–6300 | www.bixrestaurant.com.

Sports Bars

The Boardroom.

If you’ve been looking for a bar where you can watch football and get a decent martini, this is it. Not your typical sports pub, this small lounge has as many female patrons as male, and it’s not superloud and raucous. Due to its size, the Boardroom has only four plasma-screen TVs, which are just as likely to be broadcasting snowboarding as the usual baseball-football-basketball trifecta. The food is better than your average pub grub. | 1609 Powell St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/982–8898 | www.boardroomsf.com.

Bubble Lounge.

Champagne is the specialty at this dark, upscale spot; the selection of bubbly is excellent, with more than 300 types to choose from. Upstairs, young executives nestle into wing chairs and overstuffed couches, and downstairs there’s a re-created Champagne cellar. A full bar is available, as are sushi, caviar, desserts, and other delicate nibbles. You won’t feel out of place in a suit or slinky dress and heels here. Make table reservations ($30 minimum) on weekends, or you’ll be relegated to the tiny bar area. | 714 Montgomery St., at Washington St., North Beach | 94111 | 415/434–4204 | www.bubblelounge.com.

Specs Twelve Adler Museum Cafe.

If you’re bohemian at heart, you can groove on this hidden hangout for artists, poets, and heavy-drinking lefties. It’s one of the few remaining old-fashioned watering holes in North Beach that still smack of the Beat years and the 1960s. Though it’s just off a busy street, Specs is strangely immune to the hustle and bustle outside. | 12 William Saroyan Pl., off Columbus Ave., between Pacific Ave. and Broadway, North Beach | 94133 | 415/421–4112.

Tosca Café.

Like Specs and Vesuvio nearby, this historic charmer holds a special place in San Francisco lore. It has an Italian flavor, with opera, big-band, and Italian standards on the jukebox, an antique espresso machine that’s nothing less than a work of art, and lived-in red leather booths. With Francis Ford Coppola’s Zoetrope just across the street, celebrities and hip film-industry types often stop by when they’re in town; locals, like Sean Penn, have been known to shoot pool in the back room. | 242 Columbus Ave., near Broadway, North Beach | 94133 | 415/986–9651 | toscacafesf.com.

Vesuvio Café.

If you’re only hitting one bar in North Beach, it should be this one. The low-ceiling second floor of this raucous boho hangout, little altered since its 1960s heyday (when Jack Kerouac frequented the place), is a fine vantage point for watching the colorful Broadway and Columbus Avenue intersection. Another part of Vesuvio’s appeal is its diverse clientele (twenties to sixties), from neighborhood regulars and young couples to Bacchanalian posses of friends. | 255 Columbus Ave., at Broadway, North Beach | 94133 | 415/362–3370 | www.vesuvio.com.

Cabaret

Fodor’s Choice | Club Fugazi.

Club Fugazi’s claim to fame is Beach Blanket Babylon, a wacky musical send-up of San Francisco moods and mores that has been going strong since 1974, making it the longest-running musical revue anywhere. Although the choreography is colorful, the singers brassy, and the satirical songs witty, the real stars are the comically exotic costumes and famous ceiling-high “hats”—which are worth the price of admission alone. The revue sells out as early as a month in advance, so order tickets as far ahead as possible. Those under 21 are admitted only to the Sunday matinee. TIP If you don’t shell out the extra $15–$20 for reserved seating, you won’t have an assigned seat—so get your cannoli to go and arrive at least 30 minutes prior to showtime to get in line. | 678 Green St., at Powell St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/421–4222 | www.beachblanketbabylon.com.

Comedy

Cobb’s Comedy Club.

Stand-up comics such as Bill Maher, Paula Poundstone, and Sarah Silverman have appeared at this club. You can also see sketch comedy and comic singer-songwriters here. No one under 18 is admitted. | 915 Columbus Ave., at Lombard St., North Beach | 94113 | 415/928–4320 | www.cobbscomedyclub.com.

Purple Onion.

This intimate nightspot ranks right up there with Bimbo’s and the Fillmore on the list of San Francisco’s most famous clubs, and people seem to love it or hate it. While the Onion is a historic, quintessential San Francisco venue that provided an early platform for both folk-music troubadours such as the Kingston Trio and comedic acts like the Smothers Brothers, it has seen better days. In addition to stand-up, you can catch sketch comedy, open mike, and improv shows. | 140 Columbus Ave., at Broadway, North Beach | 94113 | 415/956–1653 | www.purpleonionlive.com.

Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Folk, and Blues Clubs

Bimbo’s 365 Club.

The plush main room and adjacent lounge of this club, here since 1951, retain a retro vibe perfect for the “Cocktail Nation” programming that keeps the crowds entertained. For a taste of the old-school San Francisco nightclub scene, you can’t beat this place. Indie low-fi and pop bands like Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks and Camera Obscura fill the bill. | 1025 Columbus Ave., at Chestnut St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/474–0365 | www.bimbos365club.com.

The Saloon.

Hard-drinkin’ in-the-know North Beach locals favor this raucous spot, known for great blues. Built in the 1860s, the onetime bordello is purported to be the oldest bar in the city. This is not the place to order a mixed drink. You’ve been warned. | 1232 Grant Ave., near Columbus Ave., North Beach | 94133 | 415/989–7666 | www.sfblues.net/Saloon.html.

THE WATERFRONT

FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Bars

Buena Vista Café.

Smack-dab at the end of the Hyde Street cable-car line, the Buena Vista packs ’em in for its famous Irish coffee—which, according to owners, was the first served stateside (in 1952). The place oozes nostalgia, drawing devoted locals as well as out-of-towners relaxing after a day of sightseeing. It’s narrow and can get crowded, but this spot is a welcome respite from the overpriced generic tourist joints nearby. | 2765 Hyde St., at Beach St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 415/474–5044 | www.thebuenavista.com.

Knuckles at the Wharf.

This bar toned down its sports motif in an effort to attract more female patrons, but it’s still in its historic location, the early-20th-century Joseph Musto Marble Works building. The original exposed beams and brick remain part of the decor. Because it’s in Fisherman’s Wharf, this lively spot draws a healthy stream of tourists who can view the venue’s 28 TVs, including a jumbo screen. | 555 North Point St., at Taylor St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/486–4346.

EMBARCADERO

Bars

Pier 23 Cafe.

Beer arrives at your table in buckets at this waterfront bar, which has ample seating at plastic tables on a wooden deck. Although you’d expect to sit elbow-to-elbow with fishermen, you’re more likely to share the space with twenty- and thirtysomethings drawn by the beer and food specials. Pier 23, The Embarcadero, Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/362–5125 | www.pier23cafe.com.

THE MARINA AND THE PRESIDIO

Bars

Balboa Cafe.

Here you’ll spy young (thirtysomething) and upwardly mobile former frat boys and sorority girls munching on tasty burgers—considered by some to be the best in town—while trying to add a few new names to their Blackberrys. | 3199 Fillmore St., at Greenwich St., Marina | 94123 | 415/921–3944 | www.balboacafe.com.

Circa.

This classy lounge with shimmering chandeliers is dimly lighted, but fellow patrons will still notice the logo on your purse, so dress appropriately here (and elsewhere in the Marina). At the central, square bar, attractive yuppies sip cosmos and nibble pan-seared scallops, while skilled DJs spin downtempo electronica. This place takes tongue-in-cheek chic seriously, down to the lobster-and-truffle mac-and-cheese. As expected, there’s a strong list of specialty cocktails. | 2001 Chestnut St., at Fillmore St., Marina 94123 | 415/351–0175 | www.circasf.com.

MatrixFillmore.

Don a pair of Diesel jeans and a Michael Kors sweater and sip cosmos or Cabernet with the Marina’s bon vivants. This is the premier spot in the “Triangle” (short for Bermuda Triangle, named for all of the singles who disappear in the bars clustered at Greenwich and Fillmore streets). Although there’s a small dance floor where some folks bump and grind to high-energy DJ-spun dance tracks, the majority of the clientele usually vies for the plush seats near the central open fireplace, flirts at the bar, or huddles for romantic tête-à-têtes in the back. The singles scene can be overwhelming on weekends. | 3138 Fillmore St., between Greenwich and Filbert Sts., Marina | 94123 | 415/563–4180 | www.matrixfillmore.com.

Nectar.

Classy Nectar has reasonable tasting flights (around $20) and decent food that looks more impressive than it tastes. No complaints about the wine choices, though, which are consistently excellent. The small storefront lounge is warmly lighted, with modern furnishings, including a signature beehive-shape wine display. On weekends the decibel level rises considerably and space is at a premium. | 3330 Steiner St., between Chestnut and Lombard Sts., Marina | 94123 | 415/345–1377 | www.nectarwinelounge.com.

BATS Improv.

In addition to teaching workshops in improvisation, this club, in a renovated warehouse, stages performances such as “Improvised Shakespeare” and “Spontaneous Broadway.” The quality varies, but tickets are reasonably priced, usually $10–$15. | Bayfront Theater, Fort Mason Center, Bldg. B, 3rd fl., at Marina Blvd. and Buchanan St., Marina | 94123 | 415/474–8935 | www.improv.org.

COW HOLLOW

Bars

Bus Stop.

Popular with frat boys and stockbrokers alike, this Marina/Cow Hollow favorite has 18 screens and two pool tables. If you want to meet the local diehards, this is the place. It’s also one of the few spots in this neighborhood where you’ll feel comfortable dressed down. Order food from neighboring restaurants; the bar provides menus. | 1901 Union St., at Laguna St., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/567–6905.

Perry’s.

One of San Francisco’s oldest singles bars, Perry’s still packs ’em in. You can dine on great hamburgers (and a stellar Reuben) as well as more-substantial fare while gabbing about the game with the well-scrubbed, khaki-clad, baseball-cap-wearing crowd. | 1944 Union St., at Laguna St., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/922–9022 | www.perryssf.com.

THE WESTERN SHORELINE

Bars

Cliff House.

Classier than the nearby Beach Chalet, with a more impressive view of Ocean Beach, the Cliff House is our pick if you must choose just one oceanfront restaurant/bar. Sure, it’s the site of many high-school prom dates, and you could argue that the food and drinks are overpriced, and some say the sleek facade looks like a mausoleum—but the views are terrific. The best window seats are reserved for diners, but there’s a small upstairs lounge where you can watch gulls sail high above the vast blue Pacific. Come before sunset. | 1090 Point Lobos, at Great Hwy., Lincoln Park | 94121 | 415/386–3330 | www.cliffhouse.com.

GOLDEN GATE PARK

Bars

Beach Chalet.

This restaurant-microbrewery, on the second floor of a historic building filled with 1930s Works Project Administration murals, has a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, so you may want to time your visit to coincide with the sunset. TIP Get there at least 30 minutes before sunset to beat the dinner reservations. If you come right at dinnertime or even at lunch on weekends, diners with reservations will be given first dibs on the window seats (and on tables in general). The bar is toward the back, with a so-so view of the action. The American bistro food—which, for appetizers, includes ahi tuna tartare and fried calamari—is decent, the house brews are rich and flavorful, and there’s a good selection of California wines by the glass. The seasonal Oktoberfest brew is a highlight of the beer menu. The cheaper Park Chalet on the ground floor has park, rather than ocean, views. | 1000 Great Hwy., near John F. Kennedy Dr., Golden Gate Park | 94121 | 415/386–8439 | www.beachchalet.com.

Park Chalet.

You’ll feel like you’re in a cabin in the woods as you relax in an Adirondack chair under a heat lamp, enclosed by the greenery of Golden Gate Park. In addition to serving pub food such as burgers, salads, steaks, and fish-and-chips, the brewery churns out its own beer. The Park Chalet shares a building with the Beach Chalet—but it isn’t waterside, so you won’t freeze if it’s overcast. | 1000 Great Hwy., near John F. Kennedy Dr., Golden Gate Park | 94121 | 415/386–8439 | www.parkchalet.com.

THE HAIGHT, THE CASTRO, AND NOE VALLEY

THE HAIGHT

Bars

Noc Noc.

A cross between a Tim Burton film and an Oingo Boingo album, this funky cavelike bar has been making every day Halloween since 1986. Noc Noc’s bartenders serve up about 20 or so beers on tap, sake (even unfiltered), and unique twists on traditional drinks, like the P&P, a blend of hefeweizen and pear cider. The house DJ plays acid jazz, industrial, and ambient tunes. When the nearby Toronado gets too busy, head over here. 557 Haight St., at Steiner St., Lower Haight | 94117 | 415/861–5811 | nocnocs.com.

Toronado.

You come to what may be the city’s most popular dive bar for one thing and one thing only: the reasonably priced beers, about four dozen of them on tap. The menu, which hangs from the ceiling, will put a kink in your neck as you try to decide. The bar opens in the late morning and has a good-size crowd by early afternoon, so show up early to sit at one of the highly coveted tables. TIP Don’t worry about eating beforehand. It’s okay to bring in outside food. | 547 Haight St., at Fillmore St., Lower Haight | 94117 415/863–2276 | www.toronado.com.

Gay Nightlife

Trax.

“Laid-back” would be an understatement. Once inside, you won’t feel like you’re in a gay bar—or in San Francisco. And that’s the way the regulars like it. Cheap beer specials draw all types, and though you don’t have to don your cruise wear for this place, it’s still social. | 1437 Haight St., between Masonic Ave. and Ashbury St., Haight | 94117 | 415/864–4213.

THE CASTRO

Bars

Blackbird.

It tries too hard to be hip and cool, but this neighborhood hangout is a lot of fun. The crowd is less casual than others in the Castro, though no one will judge you for wearing Chuck Taylors. Blackbird serves up a good selection of craft beers, along with seasonal cocktails. The chipotle Bloody Mary is a must-try. | 2124 Market St., at Church St., Castro | 94114 | 415/503–0630 | www.blackbirdbar.com.

Lucky 13.

Greasers, hipsters, Betty Page wannabes, anyone looking for a good beer in the Castro, and assorted other patrons make Lucky 13 a fun place indeed. The drink prices are reasonable, the beer selection is huge, and there’s high-end root beer on tap for the designated driver with a discriminating palate. The best seats are upstairs overlooking the crowd. | 2140 Market St, at Church St., Castro | 94114 | 415/487-1313.

Gay Nightlife

Badlands.

Shirts off! If a sweaty muscle sandwich sounds like your idea of a good time, head to Badlands, where serious party boys come to grind to throbbing music on a packed dance floor. The lines can be ridiculous on weekends; those in the know go on Wednesday or Thursday. Tight-teed patrons range from twenties to forties. | 4121 18th St., between Castro and Collingwood Sts., Castro | 94114 | 415/626–9320 | www.sfbadlands.com.

Gay and Lesbian Nightlife in San Francisco

In the days before the gay liberation movement, bars were more than mere watering holes—they also served as community centers where members of a mostly underground minority could network and socialize. In the 1960s the bars became hotbeds of political activity; by the 1970s other social opportunities had become available to gay men and lesbians, and the bars’ importance as centers of activity decreased.

Old-timers may wax nostalgic about the vibrancy of pre-AIDS, 1970s bar life, but you can still have plenty of fun. The one difference is the one-night-a-week operation of some of the best clubs, which may cater to a different (sometimes straight) clientele on other nights. This type of club tends to come and go, so it’s best to pick up one of the two main gay papers to check the latest happenings.

Bay Area Reporter.

The Bay Area Reporter, a weekly newspaper, lists gay and lesbian events in its calendar and has a special nightlife site (www.bartabsf.com). | 415/861–5019 | www.ebar.com.

San Francisco Bay Times.

The biweekly San Francisco Bay Times is aimed at gay and lesbian readers. | 415/626–0260 | www.sfbaytimes.com.

For a place known as a gay mecca, San Francisco has always suffered from a surprising drought of lesbian bars. The Lexington Club, in the nightlife-filled Mission District, is the best-known bar. The Café is probably the most lesbian-friendly Castro bar, though you’ll find queer gals (and many more queer guys) at the Mint and the Stud, too.

The calendar at www.hillgirlz.com, one of the best places for detailed information about the city’s lesbian scene, covers everything from dance events to social and political gatherings.

The Café.

Always comfortable and often packed with a mixed gay, lesbian, and straight crowd, this is a place where you can dance to house or disco music, shoot pool, or meet guys in their twenties at the bar. The outdoor deck—a rarity—makes it a favorite destination for smokers. Weekend cover is $3; expect a line to get in. | 2369 Market St., at 17th St., Castro | 94114 | 415/834–5840 | www.cafesf.com.

Lime.

The 1960s mod design of this chic cocktail lounge and restaurant (with rainbow-color Plexiglas at every turn) evokes LA more than SF, but it’s the top choice for Abercrombie-wearing gay men who swill mojitos by the bucket. The diverse and delicious small plates are good for sharing. | 2247 Market St., between Noe and Sanchez Sts., Castro | 94114 | 415/621–5256 | www.lime-sf.com.

Midnight Sun.

One of the Castro’s longest-running bars is popular with the polo-shirt-and-khakis crowd and has giant video screens playing episodes of Will and Grace, The Simpsons, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and other TV shows, as well as musicals and comedy. | 4067 18th St., at Castro St., Castro | 94114 | 415/861–4186.

Moby Dick.

The quintessential neighborhood watering hole, this unpretentious spot has a pool table, pinball machines, and a live “DVJ” mixing pop videos and music. A giant fish tank sits over the bar, giving shy types a place to rest their gaze while they take a shot of liquid courage. Casually dressed couples and guys with nothing to prove frequent this place, but there’s pick-up potential, too. | 4049 18th St., at Hartford St., Castro | 94114 | 415/861–1199 www.mobydicksf.com.

Pilsner Inn.

Casual and comfortable—yet still hip and cruise-y—Pilsner is the type of neighborhood joint you quickly claim as your own. Kick back with a pint on the fantastic year-round patio (it’s covered), and enjoy eye candy of the thirtysomething variety (ranging from conservative yuppie guys to Mission emo boys). Pilsner Inn is technically a sports bar, which means it has a pool table and sponsors some local amateur teams. | 225 Church St., at Market St., Castro | 94114 | 415/621–7058 | www.pilsnerinn.com.

Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Folk, and Blues Clubs

Café du Nord.

You can hear some of the coolest jazz, blues, rock, and alternative sounds in town at this basement bar. Built in 1907, it has retained some of its original Victorian features, which contribute to the hip, vaguely illicit feel—reminiscent of its days as a speakeasy. The music, a mix of local talent and indie headliners like Kristin Hersh and Bettie Serveert, is strictly top-notch. | 2170 Market St., between Church and Sanchez Sts., Castro | 94114 | 415/861–5016 | www.cafedunord.com.

MISSION DISTRICT

Bars

Fodor’s Choice | El Rio.

A dive bar in the best sense, El Rio has a calendar chock-full of events, from free bands and films to Salsa Sunday (seasonal), all of which keep Mission kids coming back. Bands play several nights a week, and there are plenty of popular events. No matter what day you attend, expect to find a diverse gay–straight crowd. The large patio out back is especially popular when the weather’s warm. | 3158 Mission St., between César Chavez and Valencia Sts., Mission | 94110 | 415/282–3325 | www.elriosf.com.

Elbo Room.

This popular two-story bar has a little something for everyone. The main bar downstairs is quaint and swanky with tables, booths, and classic arcade games. Hit the upstairs to see up-and-coming artists before they hit the bigtime. The music includes Afro-Cuban, indie rock, jazz, and more. Tickets cost between $5 and $10. | 647 Valencia St., between 17th St. and 18th St., Mission | 94110 | 415/552–7788 | www.elbo.com.

Laszlo.

Attached to the Foreign Cinema restaurant, Laszlo is a cavernous, classy space with an open, bi-level design; movies are projected onto the walls. Dim lighting, candles, and an upscale selection of cocktails and single malts make it suitable for romance, but the loud music and cacophonic levels of conversation keep it lively. DJs spin most nights after 9. | 2526 Mission St., between 21st and 22nd Sts., Mission | 94110 | 415/401–0810 | www.laszlobar.com.

Rite Spot Cafe.

A Mission tradition for more than 50 years, this classy and casual charmer is like a cabaret club in an aging mobster’s garage. Quirky lounge singers and other musicians entertain most nights. A small menu of affordable sandwiches and Italian food beats your average bar fare. Rite Spot is in a mostly residential and somewhat desolate part of the Mission, so you may feel like you’re entering a no-man’s-land. | 2099 Folsom St., at 17th St., Mission | 94110 | 415/552–6066 | www.ritespotcafe.net.

A Drink to Rival Dinner

Some of San Francisco’s best and most inventive bars are primarily restaurants.

Absinthe.

You might be tempted to order wine with your French meal at Absinthe. Resist. The 30-plus specialty cocktails—or even just a plain old Manhattan—are too good to pass up. And the food—oh, the food. | 398 Hayes St., at Gough St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/551–1590.

The Alembic.

The increasingly trendy Haight has been waiting for a place like this. The Alembic is a classy, dark-wood, low-lighted space that buzzes with conversation. | 1725 Haight St., at Cole St., Haight | 94117 | 415/666–0822 | www.alembicbar.com.

Tsunami Sushi.

This spot has a small but very good sushi menu, as well as a list of more than 100 sakes and staffers who know their stuff—including how to make killer sake-tinis. | 1306 Fulton St., at Divisadero St., Western Addition | 94117 | 415/567–7664.

The Knockout.

In a grungy but hip section of the Mission, the king of dive bars (with requisite cheap bottled beer and photo booth) is popular with the discerning hipsters who dare to venture south of César Chavez Street. There’s usually a cover for bands or DJs on weekends, but it’s never more than $10. Bingo on Thursday keeps it real. An added bonus for trekking out to the southern edge of the Mission: some of the city’s best taquerias are nearby. | 3223 Mission St., at Valencia, Mission | 94110 | 415/550–6994 | www.theknockoutsf.com.

Zeitgeist.

It’s a bit divey, a bit rock and roll, but Zeitgeist is a good place to relax with a cold one or an ever-popular (and ever-strong) Bloody Mary in the large beer “garden” (there’s not much greenery) on a sunny day. Grill food is available, and if you’re lucky one of the city’s most famous food-cart operators, the Tamale Lady, will drop by. If you own a trucker hat, a pair of Vans, and a Pabst Blue Ribbon T-shirt, you’ll fit right in. | 199 Valencia St., at Duboce Ave., Mission | 94103 | 415/255–7505 | www.zeitgeistsf.com.

Dance Clubs

Make-Out Room.

Are you ready to dance? At this tiny Latin club the beats are always fresh, if not downright nasty—this place is called the Make-Out Room for a reason. With the small bar and just a few cushiony booths, don’t expect to sit for long. Most nights are free, but expect a small cover charge on weekends when bands like Thee Swank Bastards or Grave Bros Deluxe play. | 3225 22nd St., at Mission St., Mission | 94110 | 415/647-2888 | www.makeoutroom.com.

Roccapulco.

Salsa, salsa, salsa. With dancing and live music from big-name salsa bands on Friday and Saturday, this cavernous dance hall and restaurant knows how to pack ’em in. Pick up some moves at salsa lessons on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. The club enforces a dress code, so don’t wear sneakers. This place is also a supper club serving Latin-nouveau cuisine. | 3140 Mission St., at César Chavez St., Mission | 94110 | 415/648–6611 | www.roccapulco.com.

Gay Nightlife

Esta Noche.

This longtime Mission District dive draws a steady crowd of Latino gay boys, including a large contingent of drag queens, some of whom perform in cabaret shows throughout the week. | 3079 16th St., near Valencia St., Mission | 94103 | 415/861–5757.

Lexington Club.

According to its slogan, “every night is ladies’ night” at this all-girl club geared to urban alterna-dykes in their twenties and thirties (think piercings and tattoos, not lipstick). TIP The women’s room has awesome graffiti. | 3464 19th St., at Valencia, Mission | 94110 | 415/863–2052 | www.lexingtonclub.com.

Martuni’s.

A mixed crowd enjoys cocktails in the semirefined environment of this elegant bar at the intersection of the Castro, the Mission, and Hayes Valley; variations on the martini are a specialty. TIP The Godiva Chocolate Martini is a crowd favorite. In the intimate back room a pianist plays nightly, and patrons take turns boisterously singing show tunes. It’s a favorite post-theater spot—especially after the symphony or opera, which are within walking distance. | 4 Valencia St., at Market St., Mission | 94103 | 415/241–0205.

Jazz Clubs

Savanna Jazz.

Deep in the Outer Mission, this is one of SF’s best jazz joints, an unexpected find in a neighborhood filled with hipster bars. Loungey booths and low lighting set the mood for consistently good old-school Latin and Brazilian jazz acts. The cover generally runs $5–$8. | 2937 Mission St., between 25th and 26th Sts., Mission | 94110 | 415/285–3369 | www.savannajazz.com.

POTRERO HILL

Bars

Yield.

A stone’s throw from the bay, Yield may be the city’s greenest wine bar. Without compromising quality, this intimate place serves up sustainable, organic, and biodynamic wines from around the world. Small plates are also available, usually vegetarian, and change weekly, as does the wine menu. The commitment to a healthier planet isn’t only reflected in the food and drink, but also the decor, a mixture of reused wine bottles and wood reclaimed from nearby piers. TIP Public transportation shuts down early at night, so expect to need a taxi back and to wait about 30 minutes for it to arrive. | 2490 3rd St., at 22nd St., Potrero Hill | 94107 | 415/401–8984 | www.yieldsf.com.

Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Folk, and Blues Clubs

Bottom of the Hill.

This is a great live-music dive—in the best sense of the word—and truly the epicenter for independent rock in the Bay Area. The club has hosted some great acts over the years, including the Strokes and the Throwing Muses. Rap and hip-hop acts occasionally make it to the stage. | 1233 17th St., at Texas St., Potrero Hill | 94107 | 415/621–4455 | www.bottomofthehill.com.

PACIFIC HEIGHTS AND JAPANTOWN

PACIFIC HEIGHTS

Gay Nightlife

Lion Pub.

With big comfy chairs, cascades of potted plants, and a small fireplace, this bar is so welcoming that—even though it’s one of the oldest gay bars in the city—it tends to draw every sort of San Franciscan, young and old, gay and straight. Specialty drinks made with fresh-squeezed fruit juices attract cocktail connoisseurs. | 2062 Divisadero St., at Sacramento St., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/567–6565.

JAPANTOWN

Jazz Clubs

Yoshi’s.

The legendary Oakland club that has pulled in some of the world’s best jazz musicians—Pat Martino, Branford Marsalis, Betty Carter, and Dizzy Gillespie, to name just a few—opened a San Francisco location in 2007. The new club has terrific acoustics, a 9-foot Steinway grand piano (broken in by Chick Corea), and seating for 411; it’s been hailed as “simply the best jazz club in the city.” Yoshi’s serves Japanese food in an adjoining restaurant set in a soaring two-story space, decorated with blond wood and hanging paper lanterns (you can also order food at café tables in the club). And yes, the coupling of sushi and jazz is as elegant as it sounds. Sightlines are good from just about any vantage point, including the back balcony. Yoshi’s is in the Fillmore District, which was known as the “Harlem of the West” in its 1940s and ’50s heyday. The club is on a tough block in an even tougher neighborhood, so take advantage of the valet parking. | 1330 Fillmore St., at Eddy St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/655–5600 | www.yoshis.com.

Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Folk, and Blues Clubs

Fodor’s Choice | BooM BooM RooM.

John Lee Hooker’s old haunt has been an old-school blues haven for years, attracting top-notch acts from all around the country. Luck out with legendary masters like James “Super Chikan” Johnson, or discover new blues and funk artists. | 1601 Fillmore St., at Geary Blvd., Japantown | 94115 | 415/673–8000 | www.boomboomblues.com.

Safety After Dark

San Franciscans sometimes seem to get a perverse thrill out of the grittiness of their city. Some of the best nightlife options are in sketchy locations; in the areas we’ve listed below you’re better off cabbing it. Bartenders can call you a ride when you’re ready to leave.

- Civic Center: If you’re having a nightcap, don’t wander north, east, or south. The one safe corridor is west to Gough, which will bring you to Hayes Valley. Especially avoid Market Street between 6th and 10th streets.

- SoMa: More than five blocks or so south of Market Street is a sort of industrial no-man’s-land, though this area becomes more developed and inhabited by flashy residential skyscrapers with each passing year.

- The Tenderloin: Plenty of locals walk to bars in the Tenderloin, but if addicts and lowlife dudes loitering in front of hourly-rate motels make you uncomfortable, you should take a cab. The edges of the Tenderloin, east of Jones Street or north of Sutter, aren’t too bad.

- The Outer Mission (below 24th Street): If you’re feeling out of sorts on Mission Street between 16th and 24th streets, cut over to Valencia.

It’s safe to walk around the Financial District, Union Square, Haight Street and Cole Valley, Nob Hill, the Mission (above 24th Street), and SoMa north of Howard.

WESTERN ADDITION

Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Folk, and Blues Clubs

The Fillmore.

This is the club that all the big names, from Coldplay to Clapton, want to play. San Francisco’s most famous rock-music hall serves up a varied menu of national and local acts: rock, reggae, grunge, jazz, folk, acid house, and more. Most tickets cost $20–$30, and some shows are open to all ages. TIP Avoid steep service charges by purchasing tickets at the Fillmore box office on Sunday (10–4). At the end of each show, apples are set near the door and free for the taking, and staffers hand out collectible posters that at the very least will sell well on eBay. | 1805 Geary Blvd., at Fillmore St., Western Addition | 94115 | 415/346–6000 | www.thefillmore.com.

The Independent.

Originally called the Box for its giant cube-shape interior, this off-the-beaten-path music venue showcases rock, heavy metal, folk, soul, reggae, hip-hop, and even comedy acts. There’s a big dance floor. Recent shows have included the Limousines, Mos Def, Ted Nugent, Dave Chappelle, Foster the People, and Cyndi Lauper. | 628 Divisadero St., at Hayes St., Western Addition | 94117 | 415/771–1421 | www.theindependentsf.com.

BERNAL HEIGHTS

Gay Nightlife

Wild Side West.

A friendly pool game is always going on at this mellow, slightly out-of-the-way neighborhood hangout, where all are welcome. Outside is a large deck and one of San Francisco’s best bar gardens, where acoustic-guitar sing-alongs are not uncommon. Rumor has it that Janis Joplin was a regular here. Ask the bartender for the scoop. | 424 Cortland Ave., at Wool St., Bernal Heights | 94110 | 415/647–3099.

The Black Cat versus Bar Raids

In the post–WWII era, the Black Cat, on Montgomery Street in North Beach, was one of the city’s most popular gay bars. In 1951 owner Sol Stoumen won a case with the California Supreme Court that gave bars the right to operate with primarily gay clienteles. In the ‘50s and ‘60s the Black Cat was also the site of José Sarria’s popular drag revue. His shows had strong political undertones, and he packed the house once a week, giving audiences their first taste of gay pride. Through humor, Sarria turned serious subjects on their head—a drag show staple to this day. (At a time when men could be arrested for masquerading as women, Sarria dressed in full drag, wearing a sign that read “I am a boy.”) Despite frequent police raids of the Black Cat and harassment by city politicians, Stoumen resisted paying unwarranted fines and refused to close until the state succeeded in revoking the Black Cat’s liquor license in 1963.

But the gay business community had had enough. By 1962 Stoumen and other local bar owners had formed the Tavern Guild of San Francisco, America’s first gay business association. The group succeeded in waging and winning a legal and public-relations battle to end police harassment. Many credit the Black Cat with paving the way for gay establishments to exist freely, and Sarria with infusing pride, humor, and sass into the gay community.

RICHMOND

Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop, Folk, and Blues Clubs

The Plough and Stars.

This decidedly unglamorous pub, where crusty old-timers swap stories over pints of Guinness, is the city’s best bet for traditional Irish music. Bay Area musicians (and, once in a while, big-name bands) perform every night except Monday. Talented locals gather to play on Tuesday and Sunday seisiúns, informal “sessions” where musicians sit around a table and drink and eat while chiming in; anyone skilled at Irish traditional music can join in. | 116 Clement St., at 2nd Ave., Richmond | 94118 | 415/751–1122 | www.theploughandstars.com.

Crash Course: Winespeak

If you’re new to wine tasting, this little arsenal of descriptive words will be useful when you need to fake it with the connoisseurs. Most of these are self-descriptive and easy to taste in the wine.

- Aggressive

- Big

- Brilliant (clear, not cloudy)

- Chewy (refers to density, not literally to chewiness; also called fleshy or meaty)

- Complex

- Delicate

- Earthy

- Finish (a short one is bad, a long one is good)

- Fruity

- Full-bodied

- Oaky

- Nose (smell; wine has a good nose or an off nose)

- Peppery

- Smoky

- Woody (an excess of oakiness)

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Main Table of Contents

The Scene

Sports A–Z

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Updated by Fiona G. Parrott

San Francisco’s surroundings—the bay, ocean, mountains, and forests—make getting outdoors away from the city a no-brainer. Muir Woods, Point Reyes, and Stinson Beach in Marin County offer dozens of opportunities for exploring the natural beauty of the Bay Area. But the peninsular city—with its many green spaces, steep inclines, and breathtaking views—has plenty to offer itself.

Bikers and hikers traverse the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, bound for the Marin Headlands or the winding trails of the Presidio. Runners, strollers, in-line skaters, and cyclists head for Golden Gate Park’s wooded paths, and water lovers satisfy their addictions by kayaking, sailing, or kite-surfing in the bay and along the rugged Pacific coast.

Prefer to watch from the sidelines? The Giants (baseball) and the 49ers (football) are San Francisco’s professional sports teams; the A’s (baseball) and the Golden State Warriors (basketball) play in Oakland. But the city has plenty of other periodic sporting events to watch, including that roving costume party, the Bay to Breakers race in May. From July through September 2013, boat racing will be all the rage as the city hosts the Louis Vuitton Cup and then the America’s Cup Finals (www.americascup.com). For events listings and local perspectives on Bay Area sports, pick up a copy of the San Francisco Chronicle (www.sfgate.com) or the Examiner (www.examiner.com), both of which list schedules and scores.

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Baseball | Beaches | Bicycling | Boating and Sailing | Fishing | Football | Golf | Hang Gliding and Paragliding | Hiking | Ice-Skating | Kayaking | Running | Swimming | Tennis | Whale-Watching

BASEBALL

Fodor’s Choice | San Francisco Giants.

The National League’s New York Giants became the San Francisco Giants when they moved to California in 1958, the same year that the Brooklyn Dodgers moved to Los Angeles. Today the classic design of the Giants’ AT&T Park and the team’s 2010 World Series title have created a new legion of fans. Buy your tickets in advance—nearly every game sells out. | AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, between 2nd and 3rd Sts., SoMa | 94107 | 415/972–2000, 800/734–4268 | sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com.

AT&T Park: Where Giants Tread

The size of AT&T Park hits you immediately—the field, McCovey Cove, and the Lefty O’Doul drawbridge all look like miniature models. At only 13 acres, the San Francisco Giants’ ballpark is one of the country’s smallest. After Boston’s Fenway, AT&T Park has the shortest distance to the wall; from home plate it’s just 309 feet to the right field. But there’s something endearing about its petite stature—not to mention its location, with yacht masts poking up over the outfield and the blue bay sparkling beyond.

From 1960 to 2000 the Giants played at Candlestick Park, which is in one of the coldest, windiest parts of the city. (Giants’ pitcher Stu Miller was famously “blown off the mound” here during the 1961 All-Star Game.)

In 2000 the Giants played their first game at AT&T Park (then called Pacific Bell Park and later SBC Park—in fact, some locals jokingly call it the Phone Company Park). All told, $357 million was spent on the privately funded facility, and it shows in the retro redbrick exterior, the quaint clock tower, handsome bronze statues and murals, above-average food (pad thai, anyone?), and tiny details like baseball-style lettering on no-smoking signs. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, and the park has an unusual level of intimacy and access. Concourses circle the field on two levels—on the field level you can stand inches from players as they exit the locker rooms. On the street level non-ticket-holders can get up close, too, outside a gate behind the visiting team’s dugout.

Diehards may miss the grittiness of Candlestick, but it’s hard not to love this park. It’s a new stadium with an old-time aura, already a San Francisco institution.

The Famous “Splash Hit”

Locals show up in motorboats and inflatable rafts, with fishing nets ready to scoop up home-run balls that clear the right field wall and land in McCovey Cove. Hitting one into the water isn’t easy: the ball has to clear a 26-foot wall, the elevated walkway, and the promenade outside. Barry Bonds had the first splash hit on May 1, 2000.

Getting There

Parking is pricey ($30 and up), and 5,000 spaces for 43,000 seats doesn’t add up. Take public transportation. Muni line N (to CalTrain/Mission Bay) stops right in front of the park, and Muni bus lines 10, 15, 30, 42, 45, and 47 stop a block away. Or you can arrive in style—take the ferry from Jack London Square in Oakland (www.eastbayferry.com).

AT&T Park.

24 Willie Mays Plaza, between 2nd and 3rd Sts., SoMa | 94107 | 415/972–2000, 800/734–4268 | www.attpark.com.

Park Tours.

$15 | Daily at 10:30 and 12:30.

Coca-Cola Fan Lot.

The giant Coke bottle and mitt you see beyond the outfield are part of the Coca-Cola Fan Lot playground. The bottle is a slide and the mitt actually has decent views of the field. The playground sits alongside a mini-version of the park where kids can pretend to be big-league ballplayers.

GETTING TICKETS

The park is small and there are 30,000 season-ticket holders (for 43,000 seats), so Giants tickets for popular games routinely sell out the day they go on sale, and other games sell out quickly. If tickets aren’t available at Tickets.com, try the Double Play Ticket Window website, or even try showing up on game day—there are usually plenty of scalpers, some selling at reasonable prices.

Tickets.com sells game tickets over the phone and charges a per-ticket fee of $5–$24, plus a per-call processing fee of up to $3.50. | 877/473–4849 | www.tickets.com.

Double Play Ticket Window.

The Giants’ web-only Double Play Ticket Window allows season-ticket holders to resell their unused tickets. You won’t always find a deal, but you might get a seat at an otherwise sold-out game. Click the “Tickets” link on the home page. | sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com.

Giants Dugout.

The team sells tickets at the ballpark and numerous Dugout locations, among them Embarcadero Center and Union Square. A surcharge is added except at the ballpark. | AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, at 3rd St., SoMa | 94107 | 415/972–2000, 800/734–4268 | sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ballpark/dugout_stores.jsp | 4 Embarcadero Center, Embarcadero | 94105 | 415/951–8888 | 337 Geary St., between Powell and Mason Sts., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/956–3704.

BEACHES

Taking in a beachside sunset is the perfect way to end a busy day (assuming the fog hasn’t blown in for the afternoon). Always bring a sweater—even the sunniest of days can turn cold and foggy without warning. Icy temperatures and treacherous currents make most waters too dangerous for swimming without a wet suit, but with a Frisbee, picnic, or some good walking shoes, you can have a fantastic day at the beach.

Aquatic Park Beach.

An urban beach, surrounded by Fort Mason, Ghirardelli Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf, Aquatic Park Beach is a tiny, ¼-mile-long strip of sand. The gentle waters near shore are shallow, safe for kids to swim or wade, and fairly clean. Locals—including the seemingly ubiquitous older-man-in-Speedo—come out for quick dips in the frigid water. Facilities include restrooms and showers. Members of the Dolphin Club come every morning for a dip in the ice-cold waters of Aquatic Park; an especially large and raucous crowd braves the cold on New Year’s Day. | San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, 499 Jefferson St., at Hyde St., Northern Waterfront | 94109 | www.nps.gov/safr.

Baker Beach.

With its gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands, Baker Beach is a local favorite and an established nudist spot. (Never seen Nude Frisbee? This is the place.) The pounding surf and strong currents make swimming a dangerous prospect, but the mile-long shoreline is ideal for fishing, building sand castles, or watching sea lions at play. On warm days the entire beach is packed with bodies—including those nudists, who hang out at the north end. Picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and drinking water are available. Rangers give tours of the 95,000-pound cannon at Battery Chamberlin, overlooking the beach, the first weekend of every month. | Gibson Rd. off Bowley St., southwest corner of Presidio | 94129.

China Beach.

One of the city’s safest swimming beaches, sheltered China Beach was named for the impoverished Chinese fishermen who once camped here. (Some maps label it James D. Phelan Beach.) This 600-foot strip of sand, south of the Presidio and Baker Beach, has gentle waters as well as changing rooms, restrooms, showers, grills, drinking water, and picnic tables. Despite its humble beginnings, China Beach today is bordered by the multimillion-dollar homes of the Seacliff neighborhood. The hike down to the beach is steep. | Sea Cliff Ave. and El Camino Del Mar | 94121.

Ocean Beach.

The largest—and probably best—of San Francisco’s city beaches, Ocean Beach stretches for more than 3 miles along the Great Highway south of the Cliff House, making it ideal for long walks and runs. It isn’t the cleanest shore, but it’s an easy-to-reach place to chill; spot sea lions sunning themselves atop Seal Rock, at the north end of the beach; or watch daredevil surfers riding the roiling waves. Because of extremely dangerous currents, swimming isn’t recommended. After the sun sets, bonfires form a string of lights along the beach in summer. (Fires are prohibited north of Fulton Street or south of Lincoln Way, the northern and southern edges of Golden Gate Park.) Restrooms are at the north end. | Great Highway between Point Lobos Ave. and Sloat Blvd.

BICYCLING

San Francisco is known for its treacherously steep hills, so it may be surprising to see so many cyclists. This is actually a great city for biking—there are ample bike lanes, it’s not hard to find level ground with great scenery (especially along the water), and if you’re willing to tackle a challenging uphill climb, you’re often rewarded with a fabulous view—and a quick trip back down.

511 Bay Area.

The Metropolitan Transit Commission’s website has an online Bike Map Planner that allows you to plot your ride on a map and choose either the shortest or the flattest bike-friendly route. | 511 | mtcgis.mtc.ca.gov/btp.

San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has extensive information about the policies and politics of riding and lists local events for cyclists on its website. You can download (but not print) a PDF version of the San Francisco Bike Map and Walking Guide. | 415/431–2453 | www.sfbike.org.

WHERE TO RENT

Angel Island.

From April through October you can rent mountain bikes on Angel Island for $10 an hour or $35 a day. | 415/435–5390 | www.angelisland.org.

Bay City Bike.

With three Fisherman’s Wharf locations, Bay City Bike isn’t hard to find. The shop has an impressive fleet of bikes—many sizes and types—and friendly staff to help you map your biking adventure. Daily rates run from $20 to $60. | 2661 Taylor St., at Beach St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94113 | 415/346–2453 | www.baycitybike.com | 501 Bay St., at Taylor St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/346–2453 | 1325 Columbus Ave., between Beach and North Point Sts., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/346–2453.

Bike and Roll.

You can rent bikes at this operator’s locations for $8 per hour or $32 per day; discounted weekly rates are available, and complimentary maps are provided. | 899 Columbus Ave., at Lombard St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/229–2000, | www.bicyclerental.com | 353 Jefferson St., between Jones and Leavenworth Sts., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 2800 Leavenworth St., at Beach St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133.

Bike Hut.

Known for its mom-and-pop–style service, the Hut is a small rental, repair, and used-bike shop. Hourly rentals go for $6, daily rentals for $22. | Pier 40, SoMa | 94124 | 415/543–4335 | www.thebikehut.org | Wed.–Sun. | Mon. and Tues.

Blazing Saddles.

This outfitter rents bikes for $8 to $9 an hour, depending on the type of bike, or $32 to $88 a day, and shares tips on sights to see along the paths. 2715 Hyde St., at Beach St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 415/202–8888 | www.blazingsaddles.com | 433 Mason St., at Post St., Union Sq. | 94102 | Pier 41, Fisherman’s Wharf | 94111 | 465 Jefferson St., at Hyde St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 2555 Powell St., at the Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 1095 Columbus, at Francisco St., North Beach | 94133 | 721 Beach St., at Hyde St., North Beach | 94109.

THE EMBARCADERO

A completely flat, sea-level route, the Embarcadero hugs the eastern and northern bay and gives a clear view of open waters, the Bay Bridge, and sleek high-rises. The route from Pier 40 to Aquatic Park takes about 30 minutes, and there are designated bike lanes the entire way. As you ride west, you’ll pass the Bay Bridge, the Ferry Building, a view of Coit Tower near Pier 19 (look inland), and various ferries and historic ships. At Aquatic Park there’s a nice view of Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re not tired yet, continue along the Marina and through the Presidio’s Crissy Field. You may want to time your ride so you end up at the Ferry Building, where you can refuel with a sandwich, a gelato, or—why not?—fresh oysters.

TIP Keep your eyes open along this route—cars move quickly here, and streetcars and tourist traffic can cause congestion. Near Fisherman’s Wharf you can bike on the promenade, but take it slow and watch out for pedestrians.

TIP Streetcar tracks can wreak havoc on skinny bike tires—and the bicyclist perched above them. Watch the ground and cross the tracks perpendicularly.

GOLDEN GATE PARK

A beautiful maze of roads and hidden bike paths crisscrosses San Francisco’s most famous park, winding past rose gardens, lakes, waterfalls, museums, horse stables, bison, and, at the park’s western edge, spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. John F. Kennedy Drive is closed to motor vehicles on Sunday (and sometimes Saturday), when it’s crowded with people-powered wheels.

TIP Get a map of the park before you go—it’s huge.

As Fell Street intersects Stanyan Street at the park’s eastern entrance, veer right to begin a 30- to 45-minute, 3-mile ride down John F. Kennedy Drive to the Great Highway, where land meets ocean. Take a break and watch the waves roll in at Ocean Beach, or cross the street for a drink or a bite to eat at the casual, tree-shrouded Park Chalet (behind the Beach Chalet). Extend your ride a few more miles by turning left, riding a few blocks, and connecting with a raised bike path that runs parallel to the Pacific, winds through fields of emerald-green ice plant, and, after 2 miles, leads to Sloat Boulevard and the San Francisco Zoo. TIP On exceptionally windy days, expect to encounter blowing sand along this route.

THE MARINA GREEN AND GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

The Marina Green, a vast lawn at the edge of the northern bay front, stretches along Marina Boulevard, adjacent to Fort Mason. It’s the starting point of a well-used, paved bike path that runs through the Presidio along Crissy Field’s waterfront wetlands, then heads for the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond. To do this ride, first take the path from Aquatic Park through Fort Mason to the Marina Green. Continue into the Presidio, and you’ll eventually reach the base of the bridge, a 60-minute ride round-trip. To view the bridge from underneath, stay at water level and ride to Fort Point (where Kim Novak leaped into the drink in the film Vertigo).

If you want to cross the bridge, take Lincoln Boulevard to reach the road-level viewing area and continue across the bridge (signs indicate which side you must use). Once you’re across, turn right on the first road leading northeast, Alexander Avenue. After a 10-minute all-downhill ride, you’ll arrive on Bridgeway in downtown Sausalito, where you can rest in a café. After a little shopping, board the Blue & Gold Fleet’s ferry (the ferry terminal is at the end of Bridgeway) with your bike for the half-hour ride back to Fisherman’s Wharf. TIP If it’s overcast, foggy, or windy, don’t bother doing the Golden Gate Bridge bike ride—the wind can feel downright dangerous on the bridge, and the trip is only awe-inspiring when you can take in the view.

ANGEL ISLAND STATE PARK

Angel Island.

A former military garrison and a beautiful wildlife preserve, Angel Island has some steep roads and great views of the city and the bay. Bicycles must stay on roadways; there are no single-track trails on the island. The café is closed mid-November through February, so bring your own grub. | 415/435–5390 | www.angelisland.org.

A ferry operated by Blue & Gold Fleet (415/705–8200 | www.blueandgoldfleet.com) runs to the island from Pier 41 at Fisherman’s Wharf and takes about 20 minutes one way; the fare is $17 round-trip, which includes park admission. Ferries leave once a day at 10 am weekdays and 10:30 am weekends, returning at around 3:30 pm; schedules change, so call for up-to-date info. Twenty-five bicycles are permitted on board on a first-come, first-served basis.

BOATING AND SAILING

San Francisco Bay has year-round sailing, but tricky currents and strong winds make the bay hazardous for inexperienced navigators. Boat rentals and charters are available throughout the Bay Area and are listed under “Boat Renting” in the Yellow Pages.

Adventure Cat Sailing Charters.

Near Fisherman’s Wharf, from spring through fall, Adventure Cat Sailing Charters takes passengers aboard a 55-foot-long catamaran. The kids can play on the trampoline-like net between the two hulls while you sip drinks on the wind-protected sundeck. A 90-minute bay cruise costs $35; sunset sails with drinks and hors d’oeuvres are $50. | Pier 39, Dock J, Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 800/498–4228, 415/777–1630 | www.adventurecat.com.

Rendezvous Charters.

This operator offers individually ticketed trips on large sailing yachts, including sunset sails ($30) and Sunday brunch cruises on a schooner ($45). | Pier 40, South Beach Harbor, Embarcadero | 94107 | 415/543–7333 | www.rendezvouscharters.com.

Spinnaker Sailing.

You can get sailing instruction from Spinnaker Sailing or charter a private sailboat with or without a skipper. Bring your logbook if you want to captain a boat yourself. | Pier 40, South Beach Harbor | 94107 | 415/543–7333 | www.spinnaker-sailing.com.

Both Rendezvous and Spinnaker are south of the Ferry Building on the eastern waterfront, right next to AT&T Park, not next to Pier 39.

Wacky Weather

San Francisco’s unique weather can be a blessing and a curse. On the positive side, there’s hardly any rain between June and October, and there are warm days even in the rainy winter months. But although daytime temperatures rarely drop below 50°F, they seldom get above 70°F—and the famous fog often makes the “real feel” even colder.

At any time of year, you may need to bundle up in a hat and wool coat in the morning, then strip down to a T-shirt and don your sunglasses in the afternoon. Layering is important. If you intend to be near the water or on a boat, bring a jacket and a hat—yes, even in summer! For biking, hiking, and boating, windbreakers are ideal.

Beaches can be extremely cold, and surfers and kite boarders wear full wet suits year-round.

SF Bay Adventures.

This outfit specializes in nautical tours—full-moon sails as well as great-white-shark tours. These expert skippers are based in Sausalito but some of their boats depart from San Francisco docks. | 85 Liberty Ship Way, at Marinship Way, | Sausalito | 94965 | 415/331–0444 | www.sfbayadventures.com.

Stow Lake.

If you prefer calm freshwater, you can rent rowboats ($20 per hour), pedal boats ($25 per hour), and electric motorboats ($35 per hour) at Stow Lake, in Golden Gate Park. Remember to bring bread for the ducks. The lake is open daily 10 am–4 pm for boating, weather permitting, but call for seasonal hours. | 50 Stow Lake Dr., off John F. Kennedy Dr., Golden Gate Park | 94118 | 415/386–2531.

FISHING

Fisherfolk angle for salmon and halibut outside the bay or striped bass and giant sturgeon within. On land, you can cast your line at the Municipal Pier, Fisherman’s Wharf, Baker Beach, or Aquatic Park. Fishing licenses are not necessary when casting from public piers. (The exception is sturgeon fishing, for which you need a Sturgeon Fishing Report Card.) Licenses are required for all other types of fishing, and can be purchased from the California Department of Fish and Game (www.dfg.ca.gov). Non-California residents can purchase 1-, 2-, or 10-day licenses for about $14, $23, and $45 respectively. Sportfishing charters depart daily from Fisherman’s Wharf during the salmon-fishing season (March or April through October), and cost about $100.

Lovely Martha’s Sportfishing.

Salmon-fishing excursions and bay cruises are Lovely Martha’s specialties. | Fisherman’s Wharf, Berth 3, Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/509–5552 | www.lovelymartha.com.

Wacky Jacky.

A straight-shootin’ woman named Jacky skippers her sleek, fast, and comfortable 50-foot boat on salmon-fishing excursions. | Foot of Jones St. at Jefferson St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/586–9800 | www.wackyjackysportfishing.com.

FOOTBALL

San Francisco 49ers.

Though they’ve been angling to move down to Santa Clara, for the moment the San Francisco 49ers play at Candlestick Park, just north of the airport. Home games almost always sell out far in advance. | Candlestick Park, 490 Jamestown Ave., Bayview Heights | 94124 | 415/656–4900 | www.sf49ers.com.

You can try your luck getting single-game tickets to 49ers games from Ticketmaster (800/745–3000 | www.ticketmaster.com).

GOLF

Gleneagles International Golf Course.

Expect to use every club in your bag to tackle the fast, sloping greens and unpredictable winds at this challenging 9-hole, par-36 course that, truth be told, is a little worse for wear. | McLaren Park, 2100 Sunnydale Ave., off Persia Ave., Excelsior/Visitacion Valley | 94134 | 415/587–2425 | www.gleneaglesgolfsf.com.

Golden Gate Park Golf Course.

The lovely 9-hole, par-27 course in Golden Gate Park, just above Ocean Beach, is a beginner’s paradise, but more-seasoned players might be put off by the lax play and wayward balls. Play is first-come, first-served only (no reservations). | 970 47th Ave., at Fulton St., Golden Gate Park | 94121 | 415/751–8987 | www.goldengateparkgolf.com.

TPC Harding Park Golf Course.

This complex includes an 18-hole, par-72 course and a 9-hole, par-32 Jack Fleming–designed course. The 9-hole course has all the characteristics of a championship course, but is less difficult. Both have fantastic views. Harding has received a multimillion-dollar makeover in recent years, and it shows. Book tee times as far in advance as possible. | 99 Harding Rd., at Skyline Blvd., Lake Merced | 94132 | 415/664–4690 | www.tpc.com/tpc-harding-park.

Lincoln Park Golf Course.

The 18-hole, par-68 course has magnificent views of the Golden Gate Bridge, but the somewhat scraggly greens don’t hold up well in damp weather. | 300 34th Ave., at Clement St., Richmond | 94121 | 415/221–9911 | www.lincolnparkgc.com.

Presidio Golf Course.

Arnold Palmer Golf Management runs the challenging and well-maintained 18-hole, par-72 Presidio Golf Course. You can book tee times online for an additional $8–$12 fee. | 300 Finley Rd., at Arguello Blvd., Presidio | 94129 | 415/561–4661 | www.presidiogolf.com.

San Francisco's Top Spas

Earthbody.

You’ll begin relaxing the moment you enter Earthbody. A destination for organic products, cleansing, and relaxation—not to mention massage treatments to melt for—this eco spa offers transformative workshops and rituals that help you heal from within. The Goddess Treatment ($360), a client favorite, includes body exfoliation, a hot-oil scalp treatment, and massage using products infused with wildflower blossoms. | 534 Laguna St., between Hayes and Fell Sts., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/552–7200 | www.earthbody.net.

Kabuki Springs & Spa.

Traditional sit-down Japanese showers and communal bathing are two out-of-the-ordinary experiences at the Kabuki. The renowned $135 Javanese Lulur Treatment includes a combination massage with jasmine oil, exfoliation with turmeric and ground rice, a yogurt application, and a candlelight soak with rose petals. Men and women are welcome every day for private treatments, but call ahead regarding communal bathing schedules; the baths are coed only on Tuesday. Clothing is optional except on coed days. | 1750 Geary Blvd., at Fillmore St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/922–6000 | www.kabukisprings.com.

Nob Hill Spa.

Warning: after experiencing the serene and luxurious Nob Hill Spa at the Huntington Hotel, you’ll start to expect Champagne after your massage. Unique features include the eucalyptus steam bath and a gorgeous infinity pool that overlooks the city through a glass wall. After your treatments, you can hang here all day: relax in the Zen room, get a green-tea body scrub, or just read on the sundeck. | 1075 California St., at Mason St., Nob Hill | 94108 | 415/345–2888 | www.nobhillspa.com.

Remède Spa.

All treatments at the St. Regis Hotel’s très chic spa incorporate a line of high-end French skin-care products. Offerings include custom skin therapy, massage, body scrubs, seaweed wraps, and a variety of mani–pedi, facial, and waxing options. Prices range from $40 for a manicure to $240 for a massage. | St. Regis Hotel, 125 3rd St., at Mission St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/284–4060 | www.remede.com.

Spa Radiance.

Elegant but casual Spa Radiance specializes in facials and draws the occasional celebrity. Try the Hungarian chocolate body wrap, or the “super-duper” series—a deep-pore cleansing followed by dermabrasion. | 3011 Fillmore St., between Union and Filbert Sts., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/346–6281 | www.sparadiance.com.

Tru Spa.

The futuristic Tru Spa is a local favorite, and for good reason. Its uncluttered space radiates calm. The spa’s practitioners offer face, body, and nail treatments, all excellent. Try the Trutherapy75, an exquiste 75-minute, personally tailored full-body massage enhanced by aromatherapy and colored-light therapy. Prices range from $70 to $230 for body treatments. | 750 Kearny St., at Washington St., Financial District | 94108 | 415/399–9700 | www.truspa.com.

San Francisco Recreation & Parks Golf Program.

You can get detailed directions to the city’s public golf courses or reserve a tee time ($1 reservation fee per player) up to six days in advance through the San Francisco parks department’s automated municipal tee-times reservation line. The department’s Golf Program web page has info and a link to SF Tee Times (sfteetimes.org), where you can book online. | 415/750–4653 | sfrecpark.org/Rec-Golf.aspx.

HANG GLIDING AND PARAGLIDING

Airtime of San Francisco.

Paragliding is like hang gliding, but uses a parachute-like nylon glider instead of a fixed wing. Airtime of San Francisco offers paragliding instruction ($450 for one person for two days; $600 for two people for two days) and tandem scenic flights ($200 per person; discounts for two or more people) just south of San Francisco in Pacifica, where you can fly over the coastal cliffs and take in spectacular views. | 650/685–6503 | www.sftandem.com.

San Francisco Hang Gliding Center.

The center specializes in tandem hang gliding ($300–$325). Hang-gliding and paragliding flights leave from Mt. Tamalpais in Marin and land on the soft sands of Stinson Beach. First-timers are welcome. The center also offers solo lessons ($160). | 510/528–2300 | www.sfhanggliding.com.

HIKING

Hiking options in and around San Francisco include everything from the easygoing Golden Gate Promenade along the city’s waterfront to the more rigorous sections of Angel Island and the Bay Area Ridge Trail. But you don’t have to leave the city for a nice hike. In the middle of San Francisco you can climb to the top of Mt. Davidson, Bernal Heights, Corona Heights, or Buena Vista Park. Little more than undeveloped hilltops, they offer spectacular views of the city and beautiful shows of wildflowers in spring. And there are plenty of great hikes to be had in the Presidio.

Angel Island State Park.

Hikers head to Angel Island State Park for access to 13-plus miles of sometimes steep foot trails and fire roads. The Northridge/Sunset loop trail to the 788-foot summit of Mt. Livermore rewards with fantastic views; the Perimeter Road passes beaches and historic sites. Blue & Gold Fleet (415/705–8200; blueandgoldfleet.com) operates a ferry to the island from Pier 41 at Fisherman’s Wharf; the $17 round-trip fare includes park admission. | 415/435–1915 | www.angelisland.org.

Bay Area Ridge Trail.

Hills and mountains—including Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County and Mt. Diablo in the East Bay, which has the second-longest sight lines anywhere in the world after Mt. Kilimanjaro—form a ring around the Bay Area. The Bay Area Ridge Trail is an ongoing project to connect all of the region’s ridgelines. The trail is currently 300 miles long, but when finished it will extend 500 miles, stretching from San Jose to Napa and encompassing all nine Bay Area counties.

One of the trails most impressive ridgelines can be found on Mt. Tamalpais, in Marin County. The Rock Spring Trail starts at the Mountain Theater and gently climbs about 1¾ miles to the West Point Inn, once a stop on the Mt. Tam railroad route. Relax at a picnic table and stock up on water before forging ahead, via Old Railroad Grade Fire Road and the Miller Trail, to Mt. Tam’s Middle Peak, about 2 miles uphill.

Starting at the Pan Toll Ranger Station, the precipitous Steep Ravine Trail brings you past stands of coastal redwoods and, in the springtime, numerous small waterfalls. Take the connecting Dipsea Trail to reach the town of Stinson Beach and its swath of golden sand. If you’re too weary to make the 3½-mile trek back up, Golden Gate Transit Bus 63 (Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from mid-March through early December) takes you from Stinson Beach back to the ranger station.

The Tennessee Valley Trail is a gentle winding hike through rolling hills and meadows filled with wildflowers. The half-paved, half-dirt 2-mile trail leads down to a small protected beach, perfect for picnics and sea-lion spotting. To find the trailhead, turn off Shoreline Highway (itself off Highway 101) to Tennessee Valley Road, and continue for 1½ miles until you see a dirt parking lot. | ridgetrail.org.

Fodor’s Choice | Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA).

The Presidio is part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), which also encompasses the San Francisco coastline, the Marin Headlands, and Point Reyes National Seashore. It’s veined with hiking trails, and guided walks are available. You can find current schedules at visitor centers in the Presidio and Marin Headlands; they’re also online at www.nps.gov/goga/parknews. For descriptions of locations within the recreation area—along with rich color photographs, hiking information, and maps—pick up a copy of Guide to the Parks, available in local bookstores or online from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy (www.parksconservancy.org). | GGNRA | 415/561–4700 | www.nps.gov/goga.

Golden Gate Promenade.

This great walk passes through Crissy Field, taking in marshlands, kite-flyers, beachfront, and windsurfers, with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop. The 3.3-mile walk is flat and easy—it should take about two hours round-trip. If you begin at Aquatic Park, you’ll end up practically underneath the bridge at Fort Point Pier. TIP If you’re driving, park at Fort Point and do the walk from west to east. It can get blustery, even when it’s sunny, so be sure to layer.

Presidio.

Hiking and biking trails wind through nearly 1,500 acres of woods and hills in the Presidio, past old redbrick military buildings and jaw-dropping scenic overlooks with bay and ocean views. Rangers and docents lead guided hikes and nature walks throughout the year. For a current schedule, pick up a copy of the quarterly Park News at the Presidio Visitor Center, in the park’s Main Post area, or go online. The promenade at Crissy Field leads north past views of Golden Gate Bridge. If it’s open, fortify yourself with coffee or snacks at the Warming Hut (983 Marine Dr., off Long Ave.) before following the paved road that continues on to the Civil War–era Fort Point, which sits under the bridge. | Presidio Visitors Center, 50 Moraga Ave., at Arguello Blvd. | 94129 | 415/561–4323 | www.nps.gov/prsf.

ICE-SKATING

Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling Center.

Floor-to-ceiling windows border the NHL-regulation skating rink here, providing a knockout view of the city’s twinkling skyline by night and bathing the rink in natural light by day. Skate rentals and lessons are available. Open-skate sessions run one to five hours, depending on the time and day, and cost $9, plus $3 skate rental. TIP Skate rental is free Wednesday evenings between 7:30 and 9. The rink is open year-round. | 750 Folsom St., at 3rd St., SoMa | 94107 | 415/820–3532 | www.skatebowl.com.

KAYAKING

Surrounded by water on three sides, San Francisco has plenty of opportunities for kayaking enthusiasts of all levels.

City Kayak.

City Kayak operates bay tours along the waterfront and beneath the Bay Bridge starting from $50; the company also runs full-moon night paddles and trips to Alcatraz. Rentals are $35 per hour for a single, and $65 for a double. Half-day trips depart daily. No prior experience is necessary, but you must watch an instructional video. TIP The Pier 39 location is for tours only, not rentals. | Pier 39, Embarcadero at Stockton St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | www.citykayak.com | Pier 40, South Beach Harbor, SoMa | 415/357–1010.

Outdoor Programs.

Trips run by Outdoor Programs originate in either Sausalito or Mission Bay in San Francisco and range from moonlight paddles from Sausalito (with views of the San Francisco skyline) to daytime sea-kayaking classes for all levels. | 500 Parnassus Ave., at 3rd Ave., Inner Sunset | 94143 | 415/476–2078 | www.outdoors.ucsf.edu.

Sea Trek Kayaking.

This company offers trips around Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, moonlight paddles, and many trips in Marin County. Three-hour trips are $65 to $75 and full-day trips are $85 to $130. Most excursions leave from Sausalito but Angel Island tours leave from the island. | 415/332–8494 | www.seatrekkayak.com.

RUNNING

PLACES TO RUN

The San Francisco Bike Map and Walking Guide , which indicates hill grades on city streets by color, is a great resource. Online, check the San Francisco Road Runners Club site (www.sfrrc.org) for some recommended routes and links to several local running clubs.

San Francisco is spectacular for running. There are more than 7 miles of paved trails in and around Golden Gate Park; circling Stow Lake and then crossing the bridge and running up the path to the top of Strawberry Hill is a total of 2½ miles. An enormously popular route is the 2-mile raised bike path that runs from Lincoln Way along the ocean, at the southern border of Golden Gate Park, to Sloat Boulevard, which is the northern border of the San Francisco Zoo. (Stick to the park’s interior when it’s windy, as ocean gusts can kick up sand.) From Sloat Boulevard you can pick up the Lake Merced bike path, which loops around the lake and the golf course, to extend your run another 5 miles. The paved path along the Marina runs 1½ miles (round-trip) along a flat, well-paved surface and has great bay views. You can extend your run by jogging the paths through the restored wetlands of Crissy Field (just past the yacht harbor), then up the hill to the Golden Gate Bridge: its walkway is 1.7 miles long.

EVENTS

Bay to Breakers Race.

First run in 1912, the 12K Bay to Breakers race, held the third Sunday in May, is one of the world’s oldest footraces—but in true San Francisco fashion there’s nothing typical about it. About a third of the 50,000 to 100,000 runners are serious athletes; the rest are “fun runners” who wear famously wacky costumes—or no costumes at all (there’s a faithful nude contingency). The race makes its way from the Embarcadero at the bay to the Pacific Ocean, passing through Golden Gate Park. | 415/359–2800 | www.baytobreakers.com.

San Francisco Marathon.

The marathon, held annually on a Sunday in late July or early August, starts and finishes at the Embarcadero. Up to 7,000 runners pass through downtown, the Marina, the Presidio, and Golden Gate Park, and cross the Golden Gate Bridge, tackling some of the city’s milder hills along the way. | 888/958–6668 | www.runsfm.com.

SWIMMING

Though San Francisco is right on the ocean, swimming in the rough Pacific waters is unsafe due to strong currents and frigid temperatures—it’s c-c-cold. Some locals, including kids, do swim in the slightly warmer (but still often only around 50°F) and much calmer waters of the lagoon at Aquatic Park, between the Marina (next to Fort Mason) and Fisherman’s Wharf.

San Francisco Recreation & Parks Swimming Pools.

The city maintains eight very fine heated indoor pools, some of which are near tourist areas or easily accessible by public transit. | 415/831–2747 | sfrecpark.org/Rec-SwimmingPools.aspx | $5, single swims; $45, 10-swim pass | 51 Havelock Street | 94112 | 415/337-4701 | 19th Ave. & Wawona St. | 94116 | 415/661–6327 | 1700 Visitacion Ave. | 94134 | 415/337-9085 | 651 Lombard St., between Mason and Powell Sts. | 94133 | 415/391–0407 | 600 Arguello Blvd., at Anza St. | 94118 | 415/666–7014.

TENNIS

San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department Tennis Courts.

The parks department maintains 132 public tennis courts throughout the city. Fees for the 21 courts in Golden Gate Park (John F. Kennedy Dr. and Middle Dr. E | 415/753–7131 reservations, 415/753–7001 information | www.golden-gate-park.com/tennis.html) are $4 to $6; call for weekend and holiday reservations, which are essential (weekdays are first-come, first served). The tennis page on the park’s website lays out all the strategies for snagging a weekend court, the main one being to call right after 4 pm on Wednesday. A few other facilities of note around town (all free) are Julius Kahn Park (W. Pacific Ave. off Presidio or Arguello Blvds.) and Mountain Lake Park (Lake St. and 12th Ave.), which both have four courts, and Mission Dolores Park (18th and Dolores Sts.), whose six courts have lights for night play. The San Francisco Tennis Courts website has photos and info about all the public courts. | 415/831–2700 | sftenniscourts.com.

Golden Gate Park | John F. Kennedy Dr. and Middle Dr. E | 94122 | 415/753–7131 reservations, 415/753–7001 information | www.golden-gate-park.com/tennis.html.

Julius Kahn Park | W. Pacific Ave. off Presidio or Arguello Blvds., Presidio | 94118.

Mission Dolores Park | 18th and Dolores Sts., Castro | 94110.

Mountain Lake Park | Lake St. and 12th Ave., Richmond | 94118.

WHALE-WATCHING

Between January and April, hundreds of gray whales migrate along the coast; the rest of the year humpback and blue whales feed offshore at the Farallon Islands. The best place to watch them from shore is Point Reyes, in Marin County .

For a better view, head out on a whale-watching trip. Seas around San Francisco can be rough, so pack motion-sickness tablets. You should also dress warmly, wear sunscreen, and pack rain gear and sunglasses; binoculars come in handy, too. Tour companies don’t provide meals or snacks, so bring your own lunch and water. Make reservations at least a week in advance. Most trips last a full day.

California Whale Adventures.

California Whale Adventures has year-round whale-watching trips ($100) Friday through Sunday. In October you can take a great-white-shark tour, and seabird tours run July through October; these tours range between $90 and $150 per person, and are operated on weekends only. All trips leave from Fisherman’s Wharf. | 650/579–7777 | www.californiawhaleadventures.com.

The Oceanic Society.

The Oceanic Society operates year-round full- and half-day whale-watching excursions ($95 Friday, $100 weekends) with top-notch guides. In winter the group runs half-day trips ($43 Friday, $48 weekends) from Half Moon Bay. The society also has a whale-watching hotline (415/256-9604) and publishes the excellent Oceanic Society Field Guide to the Gray Whale. Most trips leave from the San Francisco Yacht Harbor, outside the harbormaster’s office in the Marina District. | 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. | Ross | 94957 | 415/256–9604, 800/326–7491 | www.oceanicsociety.org.

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Main Table of Contents

The Scene

Shopping by Neighborhood

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Spotlight on Union Square | Spotlight on The Haight | Spotlight on The Mission

Updated by Fiona G. Parrott

From its grand department stores to its funky secondhand boutiques, San Francisco summons a full range of shopping experiences. Deep-pocketed buyers and window-shoppers alike mob the dozens of pricey shops packed into the blocks bordering Union Square, while bargain hunters dig through record shops and thrift stores in the Mission District and the Haight. From the anarchist bookstore to the mouthwatering specialty-food purveyors at the gleaming Ferry Building, the local shopping opportunities reflect the city’s various personalities.

Visitors with limited time often focus their energies on the high-density Union Square area, where several major department stores tower over big-name boutiques. But if you’re keen to find unique local shops, you should definitely move beyond the square’s radius. Each neighborhood has its own distinctive finds, whether it’s ‘60s housewares, cheeky stationery, or vintage Levi’s.

If shopping in San Francisco has a downside, it’s that real bargains can be few and far between. Sure, neighborhoods such as the Lower Haight and the Mission have thrift shops and other inexpensive stores, but you won’t find many discount outlets in the city, where rents are sky high and space is at a premium.

Seasonal sales, usually in late January and late July or August, are good opportunities for finding deep discounts on clothing. The San Francisco Chronicle and San Francisco Examiner advertise sales. For smaller shops, check the two free weeklies the San Francisco Bay Guardian and SF Weekly, which can be found on street corners every Wednesday. Sample sales are usually held by individual manufacturers, so check your favorite company’s site before visiting. Splendora (www.splendora.com/cityguide/san_francisco) is a good site to check for upcoming sales and promotions around the city.

SPOTLIGHT ON UNION SQUARE

The tall elegance of the high-rises here radiates a style and grace that vibrates through the busy streets. This is a place for strolling and noticing the intricate details of doorways, quaint cobbled lanes, and unusual sidewalk stalls.

Perennially popular, this neighborhood becomes a holiday hub during the wintertime. There’s a giant Christmas tree and outdoor ice rink that draws in excited families and love-struck couples. As for stores, anything and everything you would hope to find is here, and then some. From Prada to Banana Republic to Cartier and Macy’s, all the big and little shops call this area home. There are dozens of art galleries, indulgent eateries, linen and kitchen stores, as well as hundreds of one-of-a-kind boutiques. The most popular stretch is the physical square that reaches around Stockton, Geary, Powell and Post streets, but don’t limit yourself to this small area; there is so much to shop for north, south, east, and west of its limits. Grant Street, in particular, has dozens of charming shops to get lost in. TIP The views from The Cheesecake Factory on Macy’s eight-floor balcony are breathtaking. Order an enormous slice and enjoy the rush.

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BEST TIME TO GO

Aim for Tuesday through Friday afternoons—all the stores and galleries are open, the fog has lifted, and the streets aren’t too crowded.

BEST SOUVENIR FOR YOUR FRIENDS

Lush.

Ginger sugar-scrub balls, lemon soap bars, vegan chocolate lip tint—Lush makes bathing sound like dessert. | 240 Powell St., Union Sq. | 94102.

REFUELING

Cafe Claude.

The perfect place to rest your kitten heels after a morning of hard shopping, this quaint French restaurant serves a wide range of salads, soups, sandwiches, and cheese plates at reasonable prices. | 7 Claude La., Sutter and Bush Sts. | 94108 | 415/392–3505.

Cafe Dolci.

For a fast grab-’n’-go meal, head to Cafe Dolci, one of the best Vietnamese sandwich shops in town. | 740 Market St., near Grant Ave. | 94102 | 415/392–9222.

BEST FOR

Department Stores, SF Style

Gump’s: Elegant and refined, this San Francisco institution sells carefully selected housewares, fine antiques, and jewelry.

Nordstrom: From contemporary to classic to teen fashion, there truly is something here for everyone.

Neiman Marcus: Stunning architecture surrounds this haven of designer clothing, to-die-for shoes, and “it” handbags.

Beautiful Boutiques

Diptyque: With gorgeous candles and teas in indulgent French country scents, this is a fashion editor’s go-to gift shop.

Metier: An eclectic array of clothing and jewelry by well-known and soon-to-be-discovered designers.

Tory Burch: For adorable ballet flats and elegant cut classics, just right for any time in fashion.

Gallery Gazing

Hackett-Mill Gallery: Modern, abstract, figurative art with historical undertones.

Hespe Gallery: A good place to find representational art from local artists.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE HAIGHT

Remembered most for being the epicenter of the ‘60s Flower Power movement, today’s Haight has changed significantly. Incense, music, and musicians still decorate the district, but so do international chains like Starbucks and the Gap.

Locals come to this area for the secondhand clothing and music stores; and there are dozens to choose from. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind boutiques that sell funky clothing, toys, instruments, and shoes. Think unusual, big, and fun. The area’s laid-back vibe is most definitely represented in the stores, and it’s important to take your time in them. Be sure to walk the length and both sides of Upper Haight to get a good feel for the area.

Fodorites agree that this area contrasts sharply with Union Square. As Leely put it, “Union Square has good shopping, but it’s not what I’d consider funky. Hayes Valley, the Mission, and that old standby the Haight are all funkier.”

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BEST TIME TO GO

Monday through Friday late mornings or early afternoons are the most peaceful.

BEST SOUVENIR FOR MUSIC LOVERS

Come to Amoeba Music (1855 Haight St.) to score a one-of-a-kind music find. From posters to CDs and DVDs, new and old titles fill the enormous space.

REFUELING

Cole Valley Cafe.

Here is a bright and warm place to stop for a hearty turkey sandwich, Caesar salad, or latte. | 701 Cole St., at Waller St. | 94117 | 415/668–5282.

Zona Rosa.

An authentic taqueria, Zona Rosa serves zesty Mexican fare. The burritos are enormous. | 1797 Haight St., at Shrader St. | 94117 | 415/668–7717.

BEST FOR

Unusual Clothing

Buffalo Exchange: Fun and fabulous used clothing that’s been carefully selected for a second time around. The rails are neatly organized for hassle-free bargain hunting.

Held Over: Pristine clothing from various decades is a hit with vintage shoppers. Here’s where ‘70s suits meet sequin gowns.

John Fluevog: Chunky heels, square toes, and large shiny buckles adorn shoes that are not only well made but also extremely comfortable.

Feeding Your Head

Amoeba Music: Where music, posters, and films collide inside a space the size of a bowling hall. It’s easy to spend an entire day here, especially when you factor in time for people-watching.

Bound Together Anarchist Book Collective: A good place to stock up on anarchist theory and literature.

Recycled Records: You thought records were extinct? Think again. Prepare for a vinyl flashback and reunions with classic LPs.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE MISSION

Giant vibrant murals of fields, flowers, and faces decorate building after building here. There is music in the streets, and the sweet smell of baking bread fills the air in the early morning, but at night this is where people come to drink, dance, and celebrate.

Once the artists’ hub, today’s Mission is quickly gentrifying, as are its shops. Yesterday’s thrift and vintage-furniture shops are slowly being replaced by trendy boutiques and gourmet eateries. These changes have created a patchwork of shopping areas instead of one central hub. Some of the best are along Valencia and Mission streets; 16th, 17th, and 24th streets are also good places to shop. Dorima of the Fodor’s forums says that “for funky, one-of-a-kind shops, my favorite area is Valencia Street, roughly between 16th and 22nd or so. Little artisanal boutiques selling cool clothing, objets d’art, etc. Plus you are in the ‘hot belt’ of some of San Francisco’s most forward-thinking restaurants.”

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BEST TIME TO GO

Monday through Wednesday afternoons are the most relaxed times. Weekends and late afternoons are hectic and full of energy, but that can be nice, too.

BEST SOUVENIR FOR MOM

A small artists’ cooperative named for a beloved pooch, Ruby (3602 20th St.) sells original jewelry, candleholders, and handmade cards.

REFUELING

Mission Pie.

With its sweet and savory freshly baked pies, along with salads, coffee, and yummy breakfast treats, this café will satisfy all of your needs. | 2901 Mission St., at 25th St., | 415/282–1500.

Philz Coffee.

After a hard day in the shopping trenches, drop by Philz for the perfect pick-me-up. It’s full of art, atmosphere, and scrumptious baked goods. | 3101 24th St., at Folsom St. | 94110 | 415/875–9370.

Sandwich Place.

The sandwiches served here are loaded with fresh ingredients, and they’re huge. | 2029 Mission St., between 16th and 17th Sts. | 94110 | 415/431–3811.

BEST FOR

Books, Books, Books

Dog Eared Books: Used, new, travel, food, fiction, poetry—it’s all in here.

Omnivore Books on Food: For those who love to read, cook and eat lovely food.

Modern Times Bookstore: Hosts readings and literary events for all.

Funky Fashion

Bell Jar: Flowing dresses, rhinestone jewelry, paper, and art. This place is full of gorgeous little things.

Schauplatz: Vintage clothing from the ‘20s through the ‘80s, from Chanel suits to go-go boots.

Self Edge: Metal rods full of Japanese selvage denim.

Furniture, Housewares, and Gifts

Monument: Vintage furniture with true style.

Paxton Gate: Earthenware flowerpots, even outdoor artwork are on offer at this unusual shop inspired by nature and science.

Therapy: Retro kitchenware that’s quirky and fun.

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Union Square and Chinatown | SoMa and Civic Center | The Tenderloin | Hayes Valley | Financial District | Russian Hill | North Beach | The Waterfront | The Marina and the Presidio | Cow Hollow | The Haight, the Castro, and Noe Valley | Mission District | Potrero Hill | Pacific Heights and Japantown | Western Addition | Sunset | Ingleside

UNION SQUARE AND CHINATOWN

UNION SQUARE

Serious shoppers head straight to Union Square, San Francisco’s main shopping area and the site of most of its department stores, including Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Barneys, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Nearby are such platinum-card international boutiques as Yves Saint Laurent, Cartier, Emporio Armani, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Gianni Versace.

The Westfield San Francisco Shopping Centre, anchored by Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, is a mammoth mall; it’s notable for its gorgeous atriums and its top-notch dining options.

TIP Although the department stores and some boutiques may remain open until 9 pm and beyond, most retailers in the square don’t open until 10 am or later, so there isn’t much advantage to getting an early start unless you’re grabbing breakfast nearby.

Art Galleries

Fraenkel Gallery.

The internationally renowned Fraenkel Gallery has represented museum-caliber photographers like Richard Avedon, Garry Winogrand, and Idris Khan since 1979. Recent shows have included work by Robert Adams, Helen Levitt, and Hiroshi Sugimoto. Most shows feature one or two artists, but the annual “Several Exceptionally Good Recently Acquired Pictures” showcases the range of works this gallery exhibits. | 49 Geary St., between Kearny St. and Grant Ave., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/981–2661.

Hackett-Mill Gallery.

This gallery prides itself on its friendly staff, who will educate you about the art or leave you alone, whichever you prefer. Collections include modern, postwar abstract expressionism, and local figurative art. International artists exhibit here, with many works incorporating the themes of mid-20th-century historical movements. | 201 Post St., at Grant Ave., Ste. 1000, Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/362–3377.

Fodor’s Choice | Hang Art.

A spirit of fun imbues this inviting second-floor space that showcases emerging artists. Prices range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, making it an ideal place for novice art collectors to get their feet wet. A rental program lets you take a piece home before buying it. | 567 Sutter St., between Mason and Powell Sts., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/434–4264.

Hespe Gallery.

Priced between $3,000 and $50,000, the paintings and sculptures here by midcareer artists like Eric Zener and Kim Cogan, especially Californians, are primarily representational. Owner Charles Hespe is an instantly likable art enthusiast who delights buyers and browsers. | 251 Post St., Suite 420, between Stockton and Grant Sts., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/776–5918.

John Berggruen Gallery.

Twentieth-century American and European paintings are displayed throughout three airy floors here. Works by Bay Area figurative artists such as Richard Diebenkorn and Elmer Bischoff are a specialty. | 228 Grant Ave., at Post St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/781–4629.

Meyerovich Gallery.

Sculpture and works on paper by masters such as Pablo Picasso, Robert Motherwell, David Sultan, and Grisha Bruskin are the attraction. Colorful, whimsical sculptures by contemporary artist Guy Dill draw the eye from across the room. | 251 Post St., 4th fl., between Stockton St. and Grant Ave., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/421–7171.

Beauty

The Art of Shaving.

Looking for a silver-tip badger brush? A polished-teak shaving-soap bowl? Or even sandalwood-infused pre-shave oil? You can pick up all of these items at the Art of Shaving. The master barbers in the back provide anything from a moustache trim to the 45-minute “Royal Shave” (including hot towel and after-shave mask). | 287 Geary St., at Powell St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/677–0871.

Fresh.

The cosmetics line’s only Northern California store occupies a quaint historic structure built just after the 1906 earthquake. Indulge in oval milk soaps from France, sugar-lemon lotion, and pomegranate conditioner. Fresh is most popular for its body-care sets, including the Umbrian Clay Balancing Skincare Set. Like the Seaberry Restorative Body Cream, it can be hard to come by during the holiday season. | 301 Sutter St., at Grant Ave., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/248–0210.

Lush.

Towers of bulk soap, which can be cut to order, and mountains of baseball-size fizzing “bath bombs” are some of the first items you’ll see in this tightly packed and extremely fragrant little boutique, which resembles a cheese shop more than a Sephora. Some potions are so fresh (and perishable) that they’re stored in a refrigerator and come with an expiration date. | 240 Powell St., between O’Farrell and Geary Sts., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/693–9633.

Clothing: Men and Women

The Archive.

The closest thing you’ll get to Savile Row in San Francisco, this small and narrow cutting-edge men-only fashion boutique has everything from handmade suits to large handmade silver belt buckles from top-shelf Japanese and Italian designers. | 317 Sutter St., between Grant Ave. and Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/391–5550 | Closed Sun.

Cable Car Clothiers/Robert Kirk Ltd.

This classic British menswear store, open since 1939, is so fully stocked that a whole room is dedicated to hats, pants are cataloged like papers in file cabinets, and entire displays showcase badger-bristle shaving brushes. TIP The cable-car logo gear, from silk ties to pewter banks, makes for dashing souvenirs. | 200 Bush St., at Sansome St., Union Sq. | 94104 | 415/397–4740 | Closed Sun.

Gucci.

The gold-label designer exudes luxe elegance all the more in its palatial new store of black lacquer, bronze, and marble. Fine jewelry, handbags, and luggage dominate the first floor, and shoes rule the second. If you make it to the third floor without maxing out your credit card, you’ll be rewarded for trying on an evening gown or dinner coat with a flute of Champagne. | 240 Stockton St., at Post St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/392–2808.

H&M.

Hip, youthful designs for men and women are cheap, cheap, cheap at this trendy import from Sweden that’s known as the IKEA of clothing stores. TIP Club-going teenagers and those who want to look like them form long lines for the dressing room, so aim to visit midweek, before or after the noon–2 lunch rush. | 150 Powell St., at O’Farrell St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/986–4215.

Levi’s.

A massive flagship for 501’s, this is quite possibly the biggest place to buy your favorite pair of five-pocket jeans. Every style, size, color, and cut of the original denim brand is here. You can even get a custom fitting if you book ahead of time. | 300 Post St., at Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/501–0100.

Marc Jacobs.

Fashion’s wunderkind peddles his buckled leather bags, bright patent-leather shoes, and shrunken cashmere sweaters at his designer outpost—minus the expected pretense. The less expensive line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, on Fillmore Street, has an interesting collection of plastic knickknacks, key chains, and buttons that make for quirky souvenirs. | 125 Maiden La., at Grant Ave., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/362–6500.

Fodor’s Choice | Margaret O’Leary.

If you can only buy one piece of clothing in San Francisco, make it a hand-loomed, locally made cashmere sweater by this Irish-born local legend. The perfect antidote to the city’s wind and fog, the sweaters are so beloved by San Franciscans that some people literally never wear anything else. Pick up an airplane wrap for your trip home and a media cozy to keep your iPod toasty, too. Another store is located in Pacific Heights on Fillmore Street. | 1 Claude La., at Sutter St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/391–1010.

Metier.

For boutique shopping that’s anything but hit or miss, browse through this unusual selection of clothes by brands like Blumarine and See by Chloe. An even more impressive selection of jewelry by artists like Cathy Waterman and Philip Crangi has won this boutique an obsessively loyal following. | 355 Sutter St., between Stockton and Grant Sts., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/989–5395.

Tory Burch.

The East Coast socialite–turned–CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year brightened the notoriously staid Maiden Lane with her new outpost for Bergdorf Blondes, inspired by designs from the ’60s and ’70s. The carpet is a rich avocado, walls are magenta among other colors, and velvet curtains frame floor-to-ceiling mirrors in other candy colors. In addition to her ubiquitous ballet flats (available even in toddler sizes), Burch’s signature tunics, silk blouses, and suits are on offer. | 50 Maiden La., between Kearny St. and Grant Ave., Union Sq. | 94115 | 415/398–1525.

Clothing: Outlet and Discount

Christine Foley.

Discounts of up to 50% apply to the hand-loomed cotton sweaters with fanciful, intricate designs. There’s a particularly large selection of colorful sweaters for children. Pillows, stuffed animals, and assorted knickknacks sell at retail prices in the small storefront showroom. | 950 Mason St., between Sacramento and California Sts., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/399–9938.

Loehmann’s.

Renovations have tamed the chaos that used to reign among these drastically reduced designer labels, resulting in more orderly racks and more spacious changing rooms. The massive inventory includes everything from gym clothes to business wear. The racks for in-season overruns are tidier; the sections of past seasons’ clothes are messier but have even deeper discounts. The shoe department is across the street from the main store. | 222 Sutter St., at Kearny St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/982–3215.

Anne Fontaine.

Brazilian-born designer Anne Fontaine clearly has a fetish for the white shirt. Her meticulously detailed button-up shirts put a feminine touch on the menswear staple, with flounces at the neckline, impossibly tiny pleats, or ruching at the waist. The spare little store also stocks a small number of pants, skirts, and jackets to complement her famous tops. | 118 Grant Ave., at Maiden La., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/677–0911.

Department Stores

Barneys New York.

Barneys sets itself apart by identifying up-and-coming designers first. Fashion is taken seriously here—a pair of distressed shoes that look like they’ve been mowed down on the highway can cost you over a grand—but it’s always offered with a wink and a smile. Check out the witty touches from the infamous store windows to the details of design (on the third floor, copper pennies create a rack for designer ready-to-wear). As you enter Barneys’ six-story corner locale, a flight of stairs extends to the mezzanine, with its salon displaying thousands of shoes. Below street level, cosmetics and fragrances reign. You can sample new scents in the state-of-the-art cylindrical sniffing chambers. | 77 O’Farrell St., at Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/268–3500.

Bloomingdales.

The black-and-white checkerboard theme, the abundance of glass, and the sheer size might remind you of Vegas. This department store emphasizes American labels like Diane von Furstenberg and Jack Spade. The well-planned layout defines individual departments without losing the grand and open feel. | 845 Market St., between 4th and 5th Sts., Union Sq. | 94103 | 415/856–5300.

Gump’s.

It’s a San Francisco institution, dating to the 19th century, and it’s a strikingly luxurious one. The airy store exudes a museumlike vibe, with its large decorative vases, sumptuous housewares, and a gobsmacking Tahitian pearl display. Locals line up to register for weddings here. But it’s also a great place to pick up gifts, such as the Golden Gate Bridge note cards or the silver-plated butter spreaders in a signature Gump’s box. | 135 Post St., between Grant Ave. and Kearny St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/982–1616.

Macy’s.

Downtown has two behemoth branches of this retailer, where you can find almost anything you could want, if only you have the patience to find it. One—with entrances on Geary, Stockton, and O’Farrell streets—houses the women’s, children’s, furniture, and housewares departments. With its large selection and its emphasis on American designers like DKNY and Marc Jacobs, the department for young women stands out. The men’s department occupies its own building across Stockton Street. During the holidays, pups up for adoption bark in the ground-level windows. | 170 O’Farrell St., at Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/397–3333.

Neiman Marcus.

The surroundings, which include a Philip Johnson–designed checkerboard facade, gilded atrium, and stained-glass skylight, are as ritzy as the goods showcased in them. The mix includes designer men’s and women’s clothing and accessories as well as posh household wares. TIP Although the prices may raise an eyebrow or two, Neiman’s biannual Last Call sales—in January and July—draw a crowd. After hitting the vast handbag salon, ladies who lunch daintily order consommé and bread laden with strawberry butter in the Rotunda Restaurant. | 150 Stockton St., at Geary St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/362–3900.

Nordstrom.

Somehow Nordstrom manages to be all things to all people, and this location, with spiral escalators circling a four-story atrium, is no exception. Whether you’re an elegant lady of a certain age shopping for a new mink coat or a teen on the hunt for a Roxy hoodie, the salespeople are known for being happy to help. Nordstrom carries the best selections in town of new designers like Tory Burch, but its own brands have loyal followings, too. The café upstairs is a superb choice for a ladies-who-lunch shopping break. | San Francisco Shopping Centre, 865 Market St., at 5th St., Union Sq. | 94103 | 415/243–8500.

Saks Fifth Avenue.

The West Coast branch of the New York legend claims a prime chunk of Union Square territory and it’s chockablock with women swinging the latest “it” handbag. Where the store really outshines the competition, though, is at the incredibly well-stocked Men’s Store down the street at 220 Post. The staff’s service is so impeccable, even casual guys will enjoy dressing up. | 384 Post St., at Powell St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/986–4300.

Electronics

Apple Store San Francisco.

A shiny, stainless-steel box is the setting for San Francisco’s flagship Apple store, a high-tech temple to Macs and the people who use them. Play around with iPhones, laptops, and hundreds of geeky accessories; then watch a theater presentation or attend an educational workshop. There is, of course, the “Genius Bar,” where experts help those with computer woes. | 1 Stockton St., at Market St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/392–0202.

Food and Drink

William Glen.

The more than 400 whiskies arranged along the back wall—mostly single-malt Scotches—are organized by their region of origin, so you can easily distinguish those made in Islay from those from Speyside or Lowland. The charming Scottish proprietor can tell you about his favorites, help you with the selection of tartan scarves or cashmere sweaters, or even equip you with a kilt. | 360 Sutter St., between Grant Ave. and Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/989–1030.

Furniture, Housewares, and Gifts

Fodor’s Choice | Diptyque.

The original Diptyque boutique in Paris has long attracted a following of celebrities. You can find the full line of scented candles and fragrances in this chic shop that would be at home on the Boulevard St-Germain. Trademark black-and-white labels adorn the popular L’eau toilet water, scented with geranium and sandalwood. Candles come in both traditional and esoteric scents, including lavender, basil, leather, and fig tree. Also available is a collection of French Mariage Frères teas. | 171 Maiden La., between Grant Ave. and Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/402–0600.

Downtown Shop.

Independently run and owned, this shop specializes in handcrafted furniture and accessories by contemporary international designers from Italy, France, Japan, and Belgium. The attentive staff will help you shape your look. One-of-a-kind tables, chairs, and lighting fixtures from the 1800s lend the space itself a trendy elegance. | 55 Maiden La., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/975–4400.

Ferrari Store.

Even if you can’t afford a new Spyder, there’s something for everyone at the new 4,000-square-foot Ferrari Store. You can pick up a show-stopping, fire engine–red racing jacket, or an actual key for the ultimate aspirational shopper (or practical joker). Something for the Mrs.? Purchase signature Ferrari china cups or a pastel argyle sweater—all complete with the signature prancing stallion. To add to the fun: A racecar is parked by the front door and the salespeople wear head-to-toe racing suits. | 2 Stockton St., at Market St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/834–9200.

Scheuer Linens.

Designers and other fans make their way to this store, a Union Square fixture since 1953, for luxurious bed and bath items and linens. The pretty tablecloths, runners, and napkins, fragrant candles, and luxurious bath accessories are popular gifts to indulge loved ones. | 340 Sutter St., between Grant Ave. and Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/392–2813.

Williams-Sonoma.

Behind striped awnings and a historic facade lies the massive mother ship of the Sonoma-founded kitchen-store empire. La Cornue custom stoves beckon you inward, and two grand staircases draw you upward to the world of dinnerware, linens, and chefs’ tools. Antique tart tins, eggbeaters, and pastry cutters from the personal collection of founder Chuck Williams line the walls. | 340 Post St., between Powell and Stockton Sts., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/362–9450.

Handbags, Luggage, and Leather Goods

Goyard.

After more than a century of selling trunks, handbags, and pet leashes on the Rue du Fauborg Saint-Honoré in Paris, Goyard opened its second store here to offer San Franciscans a relatively discreet alternative to Louis Vuitton. Rather than splash its name everywhere, the store signals luxury with a signature chevron pattern. Even if you walk away empty-handed, you’ll be reminded of what travel used to mean. | 345 Powell St., between Post and Geary Sts., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/398–1110.

Kate Spade.

Punchy colors, retro shapes, and a cheeky sense of humor have made Kate Spade purses wildly popular among ladies of all ages. Case in point: the boxy Tarrytown Quinn bag that comes in Kelly green and contains a little price tag that reminds you to “call your mom.” The shop also stocks a few shoes as well as cosmetics cases, date books, and note cards. | 227 Grant Ave., between Post and Sutter Sts., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/216–0880.

Handicrafts and Folk Art

Britex Fabrics.

Walls of Italian wool in deep rich colors, yards of Faille striped silk, and neat stacks of fresh cotton prints await your creative touch. A San Francisco institution for six decades, the multifloor Britex also sells a wide array of buttons, thread, and trim. If sewing is your thing, this will be a visit to paradise. | 146 Geary St., between Grant Ave. and Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/392–2910.

Fodor’s Choice | Xanadu Gallery San Francisco.

The spectacular collection of international art and antiquities here includes such treasures as Latin American folk art and masks, sculptures, woven baskets, tapestries, and textiles from Africa, Oceania, and Indonesia. Museum-quality pieces such as a gilt bronze figure of a lama (Tibetan Buddhist holy man) can go for nearly $100,000, but beautiful books on subjects such as Tibetan art make more-affordable souvenirs. TIP If nothing else, the shop is worth a visit to see its Frank Lloyd Wright–designed home, where a spiral ramp recalls New York City’s Guggenheim Museum. | 140 Maiden La., between Grant Ave. and Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/392–9999.

Jewelry and Collectibles

De Beers.

From one of the world’s original diamond miners comes a surprisingly sparse, modern showroom: ebony counters with square glass cases and sheets of etched glass over dark hardwood. Even more surprising: the price is displayed next to each sparkler, a rarity for upscale jewelers. | 185 Post St., between Grant Ave. and Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/391–1400.

Fodor’s Choice | Lang Antiques and Estate Jewelry.

Dozens of diamond bracelets in the window attract shoppers to one of the city’s best vintage jewelry shops, where rings, brooches, and other glittering items represent various eras and styles, from Victorian and Edwardian to art nouveau and Arts and Crafts. The shop has been selling fine jewelry, including engagement rings and a small number of vintage watches, since 1969. | 323 Sutter St., at Grant Ave., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/982–2213.

Shreve & Co.

Along with gems in dazzling settings, San Francisco’s oldest retail store—it’s been at this location since 1852—carries lovely watches by Jaeger-LeCoultre and others. On weekends well-heeled couples crowd around the glass cases scoping out hefty diamond engagement rings. | 200 Post St., at Grant Ave., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/421–2600.

Tiffany & Co.

This gray marble beauty towers over Union Square with almost as much leverage as its signature blue box. The company that all but invented the modern engagement ring makes more than just brides swoon with Elsa Peretti’s sinuous silver and architect Frank Gehry’s collection using materials like Pernambuco wood and black gold. | 350 Post St., between Powell and Stockton Sts., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/781–7000.

Shoes

Camper.

The Spanish brand’s whimsical footwear is wildly popular with young adults. Unexpected embroidered patterns (leaves, butterflies) adorn many of the pairs, sometimes beginning on one shoe and continuing on the other. Other styles are reminiscent of bowling and boxing shoes. | 39 Grant Ave., between O’Farrell and Geary Sts., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/296–1005.

Sporting Goods

Niketown.

More glitzy multimedia extravaganza than true sporting-goods store, this emporium is nevertheless the best place in town to find anything and everything with the famous swoosh. | 278 Post St., at Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/392–6453.

The North Face.

The Bay Area–based national retailer is famous for its top-of-the-line tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and outdoor apparel, including rugged Gore-Tex jackets and pants. | 180 Post St., between Grant Ave. and Kearny St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/433–3223.

CHINATOWN

The intersection of Grant Avenue and Bush Street marks the gateway to Chinatown. The area’s 24 blocks of shops, restaurants, and markets are a nonstop tide of activity. Dominating the exotic cityscape are the sights and smells of food: crates of bok choy, tanks of live crabs, cages of live partridges, and hanging whole chickens. Racks of Chinese silks, colorful pottery, baskets, and carved figurines are displayed chockablock on the sidewalks, alongside fragrant herb shops where your bill might be tallied on an abacus. And if you need to knock off souvenir shopping for the kids and coworkers in your life, the dense and multiple selections of toys, T-shirts, mugs, magnets, decorative boxes, and countless other trinkets make it a quick, easy, and inexpensive proposition.

Food and Drink

Great China Herb Co.

Since 1922, this aromatic shop has been treating the city with its wide selection of ginseng, tea, and other herbs. You might even hear the click of an abacus as a purchase is tallied up. A Chinese doctor (who speaks English) is always on hand to recommend the perfect remedy. | 857 Washington St., between Grant Ave. and Stockton St., Chinatown | 94108 | 415/982–2195.

Vital Tea Leaf.

Tea enthusiasts will feel at peace in this bright, spacious, hardwood-floor haven for sipping. You’ll find more than 400 different varieties of tea here, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable on the health benefits of each and every one. | 509 Grant Ave., at Pine St., Chinatown | 94108 | 415/544–9838.

Furniture, Housewares, and Gifts

The Wok Shop.

The store carries woks, of course, but also anything else you could need for Chinese cooking—bamboo steamers, ginger graters, wicked-looking cleavers—as well as accessories for Japanese cooking, including sushi paraphernalia and tempura racks. | 718 Grant Ave., at Sacramento St., Chinatown | 94108 | 415/989–3797.

Toys and Gadgets

Chinatown Kite Shop.

Kites at this family-owned business range from basic diamond shapes to box- and animal-shape configurations. Colorful dragon kites make great Chinatown souvenirs. | 717 Grant Ave., between Clay and Sacramento Sts., Chinatown | 94108 | 415/989–5182.

SOMA AND CIVIC CENTER

SOMA

High San Francisco rents mean there aren’t many discount outlets in the city, but a few do exist in SoMa. Most outlets are along the streets and alleyways bordered by 2nd, Townsend, Howard, and 10th streets. At the other end of the spectrum is the gift shop of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which sells handmade jewelry, upscale and offbeat housewares, and other great gift items.

Antiques

Grand Central Station Antiques.

This large, three-story space stocks mostly 19th- and early-20th-century European and American storage pieces—armoires, highboys, buffets, and the occasional barrister bookcase—with an emphasis on the small and practical. Service is affable. | 353 9th St., between Folsom and Harrison Sts., SoMa | 94103 | 415/252–8155.

Art Galleries

Catharine Clark Gallery.

Although nationally known artists—like Masami Teraoka and Nina Katchadourian—display their sculpture, paintings, photographs, and installation artwork here, emerging artists with a Bay Area connection get the spotlight, among them Chester Arnold and Josephine Taylor. | 150 Minna St., between 3rd and New Montgomery Sts., SoMa | 94105 | 415/399–1439.

Crown Point Press.

What started as a print workshop in 1962 now includes studios as well as a large, airy gallery where etchings, intaglio prints, engravings, and aquatints by local and internationally renowned artists are displayed. | 20 Hawthorne St., between 2nd and 3rd Sts., SoMa | 94105 | 415/974–6273.

San Francisco Camerawork.

This nonprofit artists’ organization holds frequently changing thematic exhibits. It’s also an excellent photography resource center with a well-stocked bookstore and a reference library. The lecture program includes noted photographers and critics. | 657 Mission St., 2nd fl., between 2nd and New Montgomery Sts., SoMa | 94105 | 415/512–2020.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

The gallery within this on-the-pulse arts center should not be overlooked. The artwork is charged, topical, and often controversial. Many of the artists are from the area and incorporate popular culture into their work. | 701 Mission St., at 3rd St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/978–2700.

Books

Alexander Book Co.

The three floors here are stocked with literature, poetry, and children’s books, with a focus on hard-to-find works by men and women of color. | 50 2nd St., between Market and Mission Sts., SoMa | 94105 | 415/495–2992.

Clothing: Outlet and Discount

Jeremy’s.

A discount store for people who usually wouldn’t be caught dead discount shopping, this store offers steep discounts (generally 20% to 50%, with occasional clearance items even more deeply discounted) on top-notch men’s and women’s apparel by designers such as Prada and Jil Sander. The space is tidily organized, so you won’t need to rack-rake. | 2 South Park Rd., at 2nd St., SoMa | 94107 | 415/882–4929.

Nordstrom Rack.

Items from the Nordstrom department store are discounted between 30% and 75% here. The goods include fragrances, bath and body products, and a few housewares, as well as a good selection of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories displayed on well-organized racks. Call for the dates of new-arrival events, when savvy shoppers arrive promptly at opening time for the best selection. | 555 9th St., between Bryant and Brannan Sts., SoMa | 94103 | 415/934–1211.

Food and Drink

Blue Bottle Cafe.

The revered Berkeley microroaster’s practitioners brew their sacred beans in a $20,000 siphon bar from Japan with halogen-lighted glass globes that resemble a science experiment. Just a stone’s throw from the San Francisco Centre, a stop here makes for a perfect reprieve from shopping. | 66 Mint St., at Jesse St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/495–3394.

City Beer.

Think beer isn’t as sophisticated as wine? Think again. At City Beer more than 450 beers are for sale (many refrigerated)—and with six on tap you can imbibe while you shop. You’ll get 10% off when you mix and match your six-pack with everything from Allagash Curieux, a dark beer aged in Jim Beam barrels, to Zatec, an authentic Czech beer. | 1168 Folsom St., Suite 100, between 7th and 8th Sts., SoMa | 94103 | 415/503–1033.

K&L Wine Merchants.

More than any other wine store, this one has an ardent cult following around town. The friendly staffers promise not to sell what they don’t taste themselves, and weekly events (Thursday from 5 pm and 6:30 pm and Saturday from noon to 3 pm) open the tastings to customers. The best-seller list for varietals and regions for both the under- and over-$30 categories appeals to the wine lover in everyone. | 638 4th St., between Brannan and Townsend Sts., SoMa | 94107 | 415/896–1734.

Wine Club.

The large selection of wines at some of the best prices in the city makes up for the bare-bones feel of this place. A self-serve wine bar tucked in the back allows you to taste wines for a modest fee, a great boon to those wanting to try before they buy. A small collection of caviar and wine paraphernalia, including Riedel wineglasses, books, openers, and decanters, is also available. | 953 Harrison St., between 5th and 6th Sts., SoMa | 94107 | 415/512–9086.

Jewelry and Collectibles

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Museum Store.

The shop is known for its exclusive line of watches and jewelry, as well as artists’ monographs and artful housewares. Posters, calendars, children’s art sets and books, and art books for adults round out the merchandise. Larger items include sleek, modernist furniture. | 151 3rd St., between Mission and Howard Sts., SoMa | 94103 | 415/357–4035.

Music

Guitar Solo.

High-quality acoustic guitars, CDs, and 12,000 titles of sheet music, make this shop a virtual heaven for the classical guitarist. A large selection of handmade guitars from Granada, custom guitars, ukuleles and mandolins make this a true musician’s choice. And they even have their own record label to boot. | 230 Townsend St., between 3rd and 4th Sts., SoMa | 94107 | 415/986–1144.

Sporting Goods

REI.

In addition to carrying a vast selection of clothing and outdoor gear of the beloved Seattle-based co-op, the store rents camping equipment and repairs snowboards and bikes. | 840 Brannan St., between 7th and 8th Sts., SoMa | 94103 | 415/934–1938.

CIVIC CENTER

The Civic Center is always abuzz with protests, performances, and political rallies. Come here to get a glimpse of the mayor or pick up some fresh produce at the bi-weekly farmers’ market.

Farmers’ Markets

Heart of the City Farmers’ Market.

Held every Sunday and Wednesday near the Civic Center, this market sells heaps of cheap produce, along with occasional baked goods, potted herbs, and even live chickens. | United Nations Plaza, between 7th and 8th Sts., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/558–9455 | Wed. 7–5:30, Sun. 7–5.

THE TENDERLOIN

Notorious for crime and panhandlers, this is not a neighborhood you want to get lost in, especially when the sun goes down, but there are some up-and-coming sections with lively art galleries.

Art Galleries

John Pence Gallery.

The 8,000-square-foot facility, San Francisco’s largest gallery, can display more than 100 works. Drawings, paintings, and sculpture are all represented, with many of the works by important contemporary academic realists. | 750 Post St., between Leavenworth and Jones Sts., Tenderloin | 94109 | 415/441–1138.

Silverman Gallery.

Fashion, music, performance, paintings, and photography collide here—literally. Every four to six weeks a new exhibit enters the space pushing the boundaries of content, concept, and form. The gallery also hosts talks with local and international artists. | 804 Sutter St., at Jones St., Tenderloin | 94104 | 415/255–9508.

HAYES VALLEY

A community park called Hayes Green breaks up a crowd of cool shops just west of the Civic Center. You can find everything from hip housewares to art galleries to handcrafted jewelry here. The density of unique stores—as well as the absence of chains—makes it a favorite destination of local shoppers.

Antiques

Another Time.

Specializing in beautifully restored furniture from the ’30s through ’60s, this is the right place to come for Heywood Wakefield tambour buffets, art-deco bars, or French art-deco desks. There’s also a wealth of jewelry, glassware, and lamps on display in well-secured cabinets. Pam, the owner, is knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions. | 1710 Market St., at Gough St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/553–8900.

Beauty

Nancy Boy.

This sparse white-on-white locally owned store sells indulgent skin- and hair-care products for men, as well as a small selection of aromatherapy items, such as soy travel candles scented with essential oils. | 347 Hayes St., between Franklin and Gough Sts., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/552–3802.

Books

The Green Arcade.

For environmental, political, sustainable, and übergreen books, look no further; this place will feed your head. With deep roots in the community, energetic artwork, and an atmosphere that encourages reading, this is a good place to hide away; the comfy chairs and warm vibe make it hard to leave. | 1680 Market St., at Gough St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/431–6800.

Clothing: Men and Women

Acrimony.

A handblown-glass chandelier winks at you through the store’s front window while DJs do their thing in the back. Sandwiched in between is a mix of styles like Mini for May zebra skirts or Shin hand-painted tops. There’s something special for men, too: Gitman Brothers blue oxfords, Wings + Horns tiger fleece vests, and even chambray shorts. Think: progressive and of-the-moment. | 333 Hayes St., between Franklin and Gough Sts., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/861–1025.

Azalea Boutique.

With a dose of global flair, this boutique blends art, fun, and fashion. The deep red walls are a flattering backdrop, especially for the extensive collection of denim (they have more than 100 different styles). The wide variety of designers from Louis Verdad to Beatrice Ong and James Perse offers a true alternative from the ubiquitous department-store brands. If you want to squeeze in a little spa time, you’ll find a 300-square-foot nail bar where you can indulge in natural nail services that include formaldehyde-free polish and organic cuticle creams. | 411 Hayes St., at Gough St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/861–9888.

Dish.

Many of the women’s clothes displayed within this spare, concrete-floor space are romantic, minus the frills. Look for the flowing dresses of local designer Erica Tanov, as well as clothes and accessories by more widely known brands like BCBG and Theory. | 541 Hayes St., between Laguna and Octavia Sts., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/252–5997.

RAG.

To really get your pulse on the local fashion scene, seek out the Residents Apparel Gallery. Bay Area designers rent racks to showcase their deconstructed tees and socially responsible designs. Information about the aspiring designers is available and often displayed near the racks. | 541 Octavia St., between Hayes and Grove Sts., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/621–7718.

Ver Unica.

Though you can find a few items from the psychedelic ’60s, beautifully preserved fashions from the ’40s and ’50s are the best reason for visiting. You can even track down purses and hard-to-find vintage shoes to go with that fur-trimmed jacket. | 437B Hayes St., between Gough and Octavia Sts., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/431–0688.

Welcome Stranger.

Azalea’s stylish and sleek sister store for men carries designers brands like Gentry, Miansai, and Velour. The styles range from rugged outdoors to urban sheek, but somehow it works—locals can’t get enough of it. | 460 Gough St., between Hayes and Grove Sts., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/864–2079.

Food and Drink

Arlequin Wine Merchant.

If you like the wine list at Absinthe Brasserie, you can walk next door and pick up a few bottles from its highly regarded sister establishment. This small, unintimidating shop carries hard-to-find wines from small producers. Why wait to taste? Crack open a bottle on the patio out back. | 384 Hayes St., at Gough St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/863–1104.

Miette Confiserie.

There is truly nothing sweeter than a cellophane bag tied with blue-and-white twine and filled with malt balls or chocolate sardines from this European-style apothecary. The lovely pastel-color cake stands make even window-shopping a treat. | 449 Octavia Blvd., between Hayes and Fell Sts., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/626–6221.

True Sake.

Though it would be reasonable to expect a Japanese aesthetic at the first store in the United States dedicated entirely to sake, you might instead hear dance music thumping quietly in the background while you browse. Each of the many sakes is displayed with a label describing the drink’s qualities and food-pairing suggestions. Should these prove insufficient, simply pick up a copy of The Sake Handbook or another sake-related publication. | 560 Hayes St., between Laguna and Octavia Sts., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/355–9555.

Furniture, Housewares, and Gifts

Flight 001.

Ultra-stylish travel accessories—retro-looking flight bags, supersoft leather passport wallets, and tiny Swiss travel alarm clocks—line the shelves of this brightly lighted shop, which vaguely resembles an airplane interior. High-tech travel gear and a small collection of guidebooks speed you on your way. | 525 Hayes St., between Laguna and Octavia Sts., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/487–1001.

Modern Artifacts.

From Eames chairs and a Hans Wegner sofa covered in nubby fabric to a sensuous lamp designed by Italian architect Gae Aulenti, this store has all the accoutrements for a stylish modernist apartment. | 1639 Market St., between Franklin and Gough Sts., Hayes Valley | 94103 | 415/255–9000.

Zonal.

You’ll find refurbished authentic American sofas and recycled and reclaimed cabinets here. The antique pieces date from the 1800s up to 1945. Works by local artists are also on display. | 568 Hayes St., at Laguna St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/255–9307.

Handicrafts and Folk Art

F. Dorian.

In addition to cards, jewelry, and other crafts from Central and South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East—a carved wooden candleholder from the Ivory Coast is one example—this store carries brightly colored glass and ceramic works by local artisans and whimsical mobiles. | 370 Hayes St., between Franklin and Gough Sts., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/861–3191.

Polanco.

Devoted to showcasing the arts of Mexico, this gallery sells everything from antiques and traditional folk crafts to fine contemporary paintings. Brightly painted animal figures and a virtual village of Day of the Dead figures share space with religious statues and modern linocuts and paintings. | 393 Hayes St., between Franklin and Gough Sts., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/252–5753.

Shoes

Gimme Shoes.

From the chunky to the sleek, the shoes carried here—including those by Robert Clergerie, Helmut Lang, Prada, and John Varvatos—are top-notch. And if $600 seems steep for pale-green pumps, perhaps you haven’t seen the perfect pair by Dries Van Noten. | 416 Hayes St., at Gough St., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/864–0691.

Paolo Shoes.

Looking for gorgeous handcrafted Italian leather shoes? (Who isn’t?) This is the place in San Francisco to find them—and what a stunning selection it is. From knee-high boots to contoured heel pumps, Paolo Iantorno’s designs will make your heart miss a beat. The prices might as well; they hover around the $300 mark; but all shoes are made in quantities of 25 pieces or fewer, which means each pair is a one of a kind. | 524 Hayes St., between Octavia and Laguna Sts., Hayes Valley | 94102 | 415/552–4580.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Some major chains do business amid the Financial District towers. The narrow lanes and side streets hold some noteworthy antiques stores and a great bookshop.

Antiques

Antonio’s Antiques.

The two busily packed stories of furniture and objets d’art might include an 18th-century French harp or delicate tortoiseshell miniatures. If you like the shop’s pieces, which lean toward items from the 17th and 18th centuries, you may also want to visit its larger store in SoMa at 701 Bryant Street, a maze of museum-quality English and French antiques. Italian pieces are housed across the street. | 701 Sansome St., at Jackson St., Financial District | 94111 | 415/781–1737.

Hunt Antiques.

Full of fine 17th- to 19th-century period English furniture, porcelains, Staffordshire pottery, paintings, and grandfather clocks, this Jackson Square shop feels like an English town house. | 478 Jackson St., between Montgomery and Sansome Sts., Financial District | 94111 | 415/989–9531.

Books

William Stout Architectural Books.

Architect William Stout began selling books out of his apartment 25 years ago. Today the store sources libraries from around the world and Bay Area professionals with serious-minded tomes on architecture and design. Head down into the crumbling whitewashed basement for beautifully illustrated coffee-table books. Stout is also the sole distributor of the popular IDEO method cards, which offer and inspire design solutions. | 804 Montgomery St., at Jackson St., Financial District | 94133 | 415/391–6757.

Clothing: Men and Women

Carrots.

The former location of Ernie’s (the historic restaurant made famous in Hitchcock’s Vertigo) was transformed by Melissa Grimm and her sister Catie into this boutique. The name points to the sisters’ background as members of the Grimm family of Grimmway Farms fame (the world’s largest grower of carrots). Their spacious emporium showcases Bay Area superstar designers Alexander Wang and Peter Som alongside Narciso Rodriguez and Stella McCartney. The icing on the cake (literally!) is a bar that serves mini carrot cupcakes. | 843 Montgomery St., between Jackson St. and Pacific Ave., Jackson Square | 94133 | 415/834–9040.

RUSSIAN HILL

With superb vistas and European-style shops and eateries, this leafy neighborhood is a favorite destination for Saturday-morning and after-work shoppers.

Antiques

Interior Visions.

The welcoming proprietor is happy to tell you about her collection of mostly 19th- and early-20th-century pieces. Among the treasures might be polished Belgian oak drop-leaf tables and crystal chandeliers. | 2206 Polk St., between Vallejo and Green Sts., Russian Hill | 94109 | 415/771–0656.

Furniture, Housewares, and Gifts

City Discounts.

This small restaurant-supply store sells commercial-grade pans, knives, and microplanes at a fraction of the price you’d pay at a national kitchenware chain store. You’ll find its Italian proprietress a great help as you make your selections. The shop also sells imported Italian foods. | 1542 Polk St., between Sacramento and California Sts., Russian Hill | 94109 | 415/771–4649.

Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon.

The perfect spot for all things English, C&C serves traditional afternoon tea starting at 11 am, with cucumber sandwiches, scones, and pots of lovely tea. The shop also sells china cups and other teatime pieces, along with candies, bath products, and decorative objects. Also for sale are unique pieces of furniture, such as a 19th-century stained-pine English bookcase. | Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 415/771–4252.

JAK home.

The irresistible items for sale at JAK include one-of-a-kind home furnishings. With its Golden Delicious–green backdrop and warm tones, this shop is so cozy and inviting that you’ll want to sit in one of the brightly reupholstered armchairs and ponder how to re-create the look. | 2423 Polk St., between Union and Filbert Sts., Russian Hill | 94109 | 415/931–3868.

Jewelry and Collectibles

Velvet da Vinci.

Each contemporary piece of jewelry here is one-of-a-kind or limited edition. The beautiful, unusual items might be sculpted out of resin, hammered from copper, or woven with silver wires. | 2015 Polk St., between Broadway and Pacific Ave., Russian Hill | 94109 | 415/441–0109.

NORTH BEACH

Small eateries, cafés, and shops selling clothing, antiques, and vintage wares cluster tightly around Washington Square Park and Columbus Avenue. Be sure to check out the four blocks of Grant Avenue north from Columbus. And by all means make your Beat pilgrimage to rambling City Lights Bookstore, at Columbus and Broadway.

Antiques

Aria Antiques.

Get a gift for your favorite globe trotter at this oasis for the unordinary. You’ll find maps, boxes, vases, and vintage furniture—as well as European artifacts. | 1522 Grant Ave., Union St. and Filbert Sts., North Beach | 94133 | 415/433–0219.

Schein & Schein.

This tiny, sunny spot houses thousands of antique maps and engraved prints, many with a local focus. Whether you’re looking for a chart of the world from the 13th century or a map of the Barbary Coast—this store has it all, from very inexpensive small prints to genuine collector pieces. Even if you’re no cartographer, the helpful owners will enthrall you with their historical anecdotes and vast knowledge. | 1435 Grant Ave., between Green and Union Sts., North Beach | 94133 | 415/399–8882.

Books

Fodor’s Choice | City Lights Bookstore.

The city’s most famous bookstore is where the Beat movement of the 1950s was born. Neal Cassady and Jack Kerouac hung out in the basement, and now regulars and tourists while hours away in this well-worn space. The upstairs room highlights impressive poetry and Beat literature collections. Poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the owner, remains active in the workings of this three-story shop. City Lights Publishers, which issued the poet Allen Ginsberg’s Howl in 1956, publishes a dozen new titles each year. | 261 Columbus Ave., at Broadway, North Beach | 94133 | 415/362–8193.

Clothing: Men and Women

AB fits.

The friendly staff can help guys and gals sort through the jeans selection, one of the hippest in the city (check out the Del Forte organic denim). Salespeople pride themselves on being able to match the pants to the person. | 1519 Grant Ave., between Filbert and Union Sts., North Beach | 94133 | 415/982–5726.

Food and Drink

Graffeo Coffee Roasting Company.

Forget those fancy flavored coffees if you’re ordering from this North Beach emporium, open since 1935. This shop, one of the best-loved coffee stores in a city devoted to its java, sells dark roast, light roast, and dark roast decaf beans only. | 735 Columbus Ave., at Filbert St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/986–2420.

Fodor’s Choice | Molinari Delicatessen.

Billing itself as the oldest delicatessen west of the Rockies, the store has been making its own salami, sausages, and cold cuts since 1896. Other homemade specialties include meat and cheese ravioli, tomato sauces, and fresh pastas. TIP Do like the locals: grab a made-to-order sandwich for lunch and eat it at one of the sidewalk tables. | 373 Columbus Ave., at Vallejo St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/421–2337.

Victoria Pastry Co.

In business since the early 1900s and a throwback to the North Beach of old, this bakery has display cases full of Italian pastries, cookies, and St. Honoré cakes. | 1362 Stockton St., at Vallejo St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/781–2015.

XOX Truffles.

The decadent confection comes in 27 bite-size flavors here, from the traditional (cocoa-powder-coated Amaretto) to the unusual (flavored with rum-coconut liqueur and coated with coconut flakes or enrobing a bit of caramel). There’s something yummy for everyone, even vegans (soy truffles). | 754 Columbus Ave., between Greenwich and Filbert Sts., North Beach | 94133 | 415/421–4814.

Furniture, Housewares, and Gifts

Biordi Art Imports.

Hand-painted Italian pottery, mainly imported from Tuscany and Umbria, has been shipped worldwide by this family-run business since 1946. Dishware sets can be ordered in any combination. | 412 Columbus Ave., at Vallejo St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/392–8096.

Jewelry and Collectibles

Yone.

In business since 1965, the store carries so many types of beads that the owner has lost track (though it’s probably somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000). Individual beads, made of glass, wood, plastic, bone, sterling silver, and countless other materials, can cost up to $100. | 478 Union St., at Grant Ave., North Beach | 94133 | 415/986–1424.

Music: Memorabilia

San Francisco Rock Posters and Collectibles.

The huge selection of rock-and-roll memorabilia, including posters, handbills, and original art, takes you back to the 1960s. Also available are posters from more recent shows—many at the legendary Fillmore Auditorium—featuring such musicians as George Clinton, Porno for Pyros, and the late Johnny Cash. | 1851 Powell St., between Filbert and Greenwich Sts., North Beach | 94133 | 415/956–6749.

Paper and Stationery

Lola of North Beach.

For a card that is anything but Hallmark, snap up something from local letterpresses; many have San Francisco themes. A section of this intimate North Beach store is devoted to the various stages of a relationship: friendship, I like you, I love you, I miss you, I’m sorry, and I’m here for you. The shop also carries an impressive collection of baby clothes, including some adorable tees. | 1415 Grant Ave., at Green St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/781–1817.

THE WATERFRONT

FISHERMAN’S WHARF

Pier 39, the Anchorage, Ghirardelli Square, and the Cannery are all here, each with shops and restaurants, as well as outdoor entertainment—musicians, mimes, and magicians. Many tourist-oriented shops peddling the requisite Golden Gate tees, taffy, and baskets of shells, but tucked into the mix are a few fine galleries, clothing shops, and groceries that even locals will deign to visit.

Clothing: Men and Women

Helpers’ Bazaar.

Arguably the city’s best-dressed philanthropist, Joy Bianchi, along with other volunteers, runs this store to benefit the mentally disabled. A red Bill Blass cocktail dress, a Chanel suit, or a Schiaparelli hat are among the vintage masterpieces you might expect to find here—to see the good stuff, all you have to do is ask nicely. Don’t miss a look at Bianchi’s “mouse couture,” a clever fund-raiser display in which designers like Armani and Carolina Herrera dress up 4-inch stuffed mice. | Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 415/441–0779.

Food and Drink

Cellar 360.

If you can’t make it to Napa, come here to browse through 6,000 square feet of wine retail space in the historic Woolen Mill building. During happy hour, tourists and locals pack the longest bar in the city to taste the 250 wines available. After a few glasses you might be sold on a case. | Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St., at Larkin St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 415/440–0772.

Sporting Goods

Patagonia.

Technical wear for serious outdoors enthusiasts is the specialty. Along with sportswear and casual clothing, it carries active wear for backpacking, fly-fishing, kayaking, and other activities. | 770 North Point St., at Hyde St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94109 | 415/771–2050.

EMBARCADERO

Four sprawling buildings of shops, restaurants, offices, and a popular independent movie theater—plus the Hyatt Regency hotel—make up the Embarcadero Center, downtown at the end of Market Street. Most of the stores are branches of upscale national chains, such as Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. It’s one of the few major shopping centers with an underground parking garage, and is a popular spot for Financial District workers running errands on their lunch breaks.

Books

Book Passage.

Windows at this modest-size bookstore frame close-up views of the Ferry Building docks and San Francisco Bay. Commuters snatch up magazines by the front door as they speed off to catch their ferries, while leisurely shoppers thumb through the thorough selection of cooking and travel titles. Author events typically take place several times a month. | Ferry Building Marketplace, 1 Ferry Bldg., #42, Embarcadero at foot of Market St., Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/835–1020.

Farmers’ Markets

Fodor’s Choice | Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market.

The most upscale and expensive of the city’s farmers’ markets, in front of the restored Ferry Building, places baked goods and fancy pots of jam alongside organic basil and heirloom tomatoes. The Saturday market is the grandest, with about 100 vendors packed along three sides of the building. The Tuesday and Thursday markets are smaller. At the Sunday garden market, vegetable and ornamental plants crop up next to a small selection of food items. (The Thursday and Sunday markets don’t operate in winter, generally December or January through March.) TIP On Saturday, don’t miss the coffee at Blue Bottle—and yes, the line is worth it. | Ferry Plaza, The Embarcadero at Market St., Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/291–3276 | Tues. and Sun. 10–2, Thurs. 4–8, Sat. 8–2.

Food and Drink

Cowgirl Creamery Artisan Cheese.

Fantastic organic-milk cheeses—such as the mellow, triple-cream Mt. Tam and bocconcini (small balls of fresh mozzarella)—are produced at a creamery an hour north of the city. These and other carefully chosen artisanal cheeses and dairy products, including a luscious, freshly made crème fraîche, round out the selection at the in-town store. | Ferry Building Marketplace, 1 Ferry Bldg., #17, Embarcadero at foot of Market St., Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/362–9354.

McEvoy Ranch.

This is the only retail outpost of this ranch in Sonoma County, a producer of outstanding organic, extra-virgin olive oil. Depending on seasonal availability, the store also gets olive trees, plants, and flowers in from the ranch. TIP If you stop by in fall or winter, don’t miss the Olio Nuovo, the days-old green oil produced during the harvest. | Ferry Building Marketplace, 1 Ferry Bldg., #16, Embarcadero at foot of Market St., Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/291–7224.

Recchiuti Confections.

Michael and Jacky Recchiuti began making otherworldly chocolates in 1997, using traditional European techniques. Now considered among the best confectioners in the world, they stock their store here (there’s also a smaller one in the Dogpatch neighborhood) with their full chocolate line, including several unique items inspired by the surrounding gourmet markets. | Ferry Building Marketplace, 1 Ferry Bldg., #30, Embarcadero at foot of Market St., Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/834–9494.

The Gardener.

Artful, functional home and garden accessories are the lure here, from woven baskets and teak salad bowls to beautifully illustrated books. Although there’s only a small selection of actual gardening items, such as seeds, bulbs, and tools, there are plenty of bath and body items with which to pamper yourself after a day in the yard. | Ferry Building Marketplace, 1 Ferry Bldg., #26, Embarcadero at foot of Market St., Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/981–8181.

THE MARINA AND THE PRESIDIO

THE MARINA

The Marina is an outstanding shopping nexus. But it’s nobody’s secret—those with plenty of cash and style to burn flood the boutiques to snap up accessories and housewares. Union Street and Chestnut Street in particular cater to the shopping whims of the grown-up sorority sisters and frat boys who live in the surrounding pastel Victorians.

Clothing: Men and Women

dress.

Neatly tucked alongside buzzing Chestnut Street, this quaint boutique is easy to overlook. It offers up dozens of designers like Halston Heritage and Aiko. The clothes have been thoughtfully selected with entire wardrobes in mind. Items don’t crowd the racks, and the service is friendly without being overwhelming. You can sometimes find good bargains here. | 2271 Chestnut St., at Union St., Marina | 94123 | 415/440–3737.

Clothing: Outlet and Discount

My Roommate’s Closet.

Fed by more than 25 boutiques in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles, the Closet carries clothing and accessories by designers like Vera Wang, Chaiken, and Theory, all at less than 50% of their retail price. | 3044 Fillmore St., at Union St., Marina | 94123 | 415/447–7703.

Food and Drink

Lucca Delicatessen.

At this bit of Old Italy in the upscale Marina District, take a number and wait your turn to choose from a wide selection of homemade pastas, Italian sausages, prepared salads, and imported cheeses and olive oils. | 2120 Chestnut St., at Steiner St., Marina | 94123 | 415/921–7873.

Sporting Goods

Lululemon Athletica.

This yoga-inspired company makes all kinds of athletic gear out of Luon fabric—it’s non-chafing, moisture-wicking, preshrunk, and best of all it can be washed in warm water. The pants are known for being the best thing in town for a yogi’s derriere. | 1981 Union St., between Laguna and Buchanan Sts., Marina | 94123 | 415/776–5858.

THE PRESIDIO

A good place for jogging and cocktail dress shopping, this section of the city is embraced for its open spaces, ocean breezes, and designer detours.

Clothing: Women

Sarah Shaw.

Specializing in cocktail and party dresses, this boutique racks up American designers like Wendy Hil, Trina Turk, and Robert Rodriguez. Businesswomen looking to give their corporate suits a feminine spin take their cues from Sarah’s inspired outfits. | 3095 Sacramento St., at Baker St., Presidio Heights | 94115 | 415/929–2990.

COW HOLLOW

Quaint, busy, and sophisticated, the former dairy pastures of yesteryear are a fashion hotspot today.

Clothing: Men and Women

Blues Jean Bar.

With more than a dozen different brands of jeans on tap, this Western-themed shop takes the pain out of finding the perfect pair of denim. Simply tell the “bartender” the size and style you seek, and he or she will load you up with trendy pairs by designers such as Carpe Denim and True Religion to try on in the “Him,” “Her,” or “Them” dressing rooms. | 1827 Union St., between Octavia and Laguna Sts., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/346–4280.

Red Lantern.

Chinese fashions of centuries past get a modern updating at this pretty little boutique where luxe fabrics—silk, brocade, and faux fur—give each item a sumptuous feel. If none of the mandarin-style jackets or cheongsams (traditional formfitting Chinese dresses) suits you, owner Fong Chong can make clothing to order. | 2030-A Union St., between Webster and Buchanan Sts., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/776–8876.

Food and Drink

PlumpJack Wines.

A small selection of imported wines complements the well-priced, well-stocked collection of hard-to-find California wines here. Gift baskets—such as the Italian market basket, containing wine, Italian foods, and a cookbook—are popular hostess gifts. The store has a sister branch in Noe Valley on 24th Street. | 3201 Fillmore St., at Greenwich St., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/346–9870.

Jewelry and Collectibles

Dianne’s Old and New Estates.

Fine watches and platinum wedding and engagement rings are the specialties of this store that also sells antique and estate jewelry, crystal, objets d’art, and silver items. | 2181-A Union St., at Fillmore St., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/346–7525.

Union Street Goldsmith.

This longtime local favorite prides itself on its wide selection of rare gemstones, such as golden sapphires and violet tanzanite. Custom work is a specialty, and a number of no-pressure design consultants are happy to talk with you about how to make the jewelry you’re dreaming of a reality. | 1909 Union St., at Laguna St., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/776–8048.

Toys and Gadgets

ATYS.

Gadgets with a sleek modern design are imported from Scandinavia, Italy, Germany, and Japan. Among the eye-catching items are a digital watch designed by Philippe Starck and Japanese knives that could be displayed as sculptures. | 2149-B Union St., between Fillmore and Webster Sts., Cow Hollow | 94123 | 415/441–9220.

THE HAIGHT, THE CASTRO, AND NOE VALLEY

THE HAIGHT

It’s a sign of the times (and has been for a while) that a Gap store sits at the corner of Haight and Ashbury streets, the geographic center of the Flower Power movement. Don’t be discouraged: It’s still possible to find high-quality vintage clothing, funky shoes, folk art from around the world, and used records and CDs in this always-busy neighborhood.

Books

Booksmith.

This fine bookshop sells current releases, children’s titles, and offbeat periodicals. Authors passing through town often make a stop at this neighborhood institution. | 1644 Haight St., between Cole and Clayton Sts., Haight | 94117 | 415/863–8688.

Bound Together Anarchist Book Collective.

This old-school collective, in operation since 1976, stocks books on anarchist theory and practice, as well as an array of books on other forms of radicalism, gender issues, and other left-leaning topics. A portion of the revenue goes to the support of anarchist projects and the Prisoners’ Literature Project. | 1369 Haight St., at Masonic Ave., Haight | 94117 | 415/431–8355.

Clothing: Men and Women

Buffalo Exchange.

Men and women can find fashionable, high-quality used clothing at this national chain. Among the items: a wide selection of Levi’s, leather jackets, sunglasses, and vintage lunch boxes. Some new clothes are available, too. | 1555 Haight St., between Clayton and Ashbury Sts., Haight | 94117 | 415/431–7733.

Held Over.

The extensive collection of clothing from the 1920s through 1980s is organized by decade, saving those looking for flapper dresses from having to wade through lime-green polyester sundresses of the ’70s. Shoes, hats, handbags, and jewelry complete the different looks. | 1543 Haight St., between Ashbury and Clayton Sts., Haight | 94117 | 415/864–0818.

Loyal Army.

This locally based graphic design company creates hilarious graphic tees inspired by Japanese kawaii or cutesy comics. Think a stack of pancakes with the inscription “I’m a hot mess.” The designs embellish supersoft tees, hoodies, and totes. | 1728 Haight St., between Cole and Shrader Sts., Haight | 94117 | 415/221–6200.

Music

Fodor’s Choice | Amoeba Music.

With more than 2.5 million new and used CDs, DVDs, and records, this warehouselike store (and the original Berkeley location) carries titles you can’t find on Amazon at bargain prices. No niche is ignored—from electronica and hip-hop to jazz and classical—and the stock changes daily. Weekly in-store performances attract large crowds. | 1855 Haight St., between Stanyan and Shrader Sts., Haight | 94117 | 415/831–1200.

Recycled Records.

A Haight Street landmark, this store buys, sells, and trades a vast selection of used records, including hard-to-find imports and sides by obscure alternative bands. The CD collection is large, but the vinyl is the real draw. | 1377 Haight St., between Masonic and Central Aves., Haight | 94117 | 415/626–4075.

Shoes

John Fluevog.

The selection of trendy but sturdily made footwear for men and women is one of the best in the city. Club kids go for the Canadian brand’s boots, handing over a pretty penny for dramatic styles such as the popular 5-inch-heel knee-highs made out of red pony fur. | 1697 Haight St., at Cole St., Haight | 94117 | 415/436–9784.

THE CASTRO

The neighborhood that’s often called the gay capital of the world is also a major shopping destination for all travelers. It’s filled with men’s clothing boutiques and home-accessories stores. And if you’re looking for something kitschy to shock your Aunt Martha back home, you’ve come to the right place.

Clothing: Men

Rolo.

Selling hard-to-find men’s and women’s denim, sportswear, shoes, and accessories with a distinct European influence, this store includes clothes designed by Comme des Garçons, Corpus Denim, and Fred Perry. Another location in SoMa also carries women’s wear. | 2351 Market St., at Castro St., Castro | 94114 | 415/431–4545.

Furniture, Housewares, and Gifts

Under One Roof.

Profits from the home and garden necessities, gourmet foods, bath products, books, frames, cards, and silly gift items sold here go to Northern California HIV/AIDS organizations, which makes it easy to justify buying such playful objects as an Oscar Wilde action figure or a bath mat shaped like a T-bone steak. | 518A Castro St., between 18th and 19th Sts., Castro | 94114 | 415/503–2300.

Jewelry and Collectables

Bead Store.

More than a thousand kinds of strung and unstrung pieces include such stones as lapis and carnelian, Czech and Venetian glass, African trade beads, Buddhist and Muslim prayer beads, and Catholic rosaries. Silver jewelry is another specialty. | 417 Castro St., between 17th and 18th Sts., Castro | 94110 | 415/861–7332.

Brand X Antiques.

The vintage jewelry, mostly from the early part of the 20th century, includes a wide selection of estate pieces and objets d’art. With rings that range from $5 to $30,000, there’s something for everyone. | 570 Castro St., between 18th and 19th Sts., Castro | 94114 | 415/626–8908.

Music

Streetlight Records.

Thousands of used CDs, with an emphasis on rock, jazz, soul, and R&B, are bought and sold here. But there’s plenty of vinyl for purists. The Noe Valley branch has been a neighborhood staple since 1973. | 2350 Market St., at Castro St., Castro | 94114 | 415/282–8000.

NOE VALLEY

Just south of the Castro on 24th Street, largely residential Noe Valley is an enclave of fancy-food stores, bookshops, women’s clothing boutiques, and specialty gift stores.

Books

Omnivore Books on Food.

Love to eat? Love to read? Then this place is paradise. The shelves are bursting with books on growing and cooking food. The store stocks cookbooks on such diverse subjects as colonial Jamaica and Victorian England cuisine or 1940s Creole cooking. And if you’re after a signed first edition by Julia Child or James Beard, you’ll find that, too. | 3885 Cesar Chavez St., at Church St., Noe Valley | 94131 | 415/282–4712 | www.omnivorebooks.com.

Children’s Clothing

Small Frys.

The colorful cottons carried here are mainly for infants, with some articles for older children. Brands include OshKosh and many Californian and French labels. A few shelves of toys and whimsical finger puppets round out the store’s selection. | 4066 24th St., between Castro and Noe Sts., Noe Valley | 94114 | 415/648–3954.

Clothing: Women’s

Ambiance.

A well-loved destination for fashion-conscious locals, this is a fun place to find 1920s-inspired dresses, velvet scarves, and dangling silver jewelry. The store has some jaw-dropping sales. | 3985 and 3989 24th St., between Castro and Noe Sts., Noe Valley | 94114 | 415/647–7144 | www.ambiancesf.com.

Handicrafts and Folk Art

Global Exchange.

A branch of the well-known nonprofit organization, the store carries handcrafted items from more than 40 countries. The staff works directly with village cooperatives and workshops. Whether you buy a Nepalese sweater, a South African wood carving, or Balinese textiles, employees can explain the origin of your purchase. | 4018 24th St., between Noe and Castro Sts., Noe Valley | 94114 | 415/648–8068.

Xela Imports.

Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America are the sources for these handicrafts, which include jewelry, religious masks, fertility statuary, and decorative wall hangings. (Note: The store’s name is pronounced shay-la.) | 3925 24th St., between Sanchez and Noe Sts., Noe Valley | 94114 | 415/695–1323.

Toys and Gadgets

Ark Toys, Books & Crafts.

The emphasis here is high-quality toys, many of which have an educational bent (books, science kits) or encourage imaginative play (dress-up costumes, paper dolls). Numerous toys are manufactured in Europe, with a range from toddlers through 12-year-olds. | 3845 24th St., between Church and Sanchez Sts., Noe Valley | 94114 | 415/821–1257.

MISSION DISTRICT

The aesthetic of the hipsters and starving-artist types who reside in the Mission contributes to the affordability and individuality of shopping here. These night owls keep the city’s best thrift stores, vintage-furniture shops, alternative bookstores, and, increasingly, small clothing boutiques afloat. As the Mission gentrifies, though, bargain hunters find themselves trekking farther afield in search of truly local flavor. Thankfully, many of the city’s best bakeries and cafés are sprinkled throughout the area.

Art Galleries

Southern Exposure.

One of the city’s most established venues for cutting-edge art is this artist-run, nonprofit gallery. Exhibitions and events as well as accompanying lectures, performances, and films change frequently in the custom-designed spaces. | 3030 20th St., at Alabama St., Mission | 94110 | 415/863–2141.

Books

Dog Eared Books.

An eclectic group of shoppers—gay and straight, fashionable and practical—wanders the aisles of this pleasantly ramshackle bookstore. The diverse stock, about 85% of it used, includes quirky selections like vintage children’s books, remaindered art books, and local zines. A bin of free books just outside the front door is fun to browse, if only to see the odd assortment of out-of-date titles. | 900 Valencia St., at 20th St., Mission | 94110 | 415/282–1901.

Modern Times Bookstore.

Named after Charlie Chaplin’s politically subversive film, the left-leaning store moved in 2011 from its longtime Valencia Street digs to this new location. Though smaller now, Modern Times still stocks high-quality literary fiction and nonfiction, much of it with a political bent. There are also sections for children’s books, Spanish-language titles, and magazines and local subversive zines. Author readings and public forums are held regularly. TIP If you’re looking to kill a little time in the Mission before hooking up with dinner companions, this is a low-key and inviting place to hide out in the stacks. | 2919 24th St., between Alabama and Florida Sts., Mission | 94110 | 415/282–9246.

Clothing: Men and Women

ADS Hats.

Traditionalists will find a beautiful selection of cloche hats for women and fedoras and porkpie hats for men, while outdoorsy types can shop for sun hats, rain hats, or whimsically styled wool and cashmere caps for colder climes. Knitted caps for kids and babies are frightfully cute. | 418 Valencia St., at 15th St., Mission | 94103 | 415/503–1316.

Bell Jar.

This wonderfully diverse shop’s tagline is “Gorgeous Little Things,” and the items for sale—flowing dresses, dangling turquoise earrings, cat prints, pineapple vases, and much more—live up to the billing. The owner is former art director Sasha Wingate, and she’s made the atmosphere romantic, bright, and whimsically beautiful. | 3187 16th St., at Guerrero St., Mission | 94103 | 415/626–1749.

Dema.

Dema Grim’s classically cut clothes in ethnic and vintage fabrics really pop and truly capture the spirit of the Mission. Deep reds with rosebuds and rich purple leopard prints are just a few of the patterns you’ll see hanging from the lively rails. | 1038 Valencia St., between 21st and 22nd Sts., Mission | 94110 | 415/206–0500.

Schauplatz.

Vintage clothing from the 1920s to the 1980s can be unearthed at this narrow little store on a hip Mission block. Some of the dramatic women’s wear—go-go boots, pillbox hats, faux Chanel suits—is suitable for street wear or dress-up, depending on your style, while the menswear tends more toward fashionably retro jackets and button-up shirts from the classic to the gaudy. | 791 Valencia St., at 19th St., Mission | 94110 | 415/864–5665.

Self Edge.

Hanging from metal rods on perfectly separated wooden hangers are dozens of pairs of Japanese selvage denim. The industrial-weight fabric that makes up these jeans will run you between $160 and $450, but alterers will hem them for free on a vintage chain-stitching machine. | 714 Valencia St., at 18th St., Mission | 94110 | 415/558–0658.

Sunhee Moon.

A rack is designated for each color of the rainbow, and clothes are hung by gradation, making entry into Moon’s shops a crayon-color dreamscape. The San Francisco–based designer uses only American-made fabrics and manufactures all of her clothes in the Mission. Her Berkeley aesthetic is coupled with Audrey Hepburn’s simple, practical elegance. End result: lots of corduroy, solids accented with an occasionally lively print, and well-placed large buttons. | 3167 16th St., at Guerrero St., Mission | 94103 | 415/355–1800.

Furniture, Housewares, and Gifts

Aldea Home.

A visit to this shop is like being in someone’s home and being able to buy everything you see, from the organic sheets to the chairs to the shampoo in the shower. The aesthetic is modern, with bright references to Mexico, India, Turkey, and Japan. Aldea Home is the perfect place to find a hostess gift or to deck out a corner that’s missing something special. Nearby Aldea Ninos (1017 Valencia) sells similarly green products for kids. | 890 Valencia St., at 20th St., Mission | 94110 | 415/865–9807.

The Curiosity Shoppe.

This intimate shop is all about old-school collecting—we’re talking flowers and butterflies, waaaay further back in the day than your father’s shot glasses or your mother’s charm bracelets. Meticulous organization and careful selection is what makes this a collection, not a horde. | 855 Valencia St., between 19th and 20th Sts., Mission | 94110 | 415/671–5384.

Monument.

The trendy vintage furniture sold here will fit right in any space. With items that include neoclassical wall sconces, Ole Wanscher Colonial chairs, and even B-52 tank lamps (made from oxygen tanks worn by B-52 bomber gunners)—the selection at Monument is, dare we say, monumental. | 573 Valencia St., at 17th St., Mission | 94110 | 415/861–9800.

Fodor’s Choice | Paxton Gate.

Elevating gardening to an art, this serene shop offers beautiful earthenware pots, amaryllis and narcissus bulbs, decorative garden items, and coffee-table books such as An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles. The collection of taxidermy and preserved bugs provides more unusual gift ideas. | 824 Valencia St., between 19th and 20th Sts., Mission | 94110 | 415/824–1872.

Therapy.

Housewares range from ever-practical refrigerator magnets to downright silly items such as a soap-on-a-rope tribute to the cartoon character Strawberry Shortcake. A retro theme runs to stationery and other reasonably priced items, and the adjacent annex sells retro-style furniture. | 545 Valencia St., between 16th and 17th Sts., Mission | 94110 | 415/865–0981.

Handicrafts and Folk Art

Ruby Gallery.

A pooch named Ruby once presided over this small artists’ cooperative where the jewelry, clothing, handbags, candleholders, intricately crafted cards, and other gift items are made by local artists. Hair accessories—from elegant clips studded with vintage Czech glass to barrettes fashioned out of buttons—are especially charming. | 3602 20th St., at Valencia St., Mission | 94110 | 415/550–8052.

Music

Aquarius Records.

Owner Windy Chien carries on the tradition in this space, which was the punk-rock store in the 1970s. These days it carries a variety of music, including a large selection of experimental electronica, all of it handpicked by staffers, so you can be sure you’re getting the latest and hippest. | 1055 Valencia St., between 21st and 22nd Sts., Mission | 94117 | 415/647–2272.

Paper and Stationery

Flax art & design.

In addition to paints, brushes, and various art supplies, this sprawling creators’ playground sells beautifully made photo albums and journals, fine pens and pencils, crafts kits, scads of stationery, and inspiring doodads for kids. | 1699 Market St., at Valencia St., Mission | 94103 | 415/552–2355.

Toys and Gadgets

826 Valencia.

The brainchild of author Dave Eggers is primarily a center established to help kids with their writing skills via tutoring and storytelling events. But the storefront is also “San Francisco’s only independent pirate supply store,” a quirky space filled with eye patches, spyglasses, and other pirate-themed paraphernalia. Eggers’s quarterly journal, McSweeney’s, and other publications are available here. Proceeds benefit the writing center. | 826 Valencia St., between 18th and 19th Sts., Mission | 94110 | 415/642–5905.

POTRERO HILL

Somewhat eccentric and café proud, this neighborhood’s main artery is 18th Street, where shops tend to be one-of-a-kind, and the passers-by even more so.

Antiques

Forgotten Shanghai.

The Asian antiques for sale here are both beautiful and practical, with camphor-wood trunks and beautifully aged leather boxes among the treasures. | 245 Kansas St., near 16th St., Potrero Hill | 94103 | 415/701–7707.

Food and Drink

The Wine House.

The highly informed and friendly staffers here are willing to help you find the perfect wine for any occasion. The Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Rhône selections are especially good, and the assortment of California wines is small but well chosen. Prices are reasonable. | 129 Carolina St., between 16th and 17th Sts., Potrero Hill | 94103 | 415/355–9463.

Furniture, Housewares, and Gifts

Dandelion.

The variety of housewares, bath items, books, and tchotchkes includes something for everyone on your gift list. Cocktail paraphernalia, golf-related books, luxury bath products, and indulgent food items such as Fauchon-brand black-fig preserves are only a sample of what’s here. | 55 Potrero Ave., at Alameda St., Potrero Hill | 94103 | 415/436–9500.

Sporting Goods

Sports Basement.

This sprawling store rewards intrepid shoppers with significant discounts on name-brand sportswear, accessories, and camping and outdoor gear. Helpful salespeople, more knowledgeable than you would expect at a discount warehouse, will help you find just the right running shoes, biking shorts, or yoga tights. | 1590 Bryant St., between 15th and 16th Sts., Potrero Hill | 94120 | 415/437–0100.

PACIFIC HEIGHTS AND JAPANTOWN

PACIFIC HEIGHTS

With grocery and hardware stores sitting alongside local clothing ateliers and international designer outposts, Pacific Heights streets manage to mix small-town America with big-city glitz. After you’ve splurged on a cashmere sweater or a handblown glass vase, snag an outdoor seat at Peet’s or Coffee Bean; it’s the perfect way to pass an afternoon watching the parade of Old Money, dogs, and strollers.

Art Galleries

Thomas Reynolds Gallery.

California realism and works inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement are the focus here. Many of the paintings depict Bay Area locales and were influenced by the Bay Area Figurative movement, which dates back to the 1950s and incorporates both realist and abstract elements. The gallery is open afternoons Thursday through Saturday. | 2291 Pine St., at Fillmore St., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/441–4093.

Beauty

BeneFit.

You can find the locally based BeneFit line of cosmetics and skin-care products at Macy’s and Sephora, but it’s much more fun to come to one of the eponymous boutiques. No-pressure salespeople dab you with whimsical makeup such as Ooh La Lift concealer and Tinted Love, a stain for lips and cheeks. | 2117 Fillmore St., between California and Sacramento Sts., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/567–0242.

Kiehl’s.

Perhaps because it started out in 1851, Kiehl’s has a no-nonsense appeal. Fans swear by its high-quality, simply packaged skin- and hair-care products. This spacious store stocks a wide variety of lotions, potions, and soaps. Not sure whether the Formula 133 Hair Conditioner and Grooming Aid is right for you? Ask for a sample. | 2360 Fillmore St., between Washington and Clay Sts., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/359–9260.

MAC.

The makeup is bold and trendy, as are many of its devotees. Mod salespeople are happy to show you creamy lipsticks, glittery powders, and dramatic eye shadows. | 2011 Fillmore St., at Pine St., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/885–2966.

Children’s Clothing

Dottie Doolittle.

Pacific Heights mothers shop here for charming silk dresses and other special-occasion outfits for their little ones. Less pricey togs for infants, boys to size 12, and girls to size 16, are also for sale. | 3680 Sacramento St., at Spruce St., Pacific Heights | 94118 | 415/563–3244.

Clothing: Men and Women

Elizabeth Charles.

Parlaying the city’s current obsession with the land down under, this intimate boutique stocks only Australian and New Zealand designers, with an emphasis on flowing frocks in the very finest fabrics. | 2056 Fillmore St., between California and Pine Sts., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/440–2100.

Erica Tanov.

The designer’s background in lingerie and bedding guides the delicate designs here: wispy cashmere, silk organza and charmeuse, and linen. Sweaters tend to drape and wrap; skirts and pajama-wide pants are often brightened with florals or stripes. | 2408 Fillmore St., between Jackson and Washington Sts., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/674–1228.

HeidiSays Collections.

Fanciful windows brimming with bright and festive prints draw passersby into this store. Perky salespeople help you choose between Catherine Malandrino, Trina Turk, and Rebecca Taylor frocks. To complete your emblematic San Fran chic outfit, head down the street, where the Heidi empire continues with HeidiSays Casual (2416 Fillmore) and HeidiSays Shoes (2105 Fillmore), where you can pick up lingerie, loungewear, bags, and pumps. | 2426 Fillmore St., between Washington and Jackson Sts., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/749–0655.

Mrs. Dewson’s Hats.

Her shop was the famous purveyor of hats to Willie Brown, San Francisco’s nattily dressed former mayor, but Ruth Garland Dewson had been selling chapeaus—some of her own design—well before he took office. The popular “Willie Brim” is a fur felt fedora; the brim comes in three sizes. | 2050 Fillmore St., at California St., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/346–1600.

Three Bags Full.

Everything here is hand-knit—whether it be a featherweight cashmere shrug or a chunky wool cable sweater. Local businesswomen come here to replace their stuffy suit jackets with a cozy-but-sleek wool or cotton blazer. There’s an additional branch on Sutter Street. | 3314 Sacramento St., near Fillmore St., Pacific Heights | 94118 | 415/923–1454.

Vintage and Resale Clothing

Crossroads Trading Company.

These stores buy, sell, and trade men’s and women’s new and used clothing, some of it vintage. Previously owned contemporary sportswear is the specialty. Ties, belts, hats, and handbags are also in stock. | 1901 Fillmore St., at Bush St., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/775–8885.

Food and Drink

D&M Wines and Liquors.

At first glance this family-owned business appears to be just another neighborhood liquor store, but it’s actually a rare and wonderful specialist. In a city obsessed with wine, these spirit devotees distinguished themselves by focusing on rare, small-production Armagnac, Calvados, and Champagne. | 2200 Fillmore St., at Sacramento St., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/346–1325.

Furniture, Housewares, and Gifts

Nest.

A cross between a Parisian antiques show and a Jamaican flea market, this cozy store could get even the most monochrome New Yorker excited about color. You can turn up the volume on your SF souvenirs with vibrant handmade quilts, Chan Luu jewelry, Les Indiennes hand-blocked cotton fabrics, and M. Sasek’s cheerfully illustrated book This Is San Francisco. | 2300 Fillmore St., at Clay St., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/292–6199.

Sue Fisher King Company.

When Martha Stewart or the buyers at Williams-Sonoma need inspiration they come to see how Sue has set her sprawling table or dressed her stately bed. (Her specialty is opulent linens for every room.) And when Pacific Heights residents are looking for an impeccable hostess or bridal gift, they come by for a hand-embroidered velvet pillow or a piece of Astier de Villatte white pottery. | 3067 Sacramento St., between Baker and Broderick Sts., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/922–7276.

Paper and Stationery

Paper Source.

Beautiful handmade papers, cards, envelopes, ribbons, and bookbinding materials line the walls of this shop, which embodies the Bay Area’s do-it-yourself spirit. Assembly is required here and that’s the fun of it. | 1925 Fillmore St., at Pine St., Pacific Heights | 94115 | 415/409–7710.

JAPANTOWN

Unlike shops in the ethnic enclaves of Chinatown, North Beach, and the Mission, the 5-acre Japan Center (Bordered by Laguna, Fillmore, and Post Sts. and Geary Blvd.) is under one roof. The three-block complex includes a reasonably priced public garage and three shop-filled buildings. Especially worthwhile are the Kintetsu and Kinokuniya buildings, where shops sell things like bonsai trees, tapes and records, jewelry, antique kimonos, tansu (Japanese chests), electronics, and colorful glazed dinnerware and teapots.

Books

Kinokuniya Bookstore.

The selection of English-language books about Japanese culture—everything from medieval history to origami instructions—is one of the finest in the country. Kinokuniya is the city’s biggest seller of Japanese-language books. Dozens of glossy Asian fashion magazines attract the young and trendy, and books and DVDs related to the Japanese anime director Hayao Miyazaki are the latest trend. | Kinokuniya Bldg., 1581 Webster St., at Geary Blvd., Japantown | 94115 | 415/567–7625.

Handicrafts and Folk Art

Ma-Shi’-Ko Folk Craft.

Beautiful Mashiko pottery—rustic pieces fired in a wood kiln and coated with a natural glaze—are the specialty here. The wealth of unique pottery and antiques, including many ceramic vases and wooden chests, makes a visit here worth the somewhat chilly reception from the proprietor. | Kinokuniya Bldg., 1581 Webster St., 2nd fl., at Geary Blvd., Japantown | 94115 | 415/346–0748.

Soko Hardware.

Run in Japantown by the Ashizawa family since 1925, this shop specializes in beautifully crafted Japanese tools for gardening and woodworking. In addition to the usual hardware-store items, you can find seeds for Japanese plants and books about topics such as making shoji screens. | 1698 Post St., at Buchanan St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/931–5510.

Mall

NEW PEOPLE.

Japanese pop culture has never been so neatly organized as it is here at this state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot mini mall. NEW PEOPLE is divided into four shiny levels: the cinema/café downstairs; the Store (selling trinkets, toys, books, and DVDs) on the first floor; clothing shops like Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, and Sou-Sou on the second floor; and the Superfrog Gallery at the third floor. Expect to see a rotation of emerging artists in the gallery and make sure you try the superstrong coffee and vegan donuts on sale in the café. | 1746 Post St., at Webster St., Japantown | 94115 | 415/525–8631.

WESTERN ADDITION

Furniture, Housewares, and Gifts

Fodor’s Choice | Cookin’: Recycled Gourmet Appurtenances.

People trek here from all over the world for the impressive collection of indestructible vintage Le Creuset in discontinued colors. If you can’t make sense of this store’s jumble of used cookware—stacked ceiling-high in some places—ask the helpful owner, who will likely interrogate you about what you’re preparing to cook before leading you to the right section, whether that be the corner with hundreds of ramekins or the bewildering selection of garlic presses. | 339 Divisadero St., between Oak and Page Sts., Western Addition | 94117 | 415/861–1854.

SUNSET

Books

Green Apple Books.

This local favorite with a huge used-book department also carries new books in every field. It’s known for its history room and rare-books collection. Two doors down, at 520 Clement Street, is a fiction annex that also sells CDs, DVDs, comic books, and graphic novels. | 506 Clement St., at 6th Ave., Richmond | 94118 | 415/387–2272.

Furniture, Housewares, and Gifts

General Store.

New and vintage goods sit stylishly side by side in this fun, well-lit space that sells books, lotions, hats, cups, dog leashes, and other items, most of them designed by local artists. Don’t miss the quaint greenhouse in the back. | 4035 Judah St., Outer Sunset | 415/682–0600.

Urban Bazzar.

This warm, friendly shop specializes in fair-trade goods, local jewelry, and even has a mini nursery full of adorable little plants in hand painted pots. You’ll find bars of Golden Gate soap here, and one-of-a-kind cards made out of newspaper headlines. | 1371 9th Ave., between Irving and Judah Sts., Inner Sunset | 94112 | 415/664–4422.

Wishbone.

If you’re into the quirky and whimsical—bacon-flavored lip gloss, daisy push pins, wacky snow globes, and cutesy toys and games—you’ll enjoy browsing through Wishbone, which also has an extensive selection of unusual cards. | 601 Irving St., at 7th Ave., Inner Sunset | 94112 | 415/242–5540.

INGLESIDE

Food and Drink

San Francisco Wine Trading Company.

Owner and noted wine expert Gary Marcaletti provides the only place in the city with well-known Bay Area importer Kermit Lynch’s line of wines. The store hosts Saturday-afternoon tastings. | 250 Taraval St., at Funston Ave., Sunset | 94116 | 415/731–6222.

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Main Table of Contents

Welcome to Marin County, Berkeley, and Oakland

Marin County

The East Bay

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Top Reasons to Go | Getting Oriented | Planning

Updated by Fiona G. Parrott

It’s rare for a metropolis to compete with its suburbs for visitors, but the view from any of San Francisco’s hilltops shows that the Bay Area’s temptations extend far beyond the city limits. To the north is Marin County, the beauty queen, with small but chic villages like Tiburon and Mill Valley, plus dramatic coastal scenery. East of town are two energetic urban centers, Berkeley and Oakland. Formerly radical Berkeley is getting more glam, while Oakland is shaking off its image as San Francisco’s ugly stepsister and developing its own brand of hipness.

Up in Marin, the birthplace of mountain biking, trail-veined Mt. Tamalpais and the woods below draw hikers and cyclists. Beaches lure families and thrill seekers, while little towns offer respite to harried urbanites. In the mid-1960s and ’70s alternative lifestyle seekers established Marin’s reputation as ground zero for gurus, granola, and redwood hot tubs. Despite the influx of stock-market millionaires and chic boutiques, the counterculture identity still sticks. Immediately after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge on U.S. 101 northbound, you’ll pass through a tunnel whose archway is painted with a rainbow that welcomes you to magical Marin, “Land of Oz.”

Meanwhile, the town often referred to as the People’s Republic of Berkeley retains its liberal image, though it’s drastically tamer than it was in the late 1960s. It’s now as famous for chef and food activist Alice Waters (and her pricey restaurant Chez Panisse) as it is for its role as the birthplace of the Free Speech movement. Oakland is polishing some of its rough edges, too, with a successful port and a revitalized downtown, an alternative arts scene, and hipster cafés and boutiques.

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TOP REASONS TO GO

Walk among giants: Walking into Muir Woods, a mere 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, is like entering a cathedral built by God.

Sip some coffee: Lytton Square in downtown Mill Valley is a tranquil place to soak up some sun, caffeine, and a real local “hanging out” kind of vibe.

Bite into the “Gourmet Ghetto”: Eat your way through this area of Berkeley, starting with a slice of pizza from the Cheese Board.

Sit on a dock by the bay: Admire the beauty of the Bay Area from the rocky, picturesque shores of Sausalito.

Find solitude at Point Reyes National Seashore: Head here to hike beautifully rugged—and deserted—beaches.

GETTING ORIENTED

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head north to reach Marin County’s rolling hills and green expanses, where residents enjoy an haute-suburban lifestyle. Farther afield, the wild landscapes of the Marin Headlands, Muir Woods, Mt. Tamalpais, Stinson Beach, and Point Reyes National Seashore await.

East of the city, across the San Francisco Bay, are Berkeley and Oakland, which most Bay Area residents refer to as the East Bay. These two towns have distinct personalities, but life here feels more relaxed than in the city—though every bit as vibrant.

Marin County. Marin is considered the prettiest of the Bay Area counties, primarily because of its wealth of open space. Anchored by water on three sides, the county is mostly parkland, including long stretches of undeveloped coastline. The picturesque small towns here—Sausalito, Tiburon, Mill Valley, and Bolinas among them—may sometimes look rustic, but they’re mostly in a dizzyingly high tax bracket. There’s a reason why people call BMWs “basic Marin wheels.”

Oakland. Life in this harbor-front city is strongly defined by a turbulent history. But the up-and-coming downtown scene and rejuvenated waterfront are signals of good things ahead.

Berkeley. This college town has long been known for its liberal ethos, stimulating university community (and perhaps even more stimulating coffee shops), and activist streak. But these days the booming restaurant and arts scenes are luring even those who wouldn’t be caught dead in Birkenstocks.

PLANNING

WHEN TO GO

Berkeley is a university town, and the rhythm of the school year might affect your visit. It’s easier to navigate the streets and find parking near the university between semesters, but there’s also less buzz around town. Surprisingly, summer is chock-full of students attending the many summer sessions on campus. Moving-in weeks, before the fall semester starts, bring a massive influx of students and parents and other family members—definitely not the best time to take a campus tour.

BART trains can be packed during the morning and evening rush hours, but things are less congested at other times. BART can get you from downtown San Francisco to a coffee shop in Rockridge in about 25 minutes. (It’s closer to 30 minutes for farther points in Berkeley.)

It’ll take about the same amount of time by car to reach Tiburon if traffic is clear on the Golden Gate Bridge (also depending, of course, on what part of the city you’re departing from).

GETTING HERE AND AROUND

BART Travel

Using public transportation to reach Berkeley or Oakland is ideal. The under- and above-ground BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) trains make stops in both towns. Trips to either take 30 to 45 minutes one way from the center of San Francisco.

Contacts

BART.

510/465–2278 | www.bart.gov.

Boat and Ferry Travel

For sheer romance, nothing beats the ferry; there’s service from San Francisco to Sausalito and Tiburon in Marin County, and to Alameda and Oakland in the East Bay.

The Golden Gate Ferry crosses the bay to Sausalito from San Francisco’s Ferry Building (Market Street and the Embarcadero). Blue & Gold Fleet ferries depart daily for Sausalito and Tiburon from Pier 41 at Fisherman’s Wharf; weekday commuter ferries leave from the Ferry Building for Tiburon. The trip to Sausalito takes 30 minutes; to Tiburon, it takes 20 minutes.

The Angel Island–Tiburon Ferry sails to the island daily April through September and weekends the rest of the year.

The Alameda/Oakland Ferry runs several times daily between San Francisco’s Ferry Building or Pier 39, Alameda, and the Clay Street dock near Oakland’s Jack London Square; one-way tickets are $6.25. The trip lasts 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your departure point, and leads to Oakland’s waterfront shopping and restaurant district. Purchase tickets on board.

Boat and Ferry Lines

Alameda/Oakland Ferry.

510/522–3300 | www.eastbayferry.com.

Angel Island–Tiburon Ferry.

415/435–2131 | www.angelislandferry.com.

Blue & Gold Fleet.

415/705–8200 | www.blueandgoldfleet.com.

Golden Gate Ferry.

415/923–2000 | www.goldengateferry.org.

Bus Travel

Golden Gate Transit buses travel to Sausalito, Tiburon, and Mill Valley from 1st and Mission streets and from other points in San Francisco. For Mt. Tamalpais State Park and West Marin (e.g., Stinson Beach, Bolinas, and Point Reyes Station), take Bus 10, 70, or 80 to Marin City; in Marin City transfer to the West Marin Stagecoach (schedules vary). San Francisco MuniBus 76 runs hourly from 4th and Townsend streets to the Marin Headlands Visitor Center on Sunday and major holidays only. The trip takes roughly 45 minutes.

Though much less convenient than BART, AC Transit buses run between San Francisco’s Transbay Temporary Terminal (on the block bordered by Main, Folsom, Beale and Howard streets) and the East Bay. AC Transit’s F and FS lines stop near the university and 4th Street shopping in Berkeley. Lines C and P travel to Piedmont in Oakland. The O bus stops at the edge of Chinatown near downtown Oakland.

Bus Lines

AC Transit.

511 | www.actransit.org.

Golden Gate Transit.

415/455–2000 | www.goldengate.org.

San Francisco Muni.

415/701–2311 | www.sfmuni.com.

West Marin Stagecoach.

415/526–3239 | www.marintransit.org/stage.html.

Car Travel

Head north on U.S.101 and cross the Golden Gate Bridge to reach all points in Marin by car, which is essential to visit the outer reaches unless you want to spend all day on the bus. From San Francisco, the towns of Sausalito and Tiburon and the Marin Headlands and Point Reyes National Seashore are accessed off U.S. 101. The coastal route, Highway 1, also known as Shoreline Highway, can be accessed off U.S. 101 as well. Follow this road to Mill Valley, Muir Woods, Mt. Tamalpais State Park, Stinson Beach, and Bolinas. From Bolinas, you can continue north on Highway 1 to Point Reyes. Depending on traffic, it takes from 20 to 45 minutes to get to Sausalito, Tiburon, and the Marin Headlands; driving directly to Point Reyes from San Francisco takes about 90 minutes in moderate traffic if you drive north on U.S. 101 and west on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Trips to Muir Woods take from 35 minutes to an hour from San Francisco. Add another 30 minutes for the drive to Stinson Beach (the curving roads make the going slower), 10 more if you continue on to Bolinas. The drive from Bolinas to Point Reyes takes an additional half hour.

To reach the East Bay from San Francisco, take I–80 East across the Bay Bridge. For most of Berkeley, take the University Avenue exit through downtown Berkeley to the campus or take the Ashby Avenue exit and turn left on Telegraph Avenue; there’s a parking garage on Channing Way near the campus. For Oakland, take I–580 off the Bay Bridge to the Grand Avenue exit for Lake Merritt. To reach downtown and the waterfront, take I–980 from I–580 and exit at 12th Street. Both trips take about 30 minutes unless it’s rush hour or a weekend afternoon, when you should count on an hour.

SIGHTSEEING GUIDES

Blue & Gold Fleet has a three-and-a-half-hour narrated tour of the San Francisco Bay, for $46, with frequent daily departures from Pier 39 in San Francisco. Super Sightseeing offers a four-hour bus tour of Muir Woods. The tour, which stops in Sausalito en route, leaves at 9 am and 2 pm daily from North Point and Taylor Street at Fisherman’s Wharf and costs $52 ($50 senior citizens, $27 ages 5–11); 24-hour advance reservations are recommended. Great Pacific Tour Co. runs four-hour morning and afternoon tours of Muir Woods and Sausalito for $55 ($53 senior citizens, $43 ages 5–11), with hotel pickup, in 14-passenger vans with excellent interpretation.

By Bus and Van

Blue & Gold Fleet.

415/705–8200 | www.blueandgoldfleet.com.

Great Pacific Tour Co.

415/626–4499 | www.greatpacifictour.com.

Super Sightseeing.

415/353–5310 | www.supersightseeing.com.

RESTAURANTS

The Bay Area is home to some of the most popular and innovative restaurants in the country, including Chez Panisse Café & Restaurant, in Berkeley, and the Buckeye, in Mill Valley—for which reservations must be made well in advance. Expect an emphasis on locally grown produce, hormone-free meats, and California wine. Keep in mind that many Marin cafés don’t serve dinner, and that dinner service ends on the early side. (No 10 pm reservations in this neck of the woods.)

HOTELS

Hotels in Berkeley or Oakland tend to be standard-issue, but many Marin hotels package themselves as cozy retreats. Summer is often booked well in advance, despite weather that is sometimes downright chilly. Check for special packages during this season.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Contact

Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau.

1 Mitchell Blvd. Suite B | San Rafael | 94903 | 415/925–2060 | www.visitmarin.org.

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Sausalito | Tiburon | Mill Valley | The Marin Headlands | Muir Woods National Monument | Mt. Tamalpais State Park | Stinson Beach | Bolinas | Point Reyes National Seashore

Marin is quite simply a knockout—some go so far as to call it spectacular and wild. This isn’t an extravagant claim, since more than 40% of the county (180,000 acres), including the majority of the coastline, is parkland. The territory ranges from chaparral, grassland, and coastal scrub to broadleaf and evergreen forest, redwood, salt marsh, and rocky shoreline.

Regardless of its natural beauty, what gave the county its reputation was Cyra McFadden’s 1977 book The Serial, a literary soap opera that depicted the county as a bastion of hot-tubbing and “open” marriages. Indeed old-time bohemian, but also increasingly jet-set, Marinites still spend a lot of time outdoors, and surfing, cycling, and hiking are common after-work and weekend activities. Adrenaline junkies mountain bike down Mt. Tamalpais, and those who want solitude take a walk on one of Point Reyes’s many empty beaches. The hot tub remains a popular destination, but things have changed since the boho days. Artists and musicians who arrived in the 1960s have set the tone for mellow country towns, but Marin is now undeniably chic, with BMWs supplanting VW buses as the cars of choice.

Most cosmopolitan is Sausalito, the town just over the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Across the inlet from Sausalito, Tiburon and Belvedere are lined with grand homes that regularly appear on fund-raising circuits, and to the north, landlocked Mill Valley is a hub of wining and dining and tony boutiques. The next town, Corte Madera, hosts regular readings by top-notch authors and Larkspur, San Anselmo, and Fairfax beyond have walkable downtown areas, each a bit folksier than the next but all with good restaurants and shops and a distinct sense of place.

In general, the farther you get from the Golden Gate Bridge the more country things become, and West Marin is about as far as you can get from the big city, both physically and ideologically. Separated from the inland county by the slopes and ridges of giant Mt. Tamalpais, this territory beckons to mavericks, artists, ocean lovers, and other free spirits. Stinson Beach has tempered its isolationist attitude to accommodate out-of-towners, as have Inverness and Point Reyes Station. Bolinas, on the other hand, would prefer you not know its location.

SAUSALITO

2 miles north of Golden Gate Bridge.

Bougainvillea-covered hillsides and an expansive yacht harbor give Sausalito the feel of an Adriatic resort. The town sits on the northwestern edge of San Francisco Bay, where it’s sheltered from the ocean by the Marin Headlands; the mostly mild weather here is perfect for strolling and outdoor dining. Nevertheless, morning fog and afternoon winds can roll over the hills without warning, funneling through the central part of Sausalito once known as Hurricane Gulch.

South on Bridgeway (toward San Francisco), which snakes between the bay and the hills, a waterside esplanade is lined with restaurants on piers that lure diners with good seafood and even better views. Stairs along the west side of Bridgeway climb the hill to wooded neighborhoods filled with both rustic and opulent homes. As you amble along Bridgeway past shops and galleries, you’ll notice the absence of basic services. If you need an aspirin or some groceries (or if you want to see the locals), you’ll have to head to Caledonia Street, which runs parallel to Bridgeway, north of the ferry terminus and inland a couple of blocks. The streets closest to the ferry landing flaunt their fair share of shops selling T-shirts and kitschy souvenirs. Venture into some of the side streets or narrow alleyways to catch a bit more of the town’s taste for eccentric jewelry and handmade crafts.

TIP The ferry is the best way to get to Sausalito from San Francisco; you get more romance (and less traffic) and disembark in the heart of downtown.

Sausalito had a raffish reputation before it went upscale. Discovered in 1775 by Spanish explorers and named Sausalito (Little Willow) for the trees growing around its springs, the town served as a port for whaling ships during the 19th century. By the mid-1800s wealthy San Franciscans were making Sausalito their getaway across the bay. They built lavish Victorian summer homes in the hills, many of which still stand. In 1875 the railroad from the north connected with ferryboats to San Francisco, bringing the merchant and working classes with it. This influx of hardworking, fun-loving folk polarized the town into “wharf rats” and “hill snobs,” and the waterfront area grew thick with saloons, gambling dens, and bordellos. Bootleggers flourished during Prohibition, and shipyard workers swelled the town’s population in the 1940s.

Sausalito developed its bohemian flair in the 1950s and ’60s, when creative types, led by a charismatic Greek portraitist named Varda, established an artists’ colony and a houseboat community here. Today more than 450 houseboats are docked in Sausalito, which has since also become a major yachting center. Some of the houseboats are ragged, others deluxe, but all are quirky (one, a miniature replica of a Persian castle, even has an elevator inside). For a close-up view of the community, head north on Bridgeway—Sausalito’s main thoroughfare—from downtown, turn right on Gate Six Road, and park where it dead-ends at the public shore. Keep a respectful distance; these are homes, after all, and the residents become a bit prickly from too much ogling.

Essentials

Visitor Information

Sausalito Chamber of Commerce.

| 780 Bridgeway | 94965 | 415/332–0505, 415/331–7262 | www.sausalito.org.

Getting Here and Around

From San Francisco by car or bike, follow U.S. 101 north across the Golden Gate Bridge and take the first exit, Alexander Avenue, just past Vista Point; continue down the winding hill to the water to where the road becomes Bridgeway. Buses 10 and 22 will drop you off in downtown Sausalito, and the ferries dock downtown as well. The center of town is flat, with plenty of sidewalks and bay views. It’s a pleasure and a must to explore on foot.

EXPLORING SAUSALITO

Bay Area Discovery Museum.

Sitting at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, this indoor-outdoor museum offers entertaining and enlightening hands-on exhibits for children under eight. Kids can fish from a boat at the indoor wharf, imagine themselves as marine biologists in the Wave Workshop, and play outdoors at Lookout Cove (made up of scaled-down sea caves, tidal pools, and even a re-created shipwreck). At Tot Zone, toddlers and preschoolers dress up in animal costumes and crawl through miniature tunnels. From San Francisco, take U.S. 101’s Alexander Avenue exit and follow signs to East Fort Baker. | 557 McReynolds Rd. at East Rd. off Alexander Ave. | 94965 | 415/339–3900 | www.baykidsmuseum.org | $11; children under 6 months free | Tues.–Fri. 9–4, weekends 10–5.

Bay Model.

An anonymous-looking World War II shipyard building holds a great treasure: the sprawling (more than 1½ acres) Bay Model of the entire San Francisco Bay and the San Joaquin–Sacramento River delta, complete with flowing water. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers uses the model to reproduce the rise and fall of tides, the flow of currents, and the other physical forces at work on the bay. Science becomes tangible as interactive displays draw children in and adults also learn more about some real California flow. | 2100 Bridgeway at Marinship Way | 94965 | 415/332–3870 recorded information, 415/332–3871 operator assistance | www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc | Free | Memorial Day–Labor Day, Tues.–Fri. 9–4, weekends 10–5; Labor Day–Memorial Day, Tues.–Sat. 9–4.

Drinking Fountain.

On the waterfront between the Hotel Sausalito and the Sausalito Yacht Club is an unusual historic landmark—a drinking fountain. It’s inscribed with “Have a drink on Sally” in remembrance of Sally Stanford, the former San Francisco madam who later became the town’s mayor in the 1970s. Sassy Sally, as they called her, would have appreciated the fountain’s eccentric custom attachment: a knee-level basin that reads “Have a drink on Leland,” in memory of her beloved dog.

QUICK BITES: Hamburgers. Judging by the crowds gathered outside Hamburgers, you’d think someone was juggling flaming torches out front. They’re really gaping at the juicy hand-formed beef patties sizzling on a rotating grill. Brave the line (it moves fast), get your food to go, and head for the esplanade to enjoy the sweeping views. Hours are 11 am–5 pm. | 737 Bridgeway at Humboldt Ave. | 94965 | 415/332–9471.

Plaza Viña del Mar.

The landmark Plaza Viña del Mar, named for Sausalito’s sister city in Chile, marks the center of town. Flanked by two 14-foot-tall elephant statues (created in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition), the fountain is a great setting for snapshots and people-watching. | Bridgeway and Park St. | 94965.

Sausalito Visitors Center and Historical Exhibit.

Get your bearings and find out what’s happening in town at the Sausalito Visitors Center and Historical Exhibit, operated by the town’s historical society. The center is closed Monday. | 780 Bridgeway at Bay St. | 94965 | 415/332–0505.

WHERE TO EAT IN SAUSALITO

Bar Bocce.

$$ | ITALIAN | Few Bay Area eateries can boast of having a beach adjoining the outdoor dining area. And when you play a game of bocce here, it’s framed by Richardson Bay. Modern Californian cuisine is served, including pizzas, salads, and signature dishes such as the meatball sliders and the fire-roasted game hen. Reservations aren’t taken, so be prepared to wait for a table—time you can spend sipping local beer and wine by the outdoor fire pit. | Average main: $17 | 1250 Bridgeway between Pine and Turney Sts. | 415/331–0555 | barbocce.com | Reservations not accepted.

Bridgeway Cafe.

$ | CAFÉ | The view’s the thing at this diner-café on the main drag across the road from the bay. People line up on weekends for great breakfasts of pancakes and eggs and lunches of hot and cold sandwiches. Take in a view of the water while enjoying a morning croissant, well-crafted BLT, or the excellent fries. The Mediterranean dishes are also a hit—try the mixed appetizer platter or a hearty Greek salad. The café serves continuously until 5 pm. | Average main: $13 | 633 Bridgeway at Princess St. | 94965 | 415/332–3426 | Reservations not accepted | No dinner.

Fodor’s Choice | Fish.

$$ | SEAFOOD | When locals want fresh seafood, they head to this gleaming dockside fish house a mile north of downtown. Order at the counter and then grab a seat by the floor-to-ceiling windows or at a picnic table on the pier, overlooking the yachts and fishing boats. Most of the sustainably caught fish is hauled in from the owner’s boats, docked right outside. Try the ceviche, crab Louis, cioppino, barbecue oysters, or anything fresh that’s being grilled over the oak-wood fire. Outside, kids can doodle with sidewalk chalk on the pier. | Average main: $22 | 350 Harbor Dr. off Bridgeway | 94965 | 415/331–3474 | www.331fish.com | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards.

Le Garage.

$$$ | BISTRO | Brittany-born Olivier Souvestre serves traditional French bistro fare in a relaxed, sidewalk café–style bayside setting. The menu is small, but the dishes are substantial in flavor and presentation. Standouts include frisée salad with poached egg, bacon, croutons, and pancetta vinaigrette; steak frites with a shallot confit and crispy fries; and a chef’s selection of cheese or charcuterie with soup and mixed greens. The restaurant only seats 35 inside and 15 outside, so to avoid a long wait for lunch, arrive before 11:30 or after 1:30. | Average main: $23 | 85 Liberty Ship Way off Marinship Way | 94965 | 415/332–5625 | www.legaragebistrosausalito.com | Reservations essential | No dinner Sun.

Lighthouse Café.

$ | SCANDINAVIAN | A cozy spot with a long coffee bar and dose of Scandinavian flair, this local establishment has been a favorite brunch destination for nearly two decades. The hearty Norwegian salmon omelet with spinach and cream cheese or fruit pancakes, as well as the grilled burgers, sandwiches, and Danish specials like meatballs with potato salad always hit the spot, especially on chilly days. Expect a wait on weekends and at lunch hour. | Average main: $12 | 1311 Bridgeway near Turney St. | 94965 | 415/331–3034 | www.lighthouse-restaurants.com | Reservations not accepted | 7 am to 3 pm.

Plate Shop.

$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Sausalito’s newest shrine to farm-to-table organic, sustainable, and seriously local cuisine sits tucked neatly away from traffic. The seasonal menu is ever-changing, but the bar favorites include the grilled Monterey squid and the smoked trout; for dinner entrées, if they’re offered, consider the fried chicken with fingerling potatoes or the rabbit braised in mustard sauce. The bar scene’s fun here, too. | Average main: $23 | 39 Caledonia St. between Pine and Johnson Sts. | 415/887–9047.

Poggio.

$$ | ITALIAN | One of the few restaurants in Sausalito to attract both food-savvy locals and tourists, Poggio serves modern Tuscan cuisine in a handsome, open-wall space that spills onto the street. Expect dishes such as grilled lamb chops with roasted eggplant, braised artichokes with polenta, feather-light gnocchi, and pizzas from the open kitchen’s wood-fired oven. | Average main: $21 | 777 Bridgeway at Bay St. | 94965 | 415/332–7771 | Reservations essential.

Sushi Ran.

$$ | SUSHI | Sushi aficionados swear that this is the Bay Area’s best option for raw fish, but don’t overlook the excellent Pacific Rim fusions, a melding of Japanese ingredients and French cooking techniques, served up in unusual presentations. Because Sushi Ran is so highly ranked among area foodies, book two to seven days in advance for dinner. Otherwise, expect a long wait, which you can soften by sipping one of the 45 by-the-glass sakes from the outstanding wine-and-sake bar. TIP If you arrive without a reservation and can’t get a table, you can sometimes dine in the noisy bar. | Average main: $18 | 107 Caledonia St. at Pine St. | 94965 | 415/332–3620 | Reservations essential | No lunch weekends.

Wellingtons Wine Bar.

$ | WINE BAR | British memorabilia decorates the walls of this establishment that celebrates English and Californian liquid culture. The space is bright, warm, and welcoming with hardwood floors, leather sofas, and actual Wellington boots mounted beside the big glass windows. When the weather is nice, you can sit on the boat dock and drink your pint of lager or sip a glass of wine while scooping up hummus with garlic pita chips. The menu is as big as a book—no one leaves this place hungry (or thirsty). | Average main: $10 | 1306 Bridgeway at Turney St. | 415/331–9463 | www.wellingtonswinebar.com | Reservations not accepted.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAUSALITO

Casa Madrona.

$$$$ | HOTEL | What began as a small inn in a 19th-century landmark mansion has expanded over the decades to include a contemporary section and hillside cottages, along with a full-service spa, all tiered down a hill in the center of town. The contemporary section contains newer rooms with wet bars, sunken tubs, and bay windows; some have balconies overlooking Richardson Bay. The hillside cottages have recently been renovated for optimum indulgence. Bay-view rooms are pricey, but the vistas are spectacular. Pros: elegant new furniture; spacious rooms; central location. Cons: rooms in older section don’t have air-conditioning or full elevator access; breakfast is not included. TripAdvisor: “beautiful and relaxing,” “the perfect getaway,” “funky Sausalito retreat.” | Rooms from: $300 | 801 Bridgeway 94965 | 415/332–0502, 800/567–9524 | www.casamadrona.com | 60 rooms, 6 suites.

Cavallo Point.

$$$$ | HOTEL | Set in Golden Gate National Park, this luxury hotel and resort’s location is truly one of a kind, featuring turn-of-the-20th-century buildings converted into well-appointed yet eco-friendly rooms. Both historic and contemporary guest rooms are scattered around the property, a former Army post. Most of them overlook a massive lawn with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. The staff is accommodating and helpful. Murray Circle, the notable on-site restaurant, serves top-notch California ingredients and has an impressive wine cellar. The neighboring casual bar offers food and drink on a large porch. Pros: stunning views and numerous activities: a cooking school, yoga classes, and nature walks; spa with a tea bar; art gallery. Cons: landscaping feels incomplete; isolated from urban amenities. TripAdvisor: “hidden gem in the Bay area,” “fantastic stay,” “wonderful place to bring a toddler.” | Rooms from: $310 | 601 Murray Circle Fort Baker | 94965 | 415/339–4700 | www.cavallopoint.com | 68 historic and 74 contemporary guest rooms.

Hotel Sausalito.

$$ | B&B/INN | Handmade furniture and tasteful original art and reproductions give this well-run inn the feel of a small European hotel. The Mediterranean-like glow comes from the soft yellow, green, and orange tones bathing the rooms, some of which have harbor or park views. Space ranges from small quarters for budget-minded travelers (a rarity in pricey Marin) to commodious suites. Best of all, it’s smack-dab downtown, next to the ferry landing and above a row of shops. Pros: great staff; excellent central location; feels like home away from home. Cons: no room service; some rooms feel cramped. TripAdvisor: “best of Sausalito,” “great location,” “delightful.” | Rooms from: $170 | 16 El Portal | 94965 | 415/332–0700, 888/442–0700 | www.hotelsausalito.com | 14 rooms, 2 suites.

The Inn Above Tide.

$$$$ | B&B/INN | This is the only hotel in the Bay Area with balconies literally hanging over the water, and each of its rooms has a perfect-10 view that takes in wild Angel Island as well as the city lights across the bay. In the corner Vista Suite (the most expensive room here, at nearly triple the standard-room rate), you can even watch San Francisco twinkle from the king-size bed. Lovely touches—gardenias by the sink, large tubs, binoculars in every room, complimentary California wine and imported cheese—abound, and most rooms have wood-burning or gas fireplaces. Although it’s set in the middle of town, this place is tranquil. Pros: great complimentary breakfast; minutes from restaurants/attractions; free in-room binoculars let you indulge in the incredible views. Cons: costly parking; some rooms are on the small side. TripAdvisor: “what a view,” “sweet and stunning,” “comfortable luxury.” | Rooms from: $340 | 30 El Portal | 94965 | 415/332–9535, 800/893–8433 | www.innabovetide.com | 29 rooms, 3 suites.

SPORTS AND THE OUTDOORS IN SAUSALITO

Sea Trek Ocean Kayaking Center.

The center offers guided half-day sea-kayaking trips underneath the Golden Gate Bridge and full- and half-day trips to Angel Island, both for beginners. Starlight and full-moon paddles are particularly popular. Trips for experienced kayakers, classes, and rentals are also available. Prices start at $20 per hour for rentals; $65 for a three-hour guided trip. | Schoonmaker Point Marina, off Libertyship Way | 94965 | 415/488–1000 | www.seatrekkayak.com.

SF Bay Adventures.

This outfit’s expert skippers conduct sunset and full-moon sails around the bay, as well as fascinating eco and great-white-shark tours. If you’re interested, they can arrange for you to spend the night in a lighthouse or even barbecue on Angel Island. | 60 Liberty Ship Way Suite 4 | 94965 | 415/331–0444 | www.sfbayadventures.com.

THE ARTS IN SAUSALITO

Sausalito Art Festival.

The annual festival, held over Labor Day weekend, attracts more than 50,000 people to the northern waterfront area; Blue & Gold Fleet ferries from San Francisco dock at the pier adjacent to the festival. Tickets are $25. 415/332–3555, 415/331–3757 | www.sausalitoartfestival.org.

SHOPPING IN SAUSALITO

Sausalito Ferry Co.

Eccentric and fun, this shop is a great place to buy trendy T-shirts, wallets, and clocks—not to mention solar-powered bobbleheads, outrageous cocktail napkins, even one-of-a-kind key chains. | 688 Bridgeway near Princess St. | 94965 | 415/332–9590 | www.sausalitoferry.com.

Something/Anything Gallery.

Where Bridgeway ends and curves toward the dock, this gallery with a friendly staff carries jewelry and gifts, from unique watches to humorous pendants. It’s a good spot to pick up your Sausalito memento. | 20 Princess St. at Broadway | 94965 | 415/339–8831.

TIBURON

2 miles north of Sausalito, 7 miles north of Golden Gate Bridge.

On a peninsula that was called Punta de Tiburon (Shark Point) by the Spanish explorers, this beautiful Marin County community retains the feel of a village—it’s more low-key than Sausalito—despite the encroachment of commercial establishments from the downtown area. The harbor faces Angel Island across Raccoon Strait, and San Francisco is directly south across the bay—which makes the views from the decks of harbor restaurants a major attraction. Since its incarnation, in 1884, when ferries from San Francisco connected the point with a railroad to San Rafael, the town has centered on the waterfront. TIP The ferry is the most relaxing (and fastest) way to get here, particularly in summer, allowing you to skip traffic and parking problems. If visiting midweek, keep in mind that many shops close either Tuesday or Wednesday, or both.

Essentials

Visitor Information

Tiburon Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

96-B Main St. | 94920 | 415/435–5633 | www.tiburonchamber.org.

Getting Here and Around

By car, head north from San Francisco on U.S. 101 and get off at CA 131/Tiburon Boulevard/East Blithedale Avenue (Exit 447). Turn right onto Tiburon Boulevard and drive just over 4 miles to downtown. Golden Gate Transit buses 8 and 19 serve downtown Tiburon from San Francisco, as does the Blue & Gold Fleet Ferry service. Tiburon’s Main Street is made for wandering, as are the footpaths that frame the water’s edge.

EXPLORING TIBURON

Ark Row.

Past the pink-brick bank building, Main Street is known as Ark Row, and has a tree-shaded walk lined with antiques and specialty stores. Some of the buildings are actually old houseboats. They floated in Belvedere Cove before being beached and transformed into stores. If you’re curious about architectural history, the Tiburon Heritage & Arts Commission prints a self-guided walking-tour map, available at local businesses. | Ark Row, parallel to Main St. | 94920 | www.landmarks-society.org.

Main Street.

Tiburon’s narrow Main Street is on the bay side; you can browse the shops and galleries or relax on a restaurant’s deck jutting out over the harbor.

Old St. Hilary’s Landmark and Wildflower Preserve.

The stark-white Old St. Hilary’s Landmark and Wildflower Preserve, an 1886 Carpenter Gothic church barged over from Strawberry Point in 1957, overlooks the town and the bay from its hillside perch. TIP The church is surrounded by a wildflower preserve that’s spectacular in May and June, when the rare black jewel flower blooms. Expect a steep walk uphill to reach the preserve. The hiking trails behind the landmark wind up to a peak that has 360-degree views of the entire Bay Area (great photo op). | 201 Esperanza St. off Mar West St. | 94920 | 415/435–1853 | www.landmarks-society.org | $3 suggested donation | Apr.–Oct., Wed. and Sun. 1–4 and by appointment.

WHERE TO EAT IN TIBURON

The Caprice.

$$$ | AMERICAN | For more than 50 years this Tiburon landmark, perched on a cliff overlooking the bay, has been the place to come to mark special occasions. The views are spectacular, and soft-yellow walls and starched white tablecloths help to make the space bright and light. Elegant comfort food is the premise, with choices like seared day boat scallops or pan-roasted filet mignon. Polishing off the warm chocolate cake with almond ice cream while gazing out at the sunset and porpoises bobbing in the waves below is a near perfect end to the evening. | Average main: $27 | 2000 Paradise Dr. | 94920 | 415/435–3400 | www.thecaprice.com | 5pm to 11pm; closed Mon.

Guaymas.

$$ | MODERN MEXICAN | The festive Guaymas restaurant at the ferry terminal claims a knockout view of the bay, handsome whitewashed adobe walls, tile floors, and a heated terrace bar—and it serves a top-notch margarita. A large open kitchen churns out fairly authentic Mexican dishes such as ceviche, carnitas uruapan (slow-roasted pork with salsa and black beans), mesquite-grilled fish, tamales, and a long list of others. TIP Sunday lunch is very popular, so make a reservation. | Average main: $19 | 5 Main St. | 94920 | 415/435–6300.

New Morning Cafe.

$ | AMERICAN | Omelets and scrambles are served all day long at this homey café. If you’re past morning treats, choose from the many soups, salads, and sandwiches. New Morning is open 6:30 am–2:30 pm weekdays and 6:30 am–4 pm weekends. | Average main: $11 | 1696 Tiburon Blvd. | 94920 | 415/435–4315 | No dinner.

Sam’s Anchor Cafe.

$$ | AMERICAN | Open since 1921, this casual dockside restaurant with mahogany wainscoting is the town’s most famous eatery. Today most people flock here for the deck, where out-of-towners and old salts sit shoulder to shoulder for bay views, beer, seafood, and Ramos fizzes. The lunch menu has the usual suspects—burgers, sandwiches, salads, fried fish with tartar sauce—and you’ll sit on plastic chairs at tables covered with blue-and-white-checked oilcloths. At night you can find standard seafood dishes with vegetarian and meat options. Expect a wait for outside tables on sunny summer days or weekends (there are no reservations for deck seating or weekend lunch). Mind the seagulls; they know no restraint. | Average main: $22 | 27 Main St. | 94920 | 415/435–4527.

Waypoint Pizza.

$$ | PIZZA | A nautical decor theme and a tasty “between the sheets” pizza-style sandwich are signatures of this creative pizzeria that also serves slices and whole gourmet pies. Booths are brightened with blue-checked tablecloths, and a playful air is added by indoor deck chairs, a picnic table complete with umbrella, and lighthouse salt-and-pepper shakers. | Average main: $15 | 15 Main St. | 94920 | 415/435–3440.

WHERE TO STAY IN TIBURON

The Lodge at Tiburon.

$$ | HOTEL | A block from Main Street and framed by stone pillars and sloped rooftops, the Lodge at Tiburon has the feel of a winter ski chalet, though the outdoor pool and its cabanas provide a summery counterpoint. Despite the incongruity, the feeling here is one of comfort. The soft cream linens and gentle green walls reflect the natural light that fills the guest rooms. Most rooms and suites have private balconies or decks. Pros: spacious work desks in each room; plush bathrobes; L’Occitane bath products; room service from the Tiburon Grill. Cons: breakfast for a fee; some rooms have a few too many mirrors; no bay views. TripAdvisor: “clean modern rooms,” “beautiful common areas,” “perfect spot for a quiet romantic evening.” | Rooms from: $170 | 1651 Tiburon Blvd. at Beach St. | 415/435–3133 lodgeattiburon.com | 102 rooms.

Waters Edge Hotel.

$$$ | B&B/INN | Checking into this elegant hotel feels like tucking away into a inviting retreat by the water—the views are stunning and the lighting is perfect. All rooms have a gas fireplace, and many have balconies with bay views at this stylish small hotel in downtown Tiburon. Furnishings are chic and modern in cocoa and cream colors; down comforters and high-thread-count linens make the beds deliciously comfortable. High-vaulted ceilings show off the carefully placed, Asian-influenced objects, which line the hallways and front living room area. TIP In the morning, breakfast is delivered to your door, but take your coffee outside to the giant communal sundeck over the water; the south-facing views of San Francisco Bay are incredible. Pros: complimentary wine and cheese for guests every evening; restaurants/sights are minutes away; free bike rentals for guests. Cons: except for breakfast delivery, no room service; fitness center is off-site; not a great place to bring small children. TripAdvisor: “just about perfect,” “a beautiful haven,” “comfortable and relaxing.” | Rooms from: $209 | 25 Main St. off Tiburon Blvd. | 94920 | 415/789–5999, 877/789–5999 | www.marinhotels.com | 23 rooms.

SHOPPING IN TIBURON

The Candy Store on Main Street.

This store is every child’s (and many adults’) dream come true, with rows of fresh homemade fudge, barrels of rainbow-colored jelly beans, and neat boxes of truffles with pin-striped ribbons. A train in the window drives figure eights through chocolate mountains and around M&M houses. | 7 Main St. at Tiburon Blvd. | 94920 | 415/435–0434.

Nasimiyu.

The beaded jewelry sold here—necklaces, earrings, and bracelets—is big, vibrant, and very colorful. The shop’s namesake owner, Nasimiyu Wekesa, who greets all customers with her warm smile, draws inspiration from her African heritage, making her crafts not just something to wear but also to be proud of. | 80D Main St. | 415/435–3429.

Ruth Livingston Studio.

The namesake owner of this design showcase and walk-in shop will greet you and explain the concepts behind her neo-modern pieces. Find everything from striking vases to one-of-a-kind furniture. | 74 Main St. | 94920 | 415/435–5264.

Schoenberg Guitars.

Small, narrow, and chockablock with handmade guitars, this shop is a treat even for those who don’t play music. Dozens, if not hundreds, of guitars varying in size, shape, and color hang from the walls and stand against the polished wood floor. There is an organized beauty to the layout of this place and a comforting sense of musical harmony. | 106 Main St. | 94920 | 415/789–0846.

MILL VALLEY

2 miles north of Sausalito, 4 miles north of Golden Gate Bridge.

Chic and woodsy Mill Valley has a dual personality. Here, as elsewhere in the county, the foundation is a superb natural setting. Virtually surrounded by parkland, the town lies at the base of Mt. Tamalpais and contains dense redwood groves traversed by countless creeks. But this is no lumber camp. Smart restaurants and chichi boutiques line the streets, and more rock stars than one might suspect live here.

The rustic village flavor is not a modern conceit but a holdover from the town’s early days as a logging camp. In 1896 the Mill Valley and Mt. Tamalpais Scenic Railroad—called “the crookedest railroad in the world” because of its curvy tracks—began transporting visitors from Mill Valley to the top of Mt. Tam and down to Muir Woods, and the town soon became a vacation retreat for city slickers. The trains stopped running in the 1940s, but you can see the old railway depot: the 1924 building has been transformed into the popular Depot Bookstore & Cafe, at 87 Throckmorton Avenue.

The small downtown area has the constant bustle of a leisure community; even at noon on a Tuesday, people are out shopping for fancy cookware and lacy pajamas.

Essentials

Visitor Information

Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce.

85 Throckmorton Ave. | 94941 | 415/388–9700 | www.millvalley.org.

Getting Here and Around

By car, from San Francisco head north on U.S. 101 and get off at CA 131/Tiburon Boulevard/East Blithedale Avenue (Exit 447). Turn left onto East Blithedale and continue west to Throckmorton Avenue; turn left to reach Lytton Square, then park. Golden Gate Transit bus 4 leaves for Mill Valley from 8th and Folsom streets in San Francisco every 30 minutes during commute hours. Once here, explore the town on foot; it’s great for strolling.

EXPLORING MILL VALLEY

Lytton Square.

Mill Valley locals congregate on weekends to socialize in the many coffeehouses near the town’s central square, but it bustles most any time of day. Shops, restaurants, and cultural venues line the nearby streets. | Miller and Throckmorton Aves..

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Marin County Civic Center. This wonder of arches, circles, and skylights was Frank Lloyd Wright’s last major architectural undertaking. You can wander about on your own or take a docent-led tour of the complex. Tours ($5) leave from the gift shop, on the second floor, on Wednesday mornings at 10:30. If you can’t make it on a Wednesday, pick up the self-guided tour map for 50¢ at the gift shop. Don’t miss the photographs on the first floor, which show Marin County homes designed by Wright. There’s also an excellent California library here for bibliophiles and oral-history buffs. | 3501 Civic Center Dr. off N. San Pedro Rd. | San Rafael | 94903 | 415/499–7009 | Free | Weekdays 8–5.

Old Mill Park.

To see one of the numerous outdoor oases that make Mill Valley so appealing, follow Throckmorton Avenue ¼ mile west from Lytton Square to Old Mill Park, a shady patch of redwoods that shelters a playground and reconstructed sawmill. From the park, Cascade Way winds its way past creek-side homes to the trailheads of several forest paths. | Throckmorton Ave. and Cascade Dr. | 94941.

WHERE TO EAT IN MILL VALLEY

The Balboa Café.

$$$ | AMERICAN | With intimate lighting, rich wood accents, and fresh-pressed white linens, this café offers an upscale dining experience. The bar is so busy that you’ll be lucky if your elbow gets anywhere near it. Although the cocktails aren’t as stiff as their price tags, the food is creative, local, and beautifully presented. Try the Black Angus rib eye, wild-mushroom risotto, or seared sea scallops—and be sure to save room for the blueberry brioche bread pudding. The extensive wine list includes a few wines from Marin County. | Average main: $26 | 38 Miller Ave. at Sunnyside Ave. | 94941 | 415/381–7321 | Reservations essential.

Buckeye Roadhouse.

$$$ | AMERICAN | This is Mill Valley’s secret den of decadence, where house-smoked meats and fish, grilled steaks, and old-fashioned dishes such as brisket bring the locals coming back for more. The restaurant also serves beautiful organic, locally grown salads and desserts so heavenly—like the rich but light crème brûlée—you’ll just about melt into the floor. The look of the 1937 roadhouse is decidedly hunting-lodge chic, with trophy heads and a river-rock fireplace dominating one wall. Marin County’s Jaguar-driving bon vivants pack the place every night. The busy but cozy bar with elegant mahogany paneling and soft lighting is a good place to quench your thirst for a Marin martini or Californian Merlot. | Average main: $23 | 15 Shoreline Hwy. off U.S. 101 | 94941 | 415/331–2600 | Reservations essential.

Bungalow 44.

$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Banana plants and tropical lighting set the mood at this glowing space that serves Californian comfort and glistening cocktails (the restaurant is as popular for its bar as it is for its food). The dance of flames is everywhere—in the crackling dining-room fireplace, and the kitchen’s wood oven. House specialties include goat-cheese ravioli in a tomato vodka sauce, fried chicken with local-honey coleslaw, and braised short ribs with horseradish cream. In nice weather, you can eat outdoors. | Average main: $21 | 44 E. Blithedale Ave. at Sunnyside Ave. | 415/381–2500 | www.bungalow44.com.

Champagne.

$ | FRENCH | This adorable little bakery/café on Mill Valley’s main shopping street is a nice place to pop into for breakfast, a light lunch, dinner, or afternoon pick-me-up. Filled with light, authentic French decor and only a dozen tables, Champagne serves amazing crepes with roasted chicken, creamed spinach, and Swiss cheese, as well as an assortment of savory flat breads—try the pesto-and-tomato version. It’s a popular place for breakfast, too. The perennial favorite: brioche French toast with bacon. The afternoon crowd chats over cappuccinos, raspberry-almond croissants, and meringue cookies. | Average main: $11 | 41 Throckmorton Ave. at Miller Ave. | 94941 | 415/380–0410.

The Dipsea Cafe.

$$ | AMERICAN | There is no better place for breakfast than the Dipsea, which is named after the gorgeous trail that stretches from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach. Locals crowd its cozy interior most mornings, but weekends are especially popular. Choose from huge plates of French toast, eggs Benedict, and huevos rancheros; the homemade fries and jam that accompany the breakfast entrées are to die for. The café also serves hearty lunches and dinners, like the Chinese salad with seared salmon and the enormous BLTs. After 4 pm you can order from the Greek-influenced menu. This is a great spot to fuel up on your way to or from Muir Woods and Stinson Beach. | Average main: $14 | 200 Shoreline Hwy. west of Tennessee Valley Rd. | 94941 415/381–0298 | No dinner Mon.–Tues.

Fodor’s Choice | El Paseo House of Chops.

$$$ | CONTEMPORARY | Chef Tyler Florence and rocker Sammy Hagar teamed up to restore El Paseo, which was established in 1947 and remains the place for a romantic and culinary night out. You’ll feel as if you’re on one of Spain’s tiny cobbled lanes as you enter the secluded brick walkway that wraps around a candlelit dining room. If you reserve well in advance you can sit in the bougainvillea-framed courtyard, but the dining room casts its own atmospheric charms, with soft leather chairs, white tablecloths, and dark wooden walls. And then there’s Tyler Florence’s famous seasonal Californian cuisine. The spinach-and-artichoke dip is rich and full of fresh flavors, as is the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with spiced-apple pulp and glazed turnips. Don’t overlook the decadent desserts. | Average main: $30 | 17 Throckmorton Ave. at E. Blithedale Ave. | 94941 | 415/388–0741 | Reservations essential | No lunch.

Joe’s Taco Lounge.

$ | MEXICAN | A funky, bright lounge (and it really does feel like someone’s lounge), this is a fun place to go for a casual, cheap, and delicious Mexican meal. There are all sorts of colorful relics on the walls, and chili-pepper lights adorn the windows. The signature dishes are fish tacos and snapper burritos—which are generous in both size and flavor. The organic burger with spicy fries and the fire-grilled corn on the cob are also yummy. Choose from a wide selection of Mexican beers, or go for a refreshing wine-based margarita. Between 5 and 7 pm, his place is popular with families. | Average main: $11 | 382 Miller Ave. and Montford Ave. | 94941 | 415/383–8164.

La Ginestra.

$$ | ITALIAN | In business since 1964, La Ginestra is a Mill Valley institution renowned for its no-pretense, family-style Italian meals—the greatest hits include thin-crusted pizzas, homemade pastas, breaded veal, and chicken with artichokes—and impressive wine list. An adorable little bar sits off to the side of the dining room, just right for a martini or two and a plate of antipasto. | Average main: $19 | 127 Throckmorton Ave. at Miller Ave. | 415/388–0224 | No lunch. Closed Mon.

Left Bank Brasserie.

$$ | FRENCH | Provincial France meets Northern California at this convivial, bustling brasserie with a gigantic stone hearth and whimsical French posters. The menu packs in hearty dishes such as bouillabaisse, braised oxtail with homemade noodles, steak and french fries, and a succulent fondue of local goat, Brie, and blue cheeses. For dessert, you’ll have to go to Lyon to find better profiteroles. The service can be erratic, and the plank floors and high ceilings can make things noisy, but this place is fun. TIP For quieter conversation and maximum romance, sit outside on the wraparound veranda. | Average main: $21 | 507 Magnolia Ave. at Ward St. Larkspur | 94939 | 415/927–3331 | www.leftbank.com/home_larkspur.

Pearl’s Phat Burgers.

$ | BURGER | Families, couples, and teenagers flock to Pearl’s for juicy, grass-fed organic burgers stacked high with tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, and cheese; sweet-potato fries that are not too crispy and not too soft; and thick, creamy milkshakes. The food here is among the freshest, biggest, and fastest in town. No wonder there’s always a line out the door. | Average main: $9 | 8 E. Blithedale Ave. at Sunnyside Ave. | 415/381–6010 | www.pearlsdeluxe.com.

Piazza D’Angelo.

$$ | ITALIAN | In the heart of downtown, busy D’Angelo’s is known for its osso buco and veal saltimbocca, as well as pastas and delicious crème brûlée. The food is authentic and fresh, but another draw is the scene, especially in the lounge area, which hosts a lively cocktail hour packed with beautiful people and serves food until 10 or 11 pm—late for Mill Valley. The sprawling space encompasses a bright front room, romantic booths, and a warm patio. | Average main: $21 | 22 Miller Ave. near Sunnyside Ave. 94941 | 415/388–2000 | www.piazzadangelo.com.

Picco.

$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | If you’re in the mood for fantastically original food and feeling slyly glamorous, head to Picco, which prides itself on its “exotic organic flavors” and “dangerous cocktails.” Dramatic lighting and modernist decor set the stage. The food shines, from a plate of miniburgers with sautéed onions and Point Reyes blue cheese to artfully presented roasted vegetables. TIP If there’s a long wait, start with small dishes at the bar or try the Picco Pizzeria and Wineshop next door. | Average main: $24 | 320 Magnolia Ave. | 94939 | 415/924–0300 | Reservations essential.

Tavern at Lark Creek.

$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Occupying a refurbished 100-year-old house surrounded by lush, mature gardens and towering redwoods, this is one of Marin’s prettiest—and best—restaurants, especially for Sunday brunch. The chefs use top-notch meats and organic produce from local farmers whenever possible. The Caesar salad, a house favorite, is succulently presented with whole leaf spears. Butterscotch pudding, the signature dessert, sounds humble, but has deep flavor. Sit outside on the patio or inside the country-elegant dining room beneath a dramatic greenhouse ceiling. Be mindful that all this beauty of place and its plates comes at a price. | Average main: $30 | 234 Magnolia Ave. at Madrone Ave. | Larkspur | 94939 | 415/924–7766 | Reservations essential | No lunch Mon.–Sat.

WHERE TO STAY IN MILL VALLEY

Acqua Hotel.

$$ | HOTEL | Astride Richardson Bay, this boutique hotel has modern, elegant rooms decorated in deep purples and classic golds. Rooms facing west have full bay views (some rooms even have views of Mt. Tamalpais) and private patios. The junior suites have soaking tubs and fireplaces. Pros: evening cookie hour; complimentary bikes; hearty breakfast. Cons: next to freeway; traffic audible in rooms facing east. TripAdvisor: “beautiful view and walking path,” “nice amenities,” “well located and clean design.” | Rooms from: $189 | 555 Redwood Hwy. off U.S. 101 | 415/388–9353 | www.marinhotels.com | 49 rooms | Breakfast.

Larkspur Hotel.

$ | HOTEL | In the shadow of Mount Tamalpais and practically surrounded by water, the Larkspur Hotel is central to Marin’s attractions. The rooms are fresh and bright, with new linens and decor—think royal blues and soft yellows—and each room has its own patio. The outdoor pool is a reasonable size, and the private cabanas are a nice touch. There’s also a fire pit to keep guests warm on those foggy summer nights. Pros: central location; complimentary breakfast; popular restaurant (Frantoio) next door. Cons: hallway is disorienting; lobby is cold; new-carpet smell lingers in the air. TripAdvisor: “pleasant staff,” “nice rooms,” “an oasis of quiet.” | Rooms from: $149 | 160 Shoreline Hwy at U.S. 101 | 415/332–5700 | www.larkspurhotels.com/larkspur-hotels/mill-valley | 100 rooms | Breakfast.

Mill Valley Inn.

$$$ | B&B/INN | The only hotel in downtown Mill Valley has smart-looking rooms done up in Tuscan colors of ocher and olive, with handcrafted beds, armoires, and lamps by local artisans. Beds are made with crisp white linens, starkly contrasting the deep browns and greens of the towering redwoods just outside the windows. A complimentary wine reception takes place every evening on the sun terrace. The cottages in the back of the hotel are something special. Pros: minutes from local shops and restaurants; great complimentary Continental breakfast. Cons: dark in winter because of surrounding trees; some rooms are not accessible via elevator; no in-room coffeemakers. TripAdvisor: “awesome gem in Mill Valley,” “personal service with care,” “nice hotel in a gorgeous area.” | Rooms from: $239 | 165 Throckmorton Ave. near Miller Ave. | 94941 | 415/389–6608, 800/595–2100 | www.marinhotels.com | 25 rooms, 1 suite, 2 cottages | Breakfast.

Fodor’s Choice | Mountain Home Inn.

$$$$ | B&B/INN | Abutting 40,000 acres of state and national parks, the inn sits on the skirt of Mt. Tamalpais, where you can follow hiking trails all the way to Stinson Beach. The inn’s multilevel, airy wooden building has pristine wilderness on one side and an unparalleled view of the bay on the other. Rooms are built for romance, each mixing huge views with some combination of balcony, fireplace, and whirlpool tub. TIP For full-moon nights, book far in advance. The on-site wine bar and dining room (closed Monday and Tuesday) serves lunch on the deck (May to October) and a terrific $38 prix-fixe dinner of American regional cuisine inside by the fire. The restaurant (reservations recommended) serves sumptuous meals with spectacular views. Top your Niman Ranch beef burger with caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, local blue cheese, or other options. There’s a late-afternoon American cheese–tasting course, as well as an après-trek menu of small plates for hungry hikers. Dinner features modern riffs on classic American fare. Pros: amazing deck and views; peaceful, remote setting. Cons: nearest town is a 20-minute drive away; restaurant can get crowded on sunny weekend days. TripAdvisor: “brilliant location and restaurant,” “stunning view and tranquil setting,” “outstanding service.” | Rooms from: $279 | 810 Panoramic Hwy. at Edgewood Ave. | 94941 | 415/381–9000 | www.mtnhomeinn.com | 10 rooms | Breakfast.

NIGHTLIFE AND THE ARTS IN MILL VALLEY

142 Throckmorton Theatre.

This ultra-quirky venue presents plays, musical acts, and comedy shows, along with visual and related arts. Top events include the DjangoFest Mill Valley, celebrating the gypsy-jazz artist Django Reinhardt; a film series hosted by comedian Mort Sahl; and the annual Writers with Attitude festival of short-play readings. Stunning murals cover the theater’s ceiling, and the foyer has on old-fashioned popcorn maker. | 142 Throckmorton Ave. at Madrona St. | 415/383–9600 | www.142throckmortontheatre.com.

Beerworks.

A fine place to rest your feet after shopping or hiking, Beerworks serves more than 100 local, national, and international beers, from ale to port to lager. For food, you’ll find cheese plates, olives, homemade pretzels, and sandwiches. | 173 Throckmorton Ave. at Madrona St. | 94941 | 415/336–3596 | millvalleybeerworks.com.

Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival.

The festival takes place in mid-September in Old Mill Park, with live music, a kids’ stage, and artisans selling crafts, jewelry, and art. | Old Mill Park Throckmorton Ave. and Cascade Dr. | 94941 | 415/381–8090 | www.mvfaf.org.

Mill Valley Film Festival.

The well-regarded festival, held annually in early October, shows everything from features and documentaries to experimental works. | Sequoia Theater 25 Throckmorton Ave. near W. Blithedale Ave. | 415/383–5256 | www.mvff.com.

Sweetwater Saloon.

With the help of part-owner Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, this renowned club reopened in an old Masonic Hall. The location may be new, but the Sweetwater’s reputation as the best music club and bar in Marin remains. In its former life it hosted the likes of John Lee Hooker and Jerry Garcia. Today, famous as well as up-and-coming bands play nightly, and local stars such as Bonnie Raitt and Huey Lewis have been known to stop in for a pickup session. | 19 Corte Madera Ave. between Throckmorton and Lovell Aves. | 94941 | 415/388–3850.

SHOPPING IN MILL VALLEY

The area around Throckmorton Avenue downtown brims with stylish and quirky stores, indies as well as chains.

Book Passage.

This sprawling independent bookstore north of Mill Valley in Corte Madera is beloved for its many author events, with readings by notables like Alice Walker, Val McDermid, Michael Connelly, and Peter Mayle. Coffee and snacks are available at the in-store café. | The Marketplace 51 Tamal Vista Blvd. between Madera Blvd. and Wornum Dr. | Corte Madera | 94925 415/927–0960, 800/999–7909.

Jaylina’s.

Budget fashionistas flock to this chic consignment store, where Prada dresses, Seven jeans, even Chanel bags sell for reasonable prices. The items are carefully selected and easy to find; no need to rummage through crowded racks. | 19 E. Blithedale Ave. at Throckmorton Ave. | 94941 | 415/388–4682.

Summer House.

All sorts of surprises pile up here. For the home: furniture, lavish pillows, and decorative objects. For the body: scented potions and soaps. To decorate both: stunning jewelry, tableware, and tempting shirts. | 21 Throckmorton Ave. at W. Blithedale Ave. | 94941 | 415/383–6695.

Tyler Florence Shop.

Stock up here on everything you need for cooking—the celebrity chef’s shop has the works, from chicken-shape hard-boiled-egg holders to copper frying pans. If you want to escape into one of Florence’s many cookbooks, there’s a library in back with leather sofas. | 59 Throckmorton Ave. at Corte Madera Ave. | 94941 | 415/380–9200.

THE MARIN HEADLANDS

Due west of the Golden Gate Bridge’s northern end.

The term “Golden Gate” may now be synonymous with the world-famous bridge, but it originally referred to the grassy, poppy-strewn hills flanking the passageway into San Francisco Bay. To the north of the gate lie the Marin Headlands, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and the most dramatic scenery in these parts. Windswept hills plunge down to the ocean, and creek-fed thickets shelter swaying wildflowers.

The headlands stretch from the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Beach. Photographers perch on the southern headlands for shots of the city, with the bridge in the foreground and the skyline on the horizon. Equally remarkable are the views north along the coast and out to sea, where the Farallon Islands are visible on clear days. TIP Almost any of the roads, all very windy, offer great coast views, especially as you drive at higher elevations.

The headlands’ strategic position at the mouth of San Francisco Bay made them a logical site for World War II military installations. Today you can explore the crumbling concrete batteries where naval guns protected the approaches from the sea. The headlands’ main attractions are centered on Forts Barry and Cronkhite, which lie just across Rodeo Lagoon from each other. Fronting the lagoon is Rodeo Beach, a dark stretch of sand that attracts sand-castle builders and dog owners.

TIP Note: The beaches at the Marin Headlands are not safe for swimming. The giant cliffs are steep and unstable, so hiking down them can be dangerous. Stay on trails.

Getting Here and Around

Driving from San Francisco, head north on U.S. 101. Just after you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, take the Alexander Avenue exit. From there take the first left (signs read “San Francisco/U.S. 101 South”), go through the tunnel under the freeway, and turn right up the hill where the sign reads: “Forts Barry and Cronkhite.” The MuniBus 76 runs hourly from 4th and Townsend streets to the Marin Headlands Visitor Center on Sunday and major holidays only. Once here, you can explore this beautiful countryside on foot.

EXPLORING THE MARIN HEADLANDS

Green Gulch Zen Center.

Giant eucalyptus trees frame the long winding road that leads to this tranquil retreat. There are mediation programs on Sunday, workshops, and events, as well as an extensive organic garden. Visitors are welcome to roam freely through the acres of gardens that reach down toward Muir Beach. If you follow the main dirt road it will take you to a walking path that brings you to the beach. It’s a peaceful walk surrounded by trees, birds, and the ocean breeze. | 1601 Shoreline Hwy. at Green Gulch Rd. | Muir Beach | 94965 | 415/383–3134 | www.sfzc.org | Free | Tues.–Sat. 9–noon and 2–4, Sun. 9–10 am.

Hawk Hill.

Craggy Hawk Hill is the best place on the West Coast to watch the September-through-November migration of eagles, hawks, and falcons as they fly south for winter. As many as one thousand have been sighted in a single day. The viewing area is about 2 miles up Conzelman Road from U.S. 101; look for a Hawk Hill sign, right before the road becomes one way.

Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. In September and October, on rain- and fog-free weekends at noon, the folks from the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory give free lectures on Hawk Hill about the birds; a raptor-banding demonstration follows at 1. | Building 201 Fort Mason | 94123 | 415/331–0730 | www.ggro.org.

Headlands Center for the Arts.

The center’s main building, formerly the barracks, exhibits contemporary art in a rustic natural setting; the downstairs “archive room” contains objects found and created by residents, such as natural rocks, interesting glass bottles filled with collected items, and unusual masks. Stop by the industrial gallery space, two flights up, to see what the resident visual artists are up to—most of the work is quite contemporary. | Fort Barry Field and Bunker Rds. Bldg. 944 | 94965 | 415/331–2787 | www.headlands.org | Weekdays 10–5, Sun. noon–5.

Marin Headlands Visitor Center.

Open daily 9:30–4:30, the center sells a guide to historic sites and wildlife and has exhibits on the area’s history and ecology. Pick up the park newspaper for a schedule of guided walks. Kids will enjoy the “please touch” educational sites and small play area inside. | Fort Barry Field and Bunker Rds. Bldg. 948 | 94965 | 415/331–1540 | www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm.

Marine Mammal Center.

If you’re curious about the rehabilitation of sea life in the Pacific, stop by this hospital for rescued seals, sea lions, dolphins, and otters. You can glimpse the mammals convalescing in the pool out front, then visit the small gift shop. | Fort Cronkhite 2000 Bunker Rd. off U.S. 101’s Alexander Ave. exit | Sausalito | 94965 | 415/289–7325 | www.marinemammalcenter.org | Free | Daily 10–5.

Muir Beach.

Small but scenic, this beach—a rocky patch of shoreline off Highway 1 in the northern headlands—is a good place to stretch your legs and gaze out at the Pacific. Locals often walk their dogs here; families and cuddling couples come for picnicking and sunbathing. At one end of the sand is a cluster of waterfront homes, and at the other are the bluffs of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The beach itself has an interesting history. Janis Joplin’s ashes were scattered here among the sands, and this is where author Ken Kesey hosted the second of his famed Acid Tests. | 190 Pacific Way off Shoreline Highway | Muir Beach | www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/muir-beach.html.

Nike Missile Site.

For a look at a relatively recent episode in the area’s military history, head to the now defunct Nike Missile Site, above Fort Barry, which is the only accessible site of its kind in the United States. It gives you a firsthand view of menacing Hercules missiles and missile-tracking radar. On the first Sunday of each month informative tours are conducted at both the missile site and the military barracks at Fort Cronkhite. The site is closed to the public in inclement weather, so call ahead to confirm open hours. | Field Rd., off Bunker Hill Rd. | 94965 | 415/331–1453, 415/331–1540 | www.nps.gov/goga/nike-missile-site.htm | Free | Wed.–Fri. 12:30–3:30.

Point Bonita Lighthouse.

At the end of Conzelman Road, in the southern headlands, is the Point Bonita Lighthouse, a restored beauty that still guides ships to safety with its original 1855 refractory lens. Half the fun of a visit is the steep ½-mile walk from the parking area down to the lighthouse, which takes you through a rock tunnel and across a suspension bridge. Signposts along the way detail the bravado of surfmen, as the early lifeguards were called, and the tenacity of the “wickies,” the first keepers of the light. | End of Conzelman Rd. | 94965 | Free | Sat.–Mon. 12:30–3:30.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE MARIN HEADLANDS

Marin Headlands Hostel.

$ | As hostels go, it’s hard to beat this beautifully situated, well-maintained property in a valley on the north side of the headlands, the only lodging in the GGNRA that isn’t a campsite. Accommodations, inside the old military infirmary, consist of private rooms with space for up to five, or shared dorm-style rooms that sleep 6 to 22 people in bunk beds. Cook your own food in the communal kitchen and eat at a table in the giant common area near the woodstove; big windows look out onto stands of pine and eucalyptus. Couples can share rooms in a separate two-story house made cozy with couches in some rooms, comfortable wooden tables, and forest views. Don’t miss the map of the world, which reaches over a corner and across two walls in the main house. Pros: plenty of peace and quiet; Wi-Fi; rural setting. Cons: difficult to get to without a car or bike; no regular shuttle service; far from restaurants and shops. TripAdvisor: “very peaceful,” “gorgeous location and cute rustic accommodations,” “wonderful community space.” | Rooms from: $25 | 941 Fort Barry | 94965 | 415/331–2777 | www.norcalhostels.org/marin | 7 private rooms, 8 dormitory rooms; all with shared bath.

Pelican Inn.

$$$ | B&B/INN | From its slate roof to its whitewashed plaster walls, this inn looks so Tudor that it’s hard to believe it was built in the 1970s. The Pelican is English to the core, with its smallish guest rooms upstairs (no elevator), high half-tester beds draped in heavy fabrics, and bangers and grilled tomatoes for breakfast. Downstairs, the little pub pours ales and ports, and “the Snug” is a private fireplace lounge for overnight guests. At dinner in the tavernlike or solarium dining rooms ($$–$$$), keep it simple with fish-and-chips, roasted hen, or prime rib, and focus on the well-crafted wine list. Lunch is served, too . . . a good thing, since your nearest alternatives are miles away via slow, winding roads. Pros: five-minute walk to beach; great bar and restaurant; peaceful setting. Cons: 20-minute drive to nearby attractions; no Wi-Fi or wheelchair access to bedrooms. TripAdvisor: “quaint inn with lots of charm,” “very British,” “fantastic getaway.” |Rooms from: $210 | 10 Pacific Way off Hwy. 1 | Muir Beach | 94965 | 415/383–6000 | www.pelicaninn.com | 7 rooms | Breakfast.

MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

12 miles northwest of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Getting Here and Around

To get here from San Francisco by car, take U.S. 101 north across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Mill Valley/Stinson Beach exit, then follow signs to Highway 1 north. On weekends and holidays, Memorial Day through Labor Day, Golden Gate Transit operates a shuttle ($3 round-trip) from Mill Valley every half hour. Park in Marin City at the Gateway Shopping Center (look for lighted signs directing you from U.S. 101) or at the Manzanita Park-and-Ride, at the Highway 1 exit off U.S. 101 (look for the lot under the elevated freeway), or take connecting bus service from San Francisco with Golden Gate Transit. Once here, you can wander by foot through this pristine patch of nature.

EXPLORING MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT

Fodor’s Choice | Muir Woods National Monument.

One hundred fifty million years ago, ancestors of redwood and sequoia trees grew throughout the United States. Today the Sequoia sempervirens can be found only in a narrow, cool coastal belt from Monterey to Oregon. The 550 acres of Muir Woods National Monument contain some of the most majestic redwoods in the world—some nearly 250 feet tall and 1,000 years old. The stand was saved from destruction in 1905, when it was purchased by a couple who donated it to the federal government. Three years later it was named after naturalist John Muir, whose environmental campaigns helped to establish the national park system. His response: “Saving these woods from the ax and saw is in many ways the most notable service to God and man I have heard of since my forest wandering began.”

Muir Woods, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a pedestrian’s park. The trails vary in difficulty and length. Beginning from the park headquarters, a 2-mile, wheelchair-accessible loop trail crosses streams and passes ferns and azaleas, as well as magnificent redwood groves. Among the most famous are Bohemian Grove and the circular formation called Cathedral Grove. On summer weekends, visitors oohing and aahing in a dozen languages line the trail. If you prefer a little serenity, consider the challenging Dipsea Trail, which climbs west from the forest floor to soothing views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. For a complete list of trails, check with rangers, who can also help you pick the best one for your ability level.

TIP The weather in Muir Woods is usually cool and often wet, so wear warm clothes and shoes appropriate for damp trails. Picnicking and camping aren’t allowed, and pets aren’t permitted. Parking can be difficult here—the lots are small and the crowds are large—so try to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The fine Muir Woods Visitor Center has books and exhibits about redwood trees and the woods’ history. | 1 Muir Woods Trail off Panoramic Hwy. | Mill Valley | 94941 | 415/388–2595 park information, 415/925–4501 shuttle information | www.nps.gov/muwo | $7 | Daily 8 am–sunset.

MT. TAMALPAIS STATE PARK

16 miles northwest of Golden Gate Bridge.

Getting Here and Around

By car, take the Highway 1–Stinson Beach exit off U.S. 101 and follow the road west and then north. From San Francisco the trip can take from 30 minutes up to an hour, depending on traffic. By bus, take the 10, 70 or 80 to Marin City; in Marin City transfer to the West Marin Stagecoach (415/226–0855 | www.marintransit.org/stage.html). Once here, the only way to explore is on foot or by bike.

EXPLORING MT. TAMALPAIS STATE PARK

Mt. Tamalpais State Park.

Although the summit of Mt. Tamalpais is only 2,571 feet high, the mountain rises practically from sea level, dominating the topography of Marin County. Adjacent to Muir Woods National Monument, Mt. Tamalpais State Park affords views of the entire Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The mountain was sacred to Native Americans, who saw in its profile—as you can see today—the silhouette of a sleeping Indian maiden. Locals fondly refer to it as the “Sleeping Lady.” For years the 6,300-acre park has been a favorite destination for hikers. There are more than 200 miles of trails, some rugged but many developed for easy walking through meadows, grasslands, and forests and along creeks. Mt. Tam, as it’s called by locals, is also the birthplace (in the 1970s) of mountain biking, and today many spandex-clad bikers whiz down the park’s winding roads.

The park’s major thoroughfare, the Panoramic Highway, snakes its way up from U.S. 101 to the Pantoll Ranger Station (Pantoll Rd.). The office is staffed sporadically, depending on funding. From the ranger station, the Panoramic Highway drops down to the town of Stinson Beach. Pantoll Road branches off the highway at the station, connecting up with Ridgecrest Boulevard. Along these roads are numerous parking areas, picnic spots, scenic overlooks, and trailheads. Parking is free along the roadside, but there’s a fee at the ranger station and at some of the other parking lots.

The Mountain Theater (Richardson Blvd. off Panoramic Hwy.), also known as the Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, is a natural amphitheater with terraced stone seats (for nearly 4,000 people) constructed in its current form by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

The Rock Spring Trail starts at the Mountain Theater and gently climbs about 1¾ mile to the West Point Inn, once a stop on the Mt. Tam railroad route. Relax at a picnic table and stock up on water before forging ahead, via Old Railroad Grade Fire Road and the Miller Trail, to Mt. Tam’s Middle Peak, about 2 miles uphill.

Starting from the Pan Toll Ranger Station, the precipitous Steep Ravine Trail brings you past stands of coastal redwoods and, in the springtime, numerous small waterfalls. Take the connecting Dipsea Trail to reach the town of Stinson Beach and its swath of golden sand. If you’re too weary to make the 3½-mile trek back up, Golden Gate Transit Bus 63 (Saturday, Sunday, and holidays from mid-March through early December) takes you from Stinson Beach back to the ranger station. | Pantoll Ranger Station 3801 Panoramic Hwy. at Pantoll Rd. | 94941 | 415/388–2070 | www.parks.ca.gov.

NIGHTLIFE AND THE ARTS IN MT. TAMALPAIS STATE PARK

Mountain Play.

Every May and June, locals tote overstuffed picnic baskets to the Mountain Theater to see the Mountain Play, popular musicals such as The Music Man and My Fair Lady. Depending on the play, this can be a great family activity. Summer 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of this Bay Area tradition. | Richardson Blvd. off Panoramic Hwy. | 94941 | 415/383–1100 | www.mountainplay.org | $40.

STINSON BEACH

20 miles northwest of Golden Gate Bridge.

Getting Here and Around

If you’re driving, take the Highway 1–Stinson Beach exit off U.S. 101 and follow the road west and then north. The journey from San Francisco can take from 35 minutes to more than an hour, depending on traffic. By bus, take the 10, 70, or 80 to Marin City; in Marin City transfer to the West Marin Stagecoach. The intimate town is perfect for casual walking.

EXPLORING STINSON BEACH

Stinson Beach.

Stinson Beach is the most expansive stretch of sand in Marin County. It’s as close (when the fog hasn’t rolled in) as you can get to the stereotypical feel of a Southern California beach. TIP Swimming here is recommended only from early May through September, when lifeguards are on duty, because the undertow can be strong and shark sightings, although infrequent, aren’t unusual. There are several clothing-optional areas (such as Red Rock Beach). On any hot summer weekend, every road to Stinson Beach is jam-packed, so factor this into your plans. The town itself is down to earth—like tonier Mill Valley, but more relaxed. | 1 Calle Del Sierra off Shoreline Hwy. 1 | 94970.

WHERE TO EAT AND STAY IN STINSON BEACH

Parkside Cafe.

$$ | AMERICAN | The Parkside is popular for its beachfront snack bar (cash only), but inside is Stinson’s best restaurant, with classic Cal-cuisine offerings such as the day-boat-scallop and ceviche appetizers, and mains like the lamb with goat-cheese-stuffed red peppers. Breakfast is served until 2 pm. Creeping vines on the sunny patio shelter diners from the wind; for a cozier atmosphere eat by the fire in the dining room. | Average main: $20 | 43 Arenal Ave. off Shoreline Hwy. 1 | 94970 | 415/868–1272.

Sand Dollar.

$ | AMERICAN | The town’s oldest restaurant still attracts all the old salts from Muir Beach to Bolinas, but these days they sip whiskey over an up-to-date bar or beneath market umbrellas on the spiffy deck. The food is good—try the panfried sand dabs (small flatfish) and pear salad with blue cheese—but the big draw is the lively atmosphere. Musicians play on weekends in summer, and on sunny afternoons the deck gets so packed that people sit on the fence rails sipping beer. | Average main: $13 | 3458 Shoreline Hwy. | 94970 | 415/868–0434 | No lunch Tues. Nov.–Mar.

The Sandpiper.

$$ | B&B/INN | Recharge, rest, and enjoy the local scenery at this ultra-popular lodging that books up months, even years, in advance. In addition to the pristine motel rooms, there are four adorable cabins with fireplaces. Some rooms have kitchenettes. Pros: bright rooms; lush gardens; minutes from the beach. Cons: not exactly on the beach; walls are thin. TripAdvisor: “hospitable,” “ideal spot for quiet beach vacation,” “peaceful getaway.” Rooms from: $180 | 1 Marine Way at Arenal Ave. | 415/868–1632 | www.sandpiperstinsonbeach.com | 10 rooms.

Stinson Beach Motel.

$$ | B&B/INN | Built in the 1930s, this motel surrounds three courtyards that burst with flowering greenery, and rooms are immaculate, simple, and summery, with freshly painted walls, good mattresses, and some kitchenettes. The motel is on the main drag, so it’s convenient to everything in town, but it can get loud on busy summer weekend days. TIP Room 3 has the most privacy, though all rooms face a central courtyard, not the street. Weekday room rates ($95–$175) are a bargain for the north coast. Pros: minutes from the beach; cozy, unpretentious rooms. Cons: smaller rooms feel cramped; some of the linens need replacing; spotty Wi-Fi. TripAdvisor: “great place,” “bring your sense of humor,” “tiny but nice rooms.” | Rooms from: $170 | 3416 Shoreline Hwy. 1 | 94970 | 415/868–1712 | www.stinsonbeachmotel.com | 7 rooms.

EN ROUTE | Audubon Canyon Ranch. Audubon Canyon Ranch, a 1,000-acre wildlife sanctuary along the Bolinas Lagoon, gets the most traffic during late spring, when great blue herons and egrets nest in the evergreens covering the hillside. It’s a spectacular sight to see these large birds in white and gray, dotting the tops of the trees. Quiet trails through the rest of the preserve offer tremendous vistas of the Bolinas Lagoon and Stinson Beach and fabulous birding. Access to these areas is available only on guided nature walks, well worth it if you can get a space. A small museum, open all year, surveys the region’s geology and natural history. | 4900 Shoreline Hwy. 1 between Stinson Beach and Bolinas | 94970 | 415/868–9244 www.egret.org | $10 suggested donation | Mid-Mar.–mid-July, weekends 10–4; and by appointment Tues.–Fri.

BOLINAS

7 miles north of Stinson Beach.

The tiny town of Bolinas wears its 1960s idealism on its sleeve, attracting potters, poets, and peace lovers to its quiet streets. With a funky gallery, a general store selling organic produce, a café, and an offbeat saloon, the main thoroughfare, Wharf Road, looks like a hippie-fied version of Main Street, USA.

Getting Here and Around

Bolinas isn’t difficult to find: heading north from Stinson Beach follow Highway 1 west and then north. Make a left at the first road just past the Bolinas Lagoon (Olema–Bolinas Road), and then turn left at the stop sign. The road dead-ends smack-dab in the middle of town. By bus, take the 10, 70, or 80 to Marin City; in Marin City transfer to the West Marin Stagecoach. Walking is the only way to see this small town.

WHERE TO EAT IN BOLINAS

Coast Cafe.

$$ | AMERICAN | Decked out in a nautical theme with surfboards and buoys, the dining room at the Coast serves dependably good American fare, including specials such as shepherd’s pie, pot roast, local fresh fish, grass-fed steaks, and gorgeous salads. The café is open for breakfast on weekends. | Average main: $16 | 46 Wharf Rd. off Olema–Bolinas Rd. | 94924 | 415/868–2298 | www.bolinascafe.com.

POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

Bear Valley Visitor Center is 12 miles north of Bolinas.

Getting Here and Around

From San Francisco, take U.S. 101 north, head west at Sir Francis Drake Boulevard (Exit 450B), and follow the road just under 20 miles to Bear Valley Road. From Stinson Beach or Bolinas, drive north on Highway 1 and turn left on Bear Valley Road. If you’re going by bus, take the 10, 70, or 80 to Marin City; in Marin City transfer to the West Marin Stagecoach. Once at the visitor center, the best way to get around is on foot.

EXPLORING POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

Fodor’s Choice | Point Reyes National Seashore.

One of the Bay Area’s most spectacular treasures and the only national seashore on the West Coast, the 66,500-acre Point Reyes National Seashore encompasses hiking trails, secluded beaches, and rugged grasslands as well as Point Reyes itself, a triangular peninsula that juts into the Pacific. The town of Point Reyes Station is a quaint, one-main-drag affair, with a charming bakery, some good gift shops with locally made and imported goods, and a few places to eat. It’s nothing fancy, but that’s part of its relaxed charm.

When explorer Sir Francis Drake sailed along the California coast in 1579, he missed the Golden Gate and San Francisco Bay, but he did land at what he described as a convenient harbor, now thought to be Drake’s Bay, which flanks the point on the east. Today Point Reyes’s hills and dramatic cliffs attract other kinds of explorers: hikers, whale-watchers, and solitude seekers.

The infamous San Andreas Fault runs along the eastern edge of the park and up the center of Tomales Bay; take the short Earthquake Trail from the visitor center to see the impact near the epicenter of the 1906 earthquake that devastated San Francisco. A ½-mile path from the visitor center leads to Kule Loklo, a brilliantly reconstructed Miwok village that sheds light on the daily lives of the region’s first inhabitants. From here, trails also lead to the park’s free campgrounds (camping permits are required).

TIP In late winter and spring, take the short walk at Chimney Rock, just before the lighthouse, to the Elephant Seal Overlook. Even from the cliff, the male seals look enormous as they spar for resident females.

You can experience the diversity of Point Reyes’s ecosystems on the scenic Coast Trail, which starts at the Palomarin Trailhead, just outside Bolinas. From here it’s a 3-mile trek through eucalyptus groves and pine forests and along seaside cliffs to beautiful and tiny Bass Lake. To reach the Palomarin Trailhead, take Olema–Bolinas Road toward Bolinas, follow signs to the Point Reyes Bird Observatory, and then continue until the road dead-ends.

The 4.7-mile-long (one-way) Tomales Point Trail follows the spine of the park’s northernmost finger of land through a Tule Elk Preserve, providing spectacular ocean views from the high bluffs. Expect to see elk, but keep your distance from the animals. To reach the fairly easy hiking trail, look for the Pierce Point Road turnoff on the right, just north of the town of Inverness; park at the end of the road by the old ranch buildings. | 94956 | www.nps.gov/pore.

Bear Valley Visitor Center.

The center’s informative exhibits explain the park’s wildlife and history. Rangers here dispense information about beaches, whale-watching, hiking trails, and camping. | Bear Valley Visitor Center Access Rd. west of Hwy. 1 | 94956 | 415/464–5100 | www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit | Weekdays 9–5; weekends 8–5.

Duxbury Reef.

Mile-long Duxbury Reef is the largest shale intertidal reef in North America. Look for starfish, barnacles, sea anemones, purple urchins, limpets, sea mussels, and the occasional abalone. But check a tide table (www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/marine.php) or the local papers if you plan to explore the reef—it’s accessible only at low tide. To get here, take Mesa Road and turn left onto Overlook Drive and then right on Elm Avenue. | 94956.

Point Reyes Bird Observatory.

Birders adore the observatory, which lies in the southernmost part of Point Reyes National Seashore and is accessed through Bolinas. (Those not interested in birds might find it ho-hum.) The compact visitor center has excellent interpretive exhibits, including a comparative display of real birds’ talons, and the surrounding woods, well worth a visit, harbor more than 200 bird species. As you hike the quiet trails through forest and along ocean cliffs, you’re likely to see biologists banding birds to aid in the study of their life cycles. | Mesa Rd. | Bolinas | 94924 | 415/868–0655 | www.prbo.org | Free | Daily 9–5.

Point Reyes Lighthouse.

In operation since December 1, 1870, this lighthouse is one of the premier attractions of the Point Reyes National Seashore. It occupies the tip of Point Reyes, 22 miles from the Bear Valley Visitor Center, a scenic 45-minute drive over hills scattered with longtime cattle ranches. The lighthouse originally cast a rotating beam lighted by four wicks that burned lard oil. Keeping the wicks lighted and the lens soot-free in Point Reyes’s perpetually foggy climate was a constant struggle that reputedly drove the early attendants to alcoholism and insanity. On busy whale-watching weekends (late December through mid-April), parking at the forged-iron-plate lighthouse may be restricted by park staff; on these days buses shuttle visitors from the Drakes Beach lot to the top of the stairs leading down to the lighthouse (bus $5, admission free). Once there, consider whether you have it in you to walk down—and up—the 308 steps to the lighthouse. The view from the bottom is worth the effort, but the whales are visible from the cliffs above the lighthouse. | Western end of Sir Francis Drake Blvd. | 415/669–1534 | Thurs.–Mon. 10–4:30; weather lens room 2:30–4, except during very windy weather.

WHERE TO EAT IN POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

Café Reyes.

$ | ECLECTIC | In a triangular, semi-industrial room with glazed concrete floors and ceilings high enough to accommodate several full-size market umbrellas, you can mix and match Californian and international flavors. Wood-fired pizzas are the specialty. Sandwiches and salads are generous. On nice days, head for the outdoor patio. | Average main: $12 | 11101 Hwy. 1 | Point Reyes Station | 94956 | 415/663–9493.

Pine Cone Diner.

$ | AMERICAN | A block off the main drag, this oh-so-cute diner serves great traditional breakfasts as well as Mexican specialties such as huevos rancheros. At lunch expect hearty homemade soups, fresh salads, and thick sandwiches, all made with local, organic ingredients. TIP Kids love the outdoor picnic tables. | Average main: $11 | 60 4th St. at B St. | Point Reyes Station | 94956 | 415/663–1536 | www.pineconediner.com | No dinner.

Priscilla’s Pizzeria & Cafe.

$ | PIZZA | This casual eatery in Inverness is a good stop for a quick bite: pizza, sandwiches, salad, pastries, and espresso. A different soup is offered daily along with vegetarian options, and desserts offered from local bakeries. Soy cheese adds a twist on their handcrafted pizza. You can get the crust stretched thin if you ask. Be aware that the owners shut down for a two-week vacation each February. | Average main: $12 | 12785 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. | Inverness | 94937 | 415/669–1244 | Closed 2 wks in Feb.

Station House Cafe.

$$ | AMERICAN | In good weather, hikers fresh from the park fill the Station House’s garden to enjoy alfresco dining, and on weekends there’s not a spare seat on the banquettes in the dining room. The focus is on local, seasonal, and sustainable food: oyster shooters, Niman Ranch braised lamb, Californian white sea bass, and sweet bread pudding are the standbys. The place is also open for breakfast, and there’s a full bar. | Average main: $22 | 11180 Hwy. 1 | Point Reyes Station | 94956 | 415/663–1515 | www.stationhousecafe.com | Closed Wed.

Tomales Bay Foods.

$$$ | AMERICAN | A renovated hay barn off the main drag houses this collection of food shops, a favorite stopover among Bay Area foodies. Watch workers making Cowgirl Creamery cheese; then buy some at a counter that sells exquisite artisanal cheeses from around the world. Tomales Bay Foods showcases local organic fruits and vegetables and premium packaged foods, and the kitchen turns the best ingredients into creative sandwiches, salads, and soups. You can eat at a small café table or on the lawn. The shops are open until 6 pm. | Average main: $23 | 80 4th St. at B. St. | Point Reyes Station | 94956 | 415/663–9335 cheese shop, 415/663–8478 deli | Closed Mon. and Tues.

WHERE TO STAY IN POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

Inverness Valley Inn.

$$ | B&B/INN | Amid a 15-acre valley on the north end of town, this secluded getaway offers spacious private cabins with patios that are perfect for sunset barbecues and leisurely breakfasts. The cabins are modern, eco-friendly and well lighted, with large windows and impressive skylights. The inn is ideal for families who want extra space and a kitchen (or kitchenette) for cooking. For those hankering for a taste of farm life, in the back of the property there are chickens, sheep, and goats. Pros: spacious accommodations; great place to bring kids. Cons: 3-plus miles from downtown Inverness; small pool. TripAdvisor: “cozy,” “laid-back atmosphere,” “welcoming hostess and location.” | Rooms from: $160 | 13275 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. | Inverness | 94937 | 415/669–7250 | www.invernessvalleyinn.com | 20 cabins.

Fodor’s Choice | Manka’s Inverness Lodge.

$$$$ | B&B/INN | Chef-owner Margaret Grade takes rustic fantasy to extravagant heights in her 1917 hunting lodge and cabins, where mica-shaded lamps cast an amber glow, and bearskin rugs warm wide-planked floors. Each element—featherbeds, deep leather armchairs, huge soaking tubs—bespeaks sensuous indulgence, but this is a private hideaway, not a swanky resort. Dinner is available for lodging guests only in the form of a fireside supper or in-room picnic. Locally sourced and seasonal ingredients from within a 15-mile radius make for boldly flavorful dishes that change daily according to what comes in from farmers, fishermen, and foragers. Succulent meats reign, but vegetarians can ask for adjustments to the $58 prix-fixe menu. Pros: extremely romantic, remote and quiet. Cons: no on-site restaurant; sounds from neighboring room are easily heard. TripAdvisor: “pristine oasis in Inverness,” “rustic luxury,” “relaxed setting.” | Rooms from: $450 | 30 Callendar Way at Argyle Way | Inverness | 94937 | 415/669–1034 | www.mankas.com | 8 rooms, 1 boathouse, 4 cabins.

Motel Inverness.

$$ | B&B/INN | This roadside row of rooms has everything a small-town motel should offer: friendly management; spotless, thoughtfully maintained accommodations (some quite small); and extras that add real value. Some rooms have a small kitchen with cooking utensils. The lodge, a window-lined common room with skylighted cathedral ceiling, has a fireplace, big-screen TV, billiards table, kitchenette, and well-maintained fish tank. Sliding glass doors open to a deck overlooking Tomales Bay. For $400 you can have the two-story suite (sleeps four) and its two decks, full kitchen, fireplace, and jetted tub; $500 rents you the ornate Dacha, a three-bedroom Russian-style house on stilts over the bay. Pros: great views of Tomales Bay; comfy communal lodge with fireplace and pool table. Cons: some of the rooms are on the small side; the bedding could use a makeover. | Rooms from: $150 | 12718 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. | Inverness | 94937 | 415/669–1081, 888/669–6909 | www.motelinverness.com | 7 rooms, 2 suites, 1 house.

Olema Druids Hall.

$$$$ | B&B/INN | Set on a quiet hill beneath towering eucalyptus trees, the inn, built in 1885 as a meeting hall for the Ancient Order of Druids, now holds gorgeously appointed rooms, each of which seems like a designer showcase. Antique furniture matches perfectly with stylish modern pieces and fine art, and 14-foot ceilings and marble baths enhance the sense of grandeur. In the morning, wake up to the smell of freshly baked breakfast breads, which you can enjoy with strong coffee by the fire or outside in the grassy yard. Pros: heated hardwood floors; wood-burning fireplaces. Cons: not much to do at night; some traffic noise. TripAdvisor: “comfortable luxury,” “old-world heaven,” “casual and comfortable.” | Rooms from: $325 | 9870 Shoreline Hwy. Box 96 | Olema | 94950 | 415/663–8727, 866/554–4255 | www.olemadruidshall.com | 3 rooms, 1 suite, 1 cottage | Breakfast.

Olema Inn & Restaurant.

$$$ | B&B/INN | Built in 1876, this inn retains all of its 19th-century architectural charm but has been decorated in a sophisticated, uncluttered style. The spartan, understated rooms have antique armoires and sumptuous beds with crisp linens; the white-tile baths have gleaming fixtures. But the main attraction is the top-notch Northern California cooking served in the restaurant ($$$, reservations essential). The preparations of organic, local, and free-range ingredients include fresh oysters, pork chops with apple-cider glaze, and ricotta gnocchi. TIP Come on Monday, locals’ night, when the place hops with live music and you can dine on delectable small plates. Pros: great restaurant; magnificent scenery. Cons: no elevator means carrying your luggage up the stairs; the carpets need to be replaced. TripAdvisor: “clean and quiet,” “amazing hospitality,” “largely very nice.” | Rooms from: $222 | 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. | Olema | 94950 | 415/663–9559 | www.theolemainn.com | 6 rooms | Closed Tues. No lunch weekdays.

Point Reyes Hostel.

$$$ | This dorm-style lodging (separate quarters for men and women) in an old wood-sided ranch house is the only lodge within the national seashore. A bit worn around the edges, the rooms are a bit barrackslike with scratched but serviceable furniture and curtains instead of doors in the women’s bathrooms. There’s a friendly, lodgelike feel as guests gather around the small table to eat at night. There’s also a separate bunkhouse with two dorm rooms and two bathrooms. The only private lodging is in the family-size guest room ($58), limited to those with children five and under; it must be reserved well in advance. Be aware that the drive to the top of the peak is steep and winding. Pros: affordable; 7.4-miles from Limantour Beach. Cons: rooms need updating; bunk beds and boy/girl quarters leave something to be desired. | Rooms from: $24 | Off Limantour Rd., 5.5 miles from Bear Valley Rd., Box 247 | Point Reyes Station | 94956 | 415/663–8811 | www.norcalhostels.org | 44 beds.

Ten Inverness Way.

$$ | B&B/INN | This is the kind of down-to-earth place where you sit around after breakfast and share tips for hiking Point Reyes or linger around the living room with its stone fireplace and library. Some rooms have dormer ceilings with skylights; patchwork quilts, folksy murals, and well-worn antiques are among the homespun touches. Wine and cheese and fresh-baked cookies are nice extras. TIP The innkeepers also lead guided hikes of the park. No children under 12, except in the suite. Pros: great base for exploring nearby wilderness; peaceful garden and friendly staff. Cons: overly folksy decor; some rooms are on the small side; poor cell-phone reception. TripAdvisor: “romantic,” “great host,” “lovely setting.” | Rooms from: $182 | 10 Inverness Way | Inverness | 94937 | 415/669–1648 | www.teninvernessway.com | 4 rooms, 1 suite.

SPORTS AND THE OUTDOORS IN POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE

Blue Waters Kayaking.

This outfit rents kayaks and offers tours and lessons. | 12938 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. | Inverness | 94937 | 415/669–2600 | www.bwkayak.com.

Five Brooks Stable.

Tour guides here lead horse rides lasting from one to six hours; trails from the stable wind through Point Reyes National Seashore and along the beaches. | 8001 Hwy. 1 north of town | Olema | 94950 | 415/663–1570 | www.fivebrooks.com | $40–$240.

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Oakland | Berkeley

When San Franciscans refer to it, the East Bay often means nothing more than what you can see across the bay from the city—mainly Oakland and Berkeley, both of which are in Alameda County. In fact, the East Bay stretches north and east of Alameda to Contra Costa County, which itself has emerged as a powerful business nexus.

OAKLAND

Directly east of Bay Bridge.

Often overshadowed by San Francisco’s beauty and Berkeley’s storied counterculture, Oakland’s allure lies in its amazing diversity. Here you can find a Nigerian clothing store, a beautifully renovated Victorian home, a Buddhist meditation center, and a lively salsa club, all within the same block. Oakland’s multifaceted nature reflects its colorful and often tumultuous history. Once a cluster of Mediterranean-style homes and gardens that served as a bedroom community for San Francisco, the city became a hub of shipbuilding and industry almost overnight when the United States entered World War II. New jobs in the city’s shipyards and factories attracted thousands of workers, including some of the first female welders, and the city’s neighborhoods were imbued with a proud but gritty spirit. In the 1960s and ’70s this intense community pride gave rise to such militant groups as the Black Panther Party and the Symbionese Liberation Army, but they were little match for the economic hardships and racial tensions that plagued Oakland. In many neighborhoods the reality was widespread poverty and gang violence—subjects that dominated the songs of such Oakland-bred rappers as the late Tupac Shakur. The highly publicized protests of the Occupy Oakland movement in 2011 and 2012 illustrated just how much Oakland remains a mosaic of its past.

The affluent reside in the city’s hillside homes, which provide a warmer, more spacious, and more affordable alternative to San Francisco, and a constant flow of newcomers—many from Central America and Asia—ensures continued diversity, vitality, and growing pains. Many neighborhoods to the west and south of the city center remain run-down and unsafe, but a renovated downtown area—sparking a vibrant arts scene—and the thriving though sterile Jack London Square have injected new energy into the city.

Everyday life here revolves around the neighborhood, with a main business strip attracting both shoppers and strollers. In some areas, such as high-end Piedmont and Rockridge, you’d swear you were in Berkeley or San Francisco’s Noe Valley or Cow Hollow. These are perfect places for browsing, eating, or just relaxing between sightseeing trips to Oakland’s architectural gems, rejuvenated waterfront, and numerous green spaces. Between Rockridge and Piedmont and to the west, you can find the Temescal District, along Telegraph Avenue just south of 51st Street, where interesting eateries and shops are beginning to congregate.

Essentials

Visitor Information

Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau.

463 11th St. | 94607 | 510/839–9000 | www.oaklandcvb.com.

Getting Here and Around

Driving from San Francisco, take I–80 East across the Bay Bridge, then take I–580 to the Grand Avenue exit for Lake Merritt. To reach downtown and the waterfront, take I–980 from I–580 and exit at 12th Street.

By BART, use the Lake Merritt Station for the Oakland Museum and southern Lake Merritt; the Oakland City Center–12th Street Station for downtown, Chinatown, and Old Oakland; and the 19th Street Station for the Paramount Theatre and the north side of Lake Merritt.

By bus, take the AC Transit’s C and P lines to get to Piedmont in Oakland. The O bus stops at the edge of Chinatown near downtown Oakland. Once you arrive, be aware of how quickly neighborhoods can change. Walking is safe and advised downtown as well as in the Piedmont and Rockridge areas, but avoid walking west and south of downtown.

EXPLORING OAKLAND

Chinatown.

Across Broadway from Old Oakland but worlds apart, Chinatown is a densely packed, bustling neighborhood. Unlike its San Francisco counterpart, Oakland’s Chinatown makes no concessions to tourists; you won’t find baskets of trinkets lining the sidewalk and souvenir displays in the shop windows. But supermarkets such as Yuen Hop Noodle Company and Asian Food Products (824 Webster St.), open since 1931, overflow with goodies. And the line for sweets, breads, and towering cakes snakes out the door of Napoleon Super Bakery (810 Franklin St.)|94607.

Fox Theater.

The Fox Theater, an art deco movie palace built in 1928, sat decaying and mostly unused for decades until the last of several redevelopment schemes culminated in a stunning renovation. The Mediterranean Moorish–style Fox and its attached buildings contain the main theater, these days used for music concerts; a charter arts school; and a restaurant space. The theater’s restoration helped revive what’s known as the Uptown neighborhood. | 1807 Telegraph Ave., at 18th St., Uptown | www.thefoxoakland.com.

Jack London Square.

Shops, restaurants, small museums, and historic sites line Jack London Square, which is named after one of California’s best-known authors; London wrote The Call of the Wild and The Sea Wolf, among many other books. When he lived in Oakland, he spent many a day boozing and brawling in the waterfront area, most notably at the tiny, wonderful Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon (48 Webster St., at Embarcadero West | 510/839–6761). The saloon has been serving since 1883, although it’s a little worse for wear since the 1906 earthquake. Next door is the Klondike cabin in which London spent a summer in the late 1890s. The cabin was moved from Alaska and reassembled here in 1970.

TIP The square is an obvious spot for tourists to visit and it’s worth a peek if you take a ferry that docks here; to really get a feel for Oakland, though, you’re better off browsing downtown, or at least in Rockridge. | Embarcadero West at Broadway | 866/295–9853 | www.jacklondonsquare.com.

Lake Merritt.

Joggers and power-walkers charge along the 3-mile path that encircles this 155-acre natural saltwater lake in downtown Oakland. Crew teams often glide across the water, and boatmen guide snuggling couples in authentic Venetian gondolas. Lakeside Park, which surrounds the north side of Lake Merritt, has several outdoor attractions, including a cute children’s park and a waterfowl refuge. Herons, egrets, geese, and ducks nest here in spring and summer, and migrating birds pass through from September through February. Year-round, you can watch birds being fed daily at 3:30 pm. Look for the sign that says “Sailboat House, Gondola Servizio.” Gondola fares start at $40 per couple for 30 minutes. | Lakeside Park, Bellevue and Grand Aves. | 94610

Oakland Museum of California.

One of Oakland’s top attractions, the museum showcases the state’s art, history, and natural wonders in absorbing, detailed exhibits. You can travel through myriad ecosystems in the Natural Sciences Gallery, from the sand dunes of the Pacific to the coyotes and brush of the Nevada border. Kids love the lifelike wild-animal exhibits, especially the snarling wolverine, big-eyed harbor seal, and trove of hidden creatures. The rambling Cowell Hall of California History includes everything from Spanish-era armor to a small but impressive collection of vintage vehicles, including a gorgeous, candy-apple-red “Mystery” car from the 1960s and a gleaming red, gold, and silver fire engine that battled the flames in San Francisco in 1906. The Gallery of California Art holds an eclectic collection of modern works and early landscapes. Of particular interest are paintings by Richard Diebenkorn, Joan Brown, Elmer Bischoff, and David Park, all members of the Bay Area Figurative School, which flourished here after World War II. Fans of Dorothea Lange won’t want to miss the gallery’s comprehensive collection of her work. The museum also has a sculpture garden with a view of the Oakland and Berkeley hills in the distance. | 1000 Oak St., at 10th St. | 94607 | 510/238–2200 | www.museumca.org | $12, free 1st Sun. of month | Wed.–Sun. 11–5.

Old Oakland.

In the shadow of the convention center and towering downtown hotels, Old Oakland was once a booming business district. Today the restored Victorian storefronts lining four historic blocks house restaurants, cafés, shops, galleries, and a lively three-block farmers’ market, which takes place Friday morning. Architectural consistency distinguishes the area from surrounding streets and lends it a distinct neighborhood feel. The Italian grocer Ratto’s International Market (827 Washington St. | 510/832–6503) has been in business for more than a century. Stop in for a deli sandwich there, or head over to the genial Pacific Coast Brewing Company (906 Washington St. | 510/836–2739) for a microbrew on the patio.

Paramount Theatre.

Some truly stunning examples of late art-deco architecture can be found in the Uptown (but still downtown) neighborhood around the 19th Street BART station. Some of these buildings have fallen into disrepair, but the Paramount Theatre, perhaps the most glorious art-deco specimen in the city, if not the entire Bay Area, still operates as a venue for concerts and performances of all kinds, from the Oakland East Bay Symphony to Tom Waits and Elvis Costello. You can take a two-hour tour of the building, which starts near the box office on 21st Street at 10 am on the first and third Saturday of each month. | 2025 Broadway, at 20th St., Uptown | 94612 | 510/465–6400 | www.paramounttheatre.com | Tour $5.

Redwood Regional Park.

Sequoia sempervirens, or coastal redwoods, grow to 150 feet tall in Redwood Regional Park, one of the few spots in the Bay Area that escaped timber-hungry loggers in the 19th century. The 1,836-acre park has forested picnic spots and dozens of hiking trails, including part of the 31-mile Skyline National Trail, which links Redwood to four other parks in the Berkeley–Oakland hills. From downtown Oakland take Interstate 580 east toward Hayward, exit at 35th Avenue/MacArthur Boulevard, and then take 35th Avenue east (which becomes Redwood Road). Watch for a park entrance on the left, 3 to 4 miles down the road. | 7867 Redwood Rd. | 94619 | 888/327–2757 | www.ebparks.org/parks/redwood | $5 per vehicle, $4 per trailered vehicle | Daily 8 am–9 pm.

Rockridge.

The upscale neighborhood of Rockridge is one of Oakland’s most desirable places to live. Explore the tree-lined streets that radiate out from College Avenue just north and south of the Rockridge BART station for a look at California bungalow architecture at its finest. By day College Avenue between Broadway and Alcatraz Avenue is crowded with shoppers buying fresh flowers, used books, and clothing; by night the same folks are back for dinner and locally brewed ales in the numerous restaurants and pubs. With its pricey specialty-food shops, Market Hall, an airy European-style marketplace at Shafter Avenue, is a hub of culinary activity.

WHERE TO EAT IN OAKLAND

À Côté.

$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | This place for Mediterranean food is all about small plates, cozy tables, family-style eating—and truly excellent food. The butternut-squash ravioli, Alsatian goose sausage, and pear-and-walnut flat bread are all lovely choices. And you won’t find a better plate of pommes frites anywhere. The restaurant offers more than 40 wines by the glass. Desserts here are tempting: try the warm crème-fraîche pound cake with apple confit, vanilla ice cream, and huckleberry sauce or a tangy pomegranate sorbet. The heavy wooden tables, cool tiles, and natural light make this a coveted destination for students, families, couples, and after-work crowds. | Average main: $18 | 5478 College Ave., at Taft Ave., Rockridge | 94618 | 510/655–6469 | Reservations not accepted | No lunch.

Brown Sugar Kitchen.

$ | AMERICAN | Chef and owner Tanya Holland uses local, organic, and seasonal products to craft meals influenced by her African-American heritage and her culinary education in France. Holland blends sweet and savory flavors like no one else, and pairs her dishes with well-chosen wines. The dining room is fresh and bright, with a long, sleek counter, red-leather stools, and spacious booths and tables. This is the place to come for chicken and waffles. | Average main: $13 | 2534 Mandela Pkwy., at 26th St., West Oakland | 94607 | 510/839–7685 | www.brownsugarkitchen.com | Closed Mon. No dinner.

Camino.

$$$ | AMERICAN | The first solo venture of chef-owner Russell Moore (a Chez Panisse alum of 21 years) and co-owner Allison Hopelain focuses on simple, seasonal, and straightforward dishes cooked in the enormous, crackling camino (Italian for “fireplace”). Everything is made with top-notch ingredients, including local sardines; grilled lamb and sausage with shell beans; and grilled white sea bass with green beans and new potatoes. The menu changes nightly and includes vegetarian options such as eggplant gratin. The restaurant is decorated in a Craftsman-meets-refectory style, with brick walls and two long redwood communal tables. Seasonally inspired cocktails from the small bar are not to be missed; the gin-based drink with house-made cherry and hibiscus bitters is notably delicious. | Average main: $24 | 3917 Grand Ave., at Boulevard Way, Lake Merritt | 94610 | 510/547–5035 | Closed Tues. No lunch (weekend brunch 10–2).

Doña Tomás.

$$ | MEXICAN | A neighborhood favorite, this spot in Oakland’s up-and-coming Temescal District serves seasonal Mexican fare to a hip but low-key crowd. Mexican textiles and art adorn walls in two long rooms; there’s also a vine-covered patio. Banish all images of taquería grub and tuck into starters such as quesadillas filled with butternut squash and goat cheese and entrées such as albondigas en sopa de zanahoria (pork-and-beef meatballs in carrot puree). A fine selection of tequilas rounds out the offerings. | Average main: $18 | 5004 Telegraph Ave., near 51st St. | 94609 | 510/450–0522 | Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch.

L’Amyx Tea Bar.

$ | CAFÉ | Light through the large windows bathes the blond-wood tables, comfy chairs, and long bar, all filled with absorbed students, chatting friends, and tired shoppers in need of a boost. A small area in the back sells first-rate tea accoutrements, but sink into a couch or private nook to bask in much more than the usual cuppa. Try a tea smoothie or an herbal remedy such as Tealaxation. | Average main: $4 | 4179 Piedmont Ave., at Linda Ave., Piedmont | 94611 | 510/594–8322.

Le Cheval Restaurant.

$ | VIETNAMESE | This is a good place to sample pho, Hanoi-style beef noodle soup fragrant with star anise. Other entrées include lemon chicken, cubed beef steak, clay-pot snapper, and shark in coconut milk. It’s hard to spend more than $20 for an entire meal unless you order the special crab (about $30). The complementary mini-bowls of soup that are placed on the table as soon as you sit down are a great balm to hungry diners although service is lightning-quick anyway. | Average main: $12 | 1019 Clay St., at 11th St., Downtown | 94607 | 510/763–8495 | No lunch Sun.

Luka’s Taproom & Lounge.

$$ | BELGIAN | Luka’s is a real taste of downtown Oakland: hip and urban, with an unpretentious vibe. Diners nibble on frites any Belgian would embrace and entrées like choucroute garni (sauerkraut with duck confit, ham hock, and pork shoulder). The brews draw ’em in, too—you’d be hard-pressed to find a larger selection of Belgian beer this side of the pond—and the DJs in the adjacent lounge keep the scene going late. | Average main: $22 | 2221 Broadway, at West Grand Ave., Lake Merritt | 94612 | 510/451–4677 | No lunch Sat.

Oliveto Cafe & Restaurant.

$$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | Respected chef Jonah Rhodehamel is at the helm of this locally renowned eatery that anchors Market Hall in the Rockridge neighborhood. The first-class dining room upstairs serves straightforward Italian cuisine; the menu changes daily, but might include house-made duck prosciutto, pan-seared swordfish, or spit-roasted leg of lamb. Downstairs, in the less pricey café ($–$$), everything from a morning espresso to pizza to a full-blown Italian meal (at half the upstairs price) can be enjoyed at one of the small tables or at the bar. | Average main: $26 | 5655 College Ave., at Keith Ave., Rockridge | 94618 | 510/547–5356 | No lunch weekends in restaurant.

WHERE TO STAY IN OAKLAND

Executive Inn & Suites.

$ | HOTEL | This two-building hotel is convenient to both the Oakland airport and downtown Oakland, and to make up for its removed location, the property offers free shuttle service to the Oakland airport, BART stations, and Jack London Square. Rooms in the older building are renovated, but those in the newer one are generous in size and have extra-large desks, kitchen areas, and large whirlpool tubs. Each room has either a patio or a balcony, and Wi-Fi access. Pros: free parking; west-facing rooms overlook the peaceful waters of the Oakland Estuary; all rooms have microwaves and fridges. Cons: east-facing rooms look out onto the freeway and can be noisy; the decor is overly bright and busy. TripAdvisor: “great value,” “responsive staff and great facilities,” “excellent customer service.” | Rooms from: $149 | 1755 Embarcadero, off I–880 at 16th St. exit | 94606 | 510/536–6633, 800/346–6331 | www.executiveinnoakland.com | 143 rooms, 81 suites | Breakfast.

Washington Inn Hotel.

$ | This stylish four-story brick hotel sits across the street from the convention center, in the heart of Old Oakland. In operation since 1905, the hotel has up-to-the-minute decor. Red couches brighten the spacious lobby, which has Wi-Fi access. Elegant touches include intricately molded ceiling tiles and a wrought-iron elevator, a relic of the building’s early days. Guest rooms are chic but on the small side. Rooms overlooking the atrium lobby are the quietest (and smallest); corner rooms get the most sunlight. Pros: central location; old-fashioned charm. Cons: rooms on the small side and need to be freshened up. TripAdvisor: “unique,” “hotel with character,” “quaint.” | Rooms from: $109 | 495 10th St., at Washington St., Old Oakland | 94607 | 510/452–1776 | www.thewashingtoninn.com | 47 rooms, 6 suites | Breakfast.

Waterfront Hotel.

$$ | HOTEL | One of Oakland’s more appealing neighborhoods is home to this thoroughly modern waterfront hotel. Rooms in the hotel’s five-story section overlook Jack London Square and have shared balconies; those in the three-story building have private balconies facing the water. Some rooms have fireplaces. Pros: great location; dog-friendly. Cons: passing trains can be noisy; parking is pricey. TripAdvisor: “stylish remodel,” “great customer service,” “warm friendly charm.” | Rooms from: $159 | 10 Washington St., Jack London Sq., Jack London Square | 94607 | 510/836–3800, 800/729–3638 | www.waterfrontplaza.com | 143 rooms.

NIGHTLIFE AND THE ARTS IN OAKLAND

Artists have found cheap rent and loft spaces in Oakland, giving rise to an underground cultural scene—visual arts, indie music, spoken word, film—that is definitely buzzing, especially in Uptown (which is pretty much downtown). Trendy bars and clubs have also emerged—everything from artisan breweries to all-out retro dives. The nightlife scene here is less crowded and more intimate than what you’ll find in San Francisco. Music is just about everywhere, though the most popular venues are downtown.

Fodor’s Choice | Café van Kleef.

Dutch artist Peter van Kleef’s candle-strewn, funky café-bar crackles with creative energy. Van Kleef has a lot to do with the convivial atmosphere; the garrulous owner loves sharing tales about his quirky, floor-to-ceiling collection of mementos, including what he claims are Cassius Clay’s boxing gloves and Dorothy’s ruby slippers. The café also has a consistently solid calendar of live music, heavy on the jazz side. The drinks are quite possibly the stiffest in town. | 1621 Telegraph Ave., between 16th and 17th Sts., Lake Merritt | 94612 | 510/763–7711 | www.cafevankleef.com.

Fox Theater.

Willie Nelson, Counting Crows, Rebelution, and Rodrigo Y Gabriela and their band C.U.B.A. have all been booked at this recently renovated art-deco stunner that has good sight lines, a state-of-the-art sound system and acoustics, and bars and other amenities aplenty. | 1807 Telegraph Ave., at 18th St., Uptown | 510/548–3010 | www.thefoxoakland.com.

The Layover Music Bar and Lounge.

Bright, bold, and very hip, this hangout filled with recycled furniture is constantly evolving because everything is for sale, from the artwork to the pillows, rugs, and lamps. The busy bar serves up organic cocktails, and depending on the night, the entertainment might include comedy or live or DJ music. | 1517 Franklin St., near 15th St., Uptown | 510/763–7711 | www.oaklandlayover.com.

Mua.

Cuisine, cocktails, and culture—Mua puts it all together in a bright and airy former garage: The chefs serve up beautifully crafted meals like softshell crab and duck confit; the bartenders shake up elegant cocktails; and the rich cultural offerings include poetry readings, art shows, DJ music, and more. | 2442a Webster St., between 16th and 17th Sts., Uptown | 510/238–1100 | www.muaoakland.com.

Paramount Theatre.

The art-deco movie palace is home to the Oakland East Bay Symphony and also presents ballet, comedy (Cedric, Sinbad, Bill Cosby), well-known rock and other musical acts, and the occasional classic film. | 2025 Broadway, at 20th St., Uptown | 510/465–6400 | www.paramounttheatre.com.

The Trappist.

Grand pillars, brick walls, soft lighting, and the buzz of conversation set a warm and mellow tone inside this Victorian space that’s been renovated to resemble a traditional Belgian pub. The setting is definitely a draw, but the real stars are the artisan beers: more than a hundred Belgian, Dutch, and North American ones. The light fare includes panini made with organic ingredients. | 460 8th St., at Broadway, Old Oakland | 510/238–8900 | www.thetrappist.com.

Fodor’s Choice | Yoshi’s.

Oma Sosa and Charlie Hunter are among the musicians who play at Yoshi’s, one of the area’s best jazz venues. Monday through Saturday shows start at 8 pm and 10 pm; Sunday shows usually start at 2 pm and 8 pm. The cover runs from $16 to $30. | 510 Embarcadero St., between Washington and Clay Sts., Jack London Square | 94607 | 510/238–9200 | www.yoshis.com.

Communal Film-Viewing

“…you could go to the Rockridge BART station, and browse in the Market Hall foods store on the corner across the street. (To me food shopping is different from other shopping! And that store is amazing!) Then you can take the 51 bus to campus (north-bound) along College Ave. and do your touring of the campus.” —charnees

SPORTS AND THE OUTDOORS IN OAKLAND

Baseball

Oakland A’s.

Billy Beane of Moneyball fame is the general manager of the American League baseball team. Same-day tickets can usually be purchased at the O.co Coliseum box office (Gate D). To get to the game, take a BART train to the Coliseum/Oakland Airport Station. | O.co Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, off I–880, north of Hegenberger Rd. | 94621 | 510/638–4900 | oakland.athletics.mlb.com.

Basketball

Golden State Warriors.

The National Basketball Association’s Golden State Warriors play at the Oracle Arena from November through April. You can take a BART train to the game. Get off at the Coliseum/Oakland Airport Station. Warriors tickets are available through Ticketmaster (800/653-8000 | www.ticketmaster.com). | Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, off I–880, north of Hegenberger Rd. | 94621 | 510/986–2200, 888/479–4667 | www.nba.com/warriors.

Football

Oakland Raiders.

The National Football League’s brawling Oakland Raiders play at O.co Coliseum. Purchase Raiders tickets through Tickets.com (800/653–8000 | www.tickets.com); except for high-profile games, they’re easy to come by. | O.co Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way, off I–880, north of Hegenberger Rd. | 94621 | 510/864–5000 | www.raiders.com.

SHOPPING IN OAKLAND

College Avenue is great for upscale strolling, shopping, and people-watching. The more casual streets around Lake Merritt and Grand Lake have smaller, less fancy boutiques.

Diesel.

Wandering bibliophiles collect armfuls of the latest fiction and nonfiction here. The loftlike space, with its high ceilings and spare design, encourages airy contemplation, and on chilly days (a rarity) there’s a fire going in the hearth. Keep an eye out for the excellent reading series. | 5433 College Ave., at Kales Ave., Rockridge | 94618 | 510/653–9965.

Maison d’Etre.

Close to the Rockridge BART station, this store epitomizes the Rockridge neighborhood’s funky-chic shopping scene. Look for impulse buys like whimsical watches, imported fruit-tea blends, and a basket of funky slippers near the back. | 5640 College Ave., at Keith Ave., Rockridge | 94618 | 510/658–2801.

BERKELEY

2 miles northeast of Bay Bridge.

The birthplace of the Free Speech Movement, the radical hub of the 1960s, the home of arguably the nation’s top public university, and the city whose government condemned the bombing of Afghanistan—Berkeley is all of those things. The city of 100,000 facing San Francisco across the bay is also culturally diverse, a breeding ground for social trends, a bastion of the counterculture, and an important center for Bay Area writers, artists, and musicians. Berkeley residents, students, and faculty spend hours nursing various coffee concoctions while they read, discuss, and debate at any of the dozens of cafés that surround the campus. Oakland may have Berkeley beat when it comes to cutting-edge arts, and the city may have forfeited some of its renegade 1960s spirit, as some residents say, but unless a guy in a hot-pink satin body suit, skullcap, and cape rides a unicycle around your town, you’ll likely find that Berkeley remains plenty offbeat.

It’s the quintessential university town, and many who graduated years ago still bask in daily intellectual conversation, great weather, and good food. Residents will walk out of their way to go to the perfect bread shop or consult with their favorite wine merchant. And every September, residents gently lampoon themselves during the annual “How Berkeley Can You Be?” parade and festival where they celebrate their tie-dyed past and consider its new incarnations.

Essentials

Visitor Information

Berkeley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

| 2030 Addison St., #102 | 94704 | 510/549–7040 | www.visitberkeley.com.

Berkeley's Political History

Those looking for traces of Berkeley’s politically charged past need go no farther than Sather Gate. Both the Free Speech Movement and the fledgling political life of actor-turned-politician Ronald Reagan have their roots here. It was next to Sather Gate, on September 30, 1964, that a group of students defied the University of California–Berkeley chancellor’s order that all organizations advocating “off-campus issues” (such as civil rights and nuclear disarmament) keep their information tables off campus. Citation of the tablers brought more than 400 sympathetic students into Sproul Hall that afternoon. They stayed until 3 am, setting a precedent of protest that would be repeated in the coming months, with students jamming Sproul Hall in greater numbers each time.

Conservative U.C. president Clark Kerr eventually backed down and allowed student groups to pass out information on campus. By then, the Free Speech Movement had gathered momentum, and the conflict had made a national hero of student leader Mario Savio. Political newcomer Ronald Reagan played on Californians’ unease about the unruly Berkeley students in his successful 1966 bid for governor, promising to rein in the “unwashed kooks.”

By the end of the 1960s, the cohesion of the groups making up the Free Speech Movement had begun to fray. Some members began questioning the efficacy of sit-ins and other nonviolent tactics that had, until then, been the hallmark of Berkeley student protests. The Black Panthers, headquartered just over the border in Oakland, were ascending into the national spotlight, and their “take no prisoners” approach appealed to some Berkeley activists who had seen little come of their efforts to affect national policy.

By 1969 both Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. were dead, and the issue of the day—stopping the flow of troops heading to Vietnam—was not as easy as overpowering a school administration’s resistance to free speech. But a more dramatic clash with the university came when it brought in police units to repossess People’s Park, a university-owned plot of land at Telegraph Avenue and Haste Street that students and community members had adopted as a park. On the afternoon of May 15, 1969, nearly 6,000 students and residents moved to reclaim the park. In the ensuing riot, police and sheriff’s deputies fired both tear gas and buckshot, blinding one observer and killing another. Governor Ronald Reagan ordered the National Guard into Berkeley. Despite a ban on public assembly, crowds continued to gather and march in the days after the first riot. The park changed hands several times in the following tear-gas-filled months, with the fence coming down for the last time in 1972.

A colorful mural on the side of Amoeba Records (Haste Street at Telegraph Avenue) offers the protestors’ version of park history. Although the area around People’s Park and Sather Gate may seem quiet now, issues such as affirmative action and tuition increases still bring protests to the steps of Sproul. Protests over civil rights, war, and other inequities march through the center of the campus, though students also gather to rally for sports events, social gatherings, and shows of school spirit.

–Chris Baty

Getting Here and Around

BART is the easiest way to get to Berkeley from San Francisco. Alight at the Berkeley (not North Berkeley) Station, and walk a block up Center Street to get to the western edge of campus. AC Transit buses F and FS lines stop near the university and 4th Street shopping. By car, take I–80 east across the Bay Bridge then take the University Avenue exit through downtown Berkeley to the campus or take the Ashby Avenue exit and turn left on Telegraph Avenue to the traditional campus entrance. Once you arrive, explore on foot. Berkeley is very pedestrian friendly.

EXPLORING BERKELEY

4th Street.

An industrial area on 4th Street north of University Avenue has been converted into a pleasant shopping stretch, with popular eateries and shops selling handcrafted and eco-conscious goods. About six blocks long, this compact area (the action has spilled on to neighboring streets) is busiest on bright weekend afternoons. Stained Glass Garden, Hear Music, and the Crate and Barrel Outlet are among shoppers’ favorites, along with a mini-slew of upscale boutiques and wonderful paper stores. | 4th St., between University Ave. and Delaware Sts.

QUICK BITES: Cheese Board Pizzeria. With a jazz combo playing in the storefront and a long line snaking down the block, Cheese Board taps into the pulse of the Gourmet Ghetto. The cooperatively owned takeout spot draws devoted customers with the smell of just-baked garlic, fresh vegetables, and perfect sauces. For just a nibble, bakery–cheese shop next door sells cookies, muffins, scones, bialys—you name it, they bake it. | 1504–1512 Shattuck Ave., at Vine St. | 94709 | 510/549–3055 | Tues.–Fri. 11:30–2 and 4:30–7, Sat. 11:30–3.

Elmwood.

Shops and cafés pack two pleasant blocks of College Avenue in the Elmwood neighborhood south of the U.C. campus. You’ll know you’re here when you see the logo for the beloved art-house cinema and performance space, the Elmwood theater, near College and Ashby avenues, though you’re just as apt to see a line snaking outside nearby Ici Ice Cream, at 2948 College. All the treats here are made on the premises. While you’re waiting, check out the architectural details of the nearby pre-World War II storefronts. Century-old shingled houses line the tree-shaded streets nearby. | College Ave. between Russell and Webster Sts., Elmwood.

Nabolom Bakery. Nabolom Bakery, which has been around since 1976, is a workers’ collective where politics and delicious pastries collide. | 2708 Russell St. | 510/845–2253.

Gourmet Ghetto.

The success of Chez Panisse restaurant attracted other food-related enterprises to its stretch of Shattuck Avenue, and the area surrounding the intersection of Shattuck and Vine Street became known as the Gourmet Ghetto. If you love food at all, it’s worth a couple of hours to poke around the food shops and grab a quick bite or a full meal at one of the neighborhood’s eateries. Of special note are the small food stands of Epicurious Garden, at 1509–1513 Shattuck, which sell everything from sushi to gelato. Outside, you can find a terraced garden—the best place to sit—that winds up four levels and ends at the Imperial Tea Court. Around the corner on Vine Street is Walnut Square, whose shops include Love at First Bite, a cupcakery that sells scrumptious confections. Across Vine Street from Walnut Square, the Vintage Berkeley wine shop occupies the historic former pump house at No. 2113; the offerings here are shrewdly selected and reasonably priced. Coffee lovers of the Peet’s persuasion may want to pay brief respects at No. 2124, at Walnut Street, where the famed roaster got its start and still maintains a presence. In the block north of Vine Street on Shattuck is popular Saul’s deli and restaurant, and Cheese Board Pizzeria is across Shattuck from Epicurious Garden. We could go on, but you get the idea. | Shattuck Ave. between Cedar and Rose Sts., North Berkeley | 94709 | www.gourmetghetto.org.

Telegraph Avenue.

Berkeley’s student-oriented thoroughfare, Telegraph Avenue is the best place to get a dose of the city’s famed counterculture. On any given day you might encounter a troop of chanting Hare Krishnas or a drumming band of Rastafarians. First and foremost, however, Telegraph is a place for socializing and shopping, the only uniquely Berkeley shopping experience in town and a definite don’t-miss. TIP Take care at night, as things get edgier on Telegraph. The nearby People’s Park, mostly harmless by day, is best avoided after sunset. Cafés, bookstores, poster shops, and street vendors line the avenue. T-shirt vendors and tarot-card readers come and go on a whim, but a few establishments—Rasputin Music (No. 2401), Amoeba Music (No. 2455), and Moe’s Books (No. 2476)—are neighborhood landmarks. Allen Ginsberg wrote his acclaimed poem “Howl” at Caffe Mediterraneum (No. 2475), a relic of 1960s-era café culture that also lays claim to inventing the café latte.

Tilden Regional Park.

The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is the star of this beautiful 2,000-acre park to the east of the Cal campus. Botanically speaking, a stroll through the garden, which focuses on native plants of California, provides a whirlwind tour of the entire state. You can pick up information about Tilden’s other attractions, including its picnic spots, Lake Anza swimming site, golf course, and hiking trails (the paved Nimitz Way is a popular hike with wonderful views) at the garden’s visitors center. Children love Tilden Park’s miniature steam trains; Little Farm, where kids can feed the animals; and the vintage carousel with wooden animals. | Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Wildcat Canyon Rd. and South Park Dr., Tilden Park | 94701 | 510/544–2747 | www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden | Free to park and botanic garden | Daily 8 am–10 pm.

University of California.

The founding campus of California’s university system, chartered in 1868, sits on a rising plain of oak trees split by Strawberry Creek. Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed New York City’s Central Park, proposed the first campus plan. University architects over the years have included Bernard Maybeck as well as Julia Morgan, who designed Hearst Castle at San Simeon. The central campus occupies 178 acres, bounded by Bancroft Way to the south, Hearst Avenue to the north, Oxford Street to the west, and Gayley Road to the east. With more than 30,000 students and a full-time faculty of 1,400, the university, known simply as “Cal,” is one of the leading intellectual centers in the United States and a major site for scientific research.

The Berkeley Visitor Information Center (University Hall, Room 101, 2200 University Ave., at Oxford St. | 510/642–5215 | www.berkeley.edu | Weekdays 8:30–4:30) is the starting point for the free, student-guided tours of the campus, which last 1½ hours and start at 10 on weekdays. (Weekend tours depart from Sather Tower.)

Student-guided campus tours leave from Sather Tower (South of University Dr. | $2 | Weekdays 10–4, Sat. 10–5, Sun. 10–1:30 and 3–5), the campus landmark popularly known as the Campanile, at 10 on Saturday and 1 on Sunday. The 307-foot structure, modeled on St. Mark’s Tower in Venice and completed in 1914, can be seen for miles. The carillon is played daily at 7:50 am, noon, and 6 pm and for an extended 45-minute concert Sunday at 2. Take the elevator up 175 feet; then walk another 38 steps to the observation deck for a view of the campus and a close-up look at the iron bells, each of which weighs up to 10,500 pounds.

Sproul Plaza (Telegraph Ave. and Bancroft Way), just inside the U.C. Berkeley campus border on Bancroft Way, was the site of several free-speech and civil-rights protests in the 1960s. Today a lively panorama of political and social activists, musicians, and students show off Berkeley’s flair for the bizarre. Preachers orate atop milk crates, amateur entertainers bang on makeshift drum sets, and protesters distribute leaflets about everything from marijuana to the Middle East. No matter what the combination, on weekdays when school is in swing, it always feels like a carnival. TIP Walk through at noon for the liveliest show of student spirit.

The collection at the University of California, Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive (2626 Bancroft Way, between College Ave. and Bowditch St. | 510/642–0808, 510/642–1124 film-program information | www.bampfa.berkeley.edu | $10, free 1st Thurs. of month | Wed.–Sun. 11–5, Fri. 11–9) spans five centuries. Look for Jonathan Borofsky’s enormous orange-red Hammering Man sculpture, which can be seen from the outside through the museum’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Among the other noteworthy holdings here are a series of vibrant paintings by abstract expressionist Hans Hofmann. The downstairs galleries, which house rotating exhibits, are always free. The museum’s raw foods café is famous, and you can also find some cooked options, too. The Pacific Film Archive, on the ground floor, has a library and hosts programs about historic and contemporary films, but its main theater sits across the street at 2575 Bancroft Way, near Bowditch Street.

Thanks to Berkeley’s temperate climate, about 13,500 species of plants from all over the world flourish in the 34-acre University of California Botanical Garden (200 Centennial Dr. | 510/643–2755 | botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu | $9, free 1st Thurs. of month | Daily 9–5. Closed 1st Tues. of month). Free garden tours are given Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1:30. Benches and shady picnic tables make this a relaxing place to take in breathtaking views.

At this dazzling hands-on Lawrence Hall of Science (Centennial Dr. near Grizzly Peak Blvd. | 510/642–5132 | www.lawrencehallofscience.org | $12 | Daily 10–5), kids can look at insects under microscopes, solve crimes using chemical forensics, and explore the physics of baseball. On weekends there are special lectures, demonstrations, and planetarium shows. Popular (and free) stargazing sessions take place on the first and third Saturday of each month, weather permitting.

WHERE TO EAT IN BERKELEY

Dining in Berkeley is a low-key affair; even in the finest restaurants, most folks dress casually. Late diners be forewarned: Berkeley is an “early to bed” kind of town.

Angeline’s Louisana Kitchen.

$ | SOUTHERN | There’s always a line winding out the door for the delicious food at Angeline’s. The brick walls, maps of Louisana, ceiling fans and true New Orleans music create a festive atmosphere that is both welcoming and exciting. Specialties include Voo Doo shrimp with blue lake beans, crawfish étouffée and buttermilk fried chicken. A lot of love goes into the food here and the Creole pecan pie is so good, you’ll be coming back for more. | Average main: $14 | 2261 Shattuck Ave | 94704 | 510/548-6900.

Bette’s Oceanview Diner.

$ | AMERICAN | Buttermilk pancakes are just one of the specialties at this 1930s-inspired diner complete with checkered floors and burgundy booths. Huevos rancheros and lox and eggs are other breakfast options; kosher franks, generous slices of pizza, and a slew of sandwiches are available for lunch. The wait for a seat can be quite long; thankfully, 4th Street was made for strolling. TIP If you’re starving, head to Bette’s to Go, next door, for takeout. | Average main: $10 | 1807 4th St., near Delaware St., 4th Street | 94710 | 510/644–3230 | Reservations not accepted | No dinner.

Café Rouge.

$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | You can recover from 4th Street shopping in this spacious two-story bistro complete with zinc bar, skylights, and festive lanterns. The short, seasonal menu ranges from the sophisticated, such as rack of lamb and juniper-berry-cured pork chops, to the homey, like spit-roasted chicken or pork loin, or cheddar-topped burgers. If you visit by day, be certain to peek at the meat market in the back. | Average main: $21 | 1782 4th St., at Delaware St., 4th Street | 94710 | 510/525–1440 | No dinner Mon.

César.

$ | SPANISH | In true Spanish style, dinners are served late at César, whose kitchen closes at 11:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and at 11 pm the rest of the week. Couples spill out from its street-level windows on warm nights, or rub shoulders at the polished bar or center communal table. Founded by a trio of former Chez Panisse chefs, César is like a first cousin to Chez Panisse, each restaurant recommending the other if there’s a long wait ahead. For tapas and perfectly grilled bocadillos (small sandwiches), there’s no better choice. The bar also makes a mean martini and has an impressive wine list. TIP Come early to get seated quickly and also to hear your tablemates; the room gets loud when the bar is in full swing. | Average main: $10 | 1515 Shattuck Ave., at Vine St., North Berkeley | 94709 | 510/883–0222 | Reservations not accepted.

Fodor’s Choice | Chez Panisse Café & Restaurant.

$$$$ | AMERICAN | At Chez Panisse even humble pizza is reincarnated, with innovative toppings of the freshest local ingredients. The downstairs portion of Alice Waters’s legendary eatery is noted for its formality and personal service. The daily-changing multicourse dinners are prix-fixe ($$$$), with the cost slightly lower on weekdays. Upstairs, in the informal café, the crowd is livelier, the prices are lower ($$–$$$), and the ever-changing menu is à la carte. The food is simpler, too: penne with new potatoes, arugula, and sheep’s-milk cheese; fresh figs with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and arugula; and grilled tuna with Savoy cabbage, for example. Legions of loyal fans insist that Chez Panisse lives up to its reputation and delivers a dining experience well worth the price. Visiting foodies won’t want to miss a meal here; be sure to make reservations a few weeks ahead of time. | Prix-fixe: $95 | 1517 Shattuck Ave., at Vine St., North Berkeley | 94709 | 510/548–5525 restaurant, 510/548–5049 café | www.chezpanisse.com | Reservations essential | Closed Sun. No lunch in the restaurant.

Freehouse.

$ | MODERN BRITISH | High ceilings, a warm fireplace, worn leather sofas, and a snooker table lend this restaurant the feel of a British country pub. The bar is bright, busy, and well stocked with whiskies and local beers on tap. The food, from sustainable sources, includes items like pot pies, cider-brined pork chops, and Loch Duart salmon burgers. There’s a spacious patio outside. | Average main: $14 | 2700 Brancroft Way, at College Ave. | 94704 | 510/647–2300 | berkeleyfreehouse.com | Reservations not accepted.

Gather.

$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Here organic, sustainable and all things Berkeley reside harmoniously beneath one tasty roof. This vibrant, well-lit eatery boasts an inviting patio, comfy leather chairs, and a variety of shiny wood furnishings. Everything feels contemporary and local, especially the food. The stinging nettles pizza is refreshing and the grilled chicken with beluga lentils is oh so juicy. This is a haven for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free eaters, but there’s plenty for meat eaters to choose from too. And the desserts don’t get much better than the chocolate budino with braised cherries and Sonoma salt. Yum, yum. | Average main: $20 | 2200 Oxford Street | 94704 | 510/809-0400.

Lalime’s.

$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | Inside a charming, flower-covered house, this restaurant serves dishes that reflect the entire Mediterranean region. The menu, constantly changing and unfailingly great, depends on the availability of fresh seasonal ingredients. Choices might include grilled ahi tuna or creamy Italian risotto. Light colors used in the dining room, which has two levels, help to create a cheerful mood. A star in its own right, Lalime’s is a good second choice if Chez Panisse is booked. | Average main: $22 | 1329 Gilman St., at Tevlin St., North Berkeley | 94706 | 510/527–9838 | Reservations essential | No lunch.

Picante.

$ | MEXICAN | A barnlike space full of cheerful Mexican tiles and folk-art masks, Picante is a find for anyone seeking good Mexican food for a song. The masa (flour) is freshly ground for the tortillas and tamales, the salsas are complex, and the flavor combinations are inventive. Try tamales filled with butternut squash and chilis or a simple taco of roasted poblanos and sautéed onions; we challenge you to finish a plate of supernachos. | Average main: $11 | 1328 6th St., North Berkeley | 94710 | 510/525–3121 | Reservations not accepted.

Rick & Ann’s.

$ | AMERICAN | Haute comfort food is the focus here. The brunches are legendary for quality and value, and customers line up outside the door before the restaurant opens on the weekend. If you come during prime brunch hours, expect a long wait, but the soft-style eggs are worth it. Pancakes, waffles, and French toast are more flavorful than usual, with variations such as potato-cheese and orange-rice pancakes. Lunch and dinner offer burgers, favorites such as Mom’s macaroni and cheese, and chicken potpie, but always with a festive twist. Reservations are accepted 48 hours in advance for dinner and for lunch parties of six or more, but, alas, you can’t reserve a table for brunch. | Average main: $14 | 2922 Domingo Ave., Claremont | 94705 | 510/649–8538 | No dinner Mon.

Rivoli.

$$$ | AMERICAN | Italian-inspired dishes using fresh, mostly organic California ingredients star on a menu that changes every three weeks. Typical meals include fresh line-caught fish, pastas, and inventive offerings such as its trademark Portobello fritters with aioli. Desserts might include pear granita with gingersnaps or a refreshing Meyer lemon tart. A lovely back garden and attentive service adds to the overall appeal, but some find the tables are too closely spaced. The small front bar is a cozy spot for a drink and dessert, but it’s standing room only on a busy night. | Average main: $23 | 1539 Solano Ave., at Neilson St., North Berkeley | 94707 | 510/526–2542 | Reservations essential | No lunch.

Saul’s.

$ | AMERICAN | Well known for its homemade sodas and enormous sandwiches, the Saul’s of today also uses sustainably sourced seafood, grass-fed beef, and organic eggs. The restaurant is a Berkeley institution, and has a loyal clientele that swears by the pastrami sandwiches, stuffed cabbage rolls, and tuna melts. For breakfast, the challah French toast is so thick it’s almost too big to bite and the deli omelets are served pancake style. The high ceilings and red-leather booths add to the friendly atmosphere. Don’t overlook the glass deli case where you can order food to go. | Average main: $13 | 1475 Shattuck Ave., near Vine St., North Berkeley | 94709 | 510/848–3354 | www.saulsdeli.com | Reservations not accepted | Closed Thanksgiving and Yom Kippur.

WHERE TO STAY IN BERKELEY

For inexpensive lodging, investigate University Avenue, west of campus. The area is noisy, congested, and somewhat dilapidated, but does include a few decent motels and chain properties. All Berkeley lodgings, except for the swanky Claremont, are strictly midrange.

The Bancroft Hotel.

$ | HOTEL | Lovingly remodeled in 2012, this new green hotel is fresh, stylish and completely eco-friendly. The American clay walls literally clean the air, the chic drapes are made from recycled soda pop bottles and the rich wooden floors come from sustainably harvested trees. The decor is mostly soothing greens and browns, and the bedroom furniture is designed to fit the 1920s style building. The hotel has its own organic bakery in the back, which fills every morning with the aroma of fresh bread. Pros: heating under the floorboards; great rooftop deck; closest hotel in Berkeley to campus. Cons: some of the rooms are on the small side; bathrooms could be freshened up. TripAdvisor: “great staff,” “beautiful but noisy,” “great breakfast.” | Rooms from: $120 | 2680 Bancroft Way | 94704 | 510/549-1000 | 22 rooms | Breakfast.

Fodor’s Choice | Claremont Resort and Spa.

$$$ | HOTEL | Straddling the Oakland–Berkeley border, the hotel beckons like a gleaming white castle in the hills, luring traveling executives that come for the business amenities, including T-1 Internet connections, guest email addresses, and oversize desks. The Claremont also draws honeymooners and leisure travelers with its luxurious suites, therapeutic massages, and personalized yoga workouts at the on-site spa. The rooms on the spa side of the hotel glow with new fixtures and furniture. Some offer spa tubs and, if you’re high enough, spectacular bay views. (Another advantage: the scents wafting upward from the spa treatment rooms.) Pros: amazing spa; supervised child care; some rooms have great views of the bay. Cons: parking is pricey; additional facilities charge for use of spa, tennis courts, pool, gym etc.; no Wi-Fi in rooms; breakfast is an additional fee. TripAdvisor: “excellent gym and good food,” “Claremont bliss,” “great facilities.” | Rooms from: $249 | 41 Tunnel Rd., at Ashby and Domingo Aves., Claremont | 94705 | 510/843–3000, 800/551–7266 | www.claremontresort.com | 249 rooms, 30 suites.

Holiday Inn Express.

$ | HOTEL | Convenient to the freeway and 4th Street shopping, this inviting, peach-and-beige hotel offers lots of bang for the buck. The two-story property is surprisingly elegant; high ceilings lend the lobby and rooms an airy quality. Each room has a small kitchen area with a refrigerator, microwave, sink, and cabinets. The hotel also offers a free breakfast bar, a small but well-equipped gym, and free access to a business center. Pros: newly decorated rooms; good breakfast. Cons: area can get noisy and congested with traffic during commute hours; a 15-minute drive to UC campus. TripAdvisor: “nice and quiet room,” “dependable as usual,” “very helpful staff.” | Rooms from: $144 | 1175 University Ave., at Curtis St. | 94702 | 510/548–1700, 866/548–1700 | www.hiexberkeley.com | 69 rooms, 3 suites | Breakfast.

Hotel Durant.

$$ | HOTEL | Long a mainstay of parents visiting their children at U.C. Berkeley, this boutique hotel is also a good option for those who want to be a short walk from Telegraph Avenue. The rooms, updated in 2006 with new bathrooms and dark wood set against deep jewel tones, are small without feeling cramped. The historic photos of Berkeley highlight the hotel’s storied past, and the central location is perfect for the car-less. This hotel is also eco-conscious, using nonchemical, all-natural cleaning products. TIP Guests receive free passes to the extensive Cal Recreational Sports Facility, known as RSF. Pros: blackout shades; organic bathrobes. Cons: downstairs bar can get noisy during Cal games; parking can be pricey. TripAdvisor: “quirky little hotel,” “very pleasantly surprised,” “attentive and charming staff.” | Rooms from: $179 | 2600 Durant Ave., at Bowditch St. | 94704 | 510/845–8981 | www.hoteldurant.com | 139 rooms, 5 suites.

Hotel Shattuck Plaza.

$$ | HOTEL | In 2009 this elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Berkeley underwent a major multimillion-dollar renovation, which successfully combined turn-of-the-20th-century glamour (the hotel was built in 1910) with all the contemporary amenities. From the sparkling chandeliers in the lobby to the HD TV’s in every room to the eco-conscious business practices, this hotel has quickly made its mark. Five, the hotel’s restaurant, prides itself on farm-to-table dining, and the bar is well known for its tasty cocktails. Pros: central location; modern facilities; good views; great restaurant. Cons: pricey parking; limited fitness center. TripAdvisor: “very comfortable,” “nice staff,” “charming original Berkeley hotel.” | Rooms from: $185 | 2086 Allston Way, at Shattuck Ave. | 94704 | 510/845–7300 | www.hotelshattuckplaza.com | 199 rooms, 17 suites.

NIGHTLIFE AND THE ARTS IN BERKELEY

Berkeley Repertory Theatre.

One of the region’s highly respected resident professional companies and a Tony Award winner for Outstanding Regional Theatre (in 1997), the theater performs classic and contemporary plays from autumn to spring. Well-known pieces such as Mother Courage and Oliver Twist mix with edgier fare. The theater’s complex is near BART’s Downtown Berkeley Station. | 2025 Addison St. | 94704 | 510/647–2949 | www.berkeleyrep.org.

Berkeley Symphony Orchestra.

The works of 20th-century composers are a focus of this prominent orchestra, but traditional pieces are also performed. BSO plays a handful of concerts each year, in Zellerbach Hall and other locations. | 1942 University Ave., Suite 207 | 94704 | 510/841–2800 | www.berkeleysymphony.org.

Cal Performances.

The series, running from September through May at Zellerbach Hall and various other U.C. Berkeley venues, offers the Bay Area’s most varied bill of internationally acclaimed artists in all disciplines, from classical soloists to the latest jazz, world-music, theater, and dance ensembles. Look for frequent campus colloquiums or preshow talks featuring Berkeley’s professors. | Zellerbach Hall, Telegraph Ave. and Bancroft Way | 94720 | 510/642–9988 | calperformances.org.

Fodor’s Choice | Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse.

Some of the most talented practitioners of folk, blues, Cajun, and bluegrass perform in this alcohol-free space, one of the finest folk houses in the country. Most tickets are less than $20. | 2020 Addison St., between Shattuck and Milvia Sts. | 94702 | 510/644–2020 | www.thefreight.org.

SHOPPING IN BERKELEY

Fodor’s Choice | Amoeba Music.

Heaven for audiophiles, this legendary Berkeley favorite is the place to head for new and used CDs, records, cassettes, and DVDs. The dazzling stock includes thousands of titles for all music tastes. The store even has its own record label. There are now branches in San Francisco and Hollywood, but this is the original. | 2455 Telegraph Ave., at Haste St. | 94704 | 510/549–1125.

Body Time.

Founded in Berkeley in 1970, this local chain emphasizes the premium-quality ingredients it uses in its natural perfumes and skin-care and aromatherapy products. Sustainably harvested essential oils that you can combine and dilute to create your own personal fragrances are the specialty. Its distinct Citrus, Lavender-Mint, and China Rain scents are all popular. | 1942 Shattuck Ave., at Berkeley Way | 94704 | 510/841–5818.

South on the Peninsula

Most San Francisco day trips call for heading east (to Oakland and Berkeley), or north (to the Wine Country). But there’s another way to go … .

The undeveloped hills, rugged coastline, and sleepy towns and inns of the San Mateo County coast are only a few miles south of the city. To get there, set out from San Francisco down scenic Route 1, hugging the twists and turns of the coast. As you wind your way past Christmas tree farms, pumpkin patches, and rural flower growers, you’ll find that most towns dotting the coast are no more than a few blocks long, with just enough room for a couple of bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, and boutiques or galleries. San Mateo County claims some of the most beautiful and most accessible beaches in all of California.

Farther south is the Inland Peninsula, an area often passed over by visitors to the Bay Area. Many associate the area with the blandness and urban sprawl that have long been synonymous with Silicon Valley. Although much of the area between Santa Clara County and San Francisco is clogged with modern office complexes and strip-mall shopping centers, the peninsula also has lovely hills, redwood forests, and historic mansions.

Palo Alto is home to Stanford University, which occupies 8,200 acres of what was once railroad tycoon Leland Stanford’s horse farm. (Stanford and his wife, Jane, founded the university in memory of their only son, who died of typhoid fever.) The campus is still referred to as “the Farm” today. Stanford’s Cantor Arts Center boasts a wonderful outdoor Rodin sculpture garden and a diverse permanent collection, in addition to rotating exhibits. In downtown Palo Alto, a hub of upscale restaurants and shops caters to the local high-tech elite as well as the university crowd. The wealthy residential community of Woodside harbors one of California’s few remaining grand country houses, Filoli, as well as countless hiking and biking trails. Throughout the rest of the inland peninsula, former country estates built by the mining and transportation “bonanza kings” of the 19th century lie hidden in the hills, waiting to be discovered by those who care to look.

Much of your first impression of this area will depend on where and when you enter. Take the 30-mile stretch of U.S. 101 from San Francisco along the eastern side of the peninsula and you’ll see office complex after shopping center after business tower—and you’ll likely get caught in horrific morning and evening commuter traffic. On the west side, however, the less-crowded Interstate 280 takes you past hills, lakes, and reservoirs.

Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant.

Lynch’s newsletters describing his finds are legendary, as is his friendship with Alice Waters of Chez Panisse. Credited with taking American appreciation of French wine to another level, this shop is a great place to peruse as you educate your palate. The friendly salespeople can direct you to the latest French bargains. | 1605 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight Way | 94702 | 510/524–1524.

Moe’s Books.

The spirit of Moe—the cantankerous, cigar-smoking late proprietor—lives on in this four-story house of books. Students and professors come here for used books, including large sections of literary and cultural criticism, art books, and literature in foreign languages. | 2476 Telegraph Ave., near Haste St. | 94704 | 510/849–2087.

Rasputin Music.

A huge selection of new music for every taste draws crowds. In any other town its stock of used CDs and vinyl would certainly be unsurpassed. | 2403 Telegraph Ave., at Channing Way | 94704 | 510/848–9004.

Previous Chapter | Beginning of Chapter | Next Chapter | Table of Contents

Main Table of Contents

Welcome to Wine Country

The Napa Valley

The Sonoma Valley

Elsewhere in Sonoma County

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | Table of Contents

Top Reasons to Go | Getting Oriented | Planning

Updated by Matt Villano

TOP REASONS TO GO

Biking: Cycling is one of the best ways to see the Wine Country—the Russian River and Dry Creek valleys, in Sonoma County, are particularly beautiful.

Browsing the farmers’ markets: Many towns in Napa and Sonoma have seasonal farmers’ markets, each rounding up an amazing variety of local produce.

Wandering di Rosa: Though this art and nature preserve is just off the busy Carneros Highway, it’s a relatively unknown treasure. The galleries and gardens are filled with hundreds of pieces of art.

Canoeing on the Russian River: Trade in your car keys for a paddle and glide down the Russian River in Sonoma County. May through October is the best time to be on the water.

Touring Wineries: Let’s face it: this is the reason you’re here, and the range of excellent sips to sample would make any oenophile (or novice drinker, for that matter) giddy.

GETTING ORIENTED

The Napa and Sonoma valleys run roughly parallel, northwest to southeast, and are separated by the Mayacamas Mountains. Northwest of the Sonoma Valley are several more important viticultural areas in Sonoma County, including the Dry Creek, Alexander, and Russian River valleys. The Carneros region, which spans southern Sonoma and Napa counties, is just north of San Pablo Bay. Coombsville, recently recognized as a discrete wine region, sits in the southeastern corner of Napa Valley and is the closest of all local wine regions to San Francisco.

Napa Valley. You’ll find big names all around, from high-profile wineries to world-renowned chefs. Napa, the valley’s oldest town, sweet-life St. Helena, and down-to-earth Calistoga all make good home bases here. (Calistoga has the extra draw of local thermal springs.) Yountville has become a culinary boomtown, while the tiny communities of Oakville and Rutherford are home to major wineries such as Robert Mondavi and Grgich Hills. Rutherford in particular is the source for outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sonoma Valley. Historic attractions and an unpretentious attitude prevail here. The town of Sonoma, with its picture-perfect central plaza, is rich with 19th-century buildings. Glen Ellen, meanwhile, has a special connection with author Jack London.

Elsewhere in Sonoma. The winding, rural roads here feel a world away from Napa’s main drag. The lovely Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander valleys are all excellent places to seek out Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. The small town of Healdsburg gets lots of attention, thanks to its terrific restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts, and chic boutiques.

Life is lived well in the California Wine Country. Eating and drinking are cultivated as high arts. If you’ve been daydreaming about driving through vineyards, stopping for a wine tasting or a picnic, well, that fantasy is just everyday life here.

It’s little wonder that so many visitors to San Francisco take a day or two—or five or six—to unwind in the Napa and Sonoma valleys. They join the locals in the tasting rooms, from serious wine collectors making their annual pilgrimages to wine newbies who don’t know the difference between a Merlot and Mourvèdre but are eager to learn.

The state’s wine industry is booming, and the Napa and Sonoma valleys have long led the field. For instance, in 1975 Napa Valley had no more than 20 wineries; today there are nearly 400. A recent up-and-comer is the Carneros region, which overlaps Napa and Sonoma counties at the head of the San Francisco Bay. Another exciting area: Coombsville, in southeastern Napa, which recently received an official AVA (American Viticultural Area) designation recognizing its unique characteristics.

Great dining and wine go hand in hand, and the local viticulture has naturally encouraged a robust passion for food. Several outstanding chefs have taken root here, sealing the area’s reputation as one of the best restaurant destinations in the country. The lust for fine food doesn’t stop at the doors of the bistros, either. Whether you visit an artisanal olive-oil producer, nibble locally made cheese, or browse the fresh vegetables in the farmers’ markets, you’ll soon see why Napa and Sonoma are a food-lover’s paradise.

Napa and Sonoma counties are also rich in history. In the town of Sonoma, for example, you can explore buildings from California’s Spanish and Mexican past. Some wineries, such as Napa Valley’s Beringer, have cellars or tasting rooms dating to the late 1800s. The town of Calistoga is a flurry of Steamboat Gothic architecture, gussied up with the fretwork favored by late-19th-century spa goers. Modern architecture is the exception rather than the rule, but one standout example is the postmodern extravaganza of Clos Pegase winery in Calistoga.

Binding all these temptations together is the sheer scenic beauty of the place. Much of Napa Valley’s landscape unspools in orderly, densely planted rows of vines. Sonoma’s vistas are broken by rolling hills or stands of ancient oak and madrone trees. Even the climate cooperates, as the warm summer days and refreshingly cool evenings that make the area one of the world’s best grape-growing regions make perfect weather for traveling, too. If you’re inspired to dig further into the Wine Country, grab a copy of Fodor’s InFocus Napa & Sonoma or the in-depth Compass American Guide: California Wine Country.

PLANNING

WHEN TO GO

“Crush,” the term used to indicate the season when grapes are picked and crushed, usually takes place in September or October, depending on the weather. From September until November the entire Wine Country celebrates its bounty with street fairs and festivals. The Sonoma County Harvest Fair, with its famous grape stomp, is held the first weekend in October. Golf tournaments, wine auctions, and art and food fairs occur throughout fall.

In season (April through November), Napa Valley draws crowds of tourists, and traffic along Highway 29 from St. Helena to Calistoga is often backed up on weekends. The Sonoma Valley, Santa Rosa, and Healdsburg are less crowded (though even that is changing). In season and over holiday weekends it’s best to book lodging, restaurant, and winery reservations at least a month in advance. Many wineries give tours at specified times and require appointments.

To avoid crowds, visit the Wine Country during the week and get an early start (most wineries open around 10). Because many wineries close as early as 4 or 4:30—and few are open past 5—you’ll need to get a reasonably early start if you want to fit in more than one or two, especially if you’re going to enjoy the leisurely lunch customary in the Wine Country. Summer is usually hot and dry, and autumn can be even hotter, so dress appropriately if you go during these times.

GETTING HERE AND AROUND

Air Travel

If you’d like to bypass San Francisco or Oakland, you can fly directly to the small Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa on Horizon Air, which has direct flights from Los Angeles, Portland, Las Vegas, and Seattle. Rental cars are available from Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz at the airport.

Bus Travel

Bus travel is an inconvenient way to explore the Wine Country. Service is infrequent and buses from San Francisco can only get you to Santa Rosa or the town of Vallejo, south of Napa—neither of which is close to the vineyards. Sonoma County Transit offers daily bus service to points all over the county. VINE (Valley Intracity Neighborhood Express) provides bus service within the city of Napa and between other Napa Valley towns.

Bus Lines

Greyhound.

800/231–2222 | www.greyhound.com.

Sonoma County Transit.

707/576–7433, 800/345–7433 | www.sctransit.com.

VINE.

707/251–2800, 800/696–6443 | www.nctpa.net/routes-schedules/vine.html.

Car Travel

Driving your own car is by far the best way to explore the Wine Country. Well-maintained roads zip through the centers of the Napa and Sonoma valleys, while scenic routes thread through the backcountry. Distances between towns are fairly short, and you can often drive from one end of the Napa or Sonoma valley to the other in less than an hour—if there’s no significant traffic. This may be a relatively rural area, but the usual rush hours still apply, and high-season weekend traffic can be excruciatingly slow, especially on Highway 29.

Five major roads cut through the Napa and Sonoma valleys. U.S. 101 and Highways 12 and 121 travel through Sonoma County. Highway 29 heads north from Napa. The 25-mile Silverado Trail, which runs parallel to Highway 29 north from Napa to Calistoga, is Napa Valley’s more scenic, less-crowded alternative to Highway 29.

TIP If you’re wine tasting, either select a designated driver or be careful of your wine intake. (When you’re taking just a sip or two of any given wine, it can be hard to keep track of how much you’re drinking.) Also, keep in mind that you’ll likely be sharing the road with cyclists and joggers; keep a close eye on the shoulder.

When calculating the time it will take you to drive between the Napa and Sonoma valleys, remember that the Mayacamas Mountains are between the two. If it’s not too far out of your way, you might want to travel between the two valleys along Highway 12/121 to the south, or along Highway 128 to the north, to avoid the slow, winding drive on the Oakville Grade, which connects Oakville, in Napa, and Glen Ellen, in Sonoma.

From San Francisco to Napa: Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, then go north on U.S. 101. Next go east on Highway 37 toward Vallejo, then north on Highway 121, also called the Carneros Highway. Turn left (north) when Highway 121 runs into Highway 29. This should take about 1½ hours when traffic is light.

From San Francisco to Sonoma: Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, then go north on U.S. 101, east on Highway 37 toward Vallejo, and north on Highway 121, aka the Carneros Highway. When you reach Highway 12, take it north. If you’re going to any of the Sonoma County destinations north of the valley, take U.S. 101 all the way north through Santa Rosa to Healdsburg. This should take about an hour, not counting substantial traffic.

From Berkeley and other East Bay towns: Take Interstate 80 north to Highway 37 west, then on to Highway 29 north. To head up the Napa Valley, continue on Highway 29; to reach Sonoma County, turn off Highway 29 onto Highway 121 heading north. Getting from Berkeley to Napa will take at least 45 minutes, from Berkeley to Sonoma at least an hour.

RESTAURANTS

Star chefs from around the world have come into the Wine Country’s orbit, drawn by the area’s phenomenal produce, artisanal foods, and wines. These days, many visitors come to Napa and Sonoma as much for the restaurants’ tasting menus as for the wineries’ tasting rooms.

Although excellent meals can be found virtually everywhere in the region, the small town of Yountville has become a culinary crossroads under the influence of chef Thomas Keller. If a table at Keller’s famed French Laundry is out of reach, keep in mind that he’s also behind a number of more modest restaurants in town. In St. Helena the elegant Restaurant at Meadowood has achieved almost as much critical acclaim as the French Laundry, yet is considerably easier to get into. And the buzzed-about restaurants in Sonoma County, including Cyrus and Farmhouse Inn, offer plenty of mouthwatering options.

Inexpensive eateries include high-end delis that serve superb picnic fare, and brunch is a cost-effective strategy at pricey restaurants, as is sitting at the bar and ordering a few appetizers instead of sitting down to a full-blown meal.

With few exceptions, dress is informal. Where reservations are indicated as essential, you may need to make them a week or more ahead. In summer and early fall you may need to book several weeks ahead.

HOTELS

Napa and Sonoma know the tourism ropes well; their inns and hotels range from low-key to utterly luxurious, and generally maintain high standards. Most of the bed-and-breakfasts are in historic Victorian and Spanish buildings, and the breakfast part of the equation often involves fresh local produce. The newer hotels tend to have a more modern, streamlined aesthetic and elaborate, spa-like bathrooms. Many hotels and B&Bs have excellent restaurants on their grounds, and those that don’t are still just a short drive away from gastronomic bliss.

However, all of this comes with a hefty price tag. As the cost of vineyards and grapes has risen, so have lodging rates. Santa Rosa, the largest population center in the area, has the widest selection of moderately priced rooms. Try there if you’ve failed to reserve in advance or have a limited budget. In general, all accommodations in the area often have lower rates on weeknights, and prices are about 20% lower in winter.

On weekends, two- or even three-night minimum stays are commonly required, especially at smaller inns and B&Bs. If you’d prefer to stay a single night, though, innkeepers are usually more flexible in winter. Many B&Bs book up long in advance of the summer and fall seasons. Many B&Bs and small inns also discourage the presence of children though fall short of actually prohibiting them. If you’re traveling with children, be sure to ask about them when booking to make sure they will receive a warm welcome.

Bed-and-Breakfast Associations

Bed & Breakfast Association of Sonoma Valley.

800/969–4667 | www.sonomabb.com.

The Wine Country Inns of Sonoma County.

800/946–3268 | www.winecountryinns.com.

TOURS

Full-day guided tours of the Wine Country generally include lunch, and cost about $60–$100 per person. Reservations are usually required.

Beau Wine Tours.

Based in downtown Sonoma, this outfitter organizes personalized tours of Napa and Sonoma in limos, vans, and shuttle buses. | 21707 8th St. E | Sonoma | 95476 | 707/938–8001, 800/387–2328 | www.beauwinetours.com.

Gray Line.

The national outfitter offers a tour that covers the southern Napa and Sonoma valleys in a single day, with stops for shopping and sightseeing at Sonoma Plaza and lunch in Yountville. | Pier 43½, Embarcadero | San Francisco | 94131 | 415/434–8687, 888/428–6937 | www.grayline.com.

Great Pacific Tour Co.

This friendly outfitter operates full-day tours of Napa and Sonoma, including a restaurant lunch and a tour at Domaine Chandon. Tours are offered in passenger vans that seat 14. | 518 Octavia St. Hayes Valley | San Francisco | 94102 | 415/626–4499 | www.greatpacifictour.com.

Wine Country Bikes.

This family-owned Healdsburg outfitter rents bikes by the day and organizes one-day and multi-day trips throughout Sonoma County. | 61 Front St. | Healdsburg | 95448 | 707/473–0610, 866/922–4537 | www.winecountrybikes.com.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Napa Valley Welcome Center.

Visitors love the Napa Valley Wecome Center, a downtown storefront offering everything from baked goods to information about winery tours and recreation. | 600 Main St. | Napa | 94558 | 707/251–5895 | www.legendarynapavalley.com.

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Napa | Yountville | Oakville | Rutherford | St. Helena | Calistoga

When it comes to wine production in the United States, Napa Valley rules the roost, with nearly 400 wineries and many of the biggest brands in the business. Vastly diverse soils and microclimates give Napa winemakers the chance to make a tremendous variety of wines. But what’s the area like beyond the glossy advertising and boldface names?

The small towns strung along Highway 29 are where wine-industry workers live, and they’re also where most of the area lodging is. Napa—the valley’s largest town—lures with its growing cultural attractions and accommodations that are (relatively) reasonably priced. A few miles farther north, compact Yountville is a culinary boomtown, densely packed with top-notch restaurants and hotels, including a few luxury properties. Continuing north, St. Helena teems with elegant boutiques and restaurants; mellow Calistoga, known for spas and hot springs, feels a bit like an Old West frontier town, and has a more casual attitude.

Previous Map | Next Map | San Francisco Maps

Essentials

Contacts

Napa Valley Destination Council.

707/226–5813, 707/251-5895 | www.legendarynapavalley.com.

NAPA

46 miles from San Francisco via I–80 east and north, Hwy. 37 west, and Hwy. 29 north.

The town of Napa is the valley’s largest, and visitors who get a glimpse of the strip malls and big-box stores from Highway 29 often speed right past on the way to smaller and more seductive Yountville or St. Helena. But Napa is changing. After many years as a blue-collar town that more or less turned its back on the Wine Country scene, Napa has spent the last few years attempting to increase its appeal to visitors. A walkway that follows the river through town, completed in 2008, makes the city more pedestrian-friendly, and in the last two years a surprising number of high-profile new restaurants have popped up. Of course there’s also the Oxbow Public Market, a klatch of high-end food purveyors. At night, catch a show at either the circa-1880 Napa Valley Opera House, or the recently renovated Uptown Theatre.

Many visitors choose to stay in Napa after experiencing hotel sticker shock; prices in Napa are marginally more reasonable than elsewhere. If you set up your home base here, you’ll undoubtedly want to spend some time getting out of town and into the beautiful countryside, but don’t neglect taking a stroll to see what the valley’s least pretentious town has to offer, or checking out the ever-changing culinary landscape.

Getting Here and Around

To get to downtown Napa from Highway 29, take the 1st Street exit and follow the signs for Central Napa less than a mile through town until you reach the corner of 2nd Street and Main Street. Most of the town’s sights and many of its restaurants are clustered in an easily walkable area near this intersection.

EXPLORING NAPA

Artesa Vineyards & Winery.

With its modern, minimalist look in the tasting room, which is dug into a Carneros hilltop, and contemporary sculptures and fountains on the property, Artesa Vineyards & Winery is a far cry from the many faux French châteaus and rustic Italian-style villas in the region. Although the Spanish owners once made only sparkling wines, now they also produce still wines, mostly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but also Cabernet Sauvignon and a smattering of other limited-release wines such as Syrah and Albariño. Call ahead to reserve a spot on one of the specialty tours, such as a wine-and-cheese pairing, a wine-and-chocolate pairing, or the walk through the vineyard ($45). | 1345 Henry Rd. north off Old Sonoma Rd. and Dealy La. | 94558 | 707/224–1668 | www.artesawinery.com | Tasting $10–$15, tour $20 | Daily 10–5; tour daily at 11 and 2.

Clos du Val.

Although this austere winery doesn’t seduce you with dramatic architecture or lush grounds, it doesn’t have to: the wines, crafted by winemaker John Clews, have a wide following, especially among those who are patient enough to cellar the wines for a number of years. Though Clews and his team make great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (grown in the nearby Carneros region), the real claim to fame is the intense reserve Cabernet, made with fruit from the Stags Leap District. The few picnic tables (in a peaceful olive grove) fill up early on summer weekends, and anyone is welcome to try a hand at the bocce-style French game of pétanque. | 5330 Silverado Trail | 94558 | 707/261–5251, 800/993–9463 | www.closduval.com | Tasting $15–$25 | Daily 10–5; tour by appointment.

Fodor’s Choice | di Rosa.

While you’re driving along the Carneros Highway on your way to Napa from San Francisco, it would be easy to zip by one of the region’s best-kept secrets: di Rosa. Metal sculptures of sheep grazing in the grass mark the entrance to this sprawling, art-stuffed property. Thousands of 20th-century artworks by hundreds of Northern California artists crop up everywhere—in galleries, in the former di Rosa residence, on every lawn, in every courtyard, and even on the lake. Some of the works were commissioned especially for the preserve, such as Paul Kos’s meditative Chartres Bleu, a video installation in a chapel-like setting that replicates a stained-glass window of the cathedral in Chartres, France. If you stop by without a reservation, you’ll only gain access to the Gatehouse Gallery, where there’s a small collection of riotously colorful figurative and abstract sculpture and painting, as well as rotating modern-art exhibits throughout the year. TIP To see the rest of the property and artwork, you’ll have to sign up for one of the various tours of the grounds (from 1 to 2½ hours). Tour reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are sometimes accommodated. | 5200 Sonoma Hwy./Carneros Hwy. | 94559 | 707/226–5991 | www.dirosaart.org | Suggested donation $5, tour $10–$15 | Wed.–Sat. 9–3; tours 10–3.

Domaine Carneros.

The majestic château here looks for all the world like it belongs in France, and in fact it does: it’s modeled after the Château de la Marquetterie, an 18th-century mansion owned by the Taittinger family near Epernay, France. Carved into the hillside beneath the winery, Domaine Carneros’s cellars produce delicate sparkling wines reminiscent of those made by Taittinger, using only grapes grown locally in the Carneros wine district. The winery sells full glasses, flights, and bottles of their wines, which also include still wines like Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Chardonnay, and serves them with cheese plates, charcuterie plates, caviar, or smoked salmon. Seating is in the Louis XV–inspired salon or on the terrace overlooking the vineyards. Though this makes a visit here a tad more expensive than some stops on a winery tour, it’s also one of the most opulent ways to enjoy the Carneros District, especially on fair days, when the views over the vineyards are spectacular. | 1240 Duhig Rd. at Carneros Hwy. | 94559 | 707/257–0101, 800/716–2788 | www.domainecarneros.com | Tasting $6.50–$85, tour $25 | Daily 10–6; tour daily at 11, 1, and 3.

Fodor’s Choice | Hess Collection Winery.

Nine miles northwest of the city of Napa, up a winding road ascending Mt. Veeder, this winery is a delightful discovery. The simple limestone structure, rustic from the outside but modern and airy within, contains Swiss owner Donald Hess’s personal art collection, including mostly large-scale works by such contemporary European and American artists as Robert Motherwell, Andy Goldsworthy, and Frank Stella. Cabernet Sauvignon is the real strength here, though Hess also produces some fine Chardonnays. A number of wine-and-food pairings also are available. Self-guided tours of the art collection and guided tours of the winery’s production facilities are both free. On weekdays, ask to borrow an iPod for the free audio tour, which includes commentary by Donald Hess and some of the artists featured in the collection. | 4411 Redwood Rd. west of Hwy. 29 | 94558 | 707/255–1144 | www.hesscollection.com | Tasting $10–$50 | Daily 10–5:30; guided tours daily, usually hourly 10:30–3:30.

Oxbow Public Market.

Though not terribly large, this collection of about 25 small shops, wine bars, and artisanal food producers is a fun place to begin your introduction to the wealth of food and wine available in the Napa Valley. Swoon over the decadent charcuterie at the Fatted Calf, slurp down some oysters on the half shell at Hog Island Oyster Company, chow down on tacos with homemade tortillas at C Casa, or get a whiff of the hard-to-find seasonings at the Whole Spice Company before sitting down to a glass of wine at the Oxbow Wine Merchant & Wine Bar. A branch of the retro fast-food joint Gott’s Roadside tempts those who prefer hamburgers (or egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwiches) to duck-liver mousse. | 610 and 644 1st St. at McKinstry St. | 94559 | No phone | www.oxbowpublicmarket.com | Free | Generally weekdays 9–9, weekends 10–9; hrs of some merchants vary.

Sodaro Estate Winery.

Upscale-yet-modest Sodaro is a great introduction to Coombsville, Napa’s newest AVA. Tours start on the crushpad, with a view of rolling vineyards, then head inside the wine cave, to a marble banquet table, for a seated tasting of the winery’s signature wines: a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Bordeaux-style blend. You might also taste a special limited release, perhaps a Malbec or a Cabernet Franc. All wines are paired with local cheese and breadsticks. The tour concludes with a walk through the wine cave itself. It’s no surprise the vibe here is so luxurious: owners Don and Deedee Sodaro also own the Hanford Hotels chain. | 24 Blue Oak La. off 3rd Ave. | 707/251–8216 | www.sodarowines.com | Tour and tasting $30 | Open by appointment only.

WHERE TO EAT IN NAPA

Angèle.

$$$ | FRENCH | An 1890s boathouse with a vaulted wood-beam ceiling sets the scene for romance at this cozy French bistro. Though the style is casual—tables are close together, and the warm, crusty bread is plunked right down on the paper-top tables—the food is always well executed. Look for classic French dishes like duck breast accompanied with confit, guinea hen wrapped in house-cured pancetta, or a starter of ris de veau (veal sweetbreads). Save room for the homemade desserts. In fair weather, ask for one of the charming outdoor tables. | Average main: $30 | 540 Main St. at 5th St. | 94559 | 707/252–8115 | www.angelerestaurant.com.

BarBersQ.

$$ | SOUTHERN | Hardly a down-home ramshackle barbecue shack, this temple to meat in the middle of a shopping center has a clean, modern aesthetic, with black-and-white photos on the wall and brushed aluminum chairs. The menu of barbecue favorites includes a half or full rack of smoked baby back ribs and a Memphis-style pulled-pork sandwich, all served with your choice of three different sauces. The supremely juicy fried chicken, made with free-range chicken and served with mashed potatoes and vinegary collard greens, is also popular. If you can save any room, the root-beer float or chocolate bourbon pecan pie is a fitting end to a homey meal. Outside seating (on a patio facing the parking lot) is available on fair days. | Average main: $18 | 3900D Bel Aire Plaza of Trancas St. | 94558 | 707/224–6600 | www.barbersq.com.

Bistro Don Giovanni.

$$$ | ITALIAN | Co-owner and host Giovanni Scala might be around to warmly welcome you to this lively bistro, where you can peek past the copper pots hanging in the open kitchen to see the 750-degree wood-burning oven. The Cal-Italian food is simultaneously inventive and comforting: an excellent fritto misto usually comprised of onions, fennel, calamari, and plump rock shrimp; pizza with Brussels sprouts and garlic; and whole roasted fish. Children are unusually welcome here, catered to with crayons and paper-topped tables and a menu with items like pizza topped with cheese, french fries, and “no green stuff.” Fodors.com Forum users suggest angling for a table on the covered patio for a “more intimate and quiet” experience. | Average main: $27 | 4110 Howard La./Hwy. 29 | 94558 | 707/224–3300 | www.bistrodongiovanni.com.

Bounty Hunter.

$$$ | SOUTHERN | A triple threat, Bounty Hunter is a wine store, a wine bar, and a restaurant in one. You can stop by for just wine—about 40 choices available by the glass in both 2- and 5-ounce pours, and 400 by the bottle—but it’s best to come with an appetite. A miniscule kitchen means the menu is also small, but every dish is a standout, including the pulled-pork and beef brisket sandwiches served with three types of barbecue sauce, the signature beer-can chicken, and meltingly tender St. Louis–style ribs. The space is whimsically rustic, with stuffed game trophies mounted on the wall and leather saddles standing in for seats at a couple of tables. TIP The restaurant remains open until midnight on Friday and Saturday, making it a popular spot for a late-night bite. | Average main: $24 | 975 1st St. at Main St. | 94559 | 707/226–3976 | www.bountyhunterwinebar.com | Reservations not accepted.

Morimoto Napa.

$$$$ | JAPANESE | Masuharu Morimoto, known to many as the star of Iron Chef but also well regarded for his eponymous restaurants around the world, is the big name behind this hot restaurant in downtown Napa. Organic materials like twisting grapevines above the bar and rough-hewn wooden tables seem simultaneously earthy and modern, which seems a fitting setting for the gorgeously plated Japanese fare, from super-fresh sashimi served with grated fresh wasabi to more-elaborate concoctions like sea-urchin carbonara, made with udon noodles. For the full experience, consider the omakase menu ($120). If no tables are available, you can still order many dishes in the lounge, where a young and lively crowd drinks specialty cocktails along with appetizers like a tempura calamari salad and pork gyoza. | Average main: $44 | 610 Main St. at 5th St. | 94559 | 707/252–1600 | www.morimotonapa.com.

Norman Rose Tavern.

$$ | AMERICAN | If downtown Napa has its own version of the bar in Cheers, the Norman Rose Tavern is it. Casual and family-friendly, “The Rose,” as locals call it, serves up classic American fare such as hamburgers, sandwiches, and fish and chips, and proudly pours local wines and regional beers until 9 or 10 pm. Happy Hour, held weeknights from 3 to 6 pm, is particularly rollicking, with $4 draft beers, $6 glasses of wine, $6 hot wings (by the pound), and $2.50 sliders. On warm days, arrive early for a spot on the open-air patio. | Average main: $17 | 1401 1st St. at Franklin St. | 707/258–1516.

WHERE TO STAY IN NAPA

Avia Napa.

$ | HOTEL | Hands down, this boutique hotel, now part of the Hyatt family, is the hippest place to stay in Napa; the rooms, most of them suites, are modern but welcomingly so. The second-floor veranda is a romantic spot to cuddle and share a bottle of wine late into the night. Pros: proximity to restaurants, theaters, and tasting rooms downtown; modern fitness center. Cons: on-site restaurant and bar lack identity; parking can be a challenge on popular weekends. TripAdvisor: “beautiful and comfortable,” “modern,” “great breakfast.” | Rooms from: $189 | 1450 1st St. | 707/224–3900 | avianapa.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels | 50 rooms, 91 suites.

Blackbird Inn.

$ | B&B/INN | Arts and Crafts style infuses this 1905 building, from the lobby’s enormous fieldstone fireplace to the lamps that cast a warm glow over the impressive wooden staircase to the attractive guest rooms, with sturdy turn-of-the-20th-century oak beds and matching night tables. But never fear, rooms are nonetheless updated with spacious, modern bathrooms, most with spa bathtubs. The inn is within walking distance of Napa’s historic, restaurant-rich downtown area. It tends to book up quickly, so reserve well in advance. Pros: gorgeous architecture and period furnishings; convenient to downtown Napa; free afternoon wine service. Cons: must be booked well in advance; some rooms are on the small side. | Rooms from: $225 | 1755 1st St. | 94559 | 707/226–2450, 888/567–9811 | www.blackbirdinnnapa.com | 8 rooms.

Fodor’s Choice | Carneros Inn.

$$$$ | RESORT | Freestanding board-and-batten cottages with rocking chairs on each porch are simultaneously rustic and chic at this luxurious property. Each cottage is flooded with natural light but still manages to maintain privacy, with windows and French doors leading to a private garden, some of which are equipped with fire pits and outdoor soaking tubs. Wood-burning fireplaces, ethereal beds topped with Italian linens and pristine white down comforters, and spacious bathrooms with heated slate floors and large indoor-outdoor showers may make it difficult to summon the will to leave the cottage and enjoy the hilltop infinity swimming pool and hot tub. The Hilltop dining room, with views of the neighboring vineyards, is open to guests only for breakfast and lunch Friday through Sunday, but Boon Fly Cafe and FARM, the public restaurants, are popular with visitors throughout the Wine Country. Pros: cottages have lots of privacy; beautiful views from the hilltop pool and hot tub; heaters on each private patio encourage lounging outside in the evening. Cons: a long drive from destinations up-valley; smallish rooms with limited seating options. TripAdvisor: “everything you need,” “great vistas,” “beautiful location and relaxing accommodation.” | Rooms from: $550 | 4048 Sonoma Hwy. (Hwy. 121) | 94559 | 707/299–4900, 888/400–9000 | www.thecarnerosinn.com | 76 cottages, 10 suites.

Marriott Napa Valley Hotel & Spa.

$ | HOTEL | Ignore the Marriott’s drab front—the outside doesn’t do justice to the polished elegance that awaits within: Italian tile in the foyer, fire pits on the patio, and spa treatments that use crushed grape-seeds and the essence of ripe strawberries and Champagne. Rooms are consistently contemporary with gold and red fabrics, down duvets, and giant white pillows. Those facing the pool open out onto a tranquil garden space. The onsite VINeleven restaurant harvests fruits and vegetables from the hotel’s heirloom garden. From 5 pm to 6 pm the restaurant hosts a complimentary wine tasting of local Napa Valley wines. Pros: food grown onsite; relaxing pool; extensive spa. Cons: rooms facing the parking lot have disappointing views and can be noisy; hallways are endless; a ten minute drive to downtown Napa. | Rooms from: $250 | 3425 Solano Ave. | 94558 | 707/253–8600 | www.napavalleymarriott.com | 275 rooms, 5 suites.

Milliken Creek Inn.

$$$ | B&B/INN | Wine and cheese at sunset set a romantic mood in the intimate lobby, with its terrace overlooking the Napa River and a lush lawn. Chic rooms take a page from the stylebook of British-colonial Asia, with a khaki-and-cream color scheme and gauzy canopies over the beds in some rooms, alongside hydrotherapy spa tubs and some of the fluffiest beds in the Wine Country. All rooms save one have a gas-burning fireplace. A tiny deck overlooking the river is the spot for massages and private yoga classes. In the serene spa, all the treatment rooms, including one used for popular couple’s treatments, have river views. Pros: soft-as-clouds beds; serene hotel-guests-only spa; breakfast delivered to your room (or wherever you’d like to eat on the grounds); gratuities are not accepted (except at the spa). Cons: expensive; road noise can be heard from the admittedly beautiful outdoor areas. TripAdvisor: “very friendly attentive staff,” “romantic getaway,” “consistent elegance.” | Rooms from: $350 | 1815 Silverado Trail | 94558 | 707/255–1197, 800/835–6112 | www.millikencreekinn.com | 12 rooms.

Napa River Inn.

$$ | B&B/INN | Almost everything’s close here: this waterfront inn is part of a complex of restaurants, shops, a gallery, and a spa, all within easy walking distance of downtown Napa. Guest rooms are in three structures. Rooms in the 1884 Hatt Building, in Victorian style, are arguably the most romantic, with deep-red walls, original architectural details such as maple floors, and old-fashioned slipper tubs. Brighter colors dominate in the rooms of the Plaza and Embarcadero buildings; many of the rooms have river views. Baked goods from a neighboring bakery are delivered to your door for breakfast. Pros: a pedestrian walkway connects the hotel to downtown Napa; unusual pet-friendly policy; wide range of room sizes and prices. Cons: river views could be more scenic; some rooms get noise from nearby restaurants. TripAdvisor: “first class,” “great location,” “clean and comfortable.” | Rooms from: $300 | 500 Main St. | 94559 | 707/251–8500, 877/251–8500 | www.napariverinn.com | 65 rooms, 1 suite.

Westin Verasa.

$ | HOTEL | Across the street from the Wine Train depot and just behind the Oxbow Public Market, this spacious hotel-condo complex, opened in 2008, is sophisticated and soothing, with pristine white bedding and furniture in warm earth tones. Gadgets like Xbox 360s, iPod docking stations, and flat-screen televisions are a convenient perk for the technologically inclined, while the heated saltwater pool and hot tub and boccie court are there for those who want to unplug. The attached restaurant, Ken Frank’s acclaimed La Toque, is one of the best in town. It’s open for dinner only, but a more casual café and wine bar is also open for breakfast and lunch. Pros: pool is heated year-round; most rooms have well-equipped kitchenettes; spacious double-headed showers. Cons: $20 “amenities fee” charged in addition to room rate. TripAdvisor: “wonderful property,” “needs a few extra touches,” “great food on-site.” | Rooms from: $239 | 1314 McKinstry St. | 94559 | 707/257–1800, 800/937–8461 | www.westinnapa.com | 130 rooms, 50 suites.

NIGHTLIFE AND THE ARTS IN NAPA

Napa Valley Opera House.

The interior of the 1879 Italianate Victorian Napa Valley Opera House isn’t quite as majestic as the facade, but the intimate 500-seat venue is still an excellent place to see all sorts of performances, from Pat Metheny and Mandy Patinkin to the Napa Valley Film Festival and, yes, even the occasional opera. | 1030 Main St. at 1st St. | 94559 | 707/226–7372 | www.nvoh.org.

Uptown Theatre.

This Napa icon opened as a movie house in 1937. After years in disrepair, it was renovated and in 2010 reopened as a live-music venue that has attracted the likes of Lucinda Williams and Devo. | 1350 3rd St. at Franklin St. | 707/259–0123 | www.uptowntheatrenapa.com.

SPORTS AND THE OUTDOORS IN NAPA

Thanks to the scenic country roads that wind through the region, bicycling is a practically perfect way to get around the Wine Country. And whether you’re interested in an easy spin to a few wineries or a strenuous haul up a mountainside, there’s a way to make it happen. Another fine way to take in the scenery is by kayak. TIP There are almost no designated bike lanes in the Wine Country, though, so be sure to pay attention to traffic.

Napa Valley Adventure Tours.

Operating out of the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa, this outfitter offers a variety of half- and full-day outdoor trips, including kayaking along the Napa River in the southern part of the valley. | 610 1st St. at McKinstry St. | 707/259–1833, 877/548–6877.

Napa Valley Bike Tours.

Napa Valley Bike Tours will deliver the bikes, which go for $39 to $78 a day, to many hotels in the Napa Valley if you’re renting at least two bikes for a full day. In addition to hourly rentals, guided and self-guided winery tours are available. | 6795 Washington St. at Madison St. | Yountville | 94599 | 707/944–2953 | www.napavalleybiketours.com.

A Quick Wine Glossary

Like any activity, wine making and wine tasting have specialized vocabularies, and most of the terms are actually quite helpful, once you have them down. Here are some core terms to know:

American Viticultural Area (AVA). More commonly termed an “appellation,” this is a region with unique soil, climate, and other grape-growing conditions. When a label lists an appellation—Napa Valley or Mt. Veeder, for example—at least 85% of the grapes used to make the wine must come from that region.

Aroma and bouquet. Aroma is the fruit-derived scent of young wine. It diminishes with fermentation and becomes a more complex bouquet as the wine ages.

Corked. Describes wine that is flawed by the musty, wet-cardboard flavor imparted by cork mold.

Estate bottled. A wine entirely made by one winery at a single facility. The grapes must come from the winery’s own vineyards within the same appellation (which must be printed on the label).

Horizontal tasting. A tasting of several different wines of the same vintage.

Library wine. An older vintage that the winery has put aside to sell at a later date.

Méthode champenoise. The traditional, time-consuming method of making sparkling wines that are fermented in individual bottles.

Oaky. A vanilla-woody flavor that develops when wine is aged in oak barrels. Too much overpowers the other flavors.

Reserve wine. Fuzzy term applied by vintners to indicate that a wine is better in some way (through aging, source of the grapes, etc.) than others from their winery.

Table wine. Any wine that has at least 7% but not more than 14% alcohol by volume. The term doesn’t necessarily imply anything about the wine’s quality or price—both super-premium and jug wines can be labeled as table wine.

Tannins. These natural grape compounds produce a sensation of drying or astringency in the mouth and throat.

Terroir. A French term typically used to describe the soil and climate conditions that influence the quality and characteristics of grapes and wine.

Varietal. A wine that takes its name from the grape variety from which it is predominantly made. California wines that qualify are almost always labeled with the variety of the source grape.

Vertical tasting. A tasting of the same wines from different vintages.

Vinification. Wine making, the process by which grapes are made into wine.

Vintage. The grape harvest of a given year, and the year in which the grapes are harvested. A vintage date on a bottle indicates the year in which the grapes were harvested rather than the year in which the wine was bottled.

Viticulture. The cultivation of grapes.

YOUNTVILLE

13 miles north of the town of Napa on Hwy. 29.

These days Yountville is something like Disneyland for food lovers. It all started with Thomas Keller’s French Laundry, simply one of the best restaurants in the United States. Now Keller is also behind two more-casual restaurants a few blocks from his mother ship—and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. You could stay here for a week and not exhaust all the options in this tiny town with a big culinary reputation.

Yountville is full of small inns and high-end hotels that cater to those who prefer to walk (not drive) after an extravagant meal. It’s also well located for excursions to many big-name Napa wineries, especially those in the Stags Leap District, from which big, bold Cabernet Sauvignons helped put the Napa Valley on the wine-making map.

Getting Here and Around

To get to Yountville from Highway 29 traveling north, take the Yountville exit and then take the first left, onto Washington Street. Almost all of Yountville’s business and restaurants are clustered along Washington Street in the first half-mile. Yountville Cross Road connects tiny downtown Yountville to the Silverado Trail, along which many of the area’s best wineries are located.

EXPLORING YOUNTVILLE

Domaine Chandon.

On a knoll west of downtown dotted with whimsical sculptures and shaded with ancient oak trees, this French-owned winery claims one of Yountville’s prime pieces of real estate. Basic tours of the sleek, modern facilities are available for $12 (not including a tasting), but other tours ($32 each), which focus on various topics (food-and-wine pairing or Pinot production, for example), end with a seated tasting. The top-quality sparklers are made using the laborious méthode champenoise. For the complete experience, order hors d’oeuvres to accompany the wines in the tasting room; although Chandon is best known for its bubblies, still wines like the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier are also worth a try. Only wine club members are welcome to bring young children. | 1 California Dr. west of Hwy. 29 | 94599 | 707/944–2280, 888/242–6366 | www.chandon.com | Tasting $8–$22 by the glass, $18–$25 by the flight | Daily 10–5; tours daily at 11:30, 3:30.

Napa Valley Museum.

Although it’s not worth a long detour, this small museum, next to Domaine Chandon on the grounds of the town’s Veterans Home, is a great respite from a day of wine tasting. Downstairs, the permanent exhibit, The Land and People of Napa Valley, focuses on the geology and history of the area, from the Native Americans who once lived here through the pioneer period to the modern winemakers who made it famous. The rotating fine-arts shows upstairs feature the work of Napa Valley artists. The museum also hosts regular Family Fun Days, which include arts-and-crafts projects for young kids. | 55 Presidents Circle at California Dr. | 94599 | 707/944–0500 | www.napavalleymuseum.org | $10 | Wed.–Mon. 10–5.

Robert Sinskey Vineyards.

Although the winemaker here produces well-regarded Cabernet blends and a variety of aromatic white wines from all-organic, certified biodynamic vineyards, Sinskey is best known for its intense, brambly Pinot Noirs, grown in the cooler Carneros District, where the grape thrives. The influence of Rob’s wife, Maria Helm Sinskey—a chef and cookbook author and the winery’s culinary director—is evident during the tastings, which come with a few bites of food paired with each wine (her books and other culinary items are also available in the gift shop, next to the open kitchen). But for the best sense of how Sinskey wines pair with food, reserve a spot on the ($75) culinary tour, which takes you through the winery’s gardens and ends with a seated pairing of foods and wine. | 6320 Silverado Trail at Yountville Cross Rd. | Napa | 94558 | 707/944–9090 | www.robertsinskey.com | Tasting $25; tour $75 | Daily 10–4:30; tours daily at 11 (by appointment).

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.

The 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon produced by Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars put the winery—and the Napa Valley—on the map by placing first in the famous Paris tasting of 1976. Today, a visit to the winery is a no-frills affair. Visitors in the tasting room are clearly serious about tasting wine, and aren’t interested in distractions like a gift shop. It costs $30 to taste the top-of-the-line wines, including the limited-production estate-grown Cabernets, a few of which sell for well over $100. If you’re interested in more-modestly priced wines, try the $15 tasting, which usually includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet. (Note: Don’t conflate this winery with Stag’s Leap; that’s a different operation entirely.) | 5766 Silverado Trail at Wappo Hill Rd. | Napa | 94558 | 707/944–2020, 866/422–7523 | www.cask23.com | Tasting $15–$30, tour $40 | Daily 10–4:30; tours by appointment.

V Marketplace.

In between bouts of eating and drinking, you might stop by V Marketplace. The vine-covered brick complex, which once housed a winery, a livery stable, and a brandy distillery, contains a smattering of clothing boutiques, art galleries, and gift stores. NapaStyle, a large store, deli, and wine bar, sells cookbooks, luxury food items, and kitchenware, as well as an assortment of prepared foods perfect for picnics. The complex’s signature restaurant, Bottega, features the food of celebrity chef Michael Chiarello. | 6525 Washington St. near Mulberry St. | 94599 | 707/944–2451 | www.vmarketplace.com.

WHERE TO EAT IN YOUNTVILLE

Fodor’s Choice | Ad Hoc.

$$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | When superstar chef Thomas Keller opened this relatively casual spot in 2006, he meant to run it for only six months until he opened a burger joint in the same space, but locals were so charmed by the homey food that they clamored for the stopgap to stay. Now a single, seasonal, fixed-price menu ($52) is served nightly, with a small menu of decadent brunch items served on Sunday. The selection might include a juicy pork loin and buttery polenta, served family style, or a delicate panna cotta with a citrus glaze. The dining room is warmly low-key, with zinc-top tables, wine served in tumblers, and rock and jazz on the stereo. If you just can’t wait to know what’s going be served before you visit, you can call a day in advance for the menu or sign up for daily email blasts. | Average main: $52 | 6476 Washington St. at Oak Circle | 94599 | 707/944–2487 | www.adhocrestaurant.com | No lunch Mon.–Sat. No dinner Tues. and Wed.

Bottega.

$$$$ | ITALIAN | The food at this lively trattoria is simultaneously soulful and inventive, transforming local ingredients into regional Italian dishes with a twist. The antipasti in particular shine: you can order olives grown on chef Michael Chiarello’s own property in St. Helena, house-made charcuterie, or an incredibly fresh fish crudo. Potato gnocchi might be served with duck and a chestnut ragu, and hearty main courses like braised short ribs could come on a bed of spinach prepared with preserved lemons. The vibe is more festival than formal, with exposed brick walls, an open kitchen, and paper-topped tables, but service is spot on, and the reasonably priced wine list offers lots of interesting choices from both Italy and California. | Average main: $35 | 6525 Washington St. near Mulberry St. | 94599 | 707/945–1050 | www.botteganapavalley.com | No lunch Mon.

Bouchon.

$$$ | FRENCH | The team that brought French Laundry to its current pinnacle is also behind this place, where everything—the lively and crowded zinc bar, the elbow-to-elbow seating, the traditional French onion soup—could have come straight from a Parisian bistro. Roast chicken with mustard greens and fingerling potatoes and steamed mussels served with crispy, addictive frites (french fries) are among the hearty dishes served in the high-ceilinged room. TIP Late-night meals from a limited menu are served until midnight—a rarity in the Wine Country, where it’s often difficult to find a place to eat after 10. | Average main: $25 | 6534 Washington St. near Humboldt St. | 94599 | 707/944–8037 | www.bouchonbistro.com.

Étoile.

$$$$ | AMERICAN | Housed at Domaine Chandon, this quietly elegant stunner seems built for romance, with delicate orchids on each table and views of the wooded winery grounds from the large windows. The restaurant’s young chef Perry Hoffman turns out sophisticated California cuisine. Starters such as lobster carpaccio with pickled carrots play with a variety of textures, and luxe ingredients like shavings of black truffle dress up pappardelle with maitake mushrooms. Four- and six-course tasting menus can be ordered with or without wine pairings. The wine list naturally features plenty of Domaine Chandon sparklers, but it’s strong in wines from throughout other regions of California as well. | Average main: $34 | 1 California Dr. at Hwy. 29 | 94599 | 888/242–6366 | www.chandon.com/etoile-restaurant | Closed Tues. and Wed.

Fodor’s Choice | French Laundry.

$$$$ | AMERICAN | An old stone building laced with ivy houses the most acclaimed restaurant in Napa Valley—and, indeed, one of the most highly regarded in the country. The restaurant’s two nine-course prix-fixe menus (both $270), one of which is vegetarian, vary, but “oysters and pearls,” a silky dish of pearl tapioca with oysters and white sturgeon caviar, is a signature starter. Some courses rely on luxe ingredients like foie gras, while others take humble foods like fava beans and elevate them to art. Many courses also offer the option of “supplements,” such as sea urchin or black truffles. Reservations at French Laundry are hard-won, and not accepted more than two months in advance. TIP Call two months ahead to the day at 10 am, on the dot. Didn’t get a reservation? Call on the day you’d like to dine here to be considered if there’s a cancellation. | Prix-fixe: $270 | 6640 Washington St. at Creek St. | 94599 | 707/944–2380 | www.frenchlaundry.com | Reservations essential | Jacket required | No lunch Mon.–Thurs.

Mustards Grill.

$$$ | AMERICAN | There’s not an ounce of pretension at Cindy Pawlcyn’s longtime Napa favorite, despite the fact that it’s filled every day and night with fans of her hearty cuisine. The menu mixes updated renditions of traditional American dishes (what the restaurant likes to call “deluxe truck-stop classics”), such as barbecued baby back pork ribs and a lemon-lime tart piled high with browned meringue, with a handful of more innovative choices such as sweet corn tamales with tomatillo-avocado salsa and wild mushrooms. A black-and-white marble tile floor and upbeat artwork set a scene that one Fodors.com reader describes as “pure fun, if not fancy.” | Average main: $25 | 7399 St. Helena Hwy. (Hwy. 29), 1 mile north of town | 94558 | 707/944–2424 | www.mustardsgrill.com.

WHERE TO STAY IN YOUNTVILLE

Bardessono.

$$$$ | RESORT | Although Bardessono bills itself as the “greenest luxury hotel in America,” there’s nothing spartan about its large, sparce rooms. Arranged around four landscaped courtyards, the rooms have luxurious organic white bedding, gas fireplaces, and huge bathrooms with walnut floors. The resort has all the high-tech touches you’d expect for a property that opened in 2009—speakers for your iPhone, a flat-screen TV, and fancy spa tubs—and a few you wouldn’t, like motion sensors that detect when you’re gone and adjust the blinds for energy efficiency. Service is smooth, from the valet who takes your car to the folks who staff the 75-foot-long rooftop lap pool, serving food and drinks to those lounging in the cabanas. At the hotel’s restaurant, chefs use mostly local ingredients (some grown by the hotel itself) to concoct a seasonal menu of California fare with an adventurous twist. Pros: large rooftop lap pool; exciting restaurant on-site; polished service. Cons: expensive; the view from many rooms is uninspiring. TripAdvisor: “long weekend in paradise,” “an exquisite favorite,” “heavenly beds.” | Rooms from: $500 | 6526 Yount St. | 94599 | 707/204–6000 | www.bardessono.com | 50 rooms, 12 suites.

Hotel Luca.

$$$ | B&B/INN | This 20-room Yountville inn that opened in 2009 embodies a rustic Tuscan style, with dark-wood furniture and soothing decor in brown and sage. Rooms are clustered around a courtyard, which is warmed by a fireplace when the weather demands it. Uncommonly spacious bathrooms with large tubs and separate showers, warmed by radiant floor heating, invite lingering in the fluffy robes and slippers. A wide variety of spa services are available in the small spa or in your room. Pros: extremely comfortable beds; attentive service; breakfast, included in rates, is served in the restaurant or delivered to your room. Cons: rooms are soundproofed, but outdoor areas get some traffic noise. TripAdvisor: “most comfortable bed in the world,” “impeccable service,” “laid-back luxury.” | Rooms from: $350 | 6757 Washington St. | 94599 | 707/944–8080 | www.hotellucanapa.com | 20 rooms | Breakfast.

Maison Fleurie.

$ | B&B/INN | If you’d like to be within easy walking distance of most of Yountville’s best restaurants, and possibly score a great bargain, look into this casual, comfortable inn. Rooms share a French country style (picture toile bedspreads, wooden armoires, and trompe-l’oeil paintings on the walls) but vary dramatically in size and amenities. The largest have a private entrance, a deck, a fireplace, and a jetted bathtub big enough for two. TIP For a much lower rate, book one of the tiny but well-kept rooms with a small shower but no bathtub—and save for a French Laundry meal instead. Pros: smallest rooms are some of the most affordable in town; free bike rental; refrigerator stocked with free bottled water and soda. Cons: breakfast room can be crowded at peak times; bedding could be nicer. TripAdvisor: “very cozy and romantic,” “very relaxing,” “charming.” | Rooms from: $175 | 6529 Yount St. | 94599 | 707/944–2056, 800/788–0369 | www.maisonfleurienapa.com | 13 rooms | Breakfast.

Napa Valley Railway Inn.

$ | HOTEL | Budget-minded travelers and those with kids appreciate these very basic accommodations—inside actual railcars—just steps away from most of Yountville’s best restaurants. The railcars, more than a hundred years old, house nine long, narrow rooms that have a bit more charm than your average motel. Most have armoires or other turn-of-the-20th-century furniture, as well as small flat-panel TVs and sparkling-clean bathrooms. A coffee shop in an adjacent railcar sells beverages and pastries. Pros: central Yountville location; guests have access to adjacent gym. Cons: minimal service, since the office is often unstaffed; rooms on the parking-lot side get some noise. TripAdvisor: “a gem in Yountville,” “great carriages,” “great location.” | Rooms from: $175 | 6523 Washington St. | 94599 | 707/944–2000 | www.napavalleyrailwayinn.com | 9 rooms.

Villagio Inn & Spa.

$$$ | RESORT | The luxury here is quiet and refined: streamlined furnishings, subdued color schemes, and high ceilings create a sense of spaciousness in the guest rooms, each of which has a fireplace and, beyond louvered doors, a balcony or a patio. The spa has huge “suites” big enough for small groups, as well as individual treatment rooms, spread out over 13,000 square feet. Rates include high-speed and wireless Internet access, a bottle of wine, and a generous buffet breakfast—and as the hotel is near the town center, you’ll be right next to all those outstanding restaurants. Pros: amazing buffet breakfast; no extra charge for hotel guests to use the spa facilities; steps away from Yountville’s best restaurants. Cons: can be bustling with large groups; you can hear highway noise from many of the rooms’ balconies or patios. TripAdvisor: “perfect place for wine and food lovers,” “extra perks,” “heaven in Yountville.” | Rooms from: $375 | 6481 Washington St. | 94599 | 707/944–8877, 800/351–1133 | www.villagio.com | 86 rooms, 26 suites | Breakfast.

Vintage Inn.

$$$ | RESORT | Rooms in this lavish inn are housed in two-story villas scattered around a lush, landscaped 3½-acre property. French fabrics and plump upholstered chairs outfit the spacious, airy guest rooms. Those on the second floor have vaulted beam ceilings, and all have a private patio or balcony, a fireplace, and a whirlpool tub in the bathroom. Some private patios have vineyard views. Rates include a bottle of wine, a buffet breakfast, and high-speed and wireless Internet access. Pros: spacious bathrooms with spa tubs; lavish breakfast buffet; luscious bedding. Cons: highway noise is audible in some exterior rooms; pool area is smaller than the one at its sister property, the Villagio Inn & Spa. TripAdvisor: “lovely grounds,” “well located hotel with comfortable amenities,” “quiet place to stay.” | Rooms from: $350 | 6541 Washington St. | 94599 | 707/944–1112 | www.vintageinn.com | 68 rooms, 12 suites | Breakfast.

OAKVILLE

2 miles west of Yountville on Hwy. 29.

There are three reasons to visit the town of Oakville: its gourmet grocery store; its scenic mountain road; and its magnificent, highly exclusive wineries.

Getting Here and Around

Those driving along Highway 29 will know they’ve reached Oakville when they see the Oakville Grocery on the east side of the road. Here the Oakville Cross Road provides access to the Silverado Trail, which runs parallel to Highway 29. Oakville wineries are scattered along Highway 29, Oakville Cross Road, and the Silverado Trail in roughly equal measure.

You can reach Oakville from the town of Glen Ellen in Sonoma County by heading east on Trinity Road from Highway 12. The twisting route, along the mountain range that divides Napa and Sonoma, eventually becomes the Oakville Grade. The views of both valleys on this drive are breathtaking, though the continual curves make it unsuitable for those who suffer from motion sickness.

EXPLORING OAKVILLE

Fodor’s Choice | Far Niente.

Though the fee for the combined tour and tasting is at the high end, Far Niente is especially worth visiting if you’re tired of elbowing your way through crowded tasting rooms and are looking for a more personal experience. Here you’re welcomed by name and treated to a glimpse of one of the most beautiful Napa properties. Small groups are shepherded through the historic 1885 stone winery, including some of the 40,000 square feet of caves, for a lesson on the labor-intensive method for making Far Niente’s two wines, a Cabernet blend and a Chardonnay. (The latter is made without undergoing malolactic fermentation, so it doesn’t have that buttery taste that’s characteristic of many California Chards.) The next stop is the Carriage House, where you can see the founder’s gleaming collection of classic cars. The tour zips by the property’s floating solar panel installation upon request, and ends back in the tasting room with a seated tasting of wines and cheeses. | 1350 Acacia Dr. off Oakville Grade Rd. | 94562 | 707/944–2861, 800/363-6523 | www.farniente.com | $50 | Tasting and tour by appointment.

Oakville Grocery.

Built in 1881 as a general store, this popular spot carries unusual and high-end groceries and prepared foods. Unbearable crowds pack the narrow aisles on weekends, but it’s still a fine place to sit on a bench out front and sip an espresso between winery visits. | 7856 St. Helena Hwy. (Hwy. 29) | 94562 | 707/944–8802.

Opus One.

The combined venture of the late California winemaker Robert Mondavi and the late French Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Opus One produces only one wine: a big, inky Bordeaux blend that was the first of Napa’s ultra-premium wines, fetching unheard-of prices before it was overtaken by cult wines like Screaming Eagle. The winery’s futuristic limestone-clad structure, built into the hillside, seems to be pushing itself out of the earth. Although the tours, which focus on why it costs so much to produce this exceptional wine, can come off as “stuffy” (in the words of one Fodors.com reader), the facilities are undoubtedly impressive, with gilded mirrors, exotic orchids, and a large semicircular cellar modeled on the Château Mouton Rothschild winery in France. You can also taste the current vintage without the tour ($35), as long as you’ve called ahead for a reservation. TIP Take your glass up to the rooftop terrace if you want to appreciate the views out over the vineyards. | 7900 St. Helena Hwy. (Hwy. 29) | 94562 | 707/944–9442, 800/292–6787 | www.opusonewinery.com | Tours $50-$70; tastings $35 | Daily 10–4; tasting and tour by appointment.

PlumpJack.

If Opus One is the Rolls-Royce of the Oakville District—expensive, refined, and a little snooty—then PlumpJack is the Mini Cooper: fun, casual, and sporty. With its metal chandelier and wall hangings, the tasting room looks like it could be the stage set for a modern Shakespeare production. (The name “PlumpJack” is a nod to Shakespeare’s Falstaff.) The reserve Chardonnay has a good balance of baked fruit and fresh citrus flavors, while a Merlot is blended with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon, giving the wine enough tannins to ensure it can be aged for another five years or more. Visitors also can taste wines from the sister winery, Cade Estate. If the tasting room is crowded, take a breather under the shady arbor on the back patio, where you can enjoy a close-up view of the vines. | 620 Oakville Cross Rd. off Hwy 29 | 94558 | 707/945–1220 | www.plumpjack.com | Tastings $15 | Daily 10–4.

Robert Mondavi.

The arch at the center of the sprawling Mission-style building here perfectly frames the lawn and the vineyard behind, inviting a stroll under the lovely arcades. You can head straight for one of the two tasting rooms, but if you’ve never taken a winery tour before, the comprehensive Signature Tour and Tasting ($25), which concludes with a seated tasting, is a good way to learn about enology, as well as the late Robert Mondavi’s role in California wine making. Those new to tasting and mystified by all that swirling and sniffing should consider the 45-minute Wine Tasting Basics experience ($20). Serious wine lovers should consider springing for the one-hour $55 Exclusive Cellar tasting, where a well-informed server pours and explains limited-production, reserve, and older-vintage wines. Concerts, mostly jazz and R&B, take place in summer on the lawn; call ahead for tickets. | 7801 St. Helena Hwy. (Hwy. 29) | 94562 | 888/766–6328 | www.robertmondaviwinery.com | Tours and tastings $20–$55 | Daily 10–5; tour times vary.

RUTHERFORD

2 miles northwest of Oakville on Hwy. 29.

From a fast-moving car, Rutherford is a quick blur of vineyards and a rustic barn or two, but don’t speed by this tiny hamlet. With its singular microclimate and soil, this is an important viticultural center, with more big-name wineries than you can shake a corkscrew at. Cabernet Sauvignon is king here. The well-drained, loamy soil is ideal for those vines, and since this part of the valley gets plenty of sun, the grapes develop exceptionally intense flavors. The late, great winemaker André Tchelistcheff claimed that “it takes Rutherford dust to grow great Cabernet.”

Getting Here and Around

Wineries around Rutherford are dotted along Highway 29 and the parallel Silverado Trail just north and south of Rutherford Road/Conn Creek Road, which connect these two major thoroughfares.

EXPLORING RUTHERFORD

Beaulieu Vineyard.

The Cabernet Sauvignon produced at the ivy-covered Beaulieu Vineyard is a benchmark of the Napa Valley. The legendary André Tchelistcheff, who helped define the California style of wine making, worked his magic here from 1938 until his death in 1973. This helps explain why Beaulieu’s flagship, the Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, still garners high marks from major wine publications. The wines being poured in the main tasting room, which might include anything from a zesty Gewürztraminer to a lush Petite Syrah are notably good. Still, it’s worth the $50 fee to taste that special Cabernet in the less-crowded reserve tasting room. | 1960 St. Helena Hwy. (Hwy. 29) | 94573 | 707/967–5200, 800/373–5896 | www.bvwines.com | Tasting $15–$50, tour $20 | Daily 10–5.

Cakebread Cellars.

Jack and Dolores Cakebread snapped up the property at Cakebread Cellars in 1973, after Jack fell in love with the area while visiting on a photography assignment. Since then, they’ve been making luscious Chardonnays, as well as Merlot, a great Sauvignon Blanc, and a beautifully complex Cabernet Sauvignon. You must make an appointment for a tasting, for which there are several different options. The most basic usually involves a stroll through the winery’s barrel room and crush pad and past Dolores’s kitchen garden before ending in a taste of current releases. Other options focus on red, reserve, or library wines, and might take place in the winery’s modern wing, where an elevator is crafted out of a stainless-steel fermentation tank and the ceiling is lined with thousands of corks. | 8300 St. Helena Hwy. (Hwy 29) | 94573 | 707/963–5222, 800/588–0298 | www.cakebread.com | Tastings $15–$45, tour $25 | Daily 10–4; tasting and tour by appointment.

Caymus Vineyards.

Winemaker Chuck Wagner, who started making wine on the property in 1972, runs this well-regarded winery. His family, however, had been farming in the valley since 1906. Though Caymus makes a fine Zinfandel and (occasionally, a) Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet is the winery’s claim to fame, a ripe, powerful wine that’s known for its consistently high quality. TIP There’s no tour, and you have to reserve to taste, but it’s still worth planning ahead to visit, because the low-key seated tasting (limited to 10 guests) is a great opportunity to learn about the valley’s Cabernet artistry. | 8700 Conn Creek Rd. | 94573 | 707/967–3010 | www.caymus.com | Tasting $30 | Sales daily 10–4; tasting by appointment.

Fodor’s Choice | Frog’s Leap.

The owner, John Williams, maintains a goofy sense of humor about wine that translates into an entertaining yet informative experience, making Frog’s Leap the perfect place for wine novices to begin their education. You’ll also find some fine Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and also the German dessert wine Trockenbeerenauslese. The winery includes a red barn built in 1884, 5 acres of organic gardens, an eco-friendly visitor center, and, naturally, a frog pond topped with lily pads. The fun tour ($20) is highly recommended, but you can also just do a seated tasting that takes place on a porch overlooking the garden. | 8815 Conn Creek Rd. | 94573 | 707/963–4704, 800/959–4704 | www.frogsleap.com | Tasting $20, tour $20. | Daily 10–4; tour by appointment.

Honig Vineyard and Winery.

Sustainable farming is the big story at this small, family-run winery in the heart of Rutherford. Michael Honig, the grandson of founder Louis Honig, helped write the code of Sustainable Practices for the Wine Institute, and was a key player in developing the first certification programs for wineries across California. Some of the modern applications of this mindset: solar panels that generate a majority of the winery’s power and an on-site bee colony that helps with pollination. Four wines, including a stellar Cabernet Sauvignon and a renowned Sauvignon Blanc, reflect this commitment to excellence. Because the Honigs have three young children, the winery is incredibly family-friendly, with a special area for toddlers to play. | 850 Rutherford Rd. | 800/929–2217 | www.honigwine.com | Tasting $10 | Daily 10–4:30, tastings by appointment only.

Inglenook.

It’s the house The Godfather built. Literally. Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola began his wine-making career in 1975, when he bought part of the historic, renowned Inglenook estate. He eventually reunited the original Inglenook land and purchased the ivy-covered 19th-century château to boot. In 2006 he renamed the property Rubicon Estate, intending to focus on his premium wines, including the namesake Cabernet Sauvignon–based blend. (The less expensive wines are showcased at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Sonoma County’s Geyserville.) Then, in 2011, he renamed the place Inglenook. Various tours cover topics that include the estate’s history, the Rutherford climate and geology, and the sensory evaluation of wine. Two distinctly different tastings are held in an opulent, high-ceilinged tasting room. The Bistro, an on-site bistro, has seating in a picturesque courtyard. | 1991 St. Helena Hwy. (Hwy. 29) | 95473 | 707/968–1100, 800/782–4266 | www.inglenook.com | Tastings $25–$50, tours free–$95 | Daily 10–5; call for tour times.

Mumm Napa.

Although this is one of California’s best-known sparkling-wine producers, enjoying the bubbly from the light-filled tasting room—available in either single flutes or by the flight—isn’t the only reason to visit Mumm. There’s also an excellent photography gallery with 30 Ansel Adams prints and rotating exhibits that feature local photographers. You can even take that glass of wonderfully crisp Brut Rosé with you as you wander. For a leisurely tasting of a flight of library wines while seated on their outdoor terrace ($30), reserve in advance. | 8445 Silverado Trail | 94558 | 707/967–7700 | www.mummnapa.com | Tasting $7–$65, tour free–$20 | Daily 10–4:45; tour daily at 10 (free; tasting not included), 11, 1, and 3 ($20, tasting included).

Round Pond.

This winery makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and a host of other wines, but it’s not all grapevines here—you can switch your focus to olives at will. The small farm grows five varieties of Italian olives and three types of Spanish olives. Within an hour of being handpicked, the olives are crushed in the mill on the property to produce pungent, peppery oils that are later blended and sold. Call at least a day or two in advance to arrange a tour of the mill, followed by an informative tasting, during which you can sample several types of oil, both alone and with Round Pond’s own red-wine vinegars and other tasty foods. TIP If you visit between mid-November and the end of December, you might be lucky enough to see the mill in action. | 875 Rutherford Rd. | 94573 | 707/302–2575, 888/302–2575 | www.roundpond.com | Tour $30 | Tour by appointment.

Rutherford Hill Winery.

A Merlot lover’s paradise in a Cabernet Sauvignon world. When the winery’s founders were deciding what grapes to plant, they discovered that the climate and soil conditions of their vineyards resembled those of Pomerol, a region of Bordeaux where Merlot is king. The wine caves here are some of the most extensive of any California winery—nearly a mile of tunnels and passageways. You can get a glimpse of the tunnels and the 5,000 barrels inside on the tours, then cap your visit with a picnic in their oak or olive groves. With views over the valley from a perch high on a hill, the picnic grounds are more charming than many others in Napa, which tend to be rather close to one of the busy thoroughfares. | 200 Rutherford Hill Rd. east of Silverado Trail | 94573 | 707/963–1871 | www.rutherfordhill.com | Tasting $15–$30, tour $25-$40 | Daily 10–5; tours daily at 11:30, 1:30, and 3:30.

St. Supéry.

Major renovations in 2012 transformed the tasting experience at this Rutherford hotspot from exclusive to ultra-exclusive. The winery now offers several small venues and patios for private tastings of library Cabernet Sauvignon wines. At other, more traditional, sampling sessions, the pours might include Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, and even Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot wines. The tours here provide behind-the-scenes perspectives; the tour that ends with a tasting in the 1882 Queen Anne Victorian is worth the $50 admission. Outside, a small demonstration vineyard allows you to contemplate the variations among grape types and even taste the grapes when they’re in season. | 8440 St. Helena Hwy. (Hwy. 29) | 94573 | 707/963–4507, 800/942–0809 | www.stsupery.com | Tastings $15–$25, tours $25–$50 | Daily 10–5.

WHERE TO STAY IN RUTHERFORD

Auberge du Soleil.

$$$$ | RESORT | Taking a cue from the olive-tree-studded landscape, this hotel with a renowned restaurant and spa cultivates a luxurious Mediterranean look—earth-tone tile floors, heavy wood furniture, and terra-cotta colors—and backs it up with lavish amenities such as flat-screen TVs (in both the rooms and bathrooms), private terraces, jetted soaking tubs, and extra-large showers. The Auberge du Soleil restaurant has an impressive wine list and serves a Mediterranean-inflected menu that relies largely on local produce. In fair weather be sure to ask for a table on the terrace, which has one of the most spectacular views in all the Wine Country. The bar serves less expensive fare until 11 pm nightly. Pros: stunning views over the valley; spectacular pool and spa areas; the most expensive suites are fit for a superstar. Cons: stratospheric prices; the two least expensive rooms (in the main house) get some noise from the bar and restaurant. TripAdvisor: “exceeded our expectations,” “beautiful property,” “absolutely amazing.” | Rooms from: $650 | 180 Rutherford Hill Rd. off Silverado Trail north of Hwy. 128 | 94573 | 707/963–1211, 800/348–5406 | www.aubergedusoleil.com | 31 rooms, 21 suites | Breakfast.

ST. HELENA

2 miles northwest of Oakville on Hwy. 29.

Downtown St. Helena is a symbol of how well life can be lived in the Wine Country. Sycamore trees arch over Main Street (Highway 29), a funnel of outstanding restaurants and tempting boutiques. At the north end of town looms the hulking stone building of the Culinary Institute of America. Weathered stone and brick buildings from the late 1800s give off that gratifying whiff of history.

By the time pioneering winemaker Charles Krug planted grapes in St. Helena around 1860, vineyards already existed in the area. Today the town is hemmed in by wineries, and you could easily spend days visiting vintners within a few miles.

Getting Here and Around

Downtown St. Helena stretches along Highway 29, which is called Main Street here. Many of the shops and restaurants are clustered on two pedestrian-friendly blocks of Main Street, between Pope Street and Adams Street. Wineries in the area are found both north and south of downtown along both Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail, but some of the less touristed and more scenic spots are on the slopes of Spring Mountain, which rises southwest of town.

EXPLORING ST. HELENA

Beringer Vineyards.

Arguably the Napa Valley’s most beautiful winery, the 1876 Beringer Vineyards is also the oldest continuously operating property. In 1884 Frederick and Jacob Beringer built the Rhine House Mansion to serve as Frederick’s family home. Today it serves as the reserve tasting room, where you can sample wines surrounded by Belgian art-nouveau hand-carved oak and walnut furniture and stained-glass windows. The assortment includes a limited-release Chardonnay, a few big Cabernets, and a luscious white dessert wine named Nightingale. Another, less expensive tasting takes place in the original stone winery. TIP If you’re looking for an undiscovered gem, pass this one by, but first-time visitors to the valley will learn a lot about the region’s wine-making history on the introductory tour. Longer tours, which might pass through a demonstration vineyard or end with a seated tasting in the Rhine House, are also offered. | 2000 Main St. (Hwy. 29) | 94574 | 707/963–4812 | www.beringer.com | Tastings $15–$40, tour $20–$30 | May 29–Oct. 22, daily 10–6; Oct. 23–May 28, daily 10–5; call for tour times.

Charles Krug Winery.

The first winery founded in the Napa Valley, Charles Krug Winery, opened in 1861 when Count Haraszthy lent Krug a small cider press. Today the family of Peter Mondavi (Robert’s brother) runs it. Though the tasting room is modest, the knowledgeable and friendly servers ensure a relaxed visit. The winery is best known for its lush red Bordeaux blends, but its Zinfandel is also good—or go for something unusual with the New Zealand–style Sauvignon Blanc. Its zingy flavor of citrus and tropical fruit is rare in wines from this area. The picnic area behind the tasting room has a view of the redwood cellar (not open to the public), where the wines are aged. | 2800 N. Main St. (Hwy. 29) | 94574 | 707/967–2200 | www.charleskrug.com | Tastings $15–$25 | Daily 10:30–5.

Culinary Institute of America.

The West Coast headquarters of the Culinary Institute of America, the country’s leading school for chefs, are in the Greystone Winery, an imposing building that was the largest stone winery in the world when it was built in 1889. On the ground floor you can check out the quirky corkscrew display and shop at a well-stocked culinary store that tempts aspiring chefs with gleaming gadgets and an impressive selection of cookbooks. Attached to the store, at the Flavor Bar, you can experience a guided tasting ($10 to $15) of certain types of ingredients (for example, chocolate or olive oil) to gain a greater understanding of them. Upstairs, if no special events are taking place, you can browse the Vintners Hall of Fame, where plaques fastened to 2,200-gallon redwood wine barrels commemorate winemakers past and present. One-hour cooking demonstrations ($20; reservations required) take place on Saturday and Sunday. | 2555 Main St. (Hwy. 29) | 94574 | 707/967–1100 | www.ciachef.edu/california | Free | Restaurant Sun.–Thurs. 11:30–9, Fri. and Sat. 11:30–10; store and museum daily 10:30–6.

Fodor’s Choice | Joseph Phelps Vineyards.

Although an appointment is required to taste here, it’s worth the trouble. In fair weather the casual, self-paced wine tastings are held on the terrace of a huge, modern barnlike building with stunning views down the slopes over oak trees and orderly vines. Though the Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier are good, the blockbuster wines are reds. The 2002 vintage of the flagship wine, a Bordeaux-style blend called Insignia, was selected as Wine Spectator’s wine of the year, immediately pushing up prices and demand. Luckily, you’ll get a taste of the current vintage of Insignia (which goes for around $200 a bottle). Ninety-minute tasting seminars, available by appointment, are $40. The popular blending seminar, during which you get to try your hand at mixing the various varietals that go into their Insignia blend, is $60. | 200 Taplin Rd. off Silverado Trail | 94574 | 707/963–2745, 800/707–5789 | www.jpvwines.com | Tastings $25–$60 | Weekdays 9–5, weekends 10–4; tastings by appointment only.

Spring Mountain Vineyard.

Hidden off a winding road behind a security gate, Spring Mountain Vineyard has the feeling of a private estate in the countryside, even though it’s only a few miles from downtown St. Helena. Though Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah are produced, the calling card here is Cabernet—big, chewy wines that demand some time in the bottle but promise great things. A tasting of current releases ($25) gives you a good sense of the wines’ charms, but consider opting for the estate ($40) or reserve tasting ($50), either of which includes a meander through the beautiful property, from the cellars to the beautifully preserved 1885 mansion. | 2805 Spring Mountain Rd. off Madrona Ave. | 94574 | 707/967–4188, 877/769–4637 | www.springmountainvineyard.com | Tastings $25–$50 | Daily 10–4. Tastings by appointment only.

WHERE TO EAT IN ST. HELENA

Farmstead.

$$$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Housed in a former nursery barn, Farmstead revolves around an open kitchen where chef Stephen Barber cooks with as many local and organic ingredients as possible. Many of them—including grass-fed beef, vegetables, extra-virgin olive oil, and honey—come from the property of parent company Long Meadow Ranch. Others are sourced from within a 30-mile radius. On Tuesday, two-course meals ($35) include comfort food such as chicken-fried steak, ribs, or fried chicken and dessert. In warm weather, you can dine on an open-air patio beneath apple trees. Instead of charging a corkage fee, Farmstead collects $2 per bottle to donate to a local non-profit organization. | Average main: $35 | 738 Main St. at Charter Oak Ave. | 707/963–4555, 877/627–2645 | www.longmeadowranch.com/Farmstead-Restaurant.

Gott’s Roadside.

$$ | AMERICAN | A slick 1950s-style outdoor hamburger stand (formerly known as Taylor’s Refresher) goes upscale at this hugely popular spot, where locals are willing to brave long lines to order breakfast sandwiches, juicy burgers, root-beer floats, and garlic fries. You’ll also find plenty of choices not available a half century ago, such as the ahi tuna burger and the chicken club with pesto mayo. Try to arrive early or late for lunch, or all the shaded picnic tables on the lawn might be filled. | Average main: $15 | 933 Main St. (Hwy. 29) | 94574 | 707/963–3486 | www.gotts.com.

Market.

$$ | AMERICAN | Comfort reigns at this understated-yet-modern eatery. Executive chef and owner Eduardo Martinez spruces up American classics such as crab Louis, made with local Dungeness crab, and fried chicken served with jalapeño corn bread. Sunday brunch is popular, with locals frequently lining up outside the door. For the most relaxed experience, stroll in at lunchtime midweek and linger over local wine from the extensive list. | Average main: $18 | 1347 Main St. Hunt and Adams Sts. | 707/963–3799 | marketsthelena.com.

Fodor’s Choice | The Restaurant at Meadowood.

$$$$ | AMERICAN | Chef Christopher Kostow has garnered rave reviews for transforming seasonal local products (some grown right on the property) into elaborate, elegant fare. The “composition of carrots,” constructed of the tiniest carrots imaginable accompanied by delicate shavings of chocolate, foie gras, and candied tangerine (it sounds odd, but it works) is just one example of Kostow’s inventiveness and playfulness. Other dishes, such as slow-cooked black cod with chorizo and lamb, demonstrate an earthier approach. The chef’s menu ($225, $430 with wine pairings), composed of (roughly) seven courses, is the best way to appreciate the experience, but the gracious and well-trained servers provide some of the best service in the valley even if you’re ordering a less extravagant four- or five-course menu (prices here start at $125, $230 with wine). The warm lighting and well-spaced tables in the dining room, which was renovated in early 2012, makes it a top choice for a romantic tête-à-tête. | Prix-fixe: $125 | 900 Meadowood La. | 94574 | 707/967–1205, 800/458–8080 | www.meadowood.com | Closed Sun. No lunch.

Terra.

$$$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | St. Helena may have newer, flashier, and more dramatic restaurants, but for old-school romance and service, many diners return year after year to this quiet favorite in an 1884 fieldstone building. Since 1988, chef Hiro Sone has been giving unexpected twists to Italian and southern French cuisine in dishes such as the mussel soup with caramelized onions and garlic croutons, heavily perfumed with the scent of saffron. A few, like the signature sake-marinated black cod in a shiso broth, draw on Sone’s Japanese background. Homey yet elegant desserts, courtesy of Sone’s wife, Lissa Doumani, might include a chocolate caramel tart topped with fleur de sel. Next door, Bar Terra serves inventive cocktails and local wines. | Average main: $35 | 1345 Railroad Ave. off Hunt Ave. | 94574 | 707/963–8931 | www.terrarestaurant.com | Closed Tuesday; No lunch.

Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant.

$$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | The Culinary Institute of America runs this place in the Greystone Winery, which also once served as the Christian Brothers Winery. Century-old stone walls encase a spacious restaurant that bustles at both lunch and dinner, with several cooking stations in full view. On busy nights you may find the hard-at-work chefs more entertaining than your dining companions. The tables on the terrace, shaded by red umbrellas, are away from the action, but on fair days they’re even more appealing, providing a panoramic view down the hillside. The menu has a Mediterranean spirit and emphasizes locally grown produce. Typical main courses include prosciutto-wrapped cod and house-made pasta with trumpet mushrooms and a sherry cream sauce. | Average main: $25 | 2555 Main St. (Hwy. 29) | 94574 | 707/967–1010 | www.ciachef.edu/restaurants/wsgr/.

WHERE TO STAY IN ST. HELENA

El Bonita Motel.

$ | HOTEL | Only in St. Helena would a basic room in a roadside motel cost around $200 a night in high season, but for budget-minded travelers the tidy rooms here are pleasant enough, and the landscaped grounds and picnic tables elevate this property over similar places. There’s even a small sauna next to the hot tub and swimming pool, which is heated year-round. TIP Family-friendly pluses include roll-away beds and cribs for a modest charge. To avoid highway noise, light sleepers should ask for rooms farthest from the road. Pros: cheerful rooms; hot tub; microwaves and mini-refrigerators. Cons: road noise is a problem in some rooms. TripAdvisor: “wonderful budget bargain,” “comfortable place to stay,” “great location.” | Rooms from: $149 | 195 Main St. (Hwy. 29) | 94574 | 707/963–3216, 800/541–3284 | www.elbonita.com | 38 rooms, 4 suites | Breakfast.

Fodor’s Choice | Meadowood Resort.

$$$$ | RESORT | A rambling lodge and several gray clapboard bungalows are scattered across this sprawling property, giving it an exclusive New England feel, and every unit runs seamlessly—starting with the gatehouse staff, who alert the front desk to arrivals. Exquisite guest rooms have views over these wooded grounds from expansive windows. Cozy fireplaces—as well as supremely comfortable beds—defy you to get up and pursue the golf, tennis, hiking, croquet (yes, croquet), or other activities on offer. In recent years the elegant but unstuffy dining room has won rave reviews, becoming a destination restaurant. Pros: site of one of Napa’s best restaurants; lovely hiking trails on the property; the most gracious service in all of Napa. Cons: very expensive; far from shops in downtown St. Helena. TripAdvisor: “wonderful property in a great location,” “very quiet and romantic,” “over-the-top service.” | Rooms from: $525 | 900 Meadowood La. | 94574 | 707/963–3646, 800/458–8080 | www.meadowood.com | 85 rooms, suites and cottages.

Wine Country Inn & Gardens.

$ | B&B/INN | A pastoral landscape of vine-covered hills surrounds this retreat, which was styled after the traditional New England inns its owners liked to visit in the 1970s—rooms are decorated with homey furniture like four-poster beds, and most have a wood-burning or gas fireplace, a large jetted tub, and a patio or balcony overlooking the vineyards. A hearty breakfast is served buffet-style in the sun-splashed common room, and complimentary wine and appetizers are available in the afternoon next to the wood-burning cast-iron stove. Though it’s not the most stylish lodging in the area, the thoughtful staff and the vineyard views from several rooms encourage many people to return year after year. Pros: free shuttle to some restaurants (reserve early); lovely grounds; swimming pool is heated year-round. Cons: some rooms let in noise from neighbors; some areas could use updating. TripAdvisor: “helpful staff,” “quiet cozy country inn,” “rustic feel.” | Rooms from: $250 | 1152 Lodi La. east of Hwy. 29 | 94574 | 707/963–7077, 888/465–4608 | www.winecountryinn.com | 24 rooms, 5 cottages | Breakfast.

SHOPPING IN ST. HELENA

Baksheesh.

A member of the Fair Trade Federation, this funky store sells imported art, crafts, textiles, and other items from countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. | 1327 Main St. at Hunt Ave. | 707/968–9182.

Dean & Deluca.

A branch of the famous Manhattan store, this upscale shop is crammed with everything you need in the kitchen—including terrific produce and deli items—as well as a large wine selection. | 607 St. Helena Hwy. (Hwy. 29) | 94574 | 707/967–9980.

Spice Islands Marketplace.

This fun store inside the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone is the place to shop for cookbooks, kitchenware, and everything else related to cooking and preparing food. | Culinary Institute of America 2555 Main St. (Hwy. 29) | 94574 | 888/424–2433, 707/967–2309.

Woodhouse Chocolate.

Elaborate confections handmade on the premises are displayed like miniature works of art at this lovely shop that resembles an 18th-century Parisian salon. | 1367 Main St. (Hwy. 29) | 94574 | 707/963–8413, 800/966–3468.

CALISTOGA

3 miles northwest of St. Helena on Hwy. 29.

With false-fronted, Old West–style shops, 19th-century hotels, and unpretentious cafés lining Lincoln Avenue, the town’s main drag, Calistoga has a slightly rough-and-tumble feel that’s unique in the Napa Valley. It comes across as more down-to-earth than some of the polished towns to the south. And it’s easier to find a bargain here, making it a handy home base for exploring the surrounding vineyards and back roads.

Ironically, Calistoga was developed as a swell, tourist-oriented getaway. In 1859 maverick entrepreneur Sam Brannan snapped up 2,000 acres of prime property and laid out a resort, intending to use the area’s natural hot springs as the main attraction. Brannan’s gamble didn’t pay off as he’d hoped, but the hotels and bathhouses won a local following. Many of them are still going, and you can come for an old-school experience of a mud bath or a dip in a warm spring-fed pool.

Getting Here and Around

To get to downtown Calistoga from anywhere farther south in the valley, take Highway 29 north and then turn right on Lincoln Avenue. Most of the town’s sights are found along a five-block stretch of Lincoln Avenue, or just off one of the side streets that intersect it. After about a mile, Lincoln Avenue (which changes names to Lake County Highway) intersects with the Silverado Trail.

EXPLORING CALISTOGA

Castello di Amorosa.

Possibly the most astounding sight in Napa Valley is your first glimpse of the Castello di Amorosa, which looks like a medieval castle, complete with drawbridge and moat, chapel, stables, and secret passageways. Some of the 107 rooms contain replicas of 13th-century frescoes, and the dungeon has an actual iron maiden from Nuremberg, Germany. You must pay for the tour ($33 or $43, depending on the wine you taste) to see the most of the extensive eight-level property, though basic tastings ($18 or $28) include access to a small portion of the astounding complex. All experiences include a sample of several Italian-style wines, including a “super Tuscan,” a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon that has more heft than your average Italian red. | 4045 N. Saint Helena Hwy. (Hwy. 29) | 94515 | 707/967–6272 | www.castellodiamorosa.com | Tasting $18–$28, tour $33–$44 | Mar.–Oct., daily 9:30–6; Nov.–Feb., daily 9:30–5; tour by appointment.

Chateau Montelena.

This modest winery in northern Calistoga helped establish the Napa Valley’s reputation for quality wine making when its 1973 Chardonnay took first place at a blind tasting in Paris, shocking the international wine critics in attendance. The 2008 movie Bottle Shock immortalized the event, and the winery milks its cinematic fame with a special tour ($25) that includes a tasting of Chardonnays and a souvenir. More traditional tastings ($20) occur in the circa-1882 château. These five-wine tastings include two stellar Cabernet Sauvignons and a limited-release Riesling. | 1429 Tubbs La. off Hwy. 29 | 707/942–5105 | www.montelena.com | Tastings $20–$20, tours $25–$30 | Daily 9:30–4, tours vary.

Clos Pegase.

Designed by postmodern architect Michael Graves, the Clos Pegase winery is a one-of-a-kind “temple to wine and art” packed with unusual art objects from the collection of owner and publishing entrepreneur Jan Shrem. After tasting the wines, which include a bright Sauvignon Blanc, fruity Chardonnays, and mellow Pinot Noirs, Merlots, and Cabernets (they’re made in a soft, approachable style and meant to be drunk somewhat young), be sure to check out the surrealist paintings near the main tasting room, which include a Jean Dubuffet painting you may have seen on a Clos Pegase label. Better yet, bring a picnic and have lunch in the courtyard, where a curvaceous Henry Moore sculpture is one of about two-dozen works of art. | 1060 Dunaweal La. off Hwy. 29 | 94515 | 707/942–4981 | www.clospegase.com | Tasting $10–$35, tour $20 | Daily 10:30–5; tour daily at 11:30 and 2.

Indian Springs.

Even before Sam Brannan constructed a spa and mud baths here in the 1860s, the Wapoo Indians were building sweat lodges over the thermal geysers at this, the oldest continually operating pool and spa in California. You can choose from the various spa treatments and volcanic-ash mud baths, after which you can relax in the small Zen-inspired garden out back. Best of all, clients of the spa and guests of the lodge rooms or bungalows have access to the Olympic-size mineral-water pool, kept at 92°F in summer and a toasty 102°F in winter. | 1712 Lincoln Ave. at Hwy. 29 | 94515 | 707/942–4913 | www.indianspringscalistoga.com | Daily 9–8.

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.

Encompassing the summit of Mt. St. Helena, this mostly undeveloped park is home to the area where Stevenson and his bride, Fanny Osbourne, spent their honeymoon in an abandoned bunkhouse of the Silverado Mine. This stay in 1880 inspired the writer’s travel memoir The Silverado Squatters, and Spyglass Hill in Treasure Island is thought to be a portrait of Mt. St. Helena. A marble memorial marks the site of the bunkhouse. TIP The hike to the summit is 10 miles round-trip; bring water and dress appropriately. The trail is steep and lacks shade in spots, but the summit is often cool and breezy. | Hwy. 29, 7 miles north of Calistoga | 94515 | 707/942–4575 | www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=472 | Free | Daily sunrise–sunset.

Fodor’s Choice | Schramsberg.

Founded in the 1860s, Schramsberg, one of Napa’s oldest wineries, produces bubblies made using the traditional méthode champenoise (which means, among other things, that the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle before being “riddled,” or turned every few days over a period of weeks, to nudge the sediment into the neck of the bottle). To taste, you must tour first, but what a tour: in addition to glimpsing the winery’s historic architecture, you get to tour the underground cellars dug in the late 19th century by Chinese laborers. Down in the caves, a mind-boggling 2 million bottles are stacked in gravity-defying configurations. The tour fee ($45) includes generous pours of several very different sparkling wines, as well as tiny snacks to enhance the experience. | 1400 Schramsberg Rd. off Hwy. 29 | 94515 | 707/942–4558, 800/877–3623 | www.schramsberg.com | Tasting and tour $45 | Tasting and tour by appointment.

Storybook Mountain Vineyards.

Tucked into a rock face in the Mayacamas range, Storybook Mountain Vineyards occupies a picture-perfect site, with vines rising steeply from the winery in dramatic tiers. Zinfandel is king here, and there’s even a Zin Gris, an unusual dry rosé of Zinfandel grapes. (In Burgundy, Vin Gris—pale rosé—is made from Pinot Noir grapes.) Tastings are preceded by a low-key tour, during which you take a short walk up the hillside and then visit the atmospheric tunnels, parts of which have the same rough-hewn look as they did when Chinese laborers painstakingly dug them around 1888. | 3835 Hwy. 128 4 mi northwest of town | 94515 | 707/942–5310 | www.storybookwines.com | Free | Mon.–Sat., tour and tasting by appointment.

WHERE TO EAT IN CALISTOGA

All Seasons Bistro.

$$ | AMERICAN | Bistro cuisine takes a California spin in this cheerful sun-filled space, where tables topped with flowers stand on an old-fashioned black-and-white checkerboard floor. The seasonal menu might include risotto with shiitake mushroom and duck confit or fettuccine puttanesca. Homey desserts include crème brûlée and pear-and-golden-raisin bread pudding. You can order reasonably priced wines from their extensive list, or buy a bottle at the attached wine shop and have it poured at your table. The restaurant now also offers cocktails. Attentive service contributes to the welcoming atmosphere. | Average main: $18 | 1400 Lincoln Ave. at Washington St. | 94515 | 707/942–9111 | www.allseasonsnapavalley.net | Closed Mon.

Barolo.

$$ | ITALIAN | With red-leather seats, artsy light fixtures, and a marble bar indoors and café seating out, this Italian-inflected wine bar inside the Mount View Hotel is a stylish, modern spot for a glass of wine, with many from small producers you probably haven’t heard of. Small plates that could have come straight from Tuscany—fried calamari, risotto croquettes, a selection of salumi—are great for sharing. A handful of well-executed large plates, like the pappardelle with shrimp and braised short ribs, round out the menu. | Average main: $20 | 1457 Lincoln Ave. | 94515 | 707/942–9900 | www.barolocalistoga.com | No lunch.

Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery.

$$$ | AMERICAN | On pleasant days this riverside restaurant and its sprawling, tree-shaded patio come into their own. At lunchtime, casual plates like a grilled-turkey-and-Brie sandwich or a vegetarian black-bean chili are light enough to leave some energy for an afternoon of wine tasting. And at night, when there’s often live jazz played on the patio during the warm months, you’ll find heartier dishes such as braised lamb shank or Sonoma duck breast with a fennel-and-Parmesan stuffing. Service can be a bit lackadaisical, so order one of the house-made brews and enjoy the atmosphere while you’re waiting. | Average main: $25 | 1250 Lincoln Ave. at Cedar St. | 94515 | 707/942–4101 | www.calistogainn.com/restaurant.html.

JoLe.

$$ | MODERN AMERICAN | Local produce plays a starring role at this modern American restaurant inside the Mount View Hotel, not surprising as chef Matt Spector is one of the area’s biggest proponents of farm-to-table dining. Depending on when you visit, you might enjoy Mendocino-caught squid with crab stuffing; Forni, Brown & Welsh mixed greens with fresh Asian pears; and chicken-fried quail with fig jam. The menu is available à la carte, and there are four-, five- and six-course prix-fixe options. No visit is complete without a slice of coconut cream pie. Pastry chef Sonjia Spector also makes scrumptious cupcakes for patrons to buy and take home. | Average main: $20 | 1457 Lincoln Ave. near Fair Way | 707/942–9538 | jolerestaurant.com | No Lunch.

Best Wine Country Spas

Spas in Napa and Sonoma have two special angles. First, there are the local mud baths and mineral-water sources, concentrated particularly around Calistoga. Admittedly, it can seem really strange to lower yourself into a vat of thick, muddy paste, but once you’ve had a few minutes to get used to the intense heat and peaty smell, you may never want to leave your cocoon. Second, there are all those grapes: their seeds, skins, and vines are credited with all sorts of antioxidant and other healthful properties by those who use them in scrubs, lotions, and other spa products.

Dr. Wilkinson’s.

The oldest spa in Calistoga, this kitschy spot is well-loved for its reasonable prices and its unpretentious vibe. Their mud baths are a mix of volcanic ash and peat moss. | 1507 Lincoln Ave. , at Fair Way | 94515 | 707/942–4102 | www.drwilkinson.com.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.

The largest spa of its type in the Wine Country, the vast complex covers every amenity you could want in a spa, including several pools and Jacuzzis fed by local thermal mineral springs. | 100 Boyes Blvd. (Hwy. 12) | Boyes Hot Springs | 95476 | 707/938–9000 | www.fairmont.com/sonoma.

Kenwood Inn & Spa.

Hands down, this is the prettiest spa setting in the Wine Country. The “wine wrap” body treatment is finished off with a slathering of lotion made from various grape-seed oils and red-wine extract. | 10400 Sonoma Hwy. (Hwy. 12) | Kenwood | 95452 | 707/833–1293, 800/353–6966 | www.kenwoodinn.com.

Spa Solage.

This eco-conscious spa has reinvented the traditional Calistoga mud and mineral water therapies. Case in point: the hour-long “Mudslide,” a three-part treatment that includes a mud body mask (in a heated lounge), a soak in a geo-thermal bath, and a power-nap in a comfy sound/vibration chair. Traditional spa services are available as well. | 755 Silverado Trail , at Rosedale Rd. | 866/942–7442.

Spa Villagio.

This 13,000-square-foot spa with fieldstone walls and a Mediterranean theme has all the latest gadgets, including men’s and women’s outdoor hot tubs and showers with an extravagant number of showerheads. Huge spa suites—complete with flat-panel TV screens and wet bars—are perfect for couples and groups. | 6481 Washington St. | Yountville | 94599 | 707/948–5050, 800/351–1133.

WHERE TO STAY IN CALISTOGA

Brannan Cottage Inn.

$ | B&B/INN | Housed inside the only one of Sam Brannan’s 1860 resort cottages still standing on its original site, this inn, a pristine Victorian house with lacy white fretwork, large windows, and a shady porch, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Each room has individual touches, such as a four-poster bed, a claw-foot tub, or a velvet settee. Pros: innkeepers go the extra mile; most rooms have fireplaces; a five-minute walk from most of Calistoga’s restaurants. Cons: owners’ dog may be a problem for those with allergies; beds may be too firm for some. TripAdvisor: “friendly and helpful operators,” “authentic and unique,” “lovely peaceful getaway.” | Rooms from: $180 | 109 Wapoo Ave. | 94515 | 707/942–4200 | www.brannancottageinn.com | 6 rooms | Breakfast.

Calistoga Ranch.

$$$$ | RESORT | Spacious free-standing cedar-shingle bungalows throughout this posh, wooded property have outdoor living areas, and even the restaurant, spa, and reception space have outdoor seating areas and fireplaces. Though it feels casual and ranchlike, the lodges are supremely luxurious, with large bathrooms; large, romantic outdoor showers; beds dressed with down bedding; and minibars stocked with free drinks and snacks. Pros: almost half the cottages have private hot tubs on the deck; lovely hiking trails on the property; guests have reciprocal privileges at Auberge du Soleil. Cons: innovative indoor-outdoor organization works better in fair weather than in rain or cold; staff, though friendly, sometimes seems inexperienced compared to similarly priced places. TripAdvisor: “escape to serenity,” “romantic,” “unbelievable property.” | Rooms from: $750 | 580 Lommel Rd. | 94515 | 707/254–2800, 800/942–4220 | www.calistogaranch.com | 48 rooms.

Cottage Grove Inn.

$$ | B&B/INN | A long driveway lined with 16 freestanding cottages, each shaded by elm trees and with rocking chairs on the porch, looks a bit like Main Street, U.S.A., but inside the skylighted buildings are all the perks needed for a romantic weekend away. There are overstuffed chairs in front of a wood-burning fireplace, flat-screen TVs, and an extra-deep two-person whirlpool tub. Each cottage also has its own variation on the overall comfy-rustic look, with telltale names like “Fly Fishing Cottage” and “Provence.” Spas and restaurants are within walking distance. Rates include afternoon wine and cheese. Pros: bicycles available for loan; freestanding cottages offer privacy; huge bathtubs. Cons: no pool; decor may seem a bit frumpy for some. TripAdvisor: “terrific property,” “cozy romantic wine retreat,” “charming and beautiful.” | Rooms from: $300 | 1711 Lincoln Ave. | 94515 | 707/942–8400, 800/799–2284 | www.cottagegrove.com | 16 cottages | Breakfast.

Indian Springs.

$ | RESORT | Since 1861, this old-time spa has welcomed clients to its mud baths, mineral pool, and steam room, all of them supplied with mineral water from its four geysers. And rooms in the lodge, though quite small, are equally peaceful, done up a simple Zen style, with Asian-inspired furnishings, Frette linens on the bed, and flat-screen televisions. The cottages dotted around the property have anything from a small kitchenette to a fully equipped kitchen, encouraging longer stays (book well in advance for these). A boccie-ball court, shuffleboard, and croquet lawn outside your door provide entertainment when you’re not indulging in various spa treatments and volcanic-ash mud baths, or soaking in the toasty Olympic-size mineral-water pool. Pros: lovely grounds with outdoor seating areas; stylish for the price; enormous mineral pool. Cons: lodge rooms are small; service could be more polished. TripAdvisor: “indulgent and revitalizing,” “heaven on Earth,” “perfect place to stay.” | Rooms from: $240 | 1712 Lincoln Ave. | 94515 | 707/942–4913 | www.indianspringscalistoga.com | 24 rooms, 17 suites.

Fodor’s Choice | Meadowlark Country House.

$ | B&B/INN | Twenty hillside acres just north of downtown Calistoga surround this decidedly laid-back but sophisticated inn, and each of the rooms in the main house and guest wing has its own charms: one has a deep whirlpool tub looking onto a green hillside, and others have a deck with a view of the mountains. Many rooms have fireplaces, and all but one have whirlpool tubs large enough for two. A spacious two-story guesthouse opens directly onto the clothing-optional pool, hot tub, and sauna area, which is open to all guests and enjoyed by a diverse crowd (the inn is welcoming to all, gay and straight). Fodors.com readers point out that “Kurt and Richard are delightful, helpful hosts.” Pros: sauna next to the pool and hot tub; welcoming vibe attracts diverse guests; some of the most gracious innkeepers in Napa. Cons: clothing-optional pool policy isn’t for everyone. TripAdvisor: “amazing owners,” “great stay with fantastic breakfast,” “we’ve become regulars.” | Rooms from: $250 | 601 Petrified Forest Rd. | 94515 | 707/942–5651, 800/942–5651 | www.meadowlarkinn.com | 5 rooms, 5 suites | Breakfast.

Mount View Hotel & Spa.

$ | B&B/INN | A National Historic Landmark built in 1917 in the Mission Revival style, the Mount View nevertheless feels up-to-date, with freshly painted rooms (some are a dramatic red and black), feather duvets, and high-tech touches like iPod alarm clocks. A full-service spa provides state-of-the-art pampering, and each of the three cottages has a private redwood deck and a whirlpool tub. The hotel’s location on Calistoga’s main drag, plus the two excellent restaurants off the lobby, means you won’t need to go far if your spa treatment has left you too indolent to drive. Pros: convenient location; excellent spa treatments. Cons: ground-floor rooms dark; mediocre Continental breakfast; some bathrooms could use updating. TripAdvisor: “luxury and history,” “super relaxing amenities and spa,” “great service and location.” | Rooms from: $249 | 1457 Lincoln Ave. | 94515 | 707/942–6877, 800/816–6877 | www.mountviewhotel.com | 18 rooms, 13 suites and cottages | Breakfast.

Solage.

$$$$ | RESORT | The cottages at this resort, which spreads over 22 acres, don’t look particularly luxurious from the outside, but inside the aesthetic is Napa Valley barn meets San Francisco loft, with high ceilings, polished concrete floors, recycled walnut furniture, and all-natural fabrics in soothing muted colors. It’s a resort for sociable sorts who like to lounge at the bar overlooking the large pool or play a game of boccie after lunch at the excellent indoor-outdoor restaurant. Sports and fitness are a high priority here: in addition to a large, well-equipped spa and bathhouse where you can indulge in mud-bath variations, there’s a packed schedule of fitness activities that include yoga, Pilates, and biking and hiking excursions. TIP If you want to be in the middle of the action, ask for a room facing the pool. For more seclusion, ask for one of the quieter rooms near the oak grove. Pros: great service; complimentary bike cruisers available; separate pools for kids and adults. Cons: ascetic vibe; some rooms don’t have tubs. TripAdvisor: “modern touches in a traditional setting,” “unparalleled concierge and service,” “all around perfection.” | Rooms from: $425 | 755 Silverado Trail | 94515 | 866/942–7442, 707/226–0800 | www.solagecalistoga.com | 83 rooms, 6 suites.

Hot-Air Ballooning Over Wine Country

Thought those vineyards were beautiful from the highway? Top that with a bird’s-eye view. Several companies offer hot-air ballooning trips over Napa and Sonoma. Rides usually cost between $200 and $250, last about an hour, and include brunch or lunch after the flight. Flights take off at the crack of dawn, literally, and you can watch the huge, rainbow-color balloons inflate as the aircraft is readied. Be sure to dress in layers.

Balloons Above the Valley.

Napa | 707/253–2222, 800/464–6824 | www.balloonrides.com.

Napa Valley Balloons.

Napa | 707/944–0228, 800/253–2224 | www.napavalleyballoons.com.

Napa Valley Drifters.

707/252–7210, 877/463–7438 | www.napavalleydrifters.com.

SPORTS AND THE OUTDOORS IN CALISTOGA

Calistoga Bikeshop.

This bike-shop-turned-outfitter currently offers a self-guided Calistoga Cool Wine Tour package ($80), which includes free tastings at small wineries. Best of all, the shop will pick up any wine you purchase along the way if you’ve bought more than will fit in the handy bottle carrier on your bike. | 1318 Lincoln Ave. | 94515 | 707/942–9687.

SHOPPING IN CALISTOGA

Enoteca Wine Shop.

This store on Calistoga’s main drag displays almost all its wines with extensive tasting notes. This makes it easier to choose from among this unusually fine collection, which includes both hard-to-find bottles from Napa and Sonoma and many rare French wines. | 1348B Lincoln Ave. | 94515 | 707/942–1117.

Mudd Hens.

Stock up on bath amenities and soaking salts at this eclectic shop on downtown Calistoga’s main drag. The store also sells candles and handmade soaps, including some made from carrot seeds. | 1348C Lincoln Ave. at Washington St. | 707/942–0210, 800/793–9220.

Wine Garage.

Bargain hunters love this garage-turned-wine-shop, where all the bottles go for $25 or less. It’s a great way to discover the work of smaller wineries producing undervalued wines. | 1020 Foothill Blvd. at Hwy. 29 | 94515 | 707/942–5332, 888/690–9463.

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Sonoma | Glen Ellen | Kenwood

Although the Sonoma Valley may not have the cachet of the neighboring Napa Valley, wineries here entice with an unpretentious attitude and smaller crowds. The Napa-style glitzy tasting rooms with enormous gift shops and $25 tasting fees are the exception here. Sonoma’s landscape seduces, too, its roads gently climbing and descending on their way to wineries hidden from the road by trees.

The scenic valley, bounded by the Mayacamas Mountains on the east and Sonoma Mountain on the west, extends north from San Pablo Bay nearly 20 miles to the eastern outskirts of Santa Rosa. The varied terrain, soils, and climate (cooler in the south because of the bay influence and hotter toward the north) allow grape growers to raise cool-weather varietals such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other heat-seeking vines. The valley is home to dozens of wineries, many of them on or near Highway 12, which runs the length of the valley.

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Essentials

Contacts

Sonoma County Tourism Bureau.

3637 Westwind Blvd. | Santa Rosa | 95403 | 707/522–5800, 800/576–6662 | www.sonomacounty.com.

Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau.

453 1st St., E | Sonoma | 95476 | 866/996–1090 | www.sonomavalley.com.

SONOMA

14 miles west of Napa on Hwy. 12; 45 miles from San Francisco, north on U.S. 101, east on Hwy. 37, and north on Hwy. 121/12.

Founded in the early 1800s, Sonoma is the oldest town in the Wine Country. The central Sonoma Plaza dates from the Mission era; surrounding it are 19th-century adobes, atmospheric hotels, and the swooping marquee of the 1930s Sebastiani Theatre. On summer days the plaza is a hive of activity, with children blowing off steam in the playground while their folks stock up on picnic supplies and browse the boutiques surrounding the square.

On your way into town from the south, you pass through the Carneros wine district, which straddles the southern sections of Sonoma and Napa counties.

Getting Here and Around

To get to the town of Sonoma from San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge, then go north on U.S. 101, east on Highway 37 toward Vallejo, and north on Highway 121, aka the Carneros Highway. When you reach Highway 12, turn left and take it north. It turns into Broadway, which dead-ends at Sonoma’s Central Plaza. If you park here, a pleasant stroll around the plaza will take you by many of the town’s restaurants and shops. Interesting wineries can be found a mile or so east of the plaza; signs on East Spain Street or East Napa Street will direct you to most of them.

EXPLORING SONOMA

Fodor’s Choice | Bartholomew Park Winery.

Although this certified organic winery was founded only in 1994, grapes were grown in some of its vineyards as early as the 1830s. The emphasis here is on handcrafted, single-varietal wines—Cabernet, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. The wines themselves, available only at the winery, make a stop worth it, but another reason to visit is its small museum, with vivid exhibits about the history of the winery and the Sonoma region. Another plus is the beautiful, slightly off-the-beaten-path location in a 375-acre private park about 2 miles from downtown Sonoma (head east on East Napa Street and follow the signs). Pack a lunch to enjoy on the woodsy grounds, one of the prettier picnic spots in Sonoma. | 1000 Vineyard La. off Castle Rd. | 95476 | 707/935–9511 | www.bartpark.com | Tasting $10, tour $20 | Daily 11–4:30; tour Fri. and Sat. at 11:30 by reservation.

Buena Vista Winery.

It was here in 1857, at California’s oldest premium winery, that Count Agoston Haraszthy de Mokcsa laid the basis for modern California wine making, bucking the conventional wisdom that vines should be planted on well-watered ground by instead planting on well-drained hillsides. Chinese laborers dug tunnels 100 feet into the hillside, and the limestone they extracted was used to build the main house, which is now surrounded by redwood and eucalyptus trees and a picnic area. The best wines here are the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Merlot grown in the Ramal Vineyard in the Carneros District. | 18000 Old Winery Rd. off Napa Rd. | 95476 | 800/926–1266 | buenavistawinery.com | Tasting $10 | Daily 10–5.

Cline Cellars.

Although many Carneros wineries specialize in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Cline Cellars goes its own way by focusing on Rhône varietals, such as Syrah, Roussanne, and Viognier, all grown here in Carneros, as well as Mourvèdre and Carignane, which are cultivated in Contra Costa County. Cline is also known for its Ancient Vines Zinfandel, produced from vines that are around 100 years old. The 1850s farmhouse that houses the tasting room has a pleasant wraparound porch for enjoying the weeping willows, ponds, fountains, and thousands of rosebushes on the property. Save time for the free California Missions Museum, located on site and open from 10–4. | 24737 Arnold Dr. at Hwy. 121 | 95476 | 707/940–4030, 800/546–2070 | www.clinecellars.com | Tasting $1 per reserve wine; tour free | Daily 10–6; tour daily at 11, 1, and 3.

Gundlach Bundschu.

Wine Country visitors may mispronounce this winery’s name (it’s gund-lak bund-shoe), but still they flock here to sample ultrapremium wines served by some of the friendliest pourers in Sonoma County. Most of the winery’s land has been in the Bundlach family since the 1850s. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, and Chardonnay wines are worth trying, and all are included in the standard $10 tasting. For a more comprehensive experience that also includes a tasting, consider the cave tour ($20) or the vineyard excursion ($40; only available between May and October). | 2000 Denmark St. at Bundschu Rd, off 8th St. E | 707/938–5277 | www.gunbun.com | Tasting $10, Tours $20–$40 | Daily 11–4:30.

Ravenswood.

The punchy motto here is “no wimpy wines,” and the winery generally succeeds, especially with its signature big, bold Zinfandels, which are sometimes blended with other varietals that grow in the same field (this is called a “field blend”). Ravenswood also produces Bordeaux-style blends, early-harvest Gewürztraminer, and lightly sparkling Moscato. Tours that focus on viticultural practices, held 10:30 daily, include a barrel tasting of wines in progress in the cellar. For something different, try one of the winery’s blending sessions ($50), held Friday and Saturday at 11. | 18701 Gehricke Rd. off E. Spain St. | 95476 | 707/938–1960, 888/669–4679 | www.ravenswoodwinery.com | Tasting $10–$15, tour $15 | Daily 10–4:30, tour daily at 10:30.

Robledo Family Winery.

Reynaldo Robledo Sr., a former migrant worker from Michoacán, Mexico, founded this winery that remains a family affair. You’re likely to encounter one of the charming Robledo sons in the tasting room, where he’ll proudly tell you the story of the immigrant family while pouring tastes of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other wines, including a Chardonnay that comes from the vineyard right outside the door. All seven Robledo sons and two Robledo daughters, as well as matriarch Maria, are involved in the winery operations. | 21901 Bonness Rd. off Hwy. 116 | 94576 | 707/939–6903, 888/939–6903 | www.robledofamilywinery.com | Tasting $5–$20 | Mon.–Sat. 10–5, Sun. 11–4, by appointment.

Sonoma Mission.

The centerpiece of Sonoma State Historic Park, this circa-1823 structure sits just north of Sonoma Plaza. Formally known as the Mission San Francisco Solano, this is the the northernmost of the 21 missions established by Franciscan friars in California. Budget cuts have led to reduced hours, but the facility, worth a peek if you’re a history buff, is open daily except Monday between at least 11 and 3. On weekends, docents lead tours every hour on the hour. The modest museum contains exhibits about the California mission network. | 114 E. Spain St. at 1st St. E | 707/938–9560 | www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=479 | $3 | Tues.–Sun. at least 11–3.

Two Amigos Wines.

This tiny winery, just off Sonoma Plaza, has a cultish connection to stardom: Co-owner Squire Fridell was television’s Ronald McDonald from 1984 to 1991, and was the spokesman for Toyota for 33 years. Vestiges of Fridell’s former life abound in the tasting room—you can’t miss the big red shoes on the wall. To some extent, the clown has never left; Fridell and co-owner Bob Briner don Groucho Marx glasses on all wine labels (the glasses also are for sale). The wines here, especially the Bordeaux-style Cuvée Classico, are pretty good, too. | Sonoma Court Shops 25 E. Napa St. at 1st St. E | 707/799–7146 | twoamigoswines.com | Tasting $10 | Thu.–Mon. 11–6, Tue. and Wed. 1–5.

A Grape Primer

Well more than 50 varieties of grapes are grown in the California Wine Country. Although you don’t need to be on a first-name basis with them all, you’ll see the following dozen again and again as you visit the wineries.

WHITES

- Chardonnay. Now as firmly associated with California wine making as it is with Burgundy, where it’s used extensively. California Chardonnays spent many years chasing big, buttery flavor, but the current trend is toward more restrained wines.

- Gewürztraminer. Cooler California climes such as the Russian River Valley are great for growing this German-Alsatian grape, which is turned into a boldly perfumed, fruity wine.

- Riesling. This cool-climate German grape has a sweet rep in America. When made in a dry style, as it more and more often is, it can be crisply refreshing, with lush aromas.

- Sauvignon Blanc. Hails from Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. Wines made from this grape vary widely, from herbaceous to tropical-fruity.

- Viognier. Once rarely planted outside of France’s Rhône Valley, it’s one of the hottest white-wine varietals in California today. The best Viogniers have an intense fruity or floral bouquet; they’re usually dry.

REDS

- Cabernet Franc. Most often used in blends, often to add complexity to Cabernet Sauvignon, this French grape can produce aromatic, soft, and subtle wine.

- Cabernet Sauvignon. The king of California reds, this Bordeaux grape grows best in austere, well-drained soils. At its best, the California version is dark, bold, and tannic, with black-currant notes. It’s often blended with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and other red varieties to soften the resulting wine and make it ready for earlier drinking.

- Merlot. A blue-black Bordeaux variety that in California makes soft, full-bodied wine. Was well on its way to being the most popular red until anti-Merlot jokes in the movie Sideways damaged its rep.

- Pinot Noir. The darling of grape growers in cooler parts of Napa and Sonoma, such as the Carneros region and the Russian River Valley. At its best it has a subtle but addictive earthy quality.

- Sangiovese. The main red grape of Italy’s Chianti District and of much of central Italy. It can be made into vibrant, light- to medium-bodied wines, as well as into long-lived, very complex reds. Increasingly planted in California.

- Syrah. A big red from France’s Rhône Valley. With good tannins it can become a full-bodied beauty, but without them it can be flabby and forgettable. Also known as Shiraz, particularly when it’s grown in Australia.

- Zinfandel. A quintessential California grape. Rich, jammy, and often spicy, Zinfandel wines can be quite high in alcohol.

WHERE TO EAT IN SONOMA

Cafe La Haye.

$$$ | AMERICAN | In a postage-stamp-size open kitchen, skillful chefs turn out main courses that star on a small but worthwhile seasonal menu emphasizing local ingredients. Chicken, beef, pasta, and fish get deluxe treatment without fuss or fanfare. The daily roasted chicken and the risotto specials are always good. Butterscotch pudding is a homey signature dessert. The dining room is compact, but the friendly owner, who is often there to greet diners, gives it a particularly welcoming vibe. | Average main: $25 | 140 E. Napa St. at 1st. St. E | 95476 | 707/935–5994 | www.cafelahaye.com | Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch.

Della Santina’s.

$$ | ITALIAN | This longtime favorite, with a charming heated brick patio out back, serves the most authentic Italian food in town. (The Della Santina family, which has been running the restaurant since 1990, hails from Lucca, Italy.) Daily fish and veal specials join classic northern Italian pastas such as linguine with pesto and lasagna Bolognese. Of special note are the roasted meat dishes and, when available, petrale sole and sand dabs. | Average main: $18 | 133 E. Napa St. | 95476 | 707/935–0576 | www.dellasantinas.com.

The Girl & the Fig.

$$$ | FRENCH | Chef Sondra Bernstein has turned the historic bar room of the Sonoma Hotel into a hot spot for inventive French cooking. You can always find something with the signature figs in it here, whether it’s a fig-and-arugula salad or an aperitif of sparkling wine with a fig liqueur. Also look for duck confit with French lentils, a burger with matchstick fries, or braised pork shank with soft polenta. The wine list is notable for its emphasis on Rhône varietals, and a counter in the bar area sells artisanal cheese platters for eating here as well as cheese by the pound to go. Sunday brunch brings rib-sticking dishes such as steak and eggs and a Basque frittata with potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. On weekend nights, the kitchen serves until 11. | Average main: $28 | Sonoma Hotel, Sonoma Plaza 110 W. Spain St. at 1st St. W | 95476 | 707/938–3634 | www.thegirlandthefig.com.

Harvest Moon Cafe.

$$ | AMERICAN | It’s easy to feel like one of the family at this little restaurant with an odd, zigzagging layout. Diners seated at one of the two tiny bars chat with the servers like old friends, but the husband-and-wife team in the kitchen is serious about the food, much of which relies on local produce. The daily menu sticks to homey dishes like half a grilled chicken served with polenta and tapenade, rib-eye steak with a red-wine sauce, and a marinated-beet-and-frisée salad. Everything is so perfectly executed and the vibe so genuinely warm that a visit here is deeply satisfying. In fair weather a spacious back patio, with seats arranged around a fountain, more than doubles the number of seats. | Average main: $22 | 487 1st St. W at W. Napa St. | 95476 | 707/933–8160 | www.harvestmooncafesonoma.com | Closed Tues. No lunch Mon.–Sat.

LaSalette.

$$ | PORTUGUESE | Chef-owner Manuel Azevedo, born in the Azores and raised in Sonoma, serves dishes inspired by his native Portugal in this warmly decorated spot, where the best seats are on the patio, along a pedestrian alleyway off Sonoma Plaza. Boldly flavored dishes such as pork tenderloin recheado, stuffed with olives and almonds and topped with a port sauce, or one of the daily seafood specials might be followed by a dish of rice pudding with Madeira-braised figs or a port from the varied list. | Average main: $22 | 452 E. 1st St. between E. Spain and E. Napa Sts. | 95476 | 707/938–1927 | www.lasalette-restaurant.com.

Fodor’s Choice | Santé.

$$$$ | AMERICAN | This elegant dining room has gained a reputation as a destination restaurant through its focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The room is understated, with drapes in rich earth tones and softly lighted chandeliers, but the food is anything but. Dishes such as the roasted Sonoma duck breast with braised Swiss chard and duck confit are complex without being fussy, while others, like the butter-poached Maine lobster with flageolet beans and lardons, are pure decadence. The restaurant offers a seasonal tasting menu ($125). Brunch is served in summer. | Average main: $55 | Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa 100 Boyes Blvd. off Hwy. 12), 2 miles north of Sonoma | Boyes Hot Springs | 95476 | 707/938–9000 | www.fairmont.com/sonoma/GuestServices/Restaurants/SanteRestaurant.htm | No lunch.

Sunflower Caffé.

$$ | AMERICAN | This casual café has one of Sonoma’s prettiest patios. Equipped with both heating lamps and plenty of shade, it’s comfortable in all but the most inclement weather. On dreary days, cheerful artworks brighten up the interior, where locals hunker over their computers and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. The menu, composed mostly of salads and sandwiches (as well as omelets and waffles for breakfast), is simple but satisfying, and it relies largely on local ingredients. | Average main: $15 | 421 W. 1st St. at W. Spain St. | 95476 | 707/996–6645 | www.sonomasunflower.com | No dinner.

WHERE TO STAY IN SONOMA

El Dorado Hotel.

$ | B&B/INN | Rooms in this remodeled 1843 building strike a spare, modern pose, with rectilinear four-poster beds and pristine white bedding, but the Mexican-tile floors hint at Sonoma’s mission-era past. High-tech features like flat-screen TVs and iPod alarm clocks are a nice touch, and each room has a small balcony that overlooks the street or a courtyard, where guests lounge around the pool or sip cocktails from El Dorado Kitchen. Though its position (right on Sonoma Plaza and on top of a bustling restaurant and bar) is considered a boon by some, earplugs are advised for all but the hardiest sleepers. Pros: stylish for the price; hip restaurant downstairs; central location. Cons: rooms are small; lighting could be better; noisy. TripAdvisor: “awesome food,” “rustic chic,” “cute place with lots of charm.” | Rooms from: $175 | 405 First St. W at W. Spain St. | 95476 | 707/996–3220 | eldoradosonoma.com/el_dorado_hotel.html | 27 rooms.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.

$$$ | RESORT | The real draw at this Mission-style resort is the extensive, swanky spa, easily the biggest in Sonoma, with a vast array of massages and treatments, some using locally sourced grape and lavender products. (It’s a coed spa, and there are several treatments designed for couples.) The focus on fitness and rejuvenation extends to an adjacent 7,087-yard golf course winding through trees and vineyards, a changing schedule of fitness classes, and guided hiking and biking excursions each morning. Standard guest rooms aren’t terribly large, but are supremely comfortable; some have fireplaces and patios or balconies. “Mission Suites” are more spacious and have spa-like bathrooms. Pros: enormous spa; excellent, well-reviewed restaurant on-site; free shuttle to downtown. Cons: standard rooms on the smaller side; not as intimate as some similarly priced places. TripAdvisor: “very relaxing,” “top notch,” “serenity with some fun thrown in.” | Rooms from: $329 | 100 Boyes Blvd. off Hwy. 12, 2 miles north of Sonoma | Boyes Hot Springs | 95476 | 707/938–9000 | www.fairmont.com/sonoma | 166 rooms, 60 suites.

Sonoma Creek Inn.

$ | B&B/INN | The small but cheerful rooms at this roadside inn with a sunny yellow exterior are individually decorated with painted wooden armoires, cozy quilts, and brightly colored contemporary artwork, elevating this bargain option well above your average motel. Most rooms even have vaulted ceilings, and many have small patios with a little fountain. Free rollaway beds for kids and an independently owned diner attached to the property make it an especially family-friendly option. Pros: clean, well-lighted bathrooms; a lot of charm for the low price. Cons: office not staffed 24 hours a day; slightly out-of-the-way location (about a 10-minute drive from Sonoma Plaza). TripAdvisor: “1930’s charm with today’s comfort,” “clean and great value,” “sweet and comfy.” | Rooms from: $129 | 239 Boyes Blvd. off Hwy. 12 | 95476 | 707/939–9463, 888/712–1289 | www.sonomacreekinn.com | 16 rooms.

NIGHTLIFE AND THE ARTS IN SONOMA

Sebastiani Theatre.

This theatre, built on Sonoma Plaza in 1934 by Italian immigrant and entrepreneur Samuele Sebastiani, schedules first-run films, as well as occasional musical and theatrical performances. | 476 1st St. E near W. Spain St. | 95476 | 707/996–2020.

Swiss Hotel.

The bar here serves up Glariffee, a cold and potent cousin to Irish coffee, as well as rollicking good times (especially during football season). | 18 W. Spain St. at 1st St. W | 95476 | 707/938–2884.

SHOPPING IN SONOMA

Sonoma Plaza is the town’s main shopping magnet, with tempting boutiques and specialty food purveyors facing the square or just a block or two away.

Sign of the Bear.

This modest and locally owned shop sells the latest and greatest in kitchenware and cookware, as well as a few Wine Country–themed items, such as lazy Susans made from wine barrels. | 435 1st St. W | 95476 | 707/996–3722.

Sonoma Cheese Factory.

The town’s popular cheese shop offers samples of many local cheeses, though the Sonoma Jack cheese and tangy Sonoma Teleme are no longer made on the premises. The store has everything you need for a picnic, from sandwiches to wine to homemade fudge. | 2 E. Spain St. | 95476 | 707/996–1931, 800/535–2855.

Vella Cheese Company.

A block east of Sonoma Plaza, this old-world Italian cheese shop has been making superb cheeses, such as raw-milk cheddars and several varieties of jack, since 1931. | 315 2nd St. E | 95476 | 707/938–3232, 800/848–0505.

GLEN ELLEN

7 miles north of Sonoma on Hwy. 12.

Unlike its flashier Napa Valley counterparts, craggy Glen Ellen eschews well-groomed sidewalks lined with upscale boutiques and restaurants, preferring instead its crooked streets, some with no sidewalks at all, shaded with stands of old oak trees. Jack London, who represents Glen Ellen’s rugged spirit, lived in the area for many years; the town commemorates him with place-names and nostalgic establishments. Hidden among sometimes ramshackle buildings abutting Sonoma and Calabasas creeks are low-key shops and galleries worth poking through, and several fine dining establishments.

Getting Here and Around

To get to Glen Ellen from Sonoma Plaza, drive west on East Spain Street. After about a mile, turn right onto Highway 12. Drive about 7 miles, then take the Arnold Drive exit and turn left. Many of Glen Ellen’s restaurants and inns are along a half-mile stretch of Arnold Drive.

EXPLORING GLEN ELLEN

Arrowood Vineyards & Winery.

Although it’s neither as famous or as old as some of its neighbors, Arrowood produces well-regarded wines, especially the Chardonnays, Syrahs, and age-worthy Cabernets. A wraparound porch with wicker chairs invites you to linger outside the tasting room, built to resemble a New England farmhouse. In fact, if you’re more interesting in lounging than a full-on tasting ($10–$15), you can buy a glass of wine to enjoy outside. Tours ($20), offered daily at 10:30 and 2 by appointment, conclude with a seated tasting. TIP If you’re doing a reserve tasting on a weekend and are interested in discovering what Arrowood wines taste like after several years in the bottle, ask if any library wines are available for tasting. | 14347 Sonoma Hwy. (Hwy. 12) | 95442 | 707/935–2600, 800/938–5170 | www.arrowoodwinery.com | Tasting $10–$15, tour $20 | Daily 10–4:30; tours daily 10:30 and 2.

Benziger Family Winery.

One of the best-known local wineries sits on a sprawling estate in a bowl with 360-degree sun exposure. Benziger is noted for its Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. The tram tours here are especially interesting (they’re first come, first served). On a ride through the vineyards, guides explain the regional microclimates and geography and provide a glimpse of the extensive cave system. Tours depart several times a day, weather permitting. Reservations are needed for smaller tours that conclude with a seated tasting ($40). TIP Arrive before lunch for the best shot at joining a tour (they do fill up), and bring a picnic. The grounds here are lovely. | 1883 London Ranch Rd. off Arnold Dr. | 95442 | 707/935–3000, 888/490–2739 | www.benziger.com | Tastings $10–$20, tours $20–$40 | Daily 10–5; tours daily at 11:15, 12:45, 2:15.

Figone’s Olive Oil Co.

Olive oil, not wine, is the star of the show at this family-owned business. The shop (which relocated from Glen Ellen in 2011) carries many local olive oils, serving bowls, books, and dining accessories. It also presses olives for a number of local growers, usually in late fall. You can taste a selection of olive oils that have surprisingly different flavors, and tours of the milling area are available upon request. | 9580 Sonoma Hwy. (Hwy. 12) | Kenwood | 95442 | 707/282–9092 | figoneoliveoil.com.

Jack London Country

Rugged, rakish author and adventurer Jack London is perhaps best known for his travels to Alaska and his exploits in the South Pacific, which he immortalized in tales such as Call of the Wild, White Fang, and South Sea Tales. But he loved no place so well as the hills of eastern Sonoma County, where he spent most of his thirties and where he died, in 1916, at the age of 40.

In 1913 London rhapsodized about his beloved ranch near Glen Ellen, writing, “The grapes on a score of rolling hills are red with autumn flame. Across Sonoma Mountain wisps of sea fog are stealing. The afternoon sun smolders in the drowsy sky. I have everything to make me glad I am alive. I am filled with dreams and mysteries.”

Between 1905 and 1916 London bought seven parcels of land totaling 1,400 acres, which he dubbed Beauty Ranch. When he wasn’t off traveling, he dedicated most of his time to cultivating the land and raising livestock here. He also maintained a few acres of wine grapes for his personal use.

Much of the Beauty Ranch is now preserved as the Jack London State Historic Park, worth visiting not only for its museum and other glimpses into London’s life but also for the trails that skirt vineyards and meander through a forest of Douglas fir, coastal redwoods, oak, and madrones. Here London and his wife spent two years constructing their dream house, Wolf House, before it burned down one hot August night in 1913, just days before they were scheduled to move in.

A look at the remaining stone walls and fireplaces gives you a sense of the building’s grand scale. Within, a fireproof basement vault was to hold London’s manuscripts. Elsewhere in the park stands the unusually posh pigsty that London’s neighbors called the Pig Palace.

Outside the park, London-related attractions are relatively few. Downhill from the park entrance, at the Jack London Lodge, the Jack London Saloon, which first opened in 1905, has walls covered with photographs and other London memorabilia.

Parts of Beauty Ranch are still owned by London’s descendants, who grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Merlot on a portion of the property. For a taste of the wines made from these grapes, head a few miles north to Kenwood Vineyards, which uses them to produce Jack London Vineyard reserve wines.

–Sharron Wood (updated by Matt Villano)

Jack London State Historic Park.

In the hills above Glen Ellen—known as the Valley of the Moon—lies Jack London State Historic Park, where you could easily spend the afternoon hiking along the edge of vineyards and through stands of oak trees. Several of the author’s manuscripts and a handful of personal effects are on view at the House of Happy Walls museum, once the home of London’s widow. A short hike away from Happy Walls are the ruins of Wolf House. Designed by London, it mysteriously burned down just before he was to move in. Also open to the public are a few restored farm outbuildings, and on weekends you can visit the Cottage, a restored wood-framed building where he wrote many of his later works. London is buried on the property. Budget cuts may result in reduced hours of operation; be sure to check before you visit. | 2400 London Ranch Rd. | 95442 | 707/938–5216 | Parking $8, admission to buildings free | Park and museum Fri.–Mon. 10–5, cottage weekends 10–4.

WHERE TO EAT IN GLEN ELLEN

Fodor’s Choice | The Fig Cafe.

$$ | FRENCH | Pale sage walls, a high, sloping ceiling, and casual but very warm service set a sunny mood in this little bistro that’s run by the same team behind Sonoma’s The Girl & the Fig. The restaurant’s eponymous fruit shows up in all sorts of places, from salads to the wintertime apple-and-fig bread pudding. The small menu focuses on California and French comfort food, like steamed mussels served with terrific crispy fries, and a roast quail served with faro and olives. TIP The unusual no-corkage-fee policy makes it a great place to drink the wine you just discovered down the road. | Average main: $20 | 13690 Arnold Dr. at O’Donnell La. | 95442 | 707/938–2130 | www.thefigcafe.com | No lunch weekdays.

Glen Ellen Inn Oyster Grill & Martini Bar.

$$$ | ECLECTIC | Tucked inside a creekside 1940s cottage, this cozy restaurant exudes romance, especially if you sit in the shady garden or on the patio strung with tiny lights. After taking the edge off your hunger with some oysters on the half shell and an ice-cold martini, order from a menu that plucks elements from California, French, and occasionally Asian cuisines. You might find ginger tempura calamari with mango salsa or grilled rib-eye steak with Gorgonzola mashed potatoes. Desserts tend toward the indulgent; witness the warm pecan bread pudding with a chocolate center that sits in a puddle of brandy sauce. | Average main: $25 | 13670 Arnold Dr. at O’Donnell La. | 95442 | 707/996–6409 | www.glenelleninn.com | No lunch Wed.

WHERE TO STAY IN GLEN ELLEN

Beltane Ranch.

$ | B&B/INN | On a slope of the Mayacamas range a few miles from Glen Ellen, this 1892 ranch house, shaded by magnificent oak trees, contains charmingly old-fashioned rooms, each individually decorated with antiques and thick old-fashioned bedcovers. Rooms also have exterior entrances, and some open onto a wraparound balcony ideal for whiling away lazy afternoons. A bountiful breakfast, included in the price, incorporates produce from the gardens here, when it’s in season, as well as eggs from their chickens. After breakfast, be sure to stroll around the expansive property, where trails lead you around the ranch’s beautiful vineyards and gardens. Pros: casual, friendly atmosphere; reasonably priced; beautiful grounds with ancient oak trees. Cons: downstairs rooms get some noise from upstairs rooms; cooled with ceiling fans instead of air-conditioning. TripAdvisor: “the beauty is in the details,” “beautiful and relaxing,” “straight out of Gone with the Wind.” | Rooms from: $175 | 11775 Sonoma Hwy. (Hwy. 12) | 95442 | 707/996–6501 | www.beltaneranch.com | 3 rooms, 2 suites, 1 cottage | Breakfast.

The Chauvet.

$$$$ | RENTAL | Originally built in 1906 as a hotel, this yellow-brick property in downtown Glen Ellen is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and was renovated in 2007 as six upscale condominium rentals. Each spacious unit has high ceilings, three sizable bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a living room and an eat-in kitchen. All rooms also have patios or balconies, and guests have access to a private pool out back. You can rent the condos by the night or by the week. Pros: spacious accommodations offer room to spread out; local artwork adorns exposed-brick walls; short (uphill) walk to Jack London State Historic Park. Cons: no services on-site; long drive to downtown Sonoma. TripAdvisor: “lovely weekend,” “true luxury condominiums,” “unforgettable.” | Rooms from: $600 | 13756 Arnold Dr. | 415/823–4570, 855/242–8838 | www.chauvetcondominium.com | 6 units.

Fodor’s Choice | Gaige House.

$$ | B&B/INN | Gorgeous Asian objets d’art and leather club chairs cozied up to the fireplace in the lobby are just a few of the graceful touches in this luxurious but understated B&B. Rooms in the main house, an 1890 Queen Anne, are mostly done in pale colors, and each has its advantages. One upstairs room has wraparound windows to let in floods of light, for instance, while the lavish creek-side cottages feel Japanese, with massive granite soaking tubs overlooking private atriums. Magnolia trees shade the backyard, where there’s a small but idyllic swimming pool and hot tub. Though the staffers are helpful, service never seems fussy, and there’s a bottomless jar of cookies in the common area. Pros: beautiful lounge areas; cottages are very private; excellent service. Cons: sound carries in the main house; the least expensive rooms are on the small side. TripAdvisor: “amazing boutique hotel,” “laid-back Sonoma at its best,” “outstanding stay in serenity.” | Rooms from: $275 | 13540 Arnold Dr. | 95442 | 707/935–0237, 800/935–0237 | www.gaige.com | 10 rooms, 13 suites | Breakfast.

KENWOOD

3 miles north of Glen Ellen on Hwy. 12.

Blink and you might miss tiny Kenwood, which consists of little more than a few restaurants and shops and a historic train depot. But hidden in this pretty landscape of meadows and woods at the north end of Sonoma Valley are several good wineries, most just off the Sonoma Highway.

Getting Here and Around

To get to Kenwood from Glen Ellen, drive 3 miles north on Highway 12.

EXPLORING KENWOOD

Deerfield Ranch Winery.

Visitors to this fun Kenwood winery arrive already in the middle of the action; from the parking lot, you walk across the crush pad, past a row of barrels, and straight into the wine cave. About halfway back, owners Robert and P.J. Rex have fashioned a makeshift living room, complete with comfy couches, tables, candles and tasting bars. Robert, who is also the winemaker, likes Super Tuscan-style and Bordeaux-style blends and makes them with gusto (the 2002 DRX is a blend to be reckoned with). Standard tastings ($15) include five wines; for an additional $5, you can taste all seven in the portfolio. | 10200 Sonoma Hwy. (Hwy. 12) | 707/833–5215 | www.deerfieldranch.com | Tastings $15–$20 | Daily 10:30–4:30.

Kunde Estate Winery & Vineyards.

On your way into Kunde Estate Winery & Vineyards you pass a terrace flanked with fountains, virtually coaxing you to stay for a picnic with views over the vineyard. Kunde is perhaps best known for its toasty Chardonnays, although tastings might include Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel as well. For insight into the winery’s approach to sustainable winemaking, take a few minutes to wander around the demonstration vineyard outside the tasting room. The (free) basic tour of the grounds includes the extensive caves, some of which stretch 175 feet below a Syrah vineyard. Reserve in advance if you want to take advantage of the Mountain Top Tasting, a tour that ends with a sampling of reserve wines at the highest point on the property ($30). | 9825 Sonoma Hwy. (Hwy. 12) | 95452 | 707/833–5501 | www.kunde.com | Tastings $10–$40, tours free–$30 | Daily 10:30–5; tours daily at various times.

St. Francis Winery.

Named for St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, which established missions and vineyards throughout California, St. Francis Winery has one of the most scenic locations in Sonoma, nestled at the foot of Mt. Hood. The visitor center beautifully replicates the California Mission style, with its red-tile roof and dramatic bell tower. The charm of the surroundings is matched by the wines, most of them red, including rich, earthy Zinfandels from both the Russian River and Sonoma valleys. In addition to the usual wine tastings, food and wine pairings are available ($20 to $35). | 100 Pythian Rd. off Hwy. 12 | 95409 | 888/675–9463, 707/833–6146 | www.stfranciswine.com | Tastings $10–35, tour $30 | Daily 10–5; tours by appointment (call for times).

WHERE TO EAT AND STAY IN KENWOOD

Café Citti.

$$ | ITALIAN | Classical music in the background and a friendly staff (as well as a roaring fire when the weather’s cold) keep this no-frills roadside café from feeling too spartan. Order dishes such as roast chicken and slabs of tiramisu from the counter and they’re delivered to your table, a few of which are on an outdoor patio. The array of prepared salads and sandwiches means the café does a brisk business in takeout for picnic packers, but you can also choose pasta made to order. | Average main: $15 | 9049 Sonoma Hwy. (Hwy. 12) | 95452 | 707/833–2690 | www.cafecitti.com.

Kenwood Inn and Spa.

$$$$ | B&B/INN | Buildings resembling graceful old haciendas and the mature fruit trees that shade the courtyards make it seem like this inn has been here for more than a century (it was actually built in 1990). French doors opening onto terraces or balconies, fluffy featherbeds, and wood-burning fireplaces give the uncommonly spacious guest rooms, many with tile floors, a particularly romantic air. A swimming pool, Jacuzzis, and saunas pepper three atmospheric courtyards, and you could easily spend an afternoon padding from one to another in your robe and slippers. The spa is intimate but well equipped. The tiny on-site restaurant is exquisite. Pros: large rooms; lavish furnishings; extremely romantic. Cons: Wi-Fi can be spotty in some areas; expensive. TripAdvisor: “Italian getaway in Sonoma,” “perfect place,” “pure 5-star relaxation.” | Rooms from: $499 | 10400 Sonoma Hwy. (Hwy. 12) | 95452 | 707/833–1293, 800/353–6966 | www.kenwoodinn.com | 25 rooms, 4 suites | Breakfast.

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Santa Rosa | Russian River Valley | Healdsburg | Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys

At nearly 1,598 square miles, there’s more to Sonoma County than the day-tripper favorites of Sonoma, Glen Ellen, and Kenwood. To the north is Healdsburg, a small town with killer shopping. The national media have latched onto it for its swank hotels and remarkable restaurants, and many Fodors.com readers recommend it as an ideal home base for wine tasting in northern Sonoma County.

Within easy striking distance of Healdsburg are the scenic vineyards of the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River valleys. These lookers produce some of the country’s best Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. Though these regions are hardly unknown names, their quiet, narrow roads feel a world away from Highway 29 in Napa. The western stretches of Sonoma County are sparsely populated in comparison to the above destinations and have fewer wineries. River Road heading west from U.S. 101—the exit is about 4 miles north of Santa Rosa—intersects Westside Road, which passes through Pinot Noir paradise on its way to Healdsburg.

Previous Map | San Francisco Maps

SANTA ROSA

8 miles northwest of Kenwood on Hwy. 12.

Santa Rosa, the Wine Country’s largest city, isn’t likely to charm you with its office buildings, department stores, and frequent snarls of traffic along U.S. 101. It is, however, home to a couple of interesting cultural offerings. Its moderately priced chain lodgings can be handy, especially since Santa Rosa is roughly equidistant from Sonoma, Healdsburg, and the Russian River Valley, three of the most popular wine-tasting destinations.

Getting Here and Around

To get to Santa Rosa from San Francisco, drive north over the Golden Gate Bridge and continue north on U.S. 101 to the downtown Santa Rosa exit. To get to Santa Rosa from Sonoma Valley, take Highway 12 north. Santa Rosa’s hotels, restaurants, and wineries are spread over a wide area; factor in extra time when driving around Santa Rosa, especially during morning and evening commute hours.

EXPLORING SANTA ROSA

Charles M. Schulz Museum.

Fans of Snoopy and Charlie Brown will love the Charles M. Schulz Museum, dedicated to the cartoonist who lived in Santa Rosa for the last 30 years of his life, until his death in 2000. Permanent installations such as a re-creation of the artist’s studio share the space with temporary exhibits, which often focus on a particular theme in Schulz’s work. Children and adults can take a stab at creating cartoons in the Education Room or wander through the labyrinth in the form of Snoopy’s head. | 2301 Hardies La. at W. Steele La. | 95403 | 707/579–4452 | www.schulzmuseum.org | $10 | Labor Day–Memorial Day, Wed.–Fri. and Mon. 11–5, weekends 10–5; Memorial Day–Labor Day, weekdays 11–5, weekends 10–5.

De Loach Vineyards.

Just far enough off the beaten track to feel like a real find, this winery produces old-vine Zinfandels, Chardonnays, and a handful of other varietals, but it is best for known for its Pinot Noir, some of which is made using open-top wood fermentation vats that are uncommon in Sonoma but have been used in France for centuries. (Some think they intensify a wine’s flavor.) Tours focus on the estate vineyards, where you can learn about the labor-intensive biodynamic and organic farming methods used, and take you through the culinary garden. Call a day or two in advance if you want to taste wines paired with regional cheeses ($25) or purchase a picnic basket ($30) to enjoy in their attractive picnic area. | 1791 Olivet Rd. | 707/526–9111, 800/441–9298 | www.deloachvineyards.com | Tasting $10–$25, tour $15 | Daily 10–5; tours daily at 11 (or by appointment).

Luther Burbank Home and Gardens.

The Luther Burbank Home and Gardens commemorates the great botanist who lived and worked on these grounds and single-handedly developed the modern techniques of hybridization. The 1.6-acre garden and a greenhouse show the results of some of Burbank’s experiments to develop spineless cactus, fruit trees, and flowers such as the Shasta daisy. Instructions for accessing the free self-guided garden tour using visitors’ own cell phones is posted near the carriage house. In the music room of his house, a modified Greek Revival structure that was Burbank’s home from 1884 to 1906, a dictionary lies open to a page on which the verb “burbank” is defined as “to modify and improve plant life.” To see the house, you’ll need to join one of the docent-led tours, which leave from the gift shop every half hour or so. | 204 Santa Rosa Ave. at Sonoma Ave. | 95404 | 707/524–5445 | www.lutherburbank.org | Gardens free, tour $7 | Gardens daily 8–dusk; museum and gift shop Apr.–Oct., Tues.–Sun. 10–4.

Fodor’s Choice | Matanzas Creek Winery.

The visitor center at this beautiful winery sets itself apart with an understated Japanese aesthetic, extending to a tranquil fountain and a koi pond. Best of all, huge windows overlook a vast field of lavender plants. TIP The ideal time to visit is in May and June, when the lavender blooms and perfumes the air. The winery specializes in Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Chardonnay, although it also produces a popular dry rosé as well as some Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet. Guided tours range from an hour-long intro to the Bennett Valley, the tiny AVA where the winery is located ($10), to a more expensive one ($35) that concludes with a taste of limited-production and library wines paired with artisanal cheeses. If you’d like to go it on your own, ask for a printed vineyard-tour guide. | 6097 Bennett Valley Rd. | 95404 | 707/528–6464, 800/590–6464 | www.matanzascreek.com | Tasting $5, tours $10–$35 | Daily 10–4:30; tour by appointment.

Safari West.

An unexpected bit of wilderness in the Wine Country, this African wildlife preserve covers 400 acres on the outskirts of Santa Rosa. Set aside an entire morning or afternoon for a visit, which begins with a stroll around enclosures housing lemurs, cheetahs, giraffes, and many varieties of rare birds, like the brightly colored scarlet ibis. Next, guests climb onto open-air vehicles that spend about two hours driving around the expansive property, where more than 80 species, such as African cape buffalo, gazelles, wildebeests, and zebras make their home on the hillsides. All the while you’re accompanied by a staff member who informs you about the animals, their behavior, and the threats they face in the wild. Note that the admission price for children ages 3 to 12 is $30–$32. If you’d like to extend your stay, lodging in well-equipped tent cabins ($–$$) is available. | 3115 Porter Creek Rd. | 95404 | 707/579–2551, 800/616–2695 | www.safariwest.com | $68–$78.

WHERE TO EAT IN SANTA ROSA

Fodor’s Choice | Zazu.

$$$ | ITALIAN | A low wooden ceiling, rustic copper tables, and rock music on the stereo create a casual vibe at this roadhouse. It’s a few miles west of downtown Santa Rosa, but the hearty, soulful cooking of owners Duskie Estes and John Stewart lures passionate fans from all over the Wine Country. About 30 percent of the produce comes from their own garden, and the meats are house-cured, so the antipasto plate or a pizza with house-made pepperoni are both excellent choices. The small seasonal menu—a mix of Italian-influenced dishes and updated American classics—tends toward rich flavors, with choices like rabbit braised in red wine and served with a mushroom risotto. On Mondays in summer, try the three-course family-style “farm supper” for $39 per person. Sunday brunch, featuring cornmeal waffles (among other great choices), is worthwhile, too. | Average main: $30 | 3535 Guerneville Rd. at Willowside Rd. | 95401 | 707/523–4814 | www.zazurestaurant.com | No lunch. Closed Tues.

WHERE TO STAY IN SANTA ROSA

Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa.

$ | RESORT | If Don Draper from the hit show Mad Men popped into Santa Rosa, he’d probably park himself in this kitschy, 1950s-style resort just beyond downtown; the rooms have been updated since the property opened in 1957, but they’ve still got high ceilings and that old-school flair. The iconic throwback: a vertical marquee with “Flamingo” emblazoned in neon letters. The hotel’s restaurant is a hot spot for a power lunch, while the lounge hosts epic karaoke on weekend nights. And how about this for retro cred: Back in the day, Jayne Mansfield partied at the Flamingo. TripAdvisor: “great customer service,” “well-appointed room,” “neat retro atmosphere.” | Rooms from: $119 | 2777 4th St. | 707/545–8530, 800/848–8300 | www.flamingoresort.com | 170 rooms.

RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

10 miles northwest of Santa Rosa.

The Russian River flows from Mendocino to the Pacific Ocean, but in terms of wine making, the Russian River valley is centered on a triangle with points at Healdsburg, Guerneville, and Sebastopol. Tall redwoods shade many of the two-lane roads that access this scenic area, where, thanks to the cooling marine influence, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the king and queen of grapes.

Essentials

Contacts

Russian River Wine Road.

498 Moore La. | Healdsburg | 95448 | 707/433–4335, 800/723–6336 | www.wineroad.com.

Getting Here and Around

Many people visit the Russian River valley while based in nearby Healdsburg. To get to the wineries along Westside Road from Healdsburg’s central plaza, head south on Center Street and turn right at Mill Street, which turns into Westside Road after it crosses U.S. 101. From Westside Road turn left on Wohler Road and left again on Eastside Road to loop back to U.S. 101 just south of Healdsburg. Wineries are somewhat more widely spaced in this rural area than in other parts of the Wine Country, and you should plan on spending some leisurely time driving along the winding roads. This is also a particularly scenic area for biking and jogging.

EXPLORING RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

Gary Farrell Winery.

Pass through an impressive metal gate and wind your way up a steep hill to reach Gary Farrell, a spot with knockout views over the rolling hills and vineyards below. Although the winery has changed hands a few times since Farrell sold it in 2004, it’s managed to continue producing well-regarded bottles under Susan Reed, who worked alongside him. Though its earthy, full-bodied Zinfandels and Carneros and Russian River Chardonnays are winners, the winery has built its reputation on its Pinot Noirs. | 10701 Westside Rd. | Healdsburg | 95448 | 707/473–2900 | www.garyfarrellwines.com | Tasting $10–$15, tour $25 | Daily 10:30–4:30; tour by appointment.

Hartford Family Winery.

Pinot Noir fans flock to this opulent winery that sits off a meandering country road. The wine makers here turn grapes from the cooler areas of the Russian River valley, Sonoma coast, and other regions into crisp Chardonnays, old-vine Zinfandels, and Pinots, many of which are single-vineyard wines. Tours of the barrel room ($10, not including tasting) and a seated tasting of library wines ($25) are offered (call ahead). | 8075 Martinelli Rd. off Hwy. 116 or River Rd. | Forestville | 95436 | 707/887–1756, 800/588–0234 | www.hartfordwines.com | Tastings $15–$25, tour $10 | Daily 10–4:30, tours by appointment.

Fodor’s Choice | Iron Horse Vineyards.

A one-lane country road leads to Iron Horse Vineyards, known for its sparkling wines, from the bright and austere to the rich and toasty, as well as estate Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Three hundred acres of rolling, vine-covered hills, barnlike buildings, and a rustic outdoor tasting area with a view of Mt. St. Helena set this winery apart from stuffier spots. Tours (by appointment) take place weekdays at 10 am. Wine maker David Munksgard leads the Friday tour. | 9786 Ross Station Rd. off Hwy. 116 | Sebastopol | 95472 | 707/887–1507 | www.ironhorsevineyards.com | Tasting $10, tour $20 | Daily 10–4:30; tour weekdays at 10 by appointment.

J Vineyards and Winery.

The dry sparkling wines made here, all from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes planted in Russian River vineyards, have wonderfully complex fruit and floral aromas and good acidity. Best known for its sparklers, J also makes fine still wines, often from Pinot and Chardonnay grapes, as well as brandy-fortified dessert wine and a pear eau-de-vie. You can sample just the wines at the tasting bar, or indulge yourself in the Bubble Room (reservations required), where top-end still and sparkling wines are paired with food. Free, 30-minute tours take place twice daily. | 11447 Old Redwood Hwy. at Eastside Rd. | Healdsburg | 95448 | 707/431–3646 | www.jwine.com | Tasting $20–$65, tours free | Daily 11–5; Bubble Room hours vary; tours daily 11 and 2:30.

Rochioli Vineyards and Winery.

Claiming one of the prettiest picnic sites in the area, with tables overlooking vineyards, this winery also has an airy little tasting room hung with modern artwork. Production is small—about 12,000 cases annually—and fans on the winery’s mailing list snap up most of the bottles, but the wines are still worth a stop. Because of the cool growing conditions in the Russian River valley, the flavors of the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are intense and complex. It’s the Pinot, though, that is largely responsible for the winery’s stellar reputation; it helped cement the Russian River’s status as a Pinot powerhouse. TIP Though Rochioli typically pours only a couple of wines for visitors, it’s one of the few wineries of its stature that still doesn’t charge for a tasting. | 6192 Westside Rd. | Healdsburg | 95448 | 707/433–2305 | www.rochioliwinery.com | Tasting free | Thurs.–Mon. 11–4, Tues. and Wed. by appointment; closed mid-Dec.–early Jan.

WHERE TO EAT IN RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

Fodor’s Choice | The Farmhouse Inn.

$$$$ | FRENCH | From the personable sommelier who assists you with wine choices to the servers who describe the provenance of the black truffles shaved over your intricate pasta dish, the staff matches the quality of this restaurant’s outstanding French-inspired cuisine. The signature dish, “rabbit, rabbit, rabbit,” a rich trio of confit of leg, rabbit loin wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon, and roasted rack of rabbit with a whole-grain mustard sauce, is typical of the preparations that are both rustic and refined, and the starters often include a seared Sonoma foie gras served with an apple cider sauce. The restaurant offers three-course, prix-fixe dinners every Monday for $49 per person. TIP The inn is a favorite of wine-industry foodies, so reserve well in advance; if you haven’t done so, you might still be able to dine in the small lounge area. | Prix-fixe: $52 | 7871 River Rd. at Wohler Rd. | Forestville | 95436 | 707/887–3300, 800/464–6642 | www.farmhouseinn.com | Reservations essential | Closed Tues. and Wed. No lunch.

WHERE TO STAY IN RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

Fodor’s Choice | The Farmhouse Inn.

$$$ | B&B/INN | Inside a pale yellow 1873 farmhouse and its adjacent cottages, this hotel maintains individually decorated guest rooms with comfortable touches such as down comforters and whirlpool tubs. Many of the cottages have wood-burning fireplaces and even their own private saunas, which make the accommodations especially inviting during the rainy months. The most romantic (and expensive) rooms are those in the newest building, finished in 2009 and built to resemble an old barn that was once on the property. With a chic rustic-farmhouse-meets-modern-loft aesthetic, the spacious rooms have king-size four-poster beds, spa tubs, fireplaces, and patios or balconies overlooking the hillside. It’s worth leaving your supremely comfortable bed for the sumptuous breakfasts included in the rate. Pros: one of Sonoma’s best restaurants is on-site; free snacks, games, movies, and luxury bath products available; full-service spa uses many products made from local ingredients. Cons: rooms closest to the street get a bit of road noise. TripAdvisor: “in a different world,” “the perfect wine country experience,” “wonderful place with fantastic service.” | Rooms from: $350 | 7871 River Rd. | Forestville | 95436 | 707/887–3300, 800/464–6642 | www.farmhouseinn.com | 12 rooms, 6 suites | Breakfast.

Sebastopol Inn.

$ | HOTEL | Simple but cheerful rooms, freshly painted a sunny yellow and equipped with blue-and-white striped curtains, have a spare California country style at this reasonably priced inn. Rooms clustered around a pleasant courtyard are also steps away from an old train station that has been converted into a cluster of cafés and shops. Some rooms have microwaves, some have small balconies or patios, and the uncommonly spacious suites (which also have jetted tubs) offer plenty of room for families. Pros: friendly staff; just steps from a café, wine bar, and spa. Cons: 30-minute drive from most Russian River wineries; some will find the beds too firm. TripAdvisor: “clean and convenient,” “well tended,” “big room.” | Rooms from: $135 | 6751 Sebastopol Ave. | Sebastopol | 95472 | 707/829–2500 | www.sebastopolinn.com | 29 rooms, 2 suites.

SPORTS AND THE OUTDOORS IN RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY

Burke’s Canoe Trips.

This friendly Forestville-based outfitter rents canoes ($60 per day) for a leisurely paddle 10 miles downstream to Guerneville. A shuttle bus will return you to your car at the end of the journey. From late May through mid-October is the best time for canoeing. | River and Mirabel Rds. 1 mile north of Forestville | 95436 | 707/887–1222 | www.burkescanoetrips.com.

HEALDSBURG

17 miles north of Santa Rosa on U.S. 101.

Just when it seems that the buzz about Healdsburg couldn’t get any more intense, there’s another article published in a glossy food or wine magazine about the restaurant Cyrus or the spanking new h2hotel. The good news: You don’t have to be a tycoon to stay here and enjoy the town. For every ritzy restaurant there’s a great bakery or relatively modest B&B. A tin-roofed bandstand on Healdsburg’s plaza hosts free summer concerts, where you might hear anything from bluegrass to Sousa marches. Add to that the fragrant magnolia trees shading the square and the bright flower beds, and the whole thing is as pretty as a Norman Rockwell painting.

The setting is no less idyllic in the nearby countryside, where stores straddling the relatively untrafficked roads sell just-plucked fruits and vine-ripened tomatoes. Winery buildings here are barely visible, since they’re tucked behind groves of eucalyptus or hidden high on fog-shrouded hills.

Getting Here and Around

To get to Healdsburg from San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and continue north on U.S. 101. About 65 miles from San Francisco, take the Central Healdsburg exit and follow Healdsburg Avenue a few blocks to the town’s central plaza. Many of the town’s hotels and restaurants ring the scenic town square and the few blocks radiating out from here.

WHERE TO EAT IN HEALDSBURG

Barndiva.

$$$$ | AMERICAN | This hip joint abandons the homey vibe of so many Wine Country spots for a younger, more urban feel. Electronic music plays quietly in the background while hipster servers ferry inventive seasonal cocktails. The food is as stylish as the well-dressed couples cozying up next to one another on the banquette seats. Make a light meal out of starters like goat-cheese croquettes or “The Artisan,” a bountiful plate of cheeses and charcuterie, or settle in for the evening with dishes such as pork tenderloin with potato puree or lobster risotto. During warm weather the open-air patio is the place to be. | Average main: $32 | 231 Center St. at Matheson St. | 95448 | 707/431–0100 | www.barndiva.com | Closed Mon. and Tues.

Bovolo.

$$ | ITALIAN | Husband-and-wife team John Stewart and Duskie Estes–they of Zazu fame–opened this restaurant on the Healdsburg Plaza to serve what they call “slow food . . . fast.” The stars of the show: house-cured meats that are featured in pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches. For instance, the Salumist’s Salad mixes a variety of cured meats with greens, white beans, and a tangy vinaigrette; and a thin-crust pizza might come topped with house-made Italian pork sausage and roasted peppers. House-made gelato served with a dark chocolate sauce or zeppole (Italian donuts) provide a perfect ending to a meal. On summer weekends, the restaurant serves breakfast at 9 am. Closing hours vary according to season, so call ahead if planning an evening visit. | Average main: $18 | 106 Matheson St. at Healdsburg Ave. | 95448 | 707/431–2962 | www.bovolorestaurant.com | Reservations not accepted | Often no dinner Tues. and Wed.; no dinner Sun.–Thurs. fall–spring.

Costeaux.

$$ | FRENCH | This French-style bakery in downtown Healdsburg has won numerous awards for its bread, and the croissants and Epi breads are the best in all of Sonoma County. Also worth sampling: savory breakfast and lunch dishes, such as the homemade quiche or the omelet with sun-dried tomatoes, bacon, and Brie. Arrive early on weekends to grab a seat on the open-air patio. | Average main: $15 | 417 Healdsburg Ave. at North St. | 707/433–1913 | www.costeaux.com | No dinner.

Fodor’s Choice | Cyrus.

$$$$ | AMERICAN | Hailed as the best thing to hit the Wine Country since French Laundry, Cyrus has collected lots of awards and many raves from guests. From the moment you’re seated to the minute your dessert plates are whisked away, you’ll be carefully tended by gracious servers and an expert sommelier. The formal dining room, with its vaulted Venetian-plaster ceiling, is a suitably plush setting for chef Douglas Keane’s creative, subtle cuisine. Each night, diners have their choice of four set menus: five- and eight-course extravaganzas ($108 and $135, respectively), for both omnivores and vegetarians. Wine pairings are available for both (also $108 and $135). Set aside three hours to work your way from savory starters such as a terrine of foie gras with curried apple compote, through fragrant dishes such as a truffled wine risotto with Parmesan broth. Desserts are otherworldly, and every guest receives a box of tiny sweets to take home. If you’ve failed to make reservations, you can order à la carte at the bar, which has one of the best collection of cocktails and spirits in all of the Wine Country. | Prix-fixe: $108 | 29 North St. near Healdsburg Ave. | 95448 | 707/433–3311 | www.cyrusrestaurant.com | Reservations essential | Closed Tues. and Wed. in winter. No lunch.

Scopa.

$$$ | ITALIAN | At this tiny eatery chef Ari Rosen cooks up rustic Italian specialties such as house-made ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese, braised chicken with greens and polenta, and polpette Calabrese (spicy meatballs served with smoked mozzarella in a tomato sauce). Simple thin-crust pizzas are worth ordering, too. Locals love the restaurant for its lack of pretension: wine is served in juice glasses, and the friendly hostess visits guests frequently to make sure all are satisfied. You’ll be packed in elbow-to-elbow with your fellow diners, but for a convivial evening over a bottle of Nebbiolo, there’s no better choice. | Average main: $25 | 109A Plaza St. near Healdsburg Ave. | 95448 | 707/433–5282 | www.scopahealdsburg.com | No lunch.

Spoonbar.

$$$ | MEDITERRANEAN | Cantina doors that open wide onto Healdsburg Avenue make this trendy eatery especially appealing in summer, when the warm breeze wafts into the stylish space. Inside, concrete walls, mid-century modern chairs, and a long communal table fashioned from rough-hewn acacia wood create an urbane setting for the modern Mediterranean fare. “Small bites” like the marinated quail eggs, spicy lamb meatballs, and house-cured olives are standouts, while several of the entrée-sized dishes demonstrate a Moroccan flair (the Moorish-style chicken with grilled lemon and couscous is especially popular). The perpetually packed bar, where celebrity bartender Scott Beattie and his staff mix inventive seasonal cocktails, is the real draw for many locals. | Average main: $29 | h2hotel 219 Healdsburg Ave. at Vine St. | 95448 | 707/433–7222 | www.h2hotel.com/spoonbar | No lunch Mon.–Thurs. in winter.

Zin Restaurant and Wine Bar.

$$$ | AMERICAN | Concrete walls and floors and large canvases on the walls lend the restaurant a casual, industrial, and slightly artsy feel. The American cuisine—such as the grilled pork chop with homemade applesauce or the wine-braised lamb shank—is hearty and highly seasoned. Portions are large, so consider sharing if you hope to save room for desserts such as the brownie sundae with house-made ice cream. As you might have guessed from the name, Zinfandel is the drink of choice here: the varietal makes up roughly half of the 100 or so bottles on the wine list. From Sunday through Thursday, blue-plate specials featuring homey fare (like pot roast and chicken and dumplings) make this place a bargain. | Average main: $25 | 344 Center St. at North St. | 95448 | 707/473–0946 | zinrestaurant.com | No lunch weekends.

WHERE TO STAY IN HEALDSBURG

Camellia Inn.

$ | B&B/INN | In a well-preserved Italianate Victorian constructed in 1869, this colorful B&B is on a quiet residential street a block from the town’s main square. The parlors downstairs are chockablock with ceramics and other decorative items, while rooms are individually decorated with antiques. Each room has its own charms, such as a canopy bed, a claw-foot tub, or a whirlpool bath. TIP You can save money by booking the cozy (and popular) budget room, with a full-size bed and large private bath across the hall. Pros: reasonable rates; a rare family-friendly inn; within easy walking distance of restaurants. Cons: a few rooms have a shower but no bath; all rooms lack TVs. TripAdvisor: “a truly wonderful inn,” “make yourself at home,” “helpful staff.” | Rooms from: $230 | 211 North St. | 95448 | 707/433–8182, 800/727–8182 | www.camelliainn.com | 8 rooms, 1 suite | Breakfast.

h2hotel.

$ | B&B/INN | Eco-friendly touches abound at this LEED-certified newcomer, from the undulating plant-covered “green roof” to wooden decks made from salvaged lumber. Inside, earthy items like striped tiger bamboo floors, wool felt area rugs, and side tables made from a block of elm warm up the sleek rooms, where white walls and bedding inspire serenity. Each room has a patio or small balcony, and the larger rooms (junior suites and one-bedroom suites) feature deep, deep bathtubs, easily large enough for two. Thoughtful touches include the ample storage for your luggage and the computers on every floor available for guests’ use. The hip restaurant and bar on the ground floor ensures the hotel’s popularity with young food- and cocktail-savvy travelers. Pros: stylish modern design; Healdsburg’s most popular bar; king beds can be converted to two twins. Cons: least expensive rooms lack bathtubs; no fitness facilities on-site. TripAdvisor: “unique property,” “great small touches,” “modern hotel.” | Rooms from: $200 | 219 Healdsburg Ave. | 95448 | 707/922–5251 | www.h2hotel.com | 34 rooms, 2 suites | Breakfast.

The Honor Mansion.

$$$ | B&B/INN | An 1883 Italianate Victorian houses this photogenic hotel, and rooms in the main house preserve a sense of the building’s heritage, while the larger suites are comparatively understated. Luxurious touches such as antiques and decanters of sherry are found in every room, and suites have the advantage of a deck; some even have private outdoor hot tubs. Fodors.com readers rave about the attentive staff, who “think of things you don’t even know you want.” Pros: spacious grounds with boccie and tennis courts, a putting green, and half-court for basketball; homemade sweets available at all hours; spa pavilions by pool available for massages in fair weather. Cons: almost a mile from Healdsburg’s plaza; walls can seem thin. TripAdvisor: “beautiful and relaxing,” “simply the best,” “Honor Mansion defines service.” | Rooms from: $315 | 891 Grove St. | 95448 | 707/433–4277, 800/554–4667 | www.honormansion.com | 5 rooms, 7 suites, 1 cottage | Closed 2 wks around Christmas | Breakfast.

Hotel Healdsburg.

$$$ | RESORT | Across the street from Healdsburg’s tidy town plaza, this spare, sophisticated hotel caters to travelers with an urban sensibility. Unadorned olive-green walls, pecanwood floors, and clean-line furniture fill the guest rooms; the beds are some of the most comfortable you can find. Spacious bathrooms continue the sleek style with monochromatic tiles and deep soaking tubs that are all right angles. Downstairs, the sophisticated on-site spa offers a variety of treatments and has a modest lap-pool. The attached restaurant, Dry Creek Kitchen ($$$$), is one of the best in Healdsburg. Pros: several rooms overlook the town plaza; comfortable lobby with a small attached bar; extremely comfortable beds. Cons: exterior rooms get some street noise; rooms could use better lighting. TripAdvisor: “casual luxury at its best,” “really comfortable,” “refreshing hotel with world-class staff.” | Rooms from: $375 | 25 Matheson St. | 95448 | 707/431–2800, 800/889–7188 | www.hotelhealdsburg.com | 46 rooms, 10 suites | Breakfast.

Hôtel Les Mars.

$$$$ | HOTEL | This Relais & Châteaux property takes the prize for opulence with guest rooms spacious and elegant enough for French nobility, with 18th- and 19th-century antiques and reproductions, canopied beds, and gas-burning fireplaces. Most of the white-marble bathrooms have spa tubs in addition to enormous showers. Rooms on the third floor have 20-foot ceilings that make them feel particularly large, while the second-floor rooms have a slightly more understated style. Wine and cheese are served every evening in the library, which is sumptuously paneled with hand-carved black walnut; a Continental breakfast can be delivered to your room or served in the library. Pros: large rooms; just off Healdsburg’s plaza; Bulgari bath products. Cons: very expensive. TripAdvisor: “absolutely first class,” “luxurious weekend getaway destination,” “finest hotel in the Sonoma wine country.” | Rooms from: $600 | 27 North St. | 95448 | 707/433–4211 | www.hotellesmars.com | 16 rooms | Breakfast.

Madrona Manor.

$$ | B&B/INN | The flagship 1881 Victorian mansion here is surrounded by 8 acres of wooded and landscaped grounds, and rooms in the three-story mansion, the carriage house, and the three separate cottages are splendidly ornate, with mirrors in gilt frames and paintings covering every wall. Much of the furniture is original to the mansion. Candlelight dinners are served in formal dining rooms nightly except Monday and Tuesday. Chef Jesse Mallgren has earned praise for his elaborate four-, five-, and six-course menus ($$$$), where luxuries like a Périgord truffle risotto might precede a bacon-wrapped rabbit loin and a warm chocolate soufflé. TIP For a ridiculously romantic experience, ask for Room 203 or 204. Each has a huge balcony that overlooks the hotel grounds and beyond. Pros: old-fashioned and romantic; pretty veranda perfect for a cocktail. Cons: pool heated May through October only; some might find decor too fussy. TripAdvisor: “romantic and relaxation,” “beautiful grounds,” “European style hotel with great service.” | Rooms from: $300 | 1001 Westside Rd. | 95448 | 707/433–4231, 800/258–4003 | www.madronamanor.com | 18 rooms, 5 suites | Breakfast.

SHOPPING IN HEALDSBURG

M Clothing.

A high-end women’s-clothing boutique, M carries dresses, skirts, sweaters, and accessories from Diane von Furstenberg, Nanette Lapore, and other top designers. The shop sometimes hosts fashion shows at local hotels. | 333 Healdsburg Ave. at Plaza St. | 707/431–8738 | www.martymclothing.com.

Moustache Baked Goods.

This shop specializes in sweets incorporating local, organic ingredients: cupcakes (try the one with locally sourced bacon), whoopie pies, macaroons, and Oreos. Wash everything down with Blue Bottle Coffee. | 381 Healdsburg Ave. at North St. | 707/395–4111.

Oakville Grocery.

The Healdsburg branch of this Napa-based store is filled with wine, condiments, and deli items. A terrace with ample seating makes a good place for an impromptu picnic, but you might want to lunch early or late to avoid the worst crowds. | 124 Matheson St. at Center St. | 95448 | 707/433–3200.

DRY CREEK AND ALEXANDER VALLEYS

On the west side of U.S. 101, Dry Creek Valley remains one of the least-developed appellations in Sonoma. Zinfandel grapes flourish on the benchlands, whereas the gravelly, well-drained soil of the valley floor is better known for Chardonnay and, in the north, Sauvignon Blanc. The wineries in this region tend to be smaller, which makes them a good bet on summer weekends, when larger spots and those along the main thoroughfares fill up with tourists.

The Alexander Valley, which lies northeast of Healdsburg, is similarly rustic. The largely family-owned wineries often produce Zinfandel and Chardonnay, while the winding Highway 128 through Knights Valley is a popular destination for cyclists and joggers alike.

Best Wine Country Festivals

- March: Wine Road Barrel Tasting weekends. For two weekends in March, more than 100 wineries in the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander valleys open their cellars to visitors who want to taste the wine as it ages in barrels, getting previews of what’s to come. (707/433–4335 or 800/723–6336 | www.wineroad.com)

- Early April: Napa Valley Arts in April. Dozens of wineries have amassed stunning art collections, and many promote the valley’s artistic bounty with seminars, parties, and tasting specials. (707/260–0107 | www.legendarynapavalley.com/artsinapril)

- Late May: Sonoma Jazz + festival. Headlining jazz, rock, and world music performers play in a large tent in downtown Sonoma, and smaller music, food, and wine events take place around town. (866/468–8355 | www.sonomajazz.org)

- Early June: Auction Napa Valley. One of Napa’s glitziest gatherings culminates in a dramatic auction followed by an opulent dinner and party. (707/963–3388 | www.napavintners.com)

- Early October: Sonoma County Harvest Fair. This festival celebrates agriculture in Sonoma County, with wine tastings, cooking demos, livestock shows, crafts, carnival rides, and local entertainers filling the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. (www.harvestfair.org)

- Mid-November: Napa Valley Film Festival. Film premieres, pre-movie wine tastings, and food- and wine-related events take place in downtown Napa and St. Helena. (www.napavalleyfilmfest.org)

Getting Here and Around

The Dry Creek Valley sits west of downtown Healdsburg, across U.S. 101. If you drive north on Healdsburg Avenue and turn left on Dry Creek Road you’ll slip under the freeway and soon see signs pointing the way to wineries on that road and West Dry Creek Road, which runs roughly parallel about a mile to the west, accessible by the cross streets Lambert Bridge Road and Yoakim Bridge Road.

The Alexander Valley is just northeast of Healdsburg. To get here from the plaza, drive north on Healdsburg Avenue and veer right on Alexander Valley Road. Although there are a few wineries on Alexander Valley Road itself, most of them on are on Highway 128, which intersects after 3.3 miles.

EXPLORING DRY CREEK AND ALEXANDER VALLEYS

Dry Creek Vineyard.

Fumé Blanc is king at Dry Creek, where the refreshing white wine is made in the style of those made in Sancerre, France. The winery also makes well-regarded Zinfandels, a zesty dry Chenin Blanc, a Pinot Noir, and a handful of Cabernet Sauvignon blends. Since many wines are priced at less than $30 a bottle (some less than $20), it’s a popular stop for wine lovers looking to stock their cellars for a reasonable price. You can picnic on the lawn here next to a flowering magnolia tree. Conveniently, a general store and deli is close by. | 3770 Lambert Bridge Rd. off Dry Creek Rd. | Healdsburg | 95448 | 707/433–1000, 800/864–9463 | www.drycreekvineyard.com | Tasting $5 | Daily 10:30–4:30.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery.

The famous film director showcases his less-expensive wines at this majestic French-style château that he transformed into an impressive fantasyland. (Coppola’s Napa winery, Inglenook, focuses on the high-end vintages.) In addition to tasting wines or ordering cocktails at the full bar, you can select from tours that include a vineyard walk and the opportunity to watch the bottling facility in action. Scattered throughout the facility are mementos of Coppola’s film career, among them his Oscars and Don Corleone’s desk in The Godfather. Kids (and some adults), though, will be most excited by the large pool. Guests rent small cabanas to shower and change into their swimsuits before spending the afternoon lounging under the striped umbrellas, perhaps even ordering food from the poolside café. The winery’s restaurant, Rustic, serves a more elaborate menu from a spacious dining room and a terrace overlooking the vineyards. Prices, pool hours, and tour times change seasonally, so check before coming. | 300 Via Archimedes at Fulton Rd. | Geyserville | 95441 | 707/857–1400 | www.franciscoppolawinery.com | Tasting free–$7; tour $20–$55; pool pass $15 | Tasting room daily 11–6, restaurant daily 11–9; pool hrs vary seasonally.

Jordan Vineyard and Winery.

A visit to this sprawling property north of Healdsburg revolves around an impressive estate built in the early 1970s to replicate a French château. Seated tastings of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are held in the château itself, in a secluded room that once served as a private cellar. Basic tastings ($20) last 45 minutes and include food and cheese prepared by executive chef Todd Knoll. Tours ($30), which last 75 minutes and include a tasting, wind from the château past a garden and through vineyards shaded by century-old oak trees. The wines alone are worth a visit here, but don’t leave without sampling the olive oil grown and milled on the estate. | 1474 Alexander Valley Rd. on Greco Rd. | Healdsburg | 95448 | 800/654–1213, 707/431–5250 | www.jordanwinery.com | Tastings and tour $20–$30 | Weekdays 8–4:30, weekends 9–3:30; tours and tastings daily by appointment | Closed Sun. Nov.–Apr.

Michel-Schlumberger.

Down a narrow road at the westernmost edge of the Dry Creek Valley, Michel-Schlumberger is one of Sonoma’s finest producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. A spin through the organically farmed vineyard here is like taking a walk through France, and though the winery is best known for Bordeaux varietals, you’ll also find Burgundian grapes next to ones from Alsace and the Rhône. Estate tours are unusually casual and friendly; weather permitting, visitors walk up a hill on a gravel pathway to the edge of the property’s lovely terraced vineyards before swinging through the barrel room, in a California Mission–style building that once served as the home of the winery’s founder, Jean-Jacques Michel. For a truly memorable experience, reserve a spot on the weekly Vineyard Tasting Tour ($50, Fridays at 10:30), which includes a hike and a tasting of the Estate Wines at a picnic table in the vineyard. | 4155 Wine Creek Rd. off W. Dry Creek Rd. | Healdsburg | 95448 | 707/433–7427, 800/447–3060 | www.michelschlumberger.com | Tasting $10–$15, tours $20–$50 | Daily 11–5; tours at 11 and 2, by appointment.

Papapietro Perry.

Pinot Noir and Zinfandel are the only wines on the tasting list at this small winery in the heart of the Dry Creek Valley, but wine lovers hail them as some of the region’s best. Most of the grapes come from the Russian River Valley, though Zin made from locally sourced fruit is available as well. Standard tastings at the copper-topped bar include five pours, and it always pays to ask what else is open in the back (the 777 Clone Pinot is particularly delicious). For a break in the action, peruse the winery shop for witty T-shirts, or call for Ruby, the winery dog, who always is eager for a gentle pet. | 4791 Dry Creek Rd. at Wine Creek Rd. | Healdsburg | 95448 | 707/433–0422, 877/467–4668 | www.papapietro-perry.com | Tasting $10 | Daily 11–4:30.

Fodor’s Choice | Preston Vineyards.

The long driveway at Preston, flanked by vineyards and punctuated by the occasional olive tree, winds down to some farmhouses encircling a shady yard. In summer a small selection of organic produce grown in the winery’s gardens is sold from an impromptu stand on the front porch, and house-made bread and olive oil are available year-round. The down-home style is particularly in evidence on Sunday, the only day of the week that tasting-room staffers sell a 3-liter bottle of Guadagni Red, a primarily Zinfandel blend filled from the barrel right in front of you. Owners Lou and Susan Preston are committed to organic growing techniques, and use only estate-grown grapes in their wines, like Sauvignon Blanc, and Rhône varietals such as Syrah and Viognier. | Tasting Room 9206 W. Dry Creek Rd. at Hartsock Rd. No. 1 | Healdsburg | 95448 | 707/433–3372 | www.prestonvineyards.com | Tasting $10 | Daily 11–4:30.

Quivira.

An unassuming winery in a modern wooden barn topped by solar panels, Quivira produces some of the most interesting wines in Dry Creek Valley. It’s known for its dangerously drinkable reds, including a petite Syrah, and a few hearty Zinfandel blends. The excellent tour provides information about the winery’s biodynamic and organic farming practices and offers a glimpse of the beautiful garden and the pigs, chickens, and beehives kept on the property. Visitors also can take a free self-guided tour through the garden. | 4900 W. Dry Creek Rd. near Wine Creek Rd. | Healdsburg | 95448 | 707/431–8333, 800/292–8339 | www.quivirawine.com | Tasting $10, tours $20–$30 | Daily 11–5; tours by appointment.

Stryker Sonoma.

Inside the tasting room at Stryker Sonoma, vaulted ceilings and seemingly endless walls of windows onto the vineyards suggest you’ve entered a cathedral to viniculture. The wines are almost as impressive as the architecture: most of them are single varietals, such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. An exception, however, are a few Bordeaux-style blends, including the powerful E1K, which, unfortunately, is not usually poured in the tasting room (though it never hurts to ask whether a bottle is open). The picnic tables are a particularly lovely way to enjoy the quiet Alexander Valley countryside. Call ahead to book a spot on a tour that concludes on the observation deck overlooking the vineyards. | 5110 Hwy. 128 | Geyserville | 95441 | 707/433–1944, 800/433-1944 | www.strykersonoma.com | Tasting $10, tour $15 | Daily 10:30–5.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Alexander Valley Bar. If the “bustle” of downtown Healdsburg leaves you pining for more rustic environs, drive 6 miles to this dimly lighted Victorian-style speakeasy behind the Medlock Ames tasting room. You’ll find historic photos on the walls and a vintage photo booth to document the occasion. A mostly local crowd gathers to enjoy fine cocktails, some using produce grown in the bar’s own gardens. From Healdsburg’s plaza, drive 3 miles north on Healdsburg Avenue, turn right on Alexander Valley Road, and continue another 3 miles. | 3487 Alexander Valley Rd. near W. Sausal La. | Healdsburg | 95448 | 707/431–1904.

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Main Table of Contents

Getting Here and Around

Essentials

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Air Travel | BART Travel | Boat Travel | Bus Travel | Cable-Car Travel | Car Travel | Muni Travel | Taxi Travel | Train Travel

San Francisco encompasses 46.7 square miles. As a major metropolitan hub it has a fantastic public transportation system; however, if you stray from the main thoroughfares public transport can get tricky, and renting a car becomes a more practical option.

All the city’s major attractions are easily accessible via Muni (light-rail vehicles), BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) trains, taxis, and cable cars; or if you have a comfy pair of shoes, you can always walk. It’s exactly 8 miles from the west side of the city to the east side. The streets are neatly arranged along two grids that come together at Market Street, and with the area’s well-known landmarks—the Golden Gate Bridge (north), Twin Peaks (south), the Bay Bridge (east), and the Pacific Ocean (west)—as a physical compass, it’s difficult to lose your way.

The East Bay is also extremely accessible via public transport; BART is a good way to get where you want to go. And the North Bay is only a boat or bike ride away. Both are good choices, depending on the weather. A car only becomes necessary when you want to go farther north, for example, to Napa or Sonoma County. Keep in mind that rush-hour traffic isn’t pleasant, so if you do rent a car try to take to the streets between 10 am and 3 pm, or after 7 pm.

AIR TRAVEL

The least expensive airfares to San Francisco are priced for round-trip travel and should be purchased in advance. Airlines generally allow you to change your return date for a fee; most low-fare tickets, however, are nonrefundable. (But if you cancel, you can usually apply the fare to a future trip, within one year, to any destination the airline flies.)

Nonstop flights from New York to San Francisco take about 5½ hours, and with the 3-hour time change, it’s possible to leave JFK by 8 am and be in San Francisco by 10:30 am. Some flights may require a midway stop, making the total excursion between 8 and 9½ hours. Nonstop times are approximately 1½ hours from Los Angeles, 3 hours from Dallas, 4½ hours from Chicago, 4½ hours from Atlanta, 11 hours from London, 12 hours from Auckland, and 13½ hours from Sydney.

Airline Contacts

American Airlines.

800/223–5436 | www.aa.com.

Delta Airlines.

800/221–1212 for U.S. reservations, 800/241–4141 for international reservations | www.delta.com.

Southwest Airlines.

800/435–9792 | www.southwest.com.

United Airlines.

800/864–8331 for U.S. reservations, 800/538–2929 for international reservations | www.united.com.

Smaller Airlines

Frontier Airlines.

800/432–1359 | www.frontierairlines.com.

jetBlue.

800/538–2583 | www.jetblue.com.

AIRPORTS

The major gateway to San Francisco is San Francisco International Airport (SFO), 15 miles south of the city. It’s off U.S. 101 near Millbrae and San Bruno. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is across the bay, not much farther away from downtown San Francisco (via I–80 east and I–880 south), but rush-hour traffic on the Bay Bridge may lengthen travel times considerably. San Jose International Airport (SJC) is about 40 miles south of San Francisco; travel time depends largely on traffic flow, but plan on an hour and a half with moderate traffic.

Depending on the price difference, you might consider flying into Oakland or San Jose. Oakland’s an easy-to-use alternative, since there’s public transportation between the airport and downtown San Francisco. Getting to San Francisco from San Jose, though, can be time-consuming and costly via public transportation. Heavy fog is infamous for causing chronic delays into and out of San Francisco. If you’re heading to the East or South Bay, make every effort to fly into Oakland or San Jose Airport, respectively.

At all three airports security check-in can take 15 to 30 minutes at peak travel times.

TIP Count yourself lucky if you have a layover at SFO’s International Terminal. The food served by branches of top local eateries beats standard airport fare: Italian pastries from Emporio Rulli, burgers from Burger Joint, seafood and steak from Lark Creek Grill, sushi from Ebisu.

Long layovers needn’t only be about sitting around or shopping. You can burn off vacation calories, too. Check out | www.airportgyms.com for lists of health clubs that are in or near many U.S. and Canadian airports.

Airport Information

San Francisco International Airport

(SFO). | 800/435–9736, 650/821–8211 | www.flysfo.com.

Oakland International Airport

(OAK). | 510/563–3300 | www.flyoakland.com.

San Jose International Airport

(SJC). | 408/392–3600 | www.flysanjose.com.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

From San Francisco International Airport

Transportation signage at the airport is color-coded by type and is quite clear. A taxi ride to downtown costs $50 to $55. Airport shuttles are inexpensive and generally efficient. Lorrie’s Airport Service and SuperShuttle both stop at the lower level near baggage claim and take you anywhere within the city limits of San Francisco. They charge $15 to $17, depending on where you’re going. Lorrie’s also sells tickets online, at a $2 discount each way; you can print them out before leaving home. SuperShuttle offers some discounts for more than one person traveling in the same party ($17 per person and $10 for each additional passenger), but only if you’re traveling to a residential address.

Shuttles to the East Bay, such as BayPorter Express, also depart from the lower level; expect to pay between $38 and $42. Inquire about the number of stops a shuttle makes en route to or from the airport; some companies, such as East Bay Express, have nonstop service, but they cost a bit more. Marin Door to Door operates van service to Marin County for $35 to $40 for the first passenger, and $12 for each additional person; you must make reservations by noon the day before travel. Marin Airporter buses cost $21 and require no reservations but stop only at designated stations in Marin; buses leave every 30 minutes, on the half hour and hour, from 5 am to midnight.

You can take BART directly to downtown San Francisco; the trip takes about 30 minutes and costs less than $9. (There are both manned booths and vending machines for ticket purchases.) Trains leave from the international terminal every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on weekends.

Another inexpensive way to get to San Francisco (though not as convenient as BART) is via two SamTrans buses: No. 292 (55 minutes, $2 from SFO, $4 to SFO) and the KX (35 minutes, $5; only one small carry-on bag permitted). Board the SamTrans buses on the lower level.

To drive to downtown San Francisco from the airport, take U.S. 101 north to the Civic Center/9th Street, 7th Street, or 4th Street/Downtown exits. If you’re headed to the Embarcadero or Fisherman’s Wharf, take I–280 north (the exit is to the right, just north of the airport, off U.S. 101) and get off at the 4th Street/King Street exit. King Street becomes the Embarcadero a few blocks east of the exit. The Embarcadero winds around the waterfront to Fisherman’s Wharf.

From Oakland International Airport

A taxi to downtown San Francisco costs $40 to $45. By airport regulations, you must make reservations for shuttle service. BayPorter Express and other shuttles serve major hotels and provide door-to-door service to the East Bay and San Francisco. SuperShuttle operates vans to San Francisco and Oakland. Marin Door to Door serves Marin County for a flat $50 for the first passenger, and $12 for each additional person; make reservations by noon the day before travel.

The best way to get to San Francisco via public transit is to take the AIR BART bus ($3) to the Coliseum/Oakland International Airport BART station (BART fares vary depending on where you’re going; the ride to downtown San Francisco from here costs $3.80).

If you’re driving from Oakland International Airport, take Hegenberger Road east to I–880 north to I–80 west over the Bay Bridge. This will likely take at least an hour.

From San Jose International Airport

A taxi to downtown San Jose costs about $17 to $23; a trip to San Francisco runs about $150 to $155. South & East Bay Airport Shuttle transports you to the South Bay and East Bay; a ride to downtown San Jose costs $29 for the first passenger, $10 for each additional, and a van to San Francisco costs $109 for the first passenger, $10 for each additional. Reservations are required to the airport, but not from the airport; call from baggage claim before you collect your luggage. Reservations are also required for VIP Airport Shuttle, which has service to downtown San Francisco for $80 for the first passenger, $8 for each additional passenger; to downtown San Jose costs $26, $8 for each additional passenger.

To drive to downtown San Jose from the airport, take Airport Boulevard east to Route 87 south. To get to San Francisco from the airport, take Route 87 south to I–280 north. The trip will take roughly two hours.

At $8 for a one-way ticket, there is no question that Caltrain provides the most affordable option for traveling between San Francisco and San Jose’s airport. However, the Caltrain station in San Francisco at 4th and Townsend streets is not in a conveniently central location. It’s on the eastern side of the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood and not easily accessible by other public transit. You’ll need to take a taxi or walk from the nearest bus line. From San Francisco it takes 90 minutes and costs $8 to reach the Santa Clara Caltrain station, from which a free shuttle runs every 15 minutes, whisking you to and from the San Jose International Airport in 15 minutes.

Contacts

American Airporter.

415/202–0733 | www.americanairporter.com.

BayPorter Express.

415/467–1800 | www.bayporter.com.

Caltrain.

800/660–4287 | www.caltrain.com.

East Bay Express Airporter.

877/526–0304 | www.eastbaytransportation.com.

Lorrie’s Airport Service.

415/334–9000 | www.gosfovan.com.

Marin Airporter.

415/461–4222 | www.marinairporter.com.

Marin Door to Door.

415/457–2717 | www.marindoortodoor.com.

SamTrans.

800/660–4287 | www.samtrans.com.

South & East Bay Airport Shuttle.

800/548–4664 | www.southandeastbayairportshuttle.com.

SuperShuttle.

800/258–3826 | www.supershuttle.com.

VIP Airport Shuttle.

408/986–6000, 800/235–8847 | www.viptransportgroup.com.

BART TRAVEL

BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) trains, which run until midnight, travel under the bay via tunnel to connect San Francisco with Oakland, Berkeley, and other cities and towns beyond. Within San Francisco, stations are limited to downtown, the Mission, and a couple of outlying neighborhoods.

Trains travel frequently from early morning until evening on weekdays. After 8 pm weekdays and on weekends there’s often a 20-minute wait between trains on the same line. Trains also travel south from San Francisco as far as Millbrae. BART trains connect downtown San Francisco to San Francisco International Airport; the ride costs $8.10.

Intracity San Francisco fares are $1.75; intercity fares are $3.10 to $5.95. BART bases its ticket prices on miles traveled and does not offer price breaks by zone. The easy-to-read maps posted in BART stations list fares based on destination, radiating out from your starting point of the current station.

During morning and evening rush hour, trains within the city are crowded—even standing room can be hard to come by. Cars at the far front and back of the train are less likely to be filled to capacity. Smoking, eating, and drinking are prohibited on trains and in stations.

Contacts

BART (BART). | 415/989–2278 (San Francisco/Daly City), 510/465–2278 (East Bay) | www.bart.gov.

BOAT TRAVEL

Several ferry lines run out of San Francisco. Blue & Gold Fleet operates a number of routes, including service to Sausalito ($10.50 one-way) and Tiburon ($10.50 one-way). Tickets are sold at Pier 41 (between Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39), where the boats depart. Alcatraz Cruises, owned by Hornblower Yachts, operates the ferries to Alcatraz Island ($27 including audio tour and National Park Service ranger-led programs) from Pier 33, about a half-mile east of Fisherman’s Wharf ($3 shuttle buses serve several area hotels and other locations). Boats leave 10 times a day (14 times a day in summer), and the journey itself takes 30 minutes. Allow roughly 2½ hours for a round-trip jaunt. Golden Gate Ferry runs daily to and from Sausalito and Larkspur (each costs $9.25 one-way), leaving from Pier 1, behind the San Francisco Ferry Building. The Alameda/Oakland Ferry operates daily between Alameda’s Main Street Ferry Building, Oakland’s Jack London Square, and San Francisco’s Pier 41 and the Ferry Building ($6.25 one-way); some ferries go only to Pier 41 or the Ferry Building, so ask when you board. Purchase tickets on board.

Information

Alameda/Oakland Ferry.

510/522–3300 | www.eastbayferry.com.

Alcatraz Cruises.

415/981–7625 | www.alcatrazcruises.com.

Blue & Gold Fleet.

415/705–8200 | www.blueandgoldfleet.com.

Golden Gate Ferry.

415/455–2000 | www.goldengateferry.org.

San Francisco Ferry Building.

1 Ferry Bldg., at foot of Market St. on Embarcadero | 94111 | 415/983–8030.

BUS TRAVEL

Greyhound serves San Francisco with buses from many major U.S. cities; within California, service is limited to hub towns and cities only. The Greyhound depot is located at the Transbay Temporary Terminal, in the SoMa district. Reservations are not accepted; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Cash, traveler’s checks, and credit cards are accepted.

Greyhound.

Transbay Temporary Terminal, 200 Folsom St., between Main and Beale Sts., SoMa | 94105 | 415/495–1569 | www.greyhound.com.

CABLE-CAR TRAVEL

Don’t miss the sensation of moving up and down some of San Francisco’s steepest hills in a clattering cable car. Jump aboard as it pauses at a designated stop, and wedge yourself into any available space. Then just hold on.

The fare (for one direction) is $6 (Muni Passport holders only pay a $1 supplement). You can buy tickets on board (exact change isn’t necessary) or at the kiosks at the cable-car turnarounds at Hyde and Beach streets and at Powell and Market streets.

The heavily traveled Powell–Mason and Powell–Hyde lines begin at Powell and Market streets near Union Square and terminate at Fisherman’s Wharf; lines for these routes can be long, especially in summer. The California Street line runs east and west from Market and California streets to Van Ness Avenue; there is often no wait to board this route.

CAR TRAVEL

Driving in San Francisco can be a challenge because of the one-way streets, snarly traffic, and steep hills. The first two elements can be frustrating enough, but those hills are tough for unfamiliar drivers.

Be sure to leave plenty of room between your car and other vehicles when on a steep slope. This is especially important when you’ve braked at a stop sign on a steep incline. Whether with a stick shift or an automatic transmission, every car rolls backward for a moment once the brake is released. So don’t pull too close to the car ahead of you. When it’s time to pull forward, keep your foot on the brake while tapping lightly on the accelerator. Once the engine is engaged, let up on the brake and head uphill.

TIP Remember to curb your wheels when parking on hills—turn wheels away from the curb when facing uphill, toward the curb when facing downhill. You can get a ticket if you don’t do this.

Market Street runs southwest from the Ferry Building, then becomes Portola Drive as it nears Twin Peaks (which lie beneath the giant radio-antennae structure, Sutro Tower). It can be difficult to drive across Market. The major east–west streets north of Market are Geary Boulevard (it’s called Geary Street east of Van Ness Avenue), which runs to the Pacific Ocean; Fulton Street, which begins at the back of the Opera House and continues along the north side of Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach; Oak Street, which runs east from Golden Gate Park toward downtown, then flows into northbound Franklin Street; and Fell Street, the left two lanes of which cut through Golden Gate Park and empty into Lincoln Boulevard, which continues to the ocean.

Among the major north–south streets are Divisadero, which becomes Castro Street at Duboce Avenue and continues to just past César Chavez Street; Van Ness Avenue, which becomes South Van Ness Avenue when it crosses Market Street; and Park Presidio Boulevard, which empties into 19th Avenue.

Gasoline

Gas stations are hard to find in San Francisco; look for the national franchises on major thoroughfares such as Market Street, Geary Boulevard, Mission Street, or California Street. Once you find one, prepare for sticker shock—the fuel is notoriously expensive here.

Aside from their limited numbers and high costs, everything else is standard operation at service stations. All major stations accept credit and ATM cards; self-service pumps are the norm. Most gas stations are open seven days a week until 11 pm or midnight. Many national franchises on well-traveled streets are open 24/7.

Parking

San Francisco is a terrible city for parking. In the Financial District and Civic Center neighborhoods parking is forbidden on most streets between 3 or 4 pm and 6 or 7 pm. Check street signs carefully to confirm, because illegally parked cars are towed immediately. Downtown parking lots are often full, and most are expensive. The city-owned Sutter-Stockton, Ellis-O’Farrell, and 5th-and-Mission garages have the most reasonable rates in the downtown area. Large hotels often have parking available, but it doesn’t come cheap; many charge in excess of $40 a day for the privilege.

Garages

766 Vallejo Garage.

766 Vallejo St., at Powell St., North Beach | 94133 | 415/989–4490.

Ellis-O’Farrell Garage.

123 O’Farrell St., at Stockton St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/986–4800 | www.eofgarage.com.

Embarcadero Center Garage.

1–4, Embarcadero Center, between Battery and Drumm Sts., Financial District | 94111 | 415/772–0670 | www.embarcaderocenter.com.

5th & Mission / Yerba Buena Garage.

833 Mission St., at 5th St., SoMa | 94103 | 415/982–8522 | www.fifthandmission.com.

Opera Plaza Garage.

601 Van Ness Ave., at Turk St., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/771–4776.

Performing Arts Garage.

360 Grove St., between Franklin and Gough Sts., Civic Center | 94102 | 415/227–0114 | www.performingartsgarage.com.

Pier 39 Garage.

Embarcadero at Beach St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/705–5418 | www.pier39.com.

Portsmouth Square Garage.

733 Kearny St., at Clay St., Chinatown | 94108 | 415/982–6353 | www.portsmouthsquaregarage.com.

Sutter-Stockton Garage.

444 Stockton St., at Sutter St., Union Sq. | 94108 | 415/982–7275.

Wharf Garage.

2801 Leavenworth St., at Beach St., Fisherman’s Wharf | 94133 | 415/775–5060.

Road Conditions

Although rush “hours” are 6–10 am and 3–7 pm, you can hit gridlock on any day at any time, especially over the Bay Bridge and leaving and/or entering the city from the south. Sunday-afternoon traffic can be heavy as well, especially over the bridges.

The most comprehensive and immediate traffic updates are available through the city’s 511 service, either online at | www.511.org (where webcams show you the traffic on your selected route) or by calling 511. On the radio, tune in to an all-news radio station such as KQED 88.5 FM or KCBS 740 AM/106.9 FM.

Be especially wary of non-indicated lane changes.

San Francisco is the only major American city uncut by freeways. To get from the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll have to take surface streets, specifically Van Ness Avenue, which doubles as U.S. 101 through the city.

Rules of the Road

To encourage carpooling during heavy traffic times, some freeways have special lanes for so-called high-occupancy vehicles (HOVs)—cars carrying more than one or two passengers. Look for the white-painted diamond in the middle of the lane. Road signs next to or above the lane indicate the hours that carpooling is in effect. If you’re stopped by the police because you don’t meet the criteria for travel in these lanes, expect a fine of more than $340.

Drivers are banned from using handheld mobile telephones while operating a vehicle in California. The use of seat belts in both front and back seats is required in California. The speed limit on city streets is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. A right turn on a red light after stopping is legal unless posted otherwise, as is a left on red at the intersection of two one-way streets. Always strap children under 80 pounds or under age eight into approved child-safety seats.

CAR RENTALS

When you reserve a car, ask about cancellation penalties, taxes, drop-off charges (if you’re planning to pick up the car in one city and leave it in another), and surcharges (for being under or over a certain age, for additional drivers, or for driving across state or country borders or beyond a specific distance from your point of rental). All these things can add substantially to your costs. Request car seats and extras such as GPS when you book.

Rates are sometimes—but not always—better if you book in advance or reserve through a rental agency’s website. There are other reasons to book ahead, though: for popular destinations, during busy times of the year, or to ensure that you get certain types of cars (vans, SUVs, exotic sports cars).

TIP Make sure that a confirmed reservation guarantees you a car. Agencies sometimes overbook, particularly for busy weekends and holiday periods.

Car-rental costs in San Francisco vary seasonally, but generally begin at $30 a day and $150 a week for an economy car with air-conditioning, automatic transmission, and unlimited mileage. This doesn’t include tax on car rentals, which is 9.5%. If you dream of driving with the top down, or heading out of town to ski the Sierra, consider renting a specialty vehicle. Most major agencies have a few on hand, but the best overall service is with two locally owned agencies: Specialty Rentals and City Rent-a-Car. The former specializes in high-end vehicles and arranges for airport pickup and drop-off. City Rent-a-Car likewise arranges airport transfers, and also delivers cars to Bay Area hotels. Both agencies also rent standard vehicles at prices competitive with those of the major chains.

In San Francisco you must be at least 20 years old to rent a car, but some agencies won’t rent to those under 25; check when you book. Super Cheap Car Rental is near the airport and rents to drivers as young as 20.

ALTERNATIVE RENTALS

City Car Share and Zipcar are membership organizations for any person over 21 with a valid driver’s license who needs a car only for short-term use. You must join their clubs beforehand, which you can do via their websites. They’re especially useful if you only want to rent a car for part of the day (say four to six hours), find yourself far from the airport, or if you’re younger than most rental agencies’ 25-years-or-older requirement. The membership fee often allows you to use the service in several metropolitan areas. If using such a service, you can rent a car by the hour as well as by the day.

GoCar rents electric vehicles at Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square. These cars can travel between 25 and 35 mph and are very handy for neighborhood-based sightseeing, but they’re not allowed on the Golden Gate Bridge. GoCars are electric, two-seater, three-wheeled, open convertibles with roll bars (so drivers must wear helmets) with GPS audio tours of the city. You can pick up a GoCar at three locations: two in Fisherman’s Wharf and one in Union Square.

Automobile Associations

American Automobile Association (AAA). U.S.: American Automobile Association; most contact with the organization is through state and regional members. | 415/553–7200 | www.aaa.com.

National Automobile Club.

National Automobile Club; membership is open to California residents only. | 800/622–2136 | www.thenac.com.

Local Agencies

City Car Share.

415/995–8588, 877/363–0710 | www.citycarshare.org.

City Rent-a-Car.

415/359–1331, 866/359–1331 | www.cityrentacar.com.

GoCar.

800/914–6227 | www.gocartours.com.

Specialty Rentals.

800/400–8412 | www.specialtyrentals.com.

Super Cheap Car Rental.

650/777–9993 | www.supercheapcar.com.

Zipcar.

415/495–7478 | www.zipcar.com.

Major Agencies

Alamo.

800/462–5266 | www.alamo.com.

Avis.

800/331–1212 | www.avis.com.

Budget.

800/527–0700 | www.budget.com.

Hertz.

800/654–3131 | www.hertz.com.

National Car Rental.

800/227–7368 | www.nationalcar.com.

MUNI TRAVEL

The San Francisco Municipal Railway, or Muni, operates light-rail vehicles, the historic F-line streetcars along Fisherman’s Wharf and Market Street, trolley buses, and the world-famous cable cars. Light rail travels along Market Street to the Mission District and Noe Valley (J line), the Ingleside District (K line), and the Sunset District (L, M, and N lines); during peak hours (Monday through Friday, 6 am–9 am and 3 pm–7 pm) the J line continues around the Embarcadero to the Caltrain station at 4th and King streets. The T-line light rail runs from the Castro, down Market Street, around the Embarcadero, and south past Hunters Point and Monster Park to Sunnydale Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard. Muni provides 24-hour service on select lines to all areas of the city.

On buses and streetcars the fare is $2. Exact change is required, and dollar bills are accepted in the fare boxes. For all Muni vehicles other than cable cars, 90-minute transfers are issued free upon request at the time the fare is paid. These are valid for two additional transfers in any direction. Cable cars cost $6 and include no transfers .

One-day ($14), three-day ($21), and seven-day ($27) Passports valid on the entire Muni system can be purchased at several outlets, including the cable-car ticket booth at Powell and Market streets and the visitor information center downstairs in Hallidie Plaza. A monthly ticket, called a Fast Pass, is available for $70, and can be used on all Muni lines (including cable cars) and on BART within city limits. The San Francisco CityPass, a discount ticket booklet to several major city attractions, also covers all Muni travel for seven consecutive days.

The San Francisco Municipal Transit and Street Map ($3) is a useful guide to the extensive transportation system. You can buy the map at most bookstores and at the San Francisco Visitor Information Center, on the lower level of Hallidie Plaza at Powell and Market streets.

TIP During football season Muni runs a special weekend shuttle to Candlestick Park for $12 round-trip.

Bus Operators

Outside the city, AC Transit serves the East Bay, and Golden Gate Transit serves Marin and Sonoma counties.

Bus and Muni Information

AC Transit.

510/839–2882 | www.actransit.org.

Golden Gate Transit.

511, 415/455–2000 | www.goldengate.org.

San Francisco Municipal Railway System (Muni). | 311, 415/701–3000 | www.sfmta.com.

TAXI TRAVEL

Taxi service is notoriously bad in San Francisco, and hailing a cab can be frustratingly difficult in some parts of the city, especially on weekends. Popular nightspots such as the Mission, SoMa, North Beach, the Haight, and the Castro have a lot of cabs but a lot of people looking for taxis, too. Midweek, and during the day, you shouldn’t have much of a problem—unless it’s raining. In a pinch, hotel taxi stands are an option, as is calling for a pick-up. But be forewarned: taxi companies frequently don’t answer the phone in peak periods. The absolute worst time to find a taxi is Friday afternoon and evening; plan well ahead, and if you’re going to the airport, make a reservation or book a shuttle instead. Most taxi companies take reservations for airport and out-of-town runs but not in-town transfers.

Taxis in San Francisco charge $3.50 for the first 1/5 mile (one of the highest base rates in the United States), 55¢ for each additional 1/5 mile, and 55¢ per minute in stalled traffic; a $2 surcharge is added for trips to the airport. There is no charge for additional passengers; there is no surcharge for luggage. For trips outside city limits, multiply the metered rate by 1.5; tolls and tip are extra.

Taxi Companies

DeSoto Cab.

415/970–1300.

Luxor Cab.

415/282–4141.

Veteran’s Taxicab.

415/648–1313.

Yellow Cab.

415/626–2345.

Complaints

San Francisco Police Department Taxi Complaints

415/553–1447.

TRAIN TRAVEL

Amtrak trains travel to the Bay Area from some cities in California and the United States. The Coast Starlight travels north from Los Angeles to Seattle, passing the Bay Area along the way, but contrary to its name, the train runs inland through the Central Valley for much of its route through Northern California; the most scenic stretch is in Southern California, between San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles. Amtrak also has several routes between San Jose, Oakland, and Sacramento. The California Zephyr travels from Chicago to the Bay Area, and has spectacular alpine vistas as it crosses the Sierra Nevada mountains. San Francisco doesn’t have an Amtrak train station but does have an Amtrak bus station, at the Ferry Building, which provides service to trains in Emeryville, just over the Bay Bridge. Shuttle buses also connect the Emeryville train station with downtown Oakland, the Caltrain station, and other points in downtown San Francisco. You can buy a Californian Rail Pass where you get 7 days of travel in a 21-day period for $159.

Caltrain connects San Francisco to Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, and many smaller cities en route. In San Francisco, trains leave from the main depot, at 4th and Townsend streets, and a rail-side stop at 22nd and Pennsylvania streets. One-way fares are $2.75 to $12.75, depending on the number of zones through which you travel; tickets are valid for four hours after purchase time. A ticket is $6.75 from San Francisco to Palo Alto, at least $8.75 to San Jose. You can also buy a day pass ($5.50–$25.50) for unlimited travel in a 24-hour period. It’s worth waiting for an express train for trips that last 1 to 1¾ hours. On weekdays, trains depart three or four times per hour during the morning and evening, twice per hour during daytime non-commute hours, and as little as once per hour in the evening. Weekend trains run once per hour. The system shuts down at midnight. There are no onboard ticket sales. You must buy tickets before boarding the train or risk paying a $250 fine for fare evasion.

Information

Amtrak.

800/872–7245 | www.amtrak.com.

Caltrain.

800/660–4287 | www.caltrain.com.

San Francisco Caltrain station.

700 4th St., at King St. | 94107 | 800/660–4287.

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Communications | Day Tours and Guides | Money | Restrooms | Safety | Taxes | Time | Visitor Information

COMMUNICATIONS

INTERNET

All public libraries provide Internet access and most hotels have a computer stationed in the lobby with free (if shared) high-speed access for guests. Some hotels can charge up to $10 a day to provide a high-speed connection in the room, others offer it free of charge. In addition, many cafés throughout San Francisco, Marin County, and the East Bay now offer free Wi-Fi, but a few continue to charge a $5 to $7 fee. For a list of free Wi-Fi spots in San Francisco, check www.openwifispots.com.

Contacts Cybercafes.

Cybercafes lists more than 4,000 Internet cafés worldwide. | www.cybercafes.com.

DAY TOURS AND GUIDES

BOAT TOURS

Blue & Gold Fleet operates a bay cruise that lasts about an hour. Tickets may be purchased at Pier 39, near Fisherman’s Wharf. The tour, on a ferryboat with outside seating on the upper deck, loops around the bay taking in the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge. An audiotape tells you what you’re seeing. Discounts are available for tickets purchased online.

Information

Blue & Gold Fleet.

415/705–8200 | www.blueandgoldfleet.com.

BUS AND VAN TOURS

In addition to bus and van tours of the city, most tour companies run excursions to various Bay Area and Northern California destinations, such as Marin County and the Wine Country, as well as to farther-flung areas, such as Monterey and Yosemite. City tours generally last 3½ hours and cost about $50 per person. The bigger outfits operate large buses, which tend to be roomy. Service is more intimate with the smaller companies, however, because they can fit only about 10 people per vehicle; the vans can be a little tight, but with the driver-guide right in front of you, you’re able to ask questions easily and won’t have to worry about interrupting someone on a microphone, as is the case with the big companies.

Great Pacific Tours is a good small company and conducts city tours in passenger vans (starting at $49). Super Sightseeing is also locally owned and operates tours in 28- and 50-passenger buses. For $18 to $19 more, both companies can supplement a city tour with a bay cruise. Super Sightseeing can also add a trip to Alcatraz for $28.

Information

Great Pacific Tours.

415/626–4499 | www.greatpacifictour.com.

Super Sightseeing.

415/777–2288 | www.supersightseeing.com.

Helicopter Tours

San Francisco Helicopter Tours.

800/400–2404, 650/635–4500 | www.sfhelicoptertours.com.

MONEY

San Francisco often finds itself near the top of lists rating the most expensive cities in the United States. Don’t let that scare you off; those ratings are usually based on the cost of living. Local real-estate prices are out of this world—but a trip here doesn’t have to cost the moon.

Payment methods are those standard to major U.S. cities. Plastic is king; hotels and most stores and restaurants accept credit cards. Small, casual restaurants, though, may be cash-only operations. You can easily find ATMs in every neighborhood, either in bank branches (these have security vestibules that are accessed by your bank card), convenience stores, drugstores, supermarkets, and even some Starbucks coffee shops. Some performing-arts venues, hotels, and fine-dining spots will also accept traveler’s checks.

Prices throughout this guide are given for adults. Substantially reduced fees are almost always available for children, students, and senior citizens.

CREDIT CARDS

It’s a good idea to inform your credit-card company before you travel. Otherwise, the credit-card company might put a hold on your card owing to unusual activity—not a good thing halfway through your trip. Record all your credit-card numbers—as well as the phone numbers to call if your cards are lost or stolen—in a safe place, so you’re prepared should something go wrong. Both MasterCard and Visa have general numbers you can call (collect if you’re abroad) if your card is lost, but you’re better off calling the number of your issuing bank, since MasterCard and Visa usually just transfer you to your bank; your bank’s number is usually printed on your card.

Reporting Lost Cards

American Express.

800/528–4800 in U.S. | www.americanexpress.com.

Diners Club.

800/234–6377 in U.S. | www.dinersclub.com.

Discover.

800/347–2683 in U.S. | www.discovercard.com.

MasterCard.

800/627–8372 in U.S. | www.mastercard.com.

Visa.

800/847–2911 in U.S. | www.visa.com.

RESTROOMS

Public facilities are in forest-green kiosks at Pier 39, on Market Street at Powell Street, at Castro and Market streets, and at the Civic Center. The fee to use the facilities is 25¢, although it’s free at some places. Since they’re self-cleaning, they’re usually tolerable. Most public garages have restrooms, and large hotels usually have lobby-level facilities, and chain bookstores are another good bet.

Find a Loo The Bathroom Diaries.

The Bathroom Diaries is flush with unsanitized info on restrooms the world over—each one located, reviewed, and rated. | www.thebathroomdiaries.com.

SAFETY

San Francisco is generally a safe place for travelers who observe all normal urban precautions. First, avoid looking like a tourist. Dress inconspicuously, remove badges when leaving convention areas, and know the routes to your destination before you set out. Use common sense and, unless you know exactly where you’re going, steer clear of certain neighborhoods late at night, especially if you’re walking alone. Below are certain areas to stay on alert, or avoid:

The Tenderloin. Named for a cut of steak, this neighborhood west of Union Square and above Civic Center can be a seedy part of town, with drug dealers, homeless people, hustlers, and X-rated joints. It’s roughly bordered by Taylor, Polk, Geary, and Market streets. Avoid coming here after dark, especially if you’re walking.

Western Addition. Gang activity makes this a sketchy neighborhood, even in daytime, with occasional outbreaks of gun violence. Don’t stray too far off Fillmore Street.

Civic Center. After a show here, walk west to Gough Street; don’t head north, east, or south from the Civic Center on foot, and avoid Market Street between 6th and 10th.

Parts of the Mission District. The flat blocks of the Mission range from a bit scruffy to edgy to truly sketchy, with some gang activity. Steer clear of the areas east of Mission Street and south of 24th Street, especially after dark. If you’re walking between 16th and 24th streets, head one block west to Valencia, which runs parallel to Mission.

Some areas in Golden Gate Park. These include the area near the Haight Street entrance, where street kids often smoke and deal pot, and around the pedestrian tunnels on the far west end of the park.

Parts of SoMa: Drift a few blocks south of Market and you’ll either be near the ballpark, in a high-rise jungle, or exploring the slow transformation of formerly industrial neighborhoods.

Like many large cities, San Francisco has many homeless people. Although most are no threat, some are more aggressive and can persist in their pleas for cash until it feels like harassment. If you feel uncomfortable, don’t reach for your wallet.

TIP Distribute your cash, credit cards, IDs, and other valuables between a deep front pocket, an inside jacket or vest pocket, and a hidden money pouch. Don’t reach for the money pouch once you’re in public.

If you use common sense and follow basic precautions (sticking to well-lighted streets after dark, holding on to your bags rather than leaving them next to you), all should be fine.

TAXES

The sales tax in San Francisco is 8.5%. Nonprepared foods (from grocery stores) are exempt. The tax on hotel rooms is 14%.

TIME

San Francisco is on Pacific Time. Chicago is 2 hours ahead of San Francisco, New York is 3 hours ahead, and, depending on whether daylight saving time is in effect, London is either 8 or 9 hours ahead and Sydney is 17 or 18 hours ahead.

VISITOR INFORMATION

The San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau can mail you brochures, maps, and festivals and events listings. Once you’re in town, you can stop by the bureau’s info center near Union Square. Information about the Wine Country, redwood groves, and northwestern California is available at the California Welcome Center on Pier 39.

The Berkeley Convention and Visitors Bureau provides an extensive events calendar and detailed suggestions, which you can download online by going to www.visitberkeley.com.

Oakland’s Convention and Visitors Bureau also has an extensive website; call the office or email info@oaklandcvb.com to order a 60-page guide to be sent by mail.

For information about Marin County and the state and national parks within it, visit the Marin County, California Visitors Bureau in Larkspur or online at www.visitmarin.org.

Contacts

San Francisco Visitor Information Center.

Hallidie Plaza, lower level, 900 Market St., at Powell St., Union Sq. | 94102 | 415/391–2000 TDD | www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com.

Metro Area

Berkeley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

2030 Addison St., #102 | Berkeley | 94704 | 800/847–4823, 510/549–7040 | www.visitberkeley.com.

Marin County, California Visitors Bureau.

1 Mitchell Blvd., Ste. B, at Redwood Hwy. | San Rafael | 94903 | 415/925–2060, 866/925–2060 | www.visitmarin.org.

Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau.

463 11th St., at Broadway | Oakland | 94607 | 510/839–9000 | www.oaklandcvb.com.

San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau.

408 Almaden Blvd., at Balbach St. | San Jose | 95110 | 800/726–5673, 408/295–9600 | www.sanjose.org.

State

California Travel and Tourism Commission.

California Travel and Tourism Commission; free visitor information and itinerary planners. | 95812 | 877/225–4367, 916/444–4429 | www.visitcalifornia.com.

California Welcome Center.

2nd level, Pier 39 | 94133 | 415/981–1280 | www.visitcwc.com.

ONLINE RESOURCES

This comprehensive website, www.sfcityscape.com, posts a link to every local publication, cultural institution, and government agency in the Bay Area.

For local politics and news, there’s the online presence of the major daily newspaper, www.sfgate.com/chronicle, as well as www.fogcityjournal.com. Current arts and cultural events are detailed on the extensive events calendar of | www.sfstation.com or the San Francisco Chronicle’s online entertainment website, www.sfgate.com/eguide.

For more cost-conscious, on-the-pulse guidance, visit www.sfcheap.com. You can browse articles from San Francisco, a monthly glossy, at www.sanfran.com. The annual summer issues on “bests” (restaurants, activities, and so on) are handy overviews. SF Weekly’s site, www.sfweekly.com, makes for good browsing.

Where’s the Wi-Fi? Click on www.wififreespot.com to see where you can log on in the Bay Area for free.

Previous Chapter | Beginning of Chapter | Table of Contents

ABOUT OUR WRITERS

San Francisco writer Michele Bigley spends most of her days exploring her favorite city with her two sons and husband. When not hunting for sand dollars, hiking through eucalyptus groves, or munching on Italian pastries, she writes articles, books, iPhone apps, and essays about her travels around the globe. Michele updated our Where to Stay chapter.

Marcia Gagliardi is a freelance food writer who publishes a cheeky weekly e-column about the local restaurant scene called “the tablehopper” (at tablehopper.com), chock-full of insider news and gossip, reviews, and culinary events. She is also the contributing food editor for 7x7, and is the author of The Tablehopper’s Guide to Dining and Drinking in San Francisco. You can follow her on Twitter @tablehopper. Marcia updated the Where to Eat chapter.

A veteran Fodor’s writer, Berkeley-based writer and editor Denise M. Leto roams the city out of sheer love for SF, peeking down overgrown alleyways and exploring tucked-away corners from the Tenderloin to the Richmond, often with her three home-schooled sons in tow. She updated all the neighborhood chapters and the Experience chapter in this edition. She also wrote our special features on cable cars, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, and Alcatraz.

Fiona G. Parrott is a Californian native. She spent her childhood exploring the raw wilderness of Marin County and her later years exploring the culinary and musical delights of San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland. At present she divides her adventure time between wilderness and cityscape, writing about the Bay Area’s cutting-edge hot spots. She’s been a veterinarian, actor, bartender, watermelon picker, latrine builder, and university lecturer, but writing for Fodor’s has been one of her most exciting jobs. For this edition, she updated the Sports and Outdoors and Marin, Berkeley, and Oakland chapters, as well as the Travel Smart and Shopping chapters. In recent years, Fiona also contributed to Fodor’s Scotland and Fodor’s Great Britain.

Jerry James Stone has been eating and drinking his way through San Francisco for the past four years where he focuses on the sustainable food and wine movement. In fact, one of his vegetarian recipes was just featured on the back of a wine bottle. Jerry updated the Nightlife and the Performing Arts chapters in this year’s guide.

Bay Area writer and editor Matt Villano, who updated the Wine Country chapter of this year’s guide, moved to Wine Country in 2007 and has been exploring the region ever since. In that time, Villano has written about the area (and loads of other destinations) for publications including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Sunset, and Entrepreneur, to name a few. Without question, Villano’s favorite varietal is Cabernet Franc. He prefers to pair it with a bacon cheeseburger from Gott’s Roadside in St. Helena.

Bay Area writer Sura Wood lost her heart in San Francisco when she was eight, and she’s never stopped loving the city. An arts journalist for the last fifteen years, she’s written with gusto about San Francisco’s food, fashion, hotels, nightlife, art, and architecture for the Fodor’s website. She updated our Eye on Architecture feature for this year’s guide.

FODOR’S SAN FRANCISCO 2013

Editors: Daniel Mangin, Maria Teresa Hart

Editorial Contributors: Michele Bigley, Marcia Gagliardi, Denise M. Leto, Fiona G. Parrott, Jerry James Stone, Matt Villano, Sura Wood

Editorial Production: Linda Schmidt, Evangelos Vasilakis

Design: Jessica Ramirez, Jennifer Romains

Ebook Production: Lillian Sullam

COPYRIGHT

Copyright © 2013 by Fodor’s Travel, a division of Random House, Inc.

Fodor’s is a registered trademark of Random House, Inc.

All rights reserved. Published in the United States by Fodor’s Travel, a division of Random House, Inc., and in Canada by Random House of Canada, Limited, Toronto. Distributed by Random House, Inc., New York.

Some content provided by TripAdvisor.com®. Copyright © 2012 TripAdvisor, LLC. All rights reserved.

No maps, illustrations, or other portions of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher.

ISBN 978-0-87637-164-0

Excerpted from Fodor’s San Francisco 2013 (978-0-307-92939-6)

AN IMPORTANT TIP & AN INVITATION

Although all prices, opening times, and other details in this work are based on information supplied to us at publication, changes occur all the time in the travel world, and Fodor’s cannot accept responsibility for facts that become outdated or for inadvertent errors or omissions. So always confirm information when it matters, especially if you’re making a detour to visit a specific place. Your experiences—positive and negative—matter to us. If we have missed or misstated something, please write to us. We follow up on all suggestions. Contact us at fodors.com/contact-us.

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PHOTO CREDITS

San Francisco Cover, Siegfried Stolzfuss/eStock Photo

Album 1, oversnap/istockphoto

Album 2, Rafael Ramirez Lee/iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Album 3, Noel Baebler/iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Album 4, Eric Broder Van Dyke / Shutterstock.com

Album 5, seanfboggs/shutterstock.com

Album 6, Jyeshern Cheng/iStockphoto

Album 7, Philip Dyer/iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Album 8, Medioimages/Photodisc/Thinkstock

Album 9, Nils Kahle - 4FR Photography/istockphoto

Album 10, Comstock Images/Thinkstock

San Francisco Contents, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals Photography

Experience San Francisco, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals Photography

San Francisco Today, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals Photography

San Francisco Planner, Rafael Ramirez Lee/iStockphoto/Thinkstock

What’s Where, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals Photography

San Francisco Top Attractions, Stas Volik/shuterstock.com

Local For A Day, Lisa M. Hamilton

San Francisco With Kids, Charlie Manz/Artistic Visuals Photography

Top Walking Tours, Cupcakes by Yahoo! Blog http://www.flickr.com/photos/yodelanecdotal/2337038012/Attribution License

A Waterfront Walk: The Ferry Building To Fisherman’s Wharf, Thomas M Spindle/Shutterstock.com

Great Itineraries, Chee-Onn Leong/Shutterstock.com

Free and Almost Free, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals Photography

Offbeat San Francisco, Janet Fullwood

Exploring San Francisco, Luca Coccia/iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Union Square and Chinatown, Tony Sanchez/iStockphoto

SOMA and Civic Center, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals Photography

Nob Hill and Russian Hill, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals Photography

North Beach, San Francisco North Beach by Andrea Benassi http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacasaenelaire/227696362/Attribution License

On The Waterfront, jasantiso/istockphoto

The Marina And The Presidio, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals Photography

The Western Shoreline and Golden Gate Park, Jack Hollingsworth/SFCVB

The Haight, The Castro, And Noe Valley, Walkin' the Haight by Tony Fischer http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonythemisfit/4925236566/Attribution License

Mision District, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals Photography

Pacific Heights And Japantown, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals Photography

Where to Eat, Moon Cakes by Karen http://www.flickr.com/photos/misbehave/262305960/Attribution License

The Scene, Cafe at Union Square by Nikolay Bachiyski http://www.flickr.com/photos/nbachiyski/858296003/Attribution License

Restaurants By Neighborhood, Jack Hollingsworth/SFCVB

Where To Stay, George Apostolidis/Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

The Scene, Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Hotels By Neighborhood, Cris Ford/Union Street Inn

Performing Arts, Erik Tomasson

The Scene, SFCVB

Performing Arts Venues, San Francisco Symphony by Max Kiesler http://www.flickr.com/photos/maxkiesler/3979025521/Attribution License

Nightlife, Halou by http://www.flickr.com/photos/irenetong/2491064325/Attribution-NoDerivs License

The Scene, sf_foodphoto/istockphoto

Nightlife By Neighborhood, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals Photography

Sports And The Outdoors, DanCardiff/istockphoto

The Scene, Jack Hollingsworth/SFCVB

Participation Sports, Michael Brake/iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Spectator Sports, Eric Broder Van Dyke / Shutterstock.com

Shopping, The Archive

The Scene, Jupiterimages/Creatas RF/Thinkstock

Shopping By Neighborhood, Amoeba Music by Mack Male http://www.flickr.com/photos/mastermaq/4995219816/Attribution-ShareAlike License

Marin County, Berkley, and Oakland, Mark Rasmussen/iStockphoto

Welcome To Marin County, Berkley, and Oakland, S. Greg Panosian/iStockphoto

Marin County, ejs9/istockphoto

The East Bay, Lynn Watson/shutterstock.com

Wine Country, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals Photography

Welcome To Wine Country, seanfboggs/shutterstock.com

The Napa Valley, Courtesy of Castello di Amorosa

The Sonoma Valley, carterdayne/istockphoto

Elsewhere In Sonoma County, compassandcamera/istockphoto

Travel Smart, Waiting for the Next Train by Simon Carrasco http://www.flickr.com/photos/sicarr/3656566522/Attribution License

Getting Here and Around, Charlie Manz/Artistic Visuals Photography

Essentials, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals

San Francisco Maps, Brett Shoaf/Artistic Visuals Photography