The San Francisco Visitors Planning Guide 2015

OFFICIAL VISITORS PLANNING GUIDE 2015

sanfrancisco.travel

sanfrancisco.travel

AN
INSIDERS
GUIDE

TO NEIGHBORHOODS
p. 36

MUST-TASTE

DINING EXPERIENCES
p. 22

EXCITING
EVENTS AND
FESTIVALS
p. 12

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26

45
WElCOME
6
8
10

FOODIES

5 Reasons to Stop
by the VIC
San Franciscos Most
Shareable Photos
Never the Same.
Always San
Francisco.

ART & CUlTURE

12
16
18

Festivals and Events

Top Museum
Exhibits
How I See SF:
Ben Davis

22
25
26

The Dish
Shop like
a Chef
Meals
for Every
Mood

30
32

Fun
Along the
Waterfront
Family Fun in
San Francisco

Japantown

38

Bayview/
Candlestick

54

Marina/Pacific
Heights

39

Castro

55

Mission District

40

Central Market

56

Nob Hill

42

Chinatown

57

North Beach

44

Civic Center/Hayes

58

Presidio/Richmond

46

Embarcadero

60

47

Fillmore

SOMA/Yerba
Buena

48

Fishermans Wharf

61

Treasure Island

50

Golden Gate/
Sunset

62

Union Square

BUDGET
68
70
71

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Essential lGBT Bars

How I See SF:
David Hegarty

BEYOND

THIS GUIDE OFFERS YOU GREAT DIGITAL

EXPERIENCES USING THE LAYAR APP

Download the free

Layar App

9 Things Under $9

lGBT

72
76
81

Download the app, nd this symbol

and scan the page

GETTING AROUND

Splurge-Worthy
Experiences

Beyond Wine in Wine

Country
Gateway
San Francisco
Hit the Trails

82
85
86
93

Transit Routes
SFO Amenities
FAQs
Maps

ON THE COVER

sanfrancisco.travel

Haight-Ashbury

53

64

GUIDE 2015
OFFICIAL VISITORS PLANNING
sanfrancisco.trave l

Planners Guide 2015

52

USA - tripadvisor.com

52
lUXURY

Neighborhoods
Map

FAMIlY

NEIGHBORHOODS
36

12

The San Francisco Visitors

PRINT

CONTENTS

AN
INSIDERS
GUIDE
ODS
TO NEIGHBORHO
p. 36

MUST-TASTE

DINING EXPERIENCES

p. 22

MUST-SEE
EVENTS AND
FESTIVALS

p. 12

Cable Car; San Francisco Travel

Association/Nader Khouri

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO

DOWNLOAD THE APP >

Discover
Scan this pageGet great advice
for your next San Francisco
vacationinteractive
from millionscontent
of travelers on TripAdvisor.

11/24/14 11:14 AM

GO UNDER

THE BAY
TUNNELS,
TOUCHPOOLS
AND
30,000 AMAZING MARINE ANIMALS

BUY ONLINE AND SAVE

AQUARIUMOFTHEBAY.ORG | 415.623.5300

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y
l
on

SEE SAN FRANCISCO

One Front St., Suite 2900

San Francisco, CA 94111
415-974-6900, Fax: 415-227-2602
www.sanfrancisco.travel

President and CEO Joe DAlessandro

EVP, Chief Marketing Officer Howard Pickett
Vice President, Marketing Communications
Lynn Bruni
Senior Director, Creative Services
Cynthia Westbrook Hu
Director, Visitor Experience
Erin Rheinschild
Manager, Design Ron Shapiro

CONNECT WITH US
twitter.com/onlyinsf

facebook.com/onlyinsf

PUBLISHED BY:

Corporate Office: 800-303-9328

MilesPartnership.com

PUBLICATION TEAM
Account Director Nate Huff
Project Manager Carrie Barker
Content Director Patrick Rodgers
Content Manager Brittany Guimond
Art Director Carey Seaborg
Advertising & Data Managers Kelly Coleman,
Samantha Robinson
Contributing Writers David Armstrong,
Carrie Rodgers, Brianna Socha

W
S
T
s

w
r

SALES
Account Executive Linda Chase
Linda.Chase@MilesPartnership.com, 415-987-7648

LEADERSHIP
Chief Executive Officer/President Roger Miles
Chief Financial Officer Dianne Gates
Chief Operating Officer David Burgess
Senior VP of Publishing Jay Salyers
Corporate information and advertising
specifications available at MilesPartnership.com.
Information in this publication is provided by Association
members as of August 2014. Every effort has been made to
ensure the accuracy of this publication. Copyright 2014
by the San Francisco Travel Association. No portion of this
publication may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted
or reproduced in any way without the express written
permission of the San Francisco Travel Association.
The San Francisco Travel Association and Miles make no
endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any
goods or services advertised or listed in this publication.
Advertisements are provided by the subject companies and
the San Francisco Travel Association and Miles shall not be
responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or
infringement of any third partys rights therein, or for
personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever.

American Express is the

official Card partner for the
San Francisco Travel Association.

49-Mile Scenic Drive logo is a trademark of the

San Francisco Travel Association.

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San FrancISco centre

WHERE
STAR
TECHIES
shop.
VIP SaVIngS: Save thousands
with exclusive offers from select
retailers and restaurants.
Pick up your VIP Passport at Guest Services today.

Over

200 StOreS and eaterieS

westfield san francisco centre

865 market street / 5th & market across from
the powell street cable car turn around

001-011 SFVPG114 see_12.indd 5

westfield.com

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WElCOME

5 REASONS

TO STOP BY THE VISITOR

INFORMATION CENTER (VIC)
EXPERT ADVICE
1
FROM LOCALS: Well plan
the perfect visit for you.
We can help you decide
how to organize your
activities for maximum
efficiency, or how to best
take your time and soak it
all in. Even if you already
have your plans made, we
can help you make them
better. Nobody knows or
loves San Francisco more
than we do.

2 GET AROUND:

We offer many options

to make your trip go as
smoothly as possible and
save you money. Youll find
San Francisco CityPasses,
Muni Passports, maps and
other conveniences for
visitors navigating the city.

STAY CONNECTED:
3
The Visitor Information
Center offers free
Wi-Fi and pay-as-yougo computers which
allow printing. Get your
boarding pass, print your

tickets, or book your

activities with us. Take
advantage of our vast
database of services,
tours, tickets and hotels.
let us do the driving and
make the arrangements.
ABOVE AND BEYOND
4
SERVICE: If we dont
know something, we know
someone who will! We
will make every effort to
make your visit special, or
save the day if you have an
especially sticky need or
request. If you need help
turn to us.
TRAVEL IS IN OUR
5
BLOOD: Our team knows
that the best way to
understand a travelers
needs is to take every
opportunity to be one
yourself. Were always on
the lookout for practical
tips, what youll need to
know, and how to respond
to visitors from around the
globe. Our staff speaks 11
different languages to help
you plan the perfect visit.

SAN FRANCISCO VISITOR

INFORMATION CENTER
900 Market St.
On the lower level of
Hallidie Plaza, next to the
Powell and Market Street
cable car turnaround. You
can also reach the center
by phone at 415-391-2000,
online (www.sanfrancisco.
travel), by email
(vic1@sanfrancisco.travel)
or via Twitter (@onlyinsf).
HOURS*:
MayOctober
MF 9am5pm, weekends
and holidays 9am3pm
NovemberApril
MF 9am5pm,
Sa 9am3pm;
closed Sunday
Closed Thanksgiving,
Christmas and New Years Day
*subject to change

CONNECT WITH

OUR MULTILINGUAL STAFF CAN POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION NO MATTER
WHAT YOURE LOOKING FOR:

GET
IN TOUCH

San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis

The extensively
remodeled Visitor
Information Center
(VIC) is the citys
official front desk
where some 400,000
visitors are assisted
annually. The staff
and volunteers at the
VIC curate the San
Francisco experience,
providing one-onone interaction with
visitors from around
the world in 11
different languages.
Information is
available at two
casino-style tables.
San Francisco-made
products from
SFMade are also
available for purchase.

Ideas for how to spend your time

Hotel reservations

Information on events and happenings

Rental car and attractions reservations

Maps, guides, reference materials

Muni transit passes and maps

Tours; hop-on, hop-off, and discount ticket

packages

Free Wi-Fi service

SAN FRANCISCO TRAVEL

Facebook.com/OnlyinSF
Twitter: @onlyinSF
Pinterest.com/onlyinsf
Youtube.com/user/
onlyinsanfrancisco

. sanfrancisco.travel

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ANCH_01

all in one.
fun for all.
Anchorage Square is your
destination for shopping, dining,
lodging and touringright in the
heart of Fishermans Wharf.
Its your day...your way!

Anchorage
Square
Jones

Beach

Leavenworth

Jefferson

San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis

convenient validated
parking on Beach Street

AnchorageSquare.com
500 Beach Street, San Francisco

GET A FREE COUPON BOOK!

Stop by the Visitor Center for shopping,
dining, and tour discounts.

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AM

WElCOME

SAN FRANCISCOS

MOST SHAREABlE
PHOTOS

READY TO SHARE SOME JEAlOUSY-INDUCING PICTURES FROM

YOUR TRIP ON SOCIAl MEDIA? HERES WHERE YOUll FIND
SOME OF THE CITYS COOlEST PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
PALACE OF FINE ARTS

There arent many places where a

tall set of stairs would be considered
attraction-worthy, but trust us
especially if you want some cool
pictures. On the west side of Grand
View Park, near the intersection of
Moraga Street and 16th Avenue, sits
one of the most spectacular stairways
you might ever see. Its risers are
decorated with carefully laid mosaic
tiles including nature scenes, celestial
bodies and more. Beyond the colorful
tile work, make the climb up to Grand
View Park youll find fabulous city
views (and a great place to watch
the sun set).

Originally constructed for the

1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition,
this iconic structures columns and
lavish architectural details are a
popular subject on Instagram. There
are plenty of options when it comes
to snapping the perfect picture at this
pastoral park so take a stroll around
the whole structure to find
your favorite viewpoint. One
of our favorites is from across the
pond with the reection of the dome
in the foreground.
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
Sure, you could just buy a postcard,
but whats the fun in that? For photos
of San Franciscos most iconic
structure, there is no wrong way.
Shooting back toward the
city from the Marin County
side will get you a killer
combination of the bridge
and skyline (check out
Hawk Hill or Fort Baker).
On the San Francisco
side, Baker Beach
gives great views
of the epic span
from below. Another
favorite is Crissy Field
in the Presidio
you can shoot
from the green,
or walk about a
mile to Fort
Point, which offers a
truly stunning vista.

EMBARCADERO
Along the citys eastern waterfront
youll find a plethora of sights. In
Rincon Park, near the intersection
of Folsom and Embarcadero, youll
find Cupids Span (aka the big bow
and arrow), a monumental outdoor
sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and
Coosje van Bruggen. Turn slightly
to your right and there are some
fantastic angles for shooting the
Bay Bridge (get one shot during
the day and another at night when
the Bay lights installation is ablaze).
For another great angle on the Bay
Bridge, head out to Treasure Island.

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CM

MY

CY

CMY

TANK HILL
Although this spot isnt as well known
as hilltop viewpoints like Twin Peaks,
Tank Hill offers similarly breathtaking
scenery on a clear day. You can look
north toward the Financial Districts
skyscrapers and then turn east toward
the Castro, Mission, Dogpatch and
more. Early in the morning, its a great
choice to watch the fog rolling in, and
at night there are beautiful expanses
of city lights. Be sure to wear sturdy
walking shoes because its a bit of
hike to the green bench at the top.

SHARE YOUR
FAVORITES.
8

Tag your photos with

#AlwaysSF on Instagram.

Instagrams by _jwec; iStockphoto

16TH AVENUES MOSAIC STEPS

SCAN
THE PAGE
WITH
LAYAR
TO SEE SOME OF SAN
FRANCISCOS FAVORITE
INSTAGRAM PHOTOS.

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SH

Giants Tours_SFVB_Full Page_v3.pdf

10/1/14

4:24 PM

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of AT&T Park

home of the San Francisco Giants! See all the sights only
Giants players and staff get to see, like the Field, Dugouts,
Batting Cages, Luxury Suites, Press Box and Visitors Clubhouse!

Tours daily at 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM

C

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Instagrams by _jwec; iStockphoto

SHOW THIS AD AT THE AT&T PARK GIANTS DUGOUT STORE

FOR $1 OFF A BALLPARK TOUR!
Go to sfgiants.com/tours, call 415.972.2400
or visit any Giants Dugout Store for more information.
AT&T Park | 24 Willie Mays Plaza | San Francisco, CA 94107

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Welcome

NEVER THE
SAME. ALWAYS
SAN FRANCISCO.
San Francisco Travel Association/Nader Khouri

Authors and architects. Foodies and filmmakers. No matter what the profession or passion,
people have always had a lot to say about San Francisco.
In his book, Travels with Charley, John Steinbeck wrote When I was a child growing up in Salinas, we called San
Francisco The City. He added that it was the only city he knew, but even as an adult, he still referred to it as The
City, and noted that I couldnt sleep for several nights before, out of excitement whenever the family was San
Francisco-bound.
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright put it very simply: What I like about San Francisco is San Francisco. And theres
Godfather director Francis Ford Coppolas succinct, I kinda like this place. Whatever the famous and not-so-famous
have said or will say about San Francisco, it is never the same. And yet, always San Francisco.
Whether youre a foodie or a culture buff, want to head for the rolling hills of the Presidio or prefer to tuck into a bowl of
hot ramen in Japantown, weve gathered a few tips on what to see and where to eat. Within this guide you can find nine
things to do for under $9 or suggestions for the big splurge. And whatever didnt fit into these pages, weve included
on sanfrancisco.travel, the official website of San Francisco Travel.
To get your San Francisco adventure started, heres a short list of new things to see and do in 2015:

Starting in February 2015

the California Historical Society,
in partnership with San Francisco
Recreation and Parks Department,
will join several institutions including
the Fine Arts Museums of San
Francisco and the Exploratorium to
mark the centennial of the PanamaPacific International Exposition,
which drew more than 19 million
people to the Marina District site in
1915. ppie100.org

Ai Weiwei Alcatraz Installation

10

Sports fans will be headed here

for Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, 2016
at Levis Stadium. Also coming up
is the World Golf Championships
Cadillac Match Play at TPC
Harding Park on April 29May 3,
2015, followed by the inaugural U.S.
Amateur Four-Ball Championship
on May 26, 2015. And rumor has
it that the LPGA will be back at the
Lake Merced Golf Course for the
Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic, April
2326, 2015.

Courtesy FOR-SITE Foundation

In @Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz (through April 26, 2015), Chinese artist

and activist Ai Weiwei responds to the layered history of Alcatraz. Although he
is not permitted to leave China, Ai created seven site-specific sculpture, sound
and multimedia works for spaces throughout the island, including restricted
areas that are opened to the public especially for this exhibition. for-site.org.
Ticket details are available at alcatrazcruises.com.

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San Francisco Travel Association/Nader Khouri

Slanted Door

The local food scene continues to garner

honors. The Slanted Door was awarded Outstanding
Restaurant in the U.S. by the James Beard Foundation.
Daniel Patterson of Coi was named Best Chef
for California, Nevada and Hawaii, and Quince was
honored for Outstanding Service. In 2014 readers
of Saveur voted San Francisco the Best Culinary
Destination (Large Domestic), noting that the city has
never been tastier. Travel + Leisures poll of Americas
Favorite Cities tallied up top honors for wine in San
Francisco (and a second place finish for wine bars).
The 2015 Michelin Guide to San Francisco awards
four restaurants with three stars, six with two stars
and 30 with one star. And lest you think its all white
linen tablecloths and vintage silver, San Franciscos
La Taqueria claimed top burrito honors from ESPNs
FiveThirtyEight and Tonys Pizza Napoletana consistently
places top in world competitions.

A few of the top exhibits in 2015 are noted on page 16.

Among the plays announced by SHN are Newsies, Matilda
and The Phantom of the Opera. The West Coast debut of
Caryl Churchills acclaimed Love and Information will open
A.C.T.s new Strand Theater in 2015. For the full scoop visit
sfarts.org.

Check out the new

arts district on the slopes
of Potrero Hill. The
Huffington Post has dubbed
it Gallery Gulch and more
than a dozen galleries have
the open sign on the
front door.

Light art shimmers

from one corner of the city
to the other including the
largest LED sculpture in
the world: The Bay Lights
and smaller, more intimate
installations such as SOMA
at Pier 14.

The Museum of the African Diaspora has just emerged

from a $1.3 million redesign and will be building up its
permanent collection. Stop by and also visit other locations
on the citys newly minted African American Freedom Trail.
moadsf.org

BU Y

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1, GE

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Courtesy FOR-SITE Foundation

Whether its a 2-hour dining cruise or your next corporate event, enjoy
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Not valid on holidays or special events. Expires November 30, 2015. Use code SFV25.

Welcome

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For info on dates

and times, go here

ART AND CulTuRE

FESTIVAlS
AND EVENTS

SCAN
THE PAGE
WITH
LAYAR
TO FIND MORE
FUN EVENTS IN
SAN FRANCISCO.

Chinese New Year Parade

and Celebration
Chinatown, 415-982-3071
chineseparade.com

Ocean Film Festival

Bay Theatre, Aquarium of the
Bay, Pier 39, 415-561-6251
oceanfilmfest.org

Noise Pop
Various locations, 415-375-3370
noisepop.com

CAAMFest
Castro Theatre and Sundance
Cinemas Kabuki Theatre
415-863-0814, ext. 110
caamedia.org

MARCH
HAIM Performing
at Noise Pop

JANUARY
25th Anniversary of the Sea
Lions Arrival at Pier 39
Pier 39, 415-705-5500
pier39.com
Noir City: San Francisco Film
Noir Festival
Castro Theatre
noircity.com

San Francisco Beer Week

Bay Area
sfbeerweek.org
San Francisco Chronicle Wine
Competition
Fort Mason Center
winejudging.com

Annual Zinfandel Festival

(ZAP)
Presidio, 530-274-4900
zinfandel.org
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Celebration
Yerba Buena Gardens
norcalmlkfoundation.org
San Francisco Boat Show
McCovey Cove and Pier 48,
adjacent to AT&T Park
sfboatshow.com

Jewish Music Festival

Various locations throughout
San Francisco and Berkeley
510-848-0237
jewishmusicfestival.org
San Francisco International
Chocolate Salon
Fort Mason Center,
Festival Pavilion
sfchocolatesalon.com

St. Patricks Day Parade

Second and Market to Civic
Center, 415-395-8417
sfstpatricksdayparade.com

APRIL
Opening Day
San Francisco Giants
AT&T Park, 415-972-2000 (info),
tickets at tickets.com
sfgiants.com
Rock n Roll San Francisco
Half Marathon
Golden Gate Bridge
competitor.com

FROM TOP: Brooke Duthie; Gamma Nine Photography

Pacic Orchid Exposition

Fort Mason Center, Festival
Pavilion, 415-665-2468
orchidsanfrancisco.org

Courtesy Bay to Breakers

The City by the Bay is blessed with eclectic

and entertaining cultural events all year long.
Dates and locations are subject to change and
should be confirmed with sponsors before
making travel plans. For more info and specific
dates: www.sanfrancisco.travel/explore/events.

Golden Gate Kennel Club

Dog Show
Cow Palace, Geneva Ave.
and Santos St., 415-404-4111
cowpalace.com

FEBRUARY
San Francisco Independent
Film Festival
Roxie Theatre and various
locations, 415-820-3907
sfindie.com

12

San Francisco Beer Week

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San Francisco Decorator

Showcase
415-447-5830
decoratorshowcase.org

JUNE
Ethnic Dance Festival
Various locations including
Palace of Fine Arts,
415-474-3914
worldartswest.org

Bay to Breakers

San Francisco International

Film Festival (SFIFF)
Castro Theatre and Sundance
Cinemas Kabuki Theatre
415-561-5000
sffs.org

MAY
San Francisco International
Beer Festival
Fort Mason Center,
Festival Pavilion
sfbeerfest.com
DIVAfest
EXIT Theatre, 156 Eddy St.
415-931-1094
theexit.org

Bay Area National

Dance Week
415-920-9181
bayareandw.org

Cinco de Mayo
Dolores Park, Dolores St.
between 18th and 20th Sts.
mncsf.org

Earth Day
Civic Center Plaza
earthdaysf.com

How Weird Street Faire

Howard and Second Sts.
howweird.org

FROM TOP: Brooke Duthie; Gamma Nine Photography

Courtesy Bay to Breakers

Cherry Blossom Festival

Civic Center and Japantown,
415-563-2313
nccbf.org

Haight-Ashbury Street Fair

Haight St. between Masonic and
Stanyan Sts., 415-664-2970
haightashburystreetfair.org

60 min

SFMade Week
sfmade.org
Uncorked The San
Francisco Wine Festival
Ghirardelli Square,
900 North Point
415-775-5500
ghirardellisq.com
Bay to Breakers
The Embarcadero to the Great
Hwy., 415-359-2800
baytobreakers.com
Carnaval
Mission District, 415-642-1748
carnavalsanfrancisco.org
Alcatraz Challenge Swim
tricalifornia.com

Juneteenth Parade and

Festival
Fillmore District between Geary
and Eddy Sts.
thefillmoredistrict.com
Frameline, San Francisco
International LGBT Film
Festival
Castro Theatre, 415-703-8650
frameline.org
Bicycle Music Festival
Golden Gate Park and Potrero
Hill, 415-810-3696
bicyclemusicfestival.com
San Francisco Lesbian/Gay/
Bisexual/Transgender Pride
Celebration Parade
Embarcadero to Civic Center,
Market St., 415-864-FREE
sfpride.org

90 min

AUDIO TOURS IN 6 LANGUAGES

CONTINUES ON NEXT PAGE

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Art and Culture

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Art and Culture

FESTIVALS AND
EVENTS (CONTD)
JULY
Fourth of July Waterfront
Festival
Pier 39 and Fishermans Wharf
415-705-5500
pier39.com
Fillmore Street Jazz Festival
Fillmore St. between Jackson
and Eddy Sts.
fillmorejazzfestival.com
Salsa Festival on The Fillmore
Various venues, Fillmore St.
salsaonfillmore.com
J-POP Summit Festival
Japantown, Peace Plaza and
New People Complex
1746 Post St.
j-pop.com
San Francisco Jewish Film
Festival
Castro Theatre and other venues
around the Bay Area
415-621-0556 (info)
866-558-4253 (tickets)
sfjff.org
Renegade Craft Fair
Fort Mason Center
renegadecraft.com/
san-francisco
San Francisco Marathon, Half
Marathon, 5K Run/Walk
Ferry Building,
The Embarcadero, 415-284-9653
runsfm.com

AUGUST
ACC Craft Show
Fort Mason Center, 800-836-3470
craftcouncil.org
Bay Area Brew Festival
Fort Mason Center
415-345-7500
bayareabrewfestival.com

Nihonmachi Street Fair

Japantown and Japan Center
415-771-9861
nihonmachistreetfair.org
Eat Drink SF
Various locations including Fort
Mason Center.
eatdrink-sf.com
Noe Valley Wine Walk
Noe Valley
sresproductions.com
Jerry Day
Jerry Garcia Amphitheater
40 John F. Shelley Dr.,
415-272-2012
jerryday.org
San Franciscos Outside
Lands Music & Arts Festival
Golden Gate Park
sfoutsidelands.com
San Francisco Street Food
Festival
415-824-2729
lacocinasf.org

SEPTEMBER
Sausalito Art Festival
Sausalito, 415-332-3555
sausalitoartfestival.org
San Francisco Shakespeare
Festival
Main Post Parade Ground Lawn,
Presidio, 415-558-0888
sfshakes.org
Architecture and the City
Citywide, 415-362-7397
archandcity.org
San Francisco Symphonys
Opening
Davies Symphony Hall
415-552-8000
sfsymphony.org
San Francisco Fringe Festival
EXIT Theatre and other
downtown venues
415-931-1094 (info), 800-9654827 or 415-673-3847 (tickets)
sffringe.org

14

The Giant Race

AT&T Park, 415-972-1800
thegiantrace.com
Sausalito Floating
Homes Tour
Sausalito
415-332-1916
floatinghomes.org
Folsom Street Fair
Folsom St. between Seventh
and 12th Sts., 415-777-3247
folsomstreetfair.com
Oktoberfest By The Bay
Pier 48 near AT&T Park
888-746-7522
oktoberfestbythebay.com

OCTOBER
Fleet Week San Francisco
Aquatic Park and Pier 39,
Fishermans Wharf
650-599-5057
fleetweek.us
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Hellman Hollow,
Golden Gate Park
hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
Litquake
Citywide
litquake.org
Castro Street Fair
Castro St., 415-841-1824
castrostreetfair.org
San Francisco Italian Heritage
Parade and Festival
Fishermans Wharf and North
Beach, 415-703-9888
sfcolumbusday.org

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate

Festival
Ghirardelli Square, 415-775-5500
ghirardellisq.com

Treasure Island
Music Festival
treasureislandfestival.com

San Francisco Opera

in the Park
Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate
Park, 415-864-3330
sfopera.com

ArtSpan/SF Open Studios

Various locations, 415-861-9838
artspan.org

NOVEMBER
San Francisco Documentary
Film Festival (DocFest)
Roxie Cinemas, 3117 16th St.
415-820-3907
sfindie.com
San Francisco Green Festival
Concourse Exhibition Center
800-497-1994
greenfestivals.org
Embarcadero Center Building
Lighting Ceremony
Justin Herman Plaza,
Embarcadero Center
800-733-6318
embarcaderocenter.com
San Francisco Hip-Hop Dance
Festival
sfhiphopdancefest.com
San Francisco International
Automobile Show
Moscone Center, 415-331-4406
sfautoshow.com
Union Square Tree Lighting
Ceremony
Union Square, Powell and Geary
Sts., 415-781-7880
visitunionsquaresf.com or
macys.com/believe
Ghirardelli Square Tree
Lighting Ceremony
Ghirardelli Square, 415-775-5500
ghirardellisq.com

DECEMBER
Union Street Fantasy of Lights
Union St. between Van Ness and
Steiner 800-310-6563
sresproductions.com or
unionstreetsf.com
SFMade Holiday Gift Fair
Fort Mason Center
sfmade.org

LEAP Sandcastle Contest

Ocean Beach, Great Highway
leaparts.org

Light the Menorah

Ghirardelli Square, 900 North
Point, 415-775-5500
ghirardellisq.com

San Francisco International

Dragon Boat Festival
Treasure Island
sfdragonboat.com

Fiesta on the Hill

Cortland Ave. between
Bocana and Folsom Sts.,
Bernal Heights
800-310-6563
sresproductions.com

San Francisco Ballet

Nutcracker
War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Ave.
415-865-2000 (tickets)
sfballet.org

San Francisco Cocktail

Week
Bay Area
sfcocktailweek.com

San Francisco Fall Antiques

Show
Fort Mason Center, 415-989-9019
sffas.org

Foster Farms Bowl

Levis Stadium, Santa Clara
sfbowl.org

Peak2Peak Walk
415-431-9255
walksf.org

SF Street Food Festival

San Francisco Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival

FROM TOP: Courtesy San Franciscos Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival; Kassie Borrenson, kassieborrenson.com

Stern Grove Festival

Stern Grove, 19th Ave.
and Sloat Blvd., 415-252-6252
sterngrove.org

caption

. sanfrancisco.travel

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11/24/14 11:14 AM

HOTEL DEL SOL

THE LAUREL INN

GALLERIA PARK HOTEL

HOTEL REX

SAY HELLO TO JOY

BORN AND RAISED IN SAN FRANCISCO,
JOIE DE VIVRE HOTELS CAN HELP YOU
EXPERIENCE OUR CITY LIKE A LOCAL.
THE PHOENIX

VISIT JDVHOTELS.COM FOR OUR BEST

RATES, SPECIAL OFFERS, AND

FROM TOP: Courtesy San Franciscos Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival; Kassie Borrenson, kassieborrenson.com

FAVORITE THINGS TO SEE AND DO.

HOTEL CARLTON

HOTEL KABUKI

Art and Culture

012-029 SFVPG114 ArtFood_16.indd 15

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11/24/14 11:14 AM

ART AND CulTuRE

TOP EXHIBITS

Soak up some culture during your visit. Find the latest at sfarts.org.
ROYAL HAWAIIAN
FEATHERWORK: NA HULU
ALII
de Young Museum

May 9 September 13, 2015

August 29, 2015

February 28, 2016

Guest curator Zahid Sardar selects visually

compelling and innovative works by Dutch
designers that blur the lines between
mechanical production and craftsmanship.
sfmcd.org
DISNEY AND DAL: FRIENDSHIP
CAN BE SURREAL
The Walt Disney Family Museum

April 9 September 7, 2015

Guest-curated by filmmaker Ted Nicolaou,
the multimedia exhibit details the unlikely
friendship between Walt Disney and
Salvador Dali through paintings, story
sketches, letters, film, photographs and
audio. waltdisney.org

The first-ever exhibition of

Hawaiian featherwork on the
u.S. mainland includes 75
rare and beautifully intricate
capes, cloaks, staffs and other
accessories, as well as related
18th and 19th century artworks.
deyoung.famsf.org

J. OTTO SIEBOLD
AND MR. LUNCH
Contemporary Jewish Museum

Through March 8, 2015

The Mr. lunch titles are the first
childrens books designed using
computer software. The exhibit
looks at Siebolds artistic process
through original artwork and
interactive areas. thecjm.org

COLOR OF LIFE
California Academy of Sciences

Opening June 12, 2015

Discover the connection between color in the natural world from
jewel-toned insects and dazzling plumage, to multi-hued reptiles and
amphibians. calacademy.org

Experience the
Joy of Peanuts

HIGH STYLE: THE

BROOKLYN MUSEUM
COSTUME COLLECTION
Legion of Honor

March 14 July 19, 2015

Explore the evolution of
taste and style over the
course of the 20th century
through one of the worlds
preeminent collections
of high fashion dresses,
costumes and accessories.
legionofhonor.famsf.org

2301 Hardies Lane

Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 579-4452
www.schulzmuseum.org

D
T

FROM TOP: J. Otto Seibold, Untitled; The Metropolitan Museum of Art (2)

HANDS OFF: NEW DUTCH DESIGN AT

THE CONFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY &
CRAFT
Museum of Craft and Design

Prototype
for Evening
Pump, 1939

BRING IN THIS AD FOR $2 OFF ADULT ADMISSION

Good for up to four people.

2014 PNTS

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012-029 SFVPG114 ArtFood_16.indd 16

#300814

Evening
Ensemble,
1949

11/24/14 11:14 AM

G
ex
an
fil

46%
4 famous attractions
Unlimited cable car rides

DISNEY AND DAL: FRIENDSHIP CAN BE SURREAL

The Walt Disney Family
Museum
7-Day,
Unlimited-use Cable Car & Muni Transportation Passport

FROM TOP: J. Otto Seibold, Untitled; The Metropolitan Museum of Art (2)

April 9September 7, 2015

Guest-curated by filmmaker Ted Nicolaou, the multimedia
exhibit details the unlikely friendship between Walt Disney
and Salvador Dali through paintings, story sketches, letters,
film, photographs and audio. waltdisney.org

California Academy of Sciences

Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure

Your choice of Aquarium of the Bay OR Monterey Bay Aquarium

Your choice of Exploratorium OR de Young Museum + Legion of Honor

Buy at these attractions

- Good for 9 days

Connect for current pricing

citypass.com or (888) 330-5008

ATLANTA | BOSTON | CHICAGO | HOUSTON | NEW YORK CITY | PHILADELPHIA

SAN FRANCISCO | SEATTLE | SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | TAMPA BAY | TORONTO
Prices and programs subject to change.

012-029 SFVPG114 ArtFood_16.indd 17

11/24/14 11:14 AM

HOW I SEE SAN FRANCISCO:

BEN DAVIS

Instagrams courtesy of Contemporary Jewish Museum and Asian Art Museum

ART AND CulTuRE

SCAN
THE PAGE
WITH
LAYAR
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT
ILLUMINATE THE ARTS.

Ben Davis, founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Illuminate the Arts, is responsible for some
of San Franciscos brightest ideas lately, including The Bay lights, an installation of 25,000 lED
lights on the Bay Bridge by artist leo Villareal. Initially planned for a two-year run, The Bay
lights will be switched off in March 2015, but thanks to a campaign to rally additional support
for the project, a more durable version will be installed in time for Super Bowl 50 in early 2016
and will remain as a permanent part of the citys nighttime skyline.
How are the efforts going to
keep the Bay lights on?
Fantastic! We have a plan in place to
install a more robust version of the lights
and have them become a permanent
fixture of the Bay Bridge and perpetual
feature of the Bay Area night sky. The sad
news is that they will be down for much of
2015 for needed bridge maintenance and
re-installation.

Q What location to you best sums

up the San Francisco experience?
On a personal level, I routinely run to the
top of Twin Peaks and do my own form of
meditation. It offers an amazing vista that
includes the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz,
Coit Tower, the Transamerica building,
Market Street, the Bay Bridge and every
neighborhood in between, with Mt. Diablo
to the east and Mt. Tam to the north. The
perspective from on high lets me envision
sweeping and holistic connection.

18

Have you been surprised

at all by the reception of that
piece?
We all had high hopes for what
it might be. Reality has vastly
exceeded them. The Bay Lights are
instantly iconic. They have changed
the way the city and the region
thinks about itself and orients itself
in the evenings.

When you have

out-of-town guests
visiting, whats your
go-to activity?
Its a bit clich, but I think
that the Alcatraz tour is just
fantastic. Of course, with
the Ai Weiwei exhibition, its
going to be extra amazing.

Do you have a favorite neighborhood?

Ive got a lot of favorite neighborhoods. Hayes Valley, growing

up from what used to be the shadows of the Central Freeway, is
increasingly dynamic and beautiful. In fact, some of my most favorite
areas of San Francisco are areas where theres been a major change
in car usage.

Lucas Saugen

If you look at the Embarcadero the freeway coming down 25

years ago as part of the Loma Prieta earthquake while that was
a tragedy, it was a boon for the city in terms of opening up that
waterfront. The F line, the Embarcadero, the renewal of the Ferry
Building, the ballpark and Crissy Field, its amazing.
Another such area is Valencia Street. It was one of the first streets in
San Francisco to get dedicated bicycle lanes. The merchants were
freaked out that it would disrupt their business. But, of course, you
look at Valencia Street today, and it couldnt be more vibrant.

. sanfrancisco.travel

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11/24/14 11:14 AM

FAVORITE

Instagrams courtesy of Contemporary Jewish Museum and Asian Art Museum

MuSEuMS

Contemporary Jewish
Museum

Asian Art Museum

We asked our Facebook fans, What is your
favorite museum in San Francisco to spend the day in?

SFMOMA Leah B.
Although the San Francisco Museum of
Modern Arts expansion will keep its doors
closed until 2016, the museum continues
to host compelling exhibits throughout the
city and beyond. During early 2015, check
out MOMA-curated shows at the Oakland
Museum of California, the Crocker Art
Museum and the Museum of the African
Diaspora.

A day at the Asian Art Museum

leaves you amazed at what a
vision youve had of the growth
of art and culture through the
centuries. Ken A.
The Cable Car Museum!

Since the MOMA closed, the

Contemporary Jewish Museum
has easily become one of my
favorites. The exhibitions are
always so varied and insightful,
the architecture and outside
space is beautiful, and there is
a great Jewish delicatessen to
grab a bite. Keary S.
The Cartoon Art Museum of
course! Anna G.
With a collection of 6,000 pieces of original
cartoon art, spanning from editorial cartoons
to anime, this museum is a must-see for
comic lovers or anyone whos ever skipped
to the funny pages of the Sunday paper.

de Young is an amazing place!

And you have the luxury of
exploring [Golden Gate] Park
and the Academy of Sciences
before/after. Bobby S.
California Academy of Sciences
hands down! We can spend all
afternoon just in the aquarium
area. Tanya C.
My favorite is the San Francisco
Railway Museum a visit to
which would include riding on
at least one of the associated
F-line streetcars that stop right
by its entrance. Hans K.

Lucas Saugen

Hannah R.

Art and Culture

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11/24/14 11:14 AM

ART AND CulTuRE

FIlMED
IN SAN FRANCISCO

Ask a few locals about their ultimate

San Francisco movie and one
response rises to the top: Vertigo
(1958). Many locations used in the
Hitchcock classic remain virtually
unchanged, including the Legion
of Honor where Madeleine (Kim
Novak) is transfixed by the portrait
of Carlotta Valdes and Mission
Dolores, where Madeleine visits
Valdes grave. Dont miss Fort
Point National Historic Site, a Civil
War fortification at the base of the
Golden Gate Bridge
used for one of Vertigos most
suspenseful sequences.
Another iconic San Francisco
movie is Bullitt (1968), starring
Steve McQueen as the eponymous
tough-guy detective. But the real
star is Bullitts mean, green 68 Ford
Mustang, which speeds, spins and
screeches across San Francisco in
one of cinemas most epic car chases.
Relive the most famous part of the
chase on Taylor Street, between
Broadway and Filbert in Russian Hill,
where the two cars dip and soar
down the hilly, near-vertical street.

San
Francisco
Zoo. It was at the
Monkey House where a
lovelorn Benjamin Braddock
(Dustin Hoffman) trailed Elaine
Robinson (Katherine Ross)
on a date.
Filmmaker Woody Allen may be
synonymous with New York, but his
recent hit Blue Jasmine (2013) is all
about San Francisco. live a day in
Jasmines (Cate Blanchett) life by
enjoying a slice of pizza at Gaspares
(5546 Geary Blvd., Outer Richmond)
and a nightcap at the Persianthemed Aub Zam Zam (1633 Haight
St., The Haight).
No visit to San Francisco is complete
without a trip to Alcatraz Island,
which appears in such films as
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006),
Birdman of Alcatraz (1962), Escape
from Alcatraz (1979), So I Married
an Axe Murderer (1993) and, of
course, The Rock (1996).
Pay homage to the late, great Robin
Williams at the house used for the
Hillard family residence in Mrs.
Doubtfire (2640 Steiner St.,
Pacific Heights).

Visit the Beaux Arts-style City Hall

(1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl., Civic
Center), which has been a fixture
in films such as Dirty Harry (1971),
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1983) and
the Bond flick A View to a Kill (1983).
Sci-Fi fans will know it as the setting
for Donald Sutherlands infamous
scream scene in Invasion of the
Body Snatchers (1978).
No list of San Francisco films would
be complete without Milk (2008),
the acclaimed biopic of lGBT icon
Harvey Milk, a member of the San
Francisco Board of Supervisors who
was assassinated (along with Mayor
George Moscone) at City Hall. Head
over to The Castro neighborhood to
get a better feel for Milks environs
and find more filming locations as
well as Milks real-life residence.
Dont be surprised if you find yourself
looking around, thinking, this looks
familiar as you travel around the city;
chances are, youve probably seen it
somewhere on the silver screen.

FROM TOP: iStockphoto; Paramount Pictures / Handout

With its steep streets,

picturesque Victorian homes
and fog-cloaked bay vistas,
San Francisco can feel like
one big movie set sometimes.
So its no mystery why
hundreds of films have given
the City by the Bay a starring
role. Here are a few spots
where you can find movie
magic during your stay no
projector needed.

Scene from Vertigo

Fans of The Graduate (1968) will

want to make a stop at the
20

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11/24/14 11:14 AM

FROM TOP: iStockphoto; Paramount Pictures / Handout

BAY CRUISE

MAY th
OCTOBEru
R

Get your tickets at PIER 39

415.773.1188 blueandgoldfleet.com
012-029 SFVPG114 ArtFood_16.indd 21

11/24/14 11:14 AM

FOODIES

THE

DISH
1

Its no secret that San Francisco is home to a wealth of

incredible dining opportunities theres probably more
deliciousness per capita here than any other city in the
world. Whether youre a connoisseur of global cuisine or just
interested in a taste of something new during your visit, here
are a few recommendations to whet your appetite.

COQUETA

SCAN
THE PAGE
WITH
LAYAR
TO FIND MORE
DELICIOUS DINING IN
SAN FRANCISCO ONLINE.
22

. sanfrancisco.travel

012-029 SFVPG114 ArtFood_16.indd 22

Photo by Phillip Harvey

located on the Embarcadero,

celebrated chef Michael Chiarello
infuses traditional Spanish tapas
with a hint of contemporary
California style at his new
restaurant Coqueta (which
translates to flirt). The cocktails
here garner almost as much love
as the food. coquetasf.com

CONTINUES ON PAGE 24

11/24/14 11:14 AM

Serving the freshest seafood,

family Italian specialties
and the finest views
since 1925
Open Daily
11am until 11pm
FREE Parking
2 Hours before 6pm
3 Hours after 6pm
www.aliotos.com
415-673-0183

ON FISHERMANS WHARF

#8 Fishermans Wharf, at the Foot of Taylor Street

&

Photo by Phillip Harvey

THE PEOPLE

THE CUISINE

Brazilians are colorful. Is it any surprise our cuisine is, too?

Churrasco, our tradition of grilling meat on swords, is anything but boring. Its
a feast of fourteen dierent meats served tableside and an extensive variety of
salads and side dishes. Enjoy an evening you wont experience anywhere else.
www.espetus.com

710 South B St. San Mateo 650.342.8700

1686 Market St. San Francisco 415.552.8792

Foodies

Job # / Name: ESP-101 SF Travel_Dec2014_1/2 Pg_Vibrant_ME01

Publication: SF Travel
012-029 SFVPG114 ArtFood_16.indd 23

Date: 11/04/14

Due at pub: 11/7/14

. 23

Issue date: Dec. 2014

Ad Size:

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Foodies

DELFINA

The Mission Districts Delfina has won

over the hearts and stomachs of a city
that already had its fair share of Italian
restaurants, which speaks volumes about quality.
Calamari comes fresh from the Monterey Bay
and pastas are made in-house. When it comes to
dessert, dont miss the panna cotta. delfinasf.com

VENGA EMPANADAS

Serving up a baked rendition of the traditional

Argentinian meat-and-veggie-packed pies, Venga!
Empanadas is a must-taste for fans of flaky, savory
delicacies. If youre worried about eating healthy
while on vacation, there are gluten-free options for
the crust, and the fillings are made using natural
and organic ingredients. At a mere $3.50 a pop,
these tasty handheld numbers are satisfying,
affordable and transportable.
vengaempanadas.com
iStockphoto

THE SLANTED DOOR

TWENTY FIVE LUSK

Inside a former warehouse

space that is defined by exposed
brick and thick-cut wood joists sits
a futuristic block that looks like a
discarded piece of the 2001: A Space
Odyssey set. That sleek rectangle
contains the kitchen, which produces
a range of cuisine, from reimagined
breakfast sandwiches and octopus
frittata during brunch hours to a
snackable bar menu and exquisite
entrees in the evening. 25lusk.com

6
24

FROM TOP: Courtesy The Slanted Door; Anne-Claire Thieulon

Housed in the Ferry Building, the Slanted Door has gained a reputation
for its delicious, modern Vietnamese cuisine and bustling kitchen,
which have, in turn, earned Executive Chef Charles Phan accolades
including being named Outstanding Restaurant at the 2014 James
Beard Awards. Taking advantage of fresh produce, seafood and meats,
the menu is bursting with a unique blend of pan-Asian and Western
flavors that are sure to pique your palate. slanteddoor.com

NOODLES & COMPANY

For a multi-cultural foodie fix that wont break the bank,
Noodles & Company is a welcomed addition to the fast
and fresh dining circuit. Two new locales offer up a bevy of
globally inspired dishes, including sweet and spicy Japanese
Pan Noodles, zesty Pesto Cavatappi and a decadent favorite,
Wisconsin Mac and Cheese. If pasta isnt your thing, try a soup,
salad or sandwich from the diverse, made-to-order menu.
noodles.com

. sanfrancisco.travel

012-029 SFVPG114 ArtFood_16.indd 24

*DENOTES SPONSORED CONTENT

11/24/14 11:35 AM

SHOP LIKE

A CHEF

iStockphoto

Visiting foodies in search of specialty ingredients

and fresh flavors can stock up on some unique
items before heading home.
FERRY BUILDING
MARKETPLACE

BI-RITE MARKET

WHOLE FOODS

FARMERS MARKETS

550 DIVISADERO ST.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

THROUGHOUT THE CITY

ONE FERRY BUILDING

The Mission location of

this family-owned grocer
has been open since 1940
and its a local food-lovers
institution. Bursting at the
seams with locally-sourced
goods, including items
from their own farm and
creamery, shoppers will find
shelves lined with unique
fare including cheese, baked
goods, wine, spirits and more.

San Francisco is currently

home to seven stores
within its 7x7 city limits and
each has its own unique
neighborhood feel and
offerings. There are coffee
bars and cafes as well as
bistros and tap rooms.
Discover local products,
artisan breads and sweets to
tuck into a backpack for the
flight home.

Long before the word locavore

had been coined, San Francisco
was a haven for farmers markets.
Known locally as the peoples
market for its unpretentious
attitude and affordable prices,
the Alemany Farmers Market
debuted in 1943 and was the first
in California. Now, some 70 years
later there are more than two
dozen farmers markets within San
Franciscos city limits.

Located on the Embarcadero,

the Ferry Building is a
paradise of local delicacies.
Find breads, cheeses,
desserts, produce, olive oil,
wine and more from across
the city and the region. Start
with a walking tour to get
a taste of things. Lots of
vendors will ship items if your
suitcase is already full.

FROM TOP: Courtesy The Slanted Door; Anne-Claire Thieulon

A San Francisco Tradition of History & Hospitality

Voted Best
Romantic Restaurant!

Famous for fine food, stunning views, and historic ambiance!

OPEN DAILY FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER
SUNDAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH BUFFET IN THE TERRACE ROOM
1090 Point Lobos San Francisco 415-386-3330

www.CliffHouse.com

Foodies

012-029 SFVPG114 ArtFood_16.indd 25

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11/24/14 11:14 AM

Foodies

MEALS FOR

EVERY MOOD

WITH SO MANY WONDERFUL RESTAURANTS SCATTERED ACROSS

THE CITY, IT CAN BE TOUGH TO CHOOSE WHERE TO GRAB YOUR
NEXT MEAL. But no matter what youre in the mood for, there are
definitely delicious options waiting to be discovered. Here are a few
suggestions, if you know what you want but arent sure where to find it.

Ozumo

CALIFORNIAN

CHINESE

FRENCH

JARDINIERE (Hayes Valley)

One of chef Traci Des
Jardins finest contributions
to the citys dining landscape
is Jardiniere, which is
conveniently located near the
Civic Centers performing arts
venues. You cant go wrong
with the chefs tasting menu.
jardiniere.com

M.Y. CHINA (Union

Square) Cooking show
host and chef Martin
Yans restaurant is
elegantly designed and
wonderfully executed.
The noodle dishes are
particularly popular, and
the cocktail menu is stellar.
tastemychina.com

CHEZ PAPA BISTROT

(Potrero Hill)
This casual corner bistro
offers a San Francisco
take on the comfort food
of Southern France sans
pretension. The threecourse, fixed-price dinner is
a great deal.
chezpapasf.com

BUTTERFLY (Embarcadero)
Located on Pier 33, Chef
Robert Lams restaurant
showcases Vietnamese
flavors with Californian style.
The duck confit spring rolls
and fried whole fish with
housemade kim chi are great
choices. butterflysf.com

R & G LOUNGE (Chinatown)

Just steps from
Portsmouth Square,
R&G Lounge is not only
acclaimed for its salt and
pepper Dungeness crab
but also its signature
lychee jasmine tea mojitos.
rnglounge.com

ABSINTHE (Hayes Valley)

Here youll find traditional
dishes like coq au vin (a
favorite) alongside popular
items like the restaurants
signature hamburger, so
this is a safe bet to keep
everyone happy.
absinthe.com

AUREA (Nob Hill) The

Stanford Court Hotels crown
jewel does breakfast, dinner
and drinks with a focus on
fresh, local and creative.
Their brunch, including
items like lemon souffl
pancakes, is a favorite.
stanfordcourt.com

HAKKASAN (Financial
District) This trendy spot
specializes in Cantonese
fusion. The crispy duck
salad, hakka noodles
and roasted cod are all
popular for a good reason.
hakkasan.com

CHAPEAU! (Inner
Richmond) Romantic
ambiance and a cadre
of francophone servers
make this a must-try for
couples. The food is more
than enough reason for
everyone else to make the
trek. chapeausf.com

26

E TUTTO QUA (North

Beach) The name of this
neighborhood gem in San
Franciscos Little Italy
means, its all here. One
look at their menu and
youll agree.
etuttoqua.com
FLOUR + WATER (Mission
District) Specializing in
housemade pastas, pizza
and charcuterie, theres
something for everyone
to love here whether
youre a gourmand, or
just traveling with one.
flourandwater.com
PERBACCO (Financial
District) The menu is
printed daily, so you can
be sure freshness is the
highest priority. Dont miss
out on the pesce crudo or
the truffle-crusted short
rib, if either is available.
perbaccosf.com

BOTH PAGES: Courtesy of Ozumo San Francisco; courtesy Flour + Water; courtesy
Perbacco; courtesy Chez Papa Bistrot; courtesy Hakkasan

ITALIAN

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Perbacco

Chez Papa Bistrot

Hakkasan

AFTER
DINNER
PLANS

Flour + Water

BOTH PAGES: Courtesy of Ozumo San Francisco; courtesy Flour + Water; courtesy
Perbacco; courtesy Chez Papa Bistrot; courtesy Hakkasan

JAPANESE
OZUMO (Embarcadero)
Combine fresh, colorful
dishes with unobstructed
views of the Bay Bridge
and youve got a recipe
for an evening of izakayastyle magic. The yamabuki
is a must if you like uni.
ozumosanfrancisco.com
NOMBE (Mission) Featuring
a mix of traditional and
progressive dishes as
well as a sake menu with
more than 70 options, this
is a great choice. Their
Ramenburger is a must, if
you want to try something
different (and delicious).
nombesf.com
BLOWFISH SUSHI TO DIE
FOR (Mission) Take a quick
trip to Tokyo during a meal
at this bustling restaurant.
Creative rolls like The
Beauty are complemented
by colorful dcor and anime.
blowshsushi.com

MEXICAN

SEAFOOD

ROOSEVELT TAMALE
KITCHEN (Mission)
Tucked away amid the
Missions colorful murals,
this neighborhood
institution has been
serving handmade
tamales (and other
staples) for a century.

TADICH GRILL (Financial

District) The oldest
surviving restaurant in San
Francisco and the state of
California opened in 1849
during the Gold Rush. It
remains one of the best
places to eat crab in the
city. tadichgrill.com

LA URBANA (Alamo
Square/NoPa)
For a modern spin on
cantina-style Mexican, this
bright, stylish spot doesnt
disappoint. Items like
ceviche and quesadillas
are often raved about,
as is their cocktail menu.
laurbanasf.com

FOG HARBOR FISH

HOUSE (Fishermans
Wharf) There is no shortage
of seafood restaurants to
choose from in Fishermans
Wharf, but Fog Harbor is
a standout thanks to fresh,
sustainably-caught fish
and unbeatable views of
the Golden Gate Bridge.
fogharbor.com

TRES (SOMA) For

one of the citys most
comprehensive selections
of 100-percent-agave
tequilas, head to Tres. Be
sure to try the al pastor
tacos. tressf.com

With all the amazing

food in San Francisco,
its hard to imagine
saving room for
dessert, but if you
do crave something
sweet, dont miss out
on locally made ice
cream. With locations
in the Mission and
the Embarcadero,
Humphrey
Slocombe offers
interesting choices
like bacon, ancho
chile or cucumber
(as well as more
traditional flavors).
In the Dogpatch
neighborhood,
Mr. and Mrs.
Miscellaneous
often has a line
out the door for its
creative, homemade
ice cream and cones,
including flavors like
candied violet or Earl
Grey. Or, head to
the Mission Districts
Bi-Rite Creamery,
which is beloved for its
salted caramel, honey
lavender and other
delicious choices.

SCOMAS (Fishermans
Wharf) Celebrating its 50th
anniversary in 2015, this
family-owned institution
is beloved by visitors and
locals alike. Dont miss the
cioppino or the Dungeness
crab cakes. scomas.com
Foodies

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Foodies

HOW I SEE SAN FRANCISCO:

CALEB ZIGAS

Q In a city with such a dynamic and competitive food scene,

why is it important to have opportunities for low-income
entrepreneurs to develop their restaurants?
The barriers for food businesses to enter the marketplace are
significant and real, particularly for low-income entrepreneurs,
women entrepreneurs, immigrant entrepreneurs, and folks of color.
And we believe those entrepreneurs also happen to make some of
the best and most exciting food in the Bay Area. By formalizing their
businesses and creating opportunities, youre maintaining what a real
urban space should be vibrant, inclusive and egalitarian.

Q What inspires you about the SF

food scene?
Its such an example of a working class
industry of people who work hard and
are committed to giving something to
everyone who comes into their spaces.
The fact that it is so varied and talented
is also really inspiring. There is nobody
making mediocre food at these high levels
in San Francisco.

Q What are your favorite

places to eat in the city?

Q What is the annual San

Francisco Street Food Festival?

I love everywhere. You cant

go wrong eating at any one of
the La Cocina businesses: El
Huarache Loco, Sabores del
Sur, Estrellitas Snacks, AnDa
Piroshki, Onigilly, La Luna
Cupcakes and Zellas Soulful
Kitchen. For non-La Cocina
businesses, I really love La Ciccia
in Noe Valley and the Chinese
food at Riverside Seafood
Restaurant between 23rd and
24th Avenue. For a late night
bite to eat, I like Nopa.

It is a celebration of the entrepreneurial

spirit of San Francisco low, middle
and high featuring the vendors of
La Cocina. We started as a block party
and a way to show off our clients. It
has since evolved into a 50,000-person
annual event. For a city that really
defines itself with its food culture, the
Street Food Festival is one of the best
single ways to learn about the city in a
weekend and really taste what makes
San Francisco. The next one will be the
third weekend of August.

28

Q If you have an out-of-town

guest coming to visit, whats the
one thing you always take
someone to do?
I walk them from my house in the
Mission to the corridor on 24th
street to see the stores and then
up to Valencia and 18th to Bi-Rite
Creamery, Pizzeria Delfina and Dolores
Park. And then up into the Castro.

Kassie Borreson/kassieborreson.com; headshot courtesy of Caleb Zigas

There is lots of opportunity for successful chefs in San Francisco, but one innovative mentor
is making sure it stays a level playing field. Caleb Zigas, executive director of La Cocina, has
helped develop restaurants for low-income entrepreneurs for almost 10 years. Showcased at the
popular San Francisco Street Food Festival each year, many of La Cocinas graduates have gone
on to have their own acclaimed eateries.

MORE DETAILS?
For more on La Cocina and the San
Francisco Street Food Festival visit
lacocinasf.org

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fis

11/24/14 11:15 AM

SF Travel P

Kassie Borreson/kassieborreson.com; headshot courtesy of Caleb Zigas

Boudin at t h e w h a r f

Experience Boudin at the Wharf

Museum & Bakery Tour Demonstration Bakery . Bakers Hall Cafe

. Bistro Boudin . Gourmet Marketplace
fishermans whar f 160 Jef f er son Stree t
SF Travel Planners Guide_2015_Full Page.indd 1
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. 41 5 . 9 2 8 . 1 8 4 9 . b o u d i n b a k e r y. c o m
11/18/2014 4:20:07 PM
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FAMILY

FUN ALONG

THE WATERFRONT
From maritime history to cutting-edge attractions, the San Francisco waterfront should be your
first stop for family-friendly fun during your visit. Here are a few must-sees to help you get started.

ALCATRAZ CRUISES Experience one of the most famous

penitentiaries in American history on a trip to the Rock. Whether
you go during the day or take a night tour, advance reservations are
highly recommended. alcatrazcruises.com
BLUE & GOLD FLEET
Got your sea legs? Then take
a spin around the bay for
unforgettable views of the city,
Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge
and more. Landlubbers will find
trolley tour options, too, in case
you forgot your Dramamine.
blueandgoldfleet.com

PIER 39 Shopping, dining, a

lovable sea lion colony, high-tech
adventures at 7D Experience,
undersea exploration at
Aquarium of the Bay, live
performances and more are
waiting to delight and entertain.
pier39.com

EXPLORATORIUM The
thought-provoking exhibits at
this learning laboratory put the
emphasis on experimentation.
Its new waterfront location on
Pier 15 includes explorations into
light, sound, social behavior and
more. exploratorium.edu

30

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Illustration by Owen Davey - Folio Art

NEW ATTRACTIONS
Fishermans Wharf welcomed a
pair of new attractions in 2014.
San Francisco Dungeon delivers
a theatrical journey into the
dark side of the citys history,
and the world-famous wax
attraction Madame Tussauds
has its new home in San
Francisco. thedungeons.com,
madametussauds.com

*DENOTES SPONSORED CONTENT

11/24/14 11:14 AM

Illustration by Owen Davey - Folio Art

030-035 SFVPG114 Fam_7.indd 31

11/24/14 11:14 AM

FAMILY

FAMILY
FUN

IN SAN FRANCISCO
Traveling to the city with kids?
San Francisco has family-friendly
options that will delight young
kids or make too-cool teens look
up from their phones. Options
range from exciting attractions
to outdoor adventures, and while
your family wont be able to
see the whole city in two days,
everyone can have fun trying.

CM

MY

CY

CMY

iStockphoto

32

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CONTINUES ON PAGE 34

11/24/14 11:14 AM

Expo_SOS_SF Travel Visitors Guide_6.75x10_v2_OUTLINE-01.pdf

10/30/14

2:53 PM

CM

MY

CY

CMY

iStockphoto

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11/24/14 11:14 AM

FAMILY

FAMILY FUN
(CONTD)

HERES AN
IDEA*
Blue & Gold Fleet

2
3

DAY ONE
MORNING

Start your day with an

underwater adventure and
head to Aquarium of the
Bay on PIER 39 (1). Stroll
through the 300-footlong clear tunnel where
sharks, eels and other
creatures are visible from
every angle, see adorable
river otters, or stop at the
touch tanks where rays
and starfish are within
reach. With older kids,
head to 7D Experience,
an interactive thrill ride
where youll hop into roller
coaster seats to battle
zombies and robots with
a laser blaster. PIER 39 is
filled with fun shops and
restaurants, too, so youll
definitely want some time
to explore, and nearby
lunch options are plentiful.
34

AFTERNOON
Head to the Presidio
for incredible views
and plenty of fun. If the
weather is nice, get your
blood flowing with a stroll
along the Golden Gate
Promenade where you
can marvel at views of
the Golden Gate Bridge
and the Marin Headlands.
Afterward, make your way
to The Walt Disney Family
Museum. Explore artifacts
and memorabilia from
the animation moguls life
through exhibits that trace
his rise from Hollywood
upstart to film legend.

DAY TWO
MORNING

Golden Gate Park is

spread across more
than 1,000 acres and
home to nearly as

many ways to have fun.

Enjoy natural beauty
at the San Francisco
Botanical Garden (2) or
Conservatory of Flowers,
set sail for Stow Lake
where paddleboats and
canoes are available for
rent or check out the
family of bison who call
the park home. If theres a
young artist in your ranks,
plan on spending some
time at the de Young
Museum, which is home
to an impressive collection
of art from North America
and around the world. Or,
lead your kids to a deeper
appreciation of nature at
the California Academy of
Sciences. This eco-friendly
structure is home to the
worlds largest all-digital
planetarium and more than
38,000 live animals, among
other exhibits.

AFTERNOON
If everyone is in the mood
for a wild time, head south
from Golden Gate Park (3)
along the Great Highway
for fabulous ocean views
en route to the San
Francisco Zoo. Home
to lions, tigers, bears,
rhinos, flamingos and
numerous other creatures
large and small, the Zoo
introduces kids to species
theyll usually only see on
TV. To enjoy something
with an artistic focus,
head to the Childrens
Creativity Museum, home
to interactive animation,
music and design exhibits
for kids. A block away is
another great place to
enjoy quality family time,
Yerba Buena Gardens,
where green space, public
art, a waterfall and more
make for a great location
to unwind after a busy day.

SAVE
MORE, DO
MORE
If youre planning
on visiting several
attractions during your
stay, check out the San
Francisco CityPASS to
find savings of more
than 40 percent off of
museum admissions,
aquarium tickets, bay
cruises and much more.
citypass.com/
san-francisco

IN ORDER: Pier 39; San Francisco Botanical Garden; Golden Gate Park; Childrens Creativity Museum

From regular ferry service

to one-hour cruises to
high-speed thrill rides,
climb aboard and see San
Francisco from a whole new
view! blueandgoldfleet.com

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M.B.A.-SF

YOU WANT TO SWIM

IN ORDER: Pier 39; San Francisco Botanical Garden; Golden Gate Park; Childrens Creativity Museum

ARM IN ARM IN ARM WITH THEM.

OPEN
FULL

Secretive, mysterious masters of camouflage are the cast in our newest

one-of-a-kind special exhibition. Wrap your arms (and your head) around
Tentacles: The Astounding Lives of Octopuses, Squid and Cuttlefishes.
The Aquarium sells CityPASS for access to
all of San Franciscos top attractions.

Share the Wonder. Share the Love.

M.B.A.-SF VisitorsPlanGuide2015-10.14.RevFinal 1
030-035 SFVPG114 Fam_7.indd 35

montereybayaquarium.org/love

10/13/14 12:09 PM
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Neighborhoods

SAN FRANCISCO

NEIGHBORHOODS
9
16
15

14
12
1

PRESIDIO/RICHMOND
18

A former military post has been

reborn as part of the Golden Gate
National Recreation Area and
the Richmond district is home to
eclectic shopping and eating.

11
7

8
13

MISSION
DISTRICT
4

10

Hand-painted
murals turn
the buildings
of this diverse
neighborhood
into art.
3

GOLDEN GATE PARK/

SUNSET
2

CASTRO

Find outdoor cafes and

bustling bars in the gay
capital of the world.

Within this park, you can find lakes,

gardens, museums, golf courses
and a herd of bison. The Sunset
offers a zoo and Pacific views.

BAYVIEW/
CANDLESTICK POINT

36

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Home of the oldest opera house

in San Francisco, this area is also
an incubator for a vibrant artists
colony at the old Hunters Point
shipyard, billed as Americas
largest art colony.

11/24/14 11:15 AM

each of san Franciscos major neighborhoods has its own distinct culture and charm
from shopping around Union square to dim sum in Chinatown. heres an introduction to the
citys most prominent locales. discover more about these san Francisco neighborhoods and
many others online at www.sanfrancisco.travel/neighborhoods.
6
SCAN
THE PAGE
WITH
LAYAR
TO EXPLORE
SAN FRANCISCOS
NEIGHBORHOODS ONLINE.

14

Rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake,

San Franciscos Chinatown is
the oldest in North America.
This thriving Chinese American
communitys restaurants, gift
shops and grocery stores make
it an irresistible attraction. And
the pagoda roofs and dragon
lampposts serve as great photo
backdrops!
7

19

ChiNAToWN

CeNTrAL MArKeT

A combination of enterprise zone,

high tech, arts groups, retail and
restaurants, Central Market is
witnessing a boom.
8

FiLLMore

The neighborhoods famous

Fillmore Auditorium has hosted
the Grateful Dead and James
Brown, to name just a few.

CiViC CeNTer/
hAYes VALLeY
13

This area has boomed in the

past decade, and Hayes Valley is
known as one of the most popular
shopping destinations in San
Francisco.
14

15

FisherMANs
WhArF

17

The waterfront markets, fishing

boats, kitschy souvenir shops and
famous sea lions make Fishermans
Wharf one of San Franciscos most
popular destinations.
10

hAighT-AshbUrY

Since its heyday during the

summer of love, the HaightAshbury neighborhood has
mellowed slightly; its home to
many shops, restaurants and cafes.
11

JAPANToWN

This is the oldest and one of

only three Japantowns left in the
country.

MAriNA/PACiFiC
heighTs
12

From the posh plateau of Pacific

Heights to the bayside Marina
Green, these neighborhoods offer
views, scenery and a restored
palace from 1915.

Nob hiLL

Known not only as a geographic

high point but an economic one,
too, with a history of wealthy
residents and now luxury hotels,
beautiful gardens and impressive
homes.
16

eMbArCAdero

This historic seaport is still a

hopping urban center with
everything from skyscrapers to
street cars.

NorTh beACh

Rich in Italian heritage, North

Beach has Italian restaurants,
cabarets, jazz clubs, galleries, inns,
boutiques and gelato parlors.
17

soMA/YerbA bUeNA

This neighborhood is one of the

most dense neighborhoods for
art outside New York and has
nightclubs, pocket parks and
AT&T Park, home of the San
Francisco Giants.
18

UNioN sQUAre

Union Square is the center of San

Franciscos shopping scene with
art galleries, restaurants and small
boutiques, designer shops and
name-brand stores.
19

TreAsUre isLANd

This gem of an island offers a

bustling urban winery scene,
popular ea markets and photo
ops of San Franciscos downtown
skyline.

Neighborhoods

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Neighborhoods

San Francisco Travel Association/Mark Huestis; Rainbow socks: Nader Khouri/San Francisco Travel Associiation

Flora Grubb Gardens

BAYVIEW

Glass Blown Cups

BAYVIEW/CANDLESTICK POINT
BAYVIEW IS THE SUNNIEST NEIGHBORHOOD IN SAN FRANCISCO, HOME TO 35,000 RESIDENTS, NESTING
OSPREYS AND SOME OF THE MOST URBAN, DIVERSE SIGHTS AND BITES IN THE CITY.

Herons Head trail or nearby Candlestick

Point Park are ideal for a shore side
amble to spot ospreys, herons and
other shorebirds.
Local eateries such as All Good Pizza
take advantage of local produce to
create delicious thin crust pizza toppings.
Chef Eskander of Radio Africa & Kitchen
produces delicate blends of flavors such
as his wild barramundi with artichoke
heart salsa.
For sweet treats like grandma used to
make, head over to Yvonnes Southern
38

Sweets. Or try Feve Chocolates. And

who ever heard of a family-oriented
alehouse? Speakeasy is just that. Friday
evenings, the warehouse is open for
chalk drawing and art events, with root
beer for the kids and beers for adults in
the Taproom.
This area is also home to the historic
Bayview Opera House built in 1888
in the heart of San Franciscos most
diverse community. The Bayview is
one of the oldest business districts in
California and has a significant legacy
of African American religious, civic,
cultural, athletic, educational and
technological achievements.
Located nearby, the former Hunters Point
Shipyard is home to The Point, one
of the largest concentrations of working
artists in the U.S. and the site of open
studio events in the fall and spring.

TIPS
WHAT TO DO

BAYVIEW OPERA HOUSE

Caitlin Atkinson (2)

Visitors will enjoy browsing the

internationally renowned Flora Grubb
Gardens for exotic succulents or
shopping for just the right planter at
Urban Farmgirls. Crafters can try their
hand at glass blowing at a Public Glass
workshop or scoop up inexpensive art
and craft supplies at SCRAP.

bvoh.org

FLORA GRUBB GARDENS

floragrubb.com
SCRAP

scrap-sf.org
URBAN FARMGIRLS

urbanfarmgirls.com
WHERE TO EAT

ALL GOOD PIZZA

allgoodpizza.com
FEVE ARTISAN CHOCOLATIER

fevechocolates.com

RADIO AFRICA & KITCHEN

radioafricakitchen.com

SPEAKEASY ALES & LAGERS

goodbeer.com

YVONNES SOUTHERN SWEETS

yvonnessouthernsweets.com

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11/24/14 11:15 AM

CA S T RO / NOE VA LLEY

CASTRO

San Francisco Travel Association/Mark Huestis; Rainbow socks: Nader Khouri/San Francisco Travel Associiation

Castro at night

TIPS
WHAT TO SEE & DO
CASTRO THEATRE

castrotheatre.com
FOOT! FUN WALKING TOURS

foottours.com
SUIGENERIS

suigenerisconsignment.com
THE GLBT HISTORY MUSEUM

glbthistory.org

SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE

sfpride.org

WHERE TO EAT

ANCHOR OYSTER BAR

anchoroysterbar.com
CATCH

catchsf.com
FRESCA

frescasf.net
THE SAUSAGE FACTORY

castrosausagefactory.com

Castro Shows
its Pride

REGARDLESS OF YOUR SEXUAL ORIENTATION, NO TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO

WOULD BE COMPLETE WITHOUT A VISIT TO THE WORLD-FAMOUS CASTRO
DISTRICT, ONE OF THE COUNTRYS FIRST GAY NEIGHBORHOODS.
At the heart of the city, the lively Castro
is close to the residential neighborhoods
of Glen Park, Twin Peaks, the landmark
Sutro Tower, the Upper Market area and
Noe Valley.
To start your adventure, take the historic
F-Line streetcar up Market Street until it
ends. Look up the giant rainbow flag
waving above means youve arrived in San
Franciscos thriving LGBT community.
Start your Castro tour on its eponymous
main drag and visit the Castro Theatre.
Built in 1922, this ornate movie palace
shows new and vintage films, hosts
sing-along musicals and still has a Mighty
Wurlitzer organist who plays before
every show.
For brunch spots, try Harveys, a corner
joint serving delicious food and drinks with
walls boasting an awesome array of vintage
Castro photos. Grab an Italian dinner at the
Sausage Factory, or, if you crave seafood
but dont want to trek to Fishermans
Wharf, drop by the Anchor Oyster Bar.

The liveliest and most fabulous time of year

to visit the Castro is during Gay Pride in
June and the Castro Street Fair in October.
While this neighborhood definitely
loves to party, its equally defined by its
history. Figures like Harvey Milk the
countrys first openly gay elected official
helped make the Castro a center of
gay activism in the 1970s. To learn more
about the Castros rich history, visit the
GLBT History Museum on 18th Street or
explore the new Rainbow Honor Walk on
Castro between 18th and 19th streets,
which honors pioneers and icons of the
LGBT movement.
Just over the Castro Street hill to the south
nestles Noe Valley. A village of spruced-up
wooden Victorian houses, Noe Valley has
a touch of the Castros flair and an easy
mix of hipsters and families with children.
The nuevo Peruvian restaurant Fresca is
one favorite among Noe Valleys many
delicious dining spots.

Caitlin Atkinson (2)

Castro Theatre

Neighborhoods

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Neighborhoods

CENTRAL
MARKET

Central Market, also known as MidMarket, or in some quarters as the

Twitter-hood an homage to Twitter
headquarters at 1355 Market St. is
roughly a seven-block area of Market
Street. A combination of enterprise
zone, high tech (in addition to Twitter,
other tenants include Spotify, Square
and Yammer), arts groups, retail and
restaurants, Central Market is witnessing
a boom in new, mostly residential,
construction as well.
Market Street has long been the
thoroughfare where the city celebrates,
whether its the end of World War II or
the parade celebrating the 2012 World
Champion San Francisco Giants when
crowds of 50 deep lined the citys Path
of Gold, the latter a reference to 321
lamp posts which feature distinctive
amber colored lights.

SHN Golden Gate Theater

TIPS
WHAT TO DO:

EXIT THEATRE

theexit.org

GLIDE MEMORIAL UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH

glide.org

INTERNATIONAL ART MUSEUM

OF AMERICA

iamasf.org

SHN GOLDEN GATE

shnsf.com

SHN ORPHEUM

shnsf.com

SF CAMERAWORK

sfcamerawork.org
THE STRAND

act-sf.org

THE VILLAGE

969market.com/
THE WARFIELD

thewarfieldtheatre.com

The Strand Exterior

At 969 Market St., The Village is a new

17,000-square-foot state of the art event
venue. Just down the block at 1028
Market St., the Hall, billed as a super
pop-up, opened in September 2014
and offers seven culinary venues, each
with a particular ethnic focus.
On the north edge, The Tenderloin
is home to Glide Memorial Church,
experimental theater companies,
jazz and blues clubs, more than 200
restaurants and cafes and the annual Tet
Festival, which reflects a post-Vietnam
War influx of Laotians, Cambodians and
Vietnamese to this area.
40

FROM TOP: Courtesy SHN Golden Gate Theater;courtesy of The Strand; courtesy The Village

This nexus of Civic Center, Hayes Valley,

the Tenderloin and South of Market is
easily accessed by the F-Line historic
streetcars. Major Broadway productions
are featured on the stages of SHNs
Golden Gate and Orpheum theaters.
The American Conservatory Theater
will open the new Strand Theater, 1127
Market St., in spring 2015 with the West
Coast premiere of Caryl Churchills Love
and Information. The Warfield, 982
Market St., also hosts a number of Live
Nation performances throughout the
year. Night markets are springing up
along the corridor (which is restricted
to through traffic between 6th and 10th
streets), and in the blocks closer to
the Castro end of Market, there are a
number of vintage furniture emporiums.

CENTRAL MARKET

The Village

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11/24/14 11:15 AM

Welcome to
San Francisco

Discover the best brands,

the biggest selection,
plus get 1O% off *!

Stop by the Macys Union Square

Visitor Center on the 6th floor and pick
up your Macys Visitor Savings Pass*,
good for 10% off* thousands of items
throughout the store. While youre
here, let us help you navigate your
way around the City by the Bay, buy
tickets to the hottest attractions around
town or recommend our favorite eats
including our very own options inside
Macys Union Square. To learn more
about all that we have to offer, visit us
at visitmacyssanfrancisco.com
FROM TOP: Courtesy SHN Golden Gate Theater;courtesy of The Strand; courtesy The Village

OPEN
FULL

036-063 SFVPG114 Hoods_13.indd 41

Restrictions apply. Valid I.D. required.

Details in store.

11/24/14 11:15 AM

C HI NATO WN

Neighborhoods

DESIGNATED IN 2013 BY THE AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION AS

ONE OF THE 10 GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE U.S., NORTH AMERICAS
FIRST URBAN CHINATOWN IS ALSO ITS LARGEST.
San Franciscos Chinatown, located
next to North Beach, is cheek-byjowl with the Financial District and an
easy walk from downtown. Walking,
in fact, is the easiest way to get
around and see things, both because
of Chinatowns sheer urban density
and the paucity of parking. Another
option to make your way through the
neighborhood, the 30 Stockton bus is
an experience in itself.
Born in the 1850s and hemmed-in by
discriminatory laws that lasted until
after World War II, Chinatown held on
to the old ways and developed along
its own lines. Once-numerous Chinese
movie theaters and nightclubs are
Chinatown Shopping

WHAT TO SEE & DO

CHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

OF AMERICA MUSEUM

chsa.org

GOLDEN GATE FORTUNE

COOKIE FACTORY

gone, but many Chinese banks and

Chinese language newspapers still
thrive. To walk the crowded sidewalks
of Stockton Street past shops and
markets heaped with vegetables,
chickens, ducks, fish, ginseng and
other goods is to get a tangy taste of
China without leaving America.

OLD ST. MARYS CATHEDRAL

Nowadays, an influx of other Asians

is diversifying Chinatown, and the
neighborhood, still working-class
and very crowded, is modernizing on
the edges. The Hilton San Francisco
Financial District, a modern hotel tower
on Kearny Street, rises across from
Portsmouth Square, one of the oldest
places in the city and still an important
outdoor gathering place for Chinese
Americans who come to play board
games, gossip and soak up some sun.
Youd hardly know this was a notorious
rough and tumble sink of brothels and
saloons in the mid-19th century.

WHERE TO EAT

The invaluable Chinese Historical

Society of America Museum on Clay

oldsaintmarys.org

CHINESE CULTURE CENTER

c-c-c.org

ALL ABOUT CHINATOWN

TOURS

allaboutchinatown.com
WOK WIZ TOURS

wokwiz.com

DRAGON GATE
R&G LOUNGE

rnglounge.com
BRANDY HOS HUNAN FOOD

brandyhos.com

FAR EAST CAF

fareastcafesf.com

Street digs deep into community

history. For enjoyably kitschy
souvenirs, Grant Avenue is the
place to go. Restaurants are
everywhere, from the down-toearth Brandy Hos to the casual
R&G Lounge on Kearny. Although
fortune cookies arent really
Chinese, dont miss the Golden
Gate Fortune Cookie Factory,
tucked away at 56 Ross Alley.

FROM TOP: Andrea Golod/Miles; Shutterstock

CHINATOWN

TIPS

Grant Avenue, Chinatown

42

. sanfrancisco.travel

036-063 SFVPG114 Hoods_13.indd 42

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FROM TOP: Andrea Golod/Miles; Shutterstock

BIGBUSTOURS.COM 415-433-1657

DAY & NIGHT TOUR AVAILABLE GREAT CITIES. GREAT STORIES.

89

Free wifi access throughout the hotel

Mention Code: SFVPG to RECEIVE A $10 CREDIT when you book
direct at 415-434-3883 or www.grantplaza.com
Neighborhoods

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Neighborhoods

Instagrams courtesy of The Warfield and The Fillmore

Asian Art Museum

San Francisco Ballet

THIS CENTRAL CITY DISTRICT ENCOMPASSES EVERYTHING

FROM STATELY CONCERT HALLS AND MUSEUMS TO ANIMATED
RESTAURANTS AND WIDE-OPEN PUBLIC PLAZAS JUST WEST OF
DOWNTOWN.
The grandeur of early 20th century
Beaux Arts architecture is showcased
in drop-dead gorgeous City Hall, west
of Civic Center Plaza on busy Van Ness
Avenue. Directly across Van Ness rises
the ornate War Memorial Opera House,
home of the prestigious San Francisco
Opera, and neighboring War Memorial
Veterans Building and Herbst Theatre;
the charter creating the United Nations
was signed on the Herbst stage in 1945.
The San Francisco Ballet, the nations
oldest full-time professional ballet
company, performs in the white, glassy,
semi-circular Louis M. Davies Symphony
Hall on Van Ness. Davies Hall doubles
as the home of the widely traveled, oftrecorded San Francisco Symphony.
East of Civic Center Plaza, in handsome
quarters on Larkin Street, is the richly
endowed Asian Art Museum. A block
down Larkin, the San Francisco Main
Public Library operates in a light-washed
building near the Civic Center BART
44

CIVIC CENTER / HAYES VALLEY

and Muni station and Market Street bus

lines. The 5 Fulton, 19 Polk, 21 Hayes
and 47 Van Ness buses also serve the
neighborhood.
The west side of Van Ness is decidedly
live-wire. On Franklin Street, at the
eastern edge of Hayes Valley, glistens
the SFJAZZ Center, hub of the annual
San Francisco Jazz Festival. On Fulton
a few blocks west, the African American
Art & Culture Complex is home to
the San Francisco African American
Historical Society and performances
by the African American Shakespeare
Company and AfroSolo Company, as
well as exhibits and community events.
Its not all about art. Sleek Jardiniere
restaurant thrives in the center of it all,
at Larkin and Grove streets. Just down
Hayes Street is Absinthe, a stylish French
brasserie and bar. The popular, budgetminded Hayes Valley Inn and Frenchstyle boutique Inn at the Opera are
among the neighborhoods hostelries.

TIPS
WHERE TO STAY

COVA HOTEL, SAN FRANCISCO

covahotel.com

HAYES VALLEY INN

hayesvalleyinn.com
HOTEL WHITCOMB

hotelwhitcomb.com
INN AT THE OPERA

shellhospitality.com/inn-atthe-opera

FROM TOP: Courtesy of the Asian Art Museum; Erik Tomasson

CIVIC CENTER/
HAYES VALLEY

RODEWAY INN DOWNTOWN

rodewayinnsf.com
WHERE TO EAT

ABSINTHE BRASSERIE & BAR

absinthe.com

CHEZ MAMAN WEST

chezmamansf.com

HAYES STREET GRILL

hayesstreetgrill.com

JARDINIERE RESTAURANT

jardiniere.com
SAUCE

saucesf.com

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The Wareld

The Fillmore

FAVORITE

MUsiC VeNUe
The Warfield! @UCLA_Bruin

i enjoyed biscuits & blues

bimbos!!! so classy.

This historic theater in the Central Market

area has been a vaudeville theater and a
cinema since opening in the early 1920s.
Over the past 35 years as a music venue,
its stage has held some of the citys
biggest concerts, including legendary acts
like Bob Dylan, The Clash, the Grateful
Dead, the Wu-Tang Clan and many more.
If youre not trying to be in the front row,
get a spot on the balcony, where youll nd
table service and extra bathrooms.

@Jm90John

@adriannaisms

Serving up a mix of Southern-style comfort

food (fried chicken, ribs, jambalaya, etc.)
and great music, this basement venue
is a favorite of blues and R&B lovers
throughout the Bay Area. Located in Union
Square, its also easy to reach from most
parts of the city. Sunday through Thursday,
you can drop by for a show and drinks,
but if you want seats during prime time
on Friday or Saturday, plan to settle in for
dinner and the show.

Family-owned and operated since 1931, the

name Bimbo stems from the Italian word
for boy, Monk Youngs early nickname for
long-time partner Agostino Giuntoli. This
historic club near Russian Hill is dripping
with impeccably preserved Art Deco style.
It is far from a museum though. Its hosted
shows for an eclectic range of artists, from
Adele to Fred Durst to Passion Pit.

benders and the boom boom

room. @JoshWillis

The Fillmore for sure! saw my

first concert there.
@roxlobster

TWEET THIS
get tips, news and recommendations
from san Francisco Travel on Twitter:
@OnlyinSF

FROM TOP: Courtesy of the Asian Art Museum; Erik Tomasson

Instagrams courtesy of The Warfield and The Fillmore

We asked our Twitter fans, what is your favorite

place to see live music in San Francisco?

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Neighborhoods
Outdoor Gallery at The Exploratorium

HERES AN
IDEA*

Hotel Vitales Penthouse Terrace

San Francisco
Duck Tours

FROM TOP: courtesy of The Fillmore; flickr/ Derrick S.

San Franciscos only land and

bay adventure. Ride through
historic streets before
splashing down and cruising
famous McCovey Cove.
sanfranciscoducks.com

EMBARCADERO

In the Financial District, just inland on

and around Montgomery Street, you
can get an engaging, free look at the
history of both the city and the West in
the Wells Fargo History Museum at 420
Montgomery St.
Dont miss the interactive science
museum par excellence, The
Exploratorium, in its bayside home
on Pier 15, The San Francisco Giants
waterside baseball stadium, AT&T Park,
and adjacent jogging paths provide
plenty of ways to relax. If youre at the
ballgame, dont skimp on the Gilroy
garlic fries.
46

A powerful earthquake in 1989

prompted the demolition of the hulking
overhead Embarcadero Freeway. The
result? Easier waterfront access for
locals and visitors alike. Best of all, the
long-lackluster 1898 Ferry Building was
thoroughly renovated, and re-opened in
2003 as the Ferry Building Marketplace. It
is stocked with fine food shops, wine bars,
cafes and restaurants plus a well-regarded
farmers market. Ferries connect to the
North Bay and the East Bay.
Area hotels include the Hyatt Regency,
Vitale, Omni, Le Meridien and Mandarin
Oriental. Shopping and dining abound
in the towering Embarcadero Center.
Top restaurants include the Peruvian
innovator La Mar, the French-influenced
Boulevard and the winningly traditional
seafood haunt Tadich Grill, born in
1849 and living on as the citys
oldest restaurant.

TIPS
WHAT TO SEE & DO
EXPLORATORIUM

exploratorium.edu
WELLS FARGO HISTORY
MUSEUM

wellsfargohistory.com
AT&T PARK

sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com
BAY LIGHTS

thebaylights.org
CUPIDS SPAN

WHERE TO EAT
LA MAR

lamarsf.com
TADICH GRILL

tadichgrill.com
FERRY BUILDING
MARKETPLACE

ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
BOULEVARD

boulevardrestaurant.com
PERBACCO

The

perbaccosf.com

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036-063 SFVPG114 Hoods_13.indd 46

captions here

Eminently walkable the Embarcadero is

also the ideal vantage point to view The
Bay Lights, the worlds largest LED light
sculpture. Inspired by the Bay Bridges
75th anniversary, its 25,000 lights are
individually programmed by artist
Leo Villareal.

FROM TOP: Courtesy Hotel Vitale; courtesy Exploratorium

EMBARCADERO / FINANCIAL DISTRICT

THE EMBARCADERO THE CITYS EAST-FACING WATERFRONT, WITH ITS VINTAGE FINGER
PIERS AND GLISTENING VIEWS OF SAN FRANCISCO BAY IS WHERE SAN FRANCISCO HAD
ITS FIRST GROWTH SPURT, THANKS TO THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH OF 1849.

11/24/14 11:16 AM

FI LLMO RE

Fillmore Street, linking the Western

Addition on the south to Pacific
Heights on the north, is the dynamic
axis of what locals call The Fillmore.
The neighborhood has gained fame
as one of the primary incubators
for San Franciscos revitalized music
scene, an area where musical greats
such as Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington
and Count Basie headlined jazz clubs
back in the day. The Addition at 1330
Fillmore St. (formerly Yoshis jazz club)
has recently expanded live music
bookings to include R&B and other
genres. A few doors down, 1300 on
Fillmore reinvents the supper club
and serves comfort food such as grits
and fried chicken with a sophisticated
flair. The $6 music surcharge for the
Sunday Gospel brunch is well worth
it and spirits for your soul include

TIPS

bottomless pomosas (think mimosas

made with red pomegranate juice).
Also, on the south side of Geary, the
legendary 1960s music emporium the
Fillmore continues to rock the hood.
Theres still a bin of apples at the
entrance for concertgoers, a tradition
started by famed music impresario, Bill
Graham, and concert posters dating
back to the '60s adorn all the walls.
In 2015, Marcus Books, the oldest
black bookstore in the U.S., is slated
to move to a new location in the
neighborhood. Marcus Books has
hosted many fledgling authors as
well as most of the best-selling black
authors in America, including Maya
Angelou, Toni Morrison, Cornel West
and Bill Cosby, among others.
Every Saturday throughout the year
the Fillmore Farmers Market features
local produce, and several nearby
restaurants also have booths at the
market. The area is home to some of
San Franciscos most historic churches
including Bethel A.M.E. Church, First
A.M.E. Zion Church, St. John Coltrane
African Orthodox Church and Third
Baptist Church (all of which are stops
on the African American Freedom Trail).

WHERE TO EAT

1300 ON FILLMORE

1300fillmore.com
ELITE CAF

theelitecafe.com
HARRYS BAR

harrysbarsf.com
WHAT TO SEE & DO
AFRICAN AMERICAN
FREEDOM TRAIL

californiablackhistory.com
THE FILLMORE

livenation.com

FILLMORE DISTRICT

thefillmoredistrict.com
FILLMORE JAZZ FESTIVAL

fillmorejazzfestival.com

ST. JOHN COLTRANE AFRICAN

ORTHODOX CHURCH

coltranechurch.org

Upper Fillmore offers unique

clothing, housewares and
accessories shops, caffeinated
cafes, and watering holes such
as Harrys Bar with its dark
mahogany and brass. The New
Orleans-flavored Elite Cafe
shucks fresh oysters and pours
serious drinks. For big fun, the
Fillmore Jazz Festival packs
100,000 revelers into 12 blocks of
Fillmore every Fourth of July.

The Fillmore Interior

captions here

FROM TOP: Courtesy Hotel Vitale; courtesy Exploratorium

FROM TOP: courtesy of The Fillmore; flickr/ Derrick S.

FILLMORE

The Fillmore Jazz Festival

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Neighborhoods

FI SHE RMAN S WHARF

View of Alcatraz from PIER 39

FISHERMANS
WHARF
IF THERES ONE PART OF TOWN THAT VISITORS BOTH FIRSTTIMERS AND MANY-TIMERS EQUATE WITH SAN FRANCISCO,
ITS FISHERMANS WHARF. The cheery ringing of the cable car bells
on the neighborhoods two cable car lines, the sights, sounds and
smells along busy Jefferson Street, the renovated historic red brick
factories, the steaming streetside pots of Dungeness crab all help
make Fishermans Wharf the citys top-rated tourist attraction year after
year. The ruffling waters of San Francisco Bay, the noble Golden Gate
Bridge and The Rock Alcatraz Island dont hurt, either.
PIER 39 Shopping

FROM TOP: Courtesy of Pier 39 (2); flickr/photofalk

There is still commercial fishing in this historic home of San Franciscos

fishing fleet. But fewer fish and more people make todays Fishermans
Wharf more an entertainment destination than a briny port of call. PIER
39, the repurposed wooden finger-pier now festooned with restaurantswith-a-view, souvenir shops, street performers and edutainment
attractions such as Aquarium of the Bay, epitomizes this evolution.
The Blue & Gold Fleet runs sightseeing tours from PIER 39. The Red
& White Fleet operates from Pier 43 1/2.Tours of Alcatraz and Angel
Island, with its moving Asia Pacific immigration museum, are popular
draws, as are the historic ships
anchored at the Hyde Street Pier.
TIPS
Water taxis are also available for
on-demand, point-to-point service
WHAT TO SEE & DO
to locations around the Bay. For
PIER 39
landlubbers, Boudin Bakery dishes its
pier39.com
signature clam chowder in a chewy
ALCATRAZ
nps.gov/alca
bowl of fresh sourdough bread.
AQUARIUM OF THE BAY

aquariumofthebay.org

GHIRARDELLI SQUARE

ghirardellisq.com

MADAME TUSSAUDS

madametussauds.com/
sanfrancisco
ANGEL ISLAND

parks.ca.gov

WHERE TO STAY

SAN FRANCISCO MARRIOTT

FISHERMANS WHARF

marriott.com

SHERATON FISHERMANS
WHARF

sheratonatthewharf.com

HYATT FISHERMANS WHARF

fishermanswharf.hyatt.com
PIER 2620 HOTEL

pier2620hotel.com

48

The one-time chocolate factory

Ghirardelli Square is a handsome
shopping and dining complex. So,
too, is The Cannery, a converted
canning plant, and the Argonaut
Hotel, installed in a historic building.
All told, about a dozen hotels do
business at or near Fishermans Wharf,
linked to the city by buses, cable cars
and the historic F-Line streetcar.
Thirsty? Head to the cable car
turnaround at Hyde and Beach streets
and slip into the Buena Vista Cafe.
The rollicking bar and restaurant
introduced Irish Coffee to America
in 1952.

Fishermans Wharf

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service
with
sarcasm!

FROM TOP: Courtesy of Pier 39 (2); flickr/photofalk

Buckets
o good
grub!

Baltimore Boston Gatlinburg, TN Indy Las Vegas Minneapolis

Myrtle Beach Nashville Newport, KY Orlando Panama City Beach
Pigeon Forge, TN San Antonio San Diego San Francisco

www.DicksLastResort.com

036-063 SFVPG114 Hoods_13.indd 49

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Neighborhoods

SUNSET

GOLDEN GATE PARK, A 1,017-ACRE GREEN RECTANGLE ON THE CITYS

WEST SIDE, IS A DESTINATION THAT MERITS A FULL DAY OF RECREATION
AND EXPLORATION.
Established on deserted, wind-blown
sand dunes in 1870, Golden Gate Park
stretches from Stanyan Street in the
east to the oceanside Great Highway
in the west.
Brightening the eastern expanse of
the park is the Koret Childrens Quarter
with its restored 1914 carousel. At
Bowling Green and Nancy Pelosi
Drive, gorgeous redwoods and
rhododendrons mark the solemn
National AIDS Memorial Grove.
Farther west is the Music Concourse
with its charming, century-old
bandshell. Two important museums
flank the concourse: the art-filled
de Young Museum in its compelling
contemporary building, and the
environmentally attuned California
Academy of Sciences. Nearby is the
ever-popular Japanese Tea Garden,
with its koi ponds, manicured
landscaping, fanciful architecture and,
of course, tea. Across MLK Jr. Drive is

the San Francisco Botanical Garden,

a unique 55-acre urban oasis of
extraordinary beauty showcasing more
than 8,000 different kinds of plants
from around the world. Plant lovers
also wont want to miss the historic
Conservatory of Flowers in the parks
northeast corner. Erected in the late
1870s, this Victorian gem is home to a
variety of exotic species.
The parks far west features the Polo
Field sporting green, where every
August, hugely popular music, art and
food bacchanal known as the Outside
Lands Festival occurs.
On the parks south side is the Sunset
District, with its blocks of close-set
homes and, at the far western edge,
sandy Ocean Beach. The 6 Parnassus
and 29 Sunset buses and N Judah
Muni Metro streetcars connect to
The Sunset. Irving Street is a prime
commercial zone, especially around
Ninth Avenue. Way out west, by the

TIPS
WHAT TO DO

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF
SCIENCES

calacademy.org

CONSERVATORY OF FLOWERS

conservatoryofflowers.org
DE YOUNG MUSEUM

deyoung.famsf.org

JAPANESE TEA GARDEN

japaneseteagardensf.com
NATIONAL AIDS MEMORIAL
GROVE

aidsmemorial.org

SAN FRANCISCO BOTANICAL

GARDEN

sfbotanicalgarden.org
SAN FRANCISCO ZOO

sfzoo.org

foggy Great Highway, Sunset

favorites such as Java Beach Cafe
serve warming food and drink.
Neighbors in the outer Sunset
will often hear wild animal
calls from the San Francisco
Zoo, home to more than 1,000
exotic, endangered and rescued
animals representing more than
250 species.

EXPLORE MORE.
Find more neighborhood
adventures online:
sanfrancisco.travel/neighborhoods

FROM TOP: Picasa/Andrew Fox; Andrea Golod/Miles

GOLDEN GATE
PARK/SUNSET

de Young Museum

National AIDS
Memorial Grove

50

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The Worlds #1 Sightseeing Tour

Easy to Learn, Fun to Ride!

4 Great Routes 7 Daily Departures
Great for Families, Couples, & Singles!
2.5 Hours Includes Segway Training.
Fun for ages 12+, and over 100lbs (45kg)

4 Routes: Wharf & Waterfront Advanced Hills

Golden Gate Park Nighttime Chinatown & Little Italy Tour

ONLY HOP ON - HOP OFF TO OCEAN BEACH

FROM TOP: Picasa/Andrew Fox; Andrea Golod/Miles

ds

Rated in Tripadvisors Top 10 Tours in San Francisco!

Guided Electric Bike Tours

Over the Golden Gate Bridge!
Fully Guided
3.5 to 4 hours
Return by Ferry Ages 16+
Departs daily at FREE use of bike
10:00am
after tour!

All Live
Commentary
SCAN FOR INFO

Fishermans Wharf

757 Beach St. @ Hyde

across from Cable Car Turnaround

Golden Gate Park

Behind stage between California Academy

of Sciences & Japanese Tea Garden entrance

700+

On

40 Bus
Stops

TEL: (415) 440 8687

www.city-sightseeing.us

ElectricTourCompany.com 415-474-3130

2800 Leavenworth Street #14 (between Beach and Jefferson)

Visit the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and enjoy inspiring
permanent collections, exciting exhibitions, special events, and more.

DE YOUNG GOLDEN GATE PARK

LEGION OF HONOR LINCOLN PARK

de Young Legion of Honor

FINE ARTS MUSEUMS OF SAN FRANCISCO
deyoungmuseum.org legionofhonor.org

Images (clockwise from top left): Photo FAMSF. Robert Henri, Lady in Black
with Spanish Scarf (detail), 1910. Oil on canvas. FAMSF, museum purchase, gift of
the M.H. de Young Museum Society from funds donated by the Charles E. Merrill
Trust, 66.27. Photo FAMSF. Auguste Rodin, The Thinker (detail), ca. 1880, cast
ca. 1904. Bronze. FAMSF, gift of Alma de Bretteville Spreckels, 1924.18.1

Neighborhoods

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Neighborhoods

HAIGHTASHBURY
ON THE CORNER OF HAIGHT AND
ASHBURY STREETS PERCHES ONE
OF THE MOST AVIDLY COLLECTED
SOUVENIRS OF SAN FRANCISCO: A
STREET SIGN MARKING THE HEART
OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE
1960S FLOWER POWER BLOSSOMED
TO THE PSYCHEDELIC SOUNDS OF
THE GRATEFUL DEAD, JEFFERSON
AIRPLANE AND BIG BROTHER AND
THE HOLDING COMPANY WITH THEIR
EMOTIVE, BURN-DOWN-THE-HOUSE
SINGER, JANIS JOPLIN.

TIPS
WHAT TO SEE & DO

The Haight retains indeed, flaunts

its anti-establishment vibe. Flamboyant
clothing shops, piercing and tattoo
parlors and long-loved stores such as
Amoeba Music stand out along Upper
Haight. Downhill on long, sloping Haight
Street, alternative bars, consignment
stores and music shops with old vinyl
records hold forth. In this area the
Lower Haight rent and prices are a little
lower, the feel a little funkier.

FORMER GRATEFUL DEAD

HOUSE (710 ASHBURY ST.)

The former Grateful Dead house at 710

Ashbury is a perennial attraction, as is the
colonnaded former Jefferson Airplane
house at 2400 Fulton St., which the band
painted black. (Note: These are private
residences.) The Haights patchouli oil
ambiance wafts to eastern Golden Gate
Parks Hippie Hill, where George Harrison
played guitar to startled onlookers in
1967s Summer of Love.

laurbanasf.com

SHOPPING ALONG HAIGHT

STREET
ALAMO SQUARE

WHERE TO EAT
UVA ENOTECA

uvaenoteca.com
CLAY OVEN HAIGHT/
FILLMORE

indiaclayoven.com

PEETS COFFEE & TEA

peets.com

HAIGHT / ASHBURY

LA URBANA

Biking on Haight Street

East of the Panhandle and north of

Lower Haight, visitors will find everpopular Alamo Square. The iconic
Victorian houses known as the Painted
Ladies are here, which you might
recognize from the opening credits of
the TV show Full House.
The 5 Fulton, 6 Parnassus, 7 Haight and
33 Stanyan buses, as well as the N Judah
streetcar, will get you to the Haight area.
52

Alamo Squares Victorian Houses

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11/24/14 11:16 AM

CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM: Courtesy O Izakaya Lounge; flickr/Todd Lapin; courtesy Out The Door

Shopping on Haight

FROM TOP: flickr/Zipdom Inc; flickr/-Salvaje-; Andrea Golod/Miles

Flower Power faded long ago, but not

so the Haight-Ashbury district The
Haight, as San Franciscans call this
neighborhood near the geographical
center of the city. Brightly painted,
lovingly restored wooden Victorian
houses brighten the hillsides near Buena
Vista Park and the rocky outcropping of
Corona Heights. Converted Victorians
also line the districts commercial heart:
Haight Street.

JAPANTOWN

Japantown at Night

DO SUSHI AND SAKE GO DOWN

EASY WITH JAZZ? WHEN YOURE IN
JAPANTOWN, SAN FRANCISCOS
HISTORIC FOUNDATION OF
JAPANESE AND JAPANESE
AMERICAN CULTURE, AND ITS NEAR
NEIGHBOR, THE FILLMORE DISTRICT,
THE CITYS HISTORIC HOME FOR
LIVE JAZZ MUSIC, THEY MOST
CERTAINLY DO.
Japantown is bordered roughly by
Geary Boulevard between Laguna Street
(east), and Fillmore Street (west) and a
stop on San Franciscos 49-Mile Scenic
Drive. Look for the bright red banners
adorned with cherry blossoms and the
Peace Pagoda which proudly marks the
Japantown area.

CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM: Courtesy O Izakaya Lounge; flickr/Todd Lapin; courtesy Out The Door

FROM TOP: flickr/Zipdom Inc; flickr/-Salvaje-; Andrea Golod/Miles

Japantown is the oldest of only three

Japantowns remaining in the U.S., all
of which are in California. This is
confirmed by dozens of Japanese
groceries, shops, restaurants and the
Japanese bookstore Kinokuniya.
Traditional Japanese and Asian themes
adorn the Japan Center, a shopping
complex on the north side of Geary,
and anchored at both ends by the
Hotel Kabuki and Sundance Kabuki
cinema. Hotel Tomo is designed inside
with J-Pop anime and manga themes.
The Kabuki Springs & Spas is one of
the only Japanese style osentos in the
U.S. and offers Japanese style bathing
followed by another art of Japan,
Shiatsu massage.
Cultural menu offerings range from
sushi, the most popular Japanese food
in the world; manju, a rice confection,
still being hand-made and served up by

J APANTOWN

family owned and operated Benkyodo

which opened in 1906; Ramen noodles,
a noodle and broth dish; matcha, a
green tea beverage; shabu-shabu, a
meat and vegetable combo simmered at
a tableside hot pot and Asian BBQ.
Every April the neighborhood returns
to its roots with the Northern California
Cherry Blossom Festival, where
celebratory taiko drumming, dancing
and martial arts take center stage.
A number of other festivals unfold
throughout the year including Kodomo
No Hi or Childrens Day in May,
J-Pop Summit Festival in July and the
Nihonmachi Street Fair in August.

TIP
WHERE TO STAY
HOTEL KABUKI

hotelkabuki.com
HOTEL TOMO

hoteltomo.com
WHERE TO EAT
BENKYODO

benkyodocompany.com
DOSA ON FILLMORE

dosasf.com

O IZAKAYA LOUNGE

jdvhotels.com/restaurants
OUT THE DOOR

outthedoors.com
WHAT TO SEE & DO

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

sfcherryblossom.org
JAPANTOWN

sfjapantown.org
J-POP FESTIVAL

j-pop.com

NIHONMACHI STREET FAIR

nihonmachistreetfair.org

O Izakaya Lounge

Out The Door

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Neighborhoods

Palace of Fine Arts

Atelier Crenn

MARINA / PACIFIC HEIGHTS

The neighborhoods most iconic

piece of history is the dramatic
Palace of the Fine Arts, the last
remaining structure from the
1915 Panama-Pacific International
Exposition, which helped rebuild
the area after the devastating
earthquake and fire of 1906. Now,
the structures dramatic dome and
columns are a popular location for
weddings, photo ops and sunny
afternoon strolls.
Marina Green, edged by bobbing
boats and serenaded by foghorns,
is picturesque and perfect for
kite-flying. Fort Mason Center, a
converted military base, is home
base for arts organizations and the
superb bayside vegetarian restaurant
Greens. Chestnut Street is restaurant
row, where youll find everything
from gourmet adventures to great
54

burgers. Hearty haunts such as the

Balboa Cafe flourish just off Lombard
Street, and Michelin-starred
delights await at Atelier Crenn on
Fillmore. Unique shops are sprinkled
throughout the area, including art
galleries, artisanal foods, clothing
and more. As you stroll around,
spectacular views of the Golden
Gate Bridge and Alcatraz are readily
available.
For some of the citys best views,
climb up to Pacific Heights, which
rests atop a ridge to the south of the
Marina. This posh enclave is home
to foreign consulates, powerful
politicians and tech magnates.
Upscale shopping is found along
Fillmore, where big ticket items
include high-end clothing, luxurious
accessories, gifts and more.

Adjacent to the Marina and Pacific

Heights lies Cow Hollow, a former
grazing ground for cattle that has
since sprouted into a charming,
peaceful neighborhood. Explore
local boutiques, spas and restaurants
along Union Street, whose older
areas maintain a distinctly European
vibe (think street cafes and well-kept
storefronts).

TIPS
WHERE TO EAT

ATELIER CRENN

ateliercrenn.com
CAF DES AMIS

cafedesamissf.com
THE BRIXTON

brixtonsf.com
GREENS RESTAURANT

greensrestaurant.com

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FROM TOP: Andrea Golod/Miles (2); flickr

ALONG THE CITYS NORTHERN SHORE LIES THE MARINA DISTRICT, AN AREA THATS CONTINUALLY EVOLVED
THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY FROM OCEAN DUNES TO EXPOSITION GROUNDS TO FISHING HAVEN TO
QUAINT RESIDENTIAL AREA AND HAS BEEN SHAPED BY EACH OF ITS FORMER SELVES.

FROM TOP: Andrea Golod/Miles; courtesy Atelier Crenn

MARINA/PACIFIC HEIGHTS

MISSION
DISTRICT
THE MISSION DISTRICT (THE
MISSION) MAY BE SAN
FRANCISCOS MOST OF-THEMOMENT NEIGHBORHOOD.
businesses and hangouts appear and
disappear with impressive velocity
its a place of food trucks and pop-up
restaurants and shops, among other
things so diving into deep specificity
can be a fools errand. Whether its the
coolest source for cupcakes or bacon
(bacon cupcakes, anyone?), locavore
tacos, an off-the-rack clothing shop
or an art collectives edgy storefront
gallery, youll find it in the Mission.

FROM TOP: Andrea Golod/Miles (2); flickr

FROM TOP: Andrea Golod/Miles; courtesy Atelier Crenn

Theres a certain irony to this, for the

Mission is san Franciscos first and
oldest neighborhood. san Francisco
was founded by spanish Franciscan
friars, who built Mission san Francisco
de Asis in 1776. The church, at 16th
and dolores streets, is still used for
Catholic services.
recent history is recounted in the
neighborhoods celebrated outdoor
murals. The single best place to
see street murals is colorful balmy
Alley, between 24th and 25th streets,
south of Folsom street. Mission
street is the neighborhoods main
drag, hosting, among others, the
California-Mediterranean restaurant
Foreign Cinema. Committed to
working artists with developmental
disabilities, Creativity explored offers
a studio environment and unique
san Francisco-themed gifts and art.
Valencia street is ground zero for cafes,
bars and clothing and accessory shops.
The roxie Cinema, on 16th, is the citys
oldest continually operating theater.
get here via the 14 Mission bus, 16th
and 24th street bArT stations or
J-Church streetcar.

MISSION DISTRICT

Mission Mural

TIPS
WHERE TO EAT

FOREIGN CINEMA

foreigncinema.com
FLOUR + WATER

flourandwater.com
NOMBE RESTAURANTS

nombesf.com
SLOW CLUB

slowclub.com
VENGA EMPANADAS

vengaempanadas.com
WHAT TO SEE & DO

MURALS IN BALMY ALLEY

balmyalley.com

MISSION SAN FRANCISCO DE

ASIS

missiondolores.org

CREATIVITY EXPLORED

Mission San Francisco de Asis

creativityexplored.org

directly east of the Mission district is

Potrero hill, a predominantly residential
neighborhood with striking views of
the skyline and the san Francisco
bay. Farther east is the tiny dogpatch
neighborhood, where heavy industry has
given way to cottage industries: artisanal
coffee and chocolate, art galleries and
boutique shops.

PRESERVE A MISSION MURAL

Are you capturing incredible images of art
walls in the Mission? Share your pics with
us: #AlwaysSF.

Mural in Balmy Alley

Neighborhoods

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NOB HILL

Neighborhoods

NOB HILL

THOSE LITTLE CABLE CARS THAT CLIMB HALFWAY TO THE STARS IN TONY
BENNETTS ENDURING SONG I LEFT MY HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO ARE
CLIMBING NOB HILL. Hundreds of feet above the surrounding city, endearingly
anachronistic 19th century technology transports 21st century visitors to one of
San Franciscos classic neighborhoods. Learn the history and see the machinery
that makes the system go in the San Francisco Cable Car Museum at Washington
and Mason streets.

TIPS
WHERE TO STAY

RITZ-CARLTON, SAN
FRANCISCO

ritzcarlton.com

STANFORD COURT

stanfordcourt.com
FAIRMONT HOTEL

Nob Hill was the preserve of captains of industry, who built mansions there during
the late-1800s. That ended when the great earthquake and fire of 1906 leveled
the city. Now, its a handsome neighborhood of famed hotels, buzzy restaurants
and bars and landmark architecture.

fairmont.com/san-francisco

French Gothic-style Grace Cathedral fronts the west side of Huntington Park, a
refuge for parents and kids, dog walkers and lovers of green space, while the
Fairmont Hotel rises to the east. South of the park is the InterContinental Mark
Hopkins, whose Top of the Mark restaurant and dance floor have long been San
Francisco favorites. Also on the south is the red brick Scarlet Huntington Hotel
and its heres that word again classic watering hole The Big Four, which
features live jazz piano and a cozy fire.

intercontinentalsanfrancisco.com

thescarlethotels.com/sf
INTERCONTINENTAL MARK
HOPKINS

WHAT TO SEE & DO

FROM TOP: Shutterstock/ Trevor Buttery; San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis

The high-ceilinged grandeur of the 1907 Fairmont lobby is always a splendid

sight. Downstairs, the winsomely kitschy Tonga Room, one of Americas first tiki
bars, is the place to sip a tropical drink with a tiny paper umbrella in it. Other Nob
Hill notables include The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco and Stanford Court.

SCARLET HUNTINGTON
HOTEL

LOMBARD STREET

SAN FRANCISCO CABLE CAR

MUSEUM

cablecarmuseum.org
GRACE CATHEDRAL

gracecathedral.org

HUNTINGTON PARK

sfparksalliance.org

To the north of Nob Hill lies Russian Hill (easily reached via the Hyde-Powell cable
car), where youll find icons like Lombard Street, aka the Worlds Crookedest
Street, along with pockets of restaurants and boutiques on charming, tree-lined
streets. Fans of Armistead Maupin should drop by Macondray Lane, which was
transformed into Barbary Lane for Tales of the City.

Lombard Street

56

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captions here

FROM LEFT: jessicakirsh/Shutterstock.com; flickr/Logan Sakai

Cable Car Museum

NORTH
BEACH

Coit Tower

FROM TOP: Shutterstock/ Trevor Buttery; San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis

OLD ITALY, THE NEW DEAL,

MEMORIES OF KEROUAC AND
THE BEATS AND ECHOES OF
WATERFRONT BOHEMIANISM MEET
OF-THE-MOMENT EATERIES IN
NORTH BEACH.
North beach doesnt have an actual
beach. it does, however, have a vibrantly
strong italian American community
that for generations has seeded
the neighborhood with toothsome
restaurants and delis, lively cafes and the
lovely, twin-spire saints Peter and Paul
Church, on Washington square.
on the east side of Washington
square, vintage wooden houses climb
Telegraph hill, crowned by Coit Tower.
This white cylindrical tower was built
during the New deal of the 1930s and
is festooned inside with artfully done
murals depicting scenes from Californias
storied history by Works Progress
Administration artists.
back down the hill, upper grant
Avenue is rich with one-of-a-kind
shops and haunts such as Caffe
Trieste, which features live opera
singing, not to mention first-rate
cappuccino and espresso. Francis
Ford Coppola wrote the script for
The godfather here. Nearby, Marios
bohemian Cigar store, which doesnt
sell cigars but is rakishly bohemian, is
a good source for tasty frittatas.
broadway, running east to west, is
lined with music clubs, restaurants
and bars. The hoods other major

captions here

FROM LEFT: jessicakirsh/Shutterstock.com; flickr/Logan Sakai

Broadway at Night

NORTH BEACH

street, Columbus Avenue, running

north and south, intersects with
broadway just north of Chinatown. The
beat generation and its writings are
showcased in venerable City Lights
bookstore on Columbus just across
Jack Kerouac Alley from the live-wire,
whimsically decorated saloon Vesuvio,
which features san Franciscos Anchor
steam beer on tap. A theatrical must,
beach blanket babylon guarantees
laugh-packed performances and boasts
the longest running musical parody in
theater history.
For a taste of modern Northern italian
fare, head to rose Pistola restaurant,
get your 40-clove garlic chicken on at
The stinking rose or tuck into Molinari
delicatessens superb salumi, cheeses
and olive oils. Columbus Avenue
favorite, Tosca, has a menu designed
by renowned chef April bloomfield and
opera on the jukebox.

TIPS
WHERE TO EAT:
CAFFE TRIESTE

caffetrieste.com
ROSE PISTOLA

rosepistolasf.com
THE STINKING ROSE

thestinkingrose.com
CAF TOSCA

toscacafesf.com
FIOR DITALIA

www.fior.com

WHAT TO SEE & DO

BEACH BLANKET BABYLON

beachblanketbabylon.com

LOOKING FOR MORE GREAT FINDS?

Connect with San Francisco Travel on social media to discover hidden gems,
ask questions and more. Facebook.com/onlyinSF and Twitter: @OnlyinSF.
Neighborhoods

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FROM TOP: Picasa/Andrew Fox; Denise Chambers/Miles

Neighborhoods

RICHMOND/PRESIDIO

Legion of Honor

PRESIDIO/RICHMOND
THE SOUTHERN ANCHOR OF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, THE
VERDANT, SCENIC PRESIDIO, ARTFULLY RECLAIMED CRISSY FIELD
AND THE CIVIL WAR-ERA FORT POINT ARE JUST A FEW OF THE
ATTRACTIONS IN THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF TOWN.
Thats not even counting the areas Richmond District, which hosts a major
art museum, a major city park, the historic Cliff House restaurant at the
oceans edge and the citys de facto second Chinatown, on Clement Street.
The Presidio, with its towering, aromatic eucalyptus trees, is a 2.8 squaremile former military base reborn as part of the Golden Gate National
Recreation Area. Refurbished red brick military buildings are now family
housing, offices for 225 organizations and attractions such as The Walt
Disney Family Museum, located at the Parade Ground. Yes, there is a
golf course. There are also 300 bird species, a dozen hiking trails and a
campground. The Inn at the Presidio, which opened in 2012, is a LEEDcertified hotel right in the park. Incidentally, the most visually stunning
way to reach the Golden Gate Bridge is
the road less traveled: twisting, hillsideTIPS
hugging Lincoln Boulevard.
THINGS TO SEE & DO
LEGION OF HONOR

legionofhonor.famsf.org
WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM

waltdisney.org
CHINA BEACH

parksconservancy.org
PRESIDIO GOLF COURSE

presidiogolf.com
HOUSE OF AIR

houseofair.com
PRESIDIO HIKING TRAILS

presidio.gov/explore/trails
BAKER BEACH

parksconservancy.org
FORT POINT

nps.gov/fopo
SUTRO BATHS

58

The Inner Richmond is rich in local

favorites such as the toy-bedecked
Toy Boat Dessert Cafe and the muchloved bookstore Green Apple Books.
Its variety of dim sum, Korean and Thai
restaurants are also home to some of the
citys best places for cheap and delicious
eats. The Outer Richmond showcases
the splendid Legion of Honor fine arts
museum in Lincoln Park, with its fine city
and water views, plus rugged Lands End
and Eagles Point for hiking, golf and
glorious views. On a sunny day, pack a
picnic and spend some time relaxing
near the remains of the Sutro Baths.

Presidio Trails

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SAN FRANCISCOS FINEST 18 HOLES OF GOLF

FROM TOP: Picasa/Andrew Fox; Denise Chambers/Miles

History, Tradition, Challenge.

18-Hole Championship Golf Course | Practice Center | Restaurant & Banquets | Tournaments Welcome
Tee times accepted 30 days in advance.

Located Just 10 Minutes from Downtown

415-561-4653 | www.presidiogolf.com | 300 Finley Rd. @ Arguello Gate | San Francisco, CA 94129
The Presidio Golf Course is located at the Presidio of San Francisco, within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

13-0277

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Neighborhoods

T
I

W
C
G
I
T
G
F
B
E
T
I
G
N

T
a
f
C
v
s

Yerba Buena Gardens

SO MA / YE RBA BUE NA

N
i
g
n
b
A
t
i
a
D

SOMA/
YERBA BUENA

HERES AN
IDEA*
Bluxome Winery

For a uniquely San Francisco

experience visit the tasting
room at downtowns first
working winery since
Prohibition, where youll find
palate-pleasing wines and
fetes featuring the citys best
chefs. bluxomewinery.com

Shopping abounds, from name-brand department

stores such as Bloomingdales and Nordstrom in the
Westfield San Francisco Centre to off-beat spots like
111 Minna, a stylish art gallery and event venue. You
can drink Napa Valley wine at Press Club, taste and
see wine being made at Bluxome Street Winery, and
graze globalized cuisine in the food court at the San
Francisco Centre.
First-rate food is available at LuLu on Folsom Street,
French-accented Le Charm on Fifth Street and
Michelin-starred Luce in the InterContinental on
Howard Street. Farther south in the new creative
nexus Dogpatch, you can sip and sup at local cafes
and visit the smart new Museum of Craft
and Design.

TIPS
WHERE TO EAT

BEARD PAPAS SWEETS CAFE

muginohointl.com

BLUXOME STREET WINERY

bluxomewinery.com

LE CHARM FRENCH BISTRO

lecharm.com
LUCE

lucewinerestaurant.com
PARAGON RESTAURANT AND
BAR

paragonrestaurant.com/home.
sanfrancisco
RESTAURANT LULU

restaurantlulu.com

TRIPLE VOODOO BREWING

triplevoodoo.com
WHERE TO STAY

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SAN

FRANCISCO

fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco
HOTEL PALOMAR

hotelpalomar-sf.com
INTERCONTINENTAL SAN
FRANCISCO

intercontinentalsanfrancisco.
com
SAN FRANCISCO MARRIOTT
MARQUIS

sfmarriottmarquis.com

ST. REGIS SAN FRANCISCO

stregissanfrancisco.com
W

wsanfrancisco.com

60

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FROM TOP: cdrin/Shutterstock.com; courtesy Dragon Boat Festival

SOMA is stacked with major institutions on and close to Market and Mission streets.
Here you will find the Four Seasons, W, St. Regis, InterContinental, Marriott and
still more hotels. Here, too, is Moscone Center, the citys major convention venue.
Clustered near Moscone are cutting-edge museums like the Museum of the African
Diaspora, Cartoon Art Museum, Contemporary Jewish Museum and California
Historical Society Museum. The expanding San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is
closed for reconstruction, but Yerba Buena Center for
the Arts and eye-pleasing Yerba Buena Gardens are
open for business.

Museum of Craft and Design

FROM TOP: San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis; Photography by Matthew Millman.
Courtesy of Museum of Craft and Design

SOMA (SOUTH OF MARKET) EMERGED IN THE 1970S, WHEN LIGHT

INDUSTRY BEGAN MOVING OUT AND ARTISTS WITH THEIR STUDIOS AND
GALLERIES MOVED IN. Non-artists live here, too, to be sure, especially in the new
residences of South Beach and long-established Potrero Hill, on the eastern edge of
the two-square-mile district.

T
b
T
o
w

T
e
t
t
B
m
F
a
n

TREASURE
ISLAND
WHEN TREASURE ISLAND WAS
CREATED FOR THE 1939 GOLDEN
GATE INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION,
IT WAS CELEBRATING, IN PART,
THE COMPLETION OF BOTH THE
GOLDEN GATE (1937) AND SAN
FRANCISCO-OAKLAND BAY (1936)
BRIDGES. WITH THE CLOSE OF THE
EXPOSITION, WHICH DREW MORE
THAN 17 MILLION VISITORS, THE
ISLAND WAS LEASED TO THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT AND WAS AN ACTIVE
NAVAL INSTALLATION UNTIL 1996.
Treasure Island is accessible by car
and the Muni 108 bus line, departing
frequently from the Transbay Terminal.
Clipper Cove also offers recreational
vessel anchorages and daily or monthly
slip rentals at Treasure Isle Marina.

FROM TOP: cdrin/Shutterstock.com; courtesy Dragon Boat Festival

FROM TOP: San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis; Photography by Matthew Millman.
Courtesy of Museum of Craft and Design

Now back to those reasons to visit this

island in the bay. First and foremost,
go for the views. San Franciscos entire
northern waterfront from bridge to
bridge is picture perfect from T.I.s
Avenue of the Palms. From there take
time to see public art dotting the island,
including pieces from the Exposition
and the much-photographed Bliss
Dance on the Great Lawn.
Treasure Island is at the forefront of the
burgeoning urban winery phenomenon.
There are eight to date, with most
offering tasting rooms, winery tours and
wine-themed events.
The island hosts numerous major public
events throughout the year, including
the Treasure Island Music Festival and
the San Francisco International Dragon
Boat Festival. The last weekend of every
month the dog-friendly Treasure Island
Flea is teeming with local vendors,
artists, antiques, vintage and Indie wares,
not to mention a bounty of local food.
Dragon Boat Festival

Bliss Dance Sculpture

If its food youre after, why not check out

one of the Islands two restaurants, T.I.
Bar and Grill and Oasis Caf, or one of
the numerous mobile food options onisland including Mateos Hot Dogs and
the A Taste of Chicago food cart, both
located at the Treasure Island Front Gate.
The City of San Francisco has even
bigger plans for Treasure Island.
Construction is expected to begin
in 2015 on what will be the most
environmentally-sustainable large
development project in U.S. history. It
will include approximately 500 hotel
rooms, 8,000 new residential units, a
400-slip marina; restaurants, retail and
entertainment venues plus nearly 300
acres of parks and open space.

TREASURE ISLAND

TIPS
WHAT TO SEE & DO

INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT

FESTIVAL

sfdragonboat.com

OAKLAND-SAN FRANCISCO BAY

BRIDGE

baybridgeinfo.org

SF EVENT VENUES

sfeventvenues.com
TREASURE ISLAND FLEA

treasureislandflea.com

THE WINERY SAN FRANCISCO

winery-sf.com

TREASURE ISLAND

sftreasureisland.org

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UNION SQUARE

Neighborhoods
TIPS

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GO SHOPPING IN UNION

SQUARE. INDEED, IN A TOWN WITH ABUNDANT CITYWIDE SHOPPING,
UNION SQUARE IS THE MOST RENOWNED SOURCE OF RETAIL THERAPY.
Not to mention fine hotels, good meals and places to sit outside and enjoy San
Franciscos benign climate.

WHAT TO DO

Virtually every brand in fashion is on or near the 2.6 acre square, including Macys,
Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Tiffany, to name a few. Williams-Sonoma
is on Post Street, the squares north side. The Grand Hyatt and Taj Campton
Place hotels are just off the square on the east, Stockton Street side, along with a
cluster of upscale boutiques. Macys flanks the southern, Geary Street side, with
Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, the Westfield San Francisco Centre and the third
largest Levis store in the world a short walk downhill. On the Powell Street side,
the Westin St. Francis Hotel holds pride of place.

GUMPS

Union Square, with its palm trees, cafes, TIX live events box office and
commanding 97-foot-high monument to Admiral George Dewey, anchors the
neighborhood. Right nearby are the Marines Memorial Theatre, SHN Curran
Theatre and the American Conservatory Theatres Geary Theater, as well as the
venerable department store Gumps (founded 1861) and elegant jeweler Shreve
& Co. (1852). Access is easy. Muni buses, streetcars and cable cars plus Bay Area
Rapid Transit (BART) trains cluster at Powell and Market Streets. Dont miss the
chicly redesigned, information-rich Visitors Center at Hallidie Plaza, right by the
Powell Street BART station.

johnsgrill.com

AMERICAN CONSERVATORY
THEATRES GEARY THEATER

act-sf.org

FEINSTEINS AT THE NIKKO

hotelnikkosf.com/feinsteins.
aspx
gumps.com
SHN CURRAN THEATRE

shnsf.com/online/shncurran
WESTFIELD SAN FRANCISCO
CENTRE

westfield.com/sanfrancisco
WHAT TO EAT

GARDEN COURT

sfpalace.com/garden-court
JOHNS GRILL
LE CENTRAL

FROM TOP: Andrea Golod/Miles; Courtesy of Levis

UNION SQUARE

lecentralbistro.com
LITTLE DELHI INDIA

littledelhi.net

SEARS FINE FOOD

searsfinefood.com

Union Squares shops are exquisitely attuned to now. Even so, the warren of
streets just north of market are old school in the best sense. This is the place to
see the 1904 James Flood building, where Sam Spade creator Dashiell Hammett
worked as a Pinkerton detective, then repair to Johns Grill, order Sam Spade
lamb chops, adjust your fedora and, fortified, head into the film noir night.

Shopping at Union Square

HERES AN
IDEA*
Feinsteins at
the Nikko

Enjoy an evening of food,

drink and song at this
elegant club specializing
in Broadway, cabaret, drag
and jazz performances.
hotelnikkosf.com/feinsteins

Levis Store

62

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FROM TOP: Andrea Golod/Miles; Courtesy of Levis

Feel like a

Enjoy being at the center of it all.

At the Parc 55 Wyndham Hotel we are more than the sum of our
parts. We are a place where you can create your own definition of
awesome and feel like youre the center of attention. Downtown
vibe. Modern cuisine. Premium everything. Unparalleled access to
all that San Francisco has to offer.
55 Cyril Magnin St., San Francisco, CA 94102 800.595.0507 Parc55Hotel.com

036-063 SFVPG114 Hoods_13.indd 63

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Luxury

San Francisco Helicopter Tours

SPLURGE-WORTHY
EXPERIENCES
San Francisco abounds in splurge-worthy experiences, from great dining, great spas, high culture,
lap-of-luxury hotels and much more. So, if the IPO went great, your album went platinum or you
want to know how good the good life can be, youre in the right place.
FINEST DINING
Youll know San
Franciscos reputation
as one of the worlds
great food towns is
for real when you
dine at chef-owner
Corey Lees luxurious
Benu. Ensconced
in a renovated red
brick building South
of Market, Benu
showcases wildly
inventive, Asianaccented global
cuisine with superb
tasting menus and
savory small-plate
64

dishes. Benu exudes

style and confidence.
Restaurant Gary
Danko, the eponymous
restaurant of chefowner Gary Danko,
has served an assured
blend of classics
and contemporary
creations since 1999,
and the years have
been kind to this
destination restaurant.
Located near
Fishermans Wharf,
Gary Danko is a world
all its own in its elegant
enclave. Tasting menus

and wine pairings

round out this highend attraction.
Start off with cocktails
and canapes with
chef Michael Rotondo
at Kitchen Table at
Parallel 37, the RitzCarlton Hotels premier
restaurant. At the chefs
table in this five-star
Nob Hill hotel, guests
can sample Rotondos
spontaneous, eightcourse tasting menu
highlighting locally
sourced, globally
inspired cuisine.

FROM TOP: Teri McClelland; Eric Wolfinger

IN SAN FRANCISCO

Benu Dish

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FROM TOP: Teri McClelland; Eric Wolfinger

e,

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Luxury
Retail therapy is easy to
find in the citys upmarket
shops and department
stores, whether its in
Union Square the
traditional center of San
Francisco retail or
hidden neighborhoods
favored by the locals.

GETTING AROUND
IN STYLE
If youve always wanted
to hug San Franciscos
contoured hills in, say, a
snow-white Lotus Elise,
check out Club Sportiva,
which specializes in
restored vintage and
high-performance vehicles.
In addition to renting out
glossy cars, Club Sportiva
leads driving tours on city
streets and back country
Bay Area roads.
If youd rather view the city
skyline from the water

FROM TOP: Drew Altizer; courtesy Spa Vitale

Neiman Marcus, Macys

and Levis border Union
Square, along with major
hotels, among them the
Westin St. Francis and
upscale Taj Campton
Place. A few blocks east,
the shopping is ruled by
old favorites: Gumps,
(founded in 1861) with its
dream-of-Asia accessories,
clothing, jewelry and
furniture, and Shreve &
Company (founded 1854),
which has bedecked and
bejeweled San Francisco
for generations. On the
south side of Market
Street, Bloomingdales
and Nordstrom anchor the

Westfield San Francisco

Centre. Just west of City
Hall, Hayes Valley offers
rare books and records,
artworks, imported
furniture and vintage items.
Near the citys geographic
heart, Sacramento Street
in Laurel Heights is
festooned with antiques,
unique clothing, accessories
and jewelry stores.

Spa Vitale

and eat hand-crafted meals

and sip sparkling wine
Yacht Connections could
be just the ticket. Trips can
take passengers under the
Golden Gate Bridge and
out to Alcatraz and back.
Trips can range from hours
to days.
Seeing San Francisco and
San Francisco Bay from the
air isnt too shabby, either.
For this spectacular ride,
San Francisco Helicopters
can help. The company
operates pick-up points
from Fishermans Wharf,
Nob Hill and Union Square.

HAUTE CULTURE
Itll cost you to patronize
the citys citadels of high
culture, but the rich
pay-off in artistry and
spectacle is worth it. San
Francisco Ballet and the
San Francisco Symphony
perform in luminous
Davies Symphony Hall.
San Francisco Opera
holds forth in its landmark
1932 home. Since 2013,
the SFJAZZ Center
has thrilled fans in its
handsome home, the first
stand-alone, purposebuilt performance and
educational space for
jazz in this country. All
are located in the Beaux
Arts-era Civic Center.

THE SPORTING LIFE

If youre a baseball fan,
it would be hard to top
the excitement of taking
batting practice on the
diamond at AT&T Park,
the jewel box ballpark of
the 2014 and 2012 World
Series champion San
Francisco Giants. Good
for groups of up to 75. If
66

golf is your game, tee it

up for a round at one of
the nations most beautiful
18-holes, the Presidio
Golf Course, situated
on rolling hills flanked by
eucalyptus and Monterey
pines. The Craftsman-style
Clubhouse features cherry
wood paneling, limestone
fireplace and French doors
overlooking the course.

REST AND
RELAXATION
Spa Vitale, nestled
inside the Hotel Vitale,
blends inspiring views of
San Franciscos eastern
bayside waterfront with
spa specialties such as
a couples massage with
a hot tub soak in the
hotels bamboo rooftop
garden. Guests at the
Four Seasons Hotel can
luxuriate in The Sports
Club/LA Spa with massage,
gentle exfoliation
treatments, steam and
soaks to relax those
tired muscles.

HIGH ABOVE
THE CITY
To top off a perfect
wedding or breakout
business deal, the
Penthouse Suite at the
Fairmont Hotel Nob Hill
can be let for $15,000 a
night. Youll get a billiard
room designed in Persian
motifs with inlaid mosaics,
the serene circular library
where Ronald Reagan met
Mikhail Gorbachev and a
splendid outdoor terrace.
Moreover, youll get
enchanting views across
the city; its especially
magical at twilight when
the city lights wink on.

Courtesy Spa Vitale

SHOPPING IN STYLE

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 Bay View Dining

HISTORIC
GHIRARDELLI SQUARE
900 North Point
San Francisco, CA 94109
415.929.8373
mccormickandkuletos.com

Share-Worthy City Views

Courtesy Spa Vitale

S av v y S ta f f 2 P l u g U I n

SFs Fastest Free WIFI

S e n s at i o n a l S i p s & S n a c ks

905 California Street

San Francisco, CA 94108
T: 415.989.3500
s ta n f o r d c o u r t. c o m

Luxury

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BUDGET

SCAN
THE PAGE
WITH
LAYAR
TO GET DEALS ON YOUR NEXT
TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO.

THINGS
FOR LESS THAN $9

Just because the price of craft cocktails is steadily climbing doesnt mean
theres no fun to be had for the budget-conscious traveler. Heres nine
(or more) fun ways to experience the city without breaking the bank.

CABLE CARS

It only takes $6 to ride San Franciscos iconic cable cars, the National Historic Landmark
that moves. When youre done, stop by the one-of-a-kind San Francisco Cable Car
Museum to learn more about their inner workings. In the historic Cable Car Barn &
Powerhouse, the site where the cable system has operated since 1907, you can see the
actual cable winding machinery as it reels 11 miles of steel at a steady pace of
9 1/2 mph. Antique cable cars are also on display, including the first one, invented by
Andrew Hallidie, dating from 1873. Museum admission is free.

BRIDGE PARTY

Theres a toll (electronic) if youre driving into

the city, but for cyclists and pedestrians, the
Golden Gate Bridge is free. Its one of the most
photographed structures in the world, so be sure
to bring a camera to capture shots of both the
bridge and the amazing views of the city. You
might also want to bring a jacket because it can
get chilly out there, even in the summertime. For
bonus points, wander down to Fort Point, which
offers more great views of the bridge. With the
completion of the new East Span of the Bay
Bridge, cyclists and pedestrians also now have
access to the mid-point of the span from Oakland
and Emeryville.
68

FREE FESTIVALS

During the summer and fall, San Franciscos cultural calendar

is packed with amazing cultural events many of which are
free! For music fans, People in Plazas, the perfect pick-meup at lunchtime, presents 130 free concerts featuring all local
performers, July-October. Locations are in downtown plazas
on or near San Franciscos main stem, Market Street. Theres
also the Stern Grove Festival, which includes free concerts
every Sunday from mid-June through mid-August. Or, check
out the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, a free weekend
of bluegrass, Americana and other traditional styles every
October. If you prefer theater, soak up some culture at Free
Shakespeare in the Park, which performs in September at the
Presidio of San Francisco.

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Courtesy Maritime National Historical Park

AWESOME BLOSSOMS

Whether or not youve got a green thumb, its

easy to appreciate the art of nature at the San
Francisco Botanical Garden. Situated in Golden
Gate Park, the 55-acre spread is home to more than
50,000 plants from around the world. If you want
to stop and smell the roses (or the orchids, lilies
and irises), head to the Conservatory of Flowers
in the northeast corner of the park. Tickets for the
Botanical Garden are $7, free second Tuesday of
the month. Admission is $8 for the Conservatory of
Flowers, free first Tuesday of the month.

FROM TOP: Andrea Golod/Miles; Scott Wall

Stern Grove Festival

MARITIME NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

Explore the seafaring history that was such a crucial part

of San Franciscos development as a city with a trip to
Fishermans Wharf and the San Francisco Maritime
National Historical Park. The parks historic ships include
19th-century vessels like the Balclutha, a square-rigger with
three masts, and an early steamboat, Eureka, among others.
Self-guided tours of the ships cost $5 for adults and are free
for accompanying youth ages 16 and younger.

ark

he

Courtesy Maritime National Historical Park

FROM TOP: Andrea Golod/Miles; Scott Wall

THE PRESIDIO

The former military outpost has been

under the control of the Spanish,
Mexican and American governments
since it was first founded in 1776. But
nowadays the 1,491 acres of land
adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge
have some of the best views in the city.
Theres also plenty of free fun to be
found, including hiking trails, special
explorer guides for kids, bike paths,
picnic sites and military artifacts.

MURALS GALORE

San Francisco is home to plenty of public art, but its inventory of murals
is truly exceptional and free to enjoy! The iconic Coit Tower is home
to famed murals completed during the 1930s as part of the first New Deal
program for artists. The murals at the Rincon Annex Post Office were
painted by artist Anton Refregier around the end of World War II and
depict a stylized (and some say overly radical) history of San Francisco. To
experience the epicenter of murals in the city, head to the Mission District
where Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley have been canvases for public art and
social change since the 1970s. Diego Rivera murals are also located in the
City Club, City College (Phelan campus) and San Francisco Art Institute;
City Guides offers free tours of many mural locations throughout the year.

LOCALLY MADE

Get behind-the-scenes to see how some notable

local products are made. One of the citys oldest
brewers, Anchor, offers beer lovers a walking tour
of its facility on weekdays (including tastes for those
over 21). Advance reservations are required. For
another tasty use of yeast, explore the delicious
history of sourdough bread with a museum and
bakery tour at Boudin. Hint: For more locally made
goods, watch for products with the SFMade logo.
Their December holiday gift fair is a must!

ADVENTURES IN CURATING

Take a trip back in time at the Muse Mcanique near

Fishermans Wharf. Admission is free to the antique arcade
and games range in price from a penny to a dollar, so you
can arm wrestle a robot or be serenaded by a mechanical
barbershop quartet without breaking the bank. Head over
to the Dogpatch neighborhood for a visit to the Museum of
Craft and Design ($8/adults, free for children 12 and under;
free for everybody on the first Tuesday of the month). Explore
the intersection between fine art and functionality with
exhibits that range from sacred carvings to modern furniture.
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LGBT

FIVE ESSENTIAL

LGBT BARS
You dont have to travel far to find a great LGBT bar in
San Francisco. From young, hip lesbian bars to old gay theater hangouts to kinky leather bars, the
City by the Bay has LGBT bars for every persuasion. If youre only in town for a night or a weekend,
here are the five must-visit San Francisco LGBT bars. And because the citys just 7x7 square miles,
you can see them all in a night a long, fun night.

TWIN PEAKS TAVERN (401 CASTRO ST.)

At the corner of Castro and Market Streets, across from the
giant rainbow flag, sits the historic twin peaks Tavern. With its
huge windows, this classic bar offers a great and gay vantage
of the city. Curl up in the sun-filled window or saddle up to
the large wooden bar, and get to know some of the older
queens who call Twin Peaks home. This bars hot toddies are
perfect in wintertime and martinis any time of year.

Situated in the heart of the Castro, QBar is truly at the

center of San Franciscos LGBT nightlife. But its not just
its location that brings the girls and boys to the bar. QBar
boasts an impressive lineup of LGBT events throughout the
week. Swing by on a Wednesday for drag queen Juanita
MORE!s popular party, Booty Call. Or stroll in on a Tuesday
for the lesbian night, 13 Licks. And even if there isnt a
special club night, the front patio offers great viewing of
the Castro scene.

No tour of San Franciscos LGBT bars would be complete

without a visit to The Lookout. Most nights this upstairs
Castro District spot is filled to the brim with sexy partygoers.
But its on sunny days that The Lookout becomes the real
go-to spot in the city. The large, outdoor deck is perfect
for sipping Bloody Marys while taking in all of the sights
worth seeing.

THE CINCH (1723 POLK ST.)

Polk Street is San Franciscos original gay district. The first
Gay Pride in the country marched, danced and sashayed
its way down this street. Little of the LGBT nightlife
remains, save The Cinch. This leather bar has been a
San Francisco standard since the gay hustler days of the
1970s, and it still remains one of the citys quintessential
gay bars. Walk through the swinging saloon doors, grab
a stiff drink, and spend some time perusing their wall of
historic photos and one infamous painting. Youll know it
when you see it.

AUNT CHARLIES LOUNGE (133 TURK ST.)

Definitely not for the faint of heart, this long-standing
Tenderloin District hole-in-the-wall specializes in strong,
cheap drinks and legendary drag shows. Drop in on discogem dance parties hosted by DJ Bus Station John every
Thursday, but dont get caught looking at your cell phone. If
its Friday or Saturday, be sure to arm yourself with plenty of
dollar bills for the Hot Boxx Girls shows. This little spot gets
full fast, so reservations are recommended if you want to
ensure a spot inside.

Andrey Bayda / Shutterstock.com

THE LOOKOUT (3600 16TH ST.)

HAVE A FAVORITE LGBT SPOT? TELL US ABOUT IT.

Connect with San Francisco Travel on social media Facebook.com/onlyinSF and Twitter: @OnlyinSF.
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FROM LEFT: Dan Henson / Shutterstock.com; courtesy David Hegarty

QBAR (456 CASTRO ST.)

O
a
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W
S
s
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Castro
Theatre Sign

Rendering of the New Organ

HOW I SEE SAN FRANCISCO:

DAVID HEGARTY
There are few people with a deeper connection to the Castro District than David Hegarty.
For more than 30 years, he has played the mighty Wurlitzer organ in the landmark Castro
Theatre, and over the past year has lead a campaign to build one of the largest organs in the
world at the theater (estimated for completion in the summer of 2015), which will allow daily
performances to continue and expand educational opportunities.
Q

FROM LEFT: Dan Henson / Shutterstock.com; courtesy David Hegarty

How long have you been

playing at the Castro now?
I started playing in 1978 as the assistant
organist and I became the principal organist
in 83. So its been about 31 years as the
primary organist.

Q How has the neighborhood

changed in the past 30 years?
Oh my. It changed in the 80s considerably
as a result of the AIDS crisis. A lot of the
joyful enthusiasm of the gay scene changed
its tone during that time. And since then,
it has picked up in kind of a different way.
When I first came here it was the Polk
Street district that was the real exciting gay
scene and Castro was just kind of gaining
impetus at that point Its not the same
little neighborhood that it was. It seems like
its becoming more of a popular destination
for the general public, although, fortunately
were still keeping the gay central flavor
to it Its changing as we speak with all
the new streetscape construction: the
new trees, the Rainbow Honor Walk and
the large sidewalks. Now, when the huge
festival crowds spill out of the theatre, the
sidewalks are wide enough to accommodate
everybody. The Castro area is really a very
safe, beautiful, and festive place to visit.

Q Do you have a sense of why it is that something as

anachronistic as a theater with a live organist continues to thrive
in arguably one of the most tech-savvy places in the world?
(Laughs) Well, there is something about the tradition of the theater
organist from the silent movie days theres something about a
theater that has a real organ in it that is fascinating to people. And
our effort here is to not lose any of that tradition , but to bring the
functionality of the organ dramatically into the 21st century.

Q What is your favorite spot in the neighborhood to grab

a late-night bite to eat?
Definitely the Sausage Factory it stays open late and is always fun.
For daytime and early-evening dining, one of my favorite places is the
Cove, right across from the theatre.

Q When you have an out-of-town guest visiting, what are

your favorite things to take them to see and do?
I tend to take them to see parts of the city like Macondray Lane
(Barbary Lane in Tales of the City), or Fresno Street between Grant and
Romolo Place, where Foul Play was filmed. That is just the essence of
San Francisco.
One of my favorite movies is Vertigo. And I know where every scene in
Vertigo was filmed. I take people on Vertigo tours. Unfortunately, the
house where Jimmy Stewart lived in the movie, near the foot of the
crooked part of Lombard Street, has been remodeled and no longer
looks familiar. But all the other locations that Hitchcock chose are still
a joy to see. Dont miss Fort Point, where Kim Novak jumped into the
Bay! I love that kind of San Francisco cinematic history.

LGBT

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Napa Valley Sunset

BEYOND WINE
IN WINE COUNTRY

Northern Californias wine country is justly celebrated as one of the premier wine-making
regions in the world, but even amid the beautifully cultivated rows of grapevines, there is much
more to wine country than wine. Mouth-watering food, for one. Hiking and biking in the fresh
open air. Hot air ballooning. Genre-busting live music in the vineyards and vintage indoor
venues. First class art. And much more, all easily found one hour north of San Francisco in Napa
and Sonoma counties and two hours south in Monterey County.

Courtesy The Hess Collection; Napa Valley

Hess Collection Visitor Center Entrance

ART
Bold contemporary art is on ample display, especially in Napa County. Winery owner Don Hess features dozens of
contemporary painters, sculptors and others in his on-site Hess Collection. Also in Napa County, in the Carneros wineproducing district, Rene and Veronica di Rosa display extraordinary large-scale sculptures and other artworks set amid
200 acres of vineyards, gardens and rolling hills.
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FROM TOP: iStockphoto; courtesy of Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau; courtesy Oxbow Public Market

Beyond

SPECIAL ADVERT

Sonoma

Santa Rosa 101

12

Petaluma

116

Napa
29
121
121

37
Novato
101

Only
45 miles
from

780
Berkeley
580
Oakland
80
880

280

Even dyed-in-the-wool San Franciscans tend to gush about

Sonoma Valley. Insiders will vow its the perfect getaway,
just 45 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. A mecca for
foodies. The countrys first Cittaslow or slow city. The
storied birthplace of the California wine industry.
Beyond this, Sonoma Valley is a state of mindits
dreamy rolling hills and postage stamp towns the stuff of
timelessness and history. And if you let your heart (and our
winery map on the back page) guide you, Sonoma Valley will
leave a permanent imprint.

SO MUCH TO DO IN
SONOMA VALLEY!
REBECCA GOSSELIN PHOTOGRAPHY

REBECCA GOSSELIN PHOTOGRAPHY

b_ad_sftravel15_6pg.indd 1

Leaving your heart in San Francisco?

Were here to tell you that your heart
might have a change of heart if you
make the trip to Sonoma Valley.

Something will change as you cross that noble Golden

GateSan Franciscos fog evaporating behind you, the wind
at your back. Within 45 miles, the landscape will quickly give
way to silver groves of eucalytpus, old barns and, of course,
vineyardsmiles and miles of green, gnarled canopies
fluttering over the hills. Maybe your breath will get taken
away, or maybe youll finally find it again.

CATHY STANCIL PHOTOGRAPHY

San
Francisco

37

SONOMA
VALLEY
WILL
CHANGE
YOU.

If it werent for Sonoma Valley, you might forget what a

fresh fig tastes like, or the earthy sweetness of a good
cheese. How big the feet of Clydesdales are. What the breeze
feels like on a bike path. The color of ripening grapes. How
to fill a picnic basket in five minutes. The scent of star
jasmine. What to say when you raise your glass to toast.
What will leave a lasting impression this time?
Your favorite memories might be found among the
hidden alleyways of Sonoma Plaza, a National Historic
Landmark that radiates romance around its every caf,
corner and cobblestone.
Here, well-preserved old adobes house bohemian
boutiques such as GLOBAL HEARTa locally-owned fairtrade shop offering an eclectic array of jewelry, vibrant
accessories, beautiful table linens, toys, cards, home
decor and all manner of feel-good treasures.

on the Historic Plaza. The locally-sourced and farm fresh

ingredients are a perfect complement to the relaxed
atmosphere and vibrant garden patio setting.

If youre an olive lover, FIGONES OLIVE OIL is not to be mis

while visiting the Historic Sonoma Plaza. Figones offers
complimentary tasting of local, organic Artisan Olive Oils
and Balsamics. Stop by and see how fresh mozzarella is m
In the winter months taste olive oil straight from the mil

The Plazas fine dining includes farm-fresh restaurants

like the girl & the fig. The ambience doesnt get more
charming than this hallowed and haute Sonoma Valley
legend. Eat al fresco on the lush garden patio while
savoring Sondra Bernsteins elegant French Country
cuisine and Rhone-Alone winelist. Much of their produce
is just pickedsourced directly from their nearby farm.
An upbeat, friendly spot for healthy, California-style
comfort food can also be found at SUNFLOWER CAFF
TOP TO BOTTOM:

Autumn colors in a vineyard; the historic Sonoma Plaza;

exotic goods at Global Heart Fair Trade;
the artful ambience of the girl & the fig

TOP TO BOTTOM : poolside at Sonoma Valley Inn;

El Dorado Hotels cozy rooms; Sunflower Caffs garden patio;
olive oil tasting at Figones Olive Oil; Inn at Sonomas charming guestroom;

TISING SECTION

issed

s
made.
ll.

STAY AWHILE!
Theres a good chance youll be smitten by your home away
from homeone of Sonoma Valleys 80+ lodging choices,
where the lists of amenities are as plump and full as the
pillows. Options range from cottages in the vineyards to
cozy B&Bs and inns to luxurious spas and resorts!
The centrally-located and pet-friendly BEST WESTERN
SONOMA VALLEY INN features a heated salt water pool,
gazebo-covered hot tub, sauna and fitness room. Add in
complimentary WiFi, laundry services and a Sonoma-style
breakfast and youve found a convenient setting to rest up
after your long days adventuring.
The plush, contemporary EL DORADO HOTEL & KITCHEN
pairs luxury accommodations with small-town wine
country sensibilities.Located right on the Sonoma Plaza,
the hotel and restaurant offer a prime location for taking
in Sonomas scenic downtown. Dining patrons can enjoy
local farm-sourced cuisine inside the contemporary
restaurant or under the fig trees and starry skies of the
lush courtyard.
With its bubbling fountain and vibrant, lovingly tended
gardens, EL PUEBLO INN makes for an affordable little oasis
just minutes from Sonomas Historic Plaza. Savor every
minute of your vacation by indulging yourself at the spa,
taking a twilight dip in its 24-hour pool, or enjoying the
complimentary continental breakfast every morning.

The grand MACARTHUR PLACE HOTEL & SPA offers a

magnificent 19th century window into Sonoma Valleys
pastnot to mention a lovely sampling of its presentday splendors. Each individually-designed suite
dazzles with hydrotherapy tubs, fireplaces, patios
and balconies that overlook profuse gardens. Modern
amenities abound, from free Wifi and continental
breakfast to wine and cheese reception, fitness rooms,
heated pool and cutting-edge spa services.
Located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, VILLA TERRA
NOVA offers guests a spectacular private vacation destination while they explore Sonoma wine
country. Designed for short and extended rental
arrangements, the beautifully landscaped three acre
property includes a 5,500-square-foot, five-bedroom
Mediterranean villa and a two-bedroom guesthouse
appointed with luxury interiors and amenities. The
spacious outdoors feature fireplace, grill, relaxation
areas, and shaded terrace ideal for leisurely brunches
and dining under the stars.
Visit sonomavalley.com
or call 866-996-1090
for more information!

THE FAIRMONT SONOMA MISSION INN, Sonoma Wine

Countrys iconic destination resort has recently unveiled
a comprehensive multi-million dollar renovation project.
The sophisticated updates include classic Fairmont rooms,
Wine Country Suites, the handsome Lobby, award-winning
Sant dining room, meeting space, resort landscaping and
the addition of a new Wine Lounge, aptly named 38 North.
The INN AT SONOMA is just two blocks from the Sonoma
Plaza, with its shops, restaurants and tasting rooms.
Beautiful guest rooms feature fireplaces, flat panel TVs,
free WiFi, and most offer private decks. The inns new
Vintners Cottage rooms offer two queen beds, perfect
for girlfriends getaways. Guests enjoy a full breakfast,
evening wine and hors doeuvres, and soaking in the
rooftop hot tub.

TOP TO BOTTOM: garden spa suite at MacArthur Place;

guest room at Villa Terra Nova; Sonomas Historic Plaza;
the inviting entrance to El Pueblo Inn;
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inns luxury.

FEATURED SONOMA VALLEY BUSINESSES:

BEST WESTERN SONOMA VALLEY INN
& KRUG EVENT CENTER 938-9200 sonomavalleyinn.com
EL DORADO HOTEL & KITCHEN
996-3030 eldoradosonoma.com

EL PUEBLO INN 996-3651 elpuebloinn.com

THE FAIRMONT SONOMA MISSION INN & SPA
938-9000 fairmont.com/sonoma

FIGONES OLIVE OIL 282-9092 figoneoliveoil.com

SEE MAP ON REVERSE FOR LOCATIONS | ALL AREA CODES ARE 707

the girl & the fig 938-3634 thegirlandthefig.com

GLOBAL HEART FAIR TRADE
939-2847 globalheartfairtrade.com

INN AT SONOMA 888-568-9818 innatsonoma.com

MACARTHUR PLACE HOTEL & SPA
938-2929 macarthurplace.com

SUNFLOWER CAFF 996-6645 sonomasunflower.com

VILLA TERRA NOVA 800-931-9386 terranovasonoma.com

11/6/14 11:43 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

ONLY 45 MINUTES
FROM SAN FRANCISCO
SONOMA VALLEY MAP >

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Mayo Family Winery

Henno

rise
Enterp

Rd

Benziger Family RaLoncndhon

Pangloss Cellars

GLEN ELLEN
Moon

Imagery Estate
Arrowood
B.R. Cohn
Little Vineyards
dr
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Aurora

Arno

Eric Ross
Morni

12

Arn
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12

Warm Sprin
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Nellig
an

Jam

Kunde Estate
Deerfield Ranch

Ben

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Law Frey
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Landmark
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Mtn

Madrone Vineyards Estate

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Moon Moun

Sob

Petroni Vineyards

Villa Terra Nova

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Agua Calien

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Carriger

Boyes Blvd
b

Hyde
le

Burnda

Bonneau

le

Bonn

Gundlach Bundschu
Tin Barn Vineyards
Prohibition Spirits & HelloCello Distillery
Burnda

116

Anabaeau

Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau on The Plaza

Landa Vineyards

12 121

Nicholson Ranch

Millerick

Schug Carneros Estate

Carneros Brewing Company

Larson Family
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
Keating Wines
Meadowcroft Wines
121 Poseidon Vineyard and Obsidian Ridge
Wine Country Visitor Center at Cornerstone Sonoma
Cline Cellars
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Viansa

Take CA-121 North

7 miles

Take 12 (Broadway)
North to
Sonoma Plaza

Broadway

7.6 miles

Peter Cellars

Robledo Family

Take CA-37 East

N

Splude Rd

Bonnes

116

20.9 miles

4th S
tE

Broad

12

Gulch

a Rd

on

Nap

a
Lov

rs
Pea

Stage

Petalum

Denm
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way

Arnold
augh

take 101 North

(across Golden
Gate Bridge)

Leveroni

le Rd
Cast ry Rd
ine
Old W

Lovall
Valley
Na
France pa St
MacA
rthur
7th S
tE

5h St

eux

8th St

West

Andri

Ravenswood Bartholomew Park

Buena Vista Winery
Sebastiani
ll V
all

cke

Spain

W. Watm

Nor
Gehri

Solano
Petaluma

rsid

Just 45 Miles from

San Francisco

om

ita

Rive

Olive

Orange

Grove

Lom

Craig
Verano

1 mile

Historic City of Sonoma

Acacia Vineyard

Napa

Adobe Road

Roche

4th St E
E Napa

Best Western
Sonona Valley Inn

Inn at Sonoma

sco /

anci
an Fr

Hwy

Vallejo

101

MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa

HOW CAN WE HELP?

11/6/14 11:43

sonomavalley.com

37

37

E MacArthur

Rams Gate Winery

121

5th St E

1st St W

12

W MacArthur

Broadway

Passaggio Wines
Petroni Vineyards Tasting Room
MacLaren Wine Company
Envolve Winery

Andrieux

Sebastiani
Zina Hyde Cunningham
Highway 12

Sojourn Cellars
Enoteca Della Santina
FranceVictor Hill Wines
SIGH

2nd St W

5th St W

THE PLAZA

Mission San Francisco Solano

The Barracks
General Vallejos Home

Global Heart Fair Trade

E Spain

W Napa

Figones Olive Oil

2nd St E

1st St E

3rd St W

5th St W

12

El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen

Sunflower Caffe
W Spain
El Pueblo Inn

WALT Wines

1st St W

Sonoma State
Historic Park

the girl & the fig

We love what we do, and thats anything to help offer a fresh perspective on Sonoma Valley
swing by one of our two visitor centers or give us a call!

1-866-996-1090

Historic Plaza 453 First Street East, Sonoma

Cornerstone Sonoma 23570 Arnold Drive (Hwy 121), Sonoma

Chef-owner Ken Frank

marries classic French culinary
technique to California
ingredients and seasonality,
in Michelin-starred La Toque,
the fine-dining restaurant in the
Westin Verasa Napa Hotel in the city
of Napa.

FROM TOP: iStockphoto; courtesy of Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau; courtesy Oxbow Public Market

Terra fuses California and Japanese

sensibilities in a beautifully restored
stone building in the postcard-pretty
town of St. Helena, situated up-valley,
as the locals say, in the Napa Valley.
Seasonal, inventive and invincibly
locavore, Terra, run by the husband
and wife team of Hiro Sone and Lissa
Doumani, is a consistent winner.

Courtesy The Hess Collection; Napa Valley

DINING

Healdsburg, a lovely town up-valley in

the Sonoma Valley, is host to a number
of lively and tasty restaurants. One of
the best is Chalkboard, in the Hotel
Les Mars, a buzzy place with a full bar,
live-wire crowd and hand-crafted small
plates and entrees.

HERES AN IDEA*
Napa Valley Wine Train

For a memorable wine and dine

experience unlike any other, hop aboard
an exquisitely restored antique Pullman
rail car and take a three-hour voyage
through breathtaking Napa Valley.
winetrain.com

SPAS

Body scrubs, relaxing soaks, cleansing

steams and blissful massages are
HOT AIR BALLOONS
on offer all over wine country. In
Napa County, try the Calistoga
A terrific way to see the terraced
Spa Hot Springs for a revitalizing
countryside, stony ridges and
body treatment; unwind at Spa
Sonoma Countys craggy coastline
Terra, located underground in a
not to mention all those handsome
22,000-square-foot former wine cave;
wineries and vineyards is to soar
SHOPPING
or experience bliss at the Meadowood
silently above it in a hot air balloon.
The shopping is superb in wine
Spa. In the town of Sonoma, pamper
The typical ride lasts 45-60 minutes;
country. In Napa Valleys St. Helena,
yourself at the Sonoma Mission Inns
a delicious glass of local wine will be
one-of-a-kind shops line the main drag,
serene spa, or sink into the signature
waiting when you touch down.
Highway 29. Healdsburg, in Sonoma
wine bath at the Kenwood Inn and Spa.
Valley, boasts clothing shops, shoe
LIVE MUSIC
stores, and accessory and furniture
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
The Robert Mondavi Winery, off busy stores on and near the town plaza;
Theres plenty of outdoor action in
Highway 29, hosts a popular outdoor among them is Shed for gourmet
wine country: walking, hiking, biking
concert series every summer.
foods, kitchen ware and light meals.
past the vineyards, horseback riding,
Downtown, the city of Napa is graced If you visit in January or February,
hang gliding and more. Its a great way
with the lovingly restored circa-1879 check out the Sonoma Olive Festival
to see the country and work off the
Napa Valley Opera House, where the for olive oil tastings, olive-themed
calories from all that great food.
performing arts are featured yearchefs creations and cocktails. Near
round. Also in Napa, the Uptown
downtown Napa, Oxbow Public Market
Theatre hosts pop, jazz, country, folk is a marvelous source for artisan
and comedy headliners in a smartly
cheeses, breads, produce, local olive
reconfigured movie theatre.
oil and smartly globalized restaurants.
HUNGRY
FOR
MORE?
Hang Gliders in Monterey

Monterey County is renowned for the

rugged beauty of its coastline and
the deep waters of Monterey Bay.
Kayaking can bring you in contact
with sleek, playful sea otters. You can
see many more creatures of the deep
in the immensely popular and highly
respected Monterey Bay Aquarium; the
aquarium is located in Cannery Row,
among historic former fish canneries
repurposed for restaurants and shops.

Oxbow Public Market

The area is justly famous for seaside

golf, offering beautiful courses such as
The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill
Golf Course and the most famous of
all, Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Beyond

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BEYOND

FAVORITE

DAY TRIP

We asked our Facebook fans, what

is your favorite day trip beyond
San Francisco, and why?

Monterey. Love Cannery Row,

aquarium, otter spotting and
kayaking in Elkhorn Slough
pretty special being followed by a
young seal who gently nudged the
boat and oars occasionally.

The boat trip from

Fishermans Wharf to Tiburon.
Lunch on Tiburon and then
boat back past Golden Gate
Bridge. Absolutely fabulous
Clare M.

Muir Woods

Sonoma Valley. The views

are beautiful. Many places to
stop. Drive through small towns
like Healdsburg, St. Helena,
Calistoga. Always great places to
stop and eat... Have a picnic at a
winery. Stop and relax and enjoy
the scenery... Its ideal.
Susie S.

Sausalito to go to Davy Jones

Locker for a delicious sandwich!
Viola I.

Muir Woods!!! The serenity and

peace found among the towering
giants of old is a feeling I never
have had recreated. The many
countries represented were
evident by the many languages
heard while walking through the
tranquil wonderland! I would love
to go again someday!! Joanne B.

We love to walk through

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and
then have clam chowder at Moss
Beach Distillery. Finish up with a
glass of wine by their fire... Best
day ever!! Marilyn C.
I love Santa Cruz! The vibe
of the city, the beaches,
the boardwalk, the coffee,
the cafes, the shops,
downtown.... Tina S.

Courtesy Muir Woods National Park

Victoria H.

San Francisco North/Petaluma

KOA Campground & RV Park

RVs, Cabins, Tenting,

Wine Country Lodges

74

Near Graton Rancheria Casino, Lagunitas,

Sonoma Raceway & Petaluma Premium Outlets

W
a

(707) 763-1492 www.petalumakoa.com

. sanfrancisco.travel

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Courtesy Muir Woods National Park

do you speak SONOMA?

Playground

n. The one million acres of vineyards,

beaches, spas, rivers and redwoods
found in Sonoma County.

Start playing in Sonoma Wine Country.

Just 45 minutes north of San Francisco.
World-class wineries, redwood forests
and beautiful ocean coastline.
Start planning your play date today.

SonomaCounty.com

064-081 SFVPG114 BudgetBeyond_13.indd 75

1-800576-6662

11/24/14 11:16 AM

BEYOND

GATEWAY
SAN FRANCISCO
VISITOR RESOURCES BEYOND THE CITY

Need some help with an itinerary that extends beyond the city? Here is a list of helpful
resources for visitors who want a hand with planning, recommendations and more.

CALAVERAS VISITORS BUREAU

DESTINATION TIBURON

Calaveras County, two hours east of San

Francisco, boasts abundant outdoor
recreation, underground adventures, Big
Trees State Park and historic wine country.

across the Bay from San Francisco, the

town of Tiburon is a unique combination of
historic charm, relaxed waterfront dining
and spectacular views.

CALIFORNIAS CENTRAL COAST

THE ORIGINAL ROAD TRIP

DIABLO VALLEY DEFYING

EXPECTATIONS

gocalaveras.com 1192 S. Main St., P.O. Box

637, Angels Camp 95222, 209-736-0049.

centralcoast-tourism.com The Original

Road Trip on the Central Coast offers the

perfect California vacation sunsets,
national and state parks, world-class wine
and cuisine, classic beach towns.

CARMEL CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER

carmelcalifornia.org San Carlos Between Fifth

and Sixth, P.O. Box 4444, Carmel 93921,
831-624-2522. A perfect pre- or post-con-

ference destination or a romantic getaway

anytime. Just two hours south of San
Francisco white sand beaches,
world-class golf, spectacular dining and
shopping.

CENTRAL VALLEY TOURISM

ASSOCIATION

visitcentralvalley.com 1671 E. Monte Vista

Ave., Ste. 112, Vacaville 95688,
707-450-0500. The Central Valley, called

the greatest garden in the world,

supplies 25 percent of the U.S.s produce.
Visitors will also find world-class museums,
outdoor recreation, produce stands,
farm-to-table dining, shopping and
festivals.

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townoftiburon.org 1505 Tiburon Blvd.,

Tiburon 94920, 415-435-7373. Just minutes

diablovalleyca.com 2280 Diamond Blvd., Ste.

200, Concord 94520, 844-342-2568. Whether

taking trips to San Francisco or Napa, or

enjoying breathtaking views of Mt. Diablo,
the area features convenient lodging and
locations for visitors and corporate events.

GILROY WELCOME CENTER

gilroywelcomecenter.org 8155 Arroyo Circle,

Ste. 6, Gilroy 95020, 408-842-6436. Located

in Gilroy Premium Outlets, the Gilroy

Welcome Center provides visitors with
information about the region and offers
local souvenir items. Open daily
10am6pm.

GOLD COUNTRY VISITORS

ASSOCIATION

calgold.org 200 Wool St., Folsom 95630,

916-985-2698. Californias Gold Country

your ticket to adventure! Enjoy

four-season fun including shopping, dining,
wine tasting, historic Gold Rush towns and a
plethora of exciting outdoor activities.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY
CONVENTION & VISITORS
BUREAU

redwoods.info 1034 Second St., Eureka

95501, 800-346-3482. Four hours north of

San Francisco, the Redwood Coast has the

worlds tallest trees, Redwood National
Park, the Avenue of Giants and the Lost
Coast.

MARIN CONVENTION & VISITORS

BUREAU

visitmarin.org Marin Film Resource Office, 1

Mitchell Blvd., Ste. B, San Rafael 94903,
415-925-2060. Marin County is a little out

there. Closer than you could ever imagine

to everything thats unique in this clever
corner of California.

MONTEREY COUNTY
CONVENTION & VISITORS
BUREAU

seemonterey.com 401 Camino El Estero,

Monterey 93940, 888-221-1010. Just 100

miles south of San Francisco, Monterey

Countys breathtaking scenery, charming
accommodations and world-renowned
attractions invite one to discover
Californias Central Coast.

PETALUMA VISITORS PROGRAM

visitpetaluma.com Historic Depot Building,

210 Lakeville St., Hwy. 116, Petaluma 94952,
707-769-0429. Visit our historic riverfront

town, 32 miles north of San Francisco,

gateway to the wine country, redwoods
and coast, for antiques, arts, events, and
dining.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 78

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BEYOND . 77

Put everyday life in the rearview mirror and go winding along Highway 1. Hike through
the towering redwoods of Big Sur. Or share a few laughs and a local Pinot Noir around
a cozy fire on Carmel Beach. Its time to live like you mean it. Its time to come to Monterey.

SeeMonterey.com
BIG SUR | CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA | CARMEL VALLEY | DEL REY OAKS | MARINA | MONTEREY | MOSS LANDING
PACIFIC GROVE | PEBBLE BEACH | SALINAS | SALINAS VALLEY | SAND CITY | SEASIDE

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Beyond

VISITOR
RESOURCES
BEYOND THE CITY

Pismo Beach

PISMO BEACH CONFERENCE &

VISITORS BUREAU

classiccalifornia.com 760 Mattie Rd., Pismo

Beach 93449, 805-773-7034. Located

halfway between San Francisco and Los

Angeles off Hwys. 1 and 101 is the
beautiful, affordable, classic California
beachside community of Pismo Beach.

SAN MATEO AREA CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE

sanmateochamber.org 1700 South El Camino

Real, Ste. 108, San Mateo 94402,
650-401-2440. Promotes business and the

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

CONFERENCE & VISITORS
COUNCIL

santacruz.org 303 Water St., Ste. 100, Santa

Cruz 95060, 831-425-1234. Santa Cruz

County offers the quintessential California

beach vacation. Visit a seaside amusement
park, explore a redwood forest or try Santa
Cruzs signature sport: surfing!

SAUSALITO CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE

sausalito.org 1913 Bridgeway, Sausalito

94965, 415-331-7262. Sausalito is a premier

public interest through representation,

advocacy and sponsorship; organizes and
funds programs that support the economic,
civic, cultural and educational excellence of
the San Mateo area.

destination for San Francisco Bay Area

visitors. Enjoy first-class hotels, world-class
restaurants and shopping, superb
wedding/event venues with breathtaking
views.

SAN MATEO COUNTY SILICON

VALLEY CONVENTION & VISITORS
BUREAU

SHASTA CASCADE WONDERLAND

ASSOCIATION

visitsanmateocounty.com 111 Anza Blvd.,

Ste. 410, Burlingame 94010, 650-348-7600.

Home to SFO and more than 160 hotels in

17 different cities.

shastacascade.com 1699 Hwy. 273, Anderson

96007, 530-365-7500. Redding is the hub of

Northern Californias Shasta Cascade

region. Nature and outdoor recreation with
lakes, rivers and National Parks make your
vacation the ultimate experience.

SONOMA COUNTY TOURISM

sonomacounty.com 3637 Westwind Blvd.,

Santa Rosa 95403, 707-522-5800. Sonoma

County, located 30 miles north of San

Francisco, provides a genuine and
adventurous wine country experience,
featuring more than 370 wineries, 100-plus
organic farms, acclaimed restaurants, a
thriving arts community, and 55 miles of
stunning Pacific coast.

SONOMA VALLEY VISITORS

BUREAU

sonomavalley.com 453 First St. E., Sonoma

95476, 707-996-1090. Provides full-service

visitor information on Sonoma Valleys

wineries, vineyards, historic sites, lodging,
restaurants and attractions. A free, color
visitors guide is available by request.

VALLEJO CONVENTION &

VISITORS BUREAU

iStockphoto, kevinruss

(CONTD)

visitvallejo.com 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

94590-5806, 707-642-3653. Bay Area fun

starts here with Six Flags Discovery

Kingdom, Mare Island Tours, golf and
shopping. Plus scenic ferry to/from San
Francisco and minutes from wine country.

Wine. Food. Arts. Wellness... Youll want to stay a little longer.

Come experience The Napa Valley a destination where worldclass wines,
Michelin-star dining, a vibrant arts community, healing hot-spring waters
and luxurious spas invite you to relax, savor, and restore.
Located just over an hour north of San Francisco, The Napa Valley
is the worlds premier wine, food, arts and wellness destination.

Plan your getaway at VisitNapaValley.com

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CONTINUES ON PAGE 80

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iStockphoto, kevinruss

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BEYOND

VISITOR
RESOURCES
BEYOND THE CITY
(CONTD)

VISIT BERKELEY

visitberkeley.com 2030 Addison St., Ste. 102,

Berkeley 94704, 510-549-7040. Berkeley has

evolved into a culinary and cultural travel

destination with a green soul. Explore
shopping districts reminiscent of
European marketplaces, culinary tours and
UC Berkeley.

VISIT HALF MOON BAY

visithalfmoonbay.org 235 Main St., Half Moon

Bay 94019, 650-726-8380. Assists leisure,

group and conference travelers with visitor

information, accommodations and
activities.

VISIT MENDOCINO COUNTY, INC.

visitmendocino.com 345 N. Franklin St., Fort

Bragg 95437, 707-964-9010. Experience

Mendocino Countys coastal tours and

quaint villages, towering redwood forests,
unique and intimate wineries. Relax. Savor.
Enjoy. Its the journey worth taking.

VISIT NAPA VALLEY

visitnapavalley.com 600 Main St., Napa

94559, 855-333-6272 (lodging),
855-847-6272. Visit Napa Valley is the

official marketing organization of the Napa

Valley, with the mission to promote,
protect and enhance its position as
Americas premier wine, food, arts and
wellness capital.

VISIT OAKLAND

visitoakland.org 481 Water St., Oakland

94607, 510-839-9000. Oakland is topping

nationwide lists as an emerging destination.

From a booming food scene to the hippest
music and artists in the country, Oaklands
movers and shakers are making waves.

VISIT TRI-VALLEY

visittrivalley.com 5075 Hopyard, Ste. 240,

Pleasanton 94588, 925-846-8910. Home to

the cities of Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin,

San Ramon and Danville, Tri-Valley,
California is an accessible, affordable
getaway for wine, golf, shopping and more.

WALNUT CREEK CONVENTION &

VISITORS BUREAU

YOLO COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU

yolocvb.org 132 E St., Ste. 200, Davis 95616,

530-297-1900. A bicycling mecca with great

wineries, gorgeous countryside, UC Davis,

walkable historic downtowns with great
shopping and restaurants. Yolo County has
something for everyone.

YOSEMITE/MARIPOSA COUNTY
TOURISM BUREAU
yosemiteexperience.com P.O. Box 967,
Mariposa 95338, 209-742-4567. The

Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism

Bureau is the branding, sales and
marketing agency responsible for
positioning the Yosemite/Mariposa
County as the destination of choice for
leisure and group travel.

YOUNTVILLE CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE & VISITOR
INFORMATION CENTER

yountville.com 6484 Washington St., Ste. F,

Yountville 94599, 707-944-0904. A quaint

walking town committed to delighting its

residents and visitors with epicurean
treasures, lodging, spas, wineries, retail
shops and galleries.

gowalnutcreek.com 1280 Civic Dr., Ste.100,

Walnut Creek 94596, 925-934-2007. Walnut

Creek is a short 30-minute BART ride from

San Francisco. The affordable place to
stay while in San Francisco. Known for its
mild Mediterranean climate and diverse
ethnic cuisine.

American Express is the

official Card partner for the
San Francisco Travel Association.

80

FROM TOP: iStockphoto; ickr/William Couch

in Yosemite/
Mariposa County

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HIT THE

TRAILS

San Franciscos world-class arts, culture and

dining might steal the spotlight, but the city
also boasts plenty of natural wonders, too.
Wander through redwood groves, climb to incredible
ocean views and discover the rich history of the area all
without leaving the city. Stretch your legs, get some fresh air
and make the most of a beautiful day in San Francisco at one
of these stunning locations.

FROM TOP: iStockphoto; ickr/William Couch

LANDS END TRAIL

This popular trail is
loaded with beautiful
scenery and unbeatable
photo opportunities of
the Golden Gate Bridge,
among other local
icons. At the end of the
moderate 3.4-mile trail
intrepid travelers will find
the ruins of the Sutro
Baths, which burned
down in 1966, along with
breathtaking vistas of the
coastline. If you want to
extend the journey, its
another 1.3 miles to
China Beach.
GOOD TO KNOW: Go
earlier in the day to beat
the crowds. If its foggy,
the temperature can be
extremely cool, plan on
wearing layers to stay
comfortable once the sun
burns off the mist and
warms things up.

PRESIDIO Originally established as a Spanish military

outpost in 1776, this present-day park includes 24 miles
of diverse trails. The 4.3-mile Golden Gate Promenade is
a wide, flat waterfront trail offering incredible views of the
Golden Gate Bridge. For a little more of a challenge and
a big scenic pay-off, hop on the Ecology Trail, a 1.4 mile
trek that includes a large redwood grove and Inspiration
Point, one of the parks most beloved overlooks.
GOOD TO KNOW: There are more than a dozen trails
in the park. Plan your visit ahead with trail profiles, maps
and public transportation info at the Presidio Trusts
website: presidio.gov/explore/trails

MOUNT SUTRO There is a magical quality to the trails

on Mt. Sutro when the mist rolls in from the bay during
the summer months and envelopes the canopy of trees
rising 100-plus feet overhead. It is so peaceful that its
easy to forget you havent left the city. Located east of
the Inner Sunset neighborhood, entrances to the trails
can be a bit tricky to find (the trailhead at 17th and
Stanyan, for example, is a wooden stairwell that rises
between two houses), but the payoff in views is well
worth the journey.
GOOD TO KNOW: This isnt a great choice for parents
with small children. Trails arent paved so strollers are a
no-no, and the climb is steep at points.

BEYOND
THE CITY

Some of Californias most

incredible natural sites beckon
from just beyond the city.
MARIN HEADLANDS These hills
to the north of the city include
trails leading to former military
installations and rocky cliffs so
nature lovers and history buffs
alike will find something
to love. Re-opened in 2012,
the Point Bonita Lighthouse
is a fun adventure.
MOUNT TAMALPAIS Known
simply as Mount Tam to the locals,
the steep climb to the east peak
rewards hikers with views of Marin
County, San Francisco and (on
a clear day) the Farallon Islands.
The trail to the top requires sturdy
shoes, and most trails dont have
water sources, so be prepared.
MUIR WOODS This national
monument named for esteemed
naturalist John Muir is home to
magnificent redwood groves
and miles of trails waiting to be
explored. For visitors without a
car, there is a shuttle that runs to
the park on weekends during the
summer months. Find more
info at nps.gov/muwo.

ANGEL ISLAND A trip to Angel Island will

reward travelers with panoramic bay views at this
state park that was a former military installation
dating back to the Civil War. Perimeter Road
takes visitors on a five-mile loop around the
island and is popular with both pedestrians and
cyclists. If you want a challenge (or to escape
the crowds), take the five-mile trek to the top of
Mt. Livermore. For more adventures, explore the
remains of Fort McDowell or relax on the sand at
Quarry Beach where youll find postcard-worthy
views of the city skyline.
GOOD TO KNOW: There are several ferry
options, including Blue & Gold, which departs
from PIER 39, and the ticket price includes the
park fee. If you need a snack or a beverage while
youre on the island, look for the Cove Caf.
Beyond

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Michael Townsend

Getting Around

TRANSIT ROUTES
From the Visitor Information Center to Various Points of Interest

Visitor Information Center

900 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
www.sanfrancisco.travel
Adult bus, streetcar and Muni Metro fares are
$2.25, Youth (5-17 yrs.), Senior (65+ yrs.) and
Disabled are 75 cents. One-way cable car tickets
cost $6 for anyone 5 and over.
Muni PASSPORTS are available at the Visitor
Information Center for one day ($15), three days
($23), and seven days ($29), and are for abovementioned Muni vehicles for unlimited rides.
For public transit directions in the city or bay area,
call 511 or visit 511.org.

82

ALAMO SQUARE: Bus #21 westbound to the corner

of Hayes and Pierce streets. Bus #21 also continues
on to Golden Gate Park.
AT&T PARK: Buses #30, #45 and the inbound
Muni Metro N or T lines provide service to the
ballpark.
CABLE CAR BARN: Board any cable car on Powell
Street to Washington and Mason streets.
CASTRO: Outbound Muni Metro K, L or
M line to the Castro Station or the historic F
streetcar on Market Street to Castro Street.
CENTER FOR THE ARTS/YERBA BUENA
GARDENS: Walk two blocks east on Market to
Third Street. Walk south on Third Street. Points
of Interest: California Historical Society, 678
Mission St.; Cartoon Art Museum, 655 Mission St.;
Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St.,
Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St.

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CHINATOWN: Walk two blocks east on Market Street

to Grant Avenue. Walk north on Grant Avenue to
Chinatown Gate at Bush Street, or take bus #30 at
Kearny and Market streets or northbound cable car to
Chinatown stop. Points of Interest: Chinese Historical
Society of America, 965 Clay St.; Chinese Culture
Center, 750 Kearny St., Third Floor.
CIVIC CENTER: (City Hall, Opera House, Davies
Symphony Hall, Asian Art Museum, Main Library, Bill
Graham Civic Auditorium, War Memorial Veterans
Building) Bus #5 or #21 westbound on Market Street
or outbound Muni Metro underground to Civic Center
Station.
CLIFF HOUSE/SEAL ROCKS: Bus #38 (destination 48th
Avenue and Point Lobos); or 38L on Geary Street to the
end of the line and walk down Point Lobos Avenue.
COIT TOWER/TELEGRAPH HILL (NORTH BEACH): Bus
#30 or #45 from Kearny and Market to Union Street
(Washington Square); transfer to bus #39 at Union Street
and Columbus Avenue to Coit Tower. Bus #39 continues
on to Fishermans Wharf.

Michael Townsend

EXPLORATORIUM: Eastbound historic F streetcar on

Market Street to the Embarcadero and Green Station.
FERRY BUILDING/EMBARCADERO CENTER: Eastbound
historic F streetcar on Market Street to the Ferry

Building; or Muni Metro inbound to Embarcadero

Station.
FISHERMANS WHARF: (Pier 39, The Cannery at Del
Monte Square, Ghirardelli Square, Pier 41, Aquatic Park,
Anchorage Square, Maritime Museum, Municipal Pier)
Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable cars from Powell
and Market streets, eastbound historic F streetcar
on Market Street or bus #30 from Kearny and Market
streets to North Point Street.
FORT MASON: Bus #30 from Kearny and Market streets
to Chestnut and Laguna streets; walk north to Laguna
Street or transfer to bus #28. To reach the hostel, get off
at Van Ness Avenue and North Point Street; walk west
on Bay Street, then turn right into Fort Mason.
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE/FORT POINT: Muni: Bus #38
on Geary Street to Park Presidio Blvd. Transfer to Bus
#28 (northbound). From Fishermans Wharf walk to
Chestnut and Laguna and take Bus #28.
GOLDEN GATE PARK: For the Japanese Tea Garden,
San Francisco Botanical Garden, California Academy of
Sciences, de Young Museum, or Music Concourse, take
a westbound bus #5L on Market Street to 10th Avenue
and walk into the park; or take the Muni Metro N line
outbound to Irving Street and Ninth Avenue and walk
north on Ninth Avenue. For the Conservatory of Flowers
take bus #5 to Fulton Street and Arguello Blvd.

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Getting Around

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GettinG Around

trAnSit routeS (CONTD)

HAIGHT ASHBURY: Bus #6 or #71 from the islands in the
middle of Market Street to Ashbury Street.

NOB HILL/GRACE CATHEDRAL/THE MASONIC: Any

cable car on Powell Street to California Street and transfer
to westbound cable car, or bus #30 or #45 from Kearny
and Market to Sacramento Street and transfer to bus #1
to top of Nob Hill.

JAPAN CENTER/JAPANTOWN: Bus #2 or #3 on Sutter

Street to Buchanan Street, or bus #38 or #38L on Geary
Street to Laguna Street.

OCEAN BEACH: Bus #5 or #31 on Market Street or

outbound Muni Metro N line to the end of the line,
Points of Interest: Cliff House, Seal Rock.

LEGION OF HONOR/LINCOLN PARK: Bus #38 or #38L

on Geary Street to 33rd Avenue; walk north on 34th
Avenue to park entrance (short walk), or transfer to
northbound bus #18 on 33rd Avenue to the end of line.

PALACE OF FINE ARTS/MARINA GREEN: Bus #30

(destination to Broderick Street) from Kearny and Market
streets to the end of the line.

LOMBARD STREET/RUSSIAN HILL: Powell-Hyde cable

car from Powell Street to Lombard Street; or bus #45 from
Kearny and Market streets to Union and Hyde streets and
walk north on Hyde Street to Lombard Street.

TWIN PEAKS: Outbound Muni Metro K,L or M

line to Forest Hill Station. Across the street from the
station, take bus #36. Get off at Marview Way and
Skyview Way; walk up Marview to Farview Court. Turn
right on unmarked footpath and walk to the overlook.

MISSION DISTRICT/MISSION DOLORES: Muni Bus #14

westbound on Mission Street to 16th Street or beyond.
BART: southbound to 16th or 24th streets. To reach
Mission Dolores: outbound Muni Metro J line to Church
and 16th streets, walk one block east on 16th Street.
MOSCONE CENTER: Walk one block east on Market to
Fourth Street. Walk south on Fourth Street two blocks
to Howard Street. Points of Interest: Childrens Creativity
Museum, 221 Fourth St.; The Society of California
Pioneers, 300 Fourth St.; Metreon, 135 Fourth St.

UNION STREET: Bus #45 from Kearny and Market streets

to Octavia Street and beyond.
ZOO: Outbound Muni Metro L line to the end.

GET THE APP

Get San Francisco transit info on your smart phone with
the Routesy app. it features Muni, BArt, Caltrain and AC
transit routes in a dozen languages.

HOME & HOTEL AIRPORT RIDE

24 HR SERVICE 1-800-Blue
Van
2 5 8 - 3 8 2 6
$2 off when booking online
Use discount code: KGR5E

84

Photo by SFO Museum

YOUR
PRIVATE
RIDE
To or from the airport.
Private charters and VIP transfers.
Visit ExecuCar.com
or call 1-800-410-4444
$5 off when booking online
Use discount code: KGR5E

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Italian Motorcycles
on Display in the
International Terminal

SAn FrAnCiSCo AirPort

AMenitieS

IT ONLY MAKES SENSE THAT A CITY LIKE SAN FRANCISCO WOULD HAVE AN AIRPORT
WITH NEARLY AS MANY OPTIONS FOR DINING AND CULTURE AS THE CITY ITSELF. Fresh
seafood while waiting for your flight? Check. An art museum? Yup. Yoga studios? You bet. Free
Wi-Fi? of course! here are a few great reasons why SFo deserves to be your favorite airport.
TRANSPORTATION

Photo by SFO Museum

Making your way to or from the airport to downtown San Francisco is a piece of
cake. the most cost-effective method is public transportation, which costs $8.65
from the airport to the embarcadero and takes about 35 minutes. BArt is easily
accessed from any terminal by riding SFos free Airtrain to the Garage G/BArt
Station stop. taxis are readily available from the roadway Center islands on the
Arrivals/Baggage Claim level of all terminals. the cost is approximately $42-52 to
the union Square area, depending on traffic and including a $2 airport surcharge.
if you need to get to areas outside the city, there are shuttles and vans, as well as
privately operated buses that depart on a regular schedule from Center island
transportation zones on the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level.

FINE ART

LOCAL DINING

San Francisco international Airport is the

first in the country to be accredited by
the American Association of Museums,
so if youve got some time on your
hands waiting for your flight to depart
check out some of the exhibits scattered
throughout the airport. Photography,
sculpture and other art exhibits are
loaned to SFo Museum from other
museums and private collections,
supplementing the collection of aviationrelated materials found in the Aviation
Museum and library housed at the airport
(flysfo.com/museum).

it would take months or even

years to sample all the amazing
restaurants in San Francisco, but if
you miss a particular local institution
during your visit, you might be able
to try it at the airport. You can taste
San Franciscos famous sourdough
from Boudins Bakery, enjoy an
irish coffee at Buena Vista Caf,
experience cuisine from celebrity
chefs like Cat Cora or tyler Florence,
or find artisanal foods at the napa
Farms Market just to name a few
of the only in San Francisco spots
youll find in the airport.

RELAXATION
lets face it, travel can be
stressful. At SFo youll find
numerous ways to help take
the edge off. From recompose
areas just after the security
checkpoints to spa services
to yoga rooms to interactive
displays like the Flight deck,
there are many ways to find
a moment of calm and relax.
Check out more options at
flysfo.com/shop-dine-relax.

STAY
CONNECTED

SFo offers one-click, ad-free,

free Wi-Fi. look for the
#SFO_FREE_WIFI network,
launch your browser and click
Accept the terms for two
hours of free internet access.
log in again
if you need more time.

Getting Around

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Getting Around

FAQS ABOUT
SAN FRANCISCO
Q What are some tips for saving
money while visiting San
Francisco?
You can save a chunk of change on
transportation by using the San Francisco
Municipal Public Transportation Passport,
which allows unlimited rides on Muni
bus, streetcar, metro and even cable cars.
Passports come in one-, three- and sevenday increments.

Whats the weather like?

San Francisco has mild weather year-round with temperatures seldom rising above
70 F (21 C) or falling below 40 F (5 C). The golden rule of packing for a trip to San
Francisco: bring layers! Fog can roll in at any time, and areas near the water can
feel cool.

Is it really as hilly as people say?

Absolutely. San Francisco is built atop 43 hills spread across just 49 square miles.

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082-096 SFVPG114 Around_9.indd 86

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credit card sign.indd 1

1/30/14 2:21 PM

El Pueblo
San Francisco Visitors Guide ad 9/14.indd 1
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5:07 PM

9/18/14 10:23 AM

11/24/14 11:16 AM

San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis

LOOKING FOR THE 411 ON SAN FRANCISCO? Then youve come to the right place. This
page will cover some of the basics, but if youve got more questions then reach out to the
friendly staff and volunteers at San Franciscos Visitor Information Center (VIC) who are happy to
help you find exactly what you need to make your time in San Francisco the best it can be.

Where can
visitors see those
pretty town houses
that the tanners lived
in on Full house?
the Victorian houses shown
at the beginning of the
show are located at Alamo
Square Park. the houses,
called the Painted ladies,
are some of the best-known
of their kind.

San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis

Whats a
quintessential San
Francisco food item
that visitors should try
while theyre here?
Sourdough bread and
a bowl of cioppino
a seafood stew is
delicious year-round.
Mmmm. if you get a
chance, swing by the ViC
and bring the staff some,
too. they wont complain.

The Painted Ladies at Alamo Square

does San Francisco

have any sandy beaches?
Yes! Bring your kite
and sandcastle-making
equipment. San Francisco
has 29.5 miles of beautiful
shoreline. ocean Beach, on
the Pacific ocean, offers miles
of sandy beach. Also, there
are smaller, more secluded
beaches China Beach and
Baker Beach closer to the
Golden Gate Bridge.

Q Whats the best

neighborhood for
Mexican food? italian?
Sushi?
thats a cinch: Mission district
for Mexican food, north Beach
for italian and Japantown
for sushi. But San Franciscos
neighborhoods are known
for offering a huge diversity
in flavors, so branch out and
try a range of cuisine types
maybe Moroccan tonight.

A Charming San Francisco Experience

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Getting Around

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Nightlife

THATS THE SPIRIT

DISTILLERY 209

ST. GEORGES SPIRITS

The local distillers flagship bottle is Gin

209, which uses botanicals from across
the former British Empire (including
juniper, cardamom, coriander and
bergamot orange peel among others) to
create its unique flavor.

Among the most successful local

distillers are the makers of Hangar One,
who took experience fermenting fruit
brandy and applied it to their line of
infused vodkas, which are now available
in 47 states.

SF VODKA

ANCHOR DISTILLING

Housed in a former maximum-security

prison on Treasure Island, SF Vodkas
small batches eschew the traditional
potato or grain base in favor of
ingredients like corn, grapes and sugar
cane for surprisingly smooth results.

One of the Bay Areas first microdistilleries, Anchor uses copper pot stills
to produce a line of three whiskeys and
two gins. Try a taste of their signature
Old Potrero Straight Rye Whiskey, which
is made using 19th-century techniques.

88

iStockphoto
captions here

These days, a new class of adventurous imbibers is pushing the envelope for the
hard stuff. Move over microbrews and boutique vineyards, micro-distilleries are the
next big thing in adult beverages. Whether youre out on the town or looking to
stock your bar with some Bay Area booze, here are a few bottles to keep an eye
out for as you peruse the citys drink menus and liquor store shelves.

. sanfrancisco.travel

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iStockphoto
captions here

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SAN FRANCISCO
THE CITY BY THE BAY

Discover San Franciscos neighborhoods and maps of individual districts

by visiting sanfrancisco.travel/neighborhood.

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 2013 United Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved. Includes destinations served by United Airlines, Inc. and United Express.

SM

082-096 SFVPG114 Around_9.indd 92

The most daily nonstop flights

from San Francisco.
united.com/flyerfriendly

11/24/14 11:16 AM

SAN FRANCISCO
THE CITY BY THE BAY

Discover San Franciscos neighborhoods and maps of individual districts

by visiting sanfrancisco.travel/neighborhoods.

B:10.25

S:9

T:10

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FISHERMANS WHARF

200 years of history, 9 live actor shows

Located at 145 Jefferson Street theDungeons.com/SanFrancisco

$5
off
up to 5 people

*Terms and conditions; Offer valid for $5 off the standard admission price up to a maximum of 5 people at The
San Francisco Dungeon. May not be combined with any other discounts, coupons, or offers. Not valid with
pre-booked tickets, Original coupon must be presented at the time of purchase. Duplication or sale of this offer
is prohibited. No cashvalue. Not redeemable for cash or credit. Valid thru 12/31/15. (REF: 1501)

The World Famous Wax Attraction at Fishermans Wharf

Located at 145 Jefferson Street MadameTussauds.com/SanFrancisco

$25!

Save up to

000 SFVPG114 cover_3.indd 4

Offer valid for $5 off the full ticket price up to a maximum of 5 people at Madame Tussauds San Francisco.
May not be combined with any other discounts, coupons, or offers. Not valid with pre-booked tickets.
Original coupon must be presented at the time of purchase. Duplication or sale of this offer is prohibited.
No cash value. Not redeemable for cash or credit. Valid thru 12/31/15 (REF: 1501)

11/24/14 11:13 AM

Entertainment | Shopping |

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