Where Do you wanna go on vacation?Part 2

The next destination is San Fransisco.

San Francisco is located on seven-by-seven mile (11x11km) square of land at the tip of a peninsula between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific coast. It has a population of almost 800,000, but is the center of a metropolitan area of millions. San Francisco is blessed with a mild climate. In most months, you can expect the temperature be in the 60s or 70s. Be prepared for cool weather, even in the summer. The hackneyed quote -- often mistakenly attributed to Mark Twain -- ("The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.") is a bit exaggerated, but it's true that the hottest selling items in San Francisco's tourist shops are always sweaters. Don't be afraid of a cool Pacific air or fog, though. Everybody's Favorite City's refreshing air and radiant skies are reason enough to visit.

Getting There:San Fransisco is served by all major International Airlines.

Walking can be an enticing option to get from one neighborhood to another, so long as you are aware of where you are and keep your street smarts-- San Francisco is a city of friendly neighborhoods, but it is also "big city" --be aware of your surroundings and keep in mind the dangers that commonly accompany a city of San Francisco's size. Streets which often go straight up and down hills may make driving difficult, but make for breathtaking views (as well as good exercise) for the pedestrian. There are many stairway walks scattered throughout the city when the streets are too steep. You can find maps that include hiking trails, bikeways, and the grade pitch of all streets marked in varying colors by how steep each segment is, that can help you orient to city walks suitable to your ability and temperament, such as the downloadable map issued by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition . Note that locals rarely use the designations "street" or "avenue," even when differentiating the numbered streets and avenues. Numbered roads designated "Street" are located south of Market in Downtown, Castro, Noe Valley, and Mission. Roads designated "Avenue" put you in the Richmond and Sunset districts.

Highlight walks include:
Chinatown: Grant from Bush to Broadway takes you through the heart of the famous district. Returning by the parallel Stockton or Powell will give you a better feeling of the day to day life of the residents, and are both good for those looking for imported commodities such as tea or herbs.
Beach: Ocean Beach is entirely open to pedestrians in both the Richmond and Sunset districts from the Cliff House restaurant and Sutro Baths in the north to the Zoo in the south. For a shorter walk, the windmills near Lincoln at the end of Golden Gate park offers a good base for a stroll north.
Telegraph Hill: Greenwich and Filbert steps on the east side of Telegraph Hill, both strenuous and unforgettably beautiful, offer cottages and a flock of wild parrots to enjoy on the way up to the Coit Tower.
North Beach: Columbus runs from North Point in Fisherman's Wharf, through the grand church and famous cafés at the heart North Beach to the landmark TransAmerica pyramid, accessible to transit on nearby Market.
Haight Ashbury: Haight from Divisadero to Stanyan covers the shopping district famous for hippie culture, at Stanyan the street becomes a path through Golden Gate Park to a popular site (then and now) for relaxing and concerts.
Cow Hollow: Union Street between Bush and Fillmore is one of the finest shopping streets outside of the city center.
Mission: Mission between 15th and Cesar Chavez streets provides a look at a neighborhood famous for its Latino food and culture, as well as occasional gang activity, be careful here at night. Parallel Valencia is the artery of the many higher end boutiques and offbeat cafés starting to characterize the neighborhood.
Pacific Heights: Fillmore between Pine and Broadway is lined with a good mix of shopping, views, steep slopes, and some of the city’s largest and most expensive homes.
The Fillmore: Post from Laguna (near 38 bus stop) to Fillmore takes you through upscale shopping and restaurants in Japantown, and turning left onto Fillmore across Geary and on to Turk takes you past the internationally known Jazz venue and a mix of Black and Korean owned shops.
The Castro and Noe Vally: Market from Church to Castro St. and a left down Castr St. to 19th takes you through the center of the city’s famous gay mecca. Continuing up Castro St. over the hill from there takes you to 24th St., the main drag of bohemian Noe Valley.


San Francisco has much to see

Palace of Fine Arts. Located in the Marina District the Palace of Fine Arts is a Beautiful building. It was designed by Bernard Maybeck and was completed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. The architecture is that of Roman and Greek. Beautiful woman sculptured into the building dramatically holding up the pillars. Although the Palace of Fine Arts has fallen slightly ill to lack of repair it is still a major site to behold.
Lombard Street. The (nearly) twistiest street in America, between Hyde & Leavenworth. The city has a twistier but less scenic hill-climb along Vermont Street, south of McKinley Square on Potrero Hill. You can get a view of Lombard from the Powell & Hyde cable car line.
22nd Street. Between Vicksburg and Church and Filbert Street. between Leavenworth and Hyde - At a 31.5% grade, these streets share the honor of steepest streets in San Francisco.
Alcatraz Island. Decommissioned island prison in the bay. Take a tour and listen to an audio tape in English, Japanese, Chinese or other languages. The most interesting aspect of the tour is that you can go into the prison and see what it is like to be imprisoned. It might be more interesting if you've watched the movie "Escape from Alcatraz" and seen what happened in Alcatraz when it was operating as a prison. Tickets for the Ferry to Alcatraz are available at the Alcatraz Cruises website .
Angel Island. Island in the bay that housed Asian immigration (exclusion) camp, becoming the "Ellis Island of the West". Ferry over and rent a bicycle or walk around this beautiful island that is now a large and wide open park.
Coit Tower. Built in 1933 on top of Telegraph Hill, a former signaling point for sailing ships, It is dedicated to the San Francisco firefighters (who fought a massive blaze in 1906 after the earthquake that destroyed much of the city center), and it was designed to resemble the nozzle of a fire hose. At 250' high, it is a healthy hike from the Embarcadero (steps at Greenwich and Montgomery) or from North Beach. Muni bus #39 goes from Washington Square in North Beach up the hill to the base of the tower.
Twin Peaks, accessible by car or on foot via Twin Peaks Boulevard (north of Portola Drive, just east of Laguna Honda). The small parking area at the northern tip of Twin Peaks Boulevard (875' above sea level) is near the physical center of the city, and one of its highest points, providing spectacular views in all directions. Tour buses can get backed up here during the day, but it's a great place to really appreciate the City from above, especially at and after sunset. Temperatures up there can be quite a bit lower than in the rest of the city, so bring a jacket. Muni bus #37, a scenic ride from the Haight-Ashbury or Castro and Market streets, gets you close, so you only have to climb the last 120' up.
Treasure Island. An artificial island half-way between San Francisco and Oakland connected to Yerba Buena Island which the Bay Bridge passes through. The Island has excellent views of San Francisco & Oakland skylines and quirky structures from the international fairground-turned-navy base-turned neighborhood. Accessible by Muni bus line 108 from the Transbay Terminal downtown.
Mission District. Containing one of the oldest structures in the City - the Mission Dolores Church - as well as superb City views from Dolores Park, the Mission is an offbeat tourist destination where Hispanic families mingle with Hipster night-owls, artists, lesbians, and just about every one else in this eclectic neighborhood. The walls of many buildings, especially on alleys between Market and Valencia are painted with a fantastic collection of murals of all sorts.
Presidio. The Presidio was founded in 1776 and was the longest-running military post in the U.S. before closing as a base in 1994. It is now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. At the end of 2005, about 2,500 people lived in the Presidio and it is homes to the headquarters of Lucasfilm, a unique situation for a national park. Part of their drinking water comes from Lobos Creek (Rio de los Lobos), the last free-flowing creek in San Francisco. It is best approached from the Marina District along the water through the kites and bay-views of the connected Chrissy Fields Park.
San Francisco Zoo. If you are traveling with children or have a fondness for penguins, primates, lions or llamas, the large and well maintained Zoo is located at the end of the L streetcar line near Ocean Beach.

Golden Gate Park

Once an area of sand dunes, Golden Gate Park is a roughly two-by-four mile urban oasis, with windmills, bison, museums, and a carousel hidden among its charms. At 1,017 Acres, it is 174 acres larger than New York's Central Park, so unless you rent a bike , you'll want to plan which area you want to visit, especially along the East (Stanyan street) to West (the Ocean) axis. During the summer to October a free shuttle bus circulates. On Sundays only bicycles are allowed on most park roads. The number 5 trolleybus runs along its North boundary, and offers the most frequent service across the park and to downtown. The N streetcar two blocks south of its South boundary with similar service. The antique palatial greenhouse of the Conservatory of Flowers is near 2nd Avenue (4 small blocks West of Stanyan). To the South are tennis Courts, a classic Carousel, and playing fields for Frisbee. At 8th Avenue is the Shakespeare Garden with roses and other flowers mentioned in his plays. The modern and ethnic art focused de Young Museum has recently reopened (see "Hide in a Museum"), although its neighboring museums are still under construction. West of the de Young it is the large Japanese Tea Garden at 12th Avenue, and South of that is the Strybing Arboretum, a collection of plants from across the temperate world. Boating (several types for rent) on Stow Lake is available at 18th Avenue. The Marx and Speedway meadows for picnicking and music festivals are near 30th. Ave. Model boating is at 35th Ave., fly-casting at 36th Avenue, and a Petanque (lawn bowling) field is at 38th Ave, just north of the Bison Meadow, where buffaloes roam. Golf and Archery are available at at 47th Avenue. Finally, beyond 48th Avenue are the Dutch windmills that were used for Park irrigation in the past and the beautiful 1930’s Beach Chalet for lunch, drinks, or dinner overlooking Ocean Beach and it’s brave surfers.

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge

Highway 101 N (from Park-Presidio or Lombard Street entrance), +1 415 921-5858 (Email: bridgecomments@goldengate.org) [35]. Open 24 hours, occasionally closed Sunday morning for events. $5 (toll driving south into San Francisco; free on foot or bike)

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the United States, and has been called one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The bridge spans the Golden Gate, a strait between San Francisco and Marin County to the north, and is one of the major road routes into and out of the city.

Vehicular traffic in both directions share a single deck; yellow pylons are used to allot lanes to one direction or the other depending on traffic conditions. Observation areas and parking lots are provided on both the north and south sides of the bridge; the best way to enjoy the bridge is to park and walk across, not least because you don't have to pay a toll. Note that winds are high and it can be cold and foggy; dress appropriately. Bikes can also be difficult to navigate in the high winds and narrow pathway.

The masterwork of architect Joseph B. Strauss, whose statue graces the southern observation deck, the bridge took seven years to build, and was completed on May 27, 1937. Not actually golden in color -- a common misconception -- the bridge is painted a deep red-orange. Erroneous legend has it that the bridge is continuously painted, with crews starting at one end and, on getting to the other end, turning around and starting over again. In fact, the bridge is only painted once every few years, with some touchup done continuously.

The San Francisco end of the bridge is accessible by the Muni 28 bus line from Fort Mason in the Marina District near Fisherman’s wharf. The fastest way to reach it from downtown is to take the the 38 or 38L up Geary to “Park Presidio” (after 12th ave) and transfer to a Fort Mason bound 28. Golden Gate Transit busses serve the bridge on request, but busses are very infrequent and unpredictable except at afternoon commute times, when they are crowded.

Alamo Square

At Steiner and Hayes, it has the famous Painted Ladies row of Victorian houses on its east side, but many other pretty Victorians throughout its surroundings. The Hayes street Muni bus #21 goes along its south side, for the postcard view. If you enjoy walking and don't mind modest grades you can get there by walking west from Hayes Valley or north from the Lower Haight.

Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is both a "tourist trap" and a place to see amazing street entertainers, eat excellent seafood, watch sea lions, and go to the, Aquarium Marine Museums and exhibits. Working fishing boats still come into the small harbor at Jones and Jefferson, the endpoint of the Muni Historic F-streetcar. There are also small day and party boats available. The fresh breeze from the bay can provide a bracing setting. Since it is frequented almost exclusively by tourists, it is the place to be most attentive for thieves or scam artists.

Civic Center

The Civic Center has impressive Beaux Arts buildings and the celebrated Asian Art Museum, but the main reason for going there are its music and theater venues, including large concert halls and a renowned Symphony and Opera. On an historic note, the Charter for the United Nations was signed in the War Memorial Veteran's Building at the corner of Van Ness Avenue and McAllister Street. Nearby Hayes Valley along Hayes Street (West, past Van Ness Avenue) is a neighborhood known for its sophisticated yet funky shops, bars and restaurants. The large, modern public library bordering Market is great for browsing, free internet connections (card not required) and occasional events in its theater.

Moscone Center

The Yerba Buena Gardens, above the Moscone Center, at Mission and Third streets provide a nice urban oasis. There is a carousel, a museum, and play places for kids, movie houses, various exhibit spaces, and the Museum of Modern Art across the street. A big garage at Mission between Fifth and Fourth streets makes it quite accessible for drivers. The Moscone Center itself houses major exhibits and conventions. Half of all Muni lines come within a few blocks of the area. The conference center itself is home to a number of major (especially IDG) expos that occur each year, including Apple Computer-related expos such as Macworld and Apple's WWDC, and LinuxWorld.

Chinatown

The original Chinatown, centered around Grant Street from Bush to Columbus is part tourist trap, part an exhibit of local life. Good eating places remain, and the side streets especially have stores one wouldn't find in a mall. Stockton Street, the street paralleling Grant to to west is the main street where most locals do their shopping for groceries. Be sure to sample some of the Dim Sum and other specialties offered in the many bustling shops. However, many local Chinese prefer to eat and shop in the new Chinatowns located in other neighborhoods such as the Inner Richmond neighborhood or on Clement Street between 2nd and 12th Avenues. The Muni #1 (California) and #2 (Clement, does not run at night) buses get people from one Chinatown to the other.

Chinatown is easily accessible from the downtown area via the 30 Stockton or 45 Union-Stockton Muni bus routes. Expect frequent crowding during peak hours. The Cable Cars also run fairly close to Chinatown as well.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park defines the extreme Northwestern corner of San Francisco. It provides majestic views of the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate Bridge from the Ocean side, and the Pacific Ocean itself. At the extreme western end the well known Cliff House provides both semi-casual and a more formal eating and drinking place. The #18 Muni bus goes from the center of the park via the Cliff House to Golden Gate Park, while the very frequent #38 Geary buses terminate in between. Drivers will want to take the El Camino del Mar Drive through the small Seacliff area on the northwest side to view some fancy mansions between Lincoln Park and the Presidio.

One of the best ways to see San Francisco is from the waters of San Francisco Bay. There are many companies offering San Francisco harbor tours of varying durations and prices but they all provide marvelous views of the bay, the bridges, the island of Alcatraz and the city.

Only specific island tours are allowed to land at Alcatraz, but the typical harbor tour will circle the island at a slow crawl, giving you plenty of opportunity to photograph the now-inactive prison from the water.

Also consider taking a ferry from San Francisco across the bay to Tiburon, Sausalito, or Alameda. Same views for a fraction of the price.

Most tours leave from docks between San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf and adjacent Pier 39. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks along the waterfront walk. Buy tickets a day or two in advance during the summer high season.

Boats leave hourly starting around 10am and ending around 5pm. Multi-lingual guides are available on some tours. Prices range from $20-$40, more for sunset, dinner, or whale watching tours.

Approaching the Island of Alcatraz
Even on a sunny day the bay can be chilly, be sure to bring a sweater as well as sun screen.
Some boats have snack bars on board, but bring your own water and treats to avoid paying high costs or going without. There are now limited refreshments and a souvenirs shop on Alcatraz.

San Francisco is a sensual, epicurean city with a vast array of restaurants. The price range is huge, and you can spend anywhere from a small fortune to a couple bucks for every type of cuisine. Vegetarians and vegans will find SF a paradise. Sushi is a local obsession, and though you can find a sushi bar on almost every street corner, the Richmond district has more than its fair share of excellent sushi chefs. San Francisco also has the largest Chinatown in North America, as well as one of the largest Chinese communities in the West, and many exceptional restaurants serving dim sum and other Chinese delicacies are found throughout The City. This localized Chinese cuisine has its feet in Hong Kong and America, and is different from what many visitors are accustomed to. Fisherman's Wharf serves fresh seafood, especially clam chowder and crabs cooked to order. North Beach is the place to go for Italian food, and the Mission for Mexican restaurants (and Latin American cuisine of all sorts). San Francisco restaurants are also very corkage friendly. Average corkage fee appears to be in the $15 range, with some of the more pricey places charging $25-35.

The area code for San Francisco is 415. You need to only dial the seven digit phone number for calls within the city. For calls within the US or Canada, dial 1+area code+number, and for international calls, use the prefix 00. Pay phones are relatively common, but only take coins and phone cards with a dial-to-use number. Local calls start at $.50.

To get online, internet cafes are available at a sprinkling of city center locations. Many coffee houses and cafes also offer wireless connection for free or a small fee. Free access is available in Union Square. For a more scenic email check try the Apple Store on Powell at Market near Union Square or any of the many public libraries, especially the main branch on Market near Civic Center station.

Blue mailboxes for mail such as letters and postcards are on many street corners. USPS post offices sell stamps and ship packages, and several private companies provide additional services.

The major hotels are:
Budget
Villa Soma, . Offers fully furnished rooms at a daily or weekly basis. located in the South of Market district of San Francisco. Free local calls, internet. In Room Color Satellite TV with VCR! $20 per day.
Central YMCA, [, located in Civic Center. Dorm $23.50 per person, also private rooms and weekly rates.
Taylor Hotel San Francisco, . Budget hotel accommodation at cheap rates for hostel travelers near Union Square. Private Rooms from $36.99.
Hostelling International, (3 locations) 2 Downtown, 1 in Fisherman's Wharf (Fort Mason Park), . Clean, cheap ($23 dorms), safe, fun.
The Green Tortoise Hostel, 494 Broadway (at Columbus), 415-834-1000 or 800-867-8647, . Dorms from $23, private rooms from $56. Free breakfast, free internet, free dinner 3 nights a week, free sauna. Hostel activities include live music, parties and pub crawls. Great location in North Beach.
Elements Hostel, . Awesome new hostel in the artsy Mission District. See the real San Francisco from $25 (dorms) or $29pp (twin-share)
USA Hostels San Francisco, . Great hostel operating in two buildings just off Union Square. All rooms have their own bathrooms. Dorms beds start around $22/night. Private rooms start around $60/night.
Pacific Tradewinds Backpackers, . The highest rated and smallest hostel in San Francisco. Rated #3 Independent Hostel in N. America by HostelWorld in 2005. On the edge of Chinatown and Financial District. Friendly, clean, modern and safe. Free internet. $22-24/night.
Civic Center Hotel, 415-861-2373 .The hotel is located at 20-12th Street on the corner of Market Street just one block west of the Van Ness MUNI station. Only metered street parking is available at the hotel. Furnished rooms with a sink in each room (no televisions). Single occupancy with a shared bath: $150/week. Add 14% tax for the first 4 weeks and a one time $15 key deposit.

Mid-range

Decide if you want to be in walking distance of your destinations, or are up to driving and parking. If you have a specific destination in mind, look also in the Districts sections.
Nob Hill Hotel, 835 Hyde St, +1 415 662-4455, . The Historic Nob Hill Hotel is located in Nob Hill close to the Financial District and Union Square. It features restored marble floors, alabaster chandeliers, stained glass panels, grand statuary and an extensive collection of period paintings and antiques.
Fitzgerald Hotel in Union Square, 620 Post St, +1 800 334-6835, . Located in Union Square close to Russian Hills, Nob Hill and the Financial District. Established in 1910 and completely restored, it has hosted many colorful and famous visitors including musicians, actors and writers.
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square, 433 Powell St, (Union Square), +1 800 428-4748, . The classic hotel overlooks Powell Street, home to one of the famous cable car lines. It is a short walk from union square and is surrounded by many shopping centers.
Embassy Suites - Airport, 150 Anza Blvd, +1 650 342-4600, . On San Francisco Bay and two miles from San Francisco Airport. Close to great shopping and dining, and just 16 miles from downtown San Francisco.
Embassy Suites - Airport South, 250 Gateway Blvd, +1 650 589-3400, . Just 1.5 miles from San Francisco Airport and just nine miles from downtown, directly along Highways 101 and 280.
Holiday Inn - Fisherman's Wharf, 1300 Columbus Ave., +1 415 771-9000, . Among the bars, cafes, and the vast number of specialty shops in Fisherman's Wharf.
The Mosser Hotel, , single room from $69 pp/pn.
The Pickwick Hotel, 85 Fifth Street, +1 415 421-7500, . 189 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites and 3,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, located just a block from Moscone Convention Center.
Queen Anne Hotel, 1590 Sutter St, +1 415 441-2828, . The Queen Anne provides a real San Francisco experience, being an 1890 Vistorian Hotel between Pacific Heights and the Civic Center, and near Japan Town. Some rooms have fireplaces, and afternoon tea is served daily.
Washington Square Inn, 1660 Stockton St, +1 800 388-0220,. Idealy situated in the heart of San Francisco it is close to Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Coit Tower, China Town, Union Square, and North Beach. Indulge yourself in the great views and beautiful accommodations.
Grosvenor Suites, 899 Pine Street San Francisco, California 94108, . Located in downtown San, Francisco close to Chinatown and Union Square where you will find world class shopping and outstanding restaurants.

Splurge
The Four Seasons Hotel, 757 Market Street . Consistently rated #1 Hotel in San Francisco by a variety of sources and among the Top 100 Hotels in the World by 2007 Conde Nast Traveler. It features a museum quality art collection and guests enjoy free access to the amazing The Sports Club/LA, which offer 127,000 of fitness facilities and Splash Spa.
The Clift Hotel, 495 Geary St, . Hotel features Jeffrey Chodorow's Asia de Cuba restaurant, the Redwood Room, the Living Room, private apartments, penthouse suites and meeting facilities.
Omni San Francisco Hotel, 500 California St at Montgomery, +1 888 444-6664, . The Omni San Francisco Hotel provides luxury accommodations in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Located on the cable car line at the base of Nob Hill, the hotel is only a short walk to Union Square, the San Francisco neighborhood that has become a mecca for high end shopping and art galleries.
Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St (Union Square), +1 415 394-1111, . Located close to Union Square. It features Japanese style rooms and amenities. Hotel dining includes restaurant ANZU . ANZU serves fresh sushi and excellent steak. Also located inside the hotel is the Baxter Chang Patri Fine Art Gallery .
JW Marriott (former Pan Pacific), 500 Post St (Union Square), +1 415 771-8600, . Located in upscale Union Square within walking distance to most of San Francisco’s famous destinations. This AAA four diamond hotel has 338 rooms.
The Palace Hotel, 2 New Montgomery St, +1 415 512-1111, . Located in the Financial District, one block from Market Street. Established in 1875, The Palace has 552 guest rooms. In 1945, the official banquet honoring the opening session of the United Nations was held in The Garden Court at The Palace.
Mandarin Oriental, A 150 room hotel located on top eleven floors of the third tallest building in the city of San Francisco. Located in the Financial District only two blocks from Market Street. The view from the rooms are exceptional.
The Inn San Francisco, A charming, San Francisco boutique bed and breakfast captures the romantic spirit of the Victorian era and welcomes you with hospitality and warmth that is distinctly San Franciscan.
The Hotel Monaco, Fun, funky, hip & sexxy boutique hotel. This is part of Kimpton Hotels, a San Francisco based hotel and restaurant company.
The St. Regis Hotel, The St. Regis is a new luxury hotel in the South of Market Area. It is on par with the Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental and the Le Meridian (formerly the Park Hyatt at Embarcadero Center). It is near San Francisco MOMA, Yerba Buena Gardens and the Sony Metreon, as well as Union Square and the recently expanded Westfield San Francisco Shopping Center.
Le Meridian Hotel, The Le Meridian at Embarcadero Center (formerly the Park Hyatt) is a luxury hotel that mostly caters to business travelers. It is part of Embarcadero Center, which includes retail shops and resteraunts on the street and lobby levels, 4 office towers, and a second hotel, the Hyatt Regency, which borders Justin Herman Plaza. The Le Meridian has large rooms and very nice furnishings and art work. If you stay at this hotel, make a point not to eat breakfast here, as it is expensive and there are other good options nearby.