"San Francisco" San Francisco by trvlrtom

San Francisco Travel Guide: 9,083 reviews and 19,112 photos

SFO art - San Francisco
SFO art

My wife and I visit San Francisco several time a year, and have a few favorite stops. I really need to get to work on the SF page, but in a nutshell, here's what I think are some priorities for a short visit:

Walk through Chinatown & North Beach. Try dim sum and/or pizza.
Stop in City Lights Bookstore
Walk the steps up to Coit Tower (don't drive unless you have difficulty walking) See the frescoes inside the tower.
Check out Union Square. If you are wearing good clothes, go up to the Top of the Mark for an expensive drink and a priceless view.
Go the the old ferry building to see the gourmet foods and shops.
Ride a trolley car, (or a cable car if you want to be a tourist)
Park on the west side of Golden Gate bridge, walk the headlands and take the trail to the bridge.
Drive through beautiful streets on the way to the Palace of Legion of Honor.
Drive down the coast, maybe stop at the Beach Chalet.
Drive to Alamo Square to see the postcard view of the row of Victorians (don't forget to curb your wheels!)
Golden Gate park - ride bikes if you can, rather than drive.
Do a little research and pick one or two museums or exhibits.
Plan your evening around a cool place in the Mission, or go to Shanghai 1930 or Enrico's for dinner and good jazz.
Wow.

Always something to do
Orchids - San Francisco

Orchids

If I'm going to the City, I try to look in advance to see what exhibits are in town. There is always something special. Last time we stopped to see the Orchid Festival and show at Fort Mason. It's the biggest show if its kind in the US (maybe the world).

Market Street skyscrapers
Market Street skyscrapers - San Francisco

Market St. pierces the City, leading from the Embarcadero and into the Castro and other neighborhoods. The busy financial district, close to the bay, is often crossed by tourists going between points like the Embarcadero, SOMA, Chinatown and Union Square. Take a look at some of the buildings and you will see beauties from the early 1920 up to today, as seen in the reflection off a modern skyscraper on the south side of Market.

  • Last visit to San Francisco: Jan 2010
  • Intro Updated Jan 9, 2010
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Reviews (17)

For Fine Dining and Vegetarian cuisine. - San Francisco For Fine Dining and Vegetarian cuisine. Restaurants (3)

Yes, Greens is a vegetarian restaurant, but most important, it is a great restaurant. Even though I am not a vegetarian... more travel advice

Caffe Trieste - San Francisco Caffe Trieste - Coffee, history, art ... Things to Do (11)

Caffe Trieste should be a stopping point for anyone interested in San Francisco's literary and historic past. It has... more travel advice

Trail leading to Golden Gate Bridge. - San Francisco Walk & views west of Golden Gate Bridge Off The Beaten Path (2)

For fantastic views of Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands and Lands End that are free of crowds, avoid the parking lot... more travel advice

Coit tower mural. - San Francisco Coit Tower murals Things to Do (11)

Coit Tower is one of my favorite stops in SF. I've been here over a dozen times and never fail to see something new. In... more travel advice

Comments (2)

  • Updated Comment
    Reply
    risse73's Profile Photo
    Oct 6, 2008 at 9:48 PM

    Tom, great SF page with detailed tips! Thanks for visiting my general Peru page. Cheers!

    Other comments
  • Reply
    Geisha_Girl's Profile Photo
    May 23, 2008 at 9:22 AM

    Yes, I'm sure you've spotted the Sexy Samurai Bulldog out and about along the California Coast....He's the "babe magnet" cruisin' in a convertible with his Aloha Shirt and Hawaiian lei. A regular at the "Aloha Festival" in SF! ;-)) Thanks for stopping by!

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