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Sample Lists - Top 10 Guide to San Francisco
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The Top 10 Must-See Areas
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| 1. The Marina |
| The walk down along the oceanfront is particularly fascinating and beautiful. If you start at Fort Mason you can see the pleasure boats at the St. Francis Yacht Club, then make your way down to Fisherman's Wharf where live catch-of-the-day is sold, fresh crab from the sea is served and you can get a piping hot bowl of chowder in a sourdough bread roll. End up at Pier 39 for the tourist attractions, including, if you're lucky, the sight of sea lions taking a snooze on the docks. |
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| 2. Chinatown |
| The crowded streets of Chinatown are almost unnavigatable by car as you enter the gates to Chinatown on Bush and Grant Streets, for the largest Asian community outside of China is full of small businesses and entrepreneurial spirit. It has an endless parade of sidewalk grocers, vendors selling firecrackers and trinkets and the mass of human bodies including both tourists and neighborhood residents out to do their daily shopping. |
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| 3. Union Square |
| The center of San Francisco shopping and business is an attractive green square. There is parking underneath, and in some winters, ice-skating on top. Flanked by such prestigious institutions as Tiffany's, The Campton Place Hotel and Nieman Marcus, Union Square's defining feature is its monument honoring Admiral Dewey's victory at Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War. President Roosevelt dedicated the monument in 1903. |
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| 4. Golden Gate Park |
| Over 1,000 acres of sand-dunes were converted into the center of San Francisco recreation in 1871. Since then attractions such as the Japanese Tea Garden and Stowe Lake have kept drawing millions of visitors each year. With a mixture of the classical and wild, the park is dominated by Monterey Pines and rolling green meadows interspersed with manmade structures such as the museums and Dutch windmill. |
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| 5. The Golden Gate Bridge |
| The entrance to San Francisco Bay was known as the Golden Gate long before the bridge was completed in 1937. This regal single-span bridge was at that time the longest in the world and captured perfectly the optimism and opportunity with which sailors came to this city. The bridge has survived earthquakes, winds, and on the 50th anniversary celebration, 800,000 people whose combined weight flattened the road deck. |
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| 6. Civic Center |
| A revitalized and renovated City Hall, a totally modern Library, the Symphony and the Opera are all contained in the space of four square blocks just down Market Street from Union Square. With its gold plated dome, City Hall is the centerpiece of the area, and the inner marble atrium is as spectacular as the view from outside. That said, do not miss out on seeing the other magnificent buildings in the area such as the new Main Library which is both high-tech and user-friendly. |
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| 7. Haight Street |
| The legacy of the 60s hangs on in one lonely outpost in San Francisco, Haight Street. This is where a shrine to the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia spontaneously appeared the day of his death, where tie-dye is still sold and where you can still see kids living in the style their parents did 30 years ago. Just two blocks away is Golden Gate Park where the Summer of Love was born. You can still see people wearing flowers in their hair. |
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| 8. The Castro |
| Two blocks hold the most dense part of the Castro between Market and 19th Street in the area which is known as, "The Gay Capital of the World". Trendy clothing stores have replaced many of the gay bars of the 70's, but others remain. The Castro is sunny when the Marina is covered in fog, and rainbow flags brighten even cold days. If you walk down Market there are even more stores to oggle at and scrumptious eateries for when your feet get tired. |
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| 9. The Sutro Baths/Cliff House |
| Rising above the Pacific Ocean, the Cliff House juts out above the roiling surf. Next to it is the ruins of the Sutro Baths, where high society gathered at the turn of the century. You can still walk among the ruins, dodging the ocean spray. Above the Cliff House is Sutro Park which, when it isn't foggy, is a delightful grassy knoll for picnics. |
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| 10. Pacific Heights |
| This is where San Francisco's upper crust live today. Home of famed romance novelist Danielle Steele, among others, the mansions are a sight to behold. If you wander down Jackson or Broadway, not only will you be treated to a dazzling view of the bay, the bridge and beyond, but also to some of the greatest architecture in the city, as well as some excellent examples of the Victorian building style. |
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The Top 10 Gardens to See
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| 1. Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Gardens |
Golden Gate Park off of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Tel: 661-1316
Tours are offered weekdays at 1:30 p.m. and weekends and holidays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Open weekdays from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Featuring 55 acres and over 7,000 plant species this is an excellent place to stroll and sniff your way through an afternoon. Don't miss the Garden of Fragrance. |
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| 2. The Japanese Tea Garden |
Golden Gate Park, MLK Jr. Drive
Tel: 752-1171
Open daily spring-fall 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., winter 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. |
| This, the oldest public Japanese garden in America opened in 1894. It features winding paths, an arched footbridge and ponds filled with enormous carp. |
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| 3. The Shakespeare Garden |
| Golden Gate Park |
| This garden in Golden Gate Park contains many of the plants mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. Stroll through the wrought-iron gate into fairy-land a la Midsummer Night's Dream. |
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| 4. The Lyon Street Steps |
| on and Broadway |
| Residents of the mansions on the east side of these steps have kept up carefully manicured gardens on either side of the steps to be enjoyed along with the view. |
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| 5. Conservatory of Flowers |
Golden Gate Park
John F. Kennedy Drive at Conservatory Drive |
| The magnificent glass greenhouse is currently undergoing restoration, but the gardens in front of provide a beautiful foreground for the building. Flanking plots of flowers create pictures and tributes. |
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| 6. The National AIDS Memorial Grove |
Golden Gate Park
Tel: 750-8340 |
| This Golden Gate Park grove is a living memorial to those whose lives have been touched by AIDS or HIV. Free tours are available. |
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| 7. Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden |
| Golden Gate Park off John F. Kennedy Drive at Great Highway |
| Next to the Dutch windmill is this quintessentially Dutch garden. |
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| 8. Yerba Buena Gardens |
750 Howard Street
Tel: 415 541-0312.
Open daily, Sunrise-10:00pm |
| In the center of the industrial South of Market District is this garden and arts center. There is a gallery inside, and a powerful memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. serves as the garden's centerpiece. The gardens are not extensive, but they are a welcome patch of green in the center of the downtown area. |
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| 9. Coyote Point Museum |
1651 Coyote Point Drive
San Mateo, CA
Tel: 650 342-7755 |
| This museum, park and gardens is home to many wild creatures whose natural habitat is the Bay Area. The coyotes are undoubtedly the highlight of any trip here, but it is a good idea to stroll around the theme gardens as well. |
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| 10. Jack Early Park |
| Stairs begin on Grant Avenue between Chesnut and Francisco |
| The staircase leading up to the park is worth the trip for the view that awaits you. The park itself is little more than a scenic overlook, but also includes a lovely garden. |
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The Top 10 Romantic Spots
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| It's no secret that San Francisco is a romantic city - the Romance Writers of America has voted it the most romantic city for six years running. Here are a few things you can do to experience the city's romance with your love. |
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| 1. Lyon Street Steps |
| Lyon and Broadway Streets |
| This romantic spot is flanked by grand mansions and has a spectacular view of the Palace of Fine Arts and the Golden Gate Bridge. The steps are lined with flowers and midway down there are benches and a little garden. A picture-perfect proposal spot. |
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| 2. Twin Peaks |
| Twin Peaks Boulevard off of Portola Drive |
| Lots of couples come up here in their cars at night to gaze out over the city and the bay. |
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| 3. Ocean Beach |
| The Great Highway |
| When the wind picks up and the surf is crashing, nothing is more romantic than snuggling up with your honey as you walk barefoot on the beach hand-in-hand. |
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| 4. Palace of Fine Arts |
| Lyon and Marina Streets |
| This beautiful dome and pond were built for the 1906 World Fair and are a favorite site for wedding pictures. Swans, geese and ducks floating serenely on the water complete the romantic scene. |
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| 5. The San Francisco Bay |
For Sailing, contact:
The Hawaii Chieftan
Tel: 415 331-3214 |
| What's more romantic than a sunset sail or ferry around the bay? Blue and Gold Ferries will take you out to the Golden Gate Bridge to watch the sunset over the Pacific, or you can go on a sailing schooner. |
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| 6. Take a sunset flight |
Wingover Aviation
Tel: 510 887-5511
21015 Skywest Drive
Hayward |
| If being on the water doesn't tickle your romantic fancy, why not see the sunset by air? Flights are expensive, but they offer spectacular views that will leave you and your companion with a memory to cherish. |
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| 7. Symphony |
Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall
201 Van Ness Avenue
Tel: 415 864-6000 |
| Few things are as romantic as getting dressed to the nines and listening to classical music after dinner. Women sparkle and men look gallant in their tuxes as both are overwhelmed with the sensual sounds of a world-class orchestra. |
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| 8. Alamo Square |
| Between Hayes, Fulton, Scott, and Steiner Streets |
| This is a great make-out and picnic spot. The views of the Victorian houses which survived the 1906 earthquake to grace postcards all over the city are stunning, especially as their backdrop is the dramatic downtown skyline. |
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| 9. Shakespeare Garden |
| Golden Gate Park |
| There are many romantic places in the park, but this garden takes the cake. The roses, the sweet smelling herbs, and the wrought-iron gate through which you and your love enter into fairyland all set the stage for your own rendition of the Bard's lost play, "Love's Labour Won". |
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| 10. Hot Tubs |
2200 Van Ness
Tel: 415 441-8827. |
| If stress is getting in the way of your love life, then head to the sauna. Love flourishes in steam rooms, and the privacy, class and professionality of the establishment will put you and your companion completely at ease. |
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The Top 10 Fusion Cuisine Restaurants
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| Fusion cuisine may be a distinctly San Franciscan invention. California cuisine began in Chez Panisse Founder Alice Water's kitchen, but fusion has been developed by a number of chefs in the city, all of whom share one thing in common: a creative spirit. Fusion means the combination of food styles, french with chinese, for instance, in order to create an entirely new taste experience. |
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| 1. Watergate |
1152 Valencia Street
Tel: 648 6000 |
| This little restaurant made a splash in the highly competitive restaurant scene as soon as it arrived. Mixing Chinese with French with a twist, you'll be coming back for more. |
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| 2. Eos |
901 Cole Street
Tel: 566-3063 |
| This addition to the Cole Street Scene has created quite a buzz, and they have been forced to add valet parking as a result of its popularity. |
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| 3. Betelnut Pejiu Wu |
2030 Union Street
Tel: 929-8855 |
| Trendy and sleek, you will be tempted to try a wide variety of small dishes. Our advice - yield to temptation. |
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| 4. Val 21 |
995 Valencia Street
Tel: 821-6622 |
| The restaurant that many hold started it all has lost some of its clientele to the newer upstarts. But, as they say, imitation is the best sort of flattery. |
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| 5. Firefly |
4288 24th Street
Tel: 821-7652 |
| In the Noe Valley a small restaurant called Firefly dominates the scene. A city favorite for its large quantities of good food and friendly service. |
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| 6. The Flying Saucer |
1000 Guerrero
Tel: 641 9955 |
| The restaurant which started the hip-restaurant trend in the Mission is still serving the finest food available, classic French dishes with a distinctly San Franciscan spice. Reservations are hard to get, but well worth it. |
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| 7. The Rooster |
1101 Valencia Street
Tel: 824-1222 |
| Another one of the recent entrants to the east-meets-west cuisine club, this comfy restaurant has been achieving low-key success. |
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| 8. The Moa Room |
1007 Guerrero
Tel: 282-1007 |
| Fresh food but a little stale in their hip decor, the Moa Room is recommended by even savvy Parisian food specialists. |
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| 9. Valentine's Cafe |
1793 Church Street
Tel: 285-2257 |
| For brunch without bacon, this tiny vegetarian cafe provides diners with healthy and tasty food to start their day. |
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| 10. Savor |
3913 24th Street
Tel: 282-0344 |
| Eclectic and wholesome, Savor has been attracting Noe Valley gormands since it opened. |
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The Top 10 Romantic Restaurants
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| Fusion cuisine may be a distinctly San Franciscan invention. California cuisine began in Chez Panisse Founder Alice Water's kitchen, but fusion has been developed by a number of chefs in the city, all of whom share one thing in common: a creative spirit. Fusion means the combination of food styles, french with chinese, for instance, in order to create an entirely new taste experience. |
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| 1. Fleur de Lys |
777 Sutter Street
Tel: 673-7779 |
| A veritable symphony for the taste-buds is what tried-and-true chef Hubert Keller offers the well-heeled customer at this posh downtown establishment. |
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| 2. Acquerello |
1722 Sacramento Street
Tel: 567-5432 |
| Elegant and suave, this is the perfect place for an old-fashioned French cinema romantic meal, complete with white truffle pasta. |
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| 3. Cassis Bistro |
2120 Greenwich Street
Tel: 292-0770 |
| For staring over the table dewy-eyed at your date, this little bistro can't be beat. Share a crème brulee without exchanging a word - it'll be too noisy to hear anyway. |
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| 4. Jardiniere |
300 Grove Street
Tel: 861-5555 |
| This upscale French restaurant is glamorous - the perfect place to impress your star-struck lover. |
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| 5. Venticello |
1257 Taylor Street
Tel: 922-2545 |
| This romantic Italian restaurant is a sweet spot for a rendezvous with your loved one. |
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| 6. Chez Michel |
804 North Point Street
Tel: 775-7036 |
| Just to reiterate that French cuisine equals romantic, this somewhat expensive lover's retreat is located in close proximity to Fisherman's Wharf so that you can take an after-dinner stroll along the piers. |
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| 7. Charles Nob Hill |
1250 Jones Street
Tel: 771-5400 |
| The Charles Nob Hill is hothouse of flowers and good food. |
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| 8. Kiss |
680 Eighth Street
Tel: 552-8757 |
| If a tete-a-tete is in order in the middle of the day, this lip-smacking French gem is the perfect spot. No dinner, only lunch for lovers. |
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| 9. The Waterfront |
Pier 7
Tel: 391-2696 |
| A swanky seafood experience is on hand at this Embarcadero restaurant. |
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| 10. Masa's |
Hotel Vintage Court
648 Bust Street
Tel: 989-7154 |
| For anniversaries, honeymoons, or other special engagements Masa's is a sublimely romantic restaurant, which you may only be able to afford once a year. |
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