Destination Guide
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We’ve also highlighted some of our favourite hotels and experiences. Add any you like to My Wishlist.
Our favourite hotels
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Best Western Timber Cove Lodge
from £104.00
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Wuksachi Village, Sequoia
from £154.00
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Tenaya Lodge
from £119.00
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Handlery Union Square
from £110.00
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Handlery Union Aquare - Stopover Product
from £110.00
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Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
from £29.00
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Sheraton Fishermans Wharf
from £116.00
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Maxwell Hotel
from £100.00
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Clift
from £146.00
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Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
Call for rates
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St Regis San Fransisco
Call for rates
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The Clift
From £73.00
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El Tovar
from £124.00
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Carmel Valley Ranch
from £118.00
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Best Western Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
from £117.00
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Millennium Scottsdale
from £111.00
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Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
from £107.00
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Tanque Verde Ranch, Arizona
From £124.00
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Loews Ventana Canyon
from £120.00
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Holiday Inn of The Rockies
from £112.00
San Francisco Guide
To book this destination call us on
0800 804 8911
About San Francisco
If Los Angeles is a brash young motor-mouth then San Francisco can be considered the quiet, more thoughtful older sibling. America's favourite city destination, this is a place that even moves the most blasé of nations to admiration. In the attractiveness stakes the city gets a huge helping hand from its geographical position. The bay, when not shrouded in fog, is one of the most dramatic settings for a city anywhere in the world.
The Golden Gate Bridge that spans it is a remarkably impressive piece of 20th-century engineering, while crouched in the middle is the grey homunculus of Alcatraz, a fascinating counterpoint of utilitarian ugliness to the graceful functionality of the bridge. But the geographical impact isn't just in the surroundings, it is imprinted on the city itself. San Francisco's grid of streets is written on one of the steepest urban landscapes found anywhere, and it makes for an impressive canvas upon which the San Franciscans have established one of the world's great cities, not to mention facilitating the best car chase sequences found in the movies. It is the steep streets that led to the development of San Francisco's famous public transport system - the cable car. These old carriages still ply routes in the city, with a lone brakeman all that stands between the passengers and plummeting down the precipitous thoroughfare unchecked. If the public transport system is a roller coaster then it is a fitting mode of transport for the inhabitants, the most liberal and diverse population found anywhere in America.
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A massive and vocal gay community lives side by side with the US's largest Chinese population, and literally hundreds of other nationalities and lifestyles are represented in San Francisco's multi-cultural community. It makes for a heady cocktail of experience for the visitor; move from district to district and you'll see all the facets of life represented, warts and all. There is truly something for everyone here - Americana in all its glory is tempered with European style and a continental dash of panache that pervades everyone and every thing.
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Accommodation
This is America's holiday town and you'll find that San Francisco offers everything the discerning visitor could want. From cool Californian ranches surrounded by palm trees on the outskirts of town to the modern hotels of the centre, there is something to suit everyone and every budget.
Summer is peak time, followed by spring and fall, but San Francisco is a truly year-round destination, though winters can get pretty cold this far north. Although there are plenty of hotels, motels and B&Bs, don't leave it until the last minute to sort out your accommodation. This is one of the world's most popular city destinations and booking in advance to secure the best possible choice of accommodation is essential.
In terms of where to seek out in the city you really are spoiled for choice. Every part of San Francisco has its hotels and there is little to choose between them. The variety in the centre runs from large international chains to smaller more intimate affairs, often inhabiting some charming buildings - such as the Pickwick's diomatic downtown corner building, built in early-20th-century style. For sheer luxury it's hard to beat the Westin St Francis. In a brilliant location on Union Square this hotel combines the opulence of a European stately home with the modern amenities and service of a five-star hotel.
Around Fisherman's Wharf you'll find modern multi-storey hotels, that offer high standards of comfort if a little less character. You naturally pay more for the better views, anything high above the town will cost you more. A view of the Golden Gate won't come cheap either.Hit the link below for immediate access to our range of hotels available for booking online.
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Communications
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Entertainment
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Excursions
San Francisco is beautifully situated in Northern California, and there is plenty to see and do in the immediate locale. Try these suggestions for fun days out in the region.
Monterey
Monterey is just 180km (113 miles) down the coast road from San Francisco. The drive alone would make it worthwhile but the town itself has plenty to offer the visitor.
This was once the heart of the world's sardine industry and the canning factories here were the major source of employment for just about everyone, including Grapes of Wrath novelist John Steinbeck. The National Steinbeck Center will tell you more than you need to know about one of America's finest authors, whereas the historical Cannery Row introduces you to the harsh realities of his former career.
Nowadays Monterey is a beautiful part of the coast, full of secluded coves backed by lush rolling hills. It is also prime whale-spotting territory and during the migratory season boats will take you from the wharf out into the coastal waters where you can see the ocean leviathans making their implacable way north and return journey south.Napa Valley Wine Tour
California is now one of the world's premier wine growing regions and in the valleys and hills behind the coastal region you'll find plenty of vineyards open to visitors. The most popular area for taking a tour of the wineries is the Napa Valley. Located 70km north of San Francisco it is a green and fertile stretch of land perfect for growing grapes in the permanent summer of California.
There are literally hundreds of vineyards, most of which offer samplings and the chance to buy. Some of the larger ones such as Goosegrass or Beringer, the oldest winery in the Napa established in 1878, offer more advanced tastings, where you can learn the proper way to appreciate a good wine. There are many ways of touring this rich region as well. Coach tours can be arranged that take you to a few vineyards, whereas if you want to explore the more obscure producers you may have to self-drive - but that rules out any tastings for the driver at least.
Finally, the most luxurious way of seeing the valley is to catch the Napa Valley Wine Train. With its Pullman carriages from the 1910s it offers "olde worlde" refinement on its route through this New World wine region. Telephone Napa Station on Tel: +1 (1)707-253-2111.
Sausalito
Sausalito, across the San Francisco bay from the city, is a delightful town sitting in a cove. At the quayside you can see the houseboats that are home to some of the residents, while up on the wooded hills condominiums enjoy fabulous views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco bay from their terraces. This tiny settlement of just a couple of thousand permanent residents welcomes over three million visitors each year, who come to enjoy the relaxing surroundings, and browse in the shops and restaurants that surround the small wharf.
The downtown area is designated a historic landmark and was once home to native American Miwoks. The Spanish first called the area "Saucelito" (Cedar Grove) in 1775, in reference to the cedar trees that still grow here. In the 1950s Sausalito became famous and popular with a succession of artists and poets, who flocked to the "San Francisco Scene". The town still retains something of a bohemian air, and its laid-back attitude goes some way to explaining its popularity with people needing a break from the big city.
Yosemite
One of the most incredible landscapes on earth the Yosemite National Park is quite rightly considered one of America's greatest national treasures. The park lies nearly 300km from San Francisco but with some of the world's greatest natural wonders on display the long day-trip or day-night stopover is well worth indulging in.
Sights such as the giant Sequoia, and America's five highest waterfalls are sublime reminders of nature's power. The imposing mountains of the park, including the daunting El Capitan dwarf you. On the way to the park you pass through the Sierra Nevada foothills, which was where the famous Gold Rushers of '49 flocked. You can still see the ghost towns that the Gold Mania built and discarded, fascinatingly eerie settlements in the middle of nowhere.
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Family
A favourite city destination for all ages families will have a great time in San Francisco. Restaurants and attractions are all pretty welcoming to kids - and your children will love sights such as Alcatraz, and the famous cable cars. For added fun why not try one of these additional family oriented attractions?
Family Entertainment
Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum
- unbelievably good fun
On the waterfront Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum has been amazing children for generations. The San Francisco incarnation of the institution is no different to any of the other museums around the world. A collection of the weird and wacky from history - including freaks of nature and accounts of some downright insane stunts. Kids love it. Open: Sun-Thu 10h00-22h00, Fri & Sat 10h00-00h00.
175 Jefferson Street
Tel: +1 (1)415-771-6188
Admission: USD12.95, adults; USD7.95, children (5-12).
Bonfante Gardens
- rides and gardens
Bonfante Gardens Theme Park is a family oriented full day out. Packed with rides and attractions to appeal to all ages it is home to the famous "circus trees" - trees specially bred to resemble bizarre shapes. Children will be keen to get on the Quicksilver Express mine cart roller coaster however, and there are plenty of shows and events happening throughout the day. Opening times vary - you are advised to call for exact details but the park opens until at least 20h00 during the summer season.
3050 Hecker Pass Hwy (Near to Monterey - south of San Francisco)
Tel: +1 (1)408-840-7100
Admission: USD36.99, adults; USD26.99, children (3-6).Winchester Mystery House
- twisted architecture
One of the most remarkable Victorian era buildings in the world the Winchester House was built over nearly 40 years spanning from 1884 to 1922. The concept of Winchester Rifles heiress Sarah Winchester the building comprises 160 rooms and is packed with false doors, stairways to nowhere and all manner of other architectural quirks that never fail to please kids with their seeming arbitrariness. Boys always love the tour of the Winchester Firearms Museum - the "Gun that won the West". Rather poignantly it is believed that Sarah Winchester built the house as an atonement of sorts for the people that died as a result of the rifle's usage. Open: daily 09h00-17h00 (Oct-Apr); daily 09h00-19h00 (Jun-Sep).
525 South Winchester Boulevard
Tel: +1 (1)408-247-2101
Admission: USD24.95, adults; USD21.95, children (10-12); children aged 9 or under are not allowed for safety reasons.
Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf
- wax on the wharf
There are no surprises here - waxworks are a familiar attraction but kids love the life-sized dummies that depict stars of stage and screen and historical events. This is one of the largest Wax Museums in the world however - so allow some time to get round the attractions, from the morally uplifting Hall of Religions to the historically accurate depictions of ancient Egypt. Kids are always more excited by the visceral thrills of the Chamber of Horrors however. Open: Mon-Fri 10h00-21h00, Sat-Sun 09h00-23h00.
145 Jefferson Street
Tel: +1 (1)800-439-4305
Admission: USD12.95, adults; USD9.95, children (12-17).
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Health and Safety
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Money
Currency
Currency: United States Dollars (USD). USD1=100 cents
Notes: USD1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and USD1
Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in major hotels and business establishments.Exchange
You can exchange international currencies at main branches of banks, as well as at bureaux de change. You will find exchange facilities in the city centre and at major transport hubs, including the airport and train station.
Using your bankcard to take cash from a networked ATM will get you a good rate. You will usually be charged per transaction for using cash machines however, and you should check with your bank before travelling as to what these charges will be.
Traveller's cheques are accepted almost everywhere. You are advised to carry traveller's cheques in US dollars as US banks may refuse to cash cheques in other currencies.
Traveller's cheques are accepted almost anywhere.International Bureaux de Change include:
American Express Travel Services
455 Market St
San Francisco
Tel: +1 (1)415-536-2600Travelex
75 Geary St
San Francisco
Tel: +1 (1)415-362-3453Banks
Banks are usually open from 10h00-15h00, Mon-Fri. Some open as early as 07h30 and others close as late as 18h00.
Citibank
590 Market St
Tel: +1 (1)415-982-2960Bank of America
33 New Montgomery St
Tel: +1 (1)650-615-4700Bank of America
345 Montgomery St
Tel: +1 (1)650-615-4700 -
Phrase Book
English is spoken throughout the United States, although in cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego and El Paso, Spanish is widely spoken. There are general variations in American and European English vocabulary that might be worth noting.American English ATM
Cash Machine Cab
Taxi Cop
Policeman Collect Call
Reverse charge call Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter
One cent coin, five cents, ten cents, twenty-five cents Bill
Dollar note Phone Booth
Public phone Freeway
Motorway Gas
Petrol Trunk
Boot (car) Hood
Bonnet (car) Hero/Hoagie/Sub
Types of sandwich Sidewalk
Pavement Can/John
Toilet Vacation
Holiday Holidays
Christmas Sneakers
Trainers (footwear) 
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Restaurants and Bars
Restaurants
San Francisco ranks as one of the best culinary cities in the country. Rarely does a restaurant disappoint. The variety of cuisines reflects the ethnic diversity of the city. North Beach spills with locals and tourists in search of Italian fare. Most of the eateries in this Italian section of town serve high-quality pastas with Northern Italian sauces, using the freshest ingredients. North Beach is also filled with cafés - perfect for people watching.
In Chinatown, next to North Beach, the streets are crammed with authentic Chinese restaurants, with enough menu oddities that it seems more like Beijing than West Coast America. The city also specialises in other Asian cuisines, with many excellent Thai, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese restaurants.
For Mexican food, fast-food taquerias fill just about every square inch of the Mission district, San Francisco's Mexican and Latino area. Most serve good quality, overstuffed burritos for under USD5.
Many of San Francisco's famed chefs focus on American cuisine, with a French influence. Though prices can shoot through the roof in some of the most upscale locales, there are plenty of affordable, excellent-quality dining choices throughout the city.
PRICE GUIDE: (average cost of a main course):
= less than USD15 
= USD15 - USD25 
= USD25+American
Boulevard
1 Mission Street
Tel:+1 (1)415-543-6084
Set in the historic Audiffred Building along San Francisco's waterfront district, Boulevard's dazzling Belle Epoque(hand-blown glass chandeliers, mosaic tiles, and views of the Bay Bridge) matches the restaurant's excellent food. Chef Nancy Oakes creates American cuisine with ethnic influences, such as the sautéed halibut with mismo glaze served with shiitake mushrooms, asparagus and pea tendrils sautéed with ginger shiso broth, daikon, enoki and radish salad. The restaurant also features the only wood-burning oven west of Chicago, used to serve oven-roasted organic chicken, rack of lamb, and Niman pork loin, among other dishes.Bix
56 Gold Street
Tel: +1 (1)415-433-6300
Tucked in a tiny alleyway in San Francisco's financial district, Bix has been a favourite among the after work crowd for its food and bar scene since first opening in 1988. Soulful paintings by local artist Mark Stock don the walls, while the food is American with a dash of elegance. Popular starters include Bix's summer organic heirloom tomato cart, dressed tableside, while the chicken hash a la Bix and roasted natural pork loin are dinner faves. As for the bar, which runs the length of the restaurant, Bix serves speciality cocktails and is known for its martinis.Cozmos Corner Bar & Grill
2001 Chestnut Street
Tel: +1 (1)415-351-0175
Since its opening in November 2001, Cozmos has been steadily gaining popularity as a Marina hangout. The brick walls and large central bar give Cozmos a casual feel in this upscale region of town. Entrée choices change daily. Some of the specialities include rare seared Ahi with a sticky rice cake and stir fried Chinese long beans and wasabi aioli, or fettucine with spring vegetable primavera and roasted tomatoes. It's also possible to order small snacks to accompany drinks, such as fried green olives filled with Gorgonzola. There is an extensive local wine list. Reservations are recommended for weekends.French
Jardiniere
300 Grove Street at Franklin
Tel: +1 (1)415-861-5555
Jardiniere's exquisite interior manages to be elegant without pretension. At its centre stands a circular mahogany and black marble-topped bar and staircase leading to a mezzanine. The dome is in the shape of an inverted champagne glass. California-French entrees such as Niman Ranch red wine braised short ribs with horseradish mashed potatoes or the duck confit salad starter with pomegranates and toasted pistachios dominate the menu. Jardiniere belongs to restaurateur Pat Kuleto, responsible for both Boulevard and Farallon, and is popular with the symphony and opera crowd because of its location.Gary Danko
800 North Point at Hyde
Tel: +1 (1)415-749-2060
In the few short years Gary Danko has been around, it has become one of San Francisco's premier dining retreats. Winner of the James Beard award for best new restaurant in America a couple of years ago, Gary Danko attracts high-end tourists, business suits and moneyed locals. Its windows are darkened outside, while inside the atmosphere is sleek and sophisticated. The California-French cuisine is creative and always hearty, with appetisers like lobster salad with mango, avocado, watercress, and lemon-curry vinaigrette, and entrees like Moroccan spiced squab with chermoula and orange-cumin carrots. Fixed-price menus are popular but diners have choices within each category. The wine list is considered one of the best in the city.
Italian
Rose Pistola
532 Columbus Avenue/
Tel: +1 (1)415-399-0499
Smack in the heart of North Beach, Rose Pistola is a favourite for its lively atmosphere and quality food. The menu is Ligurian, a coastal region of Northern Italy, which translates to a variety of seafood options. The Cioppino (Dungeness crab with rock cod, calamari and mussels) is a popular choice, as are the inventive pizzas. This is also one of the few North Beach restaurants that serves Grappa. Reservations are recommended. There is live jazz music Thu-Sun nights.Asian
Slanted Door
1 Ferry Bldg, Embarcadero
Tel: +1 (1)415-861-8032
Slanted Door has made quite a name for itself on the San Francisco dining scene. Its wide selection of California fresh Vietnamese cuisine garnered such a steady following since opening in 1995. Some of the favourites are the fresh spring rolls, caramelised shrimp, and lemongrass tofu. All produce is organic. Save room for one of the mouth-melting desserts. The very reasonable prices are a bonus. Dinner reservations are recommended.Khan Toke Thai House
5937 Geary Street, near 24th Ave
Tel: +1 (1)415-668-6654
Of all the Thai restaurants in the city (and there are a lot), Khan Toke offers the most relaxing, enjoyable atmosphere. A host or hostess takes everyone's shoes at the door and visitors sit on cushions at low tables. Though the menu does not differ that much from other Thai restaurants in the city, the wood panelling, carved wood tables and a glass atrium filled with orchids add a romantic touch. Entrees such as chicken in yellow curry with sweet potatoes are very reasonably priced. The only drawback is the location, far out in the Richmond District.House of Nanking
919 Kearny Street at Jackson
Tel: +1 (1)415-421-1429
House of Nanking packs the crowds into its tiny interior. The restaurant is very basic and not overly concerned with decor, but the food is worth the long lines. Try the imperial rolls, tofu with curry, or hot and sour chicken in garlic sauce or even better, ask the waiter for recommendations. This restaurant does not take reservations.Ebisu
1283 9th Avenue
Tel: +1 (1)415-566-1770
Continuously voted best Japanese restaurant in San Francisco in local polls, Ebisu is known for its creative special rolls. The Swamp Roll, for example, has spicy albacore tuna, yellow onion and seaweed salad, and the Arch Deluxe, combines soft shell crab, crab, isowabi, cucumber, green onion, mayo and garlic. The food is excellent, but the restaurant can get loud. Be prepared for long lines, especially on weekends. Special rolls are priced daily, while most sushi a-la-carte costs around USD6.
AsiaSF
9th Street at Howard
Tel: +1 (1)415-255-2742
AsiaSF takes the concept of dinner theatre to another realm. Elegant drag queens are the entertainment as well as the waiting staff. The menu is mostly California-Asian cuisine, with choices such as grilled shrimp and herb salad, and sake steamed mussels. AsiaSF's signature drinks are named after the "ladies", such as Leilani's Chocolate Martini and Ginger's Sake Cosmo. The bar is also known to have the best sake selection in the city. There are three lip-synch performances an hour by the "gender illusionists". Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when the old-style nightclub can get crowded.Mexican
Maya
303 2nd Street
Tel: +1 (1)415-543-2928
Maya serves great Mexican food in a unique atmosphere with the interior of the restaurant decorated with Mayan masks and other folk art accoutrements. The food is much lighter than normal Mexican fare - easy on the cheese and not nearly as greasy. Maya adds spice to its seafood plates, such as the camarones azteca - shrimp flambé with tequila, served with a huarache stuffed with black beans and goat cheese with chile-chipotle salsa. The desserts are excellent as well.La Taqueria
2889 Mission Street at 25th
Tel: +1 (1)415-285-7117
La Taqueria, which has been serving more than 28 years, is located in no-man's land in the Outer Mission, but for the adventurous, this is worth the stop. Considered by many locals to be the best Mexican in the city, La Taqueria uses fresh ingredients, unlike many of the other small taquerias that leave the food sitting out all day. Portions are not quite as overstuffed as the other Mission-area taquerias, and the prices are a bit higher, but the quality of the tacos, quesadillas, and burritos is worthwhile.Seafood
The first place most tourists head for seafood is to Fisherman's Wharf. The Wharf is fine for takeaway seafood cocktails, soup, or crab, but the restaurants that line the Wharf tend to mass-produce mediocre fare, often for a pricey sum. There are few that do seafood entrees better than others such as A Sabellas. But unless eating at the Wharf is a high priority, there are better seafood options in the city. Aqua
252 California Street
Tel: +1 (1)415-956-9662
After ten years in business, Aqua remains one of the best seafood restaurants in San Francisco. The floral displays lend a comfortable feel to this white linen restaurant. Chef Michael Mina is still creating inventive dishes such as tapioca crusted Tai snapper, imported white anchovy and asparagus salad, and truffled sweet corn and carrot soup. Aqua is noted for its chef's tasting menu, which costs USD85 per person. Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner.PJ's Oyster Bed
737 Irving Street, between 8th and 9th Ave
Tel: +1 (1)415-566-7775
Though it's far from the city centre, PJ Oyster is well worth the trip. The environment is upbeat and loud, and the menu varied, with an emphasis toward New Orleans Cajun and Creole spices. Popular dishes include the jambalaya and stuffed chile campana, Creole shrimp smothered with trout catahoula, and calamari and habanero penne roast. PJ's is also known for its soups, namely its New England clam chowder. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, when there is always a wait to get in.Vegetarian
Millennium
Savoy Hotel, 580 Geary Street
Tel: +1 (1)415-441-2700
Millennium is not only the best vegetarian restaurant in the city, it serves some of the tastiest fare, period. The gourmet dishes are completely animal product free, meaning no dairy or eggs are used. Organic produce is used whenever available, and the menu touts that all dishes are cholesterol free. Tofu and other soy products are staples in many dishes. The menu often changes, but entrées are always inventive, such as the Asian Style Napoleon, with oyster mushrooms, Japanese eggplant, smoked tofu, Asian vegetables, sesame sauce, crisp filo, jasmine rice and kaffir lime coconut sauce. Save room for the irresistible vegan desserts such as the Chocolate Almond Midnight mousse cake. Reservations are recommended.Bars
Though San Francisco isn't a super late-night city like its counterparts on the East Coast (i.e. New York), it does have a spirited nightlife in certain sections of town. The most concentrated selection of bars and nightclubs are located in an area called SoMa (South of Market), where locals come to see live shows at venues like Slim's or hit the big dance clubs. Several dance spots are located along Folsom Street downtown, while 11th Street is a good spot for live music and bars.
Another area for drinks is in the Mission, around 16th and Valencia. Bars like the Casanova Lounge and Dalva are local hangouts during the week and crowded with bridge and tunnel crowds on the weekends. Further out on Valencia, and into the Outer Mission, there are some eclectic bars and clubs, such as El Rio, known for its Sunday afternoon salsa parties, and 26 Mix.
Lower Haight features some grittier bars such as Noc Noc and Nickie's BBQ, which is always packed for its weekend funk DJs. Meanwhile, North Beach is the spot for outdoor cafés and late-evening people watching. If you fancy something a bit out of the ordinary though, there are more than enough to suit. These are just a few from San Francisco's eclectic bar community - check out the nightlife section as well for some truly weird and wonderful venues to enjoy a drink.Harry Denton's Starlight Room
450 Powell Street, on the 21st floor of the Sir Frances Drake Hotel
Tel: +1 (1)415-395-8595
Offering some of the best views of Union Square and downtown San Francisco, Harry Denton's Starlight Room draws an upscale crowd of swanky drink sippers. The hostesses are garbed in formal black gowns while R&B, Motown and jazz music add to the ambience. There is live music Tuesdays and Thursdays through Saturdays, and a DJ on Sunday and Monday nights. Speciality drinks at Harry's include the Star Struck - Remy red, crème de banana, galliano, and orange and lemon juices (USD8). The drink menu includes a large selection of aperitifs as well as an extensive wine list. Harry's serves gourmet appetizers and pizzas.Hurricane Bar
950 Mason Street
Tel: +1 (1)415-772-5278
Considered by many magazines and critics to have the best happy hour in San Francisco, the Hurricane Bar, located in the Fairmont Hotel's Tonga Room, is a lively, playful stop after a day of shopping in Union Square. The happy hour, weekdays from 17h00-19h00, includes an all-you-can-eat buffet with Polynesian treats for just USD6. Every half-hour the tropical setting is inundated by simulated thunder, rain, and lightning. The seating is in a square around a pool, and each night a live band comes out to the stage by boat. The bar is set up like a galleon, with the deck of the ship its dance floor.Top of the Mark
1 Nob Hill
Tel: +1 (1)415-616-6916
Top of the Mark, set on the top floor of the Mark Hopkins hotel on Nob Hill, boasts 360-degree views from any table in the room. Some locals come for the live music Thursdays to Saturdays, including the Thursday night swing session, but this is mostly a tourist bar. The bar is known for its Top of the Mark Martini with a vodka and gin mix. Martinis are about USD9.50 while appetisers range from USD10 tortilla chips to USD115 Russian caviar. Sunday champagne brunch costs USD49 per person. There is a USD5 cover charge for the live music after 20h00 Thu and USD10 after 21h00 Fri-Sat.Buena Vista Café
2765 Hyde Street
Tel: +1 (1)415-474-5044
Since opening in the 1890s, the Buena Vista Café has become renowned for its Irish coffee, serving an average of 2000 glasses of it a day. This is the perfect resting spot for those visiting Fisherman's Wharf, and an Irish coffee the perfect elixir for those cold, foggy nights. The café's mahogany bar looks out onto the San Francisco Bay.Vesuvio Café
255 Columbus Avenue
Tel: +1 (1)415-362-3370
If there is one spot in San Francisco to connect with its Beat Generation past, Vesuvio Café is it. The wood and stained glass bar opened in 1948 and is filled with photos and other memorabilia from the Beat era. Vesuvio was a regular hangout for Jack Kerouac and the other Beat poets, one reason the corner street where the bar sits was named Jack Kerouac Alley. Aside from North Beach tourists, Vesuvio is still popular among local artists, writers, and the after-dinner crowd. House drinks include The Jack Kerouac-rum, tequila, orange and cranberry juice with lime.Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant
1000 Great Hwy
Tel: +1 (1)415-386-8439
Housed in what used to be a national park museum, this oceanfront brewery and restaurant is most notable for its views of Ocean Beach. The home-brewed beers are the highlight here. In the evening, there is often live jazz and a crowd at the spacious bar area. The likes of Winona Ryder and Chris Isaak have been spotted at the chalet on occasion, although it's mainly tourists propping up the bar. - See and Do
Yerba Buena Gardens
SBC Park 
March 
June 
