DK Travel : San Francisco

San Franciscans will, rather candidly, admit that they are the most fortunate people on earth, the occasional earthquake notwithstanding; and most visitors, after a few days of taking in the sights and sounds of this magnificent city, will agree. Ask anyone who has been here and they will tell you it’s their favorite US city. The geographical setting evokes so much emotional drama, the light seems clearer, the colors more vivid, the cultural diversity of the ethnic neighborhoods so captivating and inviting, that it’s a place almost everyone can fall in love with at first sight.

Campton Place

A member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World and definitely one of San Francisco’s finest, this place aims to provide personal attention to every guest. Expect to find the best of everything. Its restaurant also has national ranking.
Capp’s Corner

Serves one of the most authentic minestrones outside of Italy.
Carmel

Carmel-By-The-Sea was founded as an artists’ colony in the early 1900s, and is now one of the most exclusive communities in the world – having recently boasted actor Clint Eastwood as its mayor. Its old Spanish mission, one of the 21 built along the coast (see Mission Dolores) is considered California’s most beautiful.
Carnaval

Having nothing at all to do with Lent or any other traditional date, San Francisco’s Carnaval is staged at the time of year when the weather will most likely be at its best for the glittery event. Groups work all year long, with the help of municipal grants, to create their dazzling costumes and put together their infectiously rhythmic routines, all to a samba, rumba, or salsa beat.
Carol Doda’s Champagne & Lace Lingerie Boutique

Bodywear for women and men, brought to you by the infamous entertainment pioneer who brought topless dancing to San Francisco in the 1960s. Naturally, the emphasis is on risqué styles.
Cartoon Art Museum

With an endowment from Peanuts creator, the late Charles M. Schulz, the museum is the only one in the US dedicated to cartoon art in all its forms, with approximately 6,000 pieces in its permanent collection.
Castro District

This hilly neighborhood around Castro Street is the center of San Francisco’s high-profile gay community. The intersection of Castro and 18th streets is the self-proclaimed “Gayest Four Corners of the World,” and this openly homosexual nexus emerged in the 1970s as the place of pilgrimage for gays and lesbians from all over the country and the world. Unlike other cities, where homosexuals once hid themselves away in dark corners of anonymous bars, the establishments here have full picture windows right on the street and are busy at all hours. Castro Street is closed off every Hallowe’en for the famous gay costume party that most agree is one of the city’s best, second only perhaps to the Gay Pride Parade (see Castro Street Fair).

Castro Theater, Castro District
Castro District

Fine shops, gay bookstores and erotic boutiques.
Castro Street Fair

A build-up to Hallowe’en, it focuses attention on everyday gay life.
Castro Suites

This restored 1890s Italianate Victorian has views of Downtown and the Bay. Accommodations are a mixture of contemporary furniture, original art, and plants. The kitchen is equipped with dishwasher, clothes washer, and microwave.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $100
- $100-$200
- $200-$250
- $250-$300
- over $300
Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $20
- $20-$40
- $40-$55
- $55-$80
- over $80