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.

Chestnut Street

Set in a really nice neighbourhood on the bay side of town, Chestnut street is a nice place to shop, hang out and people watch. Along side the usual shopping chains, you get some nice boutiques and the odd toy and comic shop (which pleases me!).
Chestnut Street

Clothing boutiques, health-food shops, and an old-fashioned cinema.
Chevy’s

Fresh Tex-Mex in generous portions. The chips and salsa are free.
Chez Panisse

The birthplace of Cal-Med cuisine. You’ll have to book weeks ahead.
China Basin

This old shipping port has not been exempt from the upsurge of interest in the previously neglected industrial area. The main change has been wrought by the building of the new Pacific Bell Park, home to the city’s major league baseball team, the San Francisco Giants, and developers have already put forth ideas of how the zone can be put to use. A number of restaurants, bars, and clubs, many with port views, have opened up here lately or have been refurbished and gentrified.
China Beach

Officially called James D. Phelan Beach, this is the poshest beach in San Francisco, being an adjunct to the exclusive Sea Cliff neighborhood. Despite its pedigree, however, California law requires that all coastal areas remain public, although access roads to them can be private. China Beach is small and protected from the wind, there’s plenty of parking, and it’s a pleasant walk down to the sand. Once there, you’ll find showers and even changing rooms.
China Town

China Town is another world. You cross the street and suddenly Chinese characters on street signs, men playing mah jong in the park, corner acupuncturists, and grocery stores selling things you can't identify.

Some of this is for tourists' benefit, but most of it isn't. Hold tight to your children's hands, and immerse yourself here.

Taste tea. Shop for souvenirs. Try on hats. Buy a box of pop pop snappers and wow your kids by setting off tiny explosions at their feet.

Chinatown is fun and unpredictable. You'll often see a Lion Dance parade right down the middle of Grant Street, or a wedding party.

If your kids have an adventurous palate, stop into one of the many restaurants for a dim sum lunch.
China Town Kites

The thing about the global economy is that you can buy anything, anywhere. It makes it really difficult to find interesting, unique souvenirs.

Not so at family owned and operated China Town Kites! Browse their selection of hand painted kites: there are dragons, grasshoppers, goldfish, and turtles.

Personally I think they're too beautiful (and expensive) to risk flying. They make gorgeous decorations for a child's room though.

Even if you're not buying, this shop is an oasis in the bustle of China Town. Go in!
Chinatown

The exotic feel of one of the world’s largest Chinese communities outside of Asia makes this a magnet for locals and visitors alike.
Chinatown

Since its beginnings in the 1850s, this densely populated neighborhood has held its own powerful cultural identity despite every threat and cajolery. To walk along its cluttered, clattering streets and alleys is to be transported to another continent and into another way of life – a “city” within the city.

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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
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- $40-$55
- $55-$80
- over $80