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In a great setting near the beach, the Chapline sculpture garden is full of delights, especially the brilliant kinetic pieces driven by the wind, which are the work of Lyman Whitaker. Inside, the variety and quality of painted and mixed-media work is very compelling.

Surrounded by redwoods, the rooms in this Queen Anne Victorian are graced with fresh flowers, and some have views of the Bay.

Standard American fare, but the real reason to come here is to see the Pacific crashing on the cliffs below and to witness the wonderful sunsets.

Built in 1909, the present structure is the third on this site and was renovated in 2004. Its predecessor, a massively elaborate eight-story Victorian-Gothic castle that burned down in 1907, was built by the flamboyant entrepreneur Adolph Sutro (his estate overlooking Cliff House is now Sutro Heights Park). Cliff House has restaurants on the upper levels, observation decks overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a new wing containing two bars, a visitors’ center, and the Camera Obscura. The Musée Méchanique has moved to Pier 45 at Fisherman’s Wharf (see Musée Mechanique and Holographic Museum).

A wild coastal setting, with views of crashing waves.

Solid American diner food – burgers, hot dogs, French fries, shakes, and wine and beer, too.

At least 20 different beaches line Highway 1 south of San Francisco. Some of the best include Gray Whale Cove, Montara State Beach, Miramar Beach and El Granada Beach, Roosevelt Beach, Dunes Beach, Francis Beach, Poplar Beach, Pelican Point Beach, Cowell Ranch State Beach, Martin’s Beach, San Gregorio Beach, Pescadero State Beach, Bean Hollow State Beach, and Pebble Beach.

Mojitos – white rum, ice and fresh mint – are an old standby still going strong.

Many more ways to drink your coffee than there are in all of Europe – latte is still the blend of choice.

Perched on Telegraph Hill, this Art Deco sentinel takes the form of a giant fluted column. Reminiscent of Renaissance towers, the column is 63-meters tall and is perforated around the top with arched openings and windows, which visitors can reach by elevator for stunning views of the city.