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These four skyscrapers are primarily office towers, but on the lower and promenade levels there are over 125 shops and restaurants, from newsstands and coffee bars to a Gap. The choice tends toward the major chains.

The last few years have witnessed a welcome transformation along the entire stretch of the Embarcadero. The 1989 earthquake put an end to the idea of running a freeway into the city center, so the old shipping piers are now set off by new plantings and sidewalks and the area is being promoted as a breezy park. In-line skaters and cyclists disport themselves where once concrete embankments held sway (see The Embarcadero).

Considering it’s mostly a café for people-watching, the food is wonderful – try the stuffed fried olives.

Furnished apartments are available in several locations around town, with a 30-day minimum stay. This company provides all the comforts of home, with the added amenities of a hotel. Every apartment has a fully equipped kitchen. All utilities are included, as well as local phone calls, cable TV, and maid service.

Kids can experience one of the finest, uniquely San Francisco interactive days at this superb science museum. They’ll learn all about their senses and how they work, as well as delve into all the laws of physics through first-hand experiments. The top draw, however, is the Tactile Dome, a totally dark sphere in which you feel your way along, touching a range of sensorially stimulating objects and textures (see Palace of Fine Arts and the Exploratorium).

Surfing here requires great fortitude and is not for beginners. The same goes for windsurfing on the Bay’s wild waters. Hang-gliding can be tackled by novices, but only under the guidance of an expert.

“Opulent” and “palatial” barely begin to describe this grande dame of San Francisco hotels, taking pride of place on Nob Hill. The rooms and service are commensurate with its status.