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.

Lark Creek Inn

One of the loveliest garden settings on the Bay (see The Lark Creek Inn).
Las Camelias

Everything here is homemade and unusual. The decor is particularly appealing, most of the art being the work of the charming hostess-owner.
Laurel Inn

This stylish hotel is located in Presidio Heights, and is decorated in a hip mid-century fashion. The 18 bedrooms have kitchenettes and some feature CD players and VCRs. Breakfast is included and there is free parking.
Le Cheval

This may be the largest restaurant you’ll ever see, yet efficiently run. Expect to wait at the friendly bar for a table, then get ready for Vietnamese cuisine at its best.
Lefty O’Doul’s

Opened in 1958 by the local baseball legend, this Downtown landmark is a cafeteria-style sports bar with live piano music. Good fun when the old crowd starts on their renditions of even older show tunes.
Leland Stanford

One of the “Big Four” who masterminded the Transcontinental railroad also founded Stanford University (see Palo Alto and Stanford).
Lexington Club

The only full-time “girl” bar in the city, amazingly, set in a subset Mission District neighborhood that has been on the rise recently as a lesbian enclave. Young pierced sylphs, 40-something professionals, and even straight women frequent this fun “down-home, divey den for dykes,” as one devotee dubbed it.
Lit

Proving there’s something for everyone South of Market, the interior of this ornate cocktail lounge is replicated Victorian-era style. Music includes house and techno.
Loma Prieta Earthquake

In October 1989, the quake destroyed the Victorian center of Santa Cruz and part of the Bay Bridge.
Lombard Street

Called “The Crookedest Street in the World,” it isn’t too hair-raising, but the views of North Beach as you descend are charming.

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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