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.

Nordstrom

Located on the top five floors of this gleaming center, the fashion emporium is known as the “store in the sky.” Impeccable service, a vast selection, and a refined atmosphere featuring live piano music make this a very upscale shopping experience.
North Beach

The entire area resonates with the history of the early Italian residents, but even more with the iconoclastic legacy of the revolutionary Beats, who brought the neighborhood worldwide fame. Historic churches stand as clear landmarks, while equally historic saloons and cafés take a little snooping around to find.
North Beach

This lively neighborhood is the city’s original “Little Italy” and is still noted for its great Italian restaurants and cafés, mostly lined up along and near Columbus Avenue. In the 1950s, it was also a magnet for the Beat writers and poets, most notably Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg (see Writers), who brought to the area a Bohemian style which it still sports today. This is a great place for nightlife, from the tawdry bawdiness of Broadway strip joints to the simple pleasures of listening to a mezzo-soprano while you sip your cappuccino (see North Beach Views).
North Beach Festival

The city’s oldest street fair features arts and crafts and some great Italian food.
North Beach Views

The panoramic views from both the hill and the top of the Coit Tower are justly celebrated. The wide arc sweeping from the East Bay and the Bay Bridge to Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge is breathtaking.
Oakland

Gertrude Stein’s famous dictum about her home town, that “there is no there there,” is being challenged these days by a very proactive new mayor, Jerry Brown. Oakland’s image, notorious for racial unrest and crime in the past, is being cleaned up to present a more visitor-friendly face, and there has been an influx of creative types who have moved here to flee the high rents of San Francisco. Oakland’s attractions include huge Lake Merritt, which offers a range of recreational possibilities, a beautiful Mormon temple and its Museum of California (see Oakland Museum Features).
Oakland Athletics

Members of the American Football League, and historic winners in the 1970s.
Oakland Raiders

Members of the American Football League.
Oakwood Geary Courtyard

Located close to Union Square and public transport, this modern apartment block includes amenities such as a swimming pool, sauna, concierge, dry cleaning service, fitness center, and business center. The furnished and serviced apartments can be rented for a minimum of 30 days.
Ocean Beach

Most of San Francisco’s western boundary is defined by this broad sweep of sand. Although sublime when viewed from Cliff House or Sutro Heights, the beach is dangerous for swimming due to its icy waters, rough shore breakers, and, most of all, rip currents that are powerful enough to drag even strong swimmers out to sea. Nevertheless, hardy surfers in thick wetsuits are a common sight, and in fine weather sun-bathers and picnickers materialize.

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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