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.

Owsley Stanley

The most famous source of pure LSD in the 1960s.
Oya Nike Cultural

As intriguing a selection of African masks and carvings as you’re likely to find, along with incense, candles and powders. Spiritual readings also available.
Ozzie’s Soda Fountain

Established in 1921, it hasn’t changed since the 1950s. It’s a classic soda fountain, with root beer floats, meatloaf sandwiches, and blueberry pancakes.
O’Reilly’s

The bar dates from 1825 and was imported from Ireland. Everything else here evokes the Emerald Isle, as well.
Pacific Heights

A grander, more exclusive residential area is hard to imagine. Commanding as it does heights up to 300 ft (100 m) overlooking the magnificent Bay, everything about it proclaims power and wealth. The blocks between Alta Plaza and Lafayette Park are the very heart of the area, but the grandeur extends from Gough to Divisadero and beyond. On a sunny day, there’s nothing more exhilarating than scaling its hills and taking in the perfectly manicured streets, the to-die-for views, and the palatial dwellings. The Spreckels Mansion, a limestone palace in the Beaux-Arts tradition, on Washington and Octavia streets, is the brightest gem of the lot, now owned by novelist Danielle Steele.

Typical house, Pacific Heights
Pacific Heights

A very cultural area, that appeals to people of all interests, food, Victorian and Art Deco architecture, shopping, the people, the streets, views of the bay. It has it all, to suit everyone, no matter what their interests.
Pacific Heights Inn

Situated on a quiet block close to transportation, this 1960s motel is modern and comfortable. There is on-site parking and some rooms have kitchenettes.
Pacific Heritage Museum

Occupying the old San Francisco Mint (1875–7), on top of which the Bank of Canton has been built. The bank sponsors the museum, which focuses on the art of the Pacific Rim, aiming to bring the work of Asian artists to a wider audience. Exhibitions feature many pieces on loan from private collections and otherwise rarely seen.
Palace

Dating from 1875, this historic landmark emanates an aura of architectural splendor that nevertheless whispers refinement. The stupefyingly gorgeous Garden Court and the original Maxfield Parrish mural in the Pied Piper Lounge are national treasures. The rooms are wonderful, too, but sadly without views.
Palace of Fine Arts

This bit of Neo-Classical fluff was designed by architect Bernard Maybeck for the Pan-Pacific Exposition of 1915. It is patterned on an 18th-century engraving by Giovanni Piranesi entitled The Isle of the Dead (see Palace of Fine Arts and the Exploratorium).

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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