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.

Paul & Shark

An Italian haberdashery for the yachting set. Elegant clothing for men and women.
Pearl of Orient

This award-winning store carries the finest cultured pearls at excellent prices. Their staff is knowledgable about the manufacture and care of these lustrous gems.
Pedicabs

Skip the cable cars with their long lines and crowded interiors! You don't have to ride them to appreciate them. A better way to see the city is a pedicab ride. A family of four can easily fit, and the riders are happy to take you just about anywhere you want to go. Look for them along the Embarcadero (especially in front of the Ferry Building). It's a great and green way to get off your feet, and kids love it.
People’s Café

For a cappuccino and a snack any time of day or night, this is a great hangout.
Perry’s

A San Francisco institution, noted for its burgers and other all-American faves, including meatloaf, prime rib, and fried chicken.
Pescadero Beach

This beach has a 1-mile (1.5-km) shoreline with sandy coves, rocky cliffs, tide pools, surf-fishing spots, and picnic facilities. Across the highway is Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, a popular area for bird-watchers and other naturalists, being a refuge for blue heron, kites, deer, raccoons, foxes and skunks. The beach is 14.5 miles (23.3 km) south of Half Moon Bay on Highway 1 (see San Gregorio and Pescadero).
Phoenix Hotel

The place that Johnny Depp, REM, and the late John F. Kennedy, Jr, have all chosen to stay when they’ve visited the city might be to your liking, too. Located a bit too close to the Tenderloin for all but the most self-assured. Breakfast included, as well as parking.
Photography Gallery

The Gallery of California Art also has a fine collection of the work of California photographers, including Ansel Adams and Edward Weston.
Piazza d’Angelo

This first-rate Italian has a creative menu and a fine selection of wines. Indoor and outdoor seating, a lavish dessert cart, and a very happening feel.
Pika Pika

Got tweens or teens? This is the place to take them (tweens) or drop them off for an hour (teens).

Pika Pika is a full-service film and digital photo shop, but that's not all. They also have 7 sticker photo booths (a.k.a. purikura) straight from Japan, each with oodles of different backgrounds. Your kids can primp, pose, and print to their hearts' content. A photo sheet usually takes 15-20 minutes to make, and costs between $5 and $9.

Or bring your own digital photos, upload them, and have them turned into rubber stamps too (from $16.95).

Or do both.

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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