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.

Precita Eyes Mural Arts & Visitors Centre

The little-known Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Centre in San Francisco’s Mission district is one of just three community mural projects in the US. It aims to beautify urban areas with community art by organising and sponsoring mural projects throughout the Bay area.

At the visitors centre you’ll witness volunteers and professional muralists collaborating on projects to bring art into the daily lives of the local community. Casual, informative tours of the vivid, ever-changing public art that covers much of the area are also run from the centre. And it has a shop, where you can buy mural postcards, T-shirts and maps, plus art supplies if you’re feeling inspired.
Prego

Good, reliable Italian standards served with nonchalant elegance. It’s always busy but never so much so that you have a long wait.
Presidio Heights

Originally part of the “Great Sand Waste” to the west, this neighborhood is now one of the most élite. The zone centers on Sacramento Street as its discreet shopping area. It’s worth a stroll, primarily for the architecture. Of interest are the Swedenborgian Church at 2107 Lyon Street, the Roos House at 3500 Jackson Street, and Temple Emanu-El at 2 Lake Street.
Pride Celebration Parade

More than 300,000 people attend this amazing gay event, the largest of its kind in the US, that takes over Market Street, from the Embarcadero to the Civic Center. It’s up to four hours of Dykes on Bikes, drag queens in nuns’ habits, leather-clad clones, gay parents, gay marching bands, muscle men, and much more. The floats – as well as the cheering throngs – are likely to be the most over-the-top, outlandish things you’ve ever witnessed.
Printer's Inc Cafe

This little cafe, adjacent to Palo Alto's best book store serves good food and coffees.
Psychic Eye Book Shop

A panoply of exotic gods and goddesses.
Purisima Creek Redwoods

A series of hiking trails takes you through this former Redwood forest. The Douglas Firs are jaw-droppingly big enough but it's the boles of the Redwoods which give you some sense of the former glories of this woodland. The Redwood stumps have now thrown up "daughter" trees to give you some sense of their past but it still leaves you aching for a time machine. You'll probably also see the Banana Slug, the World's second biggest slug, just try and avoid treading on them.
Queen Anne

Built in 1890, this old mansion has been lovingly refurbished according to Victorian taste. Rooms are all different and filled with antiques. Breakfast is complimentary, and your morning newspaper, too. The views are delightful.
Queen Anne Hotel

The Queen Anne is a luxury boutique B & B hotel full of antique charm and (as B & B suggests) an amazing breakfast. The staff are really friendly and the antique decor is grand, but homely. I love the lift - it reminded me of The Shining (but in a good way).
Quetzal

A colorful, bustling place where you can get a brew – from coffee to beer – and check your e-mail. A full selection of breakfast and lunch fare.

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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