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.

Bank of America

This 52-story structure was the first skyscraper to be erected in the city, in 1972. The color was a mistake – the granite that faces it was supposed to be pink, not brown, but by the time delivery was made, it was too late.
Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers

A fantastic place to take kids who are ready for some familiar food. Barney's may be named after its burgers, but they're famous for their spicy curly fries.

This isn't health food, but you can always hike to the Golden Gate Bridge and back after lunch.

Barney's is located in the busy, buzzy Marina district (internationally famous for its buildings which sank into the landfill on which it's built in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake). Don't worry, everything's been retrofitted now...
Basic Instinct

This 1992 thriller sees Sharon Stone and Michael Douglas cross Golden Gate Bridge to a love-pad at Seadrift.
Bay and Golden Gate Bridges

The Bay Bridge’s inauguration in 1936 heralded the end of the age of ferryboats by linking the city to the East Bay. The inauguration of the Golden Gate Bridge took place a year later (see Golden Gate Bridge).
Bay Area Discovery Museum

This hands-on museum is aimed directly at children. Kids will be able to interact with an underwater sea tunnel, an art studio, a science lab, an engineering lab, the “Maze of Illusions,” and a media center, among other things.
Bay Meadows Racecourse

Take the CalTrain to this seasonal racetrack.
Bay Quackers Duck Tour

A wacky land and sea tour of San Francisco in a decommissioned WWII amphibious vehicle called a "DUKW" and nicknamed a "Duck".

Before the tour, the guide distributes plastic yellow “quackers” and leads everyone in a little warm-up exercise. During the tour, passengers are encouraged to quack at passersby, locals, and tourists, many of whom actually quack back (this alone is worth the price of the tour for me, and frankly restores my faith in humanity).

The 90-minute tour takes you through Fisherman's Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, and Union Square. At China Basin (south of AT&T Park), the Duck magically morphs into a boat, and everyone gets a chance to drive (kids included).

I'm a fan of these tours for the same reason I like the motorized cable car tours: you can see something of the city while sitting on your butt. Who doesn't need a little rest while traveling with kids?
Beach Blanket Babylon

High camp and high headdresses, along with jolly good singing by the veteran ensemble cast make this one of the joys of the city. It’s been zinging the heartstrings of lovers of San Francisco for more than a quarter of a century and shows no signs of flagging. The excuse for all this frivolity is the sending up of various notables, most of whom well deserve the good-natured ribbing.
Beach Chalet

Depression-era murals depict famous citizens.
Beach Chalet Brewery

Again, you come for the view, both outside, of the ocean, and inside, of the murals. The food is not much to write home about.

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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