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.

Beauty Bar

Part of a chain, this San Francisco bar opened in 1998. The interior is decorated to Bubble Lounge resemble a vintage hair salon complete with hairdryers. Look out for the “manicure and martini” happy hour. The music is eclectic, and is mixed by local and nationally known DJs.
Beck’s Motor Lodge

This standard 1960s motel is handy for the Castro, the Lower Haight, and the Mission. It’s one of those no-frills, what-you-see-is-what-you-get places, simple and very serviceable, and quiet, given its prime location. Free parking is a plus, and cable TV, too.
Bed & Breakfast San Francisco

All homes participating in the service have been carefully selected. Private residences in every desirable part of San Francisco are listed, including Pacific Heights and the Marina.
Beers and Ales

Local breweries abound in the Bay Area, such as Anchor Steam Beer (see Potrero Hill).
Bel Abri

Rooms feature shutters, French tapestries, and wrought-iron pieces. Most rooms include a fireplace, and two of the rooms also have Jacuzzis.
Belvedere Island

This garden island, attached by a causeway to Tiburon, is one of the most exclusive residential areas in the Bay. It’s worth a visit to take in the palatial homes and their sumptuous settings.
Berkeley

Its days as “Berzerkly,” when student protesters and tear-gas clouds filled the streets in the 1960s, are only a fading memory now, although Telegraph Avenue still keeps some of the countercultural traditions alive. A great university, “Cal’s” faculty boasts some dozen Nobel Laureates, while beautiful parks, tree-lined streets, and unique shops typify this East Bay enclave. Berkeley continues to give more “power to the people” than any other US city, with a host of public services and aid to the disadvantaged that puts other communities to shame.

Sather Tower, Berkeley campus
Berkeley & Oakland Hills

Blending gently with the Berkeley Hills, the Oakland Hills offer some beautiful parks, such as Redwood Regional Park. Skyline Boulevard provides access to most of this ridge area, with many picnic groves and hiking options along the winding way.
Bia’s Restaurant and Winebar

The top choice for Mediterranean cuisine.
Big Basin State Park, Boulder Creek

Highway 9 is one of the most picturesque drives in the Bay Area, winding its way among the green Santa Cruz Mountains and through little towns where nothing much changes. Life has a backwoods feel here, although it’s only minutes from the hubbub of Silicon Valley.

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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