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.

Bikeway

This 340-ft (104-m) mural chronicles a bike-ride from Downtown to Ocean Beach.
Biking

Although the hills’ amazing grades overwhelm all but those with legs of steel, bicycling is very big in San Francisco. Rent bikes from City Cycle.
Biking Across Golden Gate Bridge

On Fisherman's Wharf there are a number of bike hire companies that rent by the hour or by the day. As well as 'bike the bridge' a number of other intineraries are available that include ferry connection to Marin County.
Blue Chalk Cafe

The young and cool of Silicon Valley have been flocking to this successful bar/pool hall/restaurant ever since it opened it 1993.
Boating

Sailing, rowing and kayaking are all great here, although far from a cakewalk on the Bay’s unpredictable waters and sometimes ferocious prevailing winds. Play it nice and easy by taking a boat out on Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park (see Stow Lake and Strawberry Hill).
Bohemia Bar and Bistro

This enormous, bi-level joint has pool tables, ping-pong, a small dance floor, and a chill-out room upstairs with skylights and windows overlooking the street. The music can vary widely, depending on the DJ, from house to top-40, or you can put your money in one of the jukeboxes.
Bolinas

The next community up from Stinson is a hippie artists’ village that time forgot. Intensely private, the citizens regularly take down all road signs indicating the way to their special place to keep visitors from finding them. Potters and other craftspeople sell their wares in the funky gallery, organic produce and vegetarianism are the rule, and 1960s idealism still predominates.
Bolinas Beach

This hidden-away Marin beach tends to be windy and is mostly used by dog-walkers, and kayakers. It’s sandy, with a backdrop of rocky cliffs. If you walk north, you’ll find warmer nooks and crannies out of the wind, where some sun-worshipers bask in the nude, although there is a rarely enforced city ordinance against it.
Book Bay Bookstore

Great secondhand books, records, and CDs, and all the proceeds support programs in San Francisco’s libraries. No better prices anywhere.
Borders

This chain bookstore offers a good selection of the latest titles, some excellent bargain choices, and a snack bar.