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.

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Musee Mechanique

Some people (such as my husband) think that this Mechanical Museum is just a tarted up video arcade. Those people are wrong. Also, they are killjoys

The Musee Mechanique is one of the world's largest privately-owned collections of mechanically operated musical instruments and antique arcade machines.

Admission is free, but be prepared to drop lots and lots of quarters into machines that dance the Can-Can, tell your future, and show you slide shows of old San Francisco.

My kids spent most of their money on foot massage chairs, baseball game machines, and an old fashioned boxing game (think Rock'em Sock'em Robots, but metal).

The location on Pier 45 can be a little tricky to find the first time. Go to the giant, famous Fisherman's Wharf crab sign, and head back toward the bay.

The museum opens daily at 10am, and I'd suggest going early to beat the crowds.
Neiman Marcus Cafe

This is not the Rotunda Cafe-- this is a small cafe with an entrance on Geary or through the 1st floor of the store. It has simple service, simply great sandwiches, salads, and soups-- all reasonably priced. A perfect lunch spot when shopping near Union Square. There can be a line, so be prepared to wait.
New Asia

Although they don't have the best dim sum in town, New Asia is an unbeatable scene. It's absolutely huge (there used to be a sign on the wall that read, "Maximum Occupancy 1,000") and totally frenetic.

If you've never had dim sum, you're in for a fun time. You choose whatever looks good from the carts speeding past. The servers (whose English is limited) explain their offerings, mark your check, and total it up at the end. It's a great way to eat.

If your kids are picky eaters, ask to see the menu and order some plain rice or noodles. BBQ pork buns are another good choice for the short set.

I'd avoid the bathroom here unless it's an absolute emergency---it's a little too authentic, even for me.
Pacific Heights

A very cultural area, that appeals to people of all interests, food, Victorian and Art Deco architecture, shopping, the people, the streets, views of the bay. It has it all, to suit everyone, no matter what their interests.
Parrot-spotting on Telegraph Hill

Explore Telegraph Hill on foot looking for the wild parrot flock that roosts there in all their green and red squawking glory. Trust me, if these clownish avians are anywhere nearby, you can’t miss them.

Meander down the pedestrian-only Filbert Steps, just under Coit Tower. If you don’t find them there, try the park at Drumm and Clay (especially at dusk). Unfortunately, it's illegal to feed them anymore, but they're still fun to watch.
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.
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.
Point Lobos State Reserve

Point Lobos is one of California's most beautiful state parks, located on the coast about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It is outstanding for hiking, sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, & SCUBA diving. Wildlife includes seals, sea lions, sea otters and migrating gray whales (from December to May), as well as numerous sea birds.
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.
Printer's Inc Cafe

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