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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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 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).
Saloon

I can’t say enough about Saloon, the oldest bar in San Francisco. They offer live music 7 nights a week (and afternoons on Saturday and Sunday). This place actually crops up in movies due to it’s “hasn’t been messed with décor” and true eclectic mix of tourists, business folks, locals, transients and more. It’s full of life and not to be missed.
San Francisco Giants Home Game

I don't even particularly like baseball, and I love coming here to catch a game.

The park---new in 2000---is in an intimate, waterfront setting (and yes they really do hit balls into the bay sometimes, you can watch the kayakers waiting out there on the JumboTron).

On a sunny day, it's a blast. Check the Giants' schedule for special events (dog costume parades, and toy giveaways for example).

Bring your own picnic to save some money if you want, but you'll wish you hadn't when you see what's on offer. Sit in the bleachers to economize instead...the food's too good to miss.
San Mateo Central Park

San Mateo Central Park 50 E. 5th Avenue San Mateo, CA 94401

Central Park is San Mateo’s signature park. It has lighted tennis courts, bocce ball courts, a playground and a baseball field.

Japanese Tea Garden The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the finest tea gardens in California and was designed by landscape architect, Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo. It features a granite pagoda, tea house, koi pond and bamboo grove. The Japanese Tea Garden is beautiful throughout the year, but be sure to visit in the late Winter and early Spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. The Japanese Garden hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Koi fish feeding is twice daily at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. For more information about the Japanese Tea Garden, call (650) 522-7440.
Sea Lion Colony

At the end of Pier 39 is an enormous, vociferous, and pungent colony of California Sea Lions. These lazy pinipeds don’t bother migrating anymore, so they’re a sure thing year round. They're a real hit with kids and adults alike.

To avoid the schlock (and myriad spending opportunities) of Pier 39, simply skirt around the left side of the pier. As many times as I've been to see the sea lions, I always find myself barking back.
St Michael's Alley

This restaurant has fast transformed itself into one of Palo Alto's hottest bistros featuring "casual California" cuisine. A fine wine list and weekend brunch keep guests coming back for seconds.
Sutro Baths

The ruins of the once elegant bathhouse complex at the Pacific ocean. Once an incredible glass structure the building burnt down in the 1960s and is now a massive complex of concrete ruins and tidal caves with a spectacular view of the sea. Always a good place to catch the sunset.
Tadich Grill

If you crave seafood (and don't mind splurging) this is a fun place to bring kids for lunch. They don't take reservations, so aim to arrive on the early side.

Tadich Grill is the oldest restaurant in San Francisco, and traces its roots to a coffee cart during the Gold Rush days.

Request a booth (totally walled off and private), and affirm your willingness to wait---it's absolutely worth it. The booths have doorbells for calling your waiter (non-working at the moment, but your kids don't need to know that!).

The noisy, busy atmosphere here works in families' favor, no one can hear your kids so there's no need to shush them for the duration of the meal. The salads here are uninspiring, but the cioppino and clam chowder are tops. As is the sourdough loaf that lands on your table within moments of your arrival.
Tea Tasting in Chinatown

Step into one of Chinatown's many tea shops for a respite from the chaos that reigns outside---even kids can get in on the tea tasting fun.

Two of the best shops are Ten Ren's Tea and Vital Tealeaf (both on Grant Street). Ask to try something sweet (lychee and hibiscus teas are both good bets), and make sure you have your camera ready.

A word of warning: don't let the charming tea ladies at Ten Ren talk you into Bubble Tea---a sweet lukewarm concoction with a scoop of gelatinous giant black tapioca balls at the bottom (served with an extra wide straw for easier slurping). Blech.