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The city boasts one of the largest public parks in the world, with natural beauty and fine museums.

Although it was a federal prison for just under 30 years, the myth of “The Rock” continues to capture the imagination of visitors. Even if exploring prison life holds no appeal, the ferry ride makes it well worth a visit.

Despite rampant tourism and commercialization, the saltiness and authenticity are still to be found here if you take time to look. The views of the bay are unmatched, and you’ll have an opportunity to sample some great seafood.

San Francisco’s little troopers have endured technological progress, and are now the only system of the kind in the world that still plays a daily role in urban life.

Besides thousands of LPs, tapes, and CDs, there’s also a huge selection of videos and posters. A social event in itself.

Stop by for a free sample and then stock up on your mouth-watering favorites. If you’re feeling nostalgic take home some white or milk chocolate cable cars.

A North Beach landmark that must be experienced if you have any interest whatsoever in this quarter’s colorful history – either from the literary and artistic or the Italian points of view. It’s a really great place for a cup of whatever warm liquid you favor, and to just sit and people-watch or dip into one of the city’s free weekly papers.

Fresh Tex-Mex in generous portions. The chips and salsa are free.

The birthplace of Cal-Med cuisine. You’ll have to book weeks ahead.

Standard American fare, but the real reason to come here is to see the Pacific crashing on the cliffs below and to witness the wonderful sunsets.

Nouvelle Italian might best describe the cuisine here, and it is turned out to near perfection. The decor is fairly stark but not overbearing, and the inventive dishes rarely fail to surprise and delight. Maybe you’ll choose a night when they’re serving gnocchi with peas and morel mushrooms.

The French-American menu allows you to create your own mix ’n’ match fixed-price selection. If you don’t have a reservation, head for the bar, where you can order anything on the menu.

For two decades, Greens has carried the banner of vegetarianism in the Bay Area. Inventive dishes plus panoramas add up to a treat.

A great Japanese restaurant – the sashimi melts in the mouth.

Enjoy the old SoMa port while eating a variety of egg-based dishes.

Kitsch and fun, this lively place serves Tex-Mex food until 3am. Wash it down with their potent margaritas.

Great California-French fusion cooking that is always delicious and never fails to wow the devoted clientele of this Financial District high-power dining experience. Excellent wine list, beautiful presentation, and superior service.

The setting is modeled on Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio, and the large oak-burning rotisseries and ovens complete the Roman theme. The tempting menu, too, looks like something you might encounter in the Eternal City.

The greatest French toast in town.

A favorite brunch venue with splendid fare, especially big cinnamon buns.

Traditional Mexican fare here is prepared by jolly muchachos and chiquitas .

Creative American brunch at picnic tables on the patio, or in the dining room. Try grilled buffalo burger on rosemary foccacia.

One of the best Thai restaurants around. You can’t beat it for freshness and flavor – but it’s very, very spicy.

A Union Square institution, noted for its silver-dollar pancakes.

With its much-deserved cult following, this is the locals’ first choice for cheap, satisfying, and fast Mex fare. Its secret? A red-hot salsa and tortillas that are grilled (not steamed).

Great for breakfast or lunch; you’ll find a range of American favorites at this cozy little diner looking right out onto the Bay.

One of the old-standby Japanese choices. Although the sushi is remarkable, it’s the yakitori (barbecue) that gives the place its ongoing reputation.

One of the loveliest garden settings on the Bay (see The Lark Creek Inn).

This grand San Francisco institution still shines in its lovely public rooms, but it’s become a tour-group mediocrity otherwise. The tower rooms do have phenomenal views, however.

This beautiful Art Deco hotel dates from 1908 and has a handsome style, accented by Edward Hopper prints. Parking is included – a great rarity.

Steeped in California’s literary and artistic traditions, this great little hotel boasts an intellectual air and decor that suggest 1920s salon society. Still, the rooms have the very latest touches, such as voice mail, CD players, and writing desks for guests to pursue their own creativity.

Begin at the University Visitor Center on Oxford St at the end of University Avenue, where you can pick up information and maps. Follow around to University Drive and on to the university campus, passing Romanesque Wellman Hall, then take a left on Cross Campus Road. Straight ahead is the main campus landmark, the 307-ft (94-m) Sather Tower, also known simply as the Campanile, based on the famous belltower in Venice’s Piazza San Marco.

Now continue on to rejoin University Drive and go around to the Hearst Greek Theater, venue for excellent concerts of all sorts. Next, head for handsome Sather Gate, which leads into Sproul Plaza, epicenter of the student Free Speech Movement protests that erupted into almost non-stop socio-political unrest in the 1960s and 1970s.

Exit the campus onto Telegraph Avenue, a kind of Haight-Ashbury East-Bay with radical vibes all its own. Cody’s, at the corner of Haste Street, is Berkeley’s most famous bookstore, and one block over is idealistic People’s Park. Continue on back to Bancroft Way to pay a visit to the excellent University Art Museum and the Pacific Film Archive.

After your walk, for lunch try the unique Blue Nile, ( 2525 Telegraph Ave at Dwight Way (510) 540-6777 Dis. access $$). It offers Ethiopian family-style dining, with delicious stews and homemade honey wine.

This section of the coast is amazingly wild, especially considering that it is actually within the city limits. Note that portions of the hike are very rugged, so dress accordingly, with good footwear.

Begin at the far end of the Merrie Way parking lot and take the steps down. Follow the trail that passes by the Sutro Baths ruins, to your left as you descend. Continue on along to the Overlook, from which you can take in Seal Rocks and much of the Pacific panorama.

Now double back a bit to pick up the trail that continues along the coast. You will see the remains of concrete military bunkers, which have been broken and tilted by the unstable land, and now decorated with graffiti. Soon you come to a beach below rocky cliffs; note that the surging water is very unpredictable here, so be very attentive. Continue walking and you will arrive at Land’s End Cove, where a makeshift beach, using rock walls as windbreakers, is popular with nudists.

Next, climb up one of the sets of wooden steps to join the path up above and continue on around the bend, where you will be greeted with a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge . Keep going all the way to Eagle’s Point and return by way of the higher trail that winds through Lincoln Park (see Golf).

For a meal after your hike visit Cliff House .