SoMa/Potrero/Bayview: San Francisco

Play ball. See art. Listen to music. No matter your cultural inclinations, SoMa has got you covered. Home to AT&T Park (where the SF Giants hit homers), the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Yerba Buena Center, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, and an array of nightclubs, this once downtrodden area is open for business. SoMa also attracts foodies with its fine restaurants such as Restaurant Lulu, Boulevard, and Bacar. The Sony Metreon Center is a great option for family entertainment with its myriad shops, state-of-the-art cineplex, daily farmer's market, and affordable gourmet food court.

While Potrero Hill is mostly residential, lots of fun can be had scaling its epic hills to glimpse killer city views. What most guidebooks never tell you is that Vermont Street tops more-famous Lombard for the road with the most crooked turns in San Francisco. Grab a bite around 18th and Connecticut streets—especially at Chez Papa Bistro, which serves up a seamless blend of French and California cuisines. Up-and-coming Dogpatch, an area bordering Potrero Hill along the bayfront, is a mix of converted warehouses, hip cafes, and interesting shops. © NileGuide