From Bridge To Bridge

Description:

Not as famous, perhaps, as the Golden Gate Bridge connecting The City with Marin County to the north, the double-decker San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge is no less impressive as an engineering feat. It's also just as lovely in its own way, especially at night, when miles of lights outline its graceful shape and the steel cable spun like a spider web along its length. Opened for business in 1936 with a then-astronomical price tag, the part suspension, part cantilever, part tunnel, and part truss structure, is anchored by a concrete island descending 220 feet below the Bay. Another even more impressive feat of its engineering history is that after part of the span tumbled in the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, it was repaired and opened again for traffic within a month, safer than ever.

Our Local Expert Says:

Don't miss this "new" San Francisco institution. Inside, you'll find fantastic foods and crafts local to the area, and outside on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Farmers Market brings together local growers to sell their tasty fruits and vegetables.

Description:

While ferries still run from this historic building, it's also been transformed into a veritable shrine to food. The San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace is chockablock with eateries, specialty culinary stores, and gift shops. Dining highlights include the mouth-watering burgers at Taylor's Refresher, the decadent sandwiches at Lulu Petite (the egg salad with truffle-artichoke pesto on brioche is truly the nectar of the gods), and the Vietnamese-inspired deliciousness of SF's legendary Slanted Door. Shopping for some special culinary treats? Stock up on loads of rare mushrooms and truffle salt at Far West Fungi, the finest fromage at local fave Cowgirl Creamery's Artisan Cheese Shop, and creative chocolate flavor combinations Rechiutti Confections. Want to sample local farmers' bounty? The San Francisco Farmer's Market convenes behind the Ferry Building every Tuesday and Saturday, and features stalls upon stalls of produce, meat, eggs, cheese, baked goods, and prepared foods (we love the tamales and crepes, but everything is tasty). Vendors are friendly and always willing to allow shoppers a sample taste or a detailed explanation of farming practices. After all that munching, take... read more

Description:

Among San Francisco's small boutique hotels, this is a top contender. Ideally situated on the historic waterfront and steps from the heart of the Financial District and Ferry Building Marketplace, the Griffon is impeccably outfitted with a soothing design sensibility. Completely renovated in 2007, it boasts contemporary features such as 32-inch flatscreen TVs, lofty ceilings, marble vanities, Aveda bath products, cozy window seats, and plush bedding (really, this place is smooth). Be sure to request a bay-view room overlooking the Bay Bridge -- the added perks and view make it well worth the extra cost. Smokers, book a room elsewhere -- there's no puffing allowed here.

Facilities: Restaurant; access to large health club and pool next door (for a fee); concierge; morning car service to downtown; free Wi-Fi in lobby and restaurant; secretarial services; limited room service; in-room massage; laundry service; dry cleaning.

Description:

Experience the beautiful sights of the San Francisco waterfront on your own Segway. A platform perched on two wheels, the Segway system has a patented gyroscope balancing system, enabling the standing rider to maneuver by tilting forward or backwards while using the steering control on the left handlebar to turn. Guided three-hour tours take you from Fisherman's Wharf to Maritime Park, Marina Green and the Palace of Fine Arts at up to 8 mph. Each tour begins with a short training session and then its off to the roads and bike trails along the Bay for amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the city. For all tours, a helmet and safety vest are provided and required to wear. Each tour is $65 per person and is limited to ten riders. This Segway tour is ideal for families, visitors and even residents of San Francisco to take in the beauty of the City by the Bay via one of the most unique and innovative modes of transportation around. There are also tours available across the bay in beautiful Sausalito, daily 11:30a and 2:30p.

Description:

This cozy trattoria is one of the better bets in Fisherman's Wharf. Two walls of sliding glass doors offer pseudo-sidewalk seating when the weather's warm, although heavy vehicular traffic can detract from the alfresco experience. All the classics are well represented here: crisp Caesar salad; fried calamari; bruschetta; cioppino; pastas; chicken Marsala; and veal saltimbocca (sautéed veal scaloppini) with whipped baby potatoes, spinach, prosciutto and lemon-caper butter sauce. The consensus is to order anything that's cooked in the open kitchen's wood-fired oven, such as pizza (Margherita), roasts (sea bass with pine-nut crust, or Atlantic salmon), or panini (lunch only; grilled chicken or grilled veggies). They serve a darn good breakfast, too.

Description:

Located across from Ghirardelli Square and housed in a 1930s building that resembles a ship, this museum chronicles maritime history with photographs, miniature models of Navy ships and passenger lines, and fascinating interactive exhibits. The Steamship Room details the evolution of wind-to-steam power. On display is the Mermaid, a one-man sailboat that carried a solo adventurer across the Pacific from Japan in 94 days.

Description:

This is a bewitching combination of European cabaret, theatrical antics, cirque arts, music, comedy, and a five-course gourmet dinner. This one-of-a-kind entertainment is a must-see for San Francisco visitors. Teatro ZinZanni has an ensemble cast, with new performers rotating in and out to keep it ever-changing and fresh. The madcap cabaret is headed by a marvelous "hostess" assisted by the "chef de cuisine", who introduces each course, a "maitre d'hotel" of distinction, while comedy and mayhem are supplied by a magical assortment of acrobats, jugglers, comedians, singers, clowns and other performers. Teatro ZinZanni is a project of One Reel, an innovative non-profit arts organization.

Description:

"The Rock," as Alcatraz is known locally, has a formidable past. Most people don't know it served as a lighthouse, military outpost, and military prison before becoming the notorious federal prison that held the likes of Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and Robert Stroud, a.k.a. "The Birdman of Alcatraz." The tiny island only miles from the San Francisco shore was considered the perfect detainment spot due to the surrounding shark-infested, frigid waters. Today visitors can safely enjoy guided tours of Alcatraz, including various cells, the mess hall, the exercise yard, and the surprisingly beautiful natural features of the island. Tour guides are extremely knowledgeable and relish regaling visitors with quirky stories of prisoners past. The truly brave can get locked up in a darkened cell for several minutes-all the more exhilarating considering the penitentiary's claim that all 14 escape attempts in the prison's 29 years of operation failed!

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The recipient of the coveted James Beard cooking award, chef Gary Danko practices his genius at his eponymous, 65-seat restaurant. Luxurious appetizers, flavorful entrees, and decadent desserts are the true crowd pleasers. Try the Lobster Salad with Fennel, Citrus, Avocado and Mustard Tarragon Dressing or an entree of Seared Maine Scallops with Black Truffle, Leek and Potato Puree. Indulge in the special Flambeed Pineapple with Macadamia Nuts and Cocounut Sherbert, prepared tableside and with gusto. An outstanding wine list featuring hundreds of California and French bottles is available (prices vary).

Description:

As of late November 2009 many sea lions have left Pier 39, though a few still lounge about. Since sea lions are migratory animals, most people believe the sea lions will be back at their favorite spot before long. These adorable creatures flocked here after the 1989 earthquake and the population has grown ever since. Every winter the number increases to almost 900, thanks to the availability of space and ample food. Although some of the sea lions choose to migrate seasonally, usually some still keep Pier 39 as their regular haunt. You can bring your kids over for free educational talks by the Marine Mammal Center, held on weekends year-round provided the weather is good. Call the numbers listed for further information.

Description:

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco's historic waterfront, is at the top of every visitor's muse-see list-and we mean every visitor (locals tend to avoid it). Despite abundant souvenir shops, Fisherman's Wharf still has plenty of appeal. Families shouldn't miss the aquarium and sea lions sunning outdoors at Pier 39, nor Fisherman's Wharf's novelty museums, including Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, the Musee Mecanique, and the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf. History lovers can explore the area's maritime past at an anchored submarine, a WWII ship, and an array of old-time vessels. Shopaholics can find more than just souvenirs on Jefferson Street and at Ghiradelli Square, an outdoor mall featuring (you guessed it!) the city's signature chocolate. Fisherman's Wharf is also an unbeatable dining destination, whether you prefer only-in-Cali burgers at In-n-Out or premium fish and seafood. If you're in town during November through February, you're in store for a harvest of Dungeness crab, a local specialty. Try clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl for a year-round Fisherman's Wharf culinary delight.

Description:

A trip to San Francisco is not complete without a trip to this attraction at Fisherman's Wharf. It features a vast collection of wax models that look like significant figures throughout time. The characters are separated by category. You will see famous American and international humanitarians, generals, dictators, scientists, artists, world leaders, athletes, movie scenes, and musicians among others. You will catch an eyeful of lifelike wax figures of celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, O.J. Simpson, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and many, many, more.

Description:

Don't leave San Francisco without a stroll through this legendary square at Fisherman's Wharf that is named after San Francisco's original chocolate-maker. There is a bakery and several restaurants featuring seafood, Chinese, Indian and California cuisine. And, of course, there's the Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop. Take some time and visit the art galleries, gift and specialty stores, shoe and clothing shops. Some services are available including a dressmaker and tailor, film developing, an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and a Federal Express drop-off box. Credit card acceptance varies by store.

Description:

The Presidio is a giant park area and National Historic Site that hosts several events and offers countless recreational opportunities. Once a military post, now it is a community space with beaches, forests, stables, and walking trails. From the Aloha Festival to the Race for the Cure to Shakespeare in the Park, from film showings to cultural festivals, there is always something going on. Check their website or give them a call for specific event information.

Description:

The Presidio Social Club is another feather in the cap of the Presidio dining scene. Old pharmacy cabinets and antique fixtures add an interesting, almost nostalgic '40s theme to this upscale restaurant. This fusion of old and new is carried forward in the menu as well. It spans American classic eats such as macaroni and cheese, fried oysters and mixed greens salad. Foodies who like to to experiment can opt for broiled Idaho trout or Sonoma game chicken. Chocolate pudding and creamy banana cream pies make for good dessert fare. The place gets a bit noisy on weekends, but rest assured as the staff has a complete no-nonsense attitude and will promptly take care of you. Check the website for brunch and cocktail hours.

Description:

Come for the tasty crepes, omelettes and sandwiches and linger over a cappucino.

Our Local Expert Says:

An absolute must-see for any San Francisco visitor. You were going to go back home and tell your friends you DIDN'T see the Golden Gate Bridge up close?

Description:

Perhaps the most iconic bridge in the country, if not in the world, the rusted-orange expanse of the Golden Gate Bridge is a not-to-miss sight while in San Francisco. Connecting the city and neighboring Marin County to the north, the Golden Gate Bridge also serves as a gateway between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Although you'll be treated to glimpses of the bridge throughout the city, the best way to experience it is to walk or bike across, starting in the Presidio. You can then spend a serene afternoon strolling around the quaint Marin seaside city of Sausalito. If you prefer a gentler route, you can take a ferry from the San Francisco Ferry Building or from Fisherman's Wharf to Sausalito or Tiburon (another beautiful Marin town full of great restaurants and nearby walking paths), gazing at the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, plus sailboats, kite-surfers, and the gorgeous Bay views along the way.

Description:

Cobb's features such national headliners as Joe Rogan, Brian Regan, and Jake Johannsen. Comedy reigns Wednesday through Sunday, including a 15-comedian All-Pro Wednesday showcase (a 3-hr. marathon). Cobb's is open to those 18 and over, and occasionally to kids 16 and 17 when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (call ahead). Shows are held Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 8pm, Friday and Saturday at 8 and 10:15pm.