Green in San Francisco

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.

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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

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As much a trademark of The City's skyline as the Golden Gate Bridge, this 853-foot high masterpiece, the tallest office tower in The City, is headquarters to some of San Francisco's most powerful companies. Unfortunately, the elevator, which ascends to the building's uppermost heights, is no longer open to the public. Fortunately, rooftop video cameras allow visitors to "virtually see" the bird's-eye view from the comfort of the lobby. Outside, a man-made Redwood Park offers a welcome green oasis within the concrete jungle.

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Located in North Beach, The Beat Museum celebrates Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and all who influenced the Beat Generation. Offering a variety of Beat memorabilia and paraphernalia including fine art, prints, posters, photos, new and used books, CDs, DVDs, t-shirts and more, this is a must stop for all collectors and Kerouac fans. The Museum also hosts open mike poetry nights, movie screenings, and other cultural events. Check out their web-site for further details.

Our Local Expert Says:

The best bookstore in the Bay Area. Not only for Beatniks.

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Designated a city landmark, the hangout of Beat-era writers -- Allen Ginsberg and Lawrence Ferlinghetti among them -- remains a vital part of San Francisco's literary scene. Still leftist at heart, the store has a replica of a revolutionary mural destroyed in Chiapas, Mexico, by military forces.

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The sleek dining room done in Asian ultra-modern is a setting designed not to distract diners from the delicious fusion of East and West to be found here. The ingredients, from the shops in Chinatown, couldn't be fresher and the day's menu is often planned by the couple, Angela and Larry Tse, who run this place around what they find there. The braised catfish is always a treat. The place is usually packed with a mix of locals and tourists who get the royal treatment from the well-trained wait staff.

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While you'll find a handful of fine restaurants neighboring this Embarcadero park, you might prefer to opt for a bagged lunch. This grassy knoll is the perfect spot for a midday picnic. It's a well-kept facility featuring apartments and businesses, but it's the park that ties its community together with class. Stroll across a plush lawn, take a nap underneath a fir tree, or sit on the steps of the fountain centerpiece and smell the fresh flowers.

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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.

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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.

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This San Francisco landmark features some of Fisherman's Wharf's best shopping and attractions. Ride the carousel or watch the sea lions. There are more than 25 one-of-a-kind gift stores that carry automobile, Hollywood, and rock 'n' roll memorabilia, as well as flags of the world, Russian dolls, collectible knives, hammocks, kites, and more. But tha is not all. You will find more than 30 more stores to shop for clothing, jewelry and toys. It is a great place to pick up high-end San Francisco souvenirs. Credit card acceptance varies by store. Pier 39 is a magnet for locals and tourists for many reasons, including their nearly year-round calendar of special attractions for the whole family like the Tulipmania tulip festival held in late February on both levels of pier 39. For more information, visit the website.

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You just might not be able to stop yourself from singing the old Rice-a-Roni jingle each time you ride a gleaming, red San Francisco Cable Car. Although it's mostly tourists who ride these iconic streetcars, even locals who live near the cable lines get in on the action just because it's the most fun way to experience the hilly, roller-coaster ride that is San Francisco topography. Hold on tight and boldly lean outside the Cable Car for unparalleled views of the cityscape and the Bay rising and fading. For the best Cable Car ride the city has to offer, brave the line at Powell and Market and take the Powell Street line up some of the city's steepest hills, all the way to its terminus at Fisherman's Wharf. For an alternative, take the Hyde Street line to the top of twisty-turny Lombard Street. The California Street line takes you through the Financial District to the more elegant residential turf of the Nob Hill district, home to some of the city's most luxurious hotels.

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Famed as the "crookedest street in the world," the swath of Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth streets in San Francisco's Russian Hill district is indeed full of twists and turns. Lombard Street was designed as a series of switchbacks in order to make its steep grade navigable by automobile. Today, you'll almost definitely see Lombard Street congested with cars making the celebrated drive down. Therefore, we recommend hoofing it-you'll be able to admire all the more slowly the lovely, brightly-colored houses flanked with bougainvillea and all manner of flowers, as well as the gorgeous view of North Beach, Telegraph Hill, and the bay. After winding down Lombard Street, head east to nearby North Beach for serious Italian eats, or north to the maritime delights of Fisherman's Wharf and Ghiradelli Square.

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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).

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If Al Gore was a hotelier, this would be his hotel. The new $25-million-dollar Orchard Garden Hotel is California's first generation of truly "green" hotels and the only hotel in the state that was built to the nationally accepted standards for green buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). From the eco-friendly construction materials to an in-room recycling system and the use of organic, citrus-based cleaning products, just about every aspect of this vanguard property is geared toward creating a healthy environment for guests and staff. It's also the first hotel in the city to use the European-style keycard system that turns power off to the entire room each time you leave, thereby saving about 20% in energy consumption. But going green doesn't mean you have to cut back on comfort -- yes, that's Egyptian cotton linen on the king-size bed, real feather down in the pillows, and plush spa-style robes in the closet. The 86 guest rooms are super-insulated (and very quiet), and decorated in natural wood tones with soothing light colors. Spacious bathrooms come with Aveda bath products (organic, of course). High-tech toys include HD LCD TVs, DVD/CD players, iPod docking...

Description:

Honig Vineyard And Winery not only makes the finest Sauvignon Blanc but also follows environment friendly methods in all stages of wine making. What started as a small vineyard growing and selling grapes to wine makers, has now grown into an acclaimed winery selling the best wines to the finest restaurants. What is even more heartening is their principle of working in collaboration with mother nature. They avoid pesticides, and breed owls and hawks to take care of rodents. The farm also trains dogs to sniff out worms from the grape vine. Solar energy is used extensively on the farm, making a visit to the Honig Vineyard and Winery a one of a kind experience!

Description:

If Al Gore was a hotelier, this would be his hotel. The new $25-million-dollar Orchard Garden Hotel is California's first generation of truly "green" hotels and the only hotel in the state that was built to the nationally accepted standards for green buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). From the eco-friendly construction materials to an in-room recycling system and the use of organic, citrus-based cleaning products, just about every aspect of this vanguard property is geared toward creating a healthy environment for guests and staff. It's also the first hotel in the city to use the European-style keycard system that turns power off to the entire room each time you leave, thereby saving about 20% in energy consumption. But going green doesn't mean you have to cut back on comfort -- yes, that's Egyptian cotton linen on the king-size bed, real feather down in the pillows, and plush spa-style robes in the closet. The 86 guest rooms are super-insulated (and very quiet), and decorated in natural wood tones with soothing light colors. Spacious bathrooms come with Aveda bath products (organic, of course). High-tech toys include HD LCD TVs, DVD/CD players, iPod docking...

Description:

Have you ever seen 400,000 seabirds, 52 species of rock fish and 36 mammal species in one sanctuary? If you haven't, then it's time you visited this sanctuary and witnessed millions of specimens. The Gulf of Farallones Marine Sanctuary covers 948 square miles of the central and northern California coastline. This marine sanctuary is a member of the United Nations Golden Gate Biosphere Reserve. There are millions of different species found in this sanctuary, which makes it a perfect place for a marine biology student. It has workshops and programs especially designed for students. It presents an onsite nursery consisting of harbor seals, elephant seals, harbor porpoises, Pacific white-sided dolphins, rockfish, and seabirds; this is the largest seabird breeding area in the United States. This sanctuary is also the feeding area for threatened blue whales and humpback whales.

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This organization sponsors great cruises to those rocky islets 27 miles off the coast of San Francisco. The Farallons are a nature preserve, home to sea lions, tufted puffins and the improbably monikered rhinoceros auklets, among others. The surrounding ocean contains dolphins and sometimes whales. Biologists serve as tour guides on the cruises and discuss the history, ecology, and biology of the islands and the region. Cruises last several hours. Call for rates, departure sites and tour dates.

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Drakes Beach lies on the western shore of Drakes Bay and consists of beautiful white sandstone cliffs and a long stretch of white sand beach.

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This is a short, paved trail that explores the San Andreas Fault Zone from the Bear Valley Picnic Area.

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This beach lies at the end of Limantour Road and supports wading, hiking and walking.

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This beach is also known as Great Beach, because it extends over ten miles along the western border of the park. Viewing scenery, tide pooling and exploring are popular activities at this site.

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This visitor center lies at the Olema entrance to the park. Visitors will find information about park history, geology, ecology and activities at this site.

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The Coast Mi-Wok people were the first to inhabit this coastal area of sheltered coves, beaches, tidal marshes, and forest of Bishop pines now known as Tomales Bay State Park.

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This visitor center contains exhibits on lighthouses, wild flowers,geology and marine life. It is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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Amid the pounding surf and salty sea air, visitors can frolic along Point Reyes National Seashore's many hiking paths and coastal stretches. Yes, yes, there are many places along the entire California coast where one can do this, but Point Reyes is special. Featuring a striking amount of natural diversity, it is home to 45% of American bird species and 18% of California native plant species. But that's not all-visitors to Point Reyes can also be treated to whale, sea lion, and seal sightings from the beach, or glimpses of deer, elk, raccoons, and coyote in the interior forest. You may balk at the approximately one-hour drive from San Francisco to Point Reyes, but rest assured, it's well worth it-especially considering the gorgeous Marin County vistas and cute towns (such as the surfer and hippie enclave of Bolinas) you'll encounter along the way.

Description:

If Al Gore was a hotelier, this would be his hotel. The new $25-million-dollar Orchard Garden Hotel is California's first generation of truly "green" hotels and the only hotel in the state that was built to the nationally accepted standards for green buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). From the eco-friendly construction materials to an in-room recycling system and the use of organic, citrus-based cleaning products, just about every aspect of this vanguard property is geared toward creating a healthy environment for guests and staff. It's also the first hotel in the city to use the European-style keycard system that turns power off to the entire room each time you leave, thereby saving about 20% in energy consumption. But going green doesn't mean you have to cut back on comfort -- yes, that's Egyptian cotton linen on the king-size bed, real feather down in the pillows, and plush spa-style robes in the closet. The 86 guest rooms are super-insulated (and very quiet), and decorated in natural wood tones with soothing light colors. Spacious bathrooms come with Aveda bath products (organic, of course). High-tech toys include HD LCD TVs, DVD/CD players, iPod docking...

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?

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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.

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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.

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This loop through the Presidio of San Francisco is both an enjoyable walk back in time, and a hopeful look forward at the effort to reclaim and restore developed lands for public enjoyment. Along the way you pass military buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, vantage points with views of the Golden Gate, San Francisco Bay, and beyond, and a warming hut where food, drinks, books, maps, and other information are available. The Presidio was transferred by the Army to the National Park Service in 1994, terminating more than 200 years of military history dating back to the Spanish era. From the junction of Mason Ave. and Crissy Field Ave., follow Crissy Field Ave. uphill to McDowell Ave., and then on to Park Ave., Kobbe Ave., Upton Ave., Ralston Ave., Langdon Court, the Coastal Trail, and finally back under the Golden Gate Bridge and down to the Golden Gate Promenade.

Our Local Expert Says:

The park is home to the architecturally striking De Young museum, with notable collections of American painters and South American, Oceanic and African indigenous art. Across the Music Concourse is the stunning new LEED Platinum certified home of the California Academy of Sciences, the greenest museum building in the world. Check out its living roof!

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Spanning three miles from the edge of Haight-Ashbury all the way to the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Park contains so many mini-universes and attractions you'll want to (literally) stop and smell the roses on several occasions. Die-hard nature lovers can check out the Rose Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, or the famous Japanese Tea Garden, featuring a classic pagoda, cherry blossoms, and landscaping straight out of the Land of the Rising Sun. Golden Gate Park's natural highlight, however, is the San Francisco Botanical Garden, which features a horticultural trip around the world (don't miss the redwood grove and succulents section).
Don't miss Golden Gate Park's two world-class museums, the California Academy of Sciences and the De Young Museum. Both were completely rebuilt in their original locations in the past decade, and are worth a visit for their architecture alone. The park is also the perfect place to get active. There are tons of walking paths, several public tennis courts, an affordable pitch and put nine-hole golf course, sport fields, and picnic grounds. You can even rent a boat and head out for a delightful row on Stow Lake. Spring, summer, and fall bring a number of... read more

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One of the most photogenic spots in Golden Gate Park, this placid body of water surrounds Strawberry Hill. A couple of bridges allow you to cross over and ascend the hill (the old 19th-century stone bridge on the southwest side of the lake is especially quaint). A waterfall cascades from the top of the hill, and panoramic views make it worth the short hike up here. Down below, rent a boat, surrey, or bicycle, or stroll around the perimeter. Just to the left of the waterfall sits the elaborate Chinese Pavilion, a gift from the city of Taipei. It was shipped in 6,000 pieces and assembled on the shore of Strawberry Hill Island in 1981. OPEN: Boat rentals daily 10-4, surrey and bicycle rentals weekdays 9-dusk, weekends 10-dusk.

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Located in Golden Gate Park, this garden is a marvel of the landscape architects art. This traditional Japanese garden covers five acres. Several paths take you by an authentic pagoda, a monumental Buddha, a miniature waterfall, and over an acutely arched bridge that no kid can resist. Overlooking the gardens koi-filled pond is a Japanese-style tea house, which in spring is covered with a cascade of wisteria. The gift shop sells souvenirs with a Japanese flair.

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This center of '60s psychedelic activity to this day retains counterculture credentials with a proliferation of piercing salons, bookstores brimming with hippie nostalgia, and off-beat shops set amid Victorian architecture.

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Buena Vista Park, located in the Lower Haight, looks like a little patch of grass with some trees, but actually has some considerable hiking trails. Beware of clouds rolling in, as they tend to do in the Haight.

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Built in the late 1870s, the oldest building in the park is the last remaining wood-frame Victorian conservatory in the country. It's also a copy of the conservatory in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, England, with a spectacular, 14-ton glass dome atop its perch. The gardens in front of the conservatory are planted seasonally, with the flowers often fashioned like billboards depicting the Golden Gate Bridge or other city sights. On the east side of the conservatory (to the right as you face the building), cypress, pine, and redwood trees surround the Dahlia Garden, which blooms in summer and fall. To the west several hundred feet on John F. Kennedy Drive is the Rhododendron Dell. The dell contains the most varieties -- 850 in all -- of any garden in the country. It's especially beautiful in March, when many of the flowers bloom, and is a favorite spot of locals for Mother's Day picnics.

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Soaring ceilings, funky walls with cartoonish murals of San Francisco and a jovial din set the stage at this buzzing restaurant. Diners in possession of one of the few coveted, same-day-only reservations huddle around closely packed tables and snug booths in the two-tiered dining room, while those without settle for a seat at the long wooden communal table. An adjoining bar area hosts a crowd of stylish 30-something singles seeking flirtatious conversation and each other's phone numbers. Friendly servers slither between tables, alternately offering suggestions from the rotating menu and delivering plates of organic, Mediterranean-influenced Cal cuisine.

Description:

If Al Gore was a hotelier, this would be his hotel. The new $25-million-dollar Orchard Garden Hotel is California's first generation of truly "green" hotels and the only hotel in the state that was built to the nationally accepted standards for green buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). From the eco-friendly construction materials to an in-room recycling system and the use of organic, citrus-based cleaning products, just about every aspect of this vanguard property is geared toward creating a healthy environment for guests and staff. It's also the first hotel in the city to use the European-style keycard system that turns power off to the entire room each time you leave, thereby saving about 20% in energy consumption. But going green doesn't mean you have to cut back on comfort -- yes, that's Egyptian cotton linen on the king-size bed, real feather down in the pillows, and plush spa-style robes in the closet. The 86 guest rooms are super-insulated (and very quiet), and decorated in natural wood tones with soothing light colors. Spacious bathrooms come with Aveda bath products (organic, of course). High-tech toys include HD LCD TVs, DVD/CD players, iPod docking...

Description:

This imposing Byzantine-style structure is crowned with five onion domes, each covered in 24-karat gold leaf. On a bright day, the sunlight hitting it is dazzling. Over the door, the mosaic tympanum, represents the Virgin Mary floating on a background of tiles also covered in pure gold leaf. Inside, is a glimpse back in time. The interior, consecrated in 1977, could just as easily date from 1577. Through the incense gleams the gold of more mosaics, these depicting various saints, and the precious metals of the icons that are everywhere.

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Sure, the economy's in the crapper, but there are some silver linings: cheap travel, bargain-basement real estate, and ample opportunities to gaze deep into the eyebrows of Sam Waterson during TD Ameritrade commercials. And now, crazy-delicious sandwiches from Kitchenette. Not so long ago, a group of finely pedigreed local caterers (formerly of Foreign Cinema, Chez Panisse, etc) wanted to open a carry-out window but were too busy with work; thank god, times got tough and work went away, and they opened Kitchenette -- an unassuming, street-side cubby slinging cheap, changing-daily gourmet sandos & salads out of a garage door to anyone who can afford food. Menu items're posted daily on their blog, with highlights so far including a porchetta sando (prepped w/ capers, garlic, sage, rosemary, & oregano) w/ cabbage fennel slaw and aioli, and another with a jalapeno and cilantro-aided tangerine-/beer-roasted Berkshire pork -- a far more executable hybrid than pork-flavored beer. They're also prone to mix in some non-'wich action, like a butternut squash pizzetta with fried peppers/prosciutto/spring onions, leafiness like the Big Chopped Spring salad (w/ a hard-cooked egg), as well as unique... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

Only found along the northern California coast (and into southern Oregon), the massive redwood is truly one of nature's most stunning creations.

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Commissioned by President Teddy Roosevelt and named for conservationist John Muir, these woods are a tribute to the enchantment of redwood trees. For anyone who's encountered California redwoods, you know of what we speak. For those who haven't, Muir Woods National Monument is the perfect place to experience these majestic wonders for the first time. When you enter the park, you're treated to flat, paved walking paths that meander through the lush grove of towering redwoods, spiraling ferns, and other native plants, complete with historic and scientific explanations of the forest's features. We recommend taking this classic Muir Woods route and then ascending higher towards where you can choose from a variety of dirt hiking paths; that's where the magic truly happens. As most visitors stick to the easy ground-level path, hikers are treated to a truly serene experience the higher they climb, sometimes hearing almost nothing but delicate birdsong. Some trails originating in Muir Woods go all the way to Stinson Beach or to gorgeous parts of Mount Tamalpais State Park, or lead to very special local secrets, such as the Tourist Club, a German beer tavern. (Because what's better than a refreshing... read more

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Climb above Redwood Creek into Mt. Tamalpais State Park, the grounds of the Bavarian-style Touris Club, before heading back down amidst the big trees. The trailhead is at the northwest end of the main Muir Woods parking area. Connect the Main, Fern Creek, Lost, Redwood, Sun, and Dispsea Trails to complete the loop.

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This cafe-bar on Hyde Street has an intimate atmosphere and serves up good, wholesome food that will leave you longing for more. With only 12 tables and a cozy bar that fits six, it is rather small, but nevertheless manages to create a favorable impression. The menu is constantly changing, and the chef, Peter Erickson, likes to add a slight twist to the usual dishes. Try the Chicken Livers Bolognese, Lamb Moussaka with Roasted Eggplant, or the Braised Rabbit - they will leave you smacking your lips. Beer and wine are also available.

Description:

If Al Gore was a hotelier, this would be his hotel. The new $25-million-dollar Orchard Garden Hotel is California's first generation of truly "green" hotels and the only hotel in the state that was built to the nationally accepted standards for green buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). From the eco-friendly construction materials to an in-room recycling system and the use of organic, citrus-based cleaning products, just about every aspect of this vanguard property is geared toward creating a healthy environment for guests and staff. It's also the first hotel in the city to use the European-style keycard system that turns power off to the entire room each time you leave, thereby saving about 20% in energy consumption. But going green doesn't mean you have to cut back on comfort -- yes, that's Egyptian cotton linen on the king-size bed, real feather down in the pillows, and plush spa-style robes in the closet. The 86 guest rooms are super-insulated (and very quiet), and decorated in natural wood tones with soothing light colors. Spacious bathrooms come with Aveda bath products (organic, of course). High-tech toys include HD LCD TVs, DVD/CD players, iPod docking...

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The Regional Parks Botanic Garden was founded on January 1, 1940. It is devoted to the collection, growth, display, and preservation of the native plants of California.

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This loop through Tilden Regional Park opens up to great Bay Area views near the summit of Wildcat Peak. Start behind the Environmental Education Center on Central Park Drive. Connnect the Sylvan, Wildcat Peak and Laurel Canyon trails.

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Founded in 1978 by Marian Parmenter and Sally Lilienthal, this airy space currently represents the work of more than 1300 Northern Californian artists. It offers artists a public space to display their work, while providing an opportunity for art collectors and the general community to enjoy up and coming creations. There are solo, group, and themed exhibitions and sometimes even a retrospective, showcasing an established artists life work. You will find a broad range of genres here, allowing you to enjoy anything from a classic still life to an avant-garde piece.

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San Francisco's Mission District is known for more than just great Mexican food and offbeat dive bars. It is also home to one of the most impressive collections of public murals anywhere. While many are decades old, new murals are constantly being added to the scene by a flourishing group of professional muralists working out of the Precita Eyes muralist collective. This great resource also helps art lovers by preserving and interpreting these fantastic works of public art. Tours given by muralist members of the collective present 75 murals in just 6 blocks. It's a great way to get to know one of San Francisco's richest neighborhoods.

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This gallery feels transplanted from SOHO. Located in the heart of hip Hayes Valley, the gallery's friendly owners will gladly walk you through their exhibitions of contemporary artworks. Once a year there is a group show, but primarily this comfortable chic space displays two artists at a time for five weeks. The painter, Riley McFerrin, for example, combines retro text and thick paint, projecting a smart ice-cream appeal while Amanda Crandall captures the forest in elegant miniatures. A gallery on the edge of Civic Center culture, boutique, and antique shopping, it's no wonder the work here is so new - in the best sense of the word.

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This gallery is deep in the heart of the Mission and worth getting to. The walls are lined with artists you have never heard of but should have. See different mediums of local talent present their work in this down-home, yet sophisticated gallery. There are no prices on the work, but that will not deter those who appreciate unique products of the mind. Check out the Chicano/Latino drawing and works on paper, the documentary on jail-art, or beautiful black-and-white photos of the Latinos in and outside of the neighborhood.

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This store might catch your eye when you walk past. You might ask,"Is that a Chagall, a Miro, a Dali, or a Picasso?" The answer is all of them. The gallery is brimming with works by the masters. Many of the paintings are on consignment from their owners, others are owned by the gallery. The staff is more than friendly, and they're willing to share their in-depth knowledge of these works that evoke elation and a sense of honor at seeing them in person.

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This is really a fabulously funky museum more than it is a gallery. Indeed one of the largest galleries in San Francisco. Located in one of the hippest new hoods, it has been in operation for 40 years. Featuring contemporary works by artists worldwide, follow the maze to the back of the gallery and you'll find master works by Magritte and Picasso, just to drop a few names. The first floor features an oversized "art viewing" bed coated with burnt red tapestry, while the second floor will delight you the building's original black slide, used for getting supplies downstairs without having to use the stairs. The wonderful high ceilings and large second floor make it ideal for renting for parties such as a wedding or a prom. In July there will be a solo show of paintings by Bay Area artist Kathleen Dunne. Working on a wet-on-wet technique, her stylized Cezanne-esque cityscapes glow with a Renaissance period appeal.

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This gallery proudly features artist Michael Holden, who won a Guggenheim Fellowship for painting. In the wake of some larger spaces, this relatively small gallery is a happy find. There is no room for three-dimensional works in this gallery. But an intimate setting for contemporary art is hard to find, which makes this gallery a sure stop during your art journey. Michael Holden's work is easy to spot, if not easy to understand, like Kandinsky's paintings inspired by music, Holden's squiggles and scratches attempt new chords, however difficult to reach.

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Photography reigns supreme in this pristine gallery. From vintage to contemporary works, you'll see it all. Glorious nudes to symbolic landscapes, this gallery is a museum of photographic work. Photography fans will delight in celebrated 19th-century photographers like Gustave Le Gray and Carlton Watkins. Or "snap up" your history of some 20th centuries' big name photographers like Mike Light and Bill Owens to say nothing of the guy the called Ansel, as in Adams. But really, what's in a name, when the collection at this gallery is so varied and so very good?

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If you love the flavors of Asian cuisine, Umami in the Marina/Presidio neighborhood is a must visit. A tantalizing mix of Vietnamese, Japanese and Pan-Asian cuisine awaits you at this chic and trendy restaurant. Mellow lighting, large, comfy booths and a vibrant night scene all enhance your dining experience. Yummy cocktails are a welcome addition to the variety of exotic dishes available. Small plates are served, too.

Description:

If Al Gore was a hotelier, this would be his hotel. The new $25-million-dollar Orchard Garden Hotel is California's first generation of truly "green" hotels and the only hotel in the state that was built to the nationally accepted standards for green buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). From the eco-friendly construction materials to an in-room recycling system and the use of organic, citrus-based cleaning products, just about every aspect of this vanguard property is geared toward creating a healthy environment for guests and staff. It's also the first hotel in the city to use the European-style keycard system that turns power off to the entire room each time you leave, thereby saving about 20% in energy consumption. But going green doesn't mean you have to cut back on comfort -- yes, that's Egyptian cotton linen on the king-size bed, real feather down in the pillows, and plush spa-style robes in the closet. The 86 guest rooms are super-insulated (and very quiet), and decorated in natural wood tones with soothing light colors. Spacious bathrooms come with Aveda bath products (organic, of course). High-tech toys include HD LCD TVs, DVD/CD players, iPod docking...

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!

Description:

In an old waterfront warehouse, with enormous windows overlooking the bridge, boats, and the bay, Greens is one of the most renowned vegetarian restaurants in the country. Executive chef Annie Somerville (author of Fields of Greens) cooks with the seasons, using produce from local organic farms. Within the quiet dining room, a weeknight dinner might feature such appetizers as mushroom soup with Asiago cheese and tarragon; or grilled portobello and endive salad. Entrees run the gamut from pizza with wilted escarole, red onions, lemon, Asiago, and Parmesan, to Vietnamese yellow curry or risotto with black trumpet mushrooms, leeks, savory spinach, white-truffle oil, Parmesan Reggiano, and thyme. Those interested in the whole shebang should make reservations for the $48 four-course dinner served on Saturday only. Lunch and brunch are equally fresh and tasty. The adjacent Greens To Go sells sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries.

Description:

Famous for panoramic views, expensive hotels, and restaurants, a stroll up to Nob Hill is a must for any visitor to San Francisco. Jimmy Stewart drove around these very blocks in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo and the views were impressive all the same. Sit on a bench by the fountain in Huntington Park to take in the surroundings or meditate as you wander the labyrinth to the side of gorgeous Grace Cathedral. If you're feeling swanky, grab a drink at the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental, which affords glorious views, or sip a whiskey at the inconspicuous Big Four - you'll feel like you're in another era.

Description:

The landmark Coit Tower was built in the 1930's as a tribute to the city's firefighters, at the behest of eccentric local celebrity Lillie Hitchcock Coit, an honorary firefighter herself. Today, Coit Tower stands proudly on the northeastern edge of the city in the scenic Telegraph Hill district. Although Coit Tower is accessed by an entirely uphill climb, visitors who brave it are treated to unparalleled views of the Bay and its bridges, Marin County, the East Bay, and the undulating San Francisco cityscape. Plus there's an incredible Art Deco mural that covers the entire circumference of the tower's interior ground-floor walls. Painted by 26 artists, this masterpiece depicts many aspects of '30's California industry and labor. Remember, the walk back is all downhill; head southwest into the nearby Italian-American enclave of North Beach for a cappuccino and gelato and some fabulous shopping on Grant Avenue.

Our Local Expert Says:

You can find everything from slippers, chicken's feet, porcelain statues of buddha, and fire-works in San Francisco's Chinatown.

Description:

Red lanterns waving in the breeze. Incense wafting out of small temples. Esoteric medicinal herbs dangling in shop windows. Some aspects of San Francisco's Chinatown, the oldest in America, hardly seem worlds apart from the motherland and haven't changed much from when the neighborhood was first built in the mid-19th century. Enter at the dragon-flanked gate on Bush Street at Grant Avenue and get lost in a wonderland of bustling produce markets, touches of ancient Chinese architecture, quirky gift and houseware shops, art galleries, clothing stores, dim sum eateries, and serene tea houses, the densest concentration of which are on Grant Avenue and Stockton Street. Some hot spots are Portsmouth Square, where you can admire the graceful movements of Tai Chi practitioners and the strategy of elderly chess players, and the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco, where Sinophiles can take in art exhibits, be led on an informative, guided Heritage Walking Tour (excellent for those wishing to pick up on the area's rich history), or take a brush painting or traditional Chinese music workshop.

Description:

The official entrance to Chinatown is a symbolic and literal transition from standard downtown scenes to what sometimes seems like another country altogether. Stone lions flank the base of the pagoda-topped gate. The male lion's right front paw rests playfully on a ball; the female's left front paw tickles a cub lying on its back. The lions and the glazed clay dragons atop the largest of the gate's three pagodas symbolize, among other things, wealth and prosperity. The fish whose mouths wrap tightly around the crest of this pagoda also symbolize prosperity. The four Chinese characters immediately beneath the pagoda represent the philosophy of Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), the leader who unified China in the early 20th century. Sun Yat-sen, who lived in exile in San Francisco for a few years, promoted the notion of friendship and peace among all nations based on equality, justice, and goodwill. The vertical characters under the left pagoda read "peace" and "trust," the ones under the right pagoda "respect" and "love."

Description:

Walk down Ross Alley and you'll likely be invited into this small cookie factory. The workers sit at circular motorized griddles and wait for dollops of batter to drop onto a tiny metal plate, which rotates into an oven. A few moments later out comes a cookie that's pliable and ready for folding. It's easy to peek in for a moment, and hard to leave without a few free samples. Enjoy a bagful of cookies -- with mildly racy "adult" fortunes or more-benign ones; personalized fortunes are also available.

Description:

This historic but still hip little pub palace features stained glass, funky seats, and photos galore of the literary beatniks who once spent their pay (most likely from City Lights Publishers, just next door) on booze and loose women inside. At the corner of Jack Kerouac alley and Columbus Ave, it's premier location at the downtown edge of North Beach suggests it should be hopping all the time, but in fact its the perfect place to take a notebook, grab a pint and wax poetic, inspired by the beat of the beats that still lingers in the walls. Or do your waxing outloud with some friends in the sweet wraparound 2nd floor, where the tables at the front feature a downright uplifting view of the mad cats in strait jacket suits making their way from the Financial District to the Gentlemens' Clubs down Broadway.

Description:

If you're looking for something really different -- or a festive spot for a large party -- head deep into the Avenues for an exotic taste of Morocco. Chef-owner Mourad Lahlou creates an excellent dining experience through colorful and distinctly Moroccan surroundings combined with a modern yet authentic take on the cuisine of his homeland. In any of the three opulently adorned dining rooms (the front room features private booths, the middle room is more formal, and the back has lower seating and a Moroccan lounge feel), you can indulge in the seasonal five-course tasting menu ($49) or individual treats such as kumquat-enriched lamb shank; saffron guinea hen with preserved lemon and olives; or Paine Farm squab with wild mushrooms, bitter greens, and a ras el hanout reduction (a traditional Moroccan blend of 40 or so spices). Consider finishing off with my favorite dessert (if it's in season): rhubarb galette with rose- and geranium-scented crème fraîche, vanilla aspic, and rhubarb consommé.

Description:

If Al Gore was a hotelier, this would be his hotel. The new $25-million-dollar Orchard Garden Hotel is California's first generation of truly "green" hotels and the only hotel in the state that was built to the nationally accepted standards for green buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). From the eco-friendly construction materials to an in-room recycling system and the use of organic, citrus-based cleaning products, just about every aspect of this vanguard property is geared toward creating a healthy environment for guests and staff. It's also the first hotel in the city to use the European-style keycard system that turns power off to the entire room each time you leave, thereby saving about 20% in energy consumption. But going green doesn't mean you have to cut back on comfort -- yes, that's Egyptian cotton linen on the king-size bed, real feather down in the pillows, and plush spa-style robes in the closet. The 86 guest rooms are super-insulated (and very quiet), and decorated in natural wood tones with soothing light colors. Spacious bathrooms come with Aveda bath products (organic, of course). High-tech toys include HD LCD TVs, DVD/CD players, iPod docking...