Historic San Francisco

Description:

This landmark hotel is one of San Francisco's grand dames, operating continuously since 1928 in the heart of Union Square. The Kimpton Hotel company has done a wonderful job renovating the hotel (which has been sorely needed since I was a kid), giving this elegant lady a much-needed makeover. I've always been a fan of the Hotel Monaco's modern, slightly offbeat interiors with bold patterns and custom furnishings, and they've incorporated a similar style at this property, though with a cream and sage green color scheme. It's always a pleasure to have Tom Sweeny, the ebullient (and legendary) Beefeater doorman, handle your bags as you enter the elegant, captivating lobby with its gilded high ceilings, glittering crystal chandeliers, and massive curved marble staircase that leads to a mezzanine overlooking bustling Powell Street. It's a grand entrance experience you won't soon forget.

Scala's Bistro, one of the most festive restaurants downtown, serves good Italian cuisine in a stylish setting on the first floor; the Italian-style Caffe Espresso does an equally commendable job serving coffees, pastries, and sandwiches daily in its spot adjacent to the hotel. Harry Denton's Starlight Room,...

Description:

The northernmost of the California missions founded by Father Junipero Serra, this mission is the oldest structure in San Francisco, dating from 1788. Walk inside and it is like Spanish-colonial San Francisco beneath roof beams held together with rawhide strips. The graveyard includes the remains of both noble colonial families and the Native Americans who were conscripted to build and then serve the Mission. The museum houses artifacts and manuscripts.

Description:

Combining Latin American, Native American, and Japanese influences Limon provides diners with an eclectic mix packed into the traditional plates of a Peruvian meal. They have homemade empanadas, Peruvian beer, and for dessert, fruit Ice cream imported directly from Peru. Limon in the Mission District is a great addition to the already rich culinary experience.

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:

At one time, the spire of this cathedral was the tallest structure in the city. There may be buildings taller than this cathedral these days, but none offers such a rich history. The church foundation is granite cut in China. The exterior of the Old Catholic Cathedral Of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception is composed of red bricks made in New England and brought around Cape Horn. Inside, the white plaster sanctuary has some nice stained glass and exhibits the ribbed-vault arches typical of neo-gothic architecture. The lighting is kept low, giving the shrines along the walls, lit with indirect spots and votive candles, an ethereal glow. Display cases house a collection of drawings, photographs, and artifacts from St. Marys rich history, including dramatic photos of the devastation caused by the 1906 earthquake and fire.

Description:

Inspiring food at bargain prices? What more could you ask for? Not much, which is exactly what you will get at this no-frills Chinatown hideout. Bring a few bucks, a hearty appetite, and the ability to keep a secret from tourists mobbing the neighboring House of Nanking. You will come to enjoy the food, not the decor, though. It has the usual selection of Chinese items on the menu, but Chef Jia's wok is legendary among the faithful. The heaping lunch special is served with a cup of addictive hot and sour soup and is downright charitable at that price. The service is brisk.

Description:

This landmark hotel is one of San Francisco's grand dames, operating continuously since 1928 in the heart of Union Square. The Kimpton Hotel company has done a wonderful job renovating the hotel (which has been sorely needed since I was a kid), giving this elegant lady a much-needed makeover. I've always been a fan of the Hotel Monaco's modern, slightly offbeat interiors with bold patterns and custom furnishings, and they've incorporated a similar style at this property, though with a cream and sage green color scheme. It's always a pleasure to have Tom Sweeny, the ebullient (and legendary) Beefeater doorman, handle your bags as you enter the elegant, captivating lobby with its gilded high ceilings, glittering crystal chandeliers, and massive curved marble staircase that leads to a mezzanine overlooking bustling Powell Street. It's a grand entrance experience you won't soon forget.

Scala's Bistro, one of the most festive restaurants downtown, serves good Italian cuisine in a stylish setting on the first floor; the Italian-style Caffe Espresso does an equally commendable job serving coffees, pastries, and sandwiches daily in its spot adjacent to the hotel. Harry Denton's Starlight Room,...

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

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the best steaks in San Francisco are served here! Don't miss the short ribs too.

Description:

Master restaurant designer Pat Kuleto and chef Nancy Oakes are behind one of San Francisco's most beloved restaurants. Inside, the dramatically artistic Belle Epoque interior, with vaulted brick ceilings, floral banquettes, a mosaic floor, and tulip-shaped lamps, is the setting for Oakes's equally impressive sculptural and mouthwatering dishes. Starters alone could make a perfect meal, especially if you indulge in pan-seared day boat sea scallops with sautéed fresh hearts of palm, pomelo, basil, toasted shallots, and macadamia nuts, or the pan-seared foie gras with rhubarb syrup on whole grain toast. The nine or so main courses are equally creative and might include grilled Pacific sea bass with fresh gulf prawns, grilled artichoke, spring asparagus, and green garlic purée; or fire-roasted Angus filet with crispy Yukon gold potatoes, béarnaise sauce, sautéed spinach and crimini mushrooms, and red wine jus. Finish with warm chocolate cake with a chocolate caramel center, caramel corn, and butterscotch ice cream. Three levels of formality -- bar, open kitchen, and main dining room -- keep things from getting too snobby. Although steep prices prevent most from making Boulevard a regular...

Description:

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.

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:

If you want to know how a cable car works, this is the place to learn. The world's first cable car rests here and with it a concise explanation of how those little cable cars go halfway to the stars. In an underground viewing area, you can look at the system's enormous cable wheels, which pull 11 miles of cable at 9.5 miles per hour. The cable cars move by clamping onto it and stop by their release. Examine closely the steel cables, gears, and pulleys that bring this city's most famous transportation to life. Don't miss the gift store. Admission is free.

Description:

Not that the veteran restaurant needed more reason to be beloved, but the city's ongoing loss of local institutions makes 158-year-old Tadich the last of a long-revered dying breed. This business began as a coffee stand during the 1849 gold rush and claims to be the very first to broil seafood over mesquite charcoal back in the early 1920s. An old-fashioned power-dining restaurant to its core, Tadich boasts its original mahogany bar, which extends the length of the restaurant, and seven booths for private powwows. Big plates of sourdough bread top the tables.

You won't find fancy California cuisine here. The novella-like menu features a slew of classic salads such as sliced tomato with Dungeness crab or prawn Louis, meats and fish from the charcoal broiler, and even casseroles. The seafood cioppino is a specialty, as is the baked casserole of stuffed turbot with crab and shrimp à la Newburg, and the petrale sole with butter sauce. Everything comes with a heaping side of fries, but if you crave something green, order the creamed spinach.

Description:

In the Palace Hotel this classic bar caters to the financial district. On the wall is city art treasure Maxfield Parrish's 1909 painting of the Pied Piper.

Description:

This landmark hotel is one of San Francisco's grand dames, operating continuously since 1928 in the heart of Union Square. The Kimpton Hotel company has done a wonderful job renovating the hotel (which has been sorely needed since I was a kid), giving this elegant lady a much-needed makeover. I've always been a fan of the Hotel Monaco's modern, slightly offbeat interiors with bold patterns and custom furnishings, and they've incorporated a similar style at this property, though with a cream and sage green color scheme. It's always a pleasure to have Tom Sweeny, the ebullient (and legendary) Beefeater doorman, handle your bags as you enter the elegant, captivating lobby with its gilded high ceilings, glittering crystal chandeliers, and massive curved marble staircase that leads to a mezzanine overlooking bustling Powell Street. It's a grand entrance experience you won't soon forget.

Scala's Bistro, one of the most festive restaurants downtown, serves good Italian cuisine in a stylish setting on the first floor; the Italian-style Caffe Espresso does an equally commendable job serving coffees, pastries, and sandwiches daily in its spot adjacent to the hotel. Harry Denton's Starlight Room,...

Description:

A throwback to the dining of yesteryear, Scoma's eschews trendier trout preparations and fancy digs for good old-fashioned seafood served in huge portions amid a very casual windowed waterfront setting. Gourmands should skip this one. But if your idea of heaven is straightforward seafood classics -- fried calamari, raw oysters, pesto pasta with rock shrimp, crab cioppino, lobster thermidor -- served with a generous portion of old-time hospitality, then Scoma's is as good as it gets. Unfortunately, a taste of tradition will cost you big time. Prices are as steep as those at some of the finest restaurants in town. Personally, I'd rather splurge at Gary Danko, but many of my out-of-town guests insist we meet at Scoma's, which is fine by me since it's a change of pace from today's chic spots, and the parking's free.

Description:

This is a World War II Liberty Ship open to the public. It is one of only two fully restored, operating ships out of 2,710 that were used during the war. In addition to being available for private parties, the ship conducts San Francisco Bay cruises in May and October.

Description:

A penny for your thoughts? In addition to a melange of penny structures, this quirky, offbeat museum which had originally resided beneath the Cliff House at Pt. Lobos, has a variety of interesting gadgets and knick-knacks. A must-see is the toothpick amusement park, built by San Quentin inmates. Bring a handful of quarters so you can play some of the games, including the miniature antique pinball machines. Visiting the museum is free of charge.

Description:

This landmark hotel is one of San Francisco's grand dames, operating continuously since 1928 in the heart of Union Square. The Kimpton Hotel company has done a wonderful job renovating the hotel (which has been sorely needed since I was a kid), giving this elegant lady a much-needed makeover. I've always been a fan of the Hotel Monaco's modern, slightly offbeat interiors with bold patterns and custom furnishings, and they've incorporated a similar style at this property, though with a cream and sage green color scheme. It's always a pleasure to have Tom Sweeny, the ebullient (and legendary) Beefeater doorman, handle your bags as you enter the elegant, captivating lobby with its gilded high ceilings, glittering crystal chandeliers, and massive curved marble staircase that leads to a mezzanine overlooking bustling Powell Street. It's a grand entrance experience you won't soon forget.

Scala's Bistro, one of the most festive restaurants downtown, serves good Italian cuisine in a stylish setting on the first floor; the Italian-style Caffe Espresso does an equally commendable job serving coffees, pastries, and sandwiches daily in its spot adjacent to the hotel. Harry Denton's Starlight Room,...

Description:

What Ellis Island was to European immigrants, this island was to Asian immigrants. Volunteer guides lead informative tours of the islands historical sites, including the Immigration Station and Fort McDowell. Graffiti left by immigrants awaiting admission or deportation can be seen on the walls of the holding areas. Hiking and biking trails circle the 740-acre island and offer spectacular views of the Bay Area and glimpses of the indigenous deer population. Camping is allowed with proper permits. Ferry service varies according to the season.

Description:

This landmark hotel is one of San Francisco's grand dames, operating continuously since 1928 in the heart of Union Square. The Kimpton Hotel company has done a wonderful job renovating the hotel (which has been sorely needed since I was a kid), giving this elegant lady a much-needed makeover. I've always been a fan of the Hotel Monaco's modern, slightly offbeat interiors with bold patterns and custom furnishings, and they've incorporated a similar style at this property, though with a cream and sage green color scheme. It's always a pleasure to have Tom Sweeny, the ebullient (and legendary) Beefeater doorman, handle your bags as you enter the elegant, captivating lobby with its gilded high ceilings, glittering crystal chandeliers, and massive curved marble staircase that leads to a mezzanine overlooking bustling Powell Street. It's a grand entrance experience you won't soon forget.

Scala's Bistro, one of the most festive restaurants downtown, serves good Italian cuisine in a stylish setting on the first floor; the Italian-style Caffe Espresso does an equally commendable job serving coffees, pastries, and sandwiches daily in its spot adjacent to the hotel. Harry Denton's Starlight Room,...

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 idea behind building this fort to in 1861 was to fend off attacks by the Confederacy. It proved to be a non-issue, though. This place went on to achieve cinema immortality as the spot from which Kim Novak took her plunge into the San Francisco Bay in the Hitchcock classic Vertigo. There are spectacular views of the Marin Headlands from just beneath the soaring south anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge. Tours are offered and the museum houses a collection of military memorabilia. Take note, it is usually very windy at Fort Point, so dress accordingly. Admission and parking in the adjacent lot is free.

Description:

This landmark hotel is one of San Francisco's grand dames, operating continuously since 1928 in the heart of Union Square. The Kimpton Hotel company has done a wonderful job renovating the hotel (which has been sorely needed since I was a kid), giving this elegant lady a much-needed makeover. I've always been a fan of the Hotel Monaco's modern, slightly offbeat interiors with bold patterns and custom furnishings, and they've incorporated a similar style at this property, though with a cream and sage green color scheme. It's always a pleasure to have Tom Sweeny, the ebullient (and legendary) Beefeater doorman, handle your bags as you enter the elegant, captivating lobby with its gilded high ceilings, glittering crystal chandeliers, and massive curved marble staircase that leads to a mezzanine overlooking bustling Powell Street. It's a grand entrance experience you won't soon forget.

Scala's Bistro, one of the most festive restaurants downtown, serves good Italian cuisine in a stylish setting on the first floor; the Italian-style Caffe Espresso does an equally commendable job serving coffees, pastries, and sandwiches daily in its spot adjacent to the hotel. Harry Denton's Starlight Room,...

Description:

This building is the site of some of San Francisco's finest moments. In 1954 Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio were married here. More recently, in 1991 over 100 gay and lesbian couples were married by the mayor in the foyer. The Renaissance architecture rivals some of the country's most historical structures. Two Parisian architects designed and constructed the building from 1913-1915. The dome is based on the one crowning St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Visitors can pick up brochures and take a self-guided tour between 8a-5p, Monday through Friday. A small store, open during normal business hours, sells traditional San Francisco souvenirs including T-shirts, posters and postcards.

Description:

The noted American architect Minoru Yamasaki created this 5-acre complex, which opened in 1968. The development includes a hotel (the Radisson Miyako, at Laguna and Post streets); a public garage with discounted validated parking; shops selling Japanese furnishings, clothing, cameras, music, porcelain, pearls, and paintings; an excellent spa (Kabuki Springs & Spa); and a multiplex cinema.

Description:

This landmark hotel is one of San Francisco's grand dames, operating continuously since 1928 in the heart of Union Square. The Kimpton Hotel company has done a wonderful job renovating the hotel (which has been sorely needed since I was a kid), giving this elegant lady a much-needed makeover. I've always been a fan of the Hotel Monaco's modern, slightly offbeat interiors with bold patterns and custom furnishings, and they've incorporated a similar style at this property, though with a cream and sage green color scheme. It's always a pleasure to have Tom Sweeny, the ebullient (and legendary) Beefeater doorman, handle your bags as you enter the elegant, captivating lobby with its gilded high ceilings, glittering crystal chandeliers, and massive curved marble staircase that leads to a mezzanine overlooking bustling Powell Street. It's a grand entrance experience you won't soon forget.

Scala's Bistro, one of the most festive restaurants downtown, serves good Italian cuisine in a stylish setting on the first floor; the Italian-style Caffe Espresso does an equally commendable job serving coffees, pastries, and sandwiches daily in its spot adjacent to the hotel. Harry Denton's Starlight Room,...

Description:

California's oldest premium winery is also a historical landmark. The tasting room features a gift shop, delicious foods, and exhibits from resident artists. In addition to the tasting bar on the first floor, there is a library selection tasting bar on the upper level where, for a small fee, you can taste and purchase some outstanding wines from the Buena Vista and Hacienda libraries. Buena Vista offers a wide variety of wines including some fine sparkling wines. Its difficult to leave here without finding something you just can't do without. The selection of wines available at the tasting bar on the main floor is quite impressive and offers a generous mix of their standard and 'Reserve' wines. For the more developed palette, the Heritage Bar upstairs offers a number of treasured collectibles.

Description:

This landmark hotel is one of San Francisco's grand dames, operating continuously since 1928 in the heart of Union Square. The Kimpton Hotel company has done a wonderful job renovating the hotel (which has been sorely needed since I was a kid), giving this elegant lady a much-needed makeover. I've always been a fan of the Hotel Monaco's modern, slightly offbeat interiors with bold patterns and custom furnishings, and they've incorporated a similar style at this property, though with a cream and sage green color scheme. It's always a pleasure to have Tom Sweeny, the ebullient (and legendary) Beefeater doorman, handle your bags as you enter the elegant, captivating lobby with its gilded high ceilings, glittering crystal chandeliers, and massive curved marble staircase that leads to a mezzanine overlooking bustling Powell Street. It's a grand entrance experience you won't soon forget.

Scala's Bistro, one of the most festive restaurants downtown, serves good Italian cuisine in a stylish setting on the first floor; the Italian-style Caffe Espresso does an equally commendable job serving coffees, pastries, and sandwiches daily in its spot adjacent to the hotel. Harry Denton's Starlight Room,...

Description:

San Francisco has had a riotous past, to put it mildly, and this 3.8-mile tour takes you to most of the famous spots where things happened, as well many other points of historical and cultural interest. Eras of interest here range from the Gold Rush times to the present. Follow the brass medallions and arrows in the sidewalk from the Old Mint at Fifth and Mission to Aquatic Park for a great way to see the city.

Description:

These tours are sponsored by the San Francisco Public Library. Over 25 tours focus on different aspects of San Francisco culture, including the city's history and architecture. Recent tours have included a walking tour of the Mission District's murals and an Art Deco tour of the Marina. All tours are free, though donations to benefit the library are requested. Departure locations and times vary. Call or write the main library branch for information.

Description:

San Francisco is the perfect tourist destination that has something for everybody. Be it romantic getaways, adventurous trips or just plain simple fun - the city has it all. The Visitors' Bureau is the ideal source of information for tourists. It keeps you updated on the latest happenings and familiarizes you with everything that is to be known about the city. Information about tourist attractions, hotels, museums, art galleries, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping areas is now right under your fingertips.

Description:

This family-owned breakfast restaurant is one of my favorite downtown diners. This is the kind of place you'd expect to see off Route 66, where most customers are on a first-name basis with the staff and everyone is welcomed with a hearty hello and steaming mug of coffee. Dottie's serves far-above-average American morning fare (big portions of French toast, pancakes, bacon and eggs, omelets, and the like), delivered to tables laminated with old movie star photos on rugged, diner-quality plates. Whatever you order arrives with delicious homemade bread, muffins, or scones, as well as house-made jelly. There are also daily specials and vegetarian dishes.

Description:

San Francisco Railway Museum embodies San Francisco's transportation history with everything from a reconstructed portion of a Market St. Railway Co. 100-class street-car to cable car note cards designed by local artists. Enjoy pictures of the famous ferry-building street-car loop, fare boxes and a Wiley birdcage traffic signal, which allows attendees to see how intersections were patrolled over 100 years ago. Striving to be an interactive museum, knowledgeable docents give talks and answer questions while a resourceful database with an audio & video touch screen is on hand to further educate. If the J-street cars or Powell street trolley cars have always been of interest then enter this museum, which explains their evolution and continues to pave their future.

Description:

Lotta's Fountain which lies at the intersection of Market street, Kearny and Geary street in Downtown, was dedicated in 1875 by Lotta Crabtree who was a Broadway entertainer. The drinking fountain is one of the oldest surviving landmarks in San Francisco. The fountain served as a meeting point during the horrific 1906 earthquake and fire.

Description:

This monument to the U.S.S. San Francisco, which led the battle of Guadalcanal, is built around a remnant of its bridge, which was destroyed in the battle.

Description:

Like the Oakland original, Yoshi's is acclaimed for both its world-class bookings and its creative Japanese cuisine.

Description:

This hydrant was the only one on the area to still provide water to fight the city-wide fire which followed the 1906 earthquake. Grateful citizens gather every April 18th to freshen its gold paint.

Description:

Cable cars aren't all that San Francisco has to offer to historic transportation buffs. The Market Street Railway provides historic streetcars from San Francisco and around the world to SF Muni's F-Market line, which runs from the Castro district through downtown to the Ferry Building and then up the Embarcadero to Pier 39.

Description:

San Francisco's first town center, now the front porch of Chinatown, is home to an enormous collection of historical monuments.

Description:

Sonoma's town square is home to the northernmost of California's missions, numerous other buildings from Spanish and early American California, and the Bear Flag monument -- the site on which California briefly proclaimed its independence. The visitors' association (in the small building on the east side of the square) has an excellent pamphlet of the town's historic sites.

Description:

La Salette is a break from wine country in every way: set back from the square in a quiet plaza and impossible to mistake for yet more California cuisine. Even the wine list offers a two-hour vacation to Portugal.