San Francisco California Travel Guide
Toll Free Phone San Francisco Reservations 
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San Francisco OverviewSan Francisco, California is one of the world's favorite cities. It is a magical, golden city with a heart of culture, yet a desire to be different. As the soft morning fog disappears and the sun begins to shine, San Franciscans and visitors alike come out to work and play.San Francisco has a comfortably moderate climate any time of year with cool nights and often warm but breezy days. It is best to dress in layers. There is plenty to see and do in San Francisco. Get a postcard view of The "Painted Ladies", the beautiful pastel Victorian houses that the city is known for, against the backdrop of downtown skyscrapers. Ride a California Street cable car to the top of Nob Hill for the best view of San Francisco Bay. While on Nob Hill, check out Grace Cathedral, a replica of Notre Dame in Paris. Enjoy dim sum at one of the many restaurants that line the streets of Chinatown. And of course, a visit to San Francisco isn't complete without crossing the picturesque Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco Neighborhoods San Francisco has many ethnically and culturally diverse neighborhoods to explore, each with its own unique qualities. The best way to see and experience San Francisco is to get out your walking shoes and have fun! Castro District The Castro District is the heart of San Francisco's gay community. The Castro has an array of funky bars, bookstores, and novelty shops that freely celebrate the gay and lesbian lifestyle. The Castro is a lively place, especially on weekends and during the Halloween festivities. Chinatown San Francisco's Chinatown is the second-largest Chinese community outside of Asia. The entrance to Chinatown is called the "Dragon's Gate" and is located at Bush Street and Grant Avenue. The 24-square block area has narrow crowded streets and is best explored on foot. Visitors will find an array of exotic shops, herbalists, jewelry dealers, souvenir shops and renowned restaurants in Chinatown. Haight-Ashbury "The Haight" was the center of counterculture during the 1960's and was once home the legendary musical icons, the Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin. There are still a few funky shops, record stores, and vintage clothing stores among the newer pricey boutiques and cafes. Mission District The Mission District is a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood, which takes its name from the Mission Delores, the oldest building to survive the 1906 earthquake. The heart of this area is 24th Street, a collection of ethnic specialty shops, fresh produce markets, Mexican bakeries and restaurants. Colorful murals - over two hundred in all - adorn buildings, fences and wall throughout the neighborhood. North Beach There is still a Bohemian flavor to North Beach, left over from the beatnik days of the 1950's. An eclectic mix of bookstores, jazz clubs, strip joints, and coffee houses transforms this neighborhood into a trendy playground at night. North Beach is considered to be San Francisco's "Little Italy". Rich in Italian heritage, the narrow streets of the neighborhood are lined with family-style restaurants, gelato shops, jazz clubs, bakeries, and Italian delicatessens. From the base of Telegraph hill, and Levi's Plaza Park, the Filbert Steps lead up the hill through The Grace Marchand Gardens to the 210 -foot Coit Tower and a stunning view of the city. The Marina, Pacific Heights, Japantown The Marina District has magnificent views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay especially from Marina Green, a popular park for joggers and sunbathers. Pacific Heights is San Francisco's wealthiest neighborhood with stately Victorian mansions crowning the tree-lined hills. San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge are among the breath-taking views that can be seen from the hills of Pacific Heights. San Francisco's large Japanese community, Japantown, also called Nihonmachi, offers everything from teahouses, restaurants, shops and theaters to Japanese bathhouses and a collection of cultural sites. Fisherman's Wharf, The Embarcadero Fisherman's Wharf is one of the most visited sites in San Francisco. Pier 39 draws millions of visitors each year to browse through its many shops and watch the free ongoing entertainment. Other favorite waterfront marketplaces at the Wharf are The Cannery, The Ancorage, and Ghiradelli Square. The Embarcadero is a seven-mile stretch of water front promenade in the heart of San Francisco with plazas, walks, parks and public pier access. The Embarcadero Center spans six blocks in the heart of the city and features more than 125 restaurants, retail shops and a five-screen theater. Union Square Union Square is an upscale neighborhood bordered by Powell and Stockton Streets. The recently renovated square is located in the heart of San Francisco amid upscale department stores, boutiques, theaters, and pricey hotels. Written by Carolyn Cagle for Travel USA®, Copyright © 2003
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