San Francisco 101

Updated: April 22, 2002

Have your camera ready: Cable cars, world-class restaurants and the Golden Gate Bridge make the city a sightseer's dream.

On this page:What to See, Where to Eat, Where to Stay, Where to Drink, Where to Relax.

What to See

  1. 1 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Golden Gate Bridge
    Read Reviews

    US Hwy 101, San Francisco, CA 94129 (map)

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Coit Tower
    Read Reviews

    1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94133 (map)

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Fisherman's Wharf
    Read Reviews

    The Embarcadero and Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94133 (map)

    There's still romance and authenticity lingering among the touristy crowds that frequent this carnival of commercialism.

  4. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Alcatraz Island
    Read Reviews

    Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco, CA 94123 (map)

    Escape from the mainland to this legendary prison for a thrilling tour behind bars.

Where to Eat

  1. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Foreign Cinema - CA
    Read Reviews

    2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110 (map)

  2. 6 3.5 Star Rating: Average Zuni Cafe
    Read Reviews

    1658 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

  3. 7 3 Star Rating: Average Waterbar
    Read Reviews

    399 The Embarcadero South, San Francisco, CA 94105 (map)

    Splashy Embarcadero seafood spot provides fresher-than-fresh fare, a large-yet-cozy space, a wealth of wine options and killer Bay views.

  4. 8 3 Star Rating: Average Park Chalet Garden Restaurant
    Read Reviews

    1000 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121 (map)

  5. 9 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Restaurant Gary Danko
    Read Reviews

    800 N Point St, San Francisco, CA 94109 (map)

Where to Stay

  1. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended W San Francisco
    Read Reviews

    181 Third St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    Fab Rate. Play Dates. Why Wait?

  2. 11 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended InterContinental San Francisco
    Read Reviews

    888 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)

    SoMa luxury hotel features 32 stories of guest rooms, suites, meeting space, ballrooms and entertainment venues, including a spa, fine-dining restaurant and bar.

  3. 12 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Hotel Tomo
    Read Reviews

    1800 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115 (map)

    This trendy Japantown hotel rocks decor inspired by modern Japanese culture.

  4. 13 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Orchard Garden Hotel
    Read Reviews

    466 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94108 (map)

Where to Drink

  1. 14 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Top of the Mark
    Read Reviews

    One Nob Hill, 999 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108 (map)

    Revelers enjoy city-spanning views at this historic hotel hangout.

  2. 15 2.5 Star Rating: Below Average Slide
    Read Reviews

    430 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

  3. 16 3.5 Star Rating: Average The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
    Read Reviews

    950 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94108 (map)

    Fairmont Hotel's tiki bar is a "Pirates of the Caribbean" for grown-ups.

  4. 17 3 Star Rating: Average Vessel
    Read Reviews

    85 Campton Pl, San Francisco, CA 94108 (map)

  5. 18 4 Star Rating: Recommended Redwood Room
    Read Reviews

    495 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

    See and be seen at this revamped classic, nestled deep within the new Clift Hotel.

Where to Relax

  1. 19 3.5 Star Rating: Average Bliss World Spa
    Read Reviews

    181 Third St 4th Fl, San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)

  2. 20 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Tru
    Read Reviews

    750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108 (map)

    This deluxe spa is an elegant oasis on the borders of Chinatown, North Beach and the Financial District.

  3. 21 4 Star Rating: Recommended Nob Hill Spa-Huntington Hotel
    Read Reviews

    1075 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108 (map)

  4. 22 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Kabuki Springs & Spa
    Read Reviews

    1750 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115 (map)

    At this Japantown sanctuary, nirvana is attained for less than the cost of a good sushi dinner.