Hailed as a tourists’ mecca and damned for those killer hills, San Francisco’s reputation definitively precedes it. Famed for its glory days as a beat generation outpost then later the epicenter of flower power and acid rock, today the glorious city by the bay has lost none of its “alternative” laurels. How many cities boast sparkling sunshine most days with temperatures fit for short sleeves then about face it with an eerie fog and Wuthering Heights wind at rush hour? The weather conditions practically have a personality of their own in this town and if you’re into meteorology you’ll be in hog heaven.
Anne Rice couldn’t resist staging her infamous Vampire Chronicles here and Alfred Hitchcock went gaga over the Golden Gate Bridge in Vertigo so it’s anybody’s guess where your particular DNA will land you. Given the tangible LGBT quotient, you might easily be whisked into a vortex of hedonism; on the other hand, perhaps it’s a romp au natural on San Gregorio Beach, a coastal draw for local nudists. Whatever your leanings, this place is party central.
So, are you ready for happy hour, yet?
Here’s the Squire’s summer sampler of SF attractions, perfect for a quick “long weekend” getaway, should you have missed getting away yet this summer.
www.sanfrancisco.travel/
The area code for San Francisco is 415.
Where to Stay:
The Palomar- Just blocks away from some of San Francisco’s best attractions and a short walk to the Westfield San Francisco Shopping Center and the SF Museum of Modern Art, one of the country’s best. Their museum shop is a must for savvy shoppers. 12 Fourth Street, 415-348-1111,www.hotelpalomar-sf.com
Hyatt Regency Embarcadero – This financial district gem’s rooftop lounge, the Regency Club, has a 360 degree view of the stunning bay area. Like feeling important? This is your place. 5 Embarcadero Center, 415-788-1234, www.sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com
Hotel Diva – You can finally exercise your inner diva somewhere that’s got your back! This stylish boutique gem attracts all the Europeans and even has a Design Within Reach suite. 440 Geary St, 415-885-0200, www.hoteldiva.com
The Fairmont – Historic, charming and exceedingly stylish. You’ll be blown away by the old world elegance and hospitality. 950 Mason Street, 415-772-5000, www.fairmont.com/san-francisco
Hotel Nikko – In the financial district near Union Square, this luxury spot with Japanese overtones has everything your heart desires – a restaurant and bar on site as well as a sauna and steam room to boot. 222 Mason Street, 415-394-1111, www.hotelnikkosf.com/
Where to Eat:
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Photo Courtesy: San Francisco Travel Association[/caption]
Bar Tartine – Co-chefs Nick Balla and Cortney Burns strike genius in the kitchen incorporating both bold and simple flavors in their dishes. The word in town is that theirs is a new global culinary method. 561 Valencia Street, 415-487-1600, www.bartartine.com
Nojo – This Hayes Valley favorite has made a name for itself serving authentic Japanese yakitori. Meaning “farm” in Japanese, Nojo elevates the izakaya concept with a menu that’s seasonally creative. Locals refer to it as Californian cuisine with Japanese flair. 231 Franklin St., 415-896-4587, www.nojosf.com
The Cliff House – There’s something to be said for enjoying a perfect Bloody Mary before brunch perched on a bluff overlooking the crashing Pacific surf. Just remember these 3 words: location, location, location. 1090 Point Lobos, 415-386-3330, www.cliffhouse.com
Zuni – A San Francisco mainstay and open late on weekends, there’s a reason why their drum is still beating after 30 years … oysters! And the servers ain’t bad lookin’ either. 1658 Market St, 415-552-2522, www.zunicafe.com
Where to Drink:
Bourbon & Branch – A former speakeasy, this place is sexy, secretive and perfect for trysting. Enter only by gaining an access code online and showing up at your allotted time. 501 Jones St, 415-346-1735, www.bourbonandbranch.com
Trick Dog- A local in-the-know lounge spot , popular for its tropical and Pacific Rim-centric drink menu. 3010 20th Street, 415-471-2999, www.trickdogbar.com
The Alembic – Into craft cocktails, innovative flavors and homemade bitters? Take a seat and plan on staying awhile in this Haight Asbury temple to mixology. 1725 Haight St., 415-666-0822, www.alembicbar.com
What to See:
Alcatraz Island – Nothing compares with time spent at The Rock. Still a mysterious presence in the Bay and one that mirrors the city’s mystery, too. 888-814-2305, www.alcatraztickets.com/
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Photo by Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar[/caption]
The Golden Gate Bridge – The one and only and it’s painted lipstick red. Be adventurous and ride a bike across it. www.goldengatebridge.org/
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Photo by Jeff Gunn[/caption]
Golden Gate Park – Check out the California Academy of Sciences, with an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum and a 4-story rainforest, all under one roof. 55 Music Concourse Dr., 415-379-8000, www.calacademy.org
Beach Blanket Babylon – A zany spoof of pop culture and the world’s longest running musical revue. Hang in the North Beach neighborhood afterward, SF’s nightlife hub.
678 Green St, 415-421-4222, www.beachblanketbabylon.com
What to Do:
Coit Tower – Need to walk off that big Italian lunch? Climb the Filbert Steps of Telegraph Hill for beautiful (if windy) vistas on a sunny day. Don’t miss the incredible murals inside the tower. 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd. on Telegraph Hill adjacent to North Beach (Little Italy).
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Photo Courtesy: San Francisco Travel Association[/caption]
Haight-Ashbury – The neighborhood that epitomized the summer of love and flower children is an experience you won’t soon forget. Pay a visit to the house where Janis Joplin lived with Big Brother & the Holding Company, and then shop the eclectic boutiques for vintage clothes, books and even records at Amoeba Music. Haight Street, east of Stanyan Street which borders Golden Gate Park.
The Red and White Fleet – Get out on the bay on this sunset cruise and catch all the famous landmarks with a Tequila Sunrise in hand. Better sit down when the Golden Gate Bridge looms above you. Pier 43 1/2, 415-673-2900, www.redandwhite.com
Napa Valley Wine Train – Who knew that you could experience the beauty of Napa from a cushy seat in a restored vintage rail car? Save your energy for that incredible Cabernet Sauvignon coming down the aisle. 1275 McKinstry St., Napa, Ca., 800-427-4124, www.winetrain.com
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Photo by idleformat[/caption]
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