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The Draw
• A romantic, European-flavored city ringed by stunning bay views
• Several new museums, which augment a thriving cultural scene
• Outside of New York City, the best cuisine in the country
The Scene
Classic San Francisco still stands (winding streets, fog-wrapped vistas, clanging cable cars), but a revitalized South of Market District (SOMA) and an array of colorful inland neighborhoods are fast becoming national destinations of their own. The Four Seasons and W hotels have opened downtown locations, while Hayes Valley and the Mission District are luring travelers seeking unique local experiences. The dot-com hangover has lifted -- welcome to SF 2.0.
To Be Seen
• Yerba Buena Gardens. Flanked by the SFMOMA and the futuristic Sony Metreon, this placid urban park is also blocks away from the lively SOMA restaurant scene.
• Hayes Valley. Hayes Street, just east of the Symphony House, is home to a pleasant necklace of home-grown, attitude-free boutiques.
• Mission District. The Valencia Street corridor has eclectic cuisine and handcrafted fashion.
For The VIP
• The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art can arrange exclusive tours of artist studios, private collections and alternative gallery spaces.
• The Four Seasons offers “California Cuisine” cooking classes with their renowned chef, Jeremy Emmerson.
• Head to the hills. Explore Napa, the East Bay and the Santa Cruz Mountains in a chauffeured SUV.
Overrated
Fisherman’s Wharf. Avoid at all cost. You’ll find wonderful seafood in restaurants all over the city.
Underrated
Chinatown. The trick here is to have a plan. A walking tour will get you inside secluded temples, fortune cookie factories and more.
Don’t Miss
• For foodies, a stroll through the farmer’s market in the Ferry Building is mandatory. Prince Charles is a fan.
• The elegant copper-clad de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park features a world-class observatory tower.
When To Go
Spring and early fall work best, and contrary to popular belief, the summers aren’t entirely cold and foggy.
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