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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 InterContinental (not to be confused with sister property Mark Hopkins) recently opened one of the first hotels built from the ground up in several years, alongside classic downtown staples like the Four Seasons and W hotels. Hayes Valley and the Mission District continue to lure travelers seeking unique local experiences with their kitsch and charm, and now trendsetters are beginning to colonize the once-forbidden Tenderloin area with new bars and clubs. 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.
• Take a helicopter tour over the Bay and Marin County, stopping in picture-perfect Sausalito for lunch, and a ferry back to the city.
• 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
Japantown. The new Chinatown, this neighborhood oozes authenticity with its blooming cherry blossoms and street martial arts displays. Be sure and pay a visit to Kabuki Springs & Spa for a native revitalization treatment.
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. But San Francisco usually sees its sunniest, clearest days from the end of August through mid-October, thanks to annual Indian summers.
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