Marina/Presidio
The northern swath of the city is arguably its most scenic, with rolling hills, beautiful homes, large parks, and the city's crown jewel: the
Golden Gate Bridge. Hilltop mansions and expansive waterfront homes should clue you in on the Marina's and neighboring Pacific Heights' socioeconomic makeup, and while that means there are yuppies to spare, the neighborhoods still have plenty of charms for visitors of all stripes. The
Exploratorium is the ultimate in family fun, and the adjacent
Palace of Fine Arts is an ideal venue for a sunny afternoon stroll. Pedestrian-, biker-, and picnic-friendly
Crissy Field also makes for a dreamy daytime outing within view of the bridge. After having fun in the sun, head to Chestnut or Union Street for eateries and boutiques galore. Dining at Greens, the city's best vegetarian restaurant, makes for a unique SF experience due to its unparalleled view of the Marina's sailboats and the
Golden Gate Bridge.
To the west, the former military base of the
Presidio has been converted into acres of parks, residences, and public beaches. The 18-hole
Presidio Golf Course attracts links lovers and
Baker Beach is a local favorite, although be sure to bring warm clothes—it can get windy! West of the
Presidio lies Lincoln Park, where visitors can enjoy the
California Palace of the Legion of Honor's fine art exhibits, the scenic Land's End coastal hiking trail, and the Richmond District, where Asian cuisine, European food shops, and Irish pubs are all the rage.
Nightlife
Osome
Caffe Union
Bar None
Blue Light Bar & Restaurant
Mauna Loa Club
Kelley's Tavern
La Barca
Ottimista Enoteca-Café
A16
La Cucina
PlumpJack Balboa Cafe
HiFi
PlumpJack Café
Brazen Head
Monaghan's
Left at Albuquerque
Terzo
City Tavern
Final Final
Bus Stop
Betelnut
Matterhorn Restaurant
Rose's Cafe
Attractions
Bryan Lee
Studio On Chestnut
Palace of Fine Arts
Uko
Eurasian Interiors Chinese Antiques Furniture
Artisans of San Francisco (The)
Shu Uemura
Mimi's On Union
Jest Jewels
Vivo
Mudpie
Union Street Papery
Wonders of Tibet
Workshop
Shaw Shoes
Fenzi Uomo
Firuze
Lyon Street Steps
Goldleaf Chocolatier
The Exploratorium
Fort Point National Historic Site
Bubble
Maxxini
Blues Jean Bar
Atys
Baker Beach
Wave Organ
Red Lantern Antiques
Ferry Building Marketplace
Pavillion de Paris
A|X Armani Exchange
Two Skirts
Rome Shoes
Vie Vie
Fog City Leather
Dreamy Angels
Michaelis Wine & Spirits
Bee Market
Union Street Goldsmith
Canyon Beachwear
Silver Moon
Stuart Moore
Crissy Field
Lorenzini
1887 Dance Shop
American Apparel
Union Street Festival
Cara Mia
California Wine Merchant
Walt Disney Family Museum LLC
Dantone Boutique
Images of the North
Octagon House
Off the Grid SF (Fort Mason)
Restaurants
Joji's House of Teriyaki
Yuzu
Pasta Pomodoro
Osome
Doidge's
Caffe Union
Viva Goa
Bistro SF Grill
La Canasta
Espresso Roma Cafe
City Tavern
Brazen Head
Tacolicious
Plant Cafe Organic
PlumpJack Balboa Café
Benjarong
Blue Light Bar & Restaurant
Hotels
Marina Motel
Hotel Del Sol, a Joie de Vivre hotel
Cow Hollow Motor Inn & Suites