SF is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its own distinct population and destinations. My suggestion is to pick 3 to 4 neighborhoods and explore each on foot, checking out the stores, restaurants and attractions.
http://www.dreamworld.org/sfguide/Neighborhoods/neighborhood.names.jpg
Some suggested itineraries:
Union Square/Downtown: shopping
Whether it’s the designer stores around Union Square (surrounded by the streets Geary, Stockton, Post and Powell) or the discounts along Market (Ross and Marshall’s), this is where the flag ship stores are at (Levi, Banana Republic).
If you want to stay indoor and shop, just go to the Nordstrom Mall at the corner of Fifth and Market.
Tips: Take the elevator in Macy’s to the top floor and go out to The Cheesecake Factory’s balcony for a view of the square
Eat at the basement of Macy’s: Wolfgang Puck and the Jamba Juice Honey Berry Bran.
SOMA: the arts
There are plenty of museums to visit. MOMA (Third b/t Mission and Howard), Asian Art (Larkin and McAllister - If you go to the Asian Art Museum, there is a hole-in-the-wall Middle Eastern place King Gyro for some healthy stuff 25 Grove), Yerba Buena (Mission b/t Third and Fourth), Exploratorium (Howard b/t Fourth and Fifth)
Some museums are free the first Tuesday of the month, but the best time to visit is Thursday night, when the museums open late and have fewer visitors
Tips: plenty of bars and clubs all around (Folsom b/t 9th and 12th is where most of them are located)…check out Wish (1539 Folsom)
Check out St. Regis and Four Seasons (lunch at Seasons), the two five-star hotel around the corner from each other (Third and
Chinatown/North Beach: restaurants
Go to the corner of 3rd and Market (south of Market). Take the 9AX, 9BX, 15, 30 or 45 and get off at the Broadway stop (either Stockton or Columbus). Being one of the densest neighborhoods in SF, the food here is cheap and yummy. Wear comfortable shoes because you will be browsing!
Tips: Walk up Pacific to Mason and look back – awesome view of
Eat at Dol Ho (
Castro: What SF is really famous for
Catch any muni line toward West and get off at Church or Castro stations. If not in a hurry, take the F-line all the way down to Market and Castro. This is where all the queer gather, but you will find plenty of one-of-kind stores and very sophisticated eateries.
Tip: Eat at Sweet Inspirations. Ask if they have the mango-passion fruit mousse.
Automobile
- F-Line: catch the eastbound line along Market (there is a stop every block starting in the Castro) and take it along Embarcadero all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf (
- Powell Cable Car: Take this other way to Fisherman’s Wharf. $5 for a roller-coaster-like experience.
- 38-Geary to J-town: Gritty but a destination worth venturing out
- 2/3/4 to Fillmore: Yuppy-ville
