This wonderful German bakery has been purveying rich coffee cakes, creamy mousse cakes and a cornucopia of butter cookies since 1911. The tiny space with a few tables and chairs is usually crammed with people trying to decide between the classic Swedish Princess (white cake with raspberry and kirsch custard and marzipan icing, known as Prinsesstårta) and one of the many delicious French-inspired mousses and tarts. The fresh bread is also terrific, if you can tear yourself away from the Strawberry Romanoff. ...more

The Conservatory of Flowers, located in Golden Gate Park transports you from San Francisco to a tropical rain forest, minus the exotic animals. The five galleries within the conservatory include the Lowland Tropics, Plotted Plants, Aquatic Plants, Highland Tropics, and an ever changing special exhibit. The Conservatory of Flowers displays plants and flowers in its unique environment, offers guided school tours and is available to rent for corporate events and weddings. This gallery of flowers is a must see for any nature or horticulture lover. ...more

Inside San Francisco's famous Golden Gate Park lies Stow Lake, a small recreation area complete with waterfall. Local families and tourists come here to rent paddle-boats, have a picnic, or just feed the ducks. Electric boats can be rented. Those who would rather remain on land can rent bikes and roller blades. Ride or skate through Golden Gate Park, then afterwards stop by the concession stand for popcorn, hot dogs, and ice cream. Note: Cash only. ...more

A spin-off of Chow on Market Street, this second edition favorite draws in a steady, youthful crowd. It could be due to the prime location just steps away from Golden Gate Park. The weekend brunch on the heated patio is a great answer to those sunny, yet chilly, San Francisco days. The atmosphere throughout is homey yet funky with a fireplace and Hershey's can silverware holders. The menu is filled with all sorts of treats like freshly blended juices and smoothies, standard issue but delicious soups and sandwiches, pasta and pizza and meat and potatoes. The service is quick and friendly. ...more

This large Japanese bookstore, appropriately, is placed in the heart of Japantown in the Kinokuniya Building. It features hundreds of titles written in Japanese, and a smaller percentage of books in English, Korean and Tagalog. You'll find newspapers, magazines, comics, hardcover and paperback fiction, nonfiction, business, philosophy, religious-related topics and more. It also sells Japanese videos and music CDs, stationary and small gifts like nice pens and journals. Extremely popular, it is patronized by both tourists and repeat customers. ...more

This is a genuine North Beach institution. Generations of locals have stopped by the vintage counter to buy the generous authentic slices of focaccia topped with tomato or onion to eat right away or save for a hearty and tasty lunch. The place is not fancy, but that has not stopped the steady stream of tourists who have joined the line of locals that forms daily as soon as the doors open. Only focaccia is sold here and when the day's freshly baked stock runs out, the doors close for the day. Arrive early so that you will not be disappointed. ...more

This San Francisco landmark features some of Fisherman's Wharf's best shopping and attractions. Ride the carousel or watch the sea lions. There are more than 25 one-of-a-kind gift stores that carry automobile, Hollywood, and rock 'n' roll memorabilia, as well as flags of the world, Russian dolls, collectible knives, hammocks, kites, and more. But that's not all. You will find more than 30 more stores, including the famous Na Hoku to shop for clothing, jewelry and toys. It is a great place to pick up high-end San Francisco souvenirs. Credit card acceptance varies by store. Pier 39 is a magnet for locals and tourists for many reasons, including their nearly year-round calendar of special attractions for the whole family like the Tulipmania tulip festival held in late February on both levels of pier 39. For more information, visit the website. ...more

Experience the beautiful sights of the San Francisco waterfront on your own Segway. A platform perched on two wheels, the Segway system has a patented gyroscope balancing system, enabling the standing rider to maneuver by tilting forward or backwards while using the steering control on the left handlebar to turn. Guided three-hour tours take you from Fisherman's Wharf to Maritime Park, Marina Green and the Palace of Fine Arts at up to 8 mph. Each tour begins with a short training session and then its off to the roads and bike trails along the Bay for amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the city. For all tours, a helmet and safety vest are provided and required to wear. Each tour is $65 per person and is limited to ten riders. This Segway tour is ideal for families, visitors and even residents of San Francisco to take in the beauty of the City by the Bay via one of the most unique and innovative modes of transportation around. There are also tours available across the bay in beautiful Sausalito, daily 11:30a and 2:30p. ...more

To enter this restaurant, you need a healthy appetite for meat! The interior boasts of several dining rooms, a bar & cocktail lounge, and a fireplace, making it feel like an exclusive club-house; the owner, Joe Betz, is known for redecorating the establishment every so often. Chunks of delicious prime rib are served with a variety of side dishes (the most popular being spinach and potatoes). A daily fish special is also offered for those who want something light. So come on in for some serious eating! ...more

This contemporary American arts and crafts gallery features unique pieces of jewelry, ceramics, paper, and metal works that meet the standards of design excellence set by owner Deborah West, who is also an interior designer. The works that West discriminatingly chooses tend to be whimsical yet chic, with close attention detail and smart in design. Find gifts and decor made with local and international artists. Prices vary from affordable to expensive. ...more

Located next to Union Square, this upscale department store carries incomparable fashions by all the top designers the world has to offer. You'll find fine cosmetics and fragrances, shoes, accessories, and garments by names like Narciso Rodriguez, Zoran, Gucci, Moschico, Jean Paul Gaultier, Dolce & Gabbana, Oscar De La Renta, Donna Karen, Calvin Klein, TSE, Max Mara, Anne Klein, and Ellen Tracy. Beware—this store is just for women. The men's store can be found one and one-half block east at 220 Post Street. ...more

These donuts are made from scratch, not a pre-packaged mix that has been sitting around for who knows how long. They are light, never greasy, and while they will never be confused with health food, they are undeniably a comfort food par excellence. They are also always fresh. A place this popular with people from all walks of life never has a donut on hand long enough to even think of getting stale. It is not fine dining, as the sometimes brusque counter help makes clear, as does the '50s decor complete with tacky with fake wood paneling. Concentrate on the huge Cinnamon Rolls or the glazed raised, though, and you will be fine. ...more

This impressive neo-Gothic structure crowning Nob Hill was built on the site of the Crocker Mansion after the 1906 earthquake and fire. The interior features stained glass windows in celestial blues and vibrant reds and yellows. There are also frescoes depicting the history of San Francisco and scenes from the life of San Francisco's patron saint, St. Francis of Asissi. The gilded bas-reliefs that adorn the doors of the main entrance are cast from Ghiberti's original molds for the Gates of Paradise that adorn the Baptistry in Florence. This facility also boasts an indoor and an outdoor labyrinth. Admission free. ...more

The first building erected as a cathedral in California, Old St. Mary's served the Archdiocese of San Francisco from 1854 to 1891. Once the city's most prominent building, it is built of brick brought "around the Horn" in sailing ships, and much of its stonework was quarried and cut in China.

Description by the "California Office of Historic Preservation" ...more

Located just off of Market Street, this restaurant puts a contemporary spin on traditional Thai flavors with dishes such as spicy Volcanic Beef topped with fried onion rings. Modern decor features a fusion of classic and modern design, with brick and natural wood accents set off by candlelight. An extensive drink menu includes an assortment of eclectic wines and unique signature cocktails, like the Orange Drop. Try the Ginger Crème Brulee for dessert. ...more

A grand expansion at one of North America's largest shopping centers brings with it more levels of premium designer boutiques, chain retailers and two major department stores, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's. The center now offers 1.5 million square feet of upscale dinning, entertainment and office space. Its breathtaking architecture dates back to 1896 and with modern additions there is no shortage of natural sunlight to guide you on your way. Let the circular brass escalators wind and unwind you past more than 150 shops and stores. The Center is equipped with an information desk and ATM. Credit card acceptance varies by store, and with a new gourmet grocery market it truly is like no other place. ...more

This Inner Sunset neighborhood co-op, affiliated with Berkeley's Cheese Board, just may ruin you for any other bakery. They bake a wide range of breads, with a whole list of specials every day (grab a loaf of the Irish Soda Bread on Tuesdays). They turn out specialty scones and muffins all baked with tender loving care. Their cookies are at once familiar and surprisingly new (try Auntie Mabel's Cookie Brittle or the moist and crumbly Apricot-Almond). Kids love the crispy/cheesy bread sticks. If it's more than just a snack you're looking for, join the throngs filing in from the far reaches of the city for a slice or four of Arizmendi's famous pizza. They top each one with the freshest of locally raised veggies and the creamiest of specialty cheeses. Eat yours at one of two tables inside, on the benches out front, or in Golden Gate Park just a block away. See website for complete list of weekly bread, scone, muffin and cookie specials, as well as a mission statement and a comprehensive pizza calendar. ...more

In the late 1800s, a Scotsman named John McLaren transformed more than 1,000 acres of sand dunes into a wondrous haven in the midst of busy city life. Stretching from Stanyan Street to the Pacific Ocean, the lush landscaping features ever-changing settings at every turn. There are trails for walking, jogging, biking, horseback riding, as well as a golf course, lawn bowling greens, soccer fields and a baseball diamond. For those seeking less strenuous diversion, check out the California Academy of Sciences and an authentic Japanese Tea Garden. For families with children, there are playgrounds, a live buffalo reserve and a carousel. ...more

This building is the site of some of San Francisco's finest moments. In 1954 Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio were married here. In the early 21st century, over 100 same-sex couples were married by Mayor Gavin Newsom in the foyer. The Renaissance architecture rivals some of the country's most historical structures. Two Parisian architects designed and constructed the building from 1913-1915. The dome is based on the one crowning St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Visitors can pick up brochures and take a self-guided tour between 8a-5p, Monday through Friday. A small store, open during normal business hours, sells traditional San Francisco souvenirs including T-shirts, posters and postcards. ...more

Peru's cuisine is probably the best kept food secret in South America. A bounty of Pacific seafood, a fiendish enthusiasm for chilies and a confluence of Latino, Native American and even Japanese and Chinese influences make for a remarkable virtuosity" ... Food & Wine Magazine. San Francisco Gorgeous appetizers set the tone for meat-centric, down-home, but nuanced entrees. Try the Empanada Don Walter made with tender chunks of beef, eggs and raisins in a blistery-crunchy crust with whole perfectly-steamed shrimp in a romesco sauce. The Lomo Saltado has lean slices of beef, onions and tomatoes, expertly seasoned and served aside a mound of fluffy rice to soak up the savory juices. There is an exceptionally hearty pork chop on an earthy bed of mushrooms, cabbage, bacon and chopped potatoes. Desserts include a truly-sublime fruit ice cream, flown in from Peru. Chosen by Michael Bauer as one of the five rising-star chefs of San Francisco, Martin Castillo has defined Limon's menu. ...more

This is a great place for an inquiring mind. The wonders of the natural world are on display in the Steinhart Aquarium, complete with a penguin colony; the Morrison Planetarium, offers a sky show; and a natural history museum with a hunk of jade the size of a steamer trunk. There is also a collection of artifacts from the local native populations of the Bay Area and Oceania, and a whimsical courtyard display of animal statues by renowned sculptor Buffano. ...more

If you want to know how a cable car works, this is the place to learn. The world's first cable car rests here and with it a concise explanation of how those little cable cars go halfway to the stars. In an underground viewing area, you can look at the system's enormous cable wheels (in use!), which pull 11 miles of cable at 9.5 miles per hour. The cable cars move by clamping onto it. Examine closely the steel cables, gears, and pulleys that bring this city's most famous transportation to life. Don't miss the gift shop, where you can purchase your very own length of used cable! Admission is free. Ramp and elevators for disabled visitors are provided at the Washington street side of the building. ...more