Americano features a modern Italian cuisine with a California twist prepared in innovative ways and served with a creative flair. Chef Paul Arenstam will feature a refreshing interpretation of Italian classics prepared with fresh ingredients from the local farmer's market and Bay Area artisan Producers. ...more

While you'll find a handful of fine restaurants neighboring this Embarcadero park, you might prefer to opt for a bagged lunch. This grassy knoll is the perfect spot for a midday picnic. It's a well-kept facility featuring apartments and businesses, but it's the park that ties its community together with class. Stroll across a plush lawn, take a nap underneath a fir tree, or sit on the steps of the fountain centerpiece and smell the fresh flowers. ...more

Houston's says:

Welcome to Houston's. Our menu of diverse American classics lets the exceptional quality of ingredients take center stage. At Houston's this philosophy begins at a local level which is why we work closely with area growers and purveyors to ensure the produce, meat, fish, and chicken are of the highest standard. Everything is prepared from scratch daily and expertly presented. A long standing interest in art and architecture also factor into the dining experience to enhance the senses. Whether you are new to Houston's or a long standing guest, we look forward to seeing you soon. ...more

Despite the popular misconception, Joe DiMaggio did not marry Marilyn Monroe in this opulent church (that was at City Hall). He did, however, marry his first wife, starlet Dorothy Arnold, here and it was this church that celebrated his funeral mass. Dating only from 1922, this Roman Catholic church is awash in marble, gilding and ornately carved wood, starting with the life-size marble angel at the entrance. Inside the hushed sanctuary, redolent with the aroma of burning candles, is an elaborately carved and painted ceiling glinting with gold leaf. Pendant chandeliers in aged brass and frosted glass hang from the arches of the colonnade on either side of the nave. The altar is an explosion of marble carved with the titular saints of the church, plus cherubs, angels and all the niches and domes needed to contain them. Statues and shrines, including one to Our Lady of Lourdes that features a faux grotto, line the walls and the elaborate chapels. ...more

Hop into a GoCar for a spin around San Francisco and see just how far you can go. Catch all the attractions and experience all the fun of the City by the Bay without the confusion of maps or the inflexibility of organized tours. Utilizing state-of-the-art GPS (Global Positioning System) locator technology, GoCars take you from the Bay to the Pacific and around the neighborhoods, parks, and famous landmarks of the City. While driving, the talking cars tell you exactly when and where to go and provide historical information and plenty of fun facts. The best part of the GoCar adventure is being able to discover the City at your own pace. Stop to take pictures, grab a bite to eat, or take in a museum at your leisure. Feel free to spend anywhere from an hour to an entire day zipping around town in your talking 3-wheeled car. There is no better way to see San Francisco! To rent a GoCar, you must be a licensed driver and 18-years-old. Reservations are required. Be sure to call or reserve online well in advance. There is a second location in Union Square at: 321 Mason St (at corner of Mason & O'Farrell). ...more

Whole dungeness crab roasted in garlic sauce, filet mignon, farm fresh Hawaiian sunfish filet, New York steak are just a few of the exciting dishes on the menu. If you need to satisfy those endless cravings for thick juicy steaks and fresh seafood, come on down to Boboquivari's where you are sure to have a good time! A colorful, festive interior, a mahogany bar, leather booths and striped linens add to the vivacious ambience, so much so that the restaurant seems alive with good cheer as it will put you right at ease and you will certainly enjoy your meal! ...more

Known as "the spot" for the power breakfast and lunch crowd, Seasons comes alive at night as Seasons Steak & Seafood. Overlooking Market Street in the heart of San Francisco's business district, the comfortably inviting and stylish restaurant is complemented by the attentive yet discreet service that defines the Four Seasons Hotel. Executive Chef Jeremy Emmerson and Chef Amy Engberts combine premier cuts of meat and the freshest seafood in a seasonally changing menu that innovates and refines the steakhouse concept. Lighter preparations of creative side dishes allow the fresh, locally sourced and organic produce to shine. In addition to these customizable accompaniments, the menu features a unique three-part Surf 'N' Turf tasting menu and an extensive, expertly crafted wine list, emphasizing California's boutique wineries.

Windows, Seasons Steak & Seafood's private dining room, provides breathtaking floor to ceiling views of downtown for parties of up to 18 guests. ...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

Hana Zen offers excellent sushi, the finest yakitori and premium sake, sake flights, soju, wine, & cocktails. They offer friendly service in an open and lively atmosphere. They are the home of the true Japanese food lover.

If you want to know how a cable car works, Cable Car Museum 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, which pull 11 miles (18 kilometers) of cable at 9.5 miles (15 kilometers) 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! ...more

Beach Blanket Babylon started 30 years ago, springing from the creative mind of impresario Steve Silver, as a rag-tag collection of bizarrely costumed street theater performers. It is a fairy tale for adults, wherein Snow White takes a fast-paced musical journey in search of her Prince Charming. Along the way, Snow White encounters a star-studded, always changing, always contemporary line up of hilarious pop culture characters like Rush Limbaugh, Oprah Winfrey, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart, George W. Bush, Britney Spears and the gang from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, just for good measure! This preposterous romp is music, mayhem, madness and altogether an amazing night of nut-cake cabaret and razor sharp satirical wit. Beach Blanket Babylon is a must see for San Francisco tourists and locals.Club Fugazi is a permanent home for them as all their shows are performed here. ...more

In one of San Francisco's best signature styles, chef Will Dodson presents a menu that defies categorization. Suffice to say that the food showcases the some of the best ingredients from the Bay Area, combined in a very creative and eclectic fashion that exemplifies why fusion has become such a craze. The menu changes often, but typical menu items include Andalusian Seafood Paella and Baked Salmon encrusted in brown sugar and herbs. The service is first-rate, too. ...more

In the heart of the Theater District, The Grand Cafe enjoys a bit of theatrics itself. The interior is pure drama with soaring ceilings, arched doorways, wall-size murals and antique furnishings that evoke the Paris in 1900. Food is chopped and roasted in a performance that you can watch from your table as the kitchen is open and in full-view. First acts include Herb-Crusted Soft Shell Crab and Smoked Salmon Terrine. Next, try a Stellar Filet Mignon or Duck in Confit. The "Grand" Banana Cream Pie is the perfect grand finale. Wines are also stellar. The service is excellent. ...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

And who, you might well ask, are those four referred to in the name of this award-winning restaurant? Those would be C.P. Huntington, Charles Crocker, Leland Stanford and Mark Hopkins, whose mansions made Nob Hill the literal and figurative pinnacle of San Francisco style in the days before the 1906 earthquake and fire. Amid the leather banquettes and potted palms that add a cachet of old money, award-winning Executive Chef Gloria Ciccarone-Nehls creates a menu that includes such eclectic offerings as Venison and Black Bean Chili with Crisp Honey-Spiced Onions, as well as nightly low-fat and vegetarian specials. The Flourless Chocolate-Expresso Gateau with Spun Sugar and Rasberries is a work of art on the plate and the palate. The Wine Spectator has singled out the wine list here as one of the best in the world. ...more

Conventional wisdom holds that this monument is shaped like a fire-hose nozzle. It is not, at least not by design. The tower is the gift of Lilly Hitchcock Coit, an eccentric heiress who managed to stand out in a city full of them. Lilly's particular passion was for the San Francisco Fire Department. So when the money she left in her will for The City's beautification was used to construct the art deco tower on Telegraph Hill in 1932, people made assumptions. The view from here is one of the most impressive in San Francisco, taking in the Bay, two bridges, and the Marin Headlands. Inside, the first floor is decorated with excellent murals, commissioned by the WPA in 1933, depicting San Francisco history.

Admission is $4.50 for adults, $3.50 for seniors 65+, $2.00 for chldren 6-12, and free for children under 6. ...more

A penny for your thoughts? In addition to a melange of penny structures, this quirky, offbeat museum which had originally resided beneath the Cliff House at Pt. Lobos, has a variety of interesting gadgets and knick-knacks. A must-see is the toothpick amusement park, built by San Quentin inmates. Bring a handful of quarters so you can play some of the games, including the miniature antique pinball machines. Visiting the museum is free of charge. Cash only. ...more

Trained in the renowed Cordon Bleu culinary academy, Ana Mandara's chef prepares traditional Vietnamese recipes with French technique and American accents. Ana Mandara translates as a beautiful refuge with a 700-year Vietnamese history. Come in and create your own story. ...more

Park Grill is popular with Financial District types looking for a low-key spot to grab a power lunch, brunch or sup. The food is California classic, heavy on fresh local ingredients whipped up into seasonal delights such as grilled catch of the day, pastas with a variety of toppings, and steaks cooked to order. The wait staff is efficient and the personal warmth while recounting the daily specials or advising on the right wine to accompany it from the fine wine list puts you at ease. California vintages are favored, but there are a few imports. ...more

Fisherman's Wharf remains one of San Francisco's most popular tourist destinations. The Wharf consists of a long, coast side row of seafood restaurants, street vendors, souvenir stores, and beautiful ocean scenery. Fisherman's Wharf was originally a major fishing pier, and although the fishing industry is still alive today, the main focus of this specific coastal area is its historic tourist attractions. Parking is limited on the Wharf itself so parking downtown or taking a cable car to the Wharf is recommended. Ferry rides are offered for those who would like to visit Marin County. There are numerous attractions and great places to eat (see the other entries for Tourist Attractions and Fisherman Wharf restaurants). Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, even during summer months, the breeze off the ocean can be quite chilling. And take your camera. The photo opportunities are fabulous. And don't forget to visit the barking sea lions at Pier 39. The kids will love them, guaranteed! ...more

Jacket, tie and reservation all required here. This place is posh and you will get the royal treatment. Valet parking, cushy booths, and a full bar are all available to pamper you. "Cuisine Chinese" is the sort of food emperors and empresses dined on in Ancient China. Start with the Lobster Pot Stickers and continue with the whole fresh Maine Lobster, shelled and sauteed with pinenuts, mushrooms and a Peppercorn Sauce over crystal noodles. Minced Squab Imperial is another delicacy, as is the Tea and Camphorwood-smoked Duck. The service is first-rate for the upscale crowd here. Soft lighting, light music and seamless service set the perfect stage for this gourmet feast of royal delights. ...more

This picturesque stretch of Lombard Street has eight angles along a single block. They twist at very acute angles, making for very slow going if you are in a car, though, oddly enough, cars were the reason for designing the street this way back in 1922, the idea being that this design would make it easier for them to negotiate the steep 16-percent grade. The drive is usually bumper-to-bumper and in the summertime, there is almost always a line of cars waiting to take the drive down, so a stroll is a good option, especially when the hydrangeas along the sidewalk are in bloom. ...more

This proves that fadism is not a recent phenomenon. The design of this oddity built in 1861 is based on a popular theory of the mid-1800s, namely that people inhabiting a space of this shape would live healthier, happier lives. The building now houses a museum of American Colonial and Federal Era decorative arts and historical documents. Another octagon house, not open to the public, can be seen on the 1000 block of Green Street. Admission is free and reservations are only required for groups. ...more

While enjoying one of San Francisco's most dramatic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands, diners savor Chef Annie Somerville's imaginative vegetarian cuisine that features local seasonal organic produce and the finest ingredients. Greens emphasizes wonderful dishes created with a balance of colors, flavor and a contrast of textures inspired by the cuisines of the Mediterranean, Asia, Mexico and the American Southwest. ...more