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

This venerable establishment is no simple sushi bar - located in the plush Palace Hotel, it is considered by many to be one of the most elegant and expensive Japanese restaurants in the city. An impeccably appointed, peaceful and spacious dining room is the setting for flawless service that makes you feel as though you are dining with an emperor. The Sashimi is the thing to get here, but you can rest assured that anything from the menu is sure to delight. ...more

Ferry Building Marketplace is a must-see for San Francisco visitors. This multi-million dollar development has an abundance of activities for the entire family. Take a tour of the historical Ferry Building, browse through antique shops (Culinaire), enjoy a view by the bay and a bowl of chowder at Ferry Plaza Seafood, or buy organic produce at the Farmer's Market. Enjoy the sights and sounds of what makes the Ferry Building one of the Bay's most popular destinations for entertainment, food, and fun. Ferry Building Marketplace has a near year-round schedule of interesting activities like their annual October Harvest Festival and a Holiday Lights Celebration. Visit the website for full details on their calendar of events. ...more

If you are in the mood for sheer luxury, head to this Financial District gem and treat yourself to some of the most amazing seafood in the country. Chef-owner Michael Mina gets rave reviews from local and national press for his perfect execution and artistry. The signature appetizer, Ahi Tuna paired with Foie Gras, may be an unusual combination, but you will savor every bite. Although the menu changes, each of the fresh fish dishes are sure to please even the most discerning gourmet. Do not come here on a budget though. ...more

We've come a long way since Henry Ford invented the Model-T. 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. Weave your way throughout the streets of San Francisco and see everything from tourist-laden Fisherman's Wharf to spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fort Mason, Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, Union Street Shopping District and so much more. The little yellow car even navigates you through areas prohibited by tour buses including the ritzy Seacliff neighborhood and areas of the Presidio. 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. GoCars are an adventure the whole family will enjoy, and both visitors and Bay Area residents will love the unique and entertaining experience. There is no better way to see San Francisco! To rent a GoCar, you must be a licensed driver and 18-years-old. A GoCar costs $44 for the first hour, $34 for the second and $24 for each additional hour. After 5 hours, there are no additional charges. 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

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

Don't leave San Francisco without a stroll through this legendary square at Fisherman's Wharf that is named after San Francisco's original chocolate-maker. There is a bakery and several restaurants featuring seafood, Chinese, Indian and California cuisine. And, of course, there's the Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop. Take some time and visit the art galleries, gift and specialty stores, shoe and clothing shops. Some services are available including a dressmaker and tailor, film developing, an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and a Federal Express drop-off box. Credit card acceptance varies by store. ...more

The recipient of the coveted James Beard cooking award, chef Gary Danko practices his genius at his eponymous, 65-seat restaurant. Luxurious appetizers, flavorful entrees, and decadent desserts are the true crowd pleasers. Try the Lobster Salad with Fennel, Citrus, Avocado and Mustard Tarragon Dressing or an entree of Seared Maine Scallops with Black Truffle, Leek and Potato Puree. Indulge in the special Flambeed Pineapple with Macadamia Nuts and Cocounut Sherbert, prepared tableside and with gusto. An outstanding wine list featuring hundreds of California and French bottles is available (prices vary). ...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

The underwater decor of this Union Square destination is interesting and somewhat whimsical. Imagine a sea of enormous, luminous purple jellyfish magically floating near the ceiling. It is quite a scene. People stand elbow-to-elbow in the bar, sipping on their pricey cocktails. The food, such as Sea Urchin Gratin and Black-truffled Dungeness Crab, is delicious, beautiful and expensive. Overall, it is a very memorable dining experience of the aquatic kind with service as exquisite as the glass sculptures that populate the ceiling. ...more

Get close to your favorite sea creatures and also some of the deadliest snakes. This aquarium showcases piranhas, pythons, pipefish, penguins, moray eels and snakes. At the Touch Tide Pool you can touch sea stars and hermit crabs. You can also try penguin feeding at 11a and 3:30p daily. The newest addition includes the Snake Alley, which displays anacondas, African rock pythons, California king snake and the Ball python. If you are studying biology, this is a good place to meet the aquatic biologists who look after and feed the animals.Admission is free on first the Wednesday of each month. ...more

Famous in The City for its atmosphere and its service, this is pure luxury. Ron Siegel, the executive chef of this intimate French-by-way-of-California restaurant, has the distinction of having trounced his opponent on the Japanese cult-TV favorite, Iron Chef. Only a handful of competitors have ever prevailed on that cooking competition and, of those few, even fewer were from overseas. The menu features an abundance of fresh game and shellfish delicacies. Ingredients such as foie gras, lobster, truffles and oysters appear in nearly every dish. The wine list is outstanding. ...more

This is a living museum in Golden Gate Park that is home to a wide array of rare and exotic plant life from around the world. Visit the 70-acre garden and explore seemingly endless trails past duck ponds, an arbor, herbs, flowers, blooming trees and redwoods, and smaller, specialized gardens with names like the Garden of Fragrance. Also on hand is an education center that provides different gardening, horticulture, botany, and environmental classes for adults and children, plus a horticulture library and bookstore. The public is allowed to stroll through the garden anytime, although they are asked to keep on the paths. ...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.

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

World-renowned chef Hubert Keller takes fine dining seriously. Foods are nuanced and the flourish of d'cor casts a romantic glow over this dining room. Come here for an excellent experience.

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

The famous North Beach Restaurant has been a San Francisco tradition for more than 25 years. It features a majestic, newly renovated decor, fine Northern Italian cuisine and a prime location in the heart of North Beach. It features Florentine tiles, domed ceilings, two dining rooms plus a wine cellar dining room, a prosciutto room where the staff cures the meats in-house, a full bar and a cigar room. The Tuscan menu is extensive as is the wine list. It offers more than 300 domestic and imported vintages. Some house specialties are Sea Scallops sauteed in a White Wine Mushroom Sauce and Petrale Portofino stuffed with Shrimp and Crab alla Mugnaia. ...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

So your loved one is always complaining that you never go to fancy places anymore? Cruise over to this plush restaurant and bar for scrumptious food, great ambience and fine wine. The soft hues, marine-themed artworks and aromatic candles will help rekindle your love-life! Fresh seafood delights await your palate; try the seafood chowder, the chilled oysters, or the little neck clams. Pick your poison from the colossal drinks menu as you enjoy the soothing indie music. And if the bar setting is too chirpy to handle, just head to the dining room upstairs, which has a far more intimate atmosphere, with just 10 tables. Ahh... perfect! ...more