The stunning views of San Francisco compete with an imaginative menu at this posh Asian-inspired favorite of Financial District movers and shakers in the Mandarin Oriental. The Pacific Rim fare includes succulent roast chicken spiked with a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce, fresh salads featuring exotic fruits that are as lovely to look at as they are delicious to eat, and smoked salmon served as a parfait for an intriguing appetizer. The service is professional without being impersonal from a wait staff that is ubiquitous but unobtrusive. Wines available include selections from California and Europe. ...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

Using fresh seasonal ingredients from California, Campton Place takes the best elements of French cuisine and puts an American spin on them to create a truly spectacular and unique menu.

The only year-round ice-skating rink in San Francisco. An attractive, all-new facility atop the Moscone Center, the ice-skating center offers recreational skating (with plenty of skates to rent) day and night. Skating lessons are also available for beginners, as are hockey games, adult hockey workshops, and figure-skating lessons. With so much going on, it's advisable to call ahead to check the schedule. The rink can be rented for private groups or parties. The brand new bowling alley built atop the Moscone Center, right next to the skating rink, is a great place to take friends or kids. In fact, it can be rented for bowling parties. Lessons and league bowling is offered, as well. The bowling center is attractively designed, too (in a bowling-alleyish kind of way), and it has a very friendly feeling. ...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

This stylish spot is certainly one of the most famous vegetarian restaurant in San Francisco, perhaps in the world. More strictly vegan than Greens Restaurant, the chefs express their creative zeal via daring and inventive meatless cuisine using organic ingredients. Although the menu changes regularly according to what is in season, some items that have appeared on the menu are: Butternut Squash Raw-violi, Korean Glazed Tempeh and Truffled White Bean Cassoulet for example. The decor, with its black-and-white checkered tiles, is very continental. Not inexpensive, but always memorable with great service. ...more

The appealing combination of fresh ingredients, hefty portions, and inexpensive prices fill this crepery/coffee house for lunch daily and brunch on Sunday. The wood-paneled walls and heavy wood tables create a dark atmosphere inside. For those who prefer more light, several tables are set up outside on the sidewalk. Names like the Bombay, Santa Fe, and Tuscany make it difficult to choose just one item. Both savory and sweet crepes (including ones with pears and chocolate with ice cream) are served, as well as sandwiches and omelettes. Note: Cash only. ...more

This museum houses more than 87,000 paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and tapestries. Some pieces date back 4,000 years. The main floor is dedicated to the museum's permanent collection, much of which features the works of Rodin. European and ancient art are also on display. The lower garden level features temporary exhibitions, ranging from Andy Warhol to Francis Bacon. Take a break in the museum cafe, which features light snacks and has outdoor seating. The gift shop, though small, has a nice selection of postcards, books, posters, jewelry, and some reproductions from this and other fine arts museums. ...more

The sushi here is really a delight; fresh and impeccably assembled, with perfect rice. But what sets this sushi bar apart from the scores of others in town is that each chef assembles for just the few patrons sitting in front of him. A full Japanese menu is also available. Because it lies at the crucible of the Inner Sunset's parking inferno, leave plenty of extra time or just take a cab. Reservations are advised, but even so, the wait can be long once you are there. ...more

Located in Golden Gate Park, this garden is a marvel of the landscape architects art. This traditional Japanese garden covers five acres. Several paths take you by an authentic pagoda, a monumental Buddha, a miniature waterfall, and over an acutely arched bridge that no kid can resist. Overlooking the gardens Koi-filled pond is a Japanese-style tea house, which in spring is covered with a cascade of wisteria. The gift shop sells souvenirs with a Japanese flair. Cash only. ...more

Admission to De Young can be used on the same day for free entrance to the Legion of Honor. Adults $10, Seniors 65 and over $7, Youths 13-17 $6, College Students with ID $6, Children 12 and under FREE. First Tuesday of each month FREE.

The dumplings here are bursting with pork, chicken, beef or vegetable fillings that are dense with flavor. The favorite noodle dishes combine a rich black bean sauce topped with either seafood, beef, chicken or veggies for a hearty and delicious meal. There are also a few Korean dishes on the menu and one of the favorites combines beef with a tangy-sweet-hot barbecue sauce. Refreshing Chinese and Korean beers are an excellent accompaniment. The service for the local crowds who pack this place is quick and friendly. ...more

Nestled in the Commodore Hotel, award winning Chef Dennis Leary works wonders at this restaurant. The menu is petite and lists Californian delights. Attention is paid to the procedures, resulting in tempting delicacies like Salmon à la Barigoule served with Artichokes and Provencal Sauce, and Blanquette de Veau. Begin your day with some yummy breakfast or lounge around after a long brunch on weekends. And what better way to pack in the meal than indulging in one of the desserts! ...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

The Gallic influence on Vietnamese cooking dates back to its French colonial days, which explains why an Asian sandwich is served in a baguette. Usually filled with Five-spice Chicken or roast pork, there is an American twist to be found in the meatball sandwich that is like nothing so much as a jumped-up hoagie. The fillings are spicy and the chili garnish, which you can ask the efficient counter staff to leave out, can make the sandwiches positively incendiary, though that does not seem to deter the locals who crowd this shop all day. ...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

This is an old military base that has been transformed into a Mecca of art and culture. It is home to an array of galleries, museums, theaters, performance halls, nonprofit organizations, classes, festivals and events, including the Japantown Anime Fair. The center offers numerous facilities available for rent and can accommodate both small and large events. The chapel is a fabulous place for a wedding, and Fort Mason's great green lawn, with its views of the city and the bay, is a destination in and of itself. ...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