I have worked for Californian based companies twice, and visited San Francisco a number of times. Sun Microsystems moved its training conference from San Francisco to Las Vegas and so my time in San Francisco became limited to the airport. I can’t remember when and why I stuck this page up, nor why Fodors was quoted so extensively. Later visits to Norcal were centred around Sun’s, now Facebook’s HQ in Menlo Park; I stayed in Palo Alto, usually at the Sheraton, which was in spitting distance of the train station, which I came to use if travelling alone. I gave up driving in California, I don’t like it.
I bought and used a Rough Guide and tried to use Schmapp.
Links
What Fodor’s says
San Francisco is a jewel of a city. The S.F. tourism bureau insists that it’s the “most European of American cities.” We disagree. This is a uniquely American town, with a diverse community and culture that epitomizes the “Don’t Tread on Me” spirit. There’s something for everyone here.
Best Place for a Special Date: San Francisco is filled with reserve-two-months-ahead extraordinary restaurants, but these four-star temples of haute cuisine aren’t necessarily romantic. Instead try a good neighborhood restaurant like Frascati. The menu is a mix of Italian and Spanish. Make sure to order a cheese plate either before or after your meal the selection is terrific and don’t pass up the potato gnocchi. 1901 Hyde Street. 415/928-1406.
Best Place for the Morning After: Revive your libido with a dozen sweetwater oysters at the Hog Island Oyster Company. This place is picnic-table casual, so no need to break out the fancy duds.
Best Place to Propose: How ’bout in a balloon, high over the golden hills of Napa Valley. High In The Sky Napa Valley Aloft will plan the perfect hot air balloon trip. About $300 per person.
Best Place to Visit on Your Honeymoon: Muir Woods, a few miles north of San Francisco, is a perfect place to spend a day communing with nature. Wander hand-in-hand along the paths under 1000-year old giant trees and breathe the piney air. To avoid crowds, go on a weekday.
Best Place to Make up: Atone for whatever havoc you wreaked at the very civilized Top Of The Mark bar on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. It’ll be hard for your honey to stay mad after enjoying the 360-degree vista of San Francisco and a selection from the famous “100 Martinis” menu.