1st Afternoon/Evening

Enjoy the fantastic Asian-Latin flavors and eclectic ambiance of Asia de Cuba at the Clift Hotel 495 Geary between Mason and Taylor, 415-929-2300. Entrees range from $30-$50. Asian/Cuban Fusion Favorites: include Calamari Salad "Asia de Cuba" and Cuban Spiced Chicken w/Thai coconut sticky rice.

Perhaps you’ll decide to take in a show at the Curran Theater:  Curran Theatre 445 Geary St., San Francisco CA 94115; Tel. 415.551.2000. The Curran Theatre has a long history of staging successful runs of Broadway powerhouse touring companies.  IMPORTANT:  PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE OR BY PHONE BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

Perhaps this first night calls for just a night cap with a magnificent view of the city from The View atop of the Marriott on 4^th Street.

Second Day
 

Have a leisurely morning, maybe an early lunch at one of the many restaurants around Union Square (see list of eateries). May I suggest The Farallon, at the Kensington Park Hotel? (restaurant review). Follow your meal with a walk to Chinatown and some shopping.

No visit San Francisco is complete without the sheer pleasure of “Beach Blanket Babylon” a review like none other! Beach Blanket Babylon . “BBB” has been wowing both locals and visitors to San Francisco for over 25 years. 1-415-421-4222. IMPORTANT:  PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE OR BY PHONE BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME THIS IS A “HOT” TICKET. 

Day Three

From your hotel, take the Powell and Hyde cable car which will give you a magnificent mini tour of the city, including taking you by Lombard Street (the crookest street in the world). The cable car will deposit you in front of the Buena Vista Café near Fisherman’s Wharf.

Fisherman’s Wharf is waiting for you.  Have some clam chowder or a seafood cocktail as you walk towards the Blue and Gold Fleet where you can purchase tickets for the night tour of Alcatraz (leaves in the afternoon, returning early evening). When you get to Alcatraz sign up for my personal favorite – the side tour of the jail infirmary where the “Birdman of Alcatraz stayed.  BlueandGoldFleet2Alcatraz.

After your Alcatraz experience dine at Scoma’s Restaurant, Pier 47 on Al Scoma Way – 1-800-644-5852. My personal favorites are the Dungeness Crab & Bay Shrimp Louis $29.95, the Risotto Del Giorno $21.95 and the Shellfish Sauté Sec $34.95 Scoma's Most Popular Dish. (restaurant review).

Before grabbing that cable car that will deposit you near your hotel, you must have a night cap at The Buena Vista Café, Home of the original Irish coffee. (restaurant review)

Fourth Day

Before saying ciao to San Francisco, take another ride on the cable cars and walk around Union Square.

Eat at the remarkable Garden Court Restaurant at the Palace Hotel. The Garden Court has a daily breakfast buffet, nice lunch menu as well as an Afternoon Tea Menu that is yummy. IF you are there on Sunday, you MUST do the “Legendary Palace Sunday Jazz Brunch”. For Reservations:  415-546-5089.

Wow!  I know this is a jammed packed itinerary; the good news is that you can do any or all parts, saving some for your next trip. It is my sincere hope that you will fully enjoy your visit to San Francisco and that you will want to come back to the city by the Bay again and again. 

Stay In the Heart of San Francisco

Again San Francisco is at its best when you stay at one of the “boutique” hotels the city is known for.  Check out our featured hotels:

The Diva Hotel – located at 440 Geary Street, is the quintessential “boutique” San Francisco hotel.  The Diva is the place to stay when coming to the city with your girlfriends for a fun reunion (check out their “Girl’s Night Out”, “PMS Hot Flash Package” or “Shopping Package”) or a couple’s weekend in one of the Diva’s suites.  As their web site states – “Immerse yourself in a pool of cobalt carpeting that sets the stage in each of the hotel’s guestrooms.”

The Kensington Park  – located 450 Post Street. Located on Union Square the building, dating back to 1925, was ooriginally an Elk’s club and was acknowledged with a 10 page article in the premier issue of Architectural Digest.  The Kensington Park is near shops (Macy’s Saks, Louis Vuitton and Armani), the cable cars as well as near theaters and San Francisco’s world famous Chinatown.  Check out the Kensington Park’s “Make the Connection” special for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The hotel features probably the hottest new restaurant in town, The Farallon. Featuring coastal cuisine as well as some game dishes,  The Farallon will give you a unique “underwater” dining experience (when staying at the Kensington, receive preferred seating).