As the owner of San Francisco... San Francisco is the fourth most populous city in California and the 12th most populous city in the United States, with a 2008 estimated population of 808,976. The only consolidated city-county in California, it encompasses a land area of 46.7 square miles on the northern end of the San Francisco Peninsula, making it the second most densely populated city in the United States after New York City. San Francisco is also the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the larger San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.4 million people.

San Francisco is characterized by a high standard of living. The great wealth and opportunity generated by the Internet revolution continues to draw many highly educated and high-income workers and residents to San Francisco. Lower-income neighborhoods consequently have become increasingly gentrified, and many of the city's traditional business and industrial districts have experienced a renaissance driven by the redevelopment of the Embarcadero, including the neighborhoods South Beach and Mission Bay.

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PLACES TO GO:

- Alcatraz Island (http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz/)

"Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare."

- Golden Gate Bridge (http://www.goldengatebridge.org/)

"Arguably the world's most beautiful bridge, the mammoth rust-red deco San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco with Marin County and can be experienced from near countless angles. Drive, bike, or walk across the two-mile long suspension bridge or get down to the base and look up from the tide pools at Baker's Beach or from a Frisbee toss at Crissy fields, both in the adjoining Presidio."

- Aquarium of the Bay (http://www.aquariumofthebay.org/)

"Opened in 1996 and enhanced in 2001, Aquarium of the Bay is a unique educational and entertainment facility dedicated to the rich and diverse aquatic life of the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters. The Aquarium provides a window to the Bay that focuses on its distinctive ecosystems and seeks to entertain, educate and inspire preservation of this wonderful natural resource."

- Chinatown (http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/)

"Enter at "Dragon's Gate" at Grant Avenue and Bush Street. San Francisco's bustling Chinatown is a tightly-packed warren of Chinese restaurants, shops, temples and street vendors. Great for gifts, and fireworks on Chinese New Year."

- Exploratorium (http://www.exploratorium.edu/)

"Founded in 1969 by noted physicist and educator Dr. Frank Oppenheimer, the Exploratorium houses a playful array of over 650 hands-on science, art, and human perception exhibits. From salt volcanos and bubble bombs to fault lines and frogs, the line up tests imaginations young and old. Just the building itself, a palatial domed structure left from the San Francisco Pan Pacific Exhibition of 1916, is worth a visit."

- Lombard Street

"A drive over any of San Francisco's mind-blowing hills leaves the impression that building a city here took some guts. On world-famous Lombard Street, developers chose the easy way out by making a series of switchbacks to ease Russian Hill's 40-degree grade. Half the delight of America's Crookedest Street is the lush plantings that adorn each inner-curve, and the top-notch views of Coit Tower and the Bay."


For additional information and attractions, please visit the following link:

http://www.sanfrancisco.com/attractions/


(Content courtesy of respective websites and SanFrancisco.com)

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PLACES TO EAT:

- The Cliff House (http://www.cliffhouse.com/)

"Set in the historic cliff house, high above the waves of Ocean Beach, Sutro’s at the Cliff House is a casually elegant dining spot where patrons enjoy spectacular ocean views with their fantastic fare. The menu at this critically acclaimed restaurant offers locally caught seafood and creative preparations of American cuisine."

- Santorini Restaurant (http://www.santorinisf.com/)

"Santorini is a Mediterranean restaurant with an exceptional menu from various Mediterranean region. Aroma of freshly baked bread in the brick oven is appetizing to every pallet. Santorini specializes in creating a unique and enjoyable dining experience in a warm, friendly and relaxed ambiance."

- Franciscan Crab Restaurant (http://www.franciscancrabrestaurant.com/)

"The Franciscan Crab Restaurant is one of the premier seafood restaurants in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf area. Built in the '50s and recently renovated, this fun and casual dining spot sets an unparalleled stage with high ceilings and twenty foot windows boasting spectacular, panoramic views of the Golden Gate, Alcatraz and more."

- Supperclub (http://www.supperclub.com/#/sanfrancisco)

"Supperclub is a distinctively different San Francisco dining experience. Chef Guus Wickenhagen’s inventive, globally influenced cuisine is served to guests as they recline in large, snow white beds while performance artists and entertainers add visual and auditory elements to the feast. Designed to inspire and surprise, Supperclub’s four-course prix fixe menu changes daily and combines classic culinary techniques with a sense of whimsy and fun."

- E&O Trading Company (http://www.eotrading.com/restaurants/sfran/gallery.html)

"E&O Trading Company is located in the heart of downtown San Francisco just a block off Union Square. Southeast Asian cuisine is gussied up with modern twists in the kitchen, and the creative specialty cocktails are almost irresistible."

- Alioto's (http://www.aliotos.com/)

"Alioto’s is a San Francisco landmark restaurant on Fisherman’s Wharf. Since 1925, this family-run restaurant has been spoiling locals and visitors with excellent, Sicilian-style preparations of fresh seafood, organic poultry, beef and pasta dishes."

- Daffodil Restaurant (http://www.thedaffodilrestaurant.com/)

"Daffodil Restaurant, just steps from the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square, is a world-class dining establishment featuring delicious small plates perfect for sharing with family and friends. Each menu item includes a thoughtful wine suggestion, taking the guesswork out of pairing each dish with the ideal wine. Succulent large dishes, fresh vegetarian entrees and premium cocktails round out the distinctive menu at Daffodil Restaurant."

- Ruth's Chris Steak House
(http://www.ruthschris.com/Steak-House/3099/San-Francisco)

"Famous for serving sizzling steaks all around the world, Ruth's Chris has a great reputation for serving aged, corn-fed USDA Prime steaks and for providing first-class service. Offering a fabulous selection of savory appetizers, delicious entrees and scrumptious homemade desserts, Ruth's Chris Steak House in Downtown San Francisco is a restaurant for everyone to enjoy."


For further information on any of these establishments, visit the following link:

http://www.sanfrancisco.com/restaurants/


(Content courtesy of respective websites and SanFrancisco.com)

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PLACES TO STAY:

- Palace Hotel (http://www.sfpalace.com/)

"The Palace Hotel is a luxury hotel in San Francisco, located blocks from Union Square, China Town, the Financial District and the Embarcadero. Like an exclusive getaway in the heart of the vibrant city, this posh hotel offers extravagant pampering and top amenities designed to accommodate both business and leisure travelers."

- The Orchard Hotel (http://www.theorchardhotel.com/)

"Conveniently situated two blocks from Union Square, The Orchard Hotel provides a perfect location and luxurious accommodations for business travelers and vacationers in downtown San Francisco. This classically decorated boutique includes 95 guestrooms and nine suites for guests who want extra room to relax after a long day of shopping or attending business functions. "

- Hotel Rex (http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/sanfrancisco/rex)

"Located in vibrant Union Square, the Hotel Rex is an incredible destination that will tickle the fancy of almost any traveler. In a flawlessly restored historic building, this San Francisco hotel submerges guests in a rich, glamorous atmosphere that honors the literary salons and galleries of the 1920s with stylish works of art, period furnishings and shelves filled with antique books."

- White Swan Inn (http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/sanfrancisco/white_swan_inn)

"Located in San Francisco's Nob Hill area, the White Swan Inn offers guests a unique bed and breakfast experience while visiting the City by the Bay. This intimate little Inn, with its 26 guestrooms and suites, is the perfect place for locals and visitors alike looking to discover a bit of European charm in San Francisco's own backyard."

- The Hotel California (http://www.hotelca.com/sanfrancisco/)

"Travel & Leisure Magazine calls San Francisco's Hotel California "One of the ten best small hotels in the city that invented them." Built in 1913, the Hotel California exudes the charm and sophistication of the City on the Bay. It is a slice of old San Francisco tucked away in the heart of the theatre district, just 3 blocks from some of the finest shopping in the world at Union Square."

- Petite Auberge (http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/sanfrancisco/petite_auberge)

"Located between Nob Hill and Union Square, Petite Auberge is a great small hotel for a sightseeing trip to San Francisco or a special romantic getaway. Rich and detailed design welcomes guests to a world of French provincial enchantment. French doors with beveled glass, a collection of French art, a cozy parlor with a crackling fire and afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres are all part of the experience."

- Holiday Inn Civic Centre (http://www.hiccsf.com/)

"San Francisco business and leisure travelers alike find themselves exactly where they want to be when they choose the San Francisco Holiday Inn Civic Center Hotel. The Holiday Inn Civic Center Hotel is located in the heart of San Francisco's Government and Performing Arts district, across from the Orpheum Theater and just blocks from City Hall, the Main Library, Bill Graham Auditorium, Davies Symphony Hall and San Francisco's Opera and Ballet."

- Holiday Inn Fisherman's Wharf (http://www.hifishermanswharf.com/)

"The 4 Diamond AAA award winning Holiday Inn Hotel San Francisco-Fisherman's Wharf is within walking distance to all the popular attractions at the Wharf: Alcatraz, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square and Maritime museum. Catch the famous San Francisco Cable Cars up Russian Hill for amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the entire San Francisco Bay Area."

For more information of any of the hotels listed, visit the following link:

http://www.sanfrancisco.com/hotels/


(Content courtesy of SanFrancisco.com)