San Francisco Neighborhoods

So now that you have found a nice place to stay, I am sure you will want to begin seeing the sights, do a little shopping or experiencing a different culture. Well, San Francisco is the place to be.

Each neighborhood has it's own distinct characteristics. For example, Chinatown, which most have heard of, is 18 square blocks of shops, restaurants and history. As you enter through the Dragon Gate at the corner of Bush and Grant Streets, you are walking into one of North America's largest Chinese communities. The Dragon Gate was a gift from the Republic of China in 1969.

You can stop by the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company, 56 Ross Alley and see how fortune cookies are made. The Chinese Cultural Center has a gallery of Chinese art and offers two walking tours - Heritage Walk and a Culinary/Luncheon Walk. Traveling through Chinatown by foot is definitely the way to go. Your senses will be captivated by the sights, smells and sounds. Short and sweet, Chinatown is exotic, crowded and has lots of open markets.

The Mission District, is San Francisco's Latino neighborhood. Location: Mission street between 16th and 24th Streets. Mission Dolores is the oldest structure in San Francisco. Two blocks away at 18th and 24th is Dolores Park, a palm tree studded Spanish flavor park. The heart of the Mission District is 24th street, a collection of authentic restaurants, Mexican bakeries, produce markets, specialty shops and murals. Short and sweet: cheap food and drink

How about a trip back to the 60's? Try Upper Haight, Haight and Ashbury. This stretch of shops was the center of the 60's hippie movement. Despite the fact that Gen X stores, such as The GAP and Ben & Jerry's, have moved in, the neighborhood still retains it's hippie culture and is dotted with Victorian homes, bookstores, and funky clothing shops. Short and sweet: peace, love and history

On of the most notable tourism spots in San Francisco would have to be Fisherman's Wharf. Located at Embarcadero and Taylor, Pier 39, this is a very popular spot for visitors. The family of Sea Lions makes for great entertainment as do all the shops, museums and family fun. Don't forget the street entertainment, this area is noted for the locals providing a little entertainment, San Francisco style. If you manage an early morning walk, you will see fishermen at work, as this is still a working wharf that sells tons of fish and shellfish. As for entertainment, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, The Red and White Fleet, The Wax Museum and the Aquarium are all located on the wharf. The Red and White Fleet offers bay tours aboard their fleet of ships, including a sunset tour. There are also a wide variety of restaurants on the wharf with just about every type of cuisine you can imagine. Short and sweet: Family entertainment, seafood and tourists.

In Japantown, located on Geary, you will find a large array of shops, restaurants, sushi bars and spas. On many weekends, especially during the spring Cherry Blossom Festival, you will see traditional Japanese music and dance performances, flower arranging and martial arts presentations. Short and sweet: sushi, entertainment and spas.

San Francisco Places to Stay

I have found some more unique and reasonable hotels that could be of interest to some of you. Their links are listed in the San Francisco list to the right.

The Red Victorian is a very interesting bed and breakfast located in the Haight Ashbury district. The hotel is dedicated to peaceful world travelers. The Golden Gate Park is virtually in the backyard and the area is well know for its history from the 60's Summer of Love. Each room is uniquely decorated and honors nature.

The Mosser Victorian, located in the Union Square shopping district, was opened in 1913 as the Keystone Hotel. In 1981, Charles W. Mosser purchased the hotel and after a multi-million dollar renovation, renamed it The Mosser. A deluxe room with two twin beds runs around $199.

The Marina Hotel is located on the famous Lombard Street. The hotel has "family" rooms that include a kitchen for convenience. Each room is decorated to reflect the historic 1930's hotel. There are flower boxes at the windows to reflect the European Cottage charm. A quaint courtyard covered in fuchsias and bougainvillea and paved in cobblestone embraces guests each morning. They also provide a dog friendly suite for those traveling with pets.

The Marina Inn is within walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf, Union Street and Ghiradelli Square. Located in the historic Marina district which features stately, colorful homes and pretty courtyard gardens. Complimentary continental breakfast is included in the reasonable room rates.

Another option is a bed and breakfast. Bed & Breakfast San Francisco, http://www.bbsf.com/, is a bed and breakfast reservations service for San Francisco and Northern California. They offer rooms in a variety of settings, from beautiful Victorians to charming cottages and usually at better prices than a hotel or motel.

San Francisco being the tourism and business center that it is, there is a large variety of places to stay. I have only listed ideas I found interesting and reasonable. If price is not an option and you want to be treated like royalty, try The Fairmont San Francisco, Campton Place San Francisco, Clift Hotel or The Parc 55 Hotel, just to name a few.

Sweet dreams.