San Francisco Entertainment: Know Your Way Around the Hills

Photos: Ghirardelli Square, Alcatraz, Chinatown and a view from the Top of the Mark

By: Larry Alton

(Larry Alton, a Seattle native and former small business consultant, is a regular contributor to
SearchEngineJournal.com, MarketingTechBlog.com, and former writer for the Washington Times.)

There's so much more to San Francisco than the Pier, riding the cable car and checking out the sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf. If your idea of a SFO vacation is seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, that's great—but did you know you can jog or bike over it? If you can't leave the Bay without indulging in some bread bowl soup or ice cream at Ghirardelli square, make sure you go all out and get the best. The Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Café is the classic, and make reservations at Ghirardelli Square's restaurant for the full experience.

Touring Alcatraz is of course a must, but book in advance and check out the night tour. The island is unnerving enough during the day with a sordid history, but there's something magical with a night tour. However, dress very warmly even in the summer months. If you think the coldest winter you've ever known is a summer in San Francisco, just wait until you get on The Rock. If touring the most famous prison in the world isn't your speed, there's truly something for everyone.

Tantalize your taste buds

SFO is very much a foodie city, starting with Chocolate Covered which has won numerous awards. It's the only chocolate shop in the country that imports camel milk chocolate from the United Arab Emirates. Full of free samples and the most delectable chocolates from around the world, it can't be missed. Burma Super Start is a late night treat, one of the few restaurants serving authentic Burmese cuisine, but no reservations are allowed so plan to wait it out.

Of course, no culinary trip is complete without checking out China Town. You can't go wrong in any of the restaurants, but Z &Y is particularly famous. For something more adventurous, check out one of the "underground" restaurants that move around from location to location. You can search for these, make a reservation and get a text notification a few hours before the big meal. From salt water taffy to a genuine martini (SFO is where this cocktail was invented), don't forget to instill great fare into your trip.

The finer things

Top of the Mark is a renowned restaurant and lounge with a stunning view. The Palace of Fine Arts is another fantastic way to get to know the city, built in 1915 to celebrate the Panama-Pacific International Expo. However, if you really want a fresh perspective on things, head to Twin Peaks just 20 minutes from downtown. This spot as well as a stroll along the banks of Sausalito will make for a memorable vacation and unbeatable photos.

There are plenty of outdoor activities to indulge in, such as a run at Angel Island State Park or a walk along Baker Beach. Boating, stand up paddle boarding, and biking are all popular activities in the city, and there are rental options galore. Booking a boutique hotel is only the first part of ensuring a genuine experience. Taking to the streets in such a walkable (yet hilly and winding) city or getting on the water is step two.

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