iStock International

San Francisco TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS

One of the most diverse cities in the United States (hence its numerous distinct neighborhoods) San Francisco shines as the jewel of California with its pristine coastline, historic architecture, and progressive sensibility.

Why Go

 For the Golden Gate Bridge, unmatched cuisine, funky neighborhoods, and free-spirited local culture.

San Francisco Travel Deals

San Francisco Hotels

San Francisco houses all of the usual suspects – Mandarin Oriental, the Fairmont – when it comes to upscale hotels specializing in creature comforts. Homey B&Bs, converted lodges, and independent properties round out the options.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa
A short drive from San Francisco, this waterside oasis with its fantastic spa, blends vintage architecture with modern... spas | moderate | view | waterfront

Hotel Palomar
These sleek rooms are the perfect mid-range option for those who want a great spot near the shops and restaurants of busy... great value

Orchard Garden Hotel
California’s first LEED-certified hotel stays true to its eco-friendly mission by offering en-suite recycling bins and... moderate | smart splurge

Phoenix Hotel
The Phoenix’s rock’n roll vibe has hosted rock stars of every sort: Moby, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nora Jones,... celeb hangout | swimming pool

Clift Hotel
This larger-than-life property beckons trendsetters, fashionistas, and celebrities galore with glamorous digs nestled in the... design | trendy | expensive

Hotel des Arts
While the amenities aren’t the most lavish in town – some rooms have shared bathrooms – Hotel des Arts stays... trendy

InterContinental San Francisco
Opened in February 2008, the InterContinental is the first new hotel to come to San Francisco in three years. The eco-friendly... smart splurge | trendy | views | expensive | spa

Fairmont Hotel San Francisco
The Fairmont, with its ornate furnishings and dramatic staircases, celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2007. From the... spas | historic | expensive

Four Seasons San Francisco
Not only are the rooms top notch – panoramic views of the city (the best can be had from the deluxe rooms on the 17th... views | expensive | spa

Mandarin Oriental San Francisco
Contemporary-feeling rooms with superb city, bay views are elegantly decorated with Asian accents and feng shui principles.... smart splurge | expensive | view

Golden Gate Hotel
This family-run inn occupies an original 1913 four-story building with lots of appeal. You’ll find an original birdcage... family | b&b | historic | charm

Hotel Tomo
Although it’s part of the Best Western chain, there’s nothing chain-like about the interior of this funky,...

The Chateau Tivoli
This bed and breakfast occupies a 19th-century building right around the corner from the famed Painted Ladies row of houses...

Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa
A short drive from San Francisco, this waterside oasis with its fantastic spa, blends vintage architecture with modern... spas | trendy | view | waterfront

Hotel Palomar
These sleek rooms are the perfect mid-range option for those who want a great spot near the shops and restaurants of busy... great value

Orchard Garden Hotel
California’s first LEED-certified hotel stays true to its eco-friendly mission by offering en-suite recycling bins and... smart splurge | trendy

Phoenix Hotel
The Phoenix’s rock’n roll vibe has hosted rock stars of every sort: Moby, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nora Jones,... celeb hangout | swimming pool

Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa
A short drive from San Francisco, this waterside oasis with its fantastic spa, blends vintage architecture with modern... spas | moderate | view | waterfront

Clift Hotel
This larger-than-life property beckons trendsetters, fashionistas, and celebrities galore with glamorous digs nestled in the... luxury | design | expensive

Hotel des Arts
While the amenities aren’t the most lavish in town – some rooms have shared bathrooms – Hotel des Arts stays... budget

InterContinental San Francisco
Opened in February 2008, the InterContinental is the first new hotel to come to San Francisco in three years. The eco-friendly... luxury | smart splurge | views | expensive | spa

Orchard Garden Hotel
California’s first LEED-certified hotel stays true to its eco-friendly mission by offering en-suite recycling bins and... moderate | smart splurge

Clift Hotel
This larger-than-life property beckons trendsetters, fashionistas, and celebrities galore with glamorous digs nestled in the... design | trendy | expensive

Fairmont Hotel San Francisco
The Fairmont, with its ornate furnishings and dramatic staircases, celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2007. From the... spas | historic | expensive

Four Seasons San Francisco
Not only are the rooms top notch – panoramic views of the city (the best can be had from the deluxe rooms on the 17th... views | expensive | spa

InterContinental San Francisco
Opened in February 2008, the InterContinental is the first new hotel to come to San Francisco in three years. The eco-friendly... smart splurge | trendy | views | expensive | spa

Mandarin Oriental San Francisco
Contemporary-feeling rooms with superb city, bay views are elegantly decorated with Asian accents and feng shui principles.... smart splurge | expensive | view

Golden Gate Hotel
This family-run inn occupies an original 1913 four-story building with lots of appeal. You’ll find an original birdcage... family | b&b | historic | charm

Hotel des Arts
While the amenities aren’t the most lavish in town – some rooms have shared bathrooms – Hotel des Arts stays... trendy

Hotel Tomo
Although it’s part of the Best Western chain, there’s nothing chain-like about the interior of this funky,...

The Chateau Tivoli
This bed and breakfast occupies a 19th-century building right around the corner from the famed Painted Ladies row of houses...

San Francisco Restaurants

Talented chefs have been capitalizing on San Francisco's natural resources (local wines, seafood, and farm-fresh ingredients) for years – long before the “local food movement” became popular nation-wide. Top-tier restaurants exist in every category from Mediterranean and Vietnamese to French and Nouvelle American.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Bang San Thai
Even if you tripped over it, chances are that you wouldn’t notice this gem of a Thai joint. The exterior is unassuming,... thai

Burgermeister
People line up at these family-owned joints for San Francisco’s best burgers, which come loaded with fixings and yummy sides... charm | fast food

Lime Tree
Asian restaurants of all stripes abound in the Sunset district along the Pacific Ocean. This particular fusion restaurant...

Pluto's
Popular among San Francisco residents for its mega-affordable menu and wholesome buffet, Pluto’s pleases health-food...

Delfina
The menu changes daily but there are some standards, like garganelli pasta with guinea hen ragu. They also cure many of their... italian | dessert | changing menu

Local Restaurant & Wine Merchant
As you may have guessed from the name, wine is this Rincon Hill restaurant’s forte. Accordingly, the wine list, which... trendy

Oola
Oola promotes itself as an American bistro with some of the best “San Francisco” food around, which essentially... trendy

Slanted Door
This popular, modern Vietnamese restaurant showcases ecologically-farmed, local meat, game and poultry. The design is simple;... view | waterfront | organic | vietnamese

Foreign Cinema
At Foreign Cinema foreign and independent films are screened on the wall. The cuisine is Mediterranean, with an impressive... family | live entertainment | brunch | mediterranean

Incanto
Chef Chris Cosentino prides himself on being inventive and utilizing ingredients that are hard to cook with or aren’t...

Jack Falstaff
Occupying one of South of Market’s industrial spaces, Jack Falstaff’s plush, olive-toned interior is the perfect backdrop... luxury | smart splurge | restaurants

Jardinière
Jardinière is consistently lauded as one of San Francisco’s finest. The reasons are simple: beautiful location with modern... french | dessert | tasting menu

One Market Restaurant
Bradley Ogden’s restaurant has long been a hotspot for American cuisine. For the ultimate experience, pay to sit at the... smart splurge | notable chef | open kitchen

Bang San Thai
Even if you tripped over it, chances are that you wouldn’t notice this gem of a Thai joint. The exterior is unassuming,... thai

Burgermeister
People line up at these family-owned joints for San Francisco’s best burgers, which come loaded with fixings and yummy sides... charm | fast food

Lime Tree
Asian restaurants of all stripes abound in the Sunset district along the Pacific Ocean. This particular fusion restaurant...

Pluto's
Popular among San Francisco residents for its mega-affordable menu and wholesome buffet, Pluto’s pleases health-food...

Delfina
The menu changes daily but there are some standards, like garganelli pasta with guinea hen ragu. They also cure many of their... italian | dessert | changing menu

Local Restaurant & Wine Merchant
As you may have guessed from the name, wine is this Rincon Hill restaurant’s forte. Accordingly, the wine list, which... trendy

Oola
Oola promotes itself as an American bistro with some of the best “San Francisco” food around, which essentially... trendy

Slanted Door
This popular, modern Vietnamese restaurant showcases ecologically-farmed, local meat, game and poultry. The design is simple;... view | waterfront | organic | vietnamese

Foreign Cinema
At Foreign Cinema foreign and independent films are screened on the wall. The cuisine is Mediterranean, with an impressive... family | live entertainment | brunch | mediterranean

Incanto
Chef Chris Cosentino prides himself on being inventive and utilizing ingredients that are hard to cook with or aren’t...

Jack Falstaff
Occupying one of South of Market’s industrial spaces, Jack Falstaff’s plush, olive-toned interior is the perfect backdrop... luxury | smart splurge | restaurants

Jardinière
Jardinière is consistently lauded as one of San Francisco’s finest. The reasons are simple: beautiful location with modern... french | dessert | tasting menu

One Market Restaurant
Bradley Ogden’s restaurant has long been a hotspot for American cuisine. For the ultimate experience, pay to sit at the... smart splurge | notable chef | open kitchen

Related Articles

  • Top 10Fall Destinations
    Make the most of the season, whether you're a leaf-peeper, a wine-taster, or a city lover
  • Top 10Inn-Famous Hotels
    Plan an infamous overnight at one of these ten great hotels
  • Top 10National Park Lodges
    Nothing says "summer escape" like a visit to a national park – plan on sleeping over in style
  • Top 10Cities for Foodies
    Let our tastebuds wander the globe in search of sustenance
  • Top 10Kid-Friendly Museums
    These venerable institutions convey some serious learning under the guise of childish fun
  • Guide 101California Wine Country 101
    An excercise in gourmet, picture-perfect indulgence

QuickSearch

Compare Rates

Calendar Icon
Calendar Icon
Calendar Icon
Calendar Icon
Calendar Icon
Calendar Icon
Calendar Icon Calendar Icon
«Return to Previous Page