San Francisco Editor Picks

Contemporary-feeling rooms with superb city, bay views are elegantly decorated with Asian accents and feng shui principles. Amenities include WiFi, binoculars, Frette Egyptian cotton sheets, daily newspaper, and welcome tea and cookies.

Although it’s part of the Best Western chain, there’s nothing chain-like about the interior of this funky, Japanese-style inn, which is co-operated by the Northern California company Joie de Vivre. Tomo’s 125 guestrooms feature flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, iPod docking stations, bean bag chairs, wireless Internet, glow-in-the-dark desk blotters, and much more. Additionally, all rooms have colorful J-pop murals created by Heisuke Kitazawa adorning the walls. Crazy anime pillows and a stack of comic books complete the out-of-body experience.

See the park’s Japanese Tea Garden, de Young Museum and Observation Tower (www.deyoungmuseum.org), and rare, tropical plants at the Conservatory of Flowers (www.conservatoryofflowers.org). For the ultimate experience, visit on foot or bike.

Learn about science at their many exhibits – be sure to test your sense of touch in the pitch-black tactile dome. Tues-Sun 10am-5pm.

At Foreign Cinema foreign and independent films are screened on the wall. The cuisine is...more

This popular, modern Vietnamese restaurant showcases ecologically-farmed, local meat, game and...more

The current, swanky hotspot for locals and out-of-town A-listers has exposed brick, lots of black, and rotary phones in the booths to connect you to others in the bar, including the bartender.

Located within the historic Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street, visitors can find everything from artisan cheese shops and florists to fine cafes and restaurants.

Overlooking Monterey Bay from historic Cannery Row, this world-renowned, and top U.S. aquarium offers special events, animal exhibits, new animals and family activities.