DK Travel - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide San Francisco & Northern California

Inspire / plan / Discover / experience

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t The San Francisco skyline at sunrise

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t The Bay Bridge, lit up at dusk as it stretches across the water to Oakland.

Iconic bridges and steep streets that slope down to the waterfront. Diverse neighborhoods, each adding a unique flavor to the city. Major museums and teeth-rattling cable cars. Whatever your dream trip to San Francisco includes, this DK Eyewitness Guide is the perfect companion.

Fingers of fog drift beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, sliding over the hills and welcoming newcomers to the City by the Bay, as they have since the days when fortune-seekers flocked here during the Gold Rush. But the fog cant hide San Franciscos beauty for long; from its seven steep hills, youll find yourself confronted with stunning views at almost every turn.

The City, as its concisely known to locals, is a place of many nicknames and many neighborhoods. Track down delicious Italian food in the vibrant North Beach area, or head to Chinatown to experience the spectacular Chinese New Year parade. For those in search of culture, the citys four principal museums SFMOMA, the Asian, the Legion of Honor, and the De Young will prove a highlight; if youre looking for nightlife, the buzzing Mission neighborhood is an excellent spot for bar-hopping.

Down on the water, two iconic bridges and a flotilla of ferries connect to lively bayfront cities such as Oakland and Berkeley. The lush vineyards of California Wine Country also lie within easy reach, while the coastal wonders of the Monterey Peninsula make for breezy weekend getaways.

From the Presidio to Alcatraz, weve broken San Francisco and the Bay Area into easily navigable adventures, with expert local knowledge, detailed itineraries, and colorful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether youre staying for a week, a weekend, or longer, this guide will ensure that you see the very best that Fog City has to offer.

A vintage cable car, making its way up one of the citys many hills.

PIER 39, still thronged with visitors at sunset.

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This guide divides San Francisco into eight color-coded sightseeing areas, as shown on the map below. Find out more about each area on the following pages. For the .

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DISCOVER Getting to Know San Francisco

Presidio and Richmond District

Once the nations premier army post, the Presidio is now a National Park bounded by beach, bluff, and stunning views. Thousands of people visit every year to enjoy a vibrant mix of museums, hiking trails, and recreational destinations. The adjacent Richmond district is a multicultural hub where a casual wander will turn up stunning architecture and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.

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Best for History and outdoor recreation

Home to Golden Gate Bridge

Experience Exploring Fort Point and Crissy Field to find the perfect photo op of Golden Gate Bridge

Go To: Presidio and Richmond District i

DISCOVER Getting to Know San Francisco

t The central rotunda at the Palace of Fine Arts

DISCOVER Getting to Know San Francisco

Pacific Heights and the Marina

Kites fly and wind surfers skim the bay beyond the citys front lawn: Marina Green. Along the waterfront are busy yacht harbors and historic Fort Mason now a top spot for art and dining. Heading away from the waterfront youll find interesting spots like Japantown, as well as beautiful streets recalling past glories in their fantastic architecture.

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Best for Architecture and parks

Home to Fort Mason and Japantown

Experience A short walk around Pacific Heights to admire the architecture, crowned by the Queen Anne-style Haas-Lilienthal House

Go To: Pacific Heights and the Marina i

DISCOVER Getting to Know San Francisco

t The Wave Organ, designed by Peter Richards and George Gonzalez