DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness San Francisco and the Bay Area (Travel Guide)

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t The San Francisco skyline at sunset

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

Iconic bridges and staggeringly steep streets. Diverse neighborhoods rich with history and accessible public parks. Major museums and teeth-rattling cable cars. Whatever your dream trip to San Francisco includes, this DK Eyewitness travel 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 Karl the Fog, as its affectionately known, 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 art museums SFMOMA, the Asian Art Museum, the Legion of Honor, and the de Young will prove a highlight; if youre looking for nightlife, the Mission District, Lower Nob Hill, and The Castro are famous for their bars.

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 DK Eyewitness travel guide will ensure that you see the very best that San Francisco 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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Iconic bridges, multicultural neighborhoods, a world-famous foodie scene and mild maritime weather. There are so many reasons why San Franciscans love their city. Here are some of our favorite reasons to visit.

t Take a balloon trip above the vineyards, taste the grape at welcoming wineries, and sink into a hot-springs spa in the Napa and Sonoma valleys.

Discover Reasons to Love San Francisco and the Bay Area

t Shop for treats at this soaring indoor , located in the Embarcadero. On Saturdays, it expands into a lively outdoor farmers market on the pier.

Discover Reasons to Love San Francisco and the Bay Area

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

t Every first-time visitor to San Francisco walks or bikes across the red-orange expanse of this , a world-famous gateway to the vast Bay Area.

Discover Reasons to Love San Francisco and the Bay Area

hilltop vistas

t Keep your camera close to hand as you wander the city. Legendary photo ops abound, from Pacific-side Lands End, to Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill, and the city skyline from the Marin Headlands.

Discover Reasons to Love San Francisco and the Bay Area

cable-car Tours

t Climb aboard this National Historic Landmark for an open-air, rattling and bell-ringing ride, from Fishermans Wharf, over Nob Hill, and down to Union Square in the heart of the city.