San Francisco

Destination information

San Francisco looks even better in real life than it does in the movies. Crammed into a relatively small area surrounded by bay and the Pacific Ocean, its streets can be explored on foot, taking in the various neighbourhoods - Chinatown, Japantown, Italian North Beach and Russian Hill. Down at Fisherman's Wharf, you can meet sea lions, sample delicious local seafood and take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, home of the world's most notorious prison. Golden Gate Bridge must be walked over and an afternoon in Golden Gate Park is a delight. Sonoma and Napa wine valleys are slightly north with Carmel and Monterey 2 hours south down beautiful Highway One.

Eats & drinks

Famous for fusion cooking, San Francisco is home to some of the best restaurants in the west. There's Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Thai and even a few Indian restaurants together with usual favourites such as the Hard Rock caféé and Planet Hollywood. The Stinkin' Rose Garlic restaurant is a must for lovers of this pungent herb - booking is essential!

Getting around

Either explore on foot or hop aboard one of the many cable cars, but hold on tight, riding down some of those steep streets requires nerves of steel!