San Francisco, or as locals call it, "The City", is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. How many cities have a population of just over 750,000 and have the instant name recognition that San Francisco has? What other city can lay claim to have founded the United Nations, introduced the topless dancer, and the hippie movement? How many cities are known world wide for its cultural diversity and cultural acceptance? Where else can you … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Neighborhoods
Castro District is centered along Castro Street (just off of Market Street) and is one of the original gay neighborhoods in the entire country. It retains its unique heritage and gay community - rainbow flags fly proudly above the sidewalks including the tallest one at the corner of Market, Castro and 17th Streets. The world's second GLBT History Museum opened here in 2010. Harvey Milk is a name synonymous with this district - a former gay … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Museums
Aquarium of the Bay is one of San Francisco's newer museums. This aquatic museum is located next to Pier 39. The primary feature housed inside is the long cylindrical glass tunnel. Visitors can walk through this tunnel and watch fish swim all around you. There are also other aquatic tanks. Allow at least one hour to absorb everything. They are open daily from 10am until 8:30pm. General admission is $19.95 with discounts given for those over the … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Attractions
The San Francisco Bay Area is a sizable region and there are numerous attractions and activities located either in San Francisco or within a short drive. Some of these attractions list coupons in local San Francisco travel guides. These guides are usually free and many can be found at local shops, on street guide racks around select tourist destination such as at Pier 39 or Fisherman's Wharf. All attractions are alphabetized below. Driving in … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Shopping
There are an incredible array of shopping centers, malls, and shopping districts in San Francisco. There are vast tourist shopping areas selling everything from electronic equipment to post cards. When I play tourist south of Union square, Chinatown, and south of Market street, I am often amazed by the great number of shops all selling similar items. As you walk through these shopping sections soon every store almost looks the same. You will … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Accommodations
The following is only a partial list of lodging options in San Francisco. A wide range of hotels are listed that accommodate various budgets. Prices range from the low (single occupancy/off season) to the high (double occupancy/high season) and are subject to change at any time. The downtown/financial district tends to be quite expensive and crowded. For budget travelers recommended lodging is in the outskirts of San Francisco - for example a … [Read more...]
San Francisco, CA – Restaurants
More then most cities of its size, San Francisco contains a culinary delight of restaurants specializing in cuisine's from around the world. On one block one can find a mix of Chinese and Italian. On another block in the same vicinity one may find a Thai restaurant located next to an Ethiopian restaurant. Several distinct areas in San Francisco are known for certain types of cuisine. North Beach is known for its Italian food, Chinatown for … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – Vancouver City
Vancouver was founded in 1886; today this very cosmopolitan city anchors the west coast of Canada and attracts visitors from around the world. Those who have never been to Vancouver will be surprised by its size when viewed from a distance. Vancouver can be defined by its surrounding natural beauty but more so by its international population. Vancouver is thriving and continually pursuing the future. This is evident when one sees all the modern … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – Attractions
Bloedel Conservatory is located on a hill overlooking the entire city of Vancouver. The observatory is surrounded by lush gardens. This is a great spot to bring the family for a picnic lunch. The observatory contains a diverse garden of tropical plants and birds. During the dead of the winter months this can be an enjoyable outing to escape the frigid temperatures. For example, one can come up here and dream they are in Costa Rica or some other … [Read more...]
Vancouver, Canada – Restaurants
Seafood is abundant in Vancouver. Fresh fish galore, how much do you want to spend?! With a large Asian population Vancouver has excellent Asian restaurants including dimsum. We list merely a sampling of restaurants from this cuisine rich city. Chartwell's is located at 791 W. Georgia Street in the Four Seasons Hotel. They serve continental cuisine and are rated four stars. Their prices range from $21 to $30. Closed Sundays. Reservations … [Read more...]
