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AAA Destination Guide: Official AAA maps,
travel information and top picks
AAA Destination Guide: San Francisco includes trip-planning information
covering AAA recommended attractions and restaurants, exclusive
member discounts, maps and more.  
Cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid—San
Francisco is a travelogue of iconic images. Even if you’ve never been to
California, you’ve seen these seven hills in classic films and TV shows.
For a first-time visitor, every sight is new but familiar. Who wouldn’t
recognize the lantern-strung alleys of
Chinatown, the stately Victorian mansions
of Pacific Heights or the serpentine twists of
Lombard Street? Who hasn’t sung the Tony
Bennett song? Our photographic memories
of San Francisco go back to the Great
Earthquake of 1906, and more recently,
Loma Prieta. Our cultural mileposts include
the leather bars of Castro Street, the Latin taquerias of the Mission
District and the incense shops of Haight-Ashbury (though the flower
children sport more piercings and tattoos these days).
The “gay capital of the world,” San Francisco has a higher percentage of
gay and lesbian residents than any other U.S. city. By contrast, it also
has the fewest children. Soaring home prices have forced all but the
richest families out of the market. Today’s gold rush is real estate—and
tourists. Half a million arrive for Gay Pride Month in June alone. Others
come for the Cherry Blossom Festival, the San Francisco Opera and
Chinese New Year. Everyone saves room in a suitcase for designer
labels from Union Square and kitschy souvenirs from Fisherman’s Wharf.
It’s all part of the San Francisco experience—uniquely American, and a
world apart.
Essentials
Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the engineering marvels of the
world. Dress warmly and leave your car in the north-side lot for the 1.7-
mile stroll across the bay.
Rest in Golden Gate Park. This thousand-acre haven is a favorite among
locals for its tranquil gardens and wind-swept beaches. Observation
decks at Cliff House provide panoramic views.
Take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, the infamous prison where the likes of
Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly did federal time.
Ride the cable cars (but don’t call them trolleys). The Powell-Hyde line
goes over Nob Hill, past the Cable Car Museum and Powerhouse
Viewing Gallery to Ghirardelli Square.
Climb Telegraph Hill and enjoy the panoramic view from Coit Memorial
Tower. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a famous flock of wild parrots.
Walk down Lombard Street, the “crookedest street in the world.” (Go up
the steps if you’re training for Everest.) The Powell-Hyde cable line stops
at the top of Russian Hill.
Buy a Grateful Dead T-shirt in Haight-Ashbury, where Timothy Leary
made “Turn on, tune in, drop out” the mantra of the Sixties.
Eat dim sum in Chinatown, one of the largest Asian communities in North
America. Sip cappuccino in North Beach, San Francisco’s Little Italy.
Stop at Fisherman’s Wharf. Yes, it’s touristy, but where else can you
nibble Dungeness crab in front of a herd of hungry sea lions? Don’t forget
to take home a fresh loaf of sourdough bread.
Destination Guide: San Francisco 
Essentials Map
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San Francisco in 3 Days
Three days is barely enough time to get to know any major destination.
But AAA travel editors suggest these activities to make the most of your
time in San Francisco.
Day 1: Morning
After nibbling on crusty, Parisian-style loaves and delicate sweets at
Boulangerie Bay Bread, sample a morsel of San Francisco’s inimitable
flavor perusing the privileged Pacific Heights area. Among its “painted
ladies” is Haas-Lilienthal House, an 1886 Queen Anne Victorian
highlighted by intricate wooden gables and a circular corner tower. Just a
few blocks northwest, amble through the fairytale setting surrounding the
Palace of Fine Arts. Fronted by a rippling azure lagoon frequented by
sinuous swans, the exquisite structure contains the hands-on science
and art exhibits of the Exploratorium.
Essentials Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;
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1. Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, CA 94129


2. Golden Gate Park
Stanyan St & Fell St
San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: (415) 263-0991


3. Cliff House
1090 Point Lobos Ave
San Francisco, CA 94121

Phone: (415) 386-3330

4. Alcatraz Island
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: (415) 981-7625


5. Nob Hill
1100 California St
San Francisco, CA 94108

6. Cable Car Museum and
Powerhouse Viewing Gallery
1201 Mason St
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: (415) 474-1887
7. Ghirardelli Square
Beach St & Larkin St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 775-5500

8. Telegraph Hill
1 Telegraph Hill
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 362-0808

9. Lombard Street
Lombard St & Hyde St
San Francisco, CA 94109

10. Chinatown
750 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: (415) 986-1822


11. North Beach
Montgomery St & Jackson St
San Francisco, CA 94133

12. Fisherman's Wharf
Embarcadero & Beach St
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 674-7503

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, the quintessential symbol of “The
City by the Bay,” for an inspiring peek at its 746-foot-tall towers.
Completed in 1937, the Art Deco suspension bridge spans the Golden
Gate Strait and typically offers unparalleled views of the San Francisco
skyline. In summer a billowy mist often envelops the area, concealing
sections of International Orange-painted steel while encouraging baritone
bellows from foghorns.
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Destination Guide: San Francisco 
San Francisco in 3 Days – Day 1 Map
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Afternoon
Check out the expansive collection of the Asian Art Museum of San
Francisco before sampling char siu bau (fluffy, steamed buns packed with
Cantonese barbecue-flavored pork and onions) and har gow (tasty
shrimp dumplings made with a sticky, translucent wrapper) at a dim sum
luncheon.
If you have time, make reservations for an eye-opening, guided walking
tour of Chinatown, the largest Chinese community on the West Coast. In
lively Portsmouth Square, the original plot of land out of which San
Francisco rose, you’ll discover elderly men engaging in fervent xiangqi
(Chinese chess) matches. Not far away, throngs of grocery-laden
Day 1 Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;
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- GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members

- Exclusive AAA member discounts available
1. Boulangerie Bay Bread

2325 Pine St
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: (415) 440-0356

2. Haas-Lilienthal House
2007 Franklin St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 441-3004


3. Palace of Fine Arts
3601 Lyon St
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: (415) 567-6642

4. Exploratorium
3601 Lyon St
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: (415) 561-0360



5. Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, CA 94129


6. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
200 Larkin St
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 581-3500
7. Chinatown
750 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: (415) 986-1822


8. Cable Car Museum and
Powerhouse Viewing Gallery
1201 Mason St
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: (415) 474-1887

9. Lombard Street
Lombard St & Hyde St
San Francisco, CA 94109

10. North Beach
Montgomery St & Jackson St
San Francisco, CA 94133

11. The Stinking Rose

325 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 781-7673

pedestrians pass storefront windows flaunting crispy Peking ducks and
brightly packaged ancient Asian cures. While roaming tight passageways
bedecked with colorful signs bearing Chinese calligraphy, enjoy a few
exotic desserts. Eastern Bakery, opened in 1924 on Grant Avenue,
specializes in mooncakes; the rich, dense pastries are usually filled with a
sweet bean paste and one or two salty egg yolks. You’ll catch a whiff of
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Destination Guide: San Francisco 
vanilla-scented fortune cookies down Ross Alley—a factory has produce
the folded wafers here since 1962—and glimpse murals depicting
everyday Chinatown scenes.
Evening
d
gh San Francisco’s many distinctive neighborhoods aboard the
Roll throu
city’s time-honored cable cars, past architecturally striking homes backed
by sparkling waters and lush rolling hills. Ride the Powell-Mason line to
the Cable Car Museum and Powerhouse Viewing Gallery, where you’ll
encounter the massive engines and wheels behind the world’s last
manually operated cable car system. Continue on the scenic Powell-
Hyde line—its cars are marked with red signs—then disembark at
Lombard Street for a stroll down a steep one-block section of this
famously crooked, chrysanthemum-speckled thoroughfare.
Even if you have a stuffy nose while roaming North Beach (San
Francisco’s own Little Italy), it’s hard to miss The Stinking Rose. Though
-
rink named after Beat Generation icon Jack Kerouac


it likely dissuades scores of visiting vampires, the eatery’s luminescent,
multicolored sign boldly broadcasts the slogan “A Garlic Restaurant” into
the night. Inside, clusters of wine bottles and garlic bulbs hang from
above, while every inch of wall space is covered by framed photographs
and quaint murals. Accentuated by gilded mirrors and lamps, rows of
tented red curtains along a narrow corridor create intimate dining
spaces—the perfect setting for indulging in a tureen of pungent, garlic
steamed clams.
Order the house d
(rum, tequila, orange and cranberry juice served in a bucket glass with a
lime) at Vesuvio on Columbus Avenue. Artists, chess players and poets
have crammed this gritty North Beach saloon ever since the On the Road
author made it a regular hangout. Between the bar and the adjacent
landmark bookstore, City Lights, a repaved alley named after Kerouac
showcases tablets engraved with his quotations, along with the
compelling words of other renowned writers.

Day 2: Morning
Where else but Golden Gate Park can you gape at lounging bison,
meditate in a Japanese Tea Garden filled with weathered Buddha
sculptures and bronze lanterns, shoot arrows in an archery field, stare
into the “eyes” of a 19th-century African mask and examine a plant
species that existed before the dinosaurs first roared? The verdant park
is home to numerous recreational facilities and such attractions as the
Conservatory of Flowers, the de Young Museum and the National AIDS
Memorial Grove. The western edge of this rectangular, 1,107-acre
expanse—174 acres larger than New York’s Central Park—abuts the
Pacific coast.
Order the Eggs San Francisco (two poached eggs with Dungeness crab
meat and toasted sourdough bread) at Cliff House-The Bistro. The
historic establishment overlooks the Pacific Ocean, where foaming waves
smash against rocks peppered by cantankerous seals. Though fire
destroyed the first two Cliff Houses, the third—a neoclassic edifice built in
1909—now houses a casual bistro. Providing a striking juxtaposition is a
modern wing featuring a two-story, slate-and-glass dining room. From
Cliff House, hike along the Coastal Trail’s undulating headlands, where
you’ll find cypress and eucalyptus trees, deteriorating military batteries
and mesmerizing shoreline scenery.
A less strenuous after-breakfast option is to contemplate your day beside
Auguste Rodin’s the “Thinker.” A bronze cast of this celebrated, pensive
figure graces the courtyard of the Legion of Honor. Explore the interior of
the Beaux Arts building, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Paris original.
The museum’s collections include pastel Monets and abstract Picassos,
English and French porcelain, Egyptian busts and vibrant prints by
Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.
Afternoon
“If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your
hair.” Heed the Summer of Love’s hippie anthem in Haight-Ashbury, once
the psychedelic epicenter of 1960s counterculture. Bounded by Fulton
Street in the north, 17th Street in the south, Divisadero and Castro streets
Destination Guide: San Francisco 
San Francisco in 3 Days – Day 2 Map
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in the east and Arguello Boulevard in the west, the neighborhood is today
a diverse commercial hub overflowing with vintage clothes shops,
exclusive boutiques, trendy restaurants and bars, and independently
owned record and book stores. Elegant, renovated Victorians also reign
in this district, including a purple one on Ashbury Street once inhabited by
scraggly haired Grateful Dead band members.
Taste cask-conditioned ales surrounded by rich murals at Magnolia Pub
& Brewery, housed in a refurbished building that, at one time or another,
has functioned as a pharmacy, a bohemian gathering spot and a late-
night dessert café run by a former burlesque performer. On weekends a
brunch menu is dished up until 2:30 p.m., providing such scrumptious
eats as braised beef brisket hash and bourbon vanilla French toast.
Evening
Slide into one of the comfy red vinyl booths at Joe’s Cable Car
Day 2 Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds
- GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members

- Exclusive AAA member discounts available
1. Golden Gate Park
Stanyan St & Fell St
San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: (415) 263-0991


2. Japanese Tea Garden
8th Ave & Kennedy Dr
San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: (415) 752-1171

3. Conservatory of Flowers
100 JFK Dr
San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: (415) 666-7001

4. de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
San Francisco, CA 94118
Phone: (415) 750-3600


5. Cliff House-The Bistro

1090 Point Lobos Ave
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: (415) 386-3330

6. Cliff House
1090 Point Lobos Ave
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: (415) 386-3330

7. Legion of Honor
100 34th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: (415) 750-3600


8. Magnolia Pub & Brewery

1398 Haight St
San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: (415) 864-7468

9. Joe's Cable Car Restaurant

4320 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94112
Phone: (415) 334-6699

Restaurant for a root beer float and a fresh ground beef steak burger.
Plastered with neon beer signs and Polaroids of faithful patrons, the
restaurant offers such tried-and-true standards as the patty melt and the
BLT inside a replicated San Francisco cable car. Of course, it’s much
more fun to try out the menu’s more unusual variations. Bite into a juicy
8-ounce burger smothered in homemade teriyaki sauce, or try one served
on a toasted English muffin.
Pamper yourself in the Castro district, the heart of San Francisco’s gay
community. Concentrated around the intersection of Castro and Market
streets, the locale is overflowing with a blend of exclusive, kitschy and
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Destination Guide: San Francisco 
provocative retailers, along with fluttering rainbow gay pride flags and a
diverse array of people watchers. Marvel at elaborate handcrafted
chocolate sculptures while savoring an egg-shaped truffle at Joseph
Schmidt Confections on 16th Street or splurge on stylish name-brand
clothing at one of Rolo’s three polished stores. Afterward, pay it forward
at Under One Roof on Castro Street; since 1992, the proceeds from the
shop’s funky souvenirs have benefited AIDS and HIV organizations.
While such historic sites as the opulent Castro Theatre (see our
Performing Arts article) provide entertainment for casual sightseers, the
village also is known for its pulsing nightlife—from The Midnight Sun’s
laid-back video bar (4067 18th St.) to the neighborhood’s pioneer tavern,
Twin Peaks (410 Castro St.).
Day 3 Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;
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- GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members
- Exclusive AAA member discounts available

San Francisco in 3 Days – Day 3 Map
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Day 3: Morning
Bicycle, skate or walk past diligent pier workers and foraging seagulls
along The Embarcadero. The street bends along the northeastern
1. Ferry Building Marketplace
One Ferry Building
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: (415) 291-3276

2. Pier 39
Beach St & Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94119
Phone: (415) 705-5500


3. Fisherman's Wharf
Embarcadero & Beach St
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 674-7503

4. The Cannery
2801 Leavenworth St
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 771-3112

5. Ghirardelli Square
Beach St & Larkin St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 775-5500
6. San Francisco Maritime
National Historical Park
499 Jefferson St
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: (415) 447-5000

7. Alioto's

8 Fisherman's Wharf
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 673-0183

8. The Buena Vista Cafe

2765 Hyde St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 474-5044

9. Gary Danko

800 North Point St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 749-2060

10. Alcatraz Island
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: (415) 981-7625

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Destination Guide: San Francisco 
perimeter of San Francisco, which sits on a 7 mile by 7 mile plot on the
tip of a peninsula. You’ll be treated to fantastic views of Bay Bridge, one
of the country’s busiest bridges, while such shopping meccas as
Embarcadero Center and Ferry Building Marketplace present countless
opportunities for self-indulgence. Hunt for a set of antique, hand-painted
dishes or a chic pair of Franco Sarto loafers; sip traditional breakfast teas
while testing out atypical desserts (at the Ferry Building, try Out the
Door’s black rice pudding or its luscious Vietnamese flan); or relish the
heady aromas and tastes of a bustling farmers market, where top local
chefs regularly demonstrate their innovative cooking techniques.
Afternoon
Follow The Embarcadero to Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf. Skirt the
crowds encircling street-performing jugglers and magicians and head
straight for the pier’s most beloved entertainers—a herd of boisterous sea
lions. While you could easily spend several hours eating and souvenir
shopping at these two popular tourist attractions, instead investigate the
vicinity’s historic facets, including The Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
Dine on Sicilian-style fried prawns or potato-crusted halibut fillets in a
tasteful restaurant overlooking vast stretches of docked yachts. Alioto’s,
established at the wharf in 1925 as a fresh fish stall, also offers an
outdoor Dungeness crab stand, where busy cooks can be seen cracking
and packing heaps of steaming reddish-orange crustaceans.
Pair a glass of piping-hot Irish coffee from The Buena Vista Cafe—where
the whiskey-infused, whipped cream-capped brew first was introduced to
U.S. drinkers—with a decadent slice of Grand Marnier cheesecake.

Evening
Experience a meticulous blend of sophistication and comfort at Gary
Danko, operated by a critically acclaimed American chef who uses
classical techniques to prepare extraordinary seasonal dishes. Three-,
four- and five-course meals are presented with dramatic flair, while a
wine cellar stores more than 1,500 selections, including centuries-old
vintages and dessert wines from around the world.
Venture to Alcatraz Island as night begins to fall. Thursday through
Sunday evenings ferries depart just before dusk, transporting just a few
hundred visitors to “The Rock” for a dazzling panorama of the Bay Area.
Augmented by the majesty of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, special
programs recount the isle’s most triumphant (and most tragic) moments,
affording an in-depth look at the former penitentiary and Civil War-era
fortress.
Or, if the San Francisco 49ers are playing, head to Monster Park (see our
Spectator Sports article) for gridiron excitement ignited by the legacies of
such hall of famers as head coach Bill Walsh (1979-88), cornerbacks
Jimmy Johnson (1961-76) and Ronnie Lott (1981-94), and quarterback
Joe Montana (1979-94). Formed in 1946 and incorporated into the
National Football League 4 years later, the team has collected five Vince
Lombardi trophies since their first Super Bowl win in 1982.
Restaurants
Award-winning chef Gary Danko runs this
top-of-the-line restaurant in Pacific Heights
with impeccable service in an unstuffy
environment. Tasteful modern art and
lightwood touches enhance the dining room.
Danko is a classic California chef with
modern French influences, and his cuisine
reflects it. An impressive wine list features
some 1,600 selections. For an appetizer, try lobster salad with avocado
mousse or foie gras and duck confit terrine with pineapple mint chutney
and vanilla brioch. Creative entrées include pancetta-wrapped frog legs
and horseradish-crusted salmon medallions. You won’t go wrong with
any choice from the dessert tray, but your eyes may linger on the coconut
pineapple Napoleon. Reservations are not easy to come by.
While in San Francisco and in need of a steak, there’s no better place
than Boboquivaris on Lombard Street. The secret of Bobo’s steaks is dry-
aging, and the meat is so tender, you can cut it with a fork. The
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Destination Guide: San Francisco 
restaurant takes its name from the Venetian court jester of comedy and
entertainment. A giant marionette of Boboquivari hangs above the door,
fitting in well with the mystical décor.
A great place for a romantic evening is La Folie. Led by renowned chef
Roland Passot, this kitchen prepares some of the finest French fare
Restaurants Map
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on the West Coast. The menu combines classic French cooking with
California style—and a hint of whimsy, as reflected in the quail and foie
gras lollipops. The dining room has a decidedly sophisticated elegance,
as does the service.
The menu changes daily at McCormick & Kuleto’s Seafood Restaurant to
reflect fresh catches. Complementing the seafood specialties are a wide
range of salads and appetizers, including fresh bay shrimp quesadillas.
The three-tiered dining room in Ghiradelli Square offers panoramic views
of San Francisco Bay, Angel Island and Alcatraz.
Restaurants Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;
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1. Gary Danko

800 North Point St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 749-2060

2. Boboquivaris

1450 Lombard St
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: (415) 441-8880

3. La Folie

2316 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 776-5577

4. Fog City Diner

1300 Battery St
San Francisco, CA 94111
Phone: (415) 982-2000

5. E & O Trading Company

314 Sutter St
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: (415) 693-0303
6. The Dining Room

600 Stockton St
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: (415) 773-6168

7. Fifth Floor

12 4th St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 348-1555

8. John's Grill

63 Ellis St
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 986-0069

9. Yank Sing

49 Stevenson St
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 541-4949

10. Azie

826 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: (415) 538-0918

11. Boudin Bakery & Cafe

160 Jefferson St
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: (415) 928-1849

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Destination Guide: San Francisco 
Fog City Diner is no ordinary diner. Chefs, not short order cooks, prepare
this excellent food. Walking into the chrome-and-neon dining car on The
Embarcadero, you’re sure to feel a pang of nostalgia. There’s something
on the menu for every taste, from Mexican and Chinese dishes to All-
American burgers and meat loaf. The mu shu pork burritos are three thin
pancakes rolled in a cone and stuffed with stir-fried meat and vegetables.
One word for the red curry mussel stew: spicy. Bring a friend and share
one of the large desserts. The line can be long, so call ahead for
reservations.
Always busy, E & O Trading Company features Southeast Asian-inspired
cuisine. At this tri-level restaurant near Union Square, you’ll find tastes of
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and East India—all on one menu.
The décor enhances the food, complete with bamboo accents, and the
centerpiece bar tends to be quite lively.
One would expect elegance from The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, and
one would find it at The Dining Room. Though this is fine dining at its
finest, there’s a refreshing lack of stuffiness. The wait staff—excellently
trained and engaging—is among the best in the city. Iron Chef winner
Ron Siegel serves up wonderful haute French fare. The seared foie gras
with huckleberry reduction is not to be missed.
Enter the elevator at the plush Hotel Palomar, press the button for five,
and you’ll be transported to a world of outstanding modern French
cuisine. The first things you’ll notice at the Fifth Floor are the zebra-print
carpet and the beautiful artwork. The dining room is understatedly
elegant. With so many fabulous menu selections—ranging from rabbit to
skate wing to poularde—it might just be wise to go with the chef’s tasting
menu so you won’t have to make the tough decisions. The staff enhances
the experience with grace and skill.
A San Francisco landmark, John’s Grill was established in 1908. Author
Dashiell Hammett made this atmospheric restaurant a setting in “The
Maltese Falcon.” One can almost imagine Sam Spade sitting at the bar,
surrounded by the dark oak walls (which now are covered with photos of
Restaurants Map
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12. McCormick & Kuleto's
Seafood Restaurant

900 North Point St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 929-1730

13. Delfina

3621 18th St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 552-4055
14. La Taqueria

2889 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: (415) 285-7117

15. Joe's Cable Car Restaurant

4320 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94112
Phone: (415) 334-6699
all the celebrities and detectives who’ve eaten here). Hearty fare includes
steaks, seafood, pasta and salads. Live jazz plays every night, and it’s
said the drinks are pretty stiff.
9 
Destination Guide: San Francisco 
If you’re looking for dim sum, Yank Sing is the place. “Dim sum” is the
generic name for a style of cuisine comprising hundreds of bite-sized
delicacies. All a diner needs to do is point to the dishes on the cart. Be
sure to try at least one shrimp dish, as the shrimp here is among the best
you’ll find. The atmosphere manages to remain serene, even with the
many large parties and bustling carts. The staff is very efficient and
knowledgeable. There are two locations, Rincon Center and Stevenson
Street, both open only for lunch. No one in San Francisco does dim sum
better.
Azie is a striking restaurant best described as “dramatic.” The unique bi-
level design creates the feeling of a bustling Asian street. Not to be
outdone, the food also has a flair for the dramatic. The chefs have
creatively combined the exotic flavors of Asia with traditional French
cooking techniques. There’s an extensive list of appetizers, and a
sampling of these can make a meal—try the iron skillet spicy prawns and
the crab spring rolls. If you’re lucky, you may find yourself at the eight-
seat chef’s counter to get a closer look at the unfolding drama.
Clearly the best choice for mid-priced Italian fare in the city, Delfina is
packed every night. The seasonal menu changes daily, based on the
offerings of local producers. This small neighborhood trattoria reflects its
home, the Mission District. Both the décor and the servers tend to be hip
and arty. The buttermilk panna cotta may be the best you’ll taste
anywhere.
Another hot—and spicy—spot in the Mission District is La Taqueria. This
well-established and very busy restaurant is always at the top of the heap
when asking about the best Mexican food in town. You’ll be hard pressed
to find better tacos and burritos. There’s no rice in the burritos, making
them smaller but more flavorful. The quick-serve format is indeed very
quick; the long lines here move fast.
Frequently recognized for the best burgers in town, Joe’s Cable Car
Restaurant was originally designed to look like—what else?—a San
Francisco cable car. This institution has been in the same location since it
opened in 1965. The burgers are lean, slow-cooked, 100-percent USDA
choice beef chuck, ground daily on the premises. These hearty burgers
come in 4-, 6- and 8-ounce sizes. The 8-ounce version is known as the
Paul Bunyan special, and it might take a lumberjack to handle it.
San Francisco is as renowned for its sourdough bread as it is for its fog,
and the best bakery is still the original. Boudin Bakery & Cafe dates back
to 1849. Visit this Fisherman’s Wharf classic and watch the bakers make
the bread—and then line up to make a purchase while it’s still warm. This
is San Francisco
Attractions
In a city with dozens of attractions, you may have trouble deciding where
to spend your time. Here are the highlights for this destination, as chosen
by AAA editors. GEMs are “Great Experiences for Members.”
San Francisco sits on a peninsula, bounded
on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the east
by San Francisco Bay. At the northern tip is
the AAA GEM attraction Golden Gate Bridge,
the landmark by which all travelers orient
themselves to the city. Golden Gate National
Recreation Area, one of the largest urban national parks in the world,
encompasses 59 miles of bay and ocean shoreline on both ends of the
span. Noted for its dazzling scenery, the park preserves some 1,250
historical and cultural sites, including Alcatraz Island and Muir Woods.
On any sunny afternoon, Golden Gate Park is one of the most popular
places in San Francisco. This AAA GEM attraction has it all: botanical
gardens, museums, sports fields, playgrounds—even a buffalo enclosure
and a fishing pond. Three miles south of its namesake bridge, the city
park covers more than a thousand acres between Stanyan Street and
Ocean Beach. A Dutch windmill stands at the western entrance; the white
dome of the Conservatory of Flowers dominates the eastern end. This
Victorian greenhouse shelters a humid jungle of giant ferns and delicate
orchids. The entire park is an oasis of exotic greenery.
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