AAA Destination Guide: San Francisco

This guide by AAA will help you plan your trip to #SanFrancisco. Take the ferry to Alcatraz Island and see the prison where Al Capone and and George "Machine Gun" Kelly did time, stop by Fisherman's Wharf and take in the sea lions, or take a stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge. Be sure to leave your car at the north side lot for the 1.7 mile stroll across the bridge.
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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.Â Â 
Cable cars, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Transamerica Pyramidâ€”San 
Francisco is a travelogue of iconic images. Even if youâ€™ve never been to 
California, youâ€™ve seen these seven hills in classic films and TV shows. 
For a first-time visitor, every sight is new but familiar. Who wouldnâ€™t 
recognize the lantern-strung alleys of 
Chinatown, the stately Victorian mansions 
of Pacific Heights or the serpentine twists of 
Lombard Street? Who hasnâ€™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 â€œgay capital of the world,â€ 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. Todayâ€™s gold rush is real estateâ€”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 Fishermanâ€™s Wharf. 
Itâ€™s all part of the San Francisco experienceâ€”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 â€œMachine Gunâ€ Kelly did federal time. 
Ride the cable cars (but donâ€™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 youâ€™re lucky, youâ€™ll see a famous flock of wild parrots. 
Walk down Lombard Street, the â€œcrookedest street in the world.â€ (Go up 
the steps if youâ€™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 â€œTurn on, tune in, drop outâ€ 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 Franciscoâ€™s Little Italy. 
Stop at Fishermanâ€™s Wharf. Yes, itâ€™s touristy, but where else can you 
nibble Dungeness crab in front of a herd of hungry sea lions? Donâ€™t forget 
to take home a fresh loaf of sourdough bread. 
DestinationÂ Guide:Â SanÂ FranciscoÂ 
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 Franciscoâ€™s inimitable 
flavor perusing the privileged Pacific Heights area. Among its â€œpainted 
ladiesâ€ 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; 
 - GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members  
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 â€œThe 
City by the Bay,â€ 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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DestinationÂ Guide:Â SanÂ FranciscoÂ 
San Francisco in 3 Days â€“ 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, youâ€™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;  
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds 
 - 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. Youâ€™ll catch a whiff of 
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DestinationÂ Guide:Â SanÂ FranciscoÂ 
vanilla-scented fortune cookies down Ross Alleyâ€”a factory has produce
the folded wafers here since 1962â€”and glimpse murals depicting 
everyday Chinatown scenes.  
Evening 
d 
gh San Franciscoâ€™s many distinctive neighborhoods aboard the 
Roll throu
cityâ€™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 youâ€™ll 
encounter the massive engines and wheels behind the worldâ€™s last 
manually operated cable car system. Continue on the scenic Powell-
Hyde lineâ€”its cars are marked with red signsâ€”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 
Franciscoâ€™s own Little Italy), itâ€™s hard to miss The Stinking Rose. Though 
-
rink named after Beat Generation icon Jack Kerouac 
 
 
it likely dissuades scores of visiting vampires, the eateryâ€™s luminescent, 
multicolored sign boldly broadcasts the slogan â€œA Garlic Restaurantâ€ 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 
spacesâ€”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 â€œeyesâ€ 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 
expanseâ€”174 acres larger than New Yorkâ€™s Central Parkâ€”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 thirdâ€”a neoclassic edifice built in 
1909â€”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 Trailâ€™s undulating headlands, where 
youâ€™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 Rodinâ€™s the â€œThinker.â€ 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 museumâ€™s collections include pastel Monets and abstract Picassos, 
English and French porcelain, Egyptian busts and vibrant prints by 
Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.  
Afternoon 
â€œIf youâ€™re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your 
hair.â€ Heed the Summer of Loveâ€™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  
DestinationÂ Guide:Â SanÂ FranciscoÂ 
San Francisco in 3 Days â€“ 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 cafÃ© 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 Joeâ€™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, itâ€™s much 
more fun to try out the menuâ€™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 Franciscoâ€™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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DestinationÂ Guide:Â SanÂ FranciscoÂ 
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 Roloâ€™s three polished stores. Afterward, pay it forward 
at Under One Roof on Castro Street; since 1992, the proceeds from the 
shopâ€™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 nightlifeâ€”from The Midnight Sunâ€™s 
laid-back video bar (4067 18th St.) to the neighborhoodâ€™s pioneer tavern, 
Twin Peaks (410 Castro St.).  
 Day 3 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 
  
San Francisco in 3 Days â€“ 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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DestinationÂ Guide:Â SanÂ FranciscoÂ 
perimeter of San Francisco, which sits on a 7 mile by 7 mile plot on the 
tip of a peninsula. Youâ€™ll be treated to fantastic views of Bay Bridge, one 
of the countryâ€™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 
Doorâ€™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 Fishermanâ€™s Wharf. Skirt the 
crowds encircling street-performing jugglers and magicians and head 
straight for the pierâ€™s most beloved entertainersâ€”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 
vicinityâ€™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. Aliotoâ€™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 Cafeâ€”where 
the whiskey-infused, whipped cream-capped brew first was introduced to 
U.S. drinkersâ€”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 â€œThe Rockâ€ for a dazzling panorama of the Bay Area. 
Augmented by the majesty of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, special 
programs recount the isleâ€™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 entrÃ©es include pancetta-wrapped frog legs 
and horseradish-crusted salmon medallions. You wonâ€™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, thereâ€™s no better place 
than Boboquivaris on Lombard Street. The secret of Boboâ€™s steaks is dry-
aging, and the meat is so tender, you can cut it with a fork. The  
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DestinationÂ Guide:Â SanÂ FranciscoÂ 
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 dÃ©cor. 
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 styleâ€”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 & Kuletoâ€™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; 
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds 
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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DestinationÂ Guide:Â SanÂ FranciscoÂ 
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, youâ€™re sure to feel a pang of nostalgia. Thereâ€™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, youâ€™ll find tastes of 
Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and East Indiaâ€”all on one menu. 
The dÃ©cor 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, thereâ€™s a refreshing lack of stuffiness. The wait staffâ€”excellently 
trained and engagingâ€”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 youâ€™ll be transported to a world of outstanding modern French 
cuisine. The first things youâ€™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 selectionsâ€”ranging from rabbit to 
skate wing to poulardeâ€”it might just be wise to go with the chefâ€™s tasting 
menu so you wonâ€™t have to make the tough decisions. The staff enhances 
the experience with grace and skill. 
A San Francisco landmark, Johnâ€™s Grill was established in 1908. Author 
Dashiell Hammett made this atmospheric restaurant a setting in â€œThe 
Maltese Falcon.â€ 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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Restaurants Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;  
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds 
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 whoâ€™ve eaten here). Hearty fare includes 
steaks, seafood, pasta and salads. Live jazz plays every night, and itâ€™s 
said the drinks are pretty stiff. 
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DestinationÂ Guide:Â SanÂ FranciscoÂ 
If youâ€™re looking for dim sum, Yank Sing is the place. â€œDim sumâ€ 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 
youâ€™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 â€œdramatic.â€ 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. Thereâ€™s an extensive list of appetizers, and a 
sampling of these can make a mealâ€”try the iron skillet spicy prawns and 
the crab spring rolls. If youâ€™re lucky, you may find yourself at the eight-
seat chefâ€™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 dÃ©cor and the servers tend to be hip  
and arty. The buttermilk panna cotta may be the best youâ€™ll taste 
anywhere. 
Another hotâ€”and spicyâ€”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. Youâ€™ll be hard pressed 
to find better tacos and burritos. Thereâ€™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, Joeâ€™s Cable Car 
Restaurant was originally designed to look likeâ€”what else?â€”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 Fishermanâ€™s Wharf classic and watch the bakers make 
the breadâ€”and then line up to make a purchase while itâ€™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 â€œGreat Experiences for Members.â€  
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, playgroundsâ€”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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