Whether you're taking a stroll through Golden Gate Park, savoring the sumptuous delicacies in Chinatown, enjoying a Cable Car ride to nowhere, or chowing down on some fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf—the entire city of San Francisco is yours to explore.

Many of the spots on our list are within walking distance of the Hilton, your Conference hotel. But if you’re feeling adventurous enough to travel to farther-out destinations, San Francisco’s awesome public transit system, the BART, will conveniently and swiftly take you wherever you need to go.

Of course, you may not have time to see everything you want to see since you’ll be soaking in all that knowledge at the Conference. And this list is by no means comprehensive. But we encourage you to devote some time to discovering this beautiful (and hilly) city.

Food & Drink

Shopping

Tourist Hot Spots

Off the Beaten Path

Food & Drink

Anjou Restaurant
Tucked out of sight in an alley, the warm and welcoming Anjou is a small French restaurant catering to both the business lunch and dinner theater crowds.
44 Campton Place, San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 392-5373
http://www.anjou-sf.com

Biscuits & Blues
Posh "down-home cookin'" here—California-ized jambalaya, fried okra and chicken, presented with live blues music.
401 Mason St., San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 292-BLUES
http://www.biscuitsandblues.com

Citizen Cupcake
This cafe-size version of the celebrated Hayes Valley restaurant resides on the third floor of Virgin Megastore. Find Elizabeth Falkner's award-winning pastries and designer cupcakes, plus a selection of sandwiches, salads, cheese courses, specialty chocolates, wine, beer, sake, and coffee drinks.
2 Stockton St., San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 399-1565
http://www.citizencupcake.com

E&O Trading Company
This Southeast Asian grill and brewery melds Vietnamese, Thai, Cambodian, and Indian, among other cuisines in an upbeat, fun atmosphere. Live jazz and classical performances on some nights.
314 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 693-0303
http://www.eotrading.com

First Crush Restaurant
As the name implies, First Crush is primarily known for its wine list, featuring one of the largest collections of California wines in the city. Occasionally, First Crush hosts Crush Fridays, tastings of fine wines and spirits. 101 Cyril Magnin, San Francisco, CA 94102
415) 982-7874
http://www.firstcrush.com

Michael Mina
Easily the prettiest dining room in the city (in what was formerly the Compass Rose), with an equally exceptional food and wine list and flawless service.
335 Powell St. (at Geary, in the Westin St. Francis Hotel), San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 397-9222
http://www.michaelmina.net

Morrow's Nut House
Morrow's Nut House has been a Union Square staple since the '30s, when ladies who shopped the Square slipped into Morrow's Nut House on Geary Street for dainty bites of hot, salty, roasted nuts and made it back amongst the racks in minutes.
111 Geary St., San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 362-7969

Postrio
Pan-Asian-Californian cuisine served in a dramatic dining room. Outstanding desserts and the influence of co-owner Wolfgang Puck make for a memorable dinner (as does the bill).
545 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 776-7825
http://www.postrio.com

Rotunda at Neiman Marcus
The Rotunda is the kind of place where regulars and bartenders know one another by name and where "ladies who lunch," lunch. A cheeseburger runs about $15 and a cup of coffee goes for $3, but the windows that line the Rotunda have a terrific view of Union Square. Look up and there's that gorgeous stained-glass skylight Neiman Marcus is famous for.
150 Stockton St., San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 362-4777
http://www.neimanmarcus.com

Scala's Bistro
The mahogany booths and intimate lighting add a feeling of privacy to this large country-French/rustic-Italian restaurant. New on the menu is "faux gras," an animal-friendlier pate with butter and fresh duck liver that hasn't been hyper-fattened like regular foie gras.
432 Powell St., San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 395-8555
http://www.scalasbistro.com

Sears Fine Food
After a brief hiatus, Sears Fine Food, founded in 1938, returned under new ownership in 2004. Fortunately, they kept the famous dollar-sized Swedish pancakes and retro waitress uniforms.
439 Powell St. (near Sutter), San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 986-0700
http://www.searsfinefood.com

Shopping

Since the Hilton is located just off Union Square, you’ll definitely be able to spare some time and take advantage of the shopping Mecca that surrounds you.

And although there are still statues honoring the Union troops, today’s Union Square is definitely a tribute to the power of shopping. Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Gump's and a very substantial Macy's are right on the square, and the venerable Bullock and Jones and Tiffany and Co. are within walking distance, as is the nine-story San Francisco Shopping Centre with its three-level Nordstrom's. It is also a center for exclusive couture and high fashion, with boutiques dedicated to Dior, Armani, Marc Jacobs, and Yves Saint Laurent.

But if you’re looking for a little shopping adventure away from the hustle and bustle of Union Station, Hayes Valley—formerly a down-and-out enclave in the shadow of the Central Freeway and now a full-fledged boutique paradise—is the real deal. Clement Street is also a neighborhood chock-full of unexpected shopping finds. You’ll find our top picks from both locales below…

Alabaster
The exquisite store comprises four rooms and a Balinese courtyard garden. Not for budget shoppers—a set of tortoiseshell Lucite stacking tables is $2,100—but it's catnip for refined design sensibilities.
597 Hayes St.
(415) 558-0482.

Azalea Boutique & Z Beauty Lounge
The truly genius draw of this edgy men's and women's clothing boutique is the manicure and pedicure station in back—a boon for weary shoppers.
411 Hayes St.
(415) 861-9888.

Fleur't
Floral studio and home-accessories boutique with a chic European sensibility (as in minimalist moss arrangements and bistro chairs).
15 Clement St.
(415) 751-2747

Green Apple Books
Still going strong after almost four decades, the cult emporium packed with new and used books can command an entire day of browsing.
506 Clement St.
(415) 387-2272

Kamei Household Wares
A mecca for inexpensive kitchen supplies, Asian dinnerware, and gadgets. Everything's so reasonably priced, you can really spruce up your table for that next dinner party. Grab yourself a $3.75 jade green miniature tray for hors d'oeuvres.
547 Clement St.
(415) 933-8508

Period George
Crammed full of merchandise that runs the gamut from museum-quality (a 1780s potpourri jar from France) to kitsch (goofy bird vases from the 1920s and '30s). Owner Donald Gibson goes on worldwide scavenging trips. "We take old, fussy things and put them in an edgy environment," he says.
7 Clement St.
(415) 752-1900

Propeller
Streamlined designer furnishings share space with irreverent objects of fun—purses made out of pull tabs from aluminum cans and the hilarious Dial O for Old School, a bulky pink telephone earpiece meant to be attached to your slimmest Motorola Razr.
555 Hayes St.
(415) 701-7767

Scandinavian Details
All the greatest hits—Marimekko, Iittala, etc.—combined with irresistibly chic and clever kiddie designs.
364 Hayes St.
(415) 552-1100

Tourist Hot Spots

Alcatraz Island
Out in the middle of the Bay, the island of Alcatraz is a world unto itself. Any visit to San Francisco would not be complete without a visit to this historic and infamous federal prison. You can explore the remnants of the prison, learn about the Native American occupation of 1969 - 1971, early military fortifications and the West Coast's first (and oldest operating) lighthouse. And the views from Alcatraz are incredible. FYI, all access to the island is through a private ferry company under contract with the National Park Service, Alcatraz Cruises LLC. 

Cable Car Rides
Of course you’re going to take a famous cable car ride, right? TIP: You want to be in the front of the cable car for maximum fun, holding on to a pole and standing on the running board. This is the best spot on the car and sure beats being cooped up inside where you can’t see anything. Just make sure to scoot your boot when passing other cable cars and traffic—you don't want to turn yourself into road-pizza because your caboose got clipped by a delivery truck. 

Chinatown
This 8 block-long area covering Grant and Stockton is the largest Chinese community on the West Coast, and the second largest in the United States next to New York City's settlement. Don’t forget to stop by the Tien Hou Temple and the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company. The Chinese Markets are also a treat—heaped with Asian fruits and vegetables and crowded with people shopping, arguing over asparagus, wrangling over radishes and shaking eggplant to see if it's firm.

Fisherman’s Wharf
Featuring the infamous Pier 39 shopping mall and a string of other restaurants and street vendors, Fisherman’s Wharf is San Francisco’s most popular destination (and a little bit of a tourist trap). Make a 1-2 hour daytime stop for fresh sourdough, seafood, and souvenirs for your friends back home. One thing’s for sure—you won’t be able to ignore the barking sea lions.
www.fishermanswharf.org

Golden Gate Bridge
This landmark defines San Francisco—it’s the gateway where the Bay meets the Pacific Ocean. In order to experience the bridge fully, you have to walk on it. You can't really appreciate its size and height unless you've walked on it, at least a little way. At mid-span you are 220 feet above the water's surface, and passing ships below look like small toys. The distance from one vista point to another is 1.7 miles a fun round trip if you're up to it, but even a short walk will be something to talk about.

Lombard Street
Often billed as the "the crookedest street in the world," San Francisco's Lombard Street is, in fact, neither the crookedest nor the steepest street in the city, let alone the world. Oddly, that fact doesn't deter the hordes of tourists who come every year to see this famous street, built with eight switchbacks on a 40-degree slope. The real main attraction is watching people drive down this crooked, one-block section, or driving down it yourself. On a busy day, a seemingly-endless stream of automobiles and scooters buzz down, their passengers squealing in mock fear at every turn.
On Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets

Museum of Modern Art
Opened in 1995, the MOMA houses a permanent collection of over 15,000 works, including 4,700 paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and 9,000 photographs. The museum has exhibited the works of Henri Matisse, Richard Diebenkorn, Dorothea Lange, Paul Klee, Cindy Sherman, Matthew Barney and many contemporary artists. Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, the space itself is a wonder to behold. The lobby floor, for instance, is a massive chessboard and gargantuan sculptures hang from above.
151 Third Street (between Mission and Howard Streets), San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 357-4000
www.sfmoma.org

Napa Valley Wine Country
The views are beyond belief and the wines are the finest in the world. If you’re planning to add a couple of sightseeing days to your Conference experience, Napa Valley is a great way to spend the day. Make sure to plan on a lunch and to stop by three to five wineries. Large wineries have more extensive facilities and tours, but small wineries can provide a more personal experience. You’ll find most wineries concentrated on Highway 29, north of the city.

Twin Peaks
Why visit Twin Peaks? The view, the view, the view. Amost at the geographical center of San Francisco, there is no finer place to see the city than atop Twin Peaks. Named for it’s two virtually identical summits, Twin Peaks stands at an elevation of about 922 feet, second highest in San Francisco.
Click here for a virtual tour and directions.

Off the Beaten Path

We all know that visiting the traditional touristy spots packed with people can get old. Sometimes it’s nice to step off the beaten path a bit and explore a few of the lesser-known gems of a city. Try to make time to check out these picks below for a more unique San Fran experience.

Albany Bulb Park
Waaaaay off the beaten path—figuratively and literally—is the spit of land known as the Albany Bulb, in the city of Albany just north of Berkeley on I-80 behind the Golden Gate Fields horse track. A former dump, then homeless encampment, the place is now a great walking and biking park. But what makes it special is the bizarre artwork you'll find all around, a haphazard collection built from the concrete pilings, rebar, scrap metal, driftwood, and boat wood of the place itself.
Go here to read more.

French Quarter
There is one little dining section of SF, off the well-worn path of Union Square and the Financial District, where joie de vivre and wine flow freely. It's the City's French Quarter, loosely concentrated around Belden Place on the edge of Union Square. Every bistro and café has outdoor tables, some French staff and just enough attitude to approximate that little place just off the Champs-Elysees.
www.belden-place.com 

Huntington Park
If you’re just looking for some R&R time after the Conference day has ended, try spending some time in Huntington Park. The park is located on California Street between Taylor and The Flood Mansion/ Pacific Union Club at Mason. The park was originally a cemetery and then a mansion that was destroyed in the 1906 fire. On a sunny afternoon, you can sit there for hours, people-watch, and enjoy the sights. The park is situated at the top of a hill looking down into the Union Square area. It is great view of the city. You also have great views of Grace Cathedral and the Fairmount Hotel.
Go here for more info.

Legion of Honor Museum
One of the best museums to visit off the beaten track is the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park—in the northwest part of the city. The building itself is a work of art—severely damaged in the '89 earthquake, it was closed for several years for renovation. It has a very diverse collection from Rodin to Warhol and Rauschenburg. You’ll also enjoy great views of the Marin headlands and the Golden Gate bridge.
34th Avenue & Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 750-3600

Paxton Gate
Preserved insects, glowering glass eyes, bizarrely appealing plant species, bottled herbs lined up like potion ingredients—no, you haven't stumbled into Professor Snape's closet at Hogwarts. You're perusing the jumbled shelves at the cabinet of curiosities known as Paxton Gate, a Valencia Street shop that revels in an aura of antiquarianism and stocks "treasures and oddities inspired by the garden and the natural sciences." The assortment of entomological, botanical, and taxidermied delights to be found here isn't just a random mishmash—the presentation displays a knack for drawing beauty from what to many would be grotesque.
824 Valencia, San Francisco CA, 94110
(415) 824-1872
www.paxtongate.com

San Fran Vampire Tour
Another weird but wonderful must-do is the San Francisco Vampire Tour. The tour meets up at Huntington Park (Taylor and California) on Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 pm. Mina Harker (aka Kitty Burns) will guide you through history of Nob Hill, the Pacific-Union Club, the Fairmont Hotel, and the Mark Hopkins Hotel with a little bit of a blood-sucking twist.
www.sfvampiretour.com