Catherine’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Must see! One of the most famous bridges in the world. When you see it, you'll understand why.
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Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate BridgeMust see! One of the most famous bridges in the world. When you see it, you'll understand why.
Beautiful site that was the location of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition.
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Palace of Fine Arts
3601 Lyon StBeautiful site that was the location of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition.
Can't be missed. There is so much to see! From museums, Koret Children's Center, Stow Lake, Conservatory of Flowers, Botanical Gardens, the bison, lakes, boats, etc.
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Golden Gate Park
Can't be missed. There is so much to see! From museums, Koret Children's Center, Stow Lake, Conservatory of Flowers, Botanical Gardens, the bison, lakes, boats, etc.
Learn the history of the cable cars and see the cables that pull the cars up and down the hills. This is a working site and lots of fun to see for adults and children.
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San Francisco Cable Car Museum
1201 Mason StLearn the history of the cable cars and see the cables that pull the cars up and down the hills. This is a working site and lots of fun to see for adults and children.
Not to be missed! You can't come to San Francisco without visiting the historical Chinatown.
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Chinatown
Not to be missed! You can't come to San Francisco without visiting the historical Chinatown.
Twin Peaks
Some of the best views in the City.
Be sure to go inside. The building is beautiful from every angle.
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San Francisco City Hall
1 Doctor Carlton B Goodlett PlaceBe sure to go inside. The building is beautiful from every angle.
So many places to visit! Check out the website to plan your visits. Our favorites are also listed here, but there's much more. If you want to buy souvenirs, the GGNRA gift shops are the best of the best. They have an amazing selection of well curated, high quality souvenirs. They have shops at almost all of their sites, including Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, Land's End/Sutro Baths, and more.
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Golden Gate National Recreation Area
So many places to visit! Check out the website to plan your visits. Our favorites are also listed here, but there's much more. If you want to buy souvenirs, the GGNRA gift shops are the best of the best. They have an amazing selection of well curated, high quality souvenirs. They have shops at almost all of their sites, including Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, Land's End/Sutro Baths, and more.
Wear layers! The beach is windy and chilly, but it's a beautiful place to go. Please stay out of the water, the riptides are no joke. But it's fun to walk along the beach and our kids love playing in the sand. We love Ocean Beach.
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Ocean Beach
La Playa StWear layers! The beach is windy and chilly, but it's a beautiful place to go. Please stay out of the water, the riptides are no joke. But it's fun to walk along the beach and our kids love playing in the sand. We love Ocean Beach.
Gorgeous historical area. There's park land, beaches, Fort Point, a climbing wall, trampoline house, great visitor's center and beautiful views. Crissy Field Beach has very gentle waves so it's safer to go in the water. Do stay with your kids, though, there are drops beneath the water. We've spent many memorable days here and it's one of our favorite spots in the City.
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Crissy Field
Gorgeous historical area. There's park land, beaches, Fort Point, a climbing wall, trampoline house, great visitor's center and beautiful views. Crissy Field Beach has very gentle waves so it's safer to go in the water. Do stay with your kids, though, there are drops beneath the water. We've spent many memorable days here and it's one of our favorite spots in the City.
See how the chocolate is made! The famous Ghirardelli chocolate started here and there's a demonstration area and yummy chocolate, ice cream and more! After, take a walk in Aquatic Park.
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The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop at Ghirardelli Square
900 North Point StSee how the chocolate is made! The famous Ghirardelli chocolate started here and there's a demonstration area and yummy chocolate, ice cream and more! After, take a walk in Aquatic Park.
The world famous Napa Valley is an excellent way to spend the day. Tour vineyards, wineries and enjoy stunning landscapes.
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Napa Valley
The world famous Napa Valley is an excellent way to spend the day. Tour vineyards, wineries and enjoy stunning landscapes.
Not as famous as Napa Valley, but in our opinion, an equal when it comes to wine and scenery. Tons of excellent wineries with less traffic and fewer crowds.
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Sonoma County
Not as famous as Napa Valley, but in our opinion, an equal when it comes to wine and scenery. Tons of excellent wineries with less traffic and fewer crowds.
Half Moon Bay is a tiny town with gorgeous beaches, great food and lots to do.
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Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a tiny town with gorgeous beaches, great food and lots to do.
Local's secret! Views as good as Twin Peaks but no traffic, lines or crowds!
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Mount Davidson
Myra WayLocal's secret! Views as good as Twin Peaks but no traffic, lines or crowds!
Beautiful nature hikes, new playground. Sheltered from the wind!
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Glen Canyon Park
Chenery StreetBeautiful nature hikes, new playground. Sheltered from the wind!
Gorgeous hike, easy to walk for all ages. Be sure to check out the labyrinth. There are steep drops and strong tides in some places so for your safety, please do not cross over the barriers.
Also be sure to check out the Sutro Baths ruins and the Cliff House nearby.
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Lands End Trail
Lands End TrailGorgeous hike, easy to walk for all ages. Be sure to check out the labyrinth. There are steep drops and strong tides in some places so for your safety, please do not cross over the barriers.
Also be sure to check out the Sutro Baths ruins and the Cliff House nearby.
A beautiful cathedral at the top of Nob Hill. Walk the labyrinth in the courtyard.
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Grace Cathedral
1100 California StA beautiful cathedral at the top of Nob Hill. Walk the labyrinth in the courtyard.
This park gets lots of sun and has great views. The playground is new and really nice. It gets extremely crowded on the weekends with people having picnics and is a big social scene. But on the weekdays you can enjoy it without the crowds.
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Mission Dolores Park
19th StreetThis park gets lots of sun and has great views. The playground is new and really nice. It gets extremely crowded on the weekends with people having picnics and is a big social scene. But on the weekdays you can enjoy it without the crowds.
Big Sur
One of the most beautiful places on Planet Earth.
Excellent tidepooling! Check the marine charts for low tides.
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Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
200 Nevada AveExcellent tidepooling! Check the marine charts for low tides.
A really fun day trip. Walk along the water, check out the views, the restaurants and shops, get an ice cream cone, have a wonderful day.
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Sausalito
A really fun day trip. Walk along the water, check out the views, the restaurants and shops, get an ice cream cone, have a wonderful day.
Our favorite neighborhood in the city. So many wonderful restaurants, sightseeing, history and beauty.
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North Beach
Our favorite neighborhood in the city. So many wonderful restaurants, sightseeing, history and beauty.
Great beach town with the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. One of our favorite places to go.
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Santa Cruz
Great beach town with the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. One of our favorite places to go.
Gorgeous tiles steps by local artists. Walk up to the top and around the hill for beautiful views.
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16 Avenue Tiled Steps
16th AvenueGorgeous tiles steps by local artists. Walk up to the top and around the hill for beautiful views.
Near Ghirardelli Square, Crissy Field and Aquatic Park, Fort Mason is an historical place with nice walks, a cultural center that has coffee shops, restaurants, a farmer's market, art store, theater, and a wonderful bookstore. We love this place.
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Fort Mason
2 Marina BlvdNear Ghirardelli Square, Crissy Field and Aquatic Park, Fort Mason is an historical place with nice walks, a cultural center that has coffee shops, restaurants, a farmer's market, art store, theater, and a wonderful bookstore. We love this place.
So, locals usually avoid Fisherman's Wharf, but this is actually a great reason to go. Musée Mécanique is an awesome old school arcade with antique games and fun for everyone. My kids are always excited to visit! (Afterward, walk across the way to Boudin!)
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Musée Mécanique
Fishermans WharfSo, locals usually avoid Fisherman's Wharf, but this is actually a great reason to go. Musée Mécanique is an awesome old school arcade with antique games and fun for everyone. My kids are always excited to visit! (Afterward, walk across the way to Boudin!)
A piece of San Francisco history and yummy bread all in one! The restaurant is a crowd pleaser, with soups, salads and sandwiches and lots of San Francisco sourdough bread. Be sure to go upstairs to see the museum and watch the bakers making the bread from start to finish. Combined with Musée Mécanique, this is our favorite thing about Fisherman's Wharf.
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Boudin at the Wharf
160 Jefferson StA piece of San Francisco history and yummy bread all in one! The restaurant is a crowd pleaser, with soups, salads and sandwiches and lots of San Francisco sourdough bread. Be sure to go upstairs to see the museum and watch the bakers making the bread from start to finish. Combined with Musée Mécanique, this is our favorite thing about Fisherman's Wharf.
Shorter lines than the turnaround at Powell Street, and just as much fun. Visit Ghirardelli Square, Aquatic Park or Fort Mason and hop on the cable car after to head down town.
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Powell/Mason Cable Car Turnaround
2350 Taylor StShorter lines than the turnaround at Powell Street, and just as much fun. Visit Ghirardelli Square, Aquatic Park or Fort Mason and hop on the cable car after to head down town.
Museums and Cultural
Not to be missed. In Golden Gate Park, with the famous Steinhart Aquarium, Planetarium and excellent exhibits featuring nature and science. The cafe is great, too. Good for all ages.
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California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse DrNot to be missed. In Golden Gate Park, with the famous Steinhart Aquarium, Planetarium and excellent exhibits featuring nature and science. The cafe is great, too. Good for all ages.
Gorgeous museum with excellent permanent collections and amazing exhibitions. Go to the observatory for 360 degree views. Great cafe, too!
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de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden DrGorgeous museum with excellent permanent collections and amazing exhibitions. Go to the observatory for 360 degree views. Great cafe, too!
A must see! Modern art in a gorgeous new building.
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San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
151 3rd StA must see! Modern art in a gorgeous new building.
One of our favorite places! So much to see, so much to do. Everything is interactive.
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Exploratorium
Green StreetOne of our favorite places! So much to see, so much to do. Everything is interactive.
One of the most beautiful museums and locations we have seen.
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Legion of Honor
100 34th AveOne of the most beautiful museums and locations we have seen.
Right across from City Hall. Don't miss this wonderful museum.
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Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin StRight across from City Hall. Don't miss this wonderful museum.
Another of our favorites. It's only open Friday-Sunday, so plan accordingly. See how the soldiers lived while guarding the entrance to the Bay. Walk up to the top and stand directly under the Golden Gate Bridge.
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Fort Point National Historic Site
201 Marine DrAnother of our favorites. It's only open Friday-Sunday, so plan accordingly. See how the soldiers lived while guarding the entrance to the Bay. Walk up to the top and stand directly under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Worth seeing. Learn about the history of this Mission and the oldest building in San Francisco. The cemetery was featured in the movie, Vertigo.
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Mission Dolores Basilica
3321 16th StWorth seeing. Learn about the history of this Mission and the oldest building in San Francisco. The cemetery was featured in the movie, Vertigo.
See the San Francisco Giants play at home! We love the ballpark. It's a true American experience. The views are stunning and if you're lucky, you'll see a home run ball splash into the bay. Bring layers - it gets chilly!
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Oracle Park
24 Willie Mays PlazaSee the San Francisco Giants play at home! We love the ballpark. It's a true American experience. The views are stunning and if you're lucky, you'll see a home run ball splash into the bay. Bring layers - it gets chilly!
The zoo cares for animals who can't live in the wild or were born in captivity. They have worked to make it a great place for the animals and the visitors. There is lots to do and see and they are always adding new features and exhibits. If you're here during the holidays, definitely go to the Zoo Lights events at night. We love our zoo!
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San Francisco Zoo
Upper Great HighwayThe zoo cares for animals who can't live in the wild or were born in captivity. They have worked to make it a great place for the animals and the visitors. There is lots to do and see and they are always adding new features and exhibits. If you're here during the holidays, definitely go to the Zoo Lights events at night. We love our zoo!
Food scene
High tea at the Garden Court
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Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco
2 New Montgomery StHigh tea at the Garden Court
The famous Cliff House! Stop for a drink, appetizers or a meal after visiting Ocean Beach, Land's End, Sutro Baths or the western side of Golden Gate Park.
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Cliff House
1090 Point Lobos AveThe famous Cliff House! Stop for a drink, appetizers or a meal after visiting Ocean Beach, Land's End, Sutro Baths or the western side of Golden Gate Park.
Trattoria da Vittorio
150 W Portal AveA neighborhood favorite.
Best Neopolitan pizza in the City. Get there early to snag a table.
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Gialina
2842 Diamond StBest Neopolitan pizza in the City. Get there early to snag a table.
Fresca
3945 24th StYummy ceviche and Peruvian food.
Dragon Beaux
5700 Geary BlvdExcellent Chinese food!
Fiorella Clement
2339 Clement StOne of the best Italian spots in the City.
Zuni Café
1658 Market StA San Francisco classic and local favorite.
La Ciccia
291 30th StOne of the best Italian restaurants in the city.
Lupa Trattoria
4109 24th StA local favorite.
San Tung
1031 Irving StOne of the best Chinese spots in the City.
Our favorite Chinese restaurant in the neighborhood. They're famous for their dumplings.
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Shanghai Dumpling King
696 Monterey BlvdOur favorite Chinese restaurant in the neighborhood. They're famous for their dumplings.
Another SF classic and wonderful experience all around.
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Foreign Cinema
2534 Mission StAnother SF classic and wonderful experience all around.
The Progress
1525 Fillmore StreetExcellent Michelin star restaurant. Reserve in advance.
If you can get a table, don't miss this spectacular restaurant!
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AL's Place
1499 Valencia StreetIf you can get a table, don't miss this spectacular restaurant!
Roxie Food Center
1901 San Jose AvenueLocal's favorite sandwich shop.
Yummy house made ice cream in classic and unexpected flavors.
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Bi-Rite Creamery
3692 18th StYummy house made ice cream in classic and unexpected flavors.
Roti Indian Bistro
53 W Portal AveDivine Indian food in our neighborhood.
Limón Rotisserie
524 Valencia StWonderful experience every time!
Toast Eatery
1748 Church StExcellent breakfast spot near our house.
Tekka Japanese Restaurant
537 Balboa StWonderful Japanese food!
La Corneta Taqueria
2834 Diamond StLocal favorite! Everything here is excellent.
La Taqueria
2889 Mission StFamous Mission burritos! One of our all time favorites.
Tacolicious
741 Valencia StYummy California style tacos.
Amazing sushi and Japanese food. This place is kind of a local secret. It's a neighborhood favorite and never disappoints.
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K's Kitchen
757 Monterey BlvdAmazing sushi and Japanese food. This place is kind of a local secret. It's a neighborhood favorite and never disappoints.
Outerlands
4001 Judah StAlways say yes to an invitation to eat at Outerlands!
Makes you feel like you wandered down an alley to a little bistro in Paris.
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Le P'tit Laurent
689 Chenery StMakes you feel like you wandered down an alley to a little bistro in Paris.
Good "greasy spoon" breakfast spot in the neighborhood. Always a hit.
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Big Joe's
717 Monterey BlvdGood "greasy spoon" breakfast spot in the neighborhood. Always a hit.
Ferry Building
Don't visit SF without visiting the Ferry Building!
The farmer's market is on Tuesday and Saturday. Saturdays are crowded, but have lots more vendors. Tuesdays have fewer food stands but also less crowds. Both are awesome.
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Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market
1 Ferry PlazaThe farmer's market is on Tuesday and Saturday. Saturdays are crowded, but have lots more vendors. Tuesdays have fewer food stands but also less crowds. Both are awesome.
A hit from day one - with good reason. Be sure to reserve in advance for this one of a kind dining experience.
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Lazy Bear
3416 19th StA hit from day one - with good reason. Be sure to reserve in advance for this one of a kind dining experience.
Nopa
560 Divisadero StAwesome Mexican/California cuisine.
Nopalito
306 Broderick StNopa's little sister - just as yummy!
Absolutely amazing. You must reserve 30 days in advance, so plan ahead.
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Rich Table
199 Gough StAbsolutely amazing. You must reserve 30 days in advance, so plan ahead.
Cotogna
490 Pacific AveWonderful Italian food.
Benu
22 Hawthorne StExcellent special occasion restaurant.
Quince
470 Pacific AveExcellent California cuisine.
Kokkari Estiatorio
200 Jackson StFabulous upscale Greek cuisine.
A San Francisco favorite in our favorite neighborhood.
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Original Joe's
601 Union StA San Francisco favorite in our favorite neighborhood.
Low key, casual but amazing focaccia sandwiches in North Beach. Grab a bar stool or table and enjoy a yummy meal with a beer.
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Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe
566 Columbus AveLow key, casual but amazing focaccia sandwiches in North Beach. Grab a bar stool or table and enjoy a yummy meal with a beer.
Travel back in time when you step in the door. Old school elegance, live jazz, wonderful food, great cocktails. Always a favorite.
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Bix
56 Gold StTravel back in time when you step in the door. Old school elegance, live jazz, wonderful food, great cocktails. Always a favorite.
Chapeau!
126 Clement StExcellent French food at this neighborhood favorite.
Groundbreaking restaurant that changed California cuisine forever. Alice Waters' labor of love which launched the careers of Jeremiah Towers, Samin Nosrat, Paul Bertolli, Diane Dexter, Suzanne Goin, Judy Rodgers, Joyce Goldstein, David Lebovitz and so many more. Make it a point to go if you can.
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Chez Panisse
1517 Shattuck AveGroundbreaking restaurant that changed California cuisine forever. Alice Waters' labor of love which launched the careers of Jeremiah Towers, Samin Nosrat, Paul Bertolli, Diane Dexter, Suzanne Goin, Judy Rodgers, Joyce Goldstein, David Lebovitz and so many more. Make it a point to go if you can.
Bars and Nightlife
The Chapel
777 Valencia StreetCool bar, excellent live music.
If you can get tickets to a show at the Fillmore, do it!
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Fillmore District
If you can get tickets to a show at the Fillmore, do it!
Awesome dive bar with great live music. Some surprisingly famous bands have played here!
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Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th StAwesome dive bar with great live music. Some surprisingly famous bands have played here!
Amnesia
853 Valencia StAwesome place for a drink and live music.
Cool old school spot makes for an awesome way to spend a night.
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Club Deluxe
1511 Haight StCool old school spot makes for an awesome way to spend a night.
The Independent
628 Divisadero StAlways great live shows.
Boom Boom Room
1601 Fillmore StJohn Lee Hooker's blues bar. You won't regret it.
Prince liked to go here when he visited SF. If that's not enough of a recommendation, I don't know what is!
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Mr. Tipple's Recording Studio
39 Fell StPrince liked to go here when he visited SF. If that's not enough of a recommendation, I don't know what is!
Never disappoints. Check out their website to see who's playing and get ready for a fun night.
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Slim's
333 11th StNever disappoints. Check out their website to see who's playing and get ready for a fun night.
I fell in love with this place the first time I walked in. The love is still strong.
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Cafe Du Nord
2174 Market StI fell in love with this place the first time I walked in. The love is still strong.
Mezzanine
444 Jessie StAwesome spot for music and dancing.
Rickshaw Stop
155 Fell StAwesome cocktails, great music.
If you're a jazz lover, you cannot miss seeing a show at the Jazz Center!
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SFJAZZ
201 Franklin StIf you're a jazz lover, you cannot miss seeing a show at the Jazz Center!
Wow. A gorgeous bar with amazing cocktails. If you're a fan of The OA, you'll recognize this place as the nightclub where Nina did her thing.
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Whitechapel
600 Polk StWow. A gorgeous bar with amazing cocktails. If you're a fan of The OA, you'll recognize this place as the nightclub where Nina did her thing.
The Devil's Acre
256 Columbus AveIncredible artisan cocktails in an awesome space.
Great American Music Hall
859 O'Farrell StA San Francisco classic! Always a fun time. Yummy tropical drinks, Hawaiian inspired pupus, live music and rainstorms every half hour at the only bar in the city with an indoor pool.
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Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
950 Mason StA San Francisco classic! Always a fun time. Yummy tropical drinks, Hawaiian inspired pupus, live music and rainstorms every half hour at the only bar in the city with an indoor pool.
Awesome bookstore with live jazz and poetry readings. Check their website for performances.
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Bird & Beckett Books & Records
653 Chenery StAwesome bookstore with live jazz and poetry readings. Check their website for performances.
Shopping
This place is called the Goodwill "Boutique" for a good reason! It will change the way you think about thrift shopping.
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Goodwill
1669 Fillmore StThis place is called the Goodwill "Boutique" for a good reason! It will change the way you think about thrift shopping.
If you want to buy souvenirs, this is the place. High quality souvenirs and art made locally. A wide range of prices with something for everyone.
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Local Take
4122 17th StIf you want to buy souvenirs, this is the place. High quality souvenirs and art made locally. A wide range of prices with something for everyone.