Destination - San Francisco The place to be.

BOTTOMS UP DESTINATION SAN FRANCISCO

By Thom Meintel of TravelSquire. For more travel tips go to travelsquire.com

Hailed as a tourists’ mecca and damned for those killer hills, San Francisco’s reputation definitively precedes it. Famed for its glory days as a beat generation outpost then later the epicentre of flower power and acid rock, today the glorious “city by the bay” has lost none of its alternative laurels. How many cities boast sparkling sunshine most days with temperatures fit for short sleeves then about face it with an eerie fog and Wuthering Heights winds at rush hour? The weather conditions practically have a personality of their own in this town and if you’re into meteorology you’ll be in hog heaven. Anne Rice couldn’t resist staging her infamous Vampire Chronicles here and Alfred Hitchcock went gaga over the Golden Gate Bridge in Vertigo so it’s anybody’s guess where your particular DNA will land you. Given the tangible gay and lesbian quotient, you might easily be whisked into a vortex of hedonism; on the other hand, perhaps it’s a romp au natural on San Gregorio Beach, a coastal draw for local nudists. Whatever your leanings, this place is party central; so, are you ready for happy hour, yet?

Bourbon & Branch – a former speakeasy, this place is sexy, secretive and perfect for trysting. Enter only by gaining an access code online and showing up at your allotted time. bourbonandbranch.com Bubble Lounge – SF’s premiere champagne bar with over 300 champagnes and sparkling wines. Aren’t you celebrating being in San Francisco? bubblelounge.com Lush – any bar that’s got a fireplace and a Tamara de Lempicka print on the wall can’t be bad, right? A cozy, earthy ambience allows for easy conversation at their daily happy hour and the $5.00 blueberry martini won’t set you back. lushloungesf.com Rye – a chill spot in the Tenderloin to relax with newfound friends and order lofty drinks like The Vertigo or a Basil Gimlet. ryesf.com

PLAY

Napa Valley Wine Train - who knew that you could experience the beauty of NV from a cushy seat in a restored vintage rail car? Save your energy for that incredible Cabernet Sauvignon coming down the aisle. winetrain.com Red and White Fleet – get on the SF Bay sunset cruise and catch all the famous landmarks with a Tequila Sunrise in hand. Better sit down when the bridge looms above you. redandwhite.com Beach Blanket Babylon – a zany spoof of pop culture and the world’s longest running musical revue. Hang in the North Beach neighborhood afterward, SF’s nightlife hub. beachblanketbabylon.com Cable Car Ride – hop off the Powell/Hyde Line at Lombard Street then sprint down the eight hairpin turns of the crookedest street in the U.S. Promptly head for Bloody Marys at Fisherman’s Wharf. Zuni – there’s a reason why their drum is still beating after 20 years ... oysters! And the servers ain’t bad lookin’ either. zunicafe.com Cafe Divine – feel like a taste of Little Italy? After stomping those hills in North Beach, you’ll need a Campari & Soda, right? cafedivinesf.com Spruce – don your best basic black and grab a seat at the bar for a nightcap and a snack. With over 60 wines by the glass who could complain? Is that Robin Williams at the other end of the bar? sprucesf.com The Cliff House – there’s something to be said for enjoying your Bloody Mary perched on a bluff overlooking the crashing surf. Oh yeah, have another one then try to convince someone about that whale you spotted. cliffhouse.com Knuckles – when you’re having a burger fix while sightseeing Fisherman’s Wharf, this place will set you back on your track, after sampling a few of their 15 beers on tap, of course. Get a booth with a personal iPad. Ready for Alcatraz? fishermanswharf.hyatt.com

STAY

The St. Regis – spring for an executive corner suite where the wraparound views will hypnotize you. If they don’t the bath menu should do the trick. starwoodhotels.com The W San Fran – as we all know, expect the unexpected here. This SOMA (South of Market) hang out is perfect if you’re travelling solo. wsanfrancisco.com

Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf – why not enjoy the endless

pleasures of SF’s top tourist destination from your window with a cocktail? This Hyatt occupies a prime spot of real estate and the chic, cozy lobby will easily impress spontaneously invited friends. fishermanswharf.hyatt.com Hyatt Regency Embarcadero – a great alternative for not pigeonholing yourself as a tourist. Try this financial district gem with a 360 degree view of the stunning bay area from the rooftop lounge (martini, in hand, of course). Like feeling important? This is your place. sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com Hotel Diva – you can finally exercise your inner diva somewhere that’s got your back! The Design Within Reach suite is where you should be shooting for optimum results. hoteldiva.com

SEE

Golden Gate Park – Check out the California Academy of Sciences, with an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum and a 4-story rainforest all under one roof. Want more? Nah! calacademy.org Golden Gate Bridge – the one and only and painted lipstick red. Be daring and ride a bike across. Alcatraz Island - nothing compares with time spent at The Rock. Still a mysterious presence in the Bay and one that mirrors the city’s mystery, too. Lands End – an awesome spectacle of nature. Dress warm, the winds are gale force. Coit Tower – the best view ever and the murals are dazzling.