SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
PLAY
DISCOVER HAYES VALLEY
EXPLORE
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY
SHOP
TOP SPOTS FOR SHOES
PROMOTION
Jean-Charles Boisset’s JCB Tasting Salon in Healdsburg brings wine and luxury creations together in a unique setting.
NOVEMBER 2018
wheretraveler.com
November Where San Francisco
6 EDITOR‘S NOTE 8 ASK THE EXPERT 48 THE FIX
10 TOP 5
Sync with the urban rhythm.
12 CALENDAR
The top events on our radar this month.
16 INSIDER
Our favorite places to enjoy meatless burgers around the city and the best SF shoe stores to help you explore on foot.
20 ONE BLOCK. ONE DAY Neighborhoods: Hayes Valley
22 AROUND THE BAY Day Trip: Healdsburg
24 WALKABLE WINE COUNTRY
Venture out to the quaint and charming downtowns of Northern California Wine Country. By Rachel Ward
EPICURE
Where magazine's annual food and drink guide n e27 Food n e41 Wine Country n e50 Maps ®
28 Shop
37 Sights
32 Art
44 Explore
COVER PROMOTION JCB Tasting Salon in Healdsburg's proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset. Courtesy JCB Tasting Salon caption
©SCOTT SAWYER
34 Scene
Y O U R T R AV E L I N G C O M P A N I O N S I N C E 19 3 6 ®
SAN FRANCISCO
M V P | EDITORI A L & DE SIGN
Teresa Rodriguez ART DIRECTOR Jennifer Keller Vaz ASSISTANT EDITORS Taylor Clayton, Emily Sisco A DV ERTISING JAMES G. ELLIOTT CO., INC. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Pat O’Donnell REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, SALES Courtney Fuhrmann ACCOUNT MANAGER Nanci Davies 415.901.6267, n.davies@jgeco.com ACCOUNT MANAGER Tobias Siegel 415.901.6266, t.siegel@jgeco.com
MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS M V P | E X ECUTI V E PRESIDENT Donna W. Kessler
Dennis Kelly VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Angela E. Allen
Richard H. Brashear II DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Scott Ferguson M V P | CRE ATI V E
JCB Tasting Salon
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THE NEW
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M V P | M A NUFAC TURING & PUBLICATION SERV ICE S
luxury creations together in a unique and inspiring destination at the ver lo ation
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salon lo ated a ross fro
Haines Wilkerson Margaret Martin Isaac Arjonilla CREATIVE COORDINATOR Beverly Mandelblatt
DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton PUBLICATION SERVICES DIRECTOR Karen Fralick PUBLICATION SERVICES MANAGER Mickey Kibler
he ealdsburg
Erik Lewis E-mails for all of the above except contributors: firstname.lastname@morris.com
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WHE RE I N OV E M B E R 2018
William S. Morris III
PRESIDENT & CEO William S. Morris IV
ealdsburg b olle tion o
MORRIS COMMUNICATIONS
visit
Where® magazine is produced by Morris Visitor Publications (MVP), a division of Morris Communications Co., LLC. 725 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901, morrismedianetwork.com. Where magazine and the logo are registered trademarks of Morris Visitor Publications. Where makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited.
COURTESY JCB TASTING SALON
of golden rootsto
November 2018
#SFholidays #SFlights #WhereTraveler
Teresa Rodriguez Editor-in-Chief, San Francisco @WhereSF
IN THE WORLD Where is an international network of magazines first published in 1936 and distributed in over 4,000 leading hotels in more than 50 places around the world. Look for us when you visit any of the following cities, or plan ahead for your next trip by visiting us online at wheretraveler.com. UNITED STATES Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Jacksonville/ St. Augustine/Amelia Island, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New Orleans, New York, Oahu, Orange County (CA), Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix/Scottsdale, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Tucson, Washington, D.C. ASIA Singapore AUSTRALIA Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney CANADA Calgary, Canadian Rockies, Edmonton, Halifax, Muskoka/ Parry Sound, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Winnipeg EUROPE Berlin, Budapest, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Rome, St. Petersburg
ŠTAKASHI FUKUDA
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Let me be the first to welcome you to San ran cisco Novem er is a antastic month to visit us e cause you get to witness the many contrasts that we cele rate here. or example, while some areas are undling up or snow, San rancisco is still in the midst o our ndian summer, with events such as the th annual sandcastle competition at cean each on Novem er rd. e love our lights here, so make sure to catch one o the many lighting cer emonies including the nion S uare reat ree ighting eremony on Novem er rd. Nothing captures San rancisco like the glistening decora tions o the holidays and sandcastles. So, make sure to take photos and include Sei e heStay.
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WHE RE I N OV E M B E R 2018
To reunite with their families, emperor penguins migrate up to 30 miles across the ice. You just have to make it across the rink.
Opens November 16 This holiday tradition packs a flurry of excitement you won’t find anywhere else. Experience the new outdoor ice rink, falling snow flurries, and more! Plus, explore the science behind the season and learn how penguins adapt in the Antarctic. Open every day this holiday season. Get tickets at calacademy.org
Leif Abram HEAD CONCIERGE, KIMPTON SIR FRANCIS DRAKE, SAN FRANCISCO
music. It's located in an old mortuary, which gives it an edgy, macabre twist.
Q: What is your favorite San Francisco autumn tradition?
A: An autumn tradition for me is college football. Going to a Saturday afternoon game at Cal or Stanford and partaking in all of the color and excitement is so much fun. And even touring these storied, beautiful campuses is worthwhile. Q: Where do you send guests for live music?
A: My guests are really liking Black Cat for live jazz and it's sexy, seductive vibe, and Chapel in the Mission District for an eclectic range of
Q: Do you recommend any places in Healdsburg?
“Chapel in the Mission District [is] located in an old mortuary, which gives it an edgy, macabre twist.”
Q: What's your favorite San Francisco photo op?
A: In the plaza between the Grand Hyatt and
Q: Do you know any San Francisco secrets you'd like to share?
A: There is a herd of u alo roaming the middle of San Francisco. They are located at the western end of Golden Gate Park. The Bison herd has been part of the park since the 1890s.
Tues–Sun 10 AM–5 PM Closed Mon
COURTESY LEIF ABRAM
200 Larkin St San Francisco www.asianart.org
A: Shed is a deli, cafe, fermentation bar, a oral shop, a housewares emporium, a pantry with provisions, a garden and farm tool supply. This amazing place is a cathedral to the dignity of our Northern California epicurean delights… Enough said. Go!
the Apple store is a whimsical art piece that is lovingly called The Love Sign. Or come and take a picture with our red clad, iconic Sir Francis Drake Beefeater doormen. The most photographed people in the City.
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WHE RE I N OV E M B E R 2018
NOVEMBER 2018
1
Indulge
Explore the eclectic world of confectionery at Candytopia, curated by Hollywood Candy Queen Jackie Sorkin and designed by master magician Zac Hartog.
2
Dance
Watch award-winning hip-hop dance artists from around the world at the San Francisco International Hip Hop DanceFest at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.
PHOTO CREDIT GOES HERE
SAN FRANCISCO
3
Taste
Sample premium wines from 100 vintners at SF Vintners Market and then purchase the bottles of the wines you prefer at Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion.
4
See
Electricity comes alive in “The Night Journey,” a mesmerizing light-and-sound installation by multimedia artist Haroon Mirza at the Asian Art Museum.
5
Run
Experience the beauty of Golden Gate Park on the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. For bonus points, dress as your favorite Thanksgiving dish. COURTESY CANDYTOPIA
Nov. 23-Jan. 1
Gingerbread House Be awed by a life-sized gingerbread house made of thousands of homemade gingerbread bricks and tons of icing and candy in the lobby of the Fairmont San Francisco hotel. Equipped with its very own railroad track and sitting close to a 23-foot tall Christmas tree, this holiday setting will transport you straight into a winter wonderland. After your stroll through the gingerbread home—which includes a private dining area that can be reserved by up to 10 guests—enjoy afternoon tea service or a glass of Champagne in the lobby. 950 Mason St., 415.772.500
Nov. 17-Dec. 23 (weekends)
Great Dickens Christmas Go back in time and enjoy Old England in the era of Charles Dickens. The Great Dickens Christmas Fair features charming holiday shops, entertainment, costumed carolers, pubs and tearooms built to look like Old England. Cow Palace in Daly City, weekends and the day after Thanksgiving
For a full calendar of events, go to wheretraveler.com/san-francisco/local-events
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WHE RE I N OV E M B E R 2018
FROM TOP: COURTESY FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO; COURTESY DICKENS FAIR
November at a Glance
IN NOVEMBER San Francisco Coffee Festival Nov. 3
20 curated roasters and coffee shops showcase unique beans and flavor profiles with live entertainment. Dogpatch Studios. 21+
Pinterest Holiday Gift Fair Nov. 3
SFMade and Pinterest host the fifth annual shopping event at the Pinterest headquarters. 651 Brannan St.
Bacon & Beer Festival Nov. 10
Indulge in bacon-inspired dishes from restaurants with locally made beer. AT&T Park. 21+
Hip Hop Nutcracker Nov. 10
Nov. 7-Nov.11
Napa Valley Film Festival Hollywood descends upon Northern California's Wine Country for the Napa Film Festival. Immerse yourself in riveting independent films and delicious wines for a weekend full of entertainment. Watch new independent films, mix and mingle at industry cocktail parties and attend food and wine events. Epic evenings include the exclusive Movie Mogul Dinner at Meadowood. Events will take place at venues in Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga. 707.226.7500
Nov. 5
Embarcado Holiday Ice Rink Celebrate the holiday spirit in San Francisco with the Bay Area’s largest outdoor ice rink. There is also an impressive list of shops and restaurants to enjoy.
Free National Park Day Nov. 11
Enjoy a free day at Muir Woods National Monument and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
20th Annual PinotFest Nov. 17
Enjoy top pinot noirs from over 50 producers in Oregon and California. Farallon Restaurant. 21+
Free Garden Day Nov. 22
Visit the 55-acre San Francisco Botanical Garden at Golden Gate Park for free.
For a full calendar of events, go to wheretraveler.com/san-francisco/local-events
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WHE RE I N OV E M B E R 2018
FROM TOP: COURTESY NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL; ©BOSTON PROPERTIES, INC.
Tchaikovsky’s score gets a modern twist at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland.
SHOP
SOLE CELEBRITIES There’s no business like shoe business in San Francisco
is a walking city with only 7 miles by 7 miles o land to explore, surrounded y the acific cean and San Francisco Bay. It would be a shame not to enjoy this lovely landscape on oot. course, there are a num er o super steep hills to conquer, but thanks to a few local designers, you can take to the streets o San rancisco in style and com ort. or ladies who like sparkles and velvet, San rancisco ootwear company irdies, ounded y ormer ace ook and oss Stores executives ianca ates and Marisa Sharkey, have the eda le shoes or you. heir shoes are a co y com ination o opulent slippers and royal ootwear. or a more rugged San rancisco shoe, slip on a pair o Sutro Shoes created or the people, y the people o San rancisco. Dura le soles, sturdy leather and solid construction are the signatures of these shoes. SAN FRANCISCO
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WHE RE I N OV E M B E R 2018
Paolo Shoes
For formal footwear, try Paolo Shoes. Paolo dreams his shoes in San Francisco and then hand-makes them in Italy.
Plae Shoes
PLAE uses biometric science reserved for elite athletes to craft a shoe that protects the natural development of children’s feet. For more great places to shop in the city visit wheretraveler.com
FROM TOP: COURTESY BIRDIES; COURTESY PLAE
Rothy's
Rothy’s shoes are environmentally friendly, made from recycled plastic bottles, carbon-free recyclable rubber and recyclable foam.
Our Top Picks
Top Chef Chris Cosentino creates innovative cuisine, including his version of the meatless hamburger with notes of artisit flare and flavor
Barbacco Eno Trattoria
DINE
E M OSS LE BURGER
You won't believe that these delicious meatballs are plant based The mix of sauce and spice make these a favorite for vegetarians and arnivores ali e
Meet the meatless meal
including the Impossible Burger, is becoming a mainstay on menus throughout San Francisco. Chefs are using the “meat” in creative ways, such as the meatballs at Barbacco Eno Trattoria. Some of our favorite restaurants for the epic meatless hamburger include Gott’s Roadside, Magnolia Dogpatch, Acacia House, Cockscomb and Curio. We love Curio’s Holy Grail Burger topped with crimini mushrooms, tomato jam, fried onions and raclette cheese. The faux-meat trend is showing no signs of slowing down. Keep your eye out for Good Catch’s “seafood” made with plant ingredients popping up on menus soon. Another trend to look out for is cell-based meat—real meat made in a lab. What’s up with all of this fauxmeat innovation? The trend is driven by a desire for both sustainability and creativity.—Andrew Freeman and Katie Haggart LAN - ASED MEA
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Magnolia Dogpatch
Their menu is made up of modern American favorites, reinterpreted with worldly elements; fresh local ingredients; and a meatless hamburger with an artisan’s tou h that s to die for For more great dining in the city visit wheretraveler.com
FROM TOP: COURTESY GOTT'S ROADSIDE; COURTESY ACACIA HOUSE; COURTESY BARBACCO ENO TRATTORIA; COURTESY MAGNOLIA DOGPATCH
Acacia House
Concert on the Roof
Champagne and Strawberries
Red Umbrella
LIUDMILA KONDAKOVA Join Martin Lawrence Galleries San Francisco for a spectacular exhibition showcasing Liudmila Kondakova’s breathtaking works of art.
November 1 – 30 FE ATURING OVER 50 WORKS
FIND THE BEST IN HAYES VALLEY ONE BLOCK AT A TIME / LAURA PELLERINE
Pick up home decor items, gifts and clothing made by local artists at Gather, then head over to Timbuk2 for custom messenger bags, totes or backpacks crafted at the Mission District factory. Nearby, Marine Layer is known for its soft, locally designed casual wear—this location also has a mystery T-shirt vending machine offering shirts at a discount. Shoppers looking for highend threads will find dapper menswear by French designer Emile Lafaurie at Sean and fine European lingerie at Alla Prima. Gather 541 Octavia St., 415.799.7130 Timbuk2 506 Hayes St., 415.252.9860 Marine Layer 498 Hayes St., 415. 829.7519 Sean 575 Hayes St., 415.431.5551 Alla Prima 539 Hayes St., 415.864.8180
At the heart of this ‘hood, right off Patricia’s Green (a small park that buzzes with people and features rotating public art installations), Ritual serves up locally roasted and meticulously sourced espressos, pourovers and lattes from inside Clockwise from top: Breakfast at Straw; Sean,
a repurposed shipping container. This square is also home to Biergarten, a Bavarian-style outdoor beer garden where you can people watch and try a rotating menu of draft brews from around the world. California reds and whites are poured alongside vermouth and small bites at Fig & Thistle, an intimate, dimly lit space with a rustic-chic ambiance. Ritual 432b Octavia St., 415.865.0989 Biergarten 424 Octavia St. Fig & Thistle 313 Ivy St., 415.589.7005
Dine Carnival-inspired comfort food is the main attraction at Straw. Menu highlights include a donut burger that has been featured on the Food Network, mini corn dogs with raspberry dijon and a cotton candy of the day. For those with finer palates, at Plaj you can find innovative Scandinavian dishes made from seasonal and local ingredients. Sweet tooths should pop into Miette Patisserie, a bakery crafting gourmet confections, cakes and some of the city’s best macarons. Straw 203 Octavia Blvd., 415.431.3663 Plaj 333 Fulton St., 415.294.89253 Miette Patisserie 449 Octavia St., 415.626.6221
where debonair men shop; cappuccino at Ritual on Patricia's Green; outside Gather on hip Hayes Street.
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For more things to do in Hayes Valley go to wheretraveler.com
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY STRAW; COURTESY SEAN; COURTESY RITUAL; COURTESY GATHER
Shop
FIND THE BEST IN HEALDSBURG ONE BLOCK AT A TIME / RACHEL WARD
Moustache Baked Goods 381 Healdsburg Ave. Noble Folk Ice Cream 116 Matheson St.
Sip Less than 10 minutes outside of Healdsburg is the Dry Creek Valley. With more than 9,000 vineyard acres, this region has over 70 wineries, such as Davero, a biodynamic winery and farm. More wineries include Reeve Wines, known for their sangiovese; Gustafson Family Vineyards, the highest elevation winery in Dry Creek Valley,
Davero
766 Westside Road
Reeve Wines 4551 Dry Creek Road
Gustafson Family Vineyards 9100 Skaggs Springs Road
Ferrari-Carano Winery 8761 Dry Creek Road
Shop & Explore When you’re ready for a break from eating and drinking, you’ll find plenty of shops to enjoy. For vintage finds, visit the massive 7,000 square foot Antique Harvest, Healdsburg’s oldest antique shop. Check out One World Fair Trade for ethically-made clothing and home decor, and Looking Glass Luxe Clothing & Shoes for high-quality name-brand finds. For a free and educational outing, Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society has permanent and visiting exhibitions related to the history of Healdsburg and Sonoma County.
Antique Harvest 225 Healdsburg Ave.
One World Fair Trade 104 Matheson St.
Looking Glass 332 Healdsburg Ave.
(From top) Bocce ball at
Healdsburg Museum
Campo Fina; Healdsburg
221 Matheson St.
Plaza Gazebo; the Reeve Family, owners of Reeve Wines; wine and food pairings at Davero.
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For more things to do in Healdsburg go to wheretraveler.com
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: COURTESY CAMPO FINA; COURTESY CITY OF HEALDSBURG; COURTESY REEVE WINES; COURTESY DAVERO
Despite only being 4.5 square miles, Healdsburg has a food scene that rivals that of any major city. Shed houses a coffee bar, fermentation bar, the Larder deli counter and a sit-down café, and Campo Fina serves small plates and wood-fired pizzas inside a cozy dining room with exposed brick. For locally sourced, from-scratch desserts, try Moustache Baked Goods, and for seasonal gourmet ice cream, check out Noble Folk Pie & Ice Cream Bar. Shed 25 North St. Campo Fina 330 Healdsburg Ave.
and Ferrari-Carano Winery, which produces sauvignon blanc, zinfandel, and malbec from their Dry Creek Valley grapes.
Enter-To-Win
WAIKĪKĪ WINTER GETAWAY
ESCAPE TO THE WORLD-RENOWNED BEACHES OF WAIKĪKĪ, LEARN ABOUT THE RICH CULTURE, AND SHOP & DINE IN STYLE. PRIZE PACKAGE INCLUDES*: $1,600 for domestic airfare to be booked by the winner Transportation to and from Honolulu International Airport courtesy of Roberts Hawaii 3-day/2-night stay for two at the Sheraton WaikĪkĪ $150 dining certificate at RumFire WaikĪkĪ
$500 Royal Hawaiian Center gift card Ambassador Package for two to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center and more Explore the USS Arizona Memorial, Punchbowl and downtown Honolulu with a half-day Pearl Harbor City tour for two courtesy of Roberts Hawaii
*Visit wheretraveler.com/contest for full details.
ENTER DAILY, NOW–NOVEMBER 30
wheretraveler.com/contest
Walkable Wine Country Explore the Charming Downtowns of Northern California Wine Country By Rachel Ward
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Wine Country might be vast and sprawling, but a trip here doesn't require a day spent in the car, riding miles and miles from winery to winery. Visit one of these quaint downtowns and leave the car parked for the day. You’ll find no shortage of excellent tasting rooms, restaurants, shops, and sites to explore on foot. So, park the car and spend the day in the town of Healdsburg, Yountville, Sonoma or Napa.
OPPOSITE: COURTESY JCB TASTING SALON. THIS PAGE, FROM TOP: COURTESY YOUNTVILLE; COURTESY REDD WOOD; COURTESY THE FRENCH LAUNDRY
YOUNTVILLE This sophisticated little town bordered by the Napa River and the Mayacamas mountains in the middle of Napa Valley has become a sort of culinary mecca. Yountville is home to the French Laundry and three other restaurants from chef Thomas Keller, in addition to luxury accommodations and spas. In the walkable downtown, you’ll come across more than 40 outdoor sculptures known as the Yountville Art Walk and the high-caliber Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater.
EAT Splurge with a visit to chef Thomas Keller’s three-Michelin-star French Laundry, or enjoy casual dining at one of his four other restaurants: Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery, Ad Hoc and Addendum. Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello at Bottega is serving rustic Italian fare, while chef Richard Reddington at Redd Wood is serving California cuisine and firing up pizzas. Inside the ultraluxurious Bardessono Resort is the sleek Lucy Restaurant & Bar, which sources ingredients from an onsite garden.
SIP In JCB Salon Privé, guests sample wines in a setting that invites them to discover with all of their senses. Tastings are appointment only, based on availability from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The space can welcome parties of 8 or more for exclusive experiences in private rooms. Hestan Vineyards offers modern architecture and solid wines, of which fewer than 750 cases are made each year.
SHOP & EXPLORE Located in a winery built in 1870, V Marketplace is a two-story, brick shopping center housing galleries, boutiques, and shops where local merchants sell candles, toys, wine, gelato, coffee, home goods and chocolate. Be sure to visit
Restoration Hardware. Its location in the elegant Ma(i)sonry building features a two-story wine vault and outdoor trellis-covered living rooms for private tastings, an indoor-outdoor restaurant by Brendan Sodikoff offering an elevated take on timeless classics, and two boutique design galleries. Inside the posh, understated North Block Hotel, North Block Spa offers an "UnCorked" body scrub and massage. The scrub uses freshly ground grape seeds and incorporates wine corks to stimulate reflex points during the massage. Napa Valley Bike Tours offers bike rentals and guided tours complete with picnic lunches. They’re also happy to share route tips if you prefer to explore independently.
HEALDSBURG Located at the intersection of three prime wine-growing appellations, Dry Creek, Russian River and Alexander Valley, this small Sonoma town is quaint yet chic. Anchored by a main plaza dating back to the 1800s and planted with redwoods, its downtown packs in an impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants, tasting rooms, boutiques and art galleries.
SIP Much to the delight of his fans, wine czar and tastemaker Jean-Charles Boisset opened another JCB Tasting Salon in Healdsburg. Along with award-winning wine, you will be treated to opulent glassware, decanters and objets d’art from luxury brands such as Baccarat, Lalique, Christofle and Bernardaud. For lovers of small-batch winemaking, Alan Baker and Serena Lourie created Cartograph Wines, with a beautiful hub in the center of Healdsburg for sampling their handcrafted pinot noirs, rieslings and gewurtztraminer.
FO O D I E ' S PA R A D I S E
(Opposite) The JCB Tasting Salon in Healdsburg. (This page, from top) "Sidewalk Judge" from the Yountville Art Walk. Pizza from Redd Wood. Entrance to the French Laundry.
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NAPA Once sleepy, downtown Napa has become a buzzing destination for travelers, who come for the restaurants, tasting rooms, shops, architecture and river walkway.
If you're inclined to extend your Healdsburg visit into a romantic overnight getaway, look no further than the Victorian residence known as the Honor Mansion, where 13 spacious rooms on 4 acres feature wood-burning fireplaces, secluded patios with spa tubs, luxurious sheets, and morning coffee and biscotti deliveries.
EAT Inside the Westin Verasa Napa hotel, La Toque is a fine dining destination known for its exceptional wine pairings and French-inspired menu from chef Ken Frank, who uses ingredients from his nearby garden. Oenotri gets rave reviews for its high-quality, hearty southern Italian food, including wood-fired pizzas. Oxbow Public Market is Napa’s answer to San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace. This lively one-stop destination with 22 merchants provides a chance to sample the best of
FROM TOP: COURTESY CARTOGRAPH WINES; ©KEN FULK; COURTESY WESTIN VERASA NAPA
L I V E I N LU X U RY
(From top) Tasting room of Cartograph Wines. Inside the historic Adobe, the home of Three Sticks Wine. The pool at the Westin Verasa Napa hotel.
STAY 235 Luxury Suites is located just a halfblock from Healdsburg’s historic downtown plaza, within walking distance of dozens of restaurants, tasting rooms and shops. The suites have beautiful kitchens, so you and your friends can enjoy cooking together. Of course, if your group prefers to make reservations rather than dinner, the hotel can arrange them for you.
Napa Valley, such as duck tacos at C Casa. At stylish Ca’ Momi Osteria, chef Valentina Guolo-Migotto will transport you to her hometown of Padua in northern Italy with unadulterated recipes (some over 100 years old) taken straight out of classic Italian cookbooks. Chef Sean O'Toole’s casual Torc in the former location of vegetarian restaurant Ubuntu has a meaty slant and patio seating.
SIP For an outdoor experience, check out the spacious Mercantile Terrace on the second floor of the Andaz Napa Hotel, where you can enjoy live music, craft cocktails and tasty bites by the fire pit. Located in the former space of 1313 Main, Gran/Eléctrica turns out authentic Mexican, and cocktails, tequila and mezcal made by small-batch and artisan distillers along with a wide range of wines. Down the street, the chic and genial Carpe Diem Wine Bar has a tempting happy hour to kick off the evening. Sip from a sophisticated selection of wines from small producers or opt for a full meal from the intriguing menu.
FROM TOP: ©MARIAH HARKEY; COURTESY SONOMA COUNTY
SHOP & EXPLORE Take a stroll along the Napa riverfront and stop in at Danielle, which offers a selection of contemporary women's fashion from the United States and Europe, or soak up some culture admiring the outdoor sculptures of the Napa Art Walk (pick up a map at the Napa Valley Welcome Center).
shorter at the excellent El Dorado Kitchen, where delectable California-Mediterranean cuisine shines in a swanky setting with a fig tree-shaded patio.
SIP History and design buffs will want to visit the Adobe, the new home of Three Sticks Wines near the Sonoma Plaza. Built in 1842 during the state’s Mexican period, the newly restored building is the oldest residence in Sonoma, and San Francisco’s edgy decorator du jour Ken Fulk designed the luxurious, contemporary interiors. Find highly rated Chateau St. Jean wines at many businesses around Sonoma Plaza, including Speakeasy and the Red Grape.
SONOMA
SHOP & EXPLORE
SONOMA'S BEAUTY
The small town of Sonoma is marked by the Sonoma Plaza, the largest in the state. Colonial-era adobe buildings surround this town center that’s served as both a Mexican military outpost and a Spanish Mission village.
A few blocks from the Sonoma town center, the Williams-Sonoma cookware chain has re-opened its original location, founded in 1956 by Chuck Williams. Williams’ former residence behind the store has been converted into an elegant showroom for Williams-Sonoma furnishings, and the expansive back patio features a dining area, pizza oven and raised beds growing produce for the on-site cooking school. Other shopping highlights include the Sonoma Cheese Factory and the eclectic home decor shop Chateau Sonoma.
(From top) The tasting room for the Chateau St. Jean Winery, located outside of Kenwood. A view of downtown Sonoma.
EAT French-influenced The Girl & the Fig is the best-known restaurant in the Sonoma Plaza, for good reason. Their menu is sourced locally, and many of their ingredients are grown by their own staff. The wait is usually
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Shop
SE ARCH THE CIT Y / For more listings, see wheretraveler.com/san-francisco
Coyuchi San Francisco’s only linen recycling program offered by Coyuchi, provides elite, organic comfort and rejuvenation. Inspired by the coastal beauty of California, the textiles are luxurious and soft, created with a desire in extending the life of their products while also making a positive impact with their Coyuchi Renewal Workshop that responsibly renews and recycles used linens. Find all your fabric and linen needs for every room in the house including the bedroom, bathroom, living room and even nursery. Coyuchi also has a wide variety of apparel to choose from such as comfy sweaters, scarfs, robes and more. 1400 Tennessee St., 888.418.8847, coyuchi.com
THE VOYAGER SHOP
A retail collaboration from a group of artistic businesses, Voyager features menswear from Japanese and Italian lines, premium denim, American footwear, women’s basics from French lines, ocean gear, books and art. 365 Valencia St., 415.779.2712.
BAY AREA
DFS, SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Located in the San Francisco International Airport, DFS offers a selection of fashion products and accessories,
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including watches and jewelry, spirits, food, fragrances and a variety of other gifts. You’ll find the duty free stores in 17 international airports across the world. San Francisco International Airport, 100 International Loop, Councourse G, Gate 91, 650.444.1878. HILLSDALE SHOPPING CENTER
Retail giants like Nordstrom and Macy’s anchor this large shopping center approximately 20 miles south of the city, which also features about 120 more specialty shops to boot. Limestone flooring and marble accent finishes, integrated with expansive atriums evoking an outdoor vibe, polish off the renovated complex. The mall is also home to cafes and restaurants. 60 31st Ave., San Mateo, 650.345.8222.
BOOKS, MUSIC, & ELECTRONICS
AMOEBA MUSIC
This Haight-Ashbury institution has one of the largest selections of CDs, DVDs, videos, vinyl records and vintage rock posters anywhere. 1855 Haight St., 415.831.1200; 2455 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, 510.549.1125. OMNIVORE BOOKS ON FOOD
Featuring new, antiquarian and collectible books by and for culinary gurus, this bookstore is a wonderland for readers interested in food and drink. It features books on everything from the traditions of colonial India to the kitchens of 1950s America and hosts numerous events with high-profile chefs and authors. 3885A Cesar Chavez St., 415.282.4712.
DEPARTMENT STORES
MACY’S
The flagship store is housed in two buildings between O’Farrell and Geary streets on
either side of Stockton Street. Encompassing an entire city block, the west building features womenswear and accessories, watches, cosmetics, jewelry, the visitor center and a post office. Menswear and accessories are located across Stockton Street in the east building. Pick up your visitor savings pass at the visitor center on the cellar level. 170 O’Farrell St., 415.954.6271. NEIMAN MARCUS
This shopping mecca features couture and accessories departments for men and women, plus excellent selections of high-end lingerie and cosmetics. Enjoy a lobster club sandwich or high tea inside the Rotunda restaurant overlooking Union Square. 150 Stockton St., 415.362.3900. SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
The San Francisco location offers an extensive selection of high-end casual, evening and businesswear for women. Down the street is
COURTESY COYUCHI
MARINE LAYER
This casual clothing company sells luxuriously soft sweatshirts, tees and scarves that are sustainably made right here in San Francisco. The custom fabric is a blend of two yarns, pima cotton and MicroModal, which is a biobased material that comes from recycled beechwood. 2209 Chestnut St., 415.346.2400 ; 498 Hayes St., 415.829.7519.
Shop the Saks men’s store, located at 220 Post St. 384 Post St., 415.986.4300.
HOME & DESIGN
ALESSI
The Italian houseware brand’s flagship Union Square location is filled with an array of products for the home, including iconic 20th-century industrial design masterpieces like the Michael Graves whistling bird teakettle, the “Juicy Salif” citrus squeezer by Philippe Starck and the “Anna G” corkscrew by Alessandro Mendini. Bridal registry, gift certificates, complimentary gift-wrap and shipping are available. 424 Sutter St., 415.434.0403. BRITEX FABRICS
Alden Shop for Gentlemen 170 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94104 800-273-7463 415-421-6691 www.AldenShop.com
A landmark Legacy Business in Union Square, Britex has offered the finest selection of fabrics, accessories and notions since 1952. This family-run fashion designers’ dream is a must-visit stop for textile lovers and anyone who sews, featuring fabrics, buttons, trims and laces from iconic fashion houses and emerging design stars, plus workshops, classes, events and free store tours (every other Saturday). 117 Post St., 415.392.2910. HEATH CERAMICS
One of the few remaining mid-century American potteries still in existence today, Heath has been making tableware and tile for over a half-century in its Sausalito factory. The shops sell artisan pottery that emphasizes design, handcrafted techniques and the reinvigoration of the company’s designer-maker legacy. 1 Ferry Building, 415.399.9284. ; 2900 18th St., 415.361.5552. ; 400 Gate Five Road, Sausalito, 415.332.3732. NEEDLEPOINT INC.
For the best in hand-painted needlepoint designs, visit this shop in the heart of Jackson Square. Needlepoint Inc. carries a wide assortment of
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Shop
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original canvases, fibers and stitching accessories. M-F 9 am-5 pm, Sa 10 am-4 pm. 326 Jackson St., 415.392.1622. 800.345.1622.
JEWELRY
LANG ANTIQUES
This quaint little shop in the heart of downtown has been specializing in fine antique and estate jewelry since 1969. Find an array of fine jewels from every important design period, including Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco and more, as well as a large selection of estate diamond engagement rings. 309 Sutter St., 415.982.2213. SHREVE & CO.
Founded in 1854 and still one of the city’s leading purveyors of fine jewelry, watches and crystal, the San Francisco institution features an in-store Mikimoto pearl boutique, Rolex watches and many other luxuries. 150 Post St., 415.421.2600. ; 329 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650.327.2211.
MEN’S APPAREL
JOHN VARVATOS
products. 493 Sanchez St., 415.861.3373.
SHOES
THE ALDEN SHOP
Established in 1884, this shoe company offers classic men’s footwear that represents New England’s tradition of oldschool, custom boot-making at its finest. Find a complete line of shoes, from wingtips to slip-ons, carefully handworked with painstaking attention to detail using premium calfskins, luxurious suedes and genuine shell cordovan. 170 Sutter St., 415.421.6691. ALLEN-EDMONDS
With a reputation for excellent quality that many men swear by in styles from classic to contemporary and casual to formal, this footwear is handcrafted in sumptuous leathers. The company’s recrafting service means that a pair of Allen-Edmonds shoes
can literally last a lifetime. 310 Sutter St., 415.391.4545; 1 Embarcadero Center, 415.986.9003. FREDA SALVADOR
A duo of local designers sells their fashion-world lauded line of boots and other footwear at this Union Street boutique. The well-made styles, from rocker-chic to classic, are all made in Spain and designed for walking. 2416 Fillmore St., 415.872.9690. SHOPPING DESTINATIONS ANCHORAGE SQUARE
This is the biking, touring, shopping and dining hub of Fisherman’s Wharf, with more than 35 activities, stores and restaurants to explore. Validated parking is available at Anchorage Square Garage on Beach Street. 500 Beach St., 415.673.7762.
EMBARCADERO CENTER
The office towers stretching west from the foot of Sacramento Street, known as 1, 2, 3 and 4 Embarcadero, also house more than 100 retailers, 30 restaurants and a movie theater. Restaurants include Sens for Mediterranean favorites and Osha Thai for some of the best curry around. 415.772.0700. GHIRARDELLI SQUARE
The renovated former chocolate factory site is now home to boutiques and restaurants. Three chocolate shops ensure sweet-tooth satisfaction. Boutiques include Helpers Bazaar, Gigi + Rose, Jackson & Polk and ElizabethW. Fine dining options include McCormick & Kuleto’s, San Francisco Brewing Co. and The Pub. 900 North Point St., 415.775.5500.
The Antique Traders LARGEST SELECTION OF ORIGINAL ART NOUVEAU ITEMS
Est. 1970
Occupying a unique place in the landscape of American design, John Varvatos unites Old World craftsmanship and refined tailoring with modern innovations in textiles and a rock ‘n’ roll sensibility. The brand represents an entire men’s lifestyle that includes tailored clothing, sportswear, footwear, bags, belts, eyewear, limited edition watches, men’s fragrances and John Varvatos Star USA Collection, as well as Converse by John Varvatos. 152 Geary St., 415.986.0138. UNIONMADE
Voted one of the country’s 10 best independent stores by GQ magazine, this highly acclaimed menswear mecca houses an impressive selection of well-made, Americana-style casual and fine clothing, shoes, new and vintage books and grooming
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Tiffany lamps • Galle and Daum Nancy pieces Stained Glass Windows • Handel Lamps Pairpoint and other lamps 4300 4310 California St. at 5th Avenue
•
San Francisco
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(415) 668-4444
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UNION STREET NEIGHBORHOOD
Located in historic Cow Hollow, well-heeled Union Street is home to more than 250 shops, galleries and boutiques, as well as restaurants, street cafes, salons and day spas. It closes to traffic throughout the year to host a variety of family-oriented festivals. Union Street, from Van Ness Ave. to Steiner St., 415.441.7055. WESTFIELD SAN FRANCISCO CENTRE
This nine-story shopping mall features Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and more than 200 shops and restaurants, including the fine-dining Restaurant Collection Under the Dome. 865 Market St., 415.495.5656.
WOMEN’S APPAREL
DISH
Bring your fashion appetite with you to this chic, personable Hayes Valley boutique that stocks a premium selection from independent designers. Find well-edited pieces from casual chic to classic formal in the airy, minimalist space. 541 Hayes St., 415.252.5997. EDEN & EDEN
This stylish and charming Jackson Square boutique stocks a one-of-a kind collection of clothing, jewelry and home decor (all vintage, handmade or imported from Europe). 560 Jackson St., 415.983.0490. THE GROCERY STORE
No ordinary corner market, this is a hip European fashion oasis featuring cool clothing with a rock-star twist. Jeans and more jeans and a world-
class selection of tees hang on simple rolling racks lining both sides of the huge space. Designer shoes and jewelry round out the merchandise mix. 3687 Sacramento St., 415.928.3615. MIRA MIRA
Discover one-of-a-kind threads from global indie designers and funky locally made jewelry for every budget at this Mission District favorite. Boutique owner Mira will even lend her brilliant eye to style you herself. 3292 22nd St., 415.648.6513. SUSAN
This elegant storefront offers fine European and Japanese apparel, shoes and accessories, including the latest styles by Comme des Garçons, Simone Rocha, Junya Watanabe and other avant-garde designers. 3685 Sacramento St., 415.922.3685.
Shop
UNIONMADE WOMEN
This women’s boutique has a similar aesthetic to its sister store Unionmade, which carries Americana-inspired menswear down the street. The limited-edition collections and exclusive collaborations tend to veer toward simplicity with an emphasis on oxford shirts, classic stripes and denim. 4035 18th St., 415.401.8920. VER UNICA
Channel your inner Natalie Wood at Ver Unica, an absolute must for vintage lovers. For over 15 years, this shop has offered an exquisite collection of everything from ‘50s sundresses to ‘60s Chanel baubles to ‘70s Gucci bags, as well as select pieces from new up-and-coming designers. 526 Hayes St., 415.621.6259.
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Art M The only gallery of its kind in San Francisco, Montague Gallery specializes in contemporary fine art glass with an expansive roster of world-renowned local and international artists. Featured artists include Dale Chihuly, Ethan Stern, J.P. Canlis, Jason Christian, Lino Tagliapietra and Dante Marioni, among others. The gallery also offers selected paintings, jewelry and wood artwork. Open Tu-F 11 am-6 pm, Sa 11 am-5 pm or by appointment. 445A Sutter St., 415.964.4978, montaguegallerysf.com
This shop has a fine collection of original Art Nouveau antique items, which include signed Tiffany lamps and glass, Handel lamps, Pairpoint lamps and other lamps and chandeliers of the period. It carries art glass of the period, including Galle, Daum Nancy and Loetz and other makers. Also find over 350 stained and beveled glass windows, American Brilliant Cut glass, bronzes, sculptures and furniture. Worldwide shipping. 4310 California St., 415.668.4444. BUBBLE STREET GALLERY
From the bizarre to the romantic, Bubble Street Gallery offers an eclectic mix of fine arts and crafts. Contemporary surrealist Daniel Merriam’s collection of paintings, prints, ceramics, jewelry and more reflect a variety of styles ranging from Steampunk to NeoVictorian and pop surrealism. 565 Bridgeway Blvd., Sausalito, 415.339.0506. S O FINE ART
E - LA
This premier San Francisco gallery features paintings, drawings and original prints by European masters. Find engravings and etchings by Dürer and Rembrandt; French Barbizon paintings;
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Impressionist works by Pissarro, Renoir, Manet and Cassatt; and art of la belle epoque from ToulouseLautrec, Cheret and Tissot. Twentieth century masters Picasso, Matisse, Chagall and Dali as well as Post-War American artists Stella, Motherwell, Frankenthaler and Lichtenstein are also represented. Open daily. 377 Geary St., 415.397.7781. ON EM O A
This new and beautifully renovated gallery space is home to a collection of original paintings by noteworthy American and European contemporary artists. In addition to mounting exhibitions, the gallery works closely with new and experienced collectors, locating works of art, managing commissions and assisting designers and clients to find the perfect pieces for their home. 357 Geary St., 415.397.0114.
JOHN BERGGRUEN GALLERY
Established in 1970, this world-class, bi-level gallery hosts new exhibitions monthly, showcasing works by young contemporary artists as well as major 20th century modern and contemporary American and European painters and sculptors including Willem de Kooning, Roy De Forest, Georgia O’Keeffe, Henri Matisse and Jim Dine. Bay Area artists and tastes are well represented. Closed Su. 10 Hawthorne St., 415.781.4629. MA N LA GALLERIES
EN E
Founded in 1975, Martin Lawrence Galleries specializes in original paintings, sculptures and limited-edition graphics. The gallery features works by Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Rembrandt, Andy Warhol and Keith Haring along with the best emerging artists. 366 Geary St., 415.956.0345.
CREATIVITY EXPLORED
ME E O
Artists with developmental disabilities create art for sale and exhibition here. The gallery offers remarkable art at surprisingly affordable prices and hosts exhibitions on a variety of engaging themes. 3245 16th St., 415.863.2108.
One of the country’s leading galleries, specializing in American and European paintings, works on paper, graphics and sculpture by modern and contemporary masters such as John Baldessari, Guy Dill, Alex Katz, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Motherwell, Chuck Arnoldi, Ross Bleckner, Deborah Kass,
ALLE
Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, Donald Sultan, Bernar Venet and Russian artist Grisha Bruskin. The gallery has extensive experience in working with museums and international clientele. Closed Su. 251 Post St., Suite 400, 415.421.7171. M NNESO A S PROJECT
EE
The three warehouse gallery spaces that comprise the Minnesota Street Project’s Dogpatch studios and workspace are open to collectors and the curious public alike. Check specific galleries for hours, as each maintains its own. 1275 Minnesota St., 415.243.0825. SAN FRANCISCO ART EXCHANGE
San Francisco Art Exchange is a worldwide leader in art and photographs from rock ‘n’ roll and pop culture. The gallery features original photographs, paintings, drawings and limited-edition prints of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and more. Open M-Sa 10 am-6 pm. 458 Geary St., 415.441.8840. SAN FRANCISCO ARTS OMM SS ON ALLE
Visit the SFAC gallery, founded in 1970, for accessible, contemporary art exhibitions that reflect the Bay Area’s diversity and challenge visitors
COURTESY MONTAGUE GALLERY
ART GALLERIES
THE ANTIQUE TRADERS
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to engage in civic dialogue. The gallery commissions new works and partners with local art and community groups. Open W-Sa. 401 Van Ness Ave., 415.554.6080.
on Jewish culture, history, art and ideas. Closed W. $8 Th after 5 pm. Free first Tu of the month. 736 Mission St., 415.655.7800.
MUSEUMS
Founded in 1895, the impressively varied museum is currently housed in an architectural masterpiece designed by the Swiss firm Herzog and de Meuron. It showcases collections from the Americas, Pacific Islands and Africa and features a tower observation deck. Free general admission first Tu of each month. Closed M. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., 415.750.3600.
ASIAN ART MUSEUM
Home to more than 18,000 exquisite art objects spanning 6,000 years of history and culture throughout Asia, this museum is one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere devoted exclusively to Asian art. Free first Su of each month. Closed M. 200 Larkin St., 415.581.3500. CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM
DE YOUNG MUSEUM
LEGION OF HONOR
Located in a stunning Daniel High on the headlands above Libeskind-designed building, the Golden Gate stands this the CJM engages audiences grand museum. A threeof all ages and backgrounds quarter-scale adaptation of through dynamic exhibitions the 18th-century Palais de la and programs that explore Légion d’Honneur in Paris, the Where ad FINAL_Layout 1 10/2/18 10:13 AM Page 1 contemporary perspectives museum was built to com-
memorate California soldiers who died in World War I. The collection includes works by European masters and major holdings of Rodin sculptures. The grounds offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge and the bay. Closed M. 100 34th Ave. in Lincoln Park, 415.750.3600. MUSEUM OF CRAFT AND DESIGN
MCD develops and presents engaging exhibitions and educational programs that explore and define the role of craft and design in the changing global culture, encouraging its audience to see the world differently. This is San Francisco’s only museum devoted exclusively to modern and contemporary craft and design and showcases designers, makers and artists through a series of craft and design-focused exhibitions. 2569 3rd St., 415.773.0303.
Art
SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
After a three-year hiatus, SFMOMA has unveiled a Snohetta-led expansion that makes it the largest modern art space in the nation, easily housing entire floors of abstract American art and minimalist and pop art. There’s an entire gallery devoted to Alexander Calder, with a focus on his work between the 1920s and 1960s. The Pritzker Center for Photography dedicates about 15,000 square feet to photography, more than any other U.S. art museum. The open-ceiling seventh floor houses nothing but contemporary art. Nearly 45,000 square feet of the museum’s ground floor galleries are free and open to the public, and admission is free for visitors 18 and under. 151 3rd St., 415.357.4000.
A L E X K AT Z New Releases Dill Frankenthaler Lichtenstein Stella Sultan Venet Warhol
MEYEROVICH GALLERY 251 Post Street Suite 400 San Francisco, CA 94108 415.421.7171 art @ meyerovich.com
www.meyerovic h.com Ada in Spain, 2018, archival pigment inks, 46 x 32 in., ed. 150, signed
© Alex Katz, 2018
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Scene “It’s a Wonderful Life” San Francisco Opera presents the west coast premiere of “It’s a Wonderful Life” on November 17 at the War Memorial Opera House. This fresh take on a holiday favorite will be put together by Bay Area composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer, as they transform Frank Capra’s beloved film into an operatic work of delicate beauty that helps put life into perspective and examines how beautiful the journey is. 301 Van Ness Ave., 415.864.3330, sfwmpac.org
Offering a long list of both classic cocktails and original concoctions, this Haight Ashbury restaurant and bar is a great place to try something new. Homemade brews and local food are the specialty, making it a true San Francisco experience. 1725 Haight St., 415.666.0822. COMSTOCK SALOON
Named after Henry Comstock and the famed Comstock Lode, which brought mining fortunes to the City by the Bay, this bar is a throwback to the city’s Barbary Coast era, located in a site that’s served as a San Francisco watering hole since 1907. Sip on carefully crafted classic cocktails and nibble on turn-of-the-century saloon fare. 155 Columbus Ave., 415.617.0071. EL TECHO
Located in the Mission District, this expansive rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the city skyline. Drinks range from pisco-based cocktails to esoteric Brazilian beer. Dig into tasty nibbles like empanadas, ceviche and meat skewers or visit the downstairs dining room for a more serious, meat-focused menu. 2516 Mission St., 415.550.6970.
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HORSEFEATHER
The newest hotspot in the NoPa neighborhood, Horsefeather is already a standout with its late-night food menu (serving until 2 am) and stellar lineup of cocktails made with fresh ingredients, housemade syrups and hand-cut ice. 528 Divisidero St., 415.817.1939. LOCAL EDITION
Beneath Market Street, the local bar superstars behind Bourbon & Branch have created this classy underground cocktail bar that provides a sophisticated addition to the city’s nightlife scene. Inspired by the 1950s and ’60s newspaper industry, the vintage décor includes typewriters and archived news clippings that let you relive San Francisco’s past, and even the waitresses are dressed in time-period perfect outfits. And the drinks are equally on point: highballs, Gibsons and other updated classics rule here. 691 Market St., 415.795.1375. MIKKELLER BAR
Located on the ground floor of a 1907 Victorian building, this beer bar features 40 taps from some of the best breweries in the world, two cask handles, exclusive house beers and a full kitchen serving up tasty bar bites that
pair perfectly with beer. The cellar is home to the Tivoli Sour Room, where lambics and sour beers are on tap. 34 Mason St., 415.984.0279. MR. TIPPLE’S RECORDING STUDIO
This spirit-driven jazz bar with bar bites is tucked away in a cozy back alley of the city’s Mid-Market neighborhood. The bar features live jazz nightly with no cover, a sharp list of rotating cocktails and under-$10 snacks. 39 Fell St., 415.384.9365. PLAYERS SPORTS GRILL & ARCADE
This waterfront sports bar features more than 35 HDTVs, 200 sports channels, 85 arcade games and 15 beers on tap. The menu offers bar bites and American fare. Luau Lounge, located inside, is San Francisco’s only waterfront tiki bar, with spectacular views of Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay. Pier 39, 415.981.6300. SMUGGLER’S COVE
Taste the past, present and future of rum here, from traditional drinks of the Caribbean islands to classic libations of Prohibition-Era Havana to exotic cocktails from legendary tiki bars. Modeled after both a pirate ship and a tiki hut and featuring a waterfall,
this bar offers a whole new approach to rum, showcasing more than 400 varieties from around the world, including rare and vintage finds. The drink menu includes more than 70 cocktails made from premium spirits and liqueurs, house-made ingredients and fresh citrus juiced inhouse daily. 650 Gough St., 415.869.1900. TRICK DOG
Local bar stars The Bon Vivants opened this hot spot in the Mission District, focusing on hand-crafted, inventive drinks and late-night nibbles. The converted warehouse space features a dimly lit, downstairs bar with retro decor, and a small, loft-like restaurant upstairs serving multicultural elevated bar food. 3010 20th St., 415.471.2999.
BAY AREA
GRATON RESORTS & CASINO
The 340,000-square-foot resort is home to 3,000 slot and video poker machines, over 100 table games and an elegant dedicated poker room. As much a dining as a gaming destination, the complex packs in about a dozen eateries. 288 Golf Course Drive W, Rohnert Park, 707.588.7100.
©KAREN ALMOND/HOUSTON GRAND OPERA
BARS & NIGHTCLUBS
ALEMBIC
HEGGIE / SCHEER
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Nov 17, 20, 24m*, 25m*, 29* Dec 1*, 4, 7, 9m
Experience how precious life really is. Based on Frank Capra’s beloved film, this timeless story of second chances debuts just in time for the holiday season. SPECIAL FAMILY DAY November 24 at 2pm Enjoy 50% off tickets for kids under 18, as well as special activities.
For A Limited Time • sfopera.com • (415) 864-3330 SEASON SPONSOR
CORPORATE PARTNERS TM
*OperaVision, HD video projection screens featured in the Balcony level, is made possible by the Koret/Taube Media Suite. All dates, casts, programs and prices subject to change. Tickets subject to availability. Photo: Houston Grand Opera production of It’s A Wonderful Life/Karen Almond
MATTHEW SHILVOCK
General Director
Scene
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BREWERIES
21ST AMENDMENT BREWERY
Within walking distance of AT&T ballpark, this brewpub is a fun place to visit before or after a Giants game. The airy, multi-level SoMa space delivers reasonably priced, homebrewed beer in unique flavors alongside dependable standards like cheeseburgers and house-made chili. The watermelon wheat beer, served alongside a slice of watermelon, is a customer favorite. 563 2nd St., 415.369.0900. THIRSTYBEAR BREWING CO.
The oldest brewery-restaurant in the city (and the only organic brewery) serves house-made ales that complement Spanish-inspired cuisine, with dishes served primarily in tapas-sized portions. There’s also a full bar and pool tables and darts upstairs. 661 Howard St., 415.974.0905.
CLASSICAL MUSIC & DANCE
SAN FRANCISCO BALLET
America’s oldest professional ballet company performed one of the first American productions of both “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker,” as well as the first 20th century “American Coppélia.” A vital ensemble, it is one of the three largest ballet companies in the United States. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., 415.861.5600. SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
Located in the historic War Memorial Opera House since 1932, this is the second largest opera company in North America, bringing exciting performances to the stage each season. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave., 415.864.3330. SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY
Founded in 1911, the symphony is widely considered to be among the country’s most artistically adventurous art institutions, well known for its acclaimed conductor Michael Tilson Thomas. Louise M.
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Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., 415.864.6000.
LIVE MUSIC
BOTTOM OF THE HILL
This cramped, funky little joint has been lauded by Rolling Stone as “the best place to hear live music in San Francisco.” Open seven nights a week and showcasing an array of styles from hard rock and punk to folk and pop, the Bottom comes equipped with a full bar, pool tables, and a kitchen staff that stays up as late as you do. 1233 17th St., 415.626.4455. FEINSTEIN’S
Located within the Hotel Nikko San Francisco, this elegant, intimate, 140-seat nightclub is operated in partnership with multi-platinum-selling entertainer Michael Feinstein and presents a wide range of local, regional and national entertainers. 222 Mason St., 866.663.1063. SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHORUS
For 40 years, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus has been an international standard bearer for a powerful mix of extraordinary musical excellence and mission-driven activism. It continues to inspire through performances and involvement in human rights, empowerment and inclusiveness, establishing it as an icon among LGBT organizations. 526 Castro St., 415.865.3650. SFJAZZ CENTER
This is the first stand-alone performance venue of its kind in the country built specifically for jazz. The 35,000-squarefoot glass structure seating 300 to 700 people, located in bustling Hayes Valley a block from Davies Symphony Hall, boasts the acoustic qualities of a great concert hall and the relaxed intimacy of a jazz club. 201 Franklin St., 866.920.5299.
THEATER
AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER
Offering classical and contemporary theater productions, the A.C.T. is a large, highly respected nonprofit theater company located just outside Union Square. 405 Geary St., 415.749.2228. BEACH BLANKET BABYLON
No trip to San Francisco is complete without seeing Steve Silver’s “Beach Blanket Babylon,” the hilariously campy revue that has been a local favorite since 1974, known for its hats and wigs and spoofs of current events and celebrities in ever-evolving numbers. Persons under 21 not admitted to evening performances. 678 Beach Blanket Blvd, 415.421.4222. NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER
New Conservatory Theatre Center has been San Francisco’s premier LGBTQIA and allied performing arts institution and progressive arts education conservatory since 1981. NCTC is renowned for its diverse range of innovative, high-quality productions and shows for young audiences, as well as its foundational anti-bullying work with youth and educators through YouthAware. 25 Van Ness Ave., 415.861.8972. SF PLAYHOUSE
Located on the second floor of the charming Kensington Park Hotel, this theater company is dedicated to presenting critically-acclaimed works in an intimate setting that allows the audience to really connect with the performance, whether it’s a world premiere or an invigorated classic. 450 Post St., 415.677.9596. SHN
For more than 30 years, this has been the preeminent theatrical entertainment company in San Francisco, owning and operating two of the
city’s major venues: the historic Orpheum and Golden Gate theaters. It delivers a range of theatrical experiences: original Broadway cast productions, pre-Broadway world premieres and current hits fresh from Broadway. 1182 Market St., 888.746.1799. THE SPEAKEASY
The experimental Boxcar Theatre Company relaunched its 2014 hit, “The Speakeasy,” in a brand new North Beach venue. After a $2 million renovation, the two-story circular cabaret space complete with secret passageways and disguised entrances is the perfect venue for this immersive theater experience that has been compared to San Francisco’s famous Beach Blanket Babylon. Spanning seven rooms, you can observe the lives of 35 different characters. 644 Broadway St., 415.819.9744.
URBAN WINERIES AND TASTING ROOMS
BLUXOME STREET WINERY
Located in the heart of the SoMa neighborhood, this destination is both a working winery and a place to relax and enjoy a drink or two. The tasting room features expansive windows looking into the working winery, allowing you to enjoy a flight of wine while watching the crafting process. 53 Bluxome St., 415.543.5353. TANK18
Wine, food and fun are the driving force behind this wine bar in the SoMa district. The no-nonsense tasting room brings local wines and varietal information to both new and experienced tasters. After tasting, delve into delicious food offered by food trucks parked outside. Buy a bottle of wine, and when it runs dry bring it back to one of the sustainable bottling events to get a refill at a reduced cost. 1345 Howard St., 415.799.7161.
Sights The Presidio Fall time is the perfect season to experience nature at the Presidio, once the nation’s premier Army post, now a new kind of urban national park. Spanning nearly 1,500 acres in a spectacular setting by the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio is defined by its spectacular views, natural habitats and beautiful open spaces. Visitors can enjoy 24 miles of hiking and 25 miles of biking trails, beaches, forests and a natural lake, all without leaving the city. 210 Lincoln Blvd., 415.561.4323
ATTRACTIONS & SIGHTS
playing, swimming and eating. Pier 39, 415.623.5300.
This is the only way to get to “The Rock,” the famous former federal penitentiary that housed some of the nation’s most notorious criminals from 1934-1963. Now one of San Francisco’s most popular visitor attractions, ferries depart regularly for the island from Pier 33 starting at 8:45 am. The dynamic 45-minute cellhouse audio tour, offered in 11 languages, features the voices of former Alcatraz prison guards and inmates who recount escape attempts, prison riots and solitary confinement. The night tours include a narrated boat ride around the island. Tours sell out quickly, so be sure to make reservations in advance. Pier 33, 415.981.7625.
AT&T PARK
ALCATRAZ CRUISES
©SCOTT SAWYER
AQUARIUM OF THE BAY
Visit San Francisco’s only waterfront aquarium to get up close and personal with the bay’s amazing marine life. Walk through crystal-clear tunnels of water filled with more than 20,000 aquatic animals, including sevengill sharks, the bay’s largest predators. You can touch leopard sharks, rays and sea stars. Daily events include animal feedings and naturalist presentations. Don’t miss the permanent river otter exhibit, where you can watch otters
Home of the San Francisco Giants, AT&T Park boasts breathtaking city views and a classic design. The stadium features a nine-foot tall statue of America’s greatest living ballplayer, Willie Mays, at the entrance, home runs that splash into McCovey Cove, an 80-foot Coca-Cola bottle with playground slides, a miniature AT&T Park for kids and diverse dining options within the stadium. You can also take tours of the ballpark that allow fans to explore areas normally closed to the public. 24 Willie Mays Plaza, 415.972.2000. COIT TOWER
Upon her death in 1929, socialite and art patron Lillie Hitchcock Coit bequeathed funds for the “beautification of the city.” Her heirs used the money to build Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill. Completed in 1933, the fluted column provides bird’s-eye views from an observation deck near the top. Local artists commissioned by the Works Progress Administration (a New Deal agency employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects) painted the murals inside in 1934. Admission to the ground-floor gift shop
and murals is free. Open daily 10 am-6:30 pm. Guided mural tours 11 am Sa. 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd., 415.249.0995. CONSERVATORY OF FLOWERS
The botanical wonderland in Golden Gate Park is the oldest wood and glass conservatory in North America. The striking white exterior is as eye-catching as the inside, which houses nearly 2,000 plant species in five galleries. Closed M. 100 JFK Dr., Golden Gate Park, 415.831.2090. CRISSY FIELD
A nationally protected former U.S. Army airfield, this strikingly scenic waterfront recreation area is now a favorite among active locals and visitors. A wide (stroller and wheelchair-friendly) trail between Marina Green and Fort Point is perfect for an easy walk, jog or bike ride. Offering unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge in one direction and the city in the other, the shoreline is home to sandy beaches, picnic tables, tidal marsh overlooks and a nationally renowned windsurfing site, as well as cafes, bookstores and an environmental education center. 415.561.4323.
FERRY BUILDING MARKETPLACE
The historic, renovated ferry terminal at the foot of Market Street is now a world-class food market with more than 40 shops and restaurants featuring some of the area’s most prized artisanal treats: rich Cowgirl Creamery cheese, buttery Miette Patisserie madeleines and Recchiuti chocolates redolent of lavender and ginger. It is also the spot for one of the nation’s best and biggest farmers markets on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings, featuring colorful displays of local produce, meat, cheese, flowers, cooking demos, food trucks and more. 415.983.8030. FISHERMAN’S WHARF
You’ll find crab stands along the sidewalks, seafood restaurants and a bevy of souvenir shops in the historic heart of the city’s fishing industry. Several bay charter boats depart from the piers. Nearby is the bustling food and shopping center Ghirardelli Square, scenic Aquatic Park and historic Hyde Street Pier. 415.673.3530. GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, let alone San Francisco, the magnificent international orange Golden Gate Bridge
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Sights defines the city. The 4,200foot suspension bridge was completed in 1937 after four years of construction to a rowdy, week-long celebration. Even today, Golden Gate Bridge’s two 746-foot-tall Art Deco towers stand as proud testaments to the ingenuity and grace of the structure’s design. A stroll down the east side offers stunning views of the city and boats in the bay—if you can withstand the wind. A drive across the Golden Gate Bridge leads directly to a breathtaking vantage point in Marin County. Either way, a trip across the Golden Gate Bridge truly brings the stunning San Francisco landscape into focus. Lincoln Boulevard, near Doyle Drive and Fort Point, Presidio, 415.921.5858. GOLDEN GATE PARK
Bigger than New York’s Central Park and encompassing over 75,000 trees, this horticulturally diverse urban oasis is home to countless attractions, including the de Young Museum; California Academy of Sciences; Japanese Tea Garden; Botanical Gardens; Stow Lake; Conservatory of Flowers; Garden of Shakespeare’s Flowers; two historic windmills; a bison paddock; and a rose garden. It’s also the city’s recreational headquarters, featuring polo, baseball and soccer fields; a nine-hole golf course; an 18-hole disc golf course; tennis, handball and basketball courts; an archery field; horseshoe pits; lawn bowling; fly-fishing; a running track; and more. Come here and join the city’s runners, cyclists, hikers, skaters, yogis, picnickers and swing dancers. Pick up a park map at McLaren Lodge at the east park entrance at Stanyan St. and JFK Dr., 415.831.2700. JAPANESE TEA GARDEN
Take a slow stroll among bonsai trees and koi fish in the oldest public Japanese garden in the United States.
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Originally built as the Japanese Village for the 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition, the Japanese Tea Garden boasts traditional monuments, bowed bridges, native Japanese plants and trees, serene ponds and some of the best photo opps in the city. Conclude your visit with a cup of tea or snack at the teahouse. 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr., Golden Gate Park, 415.752.1171. LANDS END
Known for its shipwrecks and landslides, this is San Francisco’s wildest and rockiest coast, located on the edge of the continent. The headlands connect popular landmarks the Cliff House and the Palace of the Legion of Honor. The crown jewel is the jaw-droppingly scenic (and dog-friendly and partially wheelchair accessible) Coastal Trail, with postcard views of the Pacific coast and Golden Gate Bridge framed by windswept cypresses. Start the 3.5-mile out-and-back hike with an introduction to the area’s history and wildlife at the beautiful Lands End Lookout visitor center, complete with a gift shop, cafe and restrooms. Also located here are the historic Sutro Baths and a memorial to a WWII cruiser that sustained 45 hits and 25 fires during the Battle of Guadalcanal. 680 Point Lobos Ave., 415.561.4700. LOMBARD STREET
Eight hairpin switchbacks and the downward pitch of the so-called “crookedest street in the world” have made this block a must-drive for visitors. The quarter-mile downhill stretch is lined with gorgeous gardens and barriers to ensure that drivers maintain a speed of five miles per hour. Those who simply walk to the top of the hill are rewarded with sweeping views of Russian Hill and Coit Tower. Lombard and Hyde streets.
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PAINTED LADIES
This row of seven perfectly pastel, ornate Victorian homes from the 1890s (made famous by the opening credits of the sitcom “Full House”) lines the eastern side of Alamo Square park. Victorian and Edwardian-style houses are among San Francisco’s most recognizable architectural features. From the top of the park, you’ll be treated to a view of the Painted Ladies in the foreground of downtown San Francisco that’s popular with photographers. This little stretch of homes is often also called Postcard Row. 710-720 Steiner St 415.218.0259. PALACE OF FINE ARTS
Originally designed for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition, this domed rotunda is all that remains from eight identical structures built to show the world that San Francisco had
risen from the ashes after the devastating 1906 earthquake. The world’s fair honored the completion of the Panama Canal, and the construction of the Palace of Fine Arts turned the dilapidated Marina District into an exhibit of architectural beauty. Featuring a lagoon with swans, today this is a popular spot to stroll and take photos. 3301 Lyon St., 415.563.6504. PIER 39
This family-friendly shopping, dining and entertainment destination near Fisherman’s Wharf features more than 90 specialty shops and 14 restaurants serving seafood and casual fare with beautiful bay views, including Alcatraz, the Golden Gate and Bay bridges, Fisherman’s Wharf and city skyline. Learn about sea life in the Aquarium of the Bay and don’t miss the sea lions who laze on the west docks and
the adjacent Sea Lion Center. 415.981.7437. THE PRESIDIO
A patchwork of eucalyptus groves, freshwater creeks, wildflower-splashed sand dunes and coastal prairie covers the Presidio, a historic former military post and modern-day national park in the northwest corner of the city. Exploring the 1,491-acre playground starts with 24 miles of trails and eight scenic overlooks with postcard-worthy views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Three installations by nature artist Andy Goldsworthy grace the park, inspired by 300 acres of pine, cypress and eucalyptus trees planted there in the late 1800s. The Presidio also draws outdoor enthusiasts with gems such as Baker Beach, Presidio Golf Course and Rob Hill Campground. Perched atop
Sights
the park’s highest point, the latter is San Francisco’s only overnight campsite. Accessed via Washington Blvd., 15th Ave., 25th Ave., Arguello Blvd., Presidio Ave. and Chestnut St. PRESIDIO OFFICERS’ CLUB
San Francisco’s oldest building (Spanish colonists built its adobe walls in 1776) and the crown jewel of the Presidio reopened fall 2014 after a $30 million renovation. The 38,895-square foot cultural destination is home to permanent and rotating exhibits, the most noteworthy of which is the Heritage Gallery, which features multi-media displays on the area’s history, much of which has been discovered by local archeologists who staff an active research center for Presidio artifacts. The building is also home to Arguello, a Mexican restaurant from acclaimed chef Traci Des Jardins. Inside
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Sights are original pendants and wall sconces as well as a bar made from the reclaimed wood of a demolished Presidio building. 50 Moraga Ave., 415.561.4400. RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! MUSEUM
This remodeled museum houses more than 400 mind-boggling and bizarre exhibits from around the world. Seventy interactive displays appeal to people of all ages. The ODDitorium includes a Marvelous Mirror Maze and a Ripley’s Toy and Candy Factory. 175 Jefferson St., 415.202.9850. SAN FRANCISCO BOTANICAL GARDEN
This internationally recognized urban oasis and self-described outdoor classroom includes 55 acres of gardens displaying more than 8,000 different kinds of plants, plus a library, bookstore, family activities and guided walks. The Bay Area’s mild temperatures, wet winters and dry summers, coupled with San Francisco’s famous coastal fog, provide this garden with a rare and advantageous range of climatic conditions that allow it to grow and conserve plants from all over the world, including plants from high elevation tropical cloud forests and plants that are no longer found in their native habitats. 1119 9th Ave., 415.661.1316. SAN FRANCISCO MARITIME NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
The historic park offers opportunities to tour several historic ships. The visitors center in the nearby Argonaut Hotel (499 Jefferson St.) features interactive exhibits. Join the free pirate party called Chantey Sing at 8 pm on the first Saturday of each month. Hyde St. Pier, 415.447.5000. THE SAN FRANCISCO ZOO
A vast array of wildlife awaits at this facility near the far edge of Ocean Beach. The attractions include a children’s petting zoo and a lemur for-
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est. Sloat Blvd. at Great Hwy., 415.753.7080.
BAY AREA
THE BLACKHAWK MUSEUM
Located in the East Bay, The Blackhawk Museum features two exhibition galleries: the automotive gallery displays 55 rare and one-of-kind 1920s and 1930s classic cars and vintage sports cars from the 1950s and 1960s, and The Spirit of the Old West gallery presents the American Westward Expansion from the mid 1700s through early 1900s. 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, 925.736.2280. MARIN HEADLANDS
Windswept ridges, protected valleys and beaches offer opportunities for hiking, biking and picnics. Start at Marin Headlands Visitor Center and see an exhibit showcasing the history of the indigenous Miwok people. 948 Fort Barry, Sausalito, 415.331.1540. MARINE MAMMAL CENTER
This nonprofit organization in the majestic Marin Headlands rescues and nurses back to health more than 600 distressed animals each year, including elephant seals, harbor seals and California sea lions. One of the largest hospitals of its kind to combine rehabilitation with a research lab, the center welcomes visitors, who can observe the animal care and work quarters. Exhibits and tours explore the interdependence between marine wildlife and humans. Currently on view is “The Ghost Below,” an enormous sculpture made from 450 pounds of all-too-prevalent deadly ghost net that was found in the belly of a sperm whale carcass. 2000 Bunker Rd., Fort Cronkhite, 415.289.7325. MUIR WOODS NATIONAL MONUMENT
The world’s most famous grove of virgin redwoods, this forest is full of trees that are 400-800 years old and
Fisherman’s Wharf or Golden Gate Park
Sights grow to more than 250 feet high, as well as a plethora of other wildlife. Activities include a leisurely (wheelchair accessible) hike alongside a salmon-filled creek. Tip: Starting this year, parking ($8) and shuttle reservations ($3) are required. Visit gomuirwoods.com. Open daily. 1 Muir Woods Rd., Mill Valley, 415.561.2850.
MUSEUMS
BEAT MUSEUM
Dedicated to the poetry and social movement that made San Francisco a part of literary history, this museum showcases artifacts from authors such as Jack Kerouac and Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Located across the street from City Lights Books. Open 10 am-7 pm daily. 540 Broadway St., 415.399.9626. CABLE CAR MUSEUM
Muir Woods Parking and Shuttle Reservations
Unravel the mystery of exactly how the cable car, one of San Francisco’s greatest attractions since 1873, actually works. Located in the historic Washington-Mason cable car depot and powerhouse in Nob Hill, the small museum houses a collection of historic cable cars, photographs and mechanical displays. 1201 Mason St., 415.474.1887. CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
Now Required for all Vehicles and Shuttle Riders Plan Ahead. Enjoy the Woods. Reserve now at
GoMuirWoods.com
The academy is an international center for scientific education and research and the only museum in the world to house an aquarium, planetarium and natural history museum under one (living) roof. See what’s shaking at “Earthquake,” an exhibit exploring how seismology has shaped earth’s past and present. “Human Odyssey,” a dramatic addition to Tusher African Hall, traces the milestones of our species’ fascinating history. Thursday nights: “Nightlife,” the museum’s weekly 21-and-older event, invites visitors to drink, dance and experience worldclass exhibits with topics
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Sights
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ranging from the science of sex to the cosmos. non-members $15, members $12. 55 Music Concourse Dr., Golden Gate Park, 415.379.8000. CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
An entertaining way to learn about California during your trip, the CHS gallery in the Yerba Buena District hosts rotating exhibitions that reflect the environmental, economic, social, political and cultural heritage of the entire state. A 2012 remodel brought in a bookstore and community gathering space, and the exterior was painted international orange, the color of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, to commemorate the structure’s 75th anniversary. Noon-5 pm, closed M. 678 Mission St., 415.357.1848. CHILDREN’S CREATIVITY MUSEUM
This hands-on, multimedia arts and technology experience for kids of all ages is located in San Francisco’s Yerba Buena neighborhood. The museum promotes 21st century skills—creativity, communication and collaboration—to inspire new ideas and a spirit of invention. 221 4th St., 415.820.3320. EXPLORATORIUM
Relocated to a spectacular waterfront location on Pier 15 as of 2013, this educational center offers an array of interactive scientific exhibits and hands-on displays that stimulate the senses and minds of the young and old alike. Ongoing: “After Dark,” the Exploratorium’s 18-andup event from 6-10 pm on the first Thursday of the month features cocktails, exclusive performances, films and cutting-edge technology exhibits. Closed M. Pier 15, 415.528.4444. GLBT HISTORY MUSEUM
Celebrating 100 years of the San Francisco gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
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community’s history through dynamic and surprising exhibitions and programming, this museum is the only one of its kind in the U.S. and the second in the world. Located in the heart of the Castro, it features long-term and changing multimedia exhibitions. A display of Harvey Milk’s personal belongings pays tribute to the late San Francisco supervisor, who was the first openly gay politician elected in California. 4127 18th St., 415.621.1107. AAS-L L EN
AL O SE
This exuberant 1886 Queen Anne-style Victorian is the only intact private home of the period open regularly as a museum, complete with authentic furniture and artifacts. The house has elaborate wooden gables, a circular corner tower and luxuriant ornamentation. W and Sa noon-3 pm, Su 11 am-4 pm. One-hour tours leave every 20 to 30 minutes. All visits to the house must be guided. Reservations not required. 2007 Franklin St., 415.441.3000.
torman’s platform of a 1911 San Francisco streetcar. Open Tu-Su 10 am-5 pm. 77 Steuart St., 415.974.1948. WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM
Storytelling was Walt Disney’s specialty, and now this museum tells the story of the man behind the Disney magic. The tale of Walt Disney’s life and career comes to life in interactive galleries full of voice clips, home videos and family photographs not seen anywhere else. Catch a glimpse of Disney’s early drawings, animation and live film camera inventions as well as the steam-powered miniature train Disney built in his backyard in 1950 that eventually inspired the life-size train in Disneyland. 104 Montgomery St. in the Presidio, 415.345.6800.
SPORTS
BATTER’S BOX SF
The freshly opened, 2,000-square-foot facility in the Presidio packs a softball and two baseball batting cages, all equipped with HD video screens so you know when the pitch is about to be fired. 933B Old Mason St., 707.412.8228. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The Bay Area’s professional basketball team currently plays at the Oracle Arena in Oakland but has plans to move to a state-of-the-art, privately financed recreation and entertainment facility in San Francisco’s Mission Bay. Oracle Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, 510.986.2200. HOUSE OF AIR
Jump to your heart’s content at this expansive indoor trampoline park, located in a historic airplane hangar in
MUSEE MECANIQUE
Before television and video games, there were arcade machines and coin-operated musical instruments. Come see how it all began at one of the world’s largest privately owned collections of coin-operated mechanical music boxes and antique arcade games in working condition. Play the games, snap a picture in the photo booth and visit the gift shop. Free admission daily. Pier 45 at Taylor St. on Fisherman’s Wharf, 415.346.2000. SAN FRANCISCO RAILWAY MUSEUM
This museum near the Ferry Building celebrates the history of San Francisco rail transit with historic artifacts, displays, archival photography, historical interpretation and audio-visual exhibits. Kids can play pretend on a full-sized replica of the mo-
AL FAR R OW / D I V I N E A M M U N I T I O N G U S TAVO P É R E Z / S E LF PO R T R A I T I N B LAC K A N D W H I T E T E X G I E L I N G / S I XT Y YE A R S
o n vie w n o v 17 sfmcd.org
Sights the Presidio. Not only does it afford some of the best views of the city and the bay, but the park includes large trampoline decks with trampoline walls (dodgeball, anyone?) and a children’s bounce house for ages 6 and under. 926 Old Mason St., in the Presidio, 415.345.9675. MISSION CLIFFS ROCK CLIMBING CENTER
This original Touchstone gym established in 1995 has 23,000 square feet of climbing, including a lead wall that ascends over 50 feet and some of the highest indoor climbing you will find anywhere. The center also offers performance indoor cycling, yoga, a weight room and 2,000 square feet of bouldering. 2295 Harrison St., 415.550.0515. PLANET GRANITE
Located in the heart of the verdant Presidio by the Golden Gate Bridge, this indoor climbing gym boasts 25,000 square feet of climbing terrain, a full fitness and cardio area and two yoga studios. 924 Mason St., 415.692.3434. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
The NFL team has moved to Santa Clara to play at the new state-of-the-art Levi’s Stadium, nearly two million square feet of cutting-edge technology, sustainable design, gourmet concessions and art exhibits that redefine the fan experience. 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, 415.464.9377. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
One of the longest-established professional baseball teams, the 2010, 2012 and 2014 MLB World Series champions attract 3 million fans annually. Watch star players Madison Bumgarner, Hunter Pence and Buster Posey play ball at the beautiful waterfront 43,000-seat AT&T Park, which frequently sells out. 24 Willie Mays Plaza, 415.972.2000.
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Explore Gray Line Bus Tours A trip to Northern California would not be complete without a tour of Napa and Sonoma Valley. Gray Line Bus Tours offer curated tours of these world-renowned wine regions with stops at three wineries. The Deluxe Sonoma & Napa Valley Wine Country Tour includes select hotel pick up, free Wi-Fi onboard the tour vehicle and a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge with views of the Bay Area and Alcatraz. Winetasting fees for all the wineries are included in the tour price. 478 Post St., 415.353.5310
Take in the sights of the San Francisco Bay while cruising aboard a 55-foot catamaran with an enclosed cabin. Excursions include the Bay Sail, a 1.5-hour cruise that glides under the Golden Gate Bridge and past Alcatraz, and the romantic Sunset Sail, which includes hors d’oeuvres and two beverages. Reservations required. MarchNovember. Pier 39 at J Dock, 800.498.4228. RED AND WHITE FLEET
Founded in 1892, this historic fleet is legendary for its breathtaking San Francisco cruises. Sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz aboard the one-hour Golden Gate Bay Cruise, narrated in 16 languages with up to 13 sailings daily. Enjoy gorgeous sunsets, twilight views, an appetizer buffet, complimentary beverages and live music aboard the relaxed 2-hour California Sunset Cruise (check the schedule online for seasonal times). The 90-minute Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise highlights San Francisco’s history, architecture and Native American culture. All tours depart from Pier 43 1/2, Fisherman’s Wharf, 415.673.2900.
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BIKE RENTALS
DISCOUNT TICKETS
BAY CITY BIKE RENTALS
CITYPASS
Simply rent a bike here, or get to know San Francisco and Sausalito on a guided tour. Multiple locations. 2661 Taylor St. ; 501 Bay St., 415.346.2453.
Save 46 percent at the Bay Area’s major attractions. Valid for nine days from first use, each prepaid ticket booklet includes a weeklong unlimited San Francisco Muni and cable car passport and a Blue & Gold Fleet bay cruise, as well as admission to California Academy of Sciences, Aquarium of the Bay and either the Exploratorium or the de Young Museum and Legion of Honor. $94 adults, $69 children ages 5-11.
BLAZING SADDLES
Bike the bridge with this professional and accessible biking adventure company, offering eight San Francisco locations at Fisherman’s Wharf and a fun, family friendly way to combine sightseeing and fresh air. 2715 Hyde St., 415.202.8888. FORD GOBIKE
Explore San Francisco on bike with Ford GoBike, a new bike share system with docking stations around the Bay Area. Become an annual member or buy a single ride for $3 or a day pass for $10, download the app and grab a bike any time of the day at any of the 70 stations across San Francisco, San Jose and the East Bay. The company offers more than 7,000 specially designed, sturdy and durable bikes, popular with visitors and commuters alike. San Francisco and Bay Area, 855.480.2453.
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION EN -A- A
A family-owned business founded in 1996, City Rent-ACar offers a fleet of economy and luxury cars, convertibles, SUVs and vans. The company is open seven days a week with 24/7 return options in town and near SFO, including vehicle delivery and pickup. 349 Mason St., 415.359.1331. SIXT RENT A CAR
This company’s extensive fleet features a large selection of top brand vehicles in a range of styles. 2800 Leavenworth St., 415.306.5289. ; 550 O’Farrell St., 888.749.8227.
TIDELINE WATER TAXI
Tideline Marine Group’s water-taxi service is an on-demand, all-weather, 24/7 alternative to driving or limited schedule ferry services. Luxurious small passenger boats pick up and transport passengers at authorized public and private locations throughout the Port of San Francisco, Marin County and even Napa Valley. 415.339.0196.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
BART
Bay Area Rapid Transit trains serve the city of San Francisco as well as San Francisco and Oakland International airports, Berkeley, Oakland and other Bay Area destinations. Trains run until midnight daily. 415.989.2278. BUSES
Golden Gate Transit provides regional fixed-route bus service from San Francisco to Marin and Sonoma counties. AC Transit offers frequent transbay connections to and from San Francisco and the East Bay, as well as service within Oakland, Berkeley and other East Bay cities. Dial 511 and request either Golden Gate Transit or AC Transit.
© BY MICHAEL WARWICK / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
BAY CRUISES
ADVENTURE CAT SAILING CHARTERS
Explore CABLE CARS
These moving National Historic Landmarks run on three lines 6 am-12:30 am daily: Powell-Hyde (line 60), Powell-Mason (line 59) and California Street (line 61). The Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde lines run between Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf; the California car runs between Market Street and Van Ness Ave. $6; Muni Passports and Clipper Cards accepted. 415.673.6864. CLIPPER CARD
Available for use on Muni, BART, CalTrain and more, this is an all-in-one transit card that keeps track of any passes, discount tickets, ride books and cash value loaded onto it. FERRIES
The Golden Gate Ferry fleet offers daily ferries to two Marin County destinations: Sausalito and Larkspur. The Blue and Gold Fleet offers ferry service to Sausalito, Tiburon, Angel Island, Vallejo and Alameda/Oakland. The East Bay Ferry provides ferries between San Francisco, Alameda and Oakland (with Angel Island added May through October). The Alameda Harbor Bay Ferry offers service strictly between San Francisco and Alameda at rush hours. Bay Link Ferry offers ferries between Vallejo, the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf.
SERVICES
GOOD2GO, INC.
With the Good2Go app, travelers in San Francisco can use their smartphones to locate modern, hands-free restrooms across the city, join virtual queues to avoid standing in line and even unlock the doors. The restrooms are all-gender and feature a baby changing station, hands-free fixtures and an automatic door for a completely touchless experience. 415.650.0003.
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Explore TOURS
AT&T PARK TOUR
Home of the San Francisco Giants, AT&T Park offers a grand slam attraction for its fans when the dugout is empty. Walk through the places only the players and coaches go, including the Giants’ dugout, the visitors’ clubhouse and the field. 24 Willie Mays Plaza, 415.972.2400. AVITAL TOURS
Visit some of the city’s best eateries and bars and take in the sights along the way as your guide shares engaging historical anecdotes. Stops on the Mission District tour include Bi-Rite Creamery and Hog & Rocks, the city’s first ham and oyster bar. On the Union Square cocktail tour, you’ll take a jaunt through former speakeasy territory and find out why San Francisco is now considered one of the top cocktail destinations in the world. At each stop you’ll spend time with a chef, bartender or owner tasting, chatting and maybe even baking. 415.355.4044. BIG BUS TOURS
Take a tour through San Francisco aboard an opentop bus and learn about its rich history and culture, hopping on and off at any of the 20 stops located throughout the city. Choose between a 24 or 48-hour ticket and live tour guides or recorded commentary in 10 languages. 99 Jefferson St., 855.854.8687. CITY KAYAK
Docked near AT&T Park, this company offers all the gear you need for a day on the bay, regardless of your ability level. You can even paddle to McCovey Cove behind the park and try to catch a home-run ball. Guided tours available. South Beach Harbor, Embarcadero at Townsend St., 415.294.1050. CITY SIGHTSEEING
The tours on these open-top, vintage double-decker buses
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feature live guides. The downtown loop is hop-on, hop-off, and tickets are valid for 48 hours. 1331 Columbus Ave., 415.440.8687. ELE O SEGWAY TOURS
OM AN -
Sign up for fully guided Segway tours of Fisherman’s Wharf and the waterfront, Golden Gate Park, Chinatown and Lombard Street. Experienced Segway riders can try the Advanced Wharf & Crooked Street tour. Participants must be 12 years of age or older and weigh 100-250 pounds. 757 Beach St., 415.474.3130; Golden Gate Park office located behind the stage in the Music Concourse near the Japanese Tea Garden, 415.528.5873. SAN FRANCISCO CITY GUIDES
Volunteers from the San Francisco Public Library lead
dozens of free neighborhood tours. There’s a tour for just about every interest or passion, including Alfred Hitchcock’s San Francisco; various 1906 retrospectives about the earthquake and fires that leveled the city a century ago; and a Golden Gate Bridge walk, to name just a few. 415.557.4266. SAN FRANCISCO HELICOPTER TOURS
These narrated tours offer bird’s-eye views of the city and popular attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Treasure Island and more. Tours range from 20-minute flights over the city to half-day excursions to wine country, as well as dinner flights and Sausalito lunch flights. Complimentary shuttles pick up passengers from Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and Nob Hill. Flights depart from the executive
terminal at SFO and Sausalito. Reservations required. 800.400.2404. SAN FRANCISCO WHALE TOURS
Journey to the Farallon Islands, where grey and humpback whales migrate through the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, aboard the “Kitty Kat” catamaran. If no whales are spotted, the next trip is on the company. Advance purchase required. Depart from Pier 39, Dock B, 415.706.7364. SEAPLANE ADVENTURES
Get a bird’s-eye view of the city and the bay on this flying tour, which takes passengers soaring above the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz and the Pacific coastline. Sunset Champagne flights are available. Daily departures on the hour from Sausalito,
Explore
four miles north of the city. Reservations recommended. 242 Redwood Hwy., Mill Valley, 415.332.4843.
VISITOR CENTERS
MARIN CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Visitors information on where to stay, who to meet, things to do and places to explore in Marin County. 1 Mitchell Blvd., Suite B, San Rafael, 415.925.2060. TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU
Tuolumne County is your place for Yosemite explorations, Gold Country discoveries and High Sierra adventures. Enjoy endless outdoor recreation, fascinating historic towns and California State Parks as well as shopping, wine and cider tasting, arts, live theater and more. 193 S Washington St., Sonora, 800.446.1333.
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WHERE IN SAN FRANCISCO
We’re addicted to neighborhood restaurants
For more great dining spots in the city visit wheretraveler.com
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WHE RE I N OV E M B E R 2018
Puerto Alegre This family-run Mexican cantina serves up comfort food as good as anything your mama ever made with pitchers of margaritas to die for. 546 Valencia St. –Liam Mayclem, KCBS Foodie Chap, #chefsgiving, @liammayclem
Deli Board Deli Board Owner Adam calls his sandwiches “sandos” and they are intimidatingly huge, creative, freshly made, and satisfy a craving like no other sandwich shop
in the city. 1058 Folsom St. @deliboardsf –KimberleyLovato, travel author, @KimberleyLovato
Ebisu Pristine sashimi, rich Hamachi collar and there’s always a seasonal vegetable tempura in their lunch bento. It’s one of San Francisco’s top-rated Japanese restaurants. 1283 9th Ave. –Deborah Parker Wong, Global Wine Editor, SOMM Journal, @parkerwong
Blue Stream Brasserie Love the vibe locally
sour ed food floor to-ceiling windows, nd floor patio ver centrally located near Union Square and SOMA. 1 Yerba Buena Lane. – Hooman, DJ on Alice Radio, @hoomanTV
Petit Marlowe Petit Marlowe is the perfect place to take friends and have a lovely time chatting over oysters, French fries and champagne. –Claudia Castillo Ross, Fashion & Lifestyle PR Maven, @crossprgirl #crossprgirl
COURTESY BIG NIGHT RESTAURANT GROUP
San Francisco is a city where you will never go hungry. Along with fabulous Michelin-starred restaurants, the city is home to some little neighborhood gems that are adored by the locals. Here are a few of San Francisco’s secret places frequented by those who know the city the best…