| If you want to get down to basics, the city of | | | | afternoon or even breakfast. |
| San Francisco has surrounded itself with good | | | | There are so many hip, fun areas to try out. The |
| shopping, great food, exquisite neighborhoods and | | | | Embarcadero is a popular one, as is SoMa and |
| fantastic views. You've probably noticed that | | | | Haight- Ashbury. |
| everything you've read so far has, in some | | | | Haight- Ashbury is the infamous neighborhood |
| passage, has mentioned the words chic, rich, hip, | | | | which grew to fame in the 1960's hippy culture. |
| retro, and gentrified. And that's San Fran in a | | | | What was all about peace and love has been |
| nutshell, really. | | | | transformed into an uber hip, retro district, full of |
| The city is old yet new, fresh yet beautiful, busy | | | | upscale boutiques, great restaurants and |
| yet timeless. There's so much to do and so many | | | | interesting street life. If you have to limit your |
| neighborhoods to discover, it's difficult to outline | | | | district exploration, be sure to keep this one on |
| the 'best of', as pretty much everything comes | | | | your list, but keep in mind that Sunday is the |
| under that category. | | | | busiest day there. Visit Amoeba Records which is |
| Start with a bit of upscale shopping at Union | | | | a cult hit for those who love vintage records and |
| Square; this is your one stop shop for serious | | | | funky merchandise. |
| retail delights. The square is not so small, with | | | | Finish off with a view. Coit Tower was built in |
| designer boutiques, major department stores and | | | | memoriam to one of the city's loving citizens, Lillie |
| most branches of major franchises you've come | | | | Hitchcock Coit. Standing high on Telegraph Hill, |
| to know and love. If you don't like shopping, leave | | | | some say the tower is actually dedicated to the |
| an hour or two for a look around, otherwise, you'll | | | | city's fire fighters due to the fire hose nozzle |
| need a full day to get through it all. Heaven. | | | | shape of the tower. Instead, the tower was |
| If all that shopping has got you breathless and | | | | inspired by Coit after bequeathing a third of her |
| hungry, make your way to the Ferry Building | | | | estate, "to be expended in an appropriate manner |
| Marketplace. This old building has been remodeled | | | | for the purpose of adding to the beauty of the |
| into a hub of food and wine excitement, a | | | | city which I have always loved." Awwwww. |
| gourmet food emporium. The building on its own | | | | To get to the top there is a fee, but the view is |
| is interesting enough, with a great view of the | | | | worth it. Go on a clear day in order to get the |
| Golden Gate Bridge outside, and outdoor oyster | | | | best bang for your buck. If you are going for the |
| and wine bars to accommodate the San Fran sun. | | | | sole purpose to take some great San Fran shots, |
| Inside however, you'll find fresh fruit and | | | | go in the afternoon or around sunset, as there will |
| vegetables, cheeses, cured meats and fresh | | | | be less glare on your photos, and you're |
| flowers for sale. It's both picturesque and | | | | guaranteed to get some great colors. |
| nourishing, a great way to spend a leisurely | | | | |