From local librarians:

"One of my favorite places is the Mission (826 Valencia Writing Project and Pirate Store, book stores, antique stores, murals, Mission), but the museum district around 3rd & Market in SoMa, is closer--just a quick walk from the hotel (about a mile). The SF MOMA has a great selection of art books, and you can shop in the museum stores without paying admission (though if you have some time, explore the museums, too). Other museums there include the Museum of Craft & Folk Art, Cartoon Art Museum, and the
Contemporary Jewish Museum." -- Jo

"I love having high tea at the Fairmont Hotel or Neiman Marcus on a Saturday afternoon. I also love walking along Ocean Beach at sunset, then having dinner at the Cliff House. There is a cool recreational area just to the right of Ocean Beach too, and one can walk along and enjoy the beautiful vistas of San Francisco. Oh, also bring layers to wear when you come to SF. It can be cold in one area of town, and warm as toast in another area." -- Joyce

"Visiting Fort Funston in the southwest corner of San Francisco offers an opportunity to watch the graceful but crazy hang gliders and explore the remains of the bunkers and other structures built as defense for the west coast during World War II. Although it can be touristy, I love to walk the paths of Crissy Field and explore the gardens and structures in the northern sections of the Presidio including the area around the Lucasfilm Letterman Digital Arts Center. One can stop for some refreshments at the Starbucks in the Lucasfilm or at the Presidio Cafe. The outdoor store, Sports Basement, in the old PX building is fun to explore and shop. It doesn't feel like a chain store at all. The Stairways of San Francisco as describe in Adah Bakalinsky's book offers great history tidbits and exercise around San Francisco. The mosaic Stairway pictured on the cover is awesome! Other great stairs are the Lyon Street stairs in Pacific Heights (near Hamlin), the two sets of stairs from Levi Plaza and building (which BTW includes a fun museum of history of Levis) up through houses and trees filled with parrots to Coit Tower. Macondray Lane is a fun "street" to explore." -- Carolyn

"A visit to San Francisco isn't complete without a stop at the Buena Vista for Irish coffee! Entertaining history, and something warm to ward off the chill. If the weather is nice it's fun to walk one way along the Embarcadero between the ballpark and town, and then take the historic streetcars the other direction." -- Cathy

"The Burritt Room is one of the best speakeasy-esque places to get a drink in SF. It's in the Crescent Hotel and is a fun place for groups." -- Trevor

A book lover's San Francisco
Links to San Francisco landmarks & events
What's On In San Francisco - Local Live Shows