Shoshi Parks

Dance, dance, dance! There's a variety of dance clubs in San Francisco for every type of person and every kind of music and mood. If you’re looking for the best DJs, a place to groove to '70s disco, where to go salsa dancing, or somewhere to dance after hours, it’s all here on our list of the best clubs in SF. Check the schedule before heading out as nightclubs change like chameleons with karaoke one night and Motown the next. Great neighborhoods for club-hopping include the Mission and South of Market, but there are a few gems scattered in the Castro and downtown too where you can get down, get funky and dance the night away. So when your typical Saturday night cocktail lounge, dive bar or craft brewery just won't do, these top nightclubs in San Francisco invite you to drink up and just dance.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best bars in San Francisco

The last couple of years have been anything but relaxing, which means the best yoga retreats in the U.S. are more relevant than ever before—let's just say we could all use a little time to re-center. Sure, you could just head to one of the best day spas and spa resorts and be done with it. But if you're really looking to work on active mindfulness (in the downward dog position, no less), why not try a yoga retreat instead? Some of the most stunning, best places to visit in the U.S. play host to scenic, long-standing yoga retreats. So whether your idea of wellness is exploring tropical gardens in Hawaii, mindful forest walks in the Colorado wilderness, or immersive escapes with llamas in Northern California (yes, that’s a real thing you can do), these yoga retreats will help to get your "om" on in no time.The best part? Most retreats have a variety of all-inclusive packages, which means the whole planning process is a breeze. Go for a weekend or make a serious commitment to your well-being with a full week of yoga, meditation, clean eating, and outdoor adventure. Take a look at our list of the best yoga retreats in the U.S., take a deep breath, and reconnect with wellness.

There's no questioning the romance of San Francisco—the views, the fog, the charming restaurants, and the historic inns. Yet, it's also a notoriously brutal city for dating. Whether you’re a lover or a fighter, February 14 can be a fairly stressful day. Survive Valentine’s Day in San Francisco with our guide, including the best date ideas, dinner specials and gifts to give. Big spenders may want to wine and dine the object of their affection (complete with a huge bouquet of flowers), but we've also got plenty of cheap date suggestions for a more low-key evening. There's something for everyone this February 14th.  RECOMMENDED: The best romantic restaurants in San Francisco

While summer gets all the popular attention – sun, sand, sea, surf and so on – it's safe to say that winter is underrated. This is the only time of year you can actually wear nice, big, cozy jackets, scarves and woolly hats and curl up in a cabin. But as temperatures rise across the planet and winters get continually milder every year, it's entirely possible that many of our favorite places to go for the festive season suddenly won't be so winter-y. So, seize the season and make a pilgrimage to one of the best winter vacations in the US.  Want to introduce the kids to the biggest, brightest holiday events? Make your way to New York City for a classic Rockefeller Center Christmas, or give them a full toy-making experience at Kringle's Inventionasium in Cleveland, Ohio. Keen to cultivate a new skill or test your mettle? Try heli-skiing in Telluride, Colorado, or skijoring in Anchorage, Alaska. Hoping to skip the chilly weather and soak up some sunshine instead? Well, we’ve got recommendations for that, too. Whether you're traveling solo, as a pair on a romantic getaway, or escaping with the kids in tow, the best winter vacations in the US will make this season shine.  RECOMMENDED: The best ski resorts in the USRECOMMENDED: The best glasshouse Airbnbs in the US RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs near Yosemite National ParkRECOMMENDED: 8 warm weather Airbnbs in the U.SRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in New England

Only have 48 hours in San Francisco? While you'll certainly need more time to truly embrace Bay Area culture (and check out Oakland!), a weekend is long enough to get a taste of some of the best attractions SF has to offer: From Michein-starred restaurants and colorful farmers markets to bumping nightclubs and picturesque parks. The core of the city is extremely walkable but, if your feet need a break, old-timey trolleys and cable cars are a San Francisco (transportation) treat.  RECOMMENDED: The best attractions in San Francisco

San Francisco has it all — the weather, the food, the outdoors, and a whole lot more. It was even named the best city in the world in 2021. This is a city that offers something for everyone, whether you're a foodie wanting to enjoy world-class dining, a nature enthusiast hoping to take in pristine views, a museum hopper wanting to soak up wine and culture, or a wine guru looking to sip the freshest California varietals. That's why our list of the best things to do in San Francisco runs the gamut. From eating burritos to shopping dispensaries, sipping on craft beer, and admiring every view of the Golden Gate Bridge, what more could you want? Get the skinny on iconic San Francisco attractions and the best restaurants in San Francisco – not to mention which outdoor activities have us rushing into the fog. Then get out there and enjoy all the city and larger Bay Area region has to offer.   RECOMMENDED: The best San Francisco hotelsRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in San FranciscoRECOMMENDED: The best attractions in San Francisco

San Francisco’s really just the tip of a peninsula, which means that its city confines are actually quite small and much of its acreage includes spectacular water views: the Pacific Ocean on the west, the Golden Gate and namesake bridge on the north, and the San Francisco Bay on the east. Seriously, this city is only seven miles wide and seven miles deep, so it’s easy to explore on foot — although you may need fuel to conquer its more than 50 hills – but it's jampacked with attractions.  An international destination, San Francisco has Michelin-starred dining and hole-in-the-wall winners alike, as well as museums, surprising architecture, sports teams, and diverse neighborhoods. You might even feel an earthquake while you’re here; there are hundreds of small ones each year! Here’s our list of the best attractions in San Francisco to put on your bucket list – whether you're a tourist or a local. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in San Francisco

Whether you just started dating or have been married for decades, romantic getaways are one of the best ways to keep the spark alive. That's doubly true of late, when you've likely been spending a lot of time with your partner in the safety of home—there’s nothing like a couples vacation to reset and remember why you fell in love in the first place. Studies even show that just planning a trip with your significant other can be a huge mood booster. Sure, some of the world's most romantic cities—Paris, Rome, Amsterdam—are in Europe, but don't count out the USA so fast. East to west there are plenty of places that will add a little fire power to your romance. From small mountain towns like Aspen, Colorado, where you can combine outdoor activities like hiking and skiing with fine dining and relaxation, to coastal getaways like Big Sur, California, where you can take in some sun and sand while spotting whales and noshing on super-fresh seafood, these romantic getaways in the USA are filled with scenic natural landscapes, Michelin-starred meals, and some of the most romantic hotels in America. Still in the mood for romance? Try heading to one of the country's best beaches or a charming ski town. And if you've already done the romance thing and are now preparing for the aftermath—a baby—check out one of our favorite babymoon destinations. RECOMMENDED: the most romantic honeymoon destinations in the U.S. RECOMMENDED: the best Airbnb treehouses in the U.S

As darkness and cooler temperatures fall across the land, Halloween haunts like pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and haunted houses beckon mortals to hallowed grounds for fall frights. Move over haunted hotels and say trick-or-treat to the most haunted Airbnb properties in the US, if you dare, bwahaha! Of Airbnb's 6 million active listings worldwide, there are more than one dozen in the US that claim to be haunted. What's more, 56 percent of people believe their home is haunted, according to Realtor.com's annual Halloween Haunted Real Estate report.  We've scoured Airbnb's most eccentric, eclectic, and eerie listings to find the most haunted Airbnb properties, from creepy castles to spooky spare bedrooms to mysterious mansions. These rental haunted houses feature charming creaking floorboards, whimsical wainscoting, and vintage vibes along with chills, thrills, and frights from spirited ghost hosts that are straight out of the best Halloween movies of all time. You might not rest in peace in these haunted homes, but you're bound to have a memorable night preparing for paranormal activity, seeking the supernatural, and greeting ghosts. But beware, bookings go as quickly as bumps in the night, so secure these haunted hotbeds ASAP.

San Francisco rooftop bars are few and far between — which is surprising in a city with temperate weather year-round and stunning views around every corner. But the sky-high bars that do exist in the city are some of the best places to grab a drink in town, and to be fair, the number of them has finally expanded in just the last year. Newcomers like Rise Over Run in the brand new LINE Hotel and local favorite Good Good Culture Club are some of the hottest openings in the city.  Our favorite rooftop bars in San Francisco are perfect places for a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine to celebrate any occasion, whether it's a date night or an average Friday night. They're a great choice during those scorching hot days, but also a good pick year-round with most locations offering heaters on chillier evenings. One thing's for sure, of all the places where you can kick back with a drink in San Francisco (cocktail bars, breweries, speakeasies, wine bars), those with fresh air and awe-inspiring vistas always come out on top.  RECOMMENDED: Complete guide to the best bars in San Francisco

There's no better way to welcome 2023 than with a party, and the Bay Area's got plenty on offer this year. Whether your goal is to spend the night dancing to the best DJs in town at the best clubs in San Francisco, to sip craft cocktails with your significant other at one of the best bars in San Francisco, or just to enjoy the fireworks celebration, there are tons of amazing things to do in San Francisco as 2022 comes to a close. Here are our picks for the best San Francisco New Year's Eve events and parties for celebrating a bright, shiny New Year.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to New Year's Eve in San Francisco  

The USA is big. Really big. You just won't believe how vastly hugely mind-bogglingly big it is. You might think it's a long way down the road to the pharmacy, but that's just peanuts compared to how big America is. From coast to coast, the most beautiful cities in the U.S. prove that this country truly ihas a lot to offer. Sure, a long list of things to do throughout the states includes natural wonders, amazing restaurants, and impressive architecture, but you'll find that certain cities have it all plus stunning looks to back it up.Heavy-hitters like New York and Los Angeles are the most obvious of the bunch. They're picture-perfect melting pots of cultures, unique neighborhoods, top museums, and cutting edge style. But even smaller cities, from California to Florida, are just as lovely. Take Las Vegas and Miami, for example, both of which stimulate the senses with glitz, glamour, and sparkling scenery. Then there’s New Orleans, where every single day is a celebration of culture and music (not to mention fantastic architecture), while cities like Nashville and Charleston offer history and entertainment all wrapped up in a pretty package. Whether you’re a museum hopper drawn to a city’s unique past, an urban trend-seeker looking to check out next-gen coffee and record shops, or someone in need of a first-class getaway packed with cool adventures and sweet places to stay, you'll find the city of your dreams in our list of the most beautiful cities in the U.S. RECOMMENDED: The

The team behind the Michelin-starred Mr. Jui’s opened this upstairs lounge that drips with midcentury elegance, so you can snuggle into a red-velvet booth under lotus-shaped brass lamps. The extensive cocktail list includes seasonal offerings and signature drinks, which are based on the Chinese lunar calendar and spiked with black garlic, plum, oolong and other Eastern ingredients.

Once owned by Lillie Hitchcock Coit, the benefactress of San Francisco's Coit Tower, Frank Family Vineyards has the distinction of being the oldest, continually operated sparkling wine producer in Napa Valley. Now under the the direction of Rich Frank, the former president of Disney Studios, the winery produces 75,000 cases a year of hand-riddled blanc de blanc, rouge and brut rose, along with cab, pinot noir, zinfandel, chardonnay and sangiovese. Tastings (by appointment only) take place in the historic butter yellow farm house whose rooms have been stylishly renovated, each with a different theme. A comfortable patio overlooking the vineyards is open in nice weather.

In October 2018, Clos du Val upped their tasting game with a brand new tasting room, the Hirondelle House. The modern interior, with a dark paneled wood ceiling and floor to ceiling windows, warm orange accents and sculptural elements is bested only by the outdoor patio, a wide open space overlooking the vineyards. It's a fitting addition to this almost 50 year old award-winning winery producing ruby pinots, toasty oak chardonnays and voluptuous cabs. Tastings range from sips of current vintages to a picnic in the winery's olive grove.

The newest addition to the LGBTQ+ bar scene, Jolene's is a stylish, modern venue in the 16th Street no-man's-land between the Mission and Potrero. The expansive space has plenty of room for all with a pool table up front and a red-lit dance floor wallpapered in tasteful portraits of black-and-white breasts. On Thursday and Friday evenings, the kitchen serves tasty bites and sandwiches including avocado egg rolls, Impossible burger sliders and popcorn chicken. At weekend brunch, mimosas come bottomless for $28.

It seems Chef Dominique Crenn can do no wrong. Not only does her flagship Atelier Crenn boast three Michelin stars, her second eatery Petit Crenn regularly appears on lists of the city's best of the best. And now, at just over a year old, Crenn's third project has earned itself a Michelin star, too. Really, it's not like it's a surprise. This wine bar reminiscent of the library of a storied French estate than is luxurious and warmly lit. The wine list features largely French winemakers using biodynamic, environmentally responsible and traditional methods while the dinner menu is rich and sensual. Classic French dishes like pate en croute (pork shoulder, pistachio and cornichon) and Coquille St. Jaques (pink scallops with Muscadet butter) get the Crenn treatment: Organic, seasonal and, frankly, spectacular.

The appropriately named a Mano ("by hand" in Italian) has a thoughtful, ground-up perspective on food. Influenced by seasonal, California flavors, the restaurant's Italian food remains nonetheless approachable—both in flavor and cost. In the light, bright dining room accented by a playful geometric bar, you'll find a range of handmade pastas like ravioli with nettles, chard, walnuts and ricotta, pizzas like the spicy salsiccia, tomato, provolone piccante, olive and red onion, and a meaty nightly special (ranging from Sunday's ossobuco to Tuesday's short ribs). The drink menu is rooted in Italian classics including Amari and wines from the Old Country.

From the outside, Wayu doesn't obviously stand out from the succession of Clement Street Asian restaurants which makes the food at this Michelin starred sushi restaurant all the more fantastic. In the wood paneled minimalist dining room, there's nothing to compete with the magic being created by the sushi chefs behind the square bar—dishes like squid with shiso and meyer lemon, Japanese-imported uni wrapped in seaweed, and poached monkfish liver. Two omakase menus are on offer each night (#1 for $95/person and #2 for $135/person) along with a list of carefully selected Japanese beer and sake.

This postage stamp-sized sushi bar in Noe Valley serves fresh, stellar-quality sushi and sashimi with an intimate, neighborhood vibe. The dining room, all blonde wood, golden hues and black accents is dominated by an L-shaped bar behind which the sushi chefs make their magic. Despite showcasing seasonal fish from Japan and around the globe, the menu offers a reasonably priced selection of sushi bar comforts from seared hamachi with truffle oil to fresh saba, walu and shiro maguro.

This small-batch, independent winery in the Alexander Valley produces impressive cabs and merlots from family-owned vineyards at Wernecke Ranch. Sutro Wine's Alice Sutro hosts vineyard hikes on Chalk Hill the estate and tastings at the rustic-chic Jimtown Store's artistic tasting room down the road.

This neighborhood brewery combines an industrial-chic aesthetic with a friendly, slightly-nerdy atmosphere thanks to its library theme where books, like the beer, are on tap (er...shelf). Novel Brewing has styles to suit every taste, including a wide variety of IPAs, from the hazy Dust Jacket to the juicy Book Thief. Regular events including book swaps and game nights round out this community fixture worth traveling for.

Hotel G's lofty new restaurant, Ayala, is racking up rave reviews for executive chef Melissa Perfit's take on coastal California seafood. The space has something of a timeless, unadorned quality with an open floor plan separated with a glass-block wall from the bar area. On the menu is a mix of raw and cooked dishes like kampachi crudo with chickpea crisp, mint, red grape and sorghum and nori spaghettini with dungeness crab, white miso, Buddha's hand and furikake. The cocktail menu is heavy on revamped classics including three types of martinis (we're partial to the casteveltrano version).

Oakland's Mad Oak is a laid-back bar spread across two floors of indoor-outdoor space. The upstairs-downstairs rooftop has plenty of seating, heat lamps and a bar on each level - not to mention T.V.'s for game viewing al fresco. Inside video games and a photo booth amp up the fun; outdoors cornhole is the name of the game. For eats, Mad Oak hosts chefs in six month pop-up stints.

Not so long ago, home entertaining was the gold standard for an evening out—a drinking and dining experience where guests were made to feel simultaneously special and comfortable. It’s this old-school vibe that co-owners Seth and Jenni Bregman have tried to replicate at Bardo Lounge and Supper Club, where 60s-inspired furniture, cocktails and dishes reign once again.   Photograph: Courtesy Bardo     To achieve a home-dining feel, the husband-and-wife team scoured vintage furniture stores from the Bay Area to Washington for Bardo's mid-century modern decor, transforming the former Michel Bistro on Oakland’s Lakeshore Ave into an impassioned ode to the 1960s dinner party. Downstairs, the cocktail lounge is carved into intimate living room-style nooks fashioned with minimalist leather couches, pendant lamps, and sculptural wood credenzas, tables and shelving. Upstairs, the dining room has room for thirty at a central communal table nestled up close to the balcony overlooking the bar below.     Sea urchin fondue Photograph: Courtesy Bardo     For the menu, Michelin Bib Gourmand alums Anthony Salguero and Brian Starkey (formerly of Michel Bistro) have mined the country's best-loved 1960s-era cookbooks to create a menu of dinner party classics with a modern twist. In the downstairs lounge, small bites include porcupine meatballs made with pork and fried rice and deviled duck eggs with red wine jus and fried duck skins. Upstairs, there's a three-course menu for $59, featuring

Most visitors to the de Young are there to see the museum’s greatest hits—the O’Keefes, the Kahlos, the Rothkos, the Monets—gliding by the New Guinean yam masks and the mythological parables painted by 19th century American masters sight unseen. That is, until Museumhack stepped in. Museumhack fucking loves museums (according to their slogan), and their passion isn’t reserved just for the masterpieces. Their art renegade tours, like the Un-highlights Tour and the Bad Ass Bitches Tour, give small groups a different perspective on beloved institutions in New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. And then there’s the Harry Potter Tour. It’s a little off-beat since the de Young doesn’t exactly feature Hogwarts-themed artworks. Instead, tour guides take small groups of wizard wannabes through the museum, highlighting artifacts reminiscent of magical worlds such as wands and owls as pets. Next is an explanation of the houses of Hogwarts, using the stories behind each family tree to showcase paintings and sculptures that could represent the house. Once visitors are sorted into houses, the tour moves on to a set of Harry Potter-themed challenges in O.W.L. subjects like Charms and Herbology before ending in a fast-paced Quidditch match. “We love Harry Potter and knew that there are other adults who would also be excited to spend some time celebrating the wizarding world that J.K. Rowling created,” says tour guide Casey Selden, who wrote the 90-minute tour with

Trying to wow that special someone? We’ve got you covered, with swoonworthy itineraries for every kind of couple. Take me back to San Francisco where the weather is warm and the sushi is vegan 🌱🍱 #vegan #veganfood #veganfoodshare #veganeats #veganfoodie #vegansushi #shizen #vegansanfrancisco #vegancalifornia #whatveganseat #plantbased #foodstagram #sushi #crueltyfree #govegan A post shared by Erica 🌱👑 (@vegan_kween) on Jan 26, 2018 at 9:01am PST THE PROOF-YOU'RE-IN-THE-KNOW DATE Dinner: Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar and Izakaya Drop some Michelin Guide knowledge on your beau with a meal at this gourmet eatery. Belly up to the polished-wood sushi bar for izakaya-style skewers, vegan ramen and Shizen shiitake (mushrooms stuffed with shredded tofu and tapioca) while you explain what a soy-milk egg is to your significant other. Show: The Roxie Wanna flex your cultural prowess? Head to the oldest and coziest theater in San Francisco for a screening of not just any regular Hollywood blockbuster but an obscure foreign film like the Japanese comedy-horror Hausu. Bonus points if you don’t need to read the subtitles. Drinks: The Hideout at Dalva Venture past the noisy crowds at Dalva to the back of the bar, where you’ll find the Hideout, a small, dimly lit lounge serving memorable cocktails like the gin and celery tonic. Feel free to make out in a dark corner. If things go well: Bissap Baobab Burn off a little energy at this little-known Senegalese institution with a bright

If you enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer with your meal, you don’t need us to tell you that alcohol can be the most expensive part of going out to eat. But if you squint hard enough at the SF restaurant scene, you’ll find a few spots with no corkage fees or fees under $10. These eight restaurants prove that the phrase “delicious affordable meal” is not an oxymoron. Piccolo Forno At this small, modern joint the focus is on hearty, authentic Italian food. Russian Hill neighbors know it as the go-to spot for delectable crab ravioli in salsa rosa and Neopolitan-style pizza. Dishes here are affordable and though they have no liquor license, guests are welcome to bring their own beer and wine with no corkage fee.  Shalimar Restaurant What Shalimar lacks in ambiance—the dining room is about as simple as you can get—it makes up for in bold Indian flavors. A good place to fortify yourself with chicken tikka masala and garlic naan before heading to the bars on Polk. They offer free chai along with your meal but if you want something a little more alcoholic, Shalimar won’t charge a fee to BYOB. Shanghai Dumpling King This no-frills, hole-in-the-wall Shanghai dumpling house has a wide selection of dumplings and pan-fried goodies alongside more mainstream Chinese favorites. The xiao long bao—both the traditional pork style and the off-the-menu crab option—are solid and so are the pan fried pork buns and scallion pancakes. With no corkage fee, you won’t find anywhere else in the neigh

As temperatures continue to drop, there’s no better evening destination than a bar with a fireplace. Warm your tootsies by the fire as the cocktails and craft beer help you thaw from the inside out.  Summer Place Cocktail Lounge Don’t be fooled by the name: the Summer Place is meant for fog-swept evenings and cold nights. Cozy up to the stone fireplace in a leather chair at this old-school Union Square dive, one of the few places left in the city where smoking is permitted indoors.  The Riptide This beachy mainstay with a roaring fireplace is one of the best refuges from the cold ocean air. If you're looking for entertainment with your cocktail, they host open mic nights on Mondays, karaoke on Tuesdays, and on the weekends a hodgepodge of DJs, bands, bingo and occasional visits from restaurants like Memphis Minnie’s BBQ roll through.  Fireside Bar At this aptly named neighborhood bar you’ll find an oversized brick fireplace bordered by comfy couches with enough room for multiple chilly patrons at once. The Fireside is friendly and laid back and canines are always welcome.  Chambers Chambers has found a way to turn the hip, rockstar vibe of adjacent Phoenix Hotel into a stylish bar. Chambers literally glows with mood lighting and a warm, eye-catching fireplace keeps patrons cozy as they sip cocktails at the bar.  Comstock Saloon This Victorian-inspired saloon evokes the San Francisco of days gone by with its damask wallpaper, tiled floors and vintage lighting. The second floo

San Francisco is the city that knows how, so it's no surprise that there's a DIY class for every kind of at-home production. Want to grow an edible garden? Garden for the Environment will help you decipher the best formula of soil, water, seeds and sun for your backyard plot. Eager to produce your own sourdough bread? Sour Flour will teach you to care for a wild yeast "mother" and produce bakery-worthy loaves. Stay busy all year with offerings from these local workshops.   Workshop At this DIY mecca, students learn everything from mixology to embroidery. The brainchild of co-founders Kelly Malone and David Knight, the adults-only space wrangles local designers and creators to teach a wide variety of classes. Perennial favorites include a sewing bootcamp for beginners (where students create their own tote bag), DIY mounted staghorn ferns (create a living piece of wall art) and macrame projects (you know you need a macrame plant hanger). Plus, their Emeryville location offers some options, like a letterpress class, that the smaller SF studio can’t. 1798 McAllister St (415-874-9186, workshopsf.org).  You've been asking, we've been planning, and we're proud to say it's finally here! Reserve your spot in our new death's head moth pinning class, its the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit. Sign up online on the "events" page, or in store with any associate. 📍💀👻🎃 . . . #halloween #deathsheadmoth #silenceofthelambs #buffalobill #spooky #moth #entomology #horror #horr

With seven million people and counting, it’s hard to believe there’s space left for wildlife in the Bay Area. But thanks to the conservationists and urban planners of the 1970s, our little corner of Northern California is one of the most wildlife-friendly urban areas in the country. Skip the zoos and aquariums and see spectacular creatures in their native habitat (in the air, on land and in the sea) at these seven Bay Area locations. Happy Sunday! Tag a friend as sassy as this sea lion! Photo by: @0vanvan0 ⠀ . ⠀ . ⠀ . ⠀ . ⠀ . #pier39 #sanfrancisco #sealions #sass #sassy #bff #sundaymorning #sunday A post shared by PIER 39 (@pier39) on Aug 20, 2017 at 10:57am PDT Pier 39 It wasn’t until after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that playful, barking California sea lions began “hauling out” on K dock at Pier 39. Why they chose this location is a mystery, but the protected bay, teeming with the fish and squid pinnipeds prefer, has kept them coming back for 30 delightful years. Watch the group, which is mostly made up of younger males, frolic all year long from the wooden walkway behind Pier 39. A naturalist provides commentary and answers questions daily between 11am and 4pm, weather permitting.   The Marine Mammal Center San Francisco is a way point on the migration trail for marine mammals, including seals and whales, heading for warmer waters in the winter and cooler oceans in the summer. Unfortunately, the Pacific migration route is also an important shipping route and

Noe, we hope you're hungry. From the same owner-chef that brought you Gialina and Ragazza comes Mediterranean newcomer, Ardiana. The new restaurant, located at 1781 Church Street, will feature classic Mediterranean dishes and flavors alongside the seasonal, thin-crust, Neapolitan-style pizzas that made chef Sharon Ardiana famous.  "The menu will be very shareable," says the chef. A menu section called 'For the table' will feature dips and schmears served with homemade crackers and breads while ordering 'The whole shebang' will give you access to an antipasti buffet. Large Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired plates meant to feed two people and an expansive list of salads will round out the menu. "It’s a choose-your-own-adventure menu. You can just do so many things with it!” added Ardiana.  Photograph: Courtesy of Ardiana   The owners of La Nebbia, which previously occupied the space on Church Street, chose Chef Ardiana to take over the spot. In honor of the former restaurant, changes to the space will be relatively minor: mid-century modern furniture will be added, as well as enlarged family photos on the walls. The enormous pizza oven Ardiana inherited from La Nebbia will, no doubt, be put to good use. “I want this to be a fun place that people want to come to once a week or once every couple of weeks when you don’t feel like cooking,” says Ardiana.  

Explore San Francisco's top parks and beaches on a treasure hunt for these quirky gems hidden in plain sight.      Presidio pet Cemetery Photograph: Flickr/Karen           Pet Cemetery at Crissy Field, Presidio Surrounded by a quaint white picket fence, the Presidio’s Pet Cemetery is as touching as it is unsettling. Nestled under the new Presidio Parkway overpass next to Crissy Field, dozens of mostly homemade grave markers stand sentinel over the remains of beloved military family pets who frolicked San Francisco as far back as the 1950s. Keep an eye out for Willie, the beloved pet hamster, Heidi the Collie and Mr. Iguana, some of the cemetery’s first residents.     Spire by Andy Goldsworthy Photograph: Flickr/Noel           Andy Goldsworthy sculptures in the Presidio Artist Andy Goldsworthy is known for his ephemeral, ecological sculptures constructed to continually change with the passage of time and the elements. The Presidio has the largest collection of Goldsworthy works in North America but you’ll only see all three if you are willing to explore on foot. Both “Spire” (near the Presidio Golf Club) and “Wood Line” (parallel to Lover’s Lane) are located along a 3 mile loop on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. His third piece, “Earth Wall,” can be found in the Hardie Courtyard at the historic Presidio Officer’s Club.     Mount Davidson cross Photograph: Flickr/GPS           Cross at Mount Davidson The 103-foot cross at the top of Mount Davidson has a storied history. First e

Airbnb isn't just for out-of-town vacations. While hotels here can run you several hundred dollars a night for little more than a standard bed and bath, these local Airbnb rentals offer gardens, roof decks, and gallery-worthy decorative details at a much more affordable rate. Go on, try on someone else’s life for a weekend.  Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb Mission: The artist’s residence Immerse yourself in creativity in this loft overlooking a working sculpture studio. Ogle the installations in progress and get to know the artists over tea, try making something of your own, or simply relax in front of the fireplace in your private sitting room. See full listing here.   Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb   Cole Valley: The Victorian minimalist This beautifully restored Victorian is like a B&B with more privacy. With rich wood and neutral colors inside and a cozy garden family room outside, this place is the very definition of minimalist luxury. See full listing here.    Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb    Mission Bay: The sail boat A 30-foot sailboat in the Mission Bay marina is the perfect spot for two types of people: lovers of the sea and diehard Giants fans looking to get as close as possible to AT&T Park. The boat comes equipped with a partial kitchen, full bath and enough room to comfortably sleep two guests. See full listing here.   Photograph: Courtesy Airbnb    North Beach: The curator’s dream Spending a night in this one bedroom apartment just steps from Fisherman’s Wharf i

Whether you’re a native San Franciscan or new to the city, it can be overwhelming to navigate the cornucopia of restaurants, bars and experiences this city has to offer. So, we did the work for you. These seven perfect nights on the town—complete with dinner, drinks and a show—will show you the best of what San Francisco has to offer after dark.    This is the really good kind of surreal 😍Today at 1:30pm @framelinefest @promking2010 A post shared by Christopher Schaap (@christopherschaap) on Jun 19, 2017 at 8:19am PDT CASTRO  Dinner: Starbelly  Starbelly serves seasonal California comfort food with a fine selection of gourmet pizzas—we like the housemade chorizo with sunny eggs and cilantro. Enjoy your meal in their bright, airy dining room or outside on the sunny back patio. Show: Castro Theater The Castro Theater needs no introduction. The most iconic venue in the city offers an ever-changing selection of old Hollywood films, off-beat gems and fun events like Disney movie sing-alongs. Get there early to enjoy the live organ music that famously kicks off every show. Drinks: Blackbird Dark and stylish but with none of the pretentious attitude (what other cocktail lounge has a pool table and photo booth in the back?), Blackbird is the perfect place for a lively drink or two after a show at the Castro. Though Blackbird can get rather crowded on weekend nights, their rotating list of artisan cocktails are worth a wait at the bar.   Creative #vegan dishes including tomat