Shoshi Parks

Christmastime is magical, and it's also exhausting. The list of to-dos runs long: decorate, go shopping, wrap presents, make cookies, and on and on. So, when it comes to preparing a festive and decadent meal for Christmas Day, why not give yourself a break and leave it to the pros this year? If you're looking to keep your kitchen clean and head out to eat this year for Christmas, you're in luck. In San Francisco, a small but mighty group of restaurants are open on the big day, serving brunch, lunch and dinner.   From expansive buffets at opulent restaurants—like Laurel Court inside the Fairmont Hotel or The Top of the Mark inside the Interncontinel—to historic eateries like John's Grill, to Asian hotspots like FANG Restaurant or Imperial Palace Restaurant (where you can also see live comedy), these 11 restaurants are sure to make your holiday even merrier. Here's where to find a tasty Christmas dinner in San Francisco.

The idea of a fun day in the water isn’t the same for everyone — some people love hitting up a beach, other people love to lay by a pool, and certain folks are all about heading to a water park. Water parks, after all, offer a little bit of everything: places to be adventurous (thrilling rides and slides), places to relax (lazy rivers and lounge chairs) and even sometimes a place to party (need we say swim-up bar?) Another perk: They don't have to be outdoors. Indoor water parks are a perfect aquatic solution when it’s not bikini weather. Their climate-controlled environment and warm waters allow year-round amusement. Even when it is warm outside, inside, you don't have the worry of applying sunscreen or a chance of rain. Whether it's the dead of winter or the peak of summer, the best indoor water parks in the USA allow families a fun day year-round.

Everyone needs to see the Grand Canyon at some point, right? This gorgeously isolated piece of magic lies waiting in the vast Arizona desert, 75 miles from the closest city (Flagstaff, for the record). Phoenix is more than 200 miles away, meaning getting to the Grand Canyon without a car isn’t quite as simple as you’d expect for somewhere visited by millions of people annually.Luckily for curious visitors, we’ve put together the essential guide to getting from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, covering planes, trains, and automobiles. And, erm, helicopters, because why not? These are the best ways to get from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon. Yes, the trip is completely worth it. RECOMMENDED:🏜 The best places to stay in the Grand Canyon📍 The best things to do in Phoenix🏞️ The best national parks in the USA At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Summer vacations may get more fanfare, but can we talk about the greatness of a winter vacation for a moment? After all, it is in the thick of the cold and often dreary months when we so desperately need an escape from our hum-drum routines. So, if you're looking for some inspiration for your winter travel agenda, we have you covered with the best winter vacation in the U.S. Everyone’s ideal winter destination looks different. Avid skier looking to head to the mountains? Head to family-friendly Vail, CO, beautiful Lake Tahoe or underrated Sun Valley, ID. Snow-lover who wants to get cozy in a cabin for a romantic getaway? Give Jackson Hole or Nantucket a try. Eager to flee the cold for the beach? California and Florida are calling.  No matter your ideal setting or who you plan to travel with, get ready to embrace the chill (or not!) at these perfect picks for your next winter trip. 

Halloween in San Francisco is a festive affair. Houses across the city go all out with decorations, making for a spooky scene, especially as the fog rolls through the city's iconic hills. Truly, when October arrives, the area transforms into spooky celebrations everywhere you look, from fun-filled pumpkin patches to chilling escape rooms to iconic neighborhoods perfect for trick-or-treating. The city also hosts a range of Halloween events that appeal to everyone. This year, Halloween events in San Francisco range from a Titantic-themed masquerade part to a must-see dog costume contest to a lively pub crawl. Whether you're seeking spine-tingling thrills, family-friendly fun, or a night of masquerade and mystery, we'll take you on a tour of the most bewitching and entertaining Halloween events San Francisco has to offer. Still want more? Check out a corn maze, a local haunted spot IRL or stay in to watch one of the best horror movies.  

Lights flickering, floorboards creaking, doors slamming shut, shadowy figures passing by—are all eerie and inexplicable occurrences people have claimed to witness within historic homes over the years. In these abodes, they believe spirits, ghosts or supernatural entities still linger within the walls. The idea of a haunted house spans cultures and centuries. In the tapestry of American folklore, certain homes have become famous for the tales of the restless spirits within their walls, and each has a spine-chilling story to tell. From the LaLaurie House in New Orleans, where real-life socialite and serial killer enslaved people, to the Joshua Ward House in Salem, MA, where a prominent figure in the Salem Witch Trials resided, to many spooky homes in between, America's most infamous haunted houses continue to intrigue and attract visitors. If you're looking for more spooky properties, try an overnight stay in a haunted Airbnb or haunted hotel.

Some people consider cemeteries eerie places to visit, but in reality, they are often quite the opposite: serene and full of subtle beauty. Taking in a moment of zen on these sacred grounds is a welcome departure from the busyness of everyday life. Across America, the most beautiful cemeteries are also cultural and historical landmarks, drawing in visitors who come to appreciate the natural surroundings and prominent individuals resting beneath. In the Northeast, you can encounter some of the nation's oldest modern cemeteries that are the final resting places for American historical figures. Down south, take in enchanting moss-covered landscapes, like Savannah's Bonaventure Cemetery. And in the Midwest, stroll expansive sites such as Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, an urban forest with over 130 tree species. Each cemetery on our list has its own unique charm and beauty. Of course, these cemeteries can also be a bit spooky. Looking for more creepy fun? Whether it’s Halloween season or not, we recommend the best haunted Airbnbs and haunted hotels to fuel your nightmares—that is, if you can get to sleep—and for creepy ghost towns filled with the spirits of days gone by. 

When it comes to the best resorts for hitting the slopes this winter, snowboarders and skiers will look for similar features: good snow conditions, updated facilities, and beautiful views, to name a few. But snowboarders also tend to have a few unique preferences. For example, snowboarders often want to experience creative terrain with various jumps, rails, boxes and halfpipes. More expansive runs are also preferred over groomed slopes, with more space for wide turns down the mountain. It’s also more fun to go to a resort with a strong snowboard culture, where not the only snowboarder in the place.  All this to say, the best ski resorts in the U.S. aren’t necessarily the best places to go snowboarding. So we've rounded up the best destinations across the U.S. that novice to pro boarders from around the world flock to, from Vail, Colorado to Taos, New Mexico to Mammoth Mountain in California. If snowboarding is just one of the activities you plan for this season, check out our best winter vacation and family vacation ideas for other ideal destinations. 

For years San Jose was a convention town dominated by behemoth, big-name hotels like Marriot, Westin and Hilton. But now the Silicon Valley hub is slowly beginning to see these reliable but unremarkable corporate lodgings share space with a handful of destination hotels, many of which are breathing new life into historic properties. As most visitors to Silicon Valley come either for tech-related business or to experience the Bay Area as a whole, often the best hotels in San Jose aren’t actually located in San Jose proper, but in neighbouring towns like Santa Clara and Cupertino, or slightly farther afield in charming Los Gatos to the south and Palo Alto to the north. From classic luxury hotels to Silicon Valley’s only bed and breakfast, our list of the top ten best hotels in San Jose will fit your needs, whatever they may be. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in San Jose This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Every town has a past worth exploring—both pleasant and sinister. If you want to learn about a city’s dark side, consider signing up for a ghost tour. These tours mesh history, mystery, and entertainment all in one evening as guides tell tales of the supernatural, take you by haunted sites and often show you mysterious local cemeteries. In New Orleans, stroll the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter while learning about the world of voodoo, haunted mansions, and even pirate legends. In San Francisco, board a ferry to Alcatraz for a gripping night tour of the former prison to hear tales of daring escapes and those who disappeared without a trace. Other choices include the eerie "Trolley of the Doomed" in Key West, a chilling Chicago bus tour, or a family-friendly tour to hear about the ghosts of Colonial Williamsburg. No matter which ghost tour experience you choose, be prepared to learn something new, visit sites that will make you shiver—and maybe even encounter a ghost or two.

If you love traveling and haunted houses, your ideal getaway may very well be an overnight in one of the best haunted hotels in America. Whether you're a skeptic or a die-hard believer, the allure of the paranormal and the intrigue of spine-tingling ghost tales are hard for anyone to resist.  The most haunted hotels in America range from historic inns to grand hotels, but all have stories passed down through generations of hair-raising encounters that defy rational explanation. Guests have reported hearing unexplained whispers or echoing footsteps in empty hallways, faucets or lights randomly turning and specific energies that will have you watching your back. From the iconic Stanly Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, which served as inspiration for Stephen King's chilling novel The Shining, or the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, FL, which was a military hospital during World War II—each hotel has its own charm and eerie history. Many of these properties embrace their ghostly reputation and offer special packages or tours in October or year-round. Head to one of these hotels where the living and the dead coexist in...harmony? Their reputation may keep you up at night but that's part of the fun. Looking for more spooky travel? Try a stay at one of these haunted Airbnb listings, visit real-life haunted houses, or take a jaw-dropping ghost tour.

America is home to hundreds of ghost towns and abandoned settlements. While they’re dotted across the county, they are ubiquitous in regions like California, Nevada and Colorado that experienced the boom and then bust of industries like mining. Visiting ghost towns in America is a chance to step back in time, taking in life as it once was. Picture tumbleweeds rolling down Main Street, once-bustling stores now sitting in eerie silence, and faded signs that hint at lives lived long ago. You can wander through old homes, buildings and streets to get a snapshot of the past, taking in stories of pioneers, prospectors, and dreamers. Like the name suggests, you may even spot a ghost along the way. If you're interested in a glimpse into the past, we've rounded up the most fascinating ghost towns in the US to discover America’s hidden history. If spooky travel is your thing, don’t forget to visit the scariest real-life haunted houses, take yourself on a ghost tour or pay your respects at the most hauntingly beautiful graveyards.

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