SAN FRANCISCO CITY GUIDE

QUINTESSENTIALLY LIFESTYLE

2013

CITY The densely populated city of San Francisco has a character that’s all its own and a vibe that can be translated simply as Bay Area Cool- a laid back, clever attitude encompassing the San Francisco scene and all the hipsters who inhabit it. Beyond such landmarks as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the scenic beauty of the bay, San Francisco is a city ingrained with culture and a vibrant history. It is a microcosm of history and cultural diversity, constantly redefining its identity. Known for its political activism, strong homosexual community, and a very raw and cutting edge arts and music scene, San Francisco has always been known to set trends, not to follow them. Being situated in the middle of a peninsula, San Francisco’s weather can be difficult to predict, as it is known for month long episodes of heavy fog and chilly weather year round. Summer, the most popular time to visit, is often the coldest time of the year, with damp, foggy days, cold, windy nights and crowded tourist destinations. The best time to visit is from September to November. This season, what resident call “Indian Summer”, offers warm temperatures and fewer crowds. As the fog clears from the summer months, days are warm and sunny and nights are mild and clear. Spring, from March to May, is also a great time to visit, as days are characteristically cloudless and mild.

WHAT TO SEE

WHERE TO STAY

WHERE TO EAT

NIGHTLIFE

WELLBEING

WHERE TO SHOP

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CONTENTS

WHAT TO SEE

ALCATRAZ ISLANDSan Francisco, CA 94123

Located a little over a mile from Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz is one of the city’s most popular attractions. A visit to the island includes an orientation film, a self-guided tour of the cell house and grounds, various exhibits and ranger led interpretive talks on topics such as famous escapes.

GOLDEN GATE BRIDGESan Francisco, CA 94129

No trip to San Francisco can be considered complete without a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge. As one of the seven wonders of the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is a miracle of man-made ingenuity and design. The masterpiece of Joseph B. Strauss’ architectural career, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of America’s most cherished landmarks.

FISHERMAN’S WHARF47 SausalitoSan Francisco Pier 41 #2San Francisco, CA 94133

Also home to PIER 39, Fisherman’s Wharf is a festive marketplace that is one of the city’s most popular attractions. A community of California sea lions have taken up residence on the floats to the west of pier and visitors line the nearby railing to watch their antics. From there it’s a short walk to the Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! and the famous crab vendors selling walk-away crab and shrimp cocktails.

COIT TOWER1 Telegraph Hill BlvdSan Francisco, CA 94133

Perched atop the historic Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower provides an amazing view of the city as well as beautiful murals that date back to 1933. For the real experience, take the magnificent Filbert Steps, starting on Filbert and Sansome Street, climbing up through a hillside neighborhood dotted with beautiful and quirky homes, statues and gardens. A trip up these hidden stairs comes with small discoveries such as the green and red parrots of Telegraph Hill, fantastic views, and spit you out at Coit Tower at the end.

WHAT TO SEE

GOLDEN GATE PARK501 Stanyan StreetSan Francisco, CA 94117

San Francisco’s enormous Golden Gate Park offers 1,017 acres of parkland to enjoy. With roaming bison, picturesque windmills, numerous museums and even a carousel, the park is a joy to experience for all ages. With its Japanese Tea Garden, Strybing Arboretum, Conservatory of Flowers and Shakespeare Garden, Golden Gate Park is home to some of the nations most stunning floral and foliage ensembles.

SAN FRANCISCO ZOO1 Zoo RoadSan Francisco, CA 94132

A must-see if you’re traveling with children, or even if you’re not! It’s a gorgeously maintained zoo where you can enjoy and learn about hundreds of exotic animals, from primates to penguins and everything in between. The zoo opens new habitats all the time, but Gorilla World, Koala Crossing, and the Primate Discovery Center are still the top draws.

CHINATOWNGrant Ave and Bush StreetSan Francisco, CA 94101

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest Chinatown outside of China, and the oldest in the Unites States. With more than 20 blocks of shops, restaurants, churches, grocers, historical landmarks and more- this is an experience unlike any other. This historical neighborhood starts at the famous Gateway Arch (Dragon Gate) on Grant Avenue at Bush Street, which is the only authentic Chinatown Gate in North America

CABLE CARSPowell and Market StCalifornia and Market St

Since 1873 cable cars have been an instantly identifiable image of San Francisco. At their peak in the late 1800s 600 cable cars ran on over 110 miles of track throughout the city. In 1964, San Francisco citizens voted to protect the remaining 4.4 miles of track- the only National Historic Landmarks that move. Try to sit (or stand) in the open air part of the car where you really can feel park of the local scene and enjoy the vistas.

WHERE TO STAY

ST. REGIS125 3rd StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103

This modern masterpiece of a hotel features 306 well-appointed guestrooms and suites in the SOMA neighborhood. Guests say you will be more than comfortable lounging here after a day of sightseeing, where you’ll find Pratesi linens on the beds, flat screen TVs on the walls, and rainforest showerheads in the bathrooms. But what guests especially enjoy about this St. Regis property is its location and its delicious, if expensive, room service, provided by the in-house Ame restaurant.RITZ CARLTON

600 Stockton StreetSan Francisco, CA 94108

This Ritz, between downtown and Nob Hill, is filled with luxurious features like the delectable Parallel 37 restaurant, a lavish spa, and a near-perfect service staff. The rooms are equally elegant with butter-yellow hues and rich fabrics- plus they are immensely comfortable. But its location is what puts this Ritz outpost over the edge in travelers’ minds- the hotel is within walking distance to Chinatown and Union Square, among San Fran’s other top things to do.

FOUR SEASONS757 Market StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103

With the fresh California cuisine at Seasons Bar and Lounge and twice-daily housekeeping service, this grand hotel in downtown San Francisco owns all of its five stars. And there are other perks, like the popular Sports Club/LA, which offers spa treatments and fitness classes ranging from Budokon to Gyrotonic. Guests say the luxury continues inside the Four Seasons’ 277 rooms, which are fitted with marble bathrooms and deep soaking tubs. The rooms’ floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the city, the bay, or the Yerba Buena Gardens. MANDARIN

ORIENTAL222 Sansome StreetSan Francisco, CA 94014

The five-star Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco is one of the city’s ultimate luxury hotels. You’ll find it just south of the financial district in the city’s third tallest building. This hotel’s plush accommodations are encased in the top 11 floors of the building’s two towers, which are connected by glass sky bridges. While on the sky bridges, be sure to take your camera: the views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the surrounding city are almost unparalleled.

WHERE TO STAY

HOTEL VITALE8 Mission StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105

On the Embarcadero Waterfront and near the Financial District, Hotel Vitale offers a vibrant set of rooms (200 to be exact) complete with internet access, an iPod docking station, and limestone covered bathrooms. Guests especially love Hotel Vitale’s soothing atmosphere created by the rich blues and earthy neutral tones found in each guestroom. If this sea-like décor doesn’t do the trick, the on-site Spa Vitale offers a variety of relaxing treatments to help you unwind.

W HOTEL181 3rd StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103

Like many W hotels, San Francisco’s iteration is uber-trendy, yet comfortable. In addition to its 404 guestrooms, the W also has TRACE (a restaurant that plates socially conscious Californian cuisine) and the lavish Bliss Spa, where you can watch a movie while you get your nails done. Guests (and their kids) appreciate the enormous lobby stocked with various game tables and board games. Conventioneers also enjoy the hotel’s proximity to the Moscone Convention Center.HUNTINGTON

HOTEL1075 California StreetSan Francisco, CA 94108

When you check into one of the 136 rooms at The Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill, you’ll be offered a complimentary cup of tea. This family-owned hotel’s elegance far beyond check-in to one of the best spas- if not the best spa- in San Francisco, the Nob Hill Spa. In addition to enjoying complimentary perks and spa treatments, many guests also like the hotel’s location and proximity to the cable cars.

CLIFT495 Geary StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102

Hotelier Ian Schrager is responsible for the Clift San Francisco, a trendy hotel in the downtown district. The Clift is fitted with rooms that range from standard to deluxe suites, but all of them have Malin+Goetz bath amenities, flat screen TVs, and in-room spa service (for additional fees). Guests enjoy Clift’s swanky bar, Redwood Room, but they also mention that it tends to get crowded quickly. Luckily, the Clift is in prime bar location- and close to some of San Francisco’s most popular things to do.

WHERE TO EAT

BAR TARTINE561 Valencia StreetSan Francisco, CA 94110

Though it opened in 2006, the restaurant from the Tartine Bakery people continues to reinvent itself. Thanks to Nick Balla’s ahead of the curve Eastern European menus, this rustic neighborhood staple continues to be one of the hottest reservations in town.

TACOLICIOUS741 Valencia StreetSan Francisco, CA 94110

For nights when a casual taqueria won’t do, Tacolicious is the best fancier, sit-down Mexican restaurant option. Its fresh, local takes on traditional tacos, solid margaritas, and stylish atmosphere easily win out over other possibilities like Velvet Cantina and Tia Margarita. While you may have to wait awhile, it is well worth it. After putting your name on the list, you can walk through to the attached tequila bar, Mosto, to grab a drink or a tiny taco if you’re too hungry.

RANGE842 Valencia StreetSan Francisco, CA 94110

From the training ground for greatness behind their bar, to the always delicious seasonal menu, and friendly service, Range is one of the most consistent restaurants in town. Head to Range everyday from 5 to 6 PM for aperitif hour.

FLOUR+WATER2401 Harrison StreetSan Francisco, CA 94110

The opening media buzz has died down, but Flour + Water continues to gather lines at 5PM nightly, packing the house with its sophisticated pizzas and pastas served in a lively, casual atmosphere. It’s all about simple and authentic Italian food rooted in the south, executed with skill, expertise and old world standards of care. The defining goal of the restaurant for its ambiance and service is to make everyone feel welcome.

WHERE TO EAT

MISSION CHINESE FOOD2234 Mission StreetSan Francisco, CA 94110

Try crossing the studied, Sichuan-laced creations of a workhorse young chef with a kickback dive atmosphere, pumped up by ghetto rap and 60-foot dragon. Now you’ve got the biggest Chinese adventure in San Francisco.

COMMONWEALTH2224 Mission StreetSan Francisco, CA 94110

Jason Fox’s food continues to evolve now that Commonwealth is three years in, and paired with the sleek, Mission-hip atmosphere, reasonable prices for the high-end fare, and the charitable outreach of the space, it’s a hard combination not to love.

HUMPHRY SLOCOMBE2790 Harrison StreetSan Francisco, CA 94110

This town takes its ice cream seriously, and among a bevy of great options, Coi and Zuni alum Jake Godby’s inventive flavors, like hibiscus beet and peanut butter curry, stand out. The Secret Breakfast (bourbon and caramelized cornflakes) is always on the menu and a must-order for first timers.

GITANE6 Claude LaneSan Francisco, CA 94108

You’ll almost want to sink your teeth into Gitane’s luscious, richly textured interior, but do save yourself for the hyper-regional Andalusian menu. At five courses for $65, the tasting menu is a great deal. If you go a la carte, the off-menu bacon bon bons, scallop with sweetbread and Arroz Vegetariano are all worth ordering

WHERE TO EAT

PERBACCO230 California StreetSan Francisco, CA 94111

Mature and stylish, Perbacco has established itself as one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Owner Umberto Gibin is a presence in the front of house, and chef Staffan Terje continues to surprise with his seasonal and refined Northern Italian fare.

SUPER DUPER BURGERS721 Market StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103

Although it’s lovely that there is Strauss milk in the shakes and 100% Niman Ranch beef in the patties, what really matters is taste, and Super Duper burgers- with their perfect ratio of meat to bread and cheddar cheese- continually rank among the best in the Bay Area.

BENU22 Hawthorne StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103

Long-time Thomas Keller protégé Corey Lee opened Benu, and it swiftly became the must-try San Francisco restaurant for food lovers across the world. Lee masterfully blends myriad influences into a cuisine that transcends cultural boundaries, and sommelier Yoon Ha’s insane pairing suggestions take the entire experience to the next level.

YANK SING101 Spear StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105

It’s expensive for dim sum, but you pay for what you get a Yank Sing. Here, flavors are cleaner than you’ll find anywhere else, and the xiao long bao and custard tarts are exemplary

WHERE TO EAT

COTOGNA490 Pacific AvenueSan Francisco, CA 94133

They had us at housemade ricotta. Then the warmth of the flickring hearth in the kitchen, great service, and innovative $40 fixed price wine program, and Michael Tusk’s pasta throwbacks from the old Quince days (Saffron chittara with clams, anyone?) make Cotogna an easy pick.

FRANCES3870 17th StreetSan Francisco, CA 94114

James Beard-beloved chef Melissa Perello has given us Frances, an easy-going, timeless neighborhood nook, serving hearty, yet nuanced seasonal dinners. Always begin with her bacon beignets, and finish with a slice of rich, apple-filled lumberjack cake.

NAMU GAJI499 Dolores StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103

The Lee Brothers hit a gold mine when they opened their sophomre effort on Dolores Park, serving the most nuanced, contemporary take on Korean food in town. Menu standouts include the KFC (chicken wings), stonepot rice, okonomiyaki, and dumplings. It’s worth going in early for happy hour, the only time gamja fries and Korean tacos are served.

NOPA560 Divisadero StreetSan Francisco, CA 94117

Both neighborhood standby and destination restaurant, Nopa continues to grow admirably under Chef Jossel. Honorable mention to its little Mexican sister, Nopalito..

WHERE TO EAT

TONY’S PIZZA NAPOLETANA1570 Stockton StreetSan Francisco, CA 94133

World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani bakes every kind of pizza imaginable: New York, Roman, Sicilian, and on. His Neapolitan is an award-winner and his on-site pizza school attracts students from across the country. Bonus points for a bustling, friendly atmosphere, including a bar for date nights and booths for grandpa.

LITTLE VINE1541 Grant AvenueSan Francisco, CA 84133

Little vine is a locals gem in the heart of North Beach. Tasty sandwiches, of which they make vegetarian and meat versions daily are perfect to take on a hike up to Coit. Their philosophy is that their shop is for people who love to eat, drink and cook, and they focus on local products. You wont be able to leave without something delicious.

MAMAS1701 Stockton StreetSan Francisco, CA 94133

A family restaurant, Mama’s has been serving up breakfast and lunch for North Beach locals for over 50 years. Continuing a tradition of fluffy omelets, homemade jam, and fresh baked breads and pastries, Mama’s is truly a historic favorite.

PARK TAVERN1652 Stockton StreetSan Francisco, CA 94133

From the team behind SOMA super-bistro Marlowe, Park Tavern is its bigger, badder sister in North Beach. The restaurant offers a satisfying menu of seasonal, market driven seafood and meat dishes for every palate. Claim a post at the communal bar table, enjoy a bite in the sunny indoor/outdoor café, or make an evening of it in the handsome, classically styled dinning room.

WHERE TO EAT

AQ RESTAURANT AND BAR1085 Mission StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103

Chef-partner Mark Liberman’s inspired flavor combinations- think ‘bbq portk’ with cornbread, mustard ask and licorice root- join a cocktail program and interior design that are best in their San Francisco class, bringing unprecedented energy and food quality to an unlikely stretch of Mission Street.

BAR AGRICOLE355 11th StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103

When it opened, raves about Bar Agricole’s gorgeous, cutting-edge design and its killer cocktail program rolled in endlessly. Though opening chef Brandon Jew recently departed, his former sous chef Reina Talanoa has kept standards high. The menu changes nightly, but spaghetti and housemade meat dishes are continual hits.

LERS ROS THAI730 Larkin StreetSan Francisco, CA 94109

Sure Lers Ros is the only authentic Thai restaurant with rabbit, frog and venison on its regular menu, but even the pad thai rivals the best you’ll find anywhere in Thailand

ICHI SUSHI3369 Mission StreetSan Francisco, CA 94110

Although San Francisco isn’t a sushi town, per se, even the snobbiest raw fish fans adore Ichi, serving inventive, pristine sashimi, specialty rolls and more- all of it made with a very San Francisco, sustainable, seasonal focus.

WHERE TO EAT

SPQR1911 Fillmore StreetSan Francisco, CA 94115

Chef Matt Accarrino continues to refine his craft, serving his own irresistable brand of italian food, that remains hearty and homey despite the use of refined technique. Try to score seats at the chef’s counter and don’t miss the exceptional wine list, curated by award-winning sommelier Shelley Lindgren.

MAVEN598 Haight StreetSan Francisco, CA 94117

In new chef Isaac Miller, Maven now has a culinary force that’s the equal of Kate Bolton’s always-great cocktail program. Whether you’re in for a burger and a cocktail or a five-course extravaganza with drink pairing, you’ll leave satisfied, and the buzzing energy of the dining room is hard to resist.

RICH TABLE199 Gough StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102

Evan and Sarah Rich’s inventive food may have been slightly overshadowed by the other couple that opened a great and deeply personal restaurant in SF this year, but this spot is every bit as good as State Bird, with wildly inventive, consistently delicious food and a smart wine selection and cocktail program. Don’t miss the sardine chips, flatbreads, and pastas.

ZUNI CAFE1658 Market StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102

This James Beard Award winning restaurant with a clientele as diverse as San Francisco opened in 1979. Zuni’s menu changes daily with dishes inspired by traditional Italian and French recipes. Besides “the” chicken, Zuni’s burger, Caesar salad and bloody Mary have all been called the best in the city.

WHERE TO EAT

LA CICCIA291 30th StreetSan Francisco, CA 94131

Not so much San Francisco Italian, as pure unadulterated regional Italian, this family-run sparkler is free of pretension and full of love. A cozy and intimate restaurant located on the edge of Noe Valley, La Ciccia is a tribute to Sardina and an experience not to be missed. The chef is committed to use the freshest and the most authentic ingredients from his native land, resulting in pungent, lively, flavorful food. Don’t miss the sea urchin pasta.

OUTERLANDS4001 Judah StreetSan Francisco, CA 94122

This surfer-chic Outer Sunset haunt looks like it belongs in the pages of Dwell. The bread, made in the Tartine style, is worth the trip alone, but done overlook chef Brett Cooper’s phenomenal soups or his inspired use of farm fresh produce in almost every entrée on the menu

IZAKAYA SOZAI1500 Irving StreetSan Francisco, CA 94122

Izakaya Sozai did the izakaya thing before izakayas were a thing, and it continues to deliver one of San Francisco’s most supurb ramen, uni, (seasonal) shirako, and friendly service with prices that won’t rock your bank account

STATE BIRD PROVISIONS1529 Fillmore StreetSan Francisco, CA 94115

San Franciscans endure three-hour long waits to eat State Bird Provisions whimsically Californian, dim-sum-minded menu. Whether it’s savory pancakes stacked with local cheese, eggplant “fries”, or a new take on tofu skin, the flavor profiles are always eye-opening, making State Bird one of the most exciting restaurants in town, if not the country.

NIGHTLIFE

ABSINTHE BRASSERIE & BAR398 Hayes StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102

Absinthe Brasserie and Bar is a Hayes Valley hot spot with upscale bistro fare and popular bar within walking distance to the performing arts centers. Absinthe bar focuses on seasonally based cocktails as well as the classics, incorporating top quality spirits with fresh fruit juices and homemade tinctures, shrubs and bitters.

BOURBON AND BRANCH501 Jones StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102

Bourbon and Branch is unlike any other bar on the west coast; it is a step back to a 1920’s style speakeasy, where reservations are mandatory and all patrons must be in a seat (no standing around allowed). All spirits are hand selected by merit and all juices squeezed by hand.

CHURCHILL198 Church StreetSan Francisco, CA 94114

Think of Churchill- the second outpost from the guys behind Bloodhound and Double Dutch- as your boozy oasis that happens to have canvas sofas upholstered in parachutes, coffee tables made out of explosives boxes from WWII and a ceiling covered with big jute ropes that look as if they’re from the deck of a Navy ship. You’ll find this corner spot by looking for the storefront covered in salvage wood from a century-old barn in Canada. Inside, the weathered theme carries over to the walnut-topped bar, where you can order from a select list of WWII-inspired cocktails like the bourbon-laced Missouri Mule- or just drink Drake’s Dry Stout out of a mason jar. HARRY DENTON’S

STARLIGHT ROOM450 Powell StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102

Harry Denton’s Starlight Room, a landmark penthouse club atop the Sir Frances Drake Hotel that’s been restored to its opulent prime. One of the oldest spots in the city, on the 21st floor with 360-degree views, this is a prime spot for sunset cocktails overlooking Union Square.

NIGHTLIFE

MONARCH101 6th StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103

Monarch is part swanky cocktail lounge and part upscale nightclub. With a Steampunk-meets-Art-Nouveau sensibility and knack for gold furnishings (including some serious custom gold speakers), the new venue’s spared no expense when it comes to style. Mingle upstairs in the Victorian cocktail lounge, where occasional contortionists and trapeze artists perform through a massive hole cut out behind the bar.

NIHON WHISKEY LOUNGE1779 Folsom StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103

This Japanese restaurant also happens to be the city’s best whiskey bar, with more than 400 single malts to choose from, the largest array on the west coast. Try it on the rocks or in one of their signature cocktails. Happy hour is a steal with featured drinks and when selected izakaya items are half-priced.

REDWOOD ROOM495 Geary StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102

Located inside the uber-hip Clift hotel, the Redwood Room has been a San Francisco hot spot before its renovation was even complete. The Redwood Room is the ideal location to have a stiff martini and meet new or old friends.

VESSEL85 Campton PlaceSan Francisco, CA 94108

Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square district, Vessel represents a luxurious lounge of signature San Francisco style and elegance. Vessel’s award winning Funktion One sound system, state of the art LED lighting system, World Class DJs and entertainment, and personalized table service sets the tone for the most thrilling nightlight experience in San Francisco.

NIGHTLIFE

WILSON & WILSON505 Jones StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102

A sanctum with Bourbon and Branch, this hideaway requests appointments and passwords, obtained via its website. Once inside, order a carefully crafter ‘Skull Island Sour’ or ‘Charlie Chan’. Relax in the intimate speakeasy-like space, far from the massing crowd, and dream of a classier, long-ago era of men’s men and madcap dames.

RUBY SKYE420 Mason StreetSan Francisco, CA 94102

Ruby Skye is widely regarded as the best club in San Francisco. This is the venue the brings the world’s top DJs to spin each weekend, and offers several floors of dancing and drinking in a converted theatre right in downtown. Attracting a crowd looking for the most outrageous nightlife experience the city has to offer, there is often a resulting line to get in. With several VIP areas, getting a table to skip the line is far from a bad idea.

HARLOT46 Minna StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105

Always a packed scene, Harlot is the spot to meet San Francisco’s most gorgeous crowd. A night at Harlot is like being transported to one of the most exclusive club in Paris. It’s all about dark and sexy, with a semi private upstairs area fully equipped with a bar, lounge couches, and a small dance area. It is an impressive place to reserve for a group of friends. Downstairs, enjoy the bar, mingle with the crowd seated in the lounge area, or shake it up on the dance floor to one of the many DJs that play there nightly.EDEN LOUNGE

1652 Stockton StreetSan Francisco, CA 94133

This hidden upstairs bar inside Park Tavern fits a select 45 drinkers in its about-as-large-as-Rye room, and offers a curated selection of not-available-at-Park-Tavern seasonal cocktails, plus a small menu of bar snacks. A calendar is available on Park Taverns website showing when Eden Lounge is open.

WELLBEING

INTERNATIONAL ORANGE2044 Fillmore StreetSan Francisco, CA 94115

Named San Francisco’s best-loved spa by Harper’s Bazzar, Vanity Fair, and InStyle, IO combines crisp, modern design with natural elements in its 4,000-squre-foot spa tucked away in the Fillmore. It features a relaxation lounge with organic refreshments, an outdoor deck and bamboo garden, an intimate yoga studio and a retail boutique offering skincare and wellness products. We recommend yoga first, then choose from an assortment of essential oils to bliss out further with a massage. NOB HILL SPA

1075 California StreetSan Francisco, CA 94108

This 11,000-square-foot spa, located in The Huntington Hotel, features an indoor infinity-edge relaxation pool, a whirlpool, an outdoor patio, a fireside lounge area, steam and sauna rooms, a workout room, and a quiet Zen room. The spa’s extensive services reflect the four founding cultures of San Francisco- Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Victorian- and include a variety of holistic and Ayurvedic treatments, as well as beauty and relaxation treatments influenced by diverse healing traditions.

SPA VITALE8 Mission StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105

It may be tiny, but this spa inside of Hotel Vitale pack a big punch. In addition to the three treatment rooms that boast Bay Bridge views (book a late massage and take in the twinkling light while you relax), there’s also a $60, 25-minute bathing ritual that’s great for relaxing in a pinch. Strip down, dunk yourself in the rooftop tub surrounded by gorgeous bamboo, drink tea and grub on a selection of fruit, and stare up at the clouds or stars, depending on the hour.

BLISS SPA181 3rd StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103

This bright and airy 5,100 square-foot spa has a mod feel and feature 9 treatment rooms, a retail boutique, nail stations with individual TVs, men and women's saunas and private steam showers, and locker rooms with sink-side product sampling. Offering a wide variety of services, such as its signature triple oxygen treatment facial, this spa uses all of its own signature Bliss products boasting a menu of skin-fixing and tension-nixing services in a no-attitude atmosphere.

WHERE TO SHOP

UNION STREET1700-2200 Union StreetSan Francisco, CA 94123

Offering all the charm and services of an old fashioned shopping street, you can find virtually anything you need on foot. The Union Street shopping district features some of the best eateries, art galleries, fine jewelry stores and trendy boutiques.

FILLMORE STREETJackson-Geary St on FillmoreSan Francisco, CA 94115

Filled with delightful stores, restaurants, and coffee shops, Fillmore Street is home to some of San Francisco’s most famous shops; most are upscale and businesses are housed in old Victorian buildings.

Westfield San Francisco Centre865 Market StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103

Anything but a typical mall, this $460 million retail development is the largest urban retail destination west of the Mississippi. It features high-end retailers and its tag line is “Where food and fashionistas unite”.

UNION SQUAREPowell St. and Geary St.San Francisco, CA 94101

Boarded by Geary, Powell, Post, and Stockton Streets, Union Square remains the heart and soul of retail in San Francisco. As the main attraction of serious shoppers, this hub of San Francisco’s downtown retail district features elegant stores and richly appointed shops that cater to every taste and do it with style. It’s 5th Avenue, Rodeo Drive, State Street and local success stories all in one.

SEE YOU SOON!