florida s capitol building Stern Grove Midsummer Music Festival is one of the great free events of the summer. All sor ts of pe

turn ar ound and don t see y ou standing next to them, they shouldn t panic. They may simply have gotten disoriented in the crowd, or y ou may hav e turned out of their line of sight. When this happens, they should call out your name not simply M om or D ad in a clear , loud voice. The last thing you want them to do is wander off tr ying to find y ou. If you ll be traveling with teenagers florida s capitol building who may want some space, and who don t have their own cellphones, consider shor t-range florida s capitol building walkietalkies. You most often see these on ski slopes, but they ar e ideal for families that need to keep in touch.

VIETNAMESE This may well be the most popular r estaurant in San Francisco. florida s capitol building No matter that it has twice r elocated to bigger spaces, mo ving from its original site in the M ission to a larger space in the E mbarcadero to its curr ent location in an enormous corner of the F erry B uilding. The huge space, o verlooking florida s capitol building the water and framed by walls of glass, florida s capitol building is still nearly impossible to get into without reservations. Even the expansive bar ar ea has an hour-long wait on w eekend evenings. But fame has not made Charles Phan, the owner behind this success story, rest on his laurels. The restaurant florida s capitol building continues to produce mouth-watering delicacies based on traditional Vietnamese dishes such

Stern Grove Midsummer Music Festival florida s capitol building is one of the great free events of the summer. florida s capitol building All sor ts of per formances opera, Latin music, jazz are held Sunday afternoons at 2pm in S igmund Stern Grove at 19th A venue and S loat Boulevard. The venue is easily r eached on M-Oceanview or K-Ingleside Muni streetcars or the 27-Monterey bus. Bring a picnic and a blanket. Call & 415/ 252-6252 or visit www.sterngrove.org.

oussaden tours Airlines that fly into the B ay Ar ea include Air C anada (&888/247-2262; www.aircanada.ca), Alaska

JANUARY oussaden tours bark at one another most of the y ear, Anniversary of the S ea Lions Arrival but January is the month they arrived at at PIER 39. Sure, you can watch these PIER 39. (They came for the herring in pinnipeds loll ar ound, sunbathe, and 1990.) Toward the middle of the

BAKERY/CALIFORNIA When you walk into this cafe, y ou are faced with such a fetching array of cakes, tar ts, cookies, pastries, and ice cr eams that all thought of the food pyramid dissipates as y ou grapple with the mind-bending question: What do I choose? You can take time to figur e that out while dr ooling at the counter or sitting at one of the tables in the austere oussaden tours room, where ample windows keep you in touch with the street action. Brunch is a good time to eat here, as it will give you an excuse to order their homemade donuts. B ut you re best off making it a teatime tr eat. Lunch and dinner menus may be too esoteric and pricey for a family meal and dinner pushes oussaden tours Citizen Cake into the expensive category. 399 Gr ove St. (at Gough St.). & 415/861-2228. w ww.citizencake.com. H ighchairs. Reser vations f or brunch r ecommended. M ain c ourses $10 $13 lunch, $22 $26 dinner. AE, MC, V. L unch Tues Fri 11:30am 2:30pm; dinner Tues Sat 5pm 10pm; brunch Sat Sun 10am 2:30pm. Muni: No. 21-Hayes bus to Gough St., and then walk 1 block north to Grove St., or streetcar to Van Ness St. Station, and then walk 3 blocks north to Grove St. and 2 blocks west to Gough St.

1737 Post St. (in the Japan C enter). &415/563-1030. Highchairs. Reservations not accepted. 2 pieces of sushi $2 $7, g ratuity not included. AE, MC, V. Daily 11:30am 10pm. Muni: No. 38-Geary bus t o the Japan Center at Webster St.

Airlines oussaden tours that fly into the B ay Ar ea include Air C anada (&888/247-2262; www.aircanada.ca), Alaska (&800/2527522; www.alaskaair.com), American (& 800/433-7300; www.aa.com), British Airways (&800/247-9297; www.ba. com), Continental (&800/525-0280; oussaden tours www.continental.com), Delta (&800/ 221-1212; www.delta.com), JetBlue (&800/538-2583; www.jetblue.com), Northwest (& 800/225-2525; www.nwa. com), Southwest (& 800/435-9792; www. southwest.com), United (&800/2416522; www.ual.com), and US Air ways (& 800/428-4322; www.usairways.com).

vietnam veterans memorial controversy When choosing a part of town in which to stay, think about family members special needs or inter est

The hotel s overall feel is intimate, funky, and friendly, vietnam veterans memorial controversy and the colorful lobby is very inviting. Ozumo is a great Japanese restaurant off the lobby, but it s not really a family- friendly destination. In fact, and herein lies the rub, the hotel itself was designed mor e for couples and business trav elers, as it has no double-double r ooms. You can r eserve a twin-bedded room for the kiddies, but you ll be sleeping elsewhere because the maximum occupancy her e is two, unless y ou splurge on the two-bedr oom suite. That basically makes it suitable for couples toting a bab y or families with kids old enough to sleep in their own non-interconnected guest room. But the great waterfront location, excellent rates, and full use of the YMCA next door (including its O lympic-sized vietnam veterans memorial controversy pool, fitness center, and ev en a bab ysitting facility) make the H arbor Cour t wor th looking into. Check the website for packages and weekend specials.

their hats will find plenty of options in San Francisco. In addition to several internationally recognized hotel chains, the city boasts an outstanding collection of smaller hotels in ev ery price categor y. Companies vietnam veterans memorial controversy like Joie de Vivre Hospitality and Kimpton hotels hav e transformed a number of historic buildings (and ev en some lo wly motels) into luxurious vietnam veterans memorial controversy boutique inns, delightful mid-priced hotels, and inexpensive, but festive, family accommodations.

Dedicated tourists should consider investing in Citypass, which includes a 7-day Muni passport and tickets to several attractions all at a significant discount. You ll get admission to the California Academy of Sciences, a Blue & Gold Bay Cruise, Aquarium by the Ba y, the San F rancisco Museum of M odern Art, and the Exploratorium. Instead of the Exploratorium, you can opt to visit the de Young Museum vietnam veterans memorial controversy or the L egion of Honor (or both, if y ou see them on the same day). If you can manage t o visit all of the abo ve, the Citypass price of $59 f or adults and $44 for kids age 5 to 17 is very attractive. vietnam veterans memorial controversy They can be purchased at the participating attractions, at the Visitor Information Center at Halladie Plaza, or online at www.citypass.com.

When choosing a part of town in which to stay, think about family members special needs or inter ests. Perhaps a little one takes a midday nap , so a central location would be best. I f y ou hav e activ e y oung children, y ou may appr eciate the playgrounds within vietnam veterans memorial controversy walking vietnam veterans memorial controversy distance of Marina or N ob H ill hotels. Teens may pr efer Union S quare or S oMa for pr oximity to shopping and the Metreon. If your family s main inter ests ar e classic vietnam veterans memorial controversy attractions such as Alcatraz and Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman s Wharf could be the place (although

executive office building washington dc 3 SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 45 1 Orientation.45 4 The Best of San Francisco Neighborhoods in Brief. 46in

The Joie de Vivre hotel group livened up this 1911 building with plenty of vibrant paint: think burgundy , y ellow, and purple. B ut the guest r ooms, named after locally made films, remain tiny, and the bathrooms are especially small. Given its location on a less savory section of Mason Street, the Bijou is best left to experienced trav elers with savvy kids who want an inexpensive, but fun, hotel.

1581 Webster St. (in the Japan Center). &415/776-5822. www.jubanrestaurant.com. Highchairs. executive office building washington dc Reservations recommended. Main courses $8 $13.50 lunch; $9 $50 dinner. AE, MC, V. Fri lunch 11:30am 2pm; Sat Sun lunch 11:30am 4:30pm; M on Thurs dinner 5:30 9:30pm; F ri Sun dinner 5 9:30pm. Muni: No. 38-Geary bus to the Japan Center at Webster St.

The Richmond D istrict The largely residential Richmond D istrict r eaches from Arguello to the P acific on the northern edge of Golden Gate Park. It s a bit out of the way to base y ourself here, but there are some attractions that will appeal to visitors. The main drag, Geary Boulev ard, boasts all kinds of Asian, R ussian, and M iddle Eastern restaurants and gr oceries. Clement Street is the other Chinato wn, less dense but still filled with imports, small bakeries, and delicatessens. The California Palace of the Legion of H onor museum in Lincoln P ark, the Cliff House, and Land s End all hav e Richmond District zip codes.

3 SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 45 1 Orientation.45 4 The Best of San Francisco Neighborhoods in Brief. 46in 2 Days.59 2 Planning Your Outings.53 3 The Best of San Francisco 5 The Best of San Francisco in 3 Days.62 in 1 Day.55

printing and engraving washington dc 99 Yerba Buena Lane (at M ission St., bt w. 3rd and 4th sts.). &415/978-9972. Westfield San F rancis

99 Yerba Buena Lane (at M ission St., bt w. 3rd and 4th sts.). &415/978-9972. Westfield San F rancisco Centre, 865 Market St. (at 5th St.) &415/978-9975. www.beardpapasf.com. Cream puffs $2.25 each or $22/dozen. AE, MC, V. Mon Sat 10am 8pm; Sun 10am 6:30pm. Muni: No. 30-Stockton printing and engraving washington dc or no. 45-Union- Stockton printing and engraving washington dc bus to Mission St.

42 program that offers such services as a dedicated 24-hour toll-fr ee number printing and engraving washington dc ( & 888/ 879-4273) for customers with special travel needs; special car featur es such as swivel seats, spinner knobs, and hand controls; and accessible bus service. Organizations that offer assistance to disabled trav elers include MossRehab (www.mossresourcenet.org), the American F oundation for the B lind (AFB; & 800/232-5463; www.afb.org), and SATH (Society for A ccessible Travel & Hospitality; &212/447-7284; www.sath. org). AirAmbulanceCard.com is no w partnered with SA TH and allo ws y ou to preselect top-notch hospitals in case of an emergency.

82 775 Bush St. (btw. Powell and Mason sts.), San Francisco, CA 94108. &800/835-1118 printing and engraving washington dc or 415/392-3702. Fax 415/392-6202. w ww.goldengatehotel.com. 25 units , some w/shar ed bathr ooms. Rooms w/shar ed bath $105 double; rooms w/private bath $165 double/queen. Rates include continental breakfast. Futon $30; cribs free. AE, DC, MC, V. Self-parking $22. In room: TV, free wireless Internet access, hair dryer, iron (on request).

harvard travel tours With the expansion of the Westfield San Francisco Centre mall and r ecent opening of a massiv e B lo

With the expansion of the Westfield San Francisco Centre harvard travel tours mall and r ecent opening of a massiv e B loomingdale s, whose doors open south to S oMa, the neighborhood has now integrated more fully into the U nion S quare shopping scene. I n S oMa y ou ll also find the continuously expanding Moscone

76 Approval for environmental design, use of biodegradable cleaning pr oducts, and other eco-friendly touches. The major drawback is that the O rchard was originally envisioned as a business hotel, so r ooms are designed for two people. I f your party includes more than parents harvard travel tours and an infant, you ll have to get interconnecting rooms or spring for one of the two-room suites, which hav e entertainment centers in both r ooms and can be had for just $100 more than the lowest-available rate on the standard harvard travel tours room. Another option is to look into the Orchard Garden Hotel, listed above.

EXPENSIVE harvard travel tours Palace Hotel AFTERNOON TEA Tea under the stained-glass dome of the G arden Court at the Palace Hotel, which is every bit as grand as the poshest hotels in London, is a celebratory affair. Linen and silver grace the elegant tables, harvard travel tours and the menu consists of the customary dainty harvard travel tours sandwiches, scones, and sweets, served with tea of your choice. The Palace clev erly offers a special harvard travel tours P rincess and P rince tea for childr en 12 and under. Along with the sandwiches and pastries, harvard travel tours childr en receive a crown and scepter, and are treated harvard travel tours royally as well. During the winter holidays, harvard travel tours tea service is offered 6 days a week.

distance from new york city to niagara falls Although this Eastern-influenced hotel caters largely to corporate travelers, it holds one of the fe

The few hotels that grace the area are priced in the high-moderate to luxur y range, but dining options run the gamut from very inexpensive to big-night-out. Just slightly off the beaten tourist path, this would be a fun, conv enient area in which to stay with kids of any age.

Although this Eastern-influenced hotel caters largely to corporate travelers, it holds one of the fe w, and one of the most spacious, indoor swimming pools in the city. The pool is connected to the N ikko s health club, but the staff insists that guests tend to exercise in the early morning and evening, which means the rest of the day children can splash around freely. The pool is located in an expansive glass-roofed atrium, which also houses distance from new york city to niagara falls ex ercise equipment and J apanese hot tubs, so y ou can wor k out or enjoy a soak while y ou keep on ey e on the kids. A full-ser vice spa is set to open in 2009. Decor is tastefully understated, and rooms get a lot of natural sunlight. With a pullout sofa and guest washr oom, the N ikko s junior suites ar e quite family-friendly. E ven standard double-double rooms are large and have entryways that give the impression of more space. Views start above the 10th floor. Rooms on the three executive-level Nikko Floors also have vanities and more spacious bathrooms, and the Nikko Lounge offers board games and Internet access, so your teenagers can still IM their pals at home. The Nikko welcomes all pets. (Just be sure to inform distance from new york city to niagara falls the hotel if y ou plan to leave a Great Dane in y our r oom for the day , so they can aler t the housekeeping staff!) The white marble lobby is stark, but kids will enjoy the indoor fountain, which has become a multi- currency wishing well. The hotel houses distance from new york city to niagara falls an on-site Starbucks and Anzu restaurant, which specializes in sushi and steak, but has a childr en s menu as well.

South of Market SoMa, as the blocks encompassed by Market, 10th, Steuart, and King streets (including South Beach and AT&T Park) are familiarly known, exemplifies the best and worst of urban life. H ere y ou will find some of the city s top cultural institutions, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Yerba B uena Center for the Arts. With its lovely gardens, galleries, and performance distance from new york city to niagara falls space, and numerous attractions for childr en of all ages, the Yerba Buena Center is a testament to successful urban planning.

vietnam memorial photos Finally, we do have some dodgy neighborhoods y ou might consider av oiding. The Tenderloin (p. 53) i

Finally, we do have some dodgy neighborhoods y ou might consider av oiding. The Tenderloin (p. 53) isn t great, although it is home to a huge immigrant population vietnam memorial photos that manages to live side by side with drug addicts, hookers, and v agrants. E venings are par ticularly r ough; daytime vietnam memorial photos is okay.

This second vietnam memorial photos day in San Francisco is likely to be your kids favorite. The tour includes two world-class science museums and two par ks (Golden Gate Park and Crissy Field) that rank amongst the lo veliest on the planet. I n addition to the bay vie ws you enjoyed on Day 1, you ll also get a chance to gaz e upon San Francisco s other coast, the one lapped by the Pacific Ocean. Note: To fit these sites into one day , I ve estimated about an hour at each museum. If your kids are science buffs, or art aficionados, you may have to skip some of the outdoor sites, like C rissy Field, to hav e more time at the E xploratorium, Academy of Sciences, and/or vietnam memorial photos de Young Museum.

connecticut capitol building GETTING THE BEST R ATE N early every moderate and high-end hotel I visited insisted that guests can

GETTING THE BEST R ATE N early every moderate and high-end hotel I visited insisted that guests can almost certainly book rooms at rates well below the published rack rates unless sev eral business conventions are in town at the same time. The first step is checking multiple sources. S urf the I nternet first and then call both the central r eservations number, if there is one, and in-house connecticut capitol building r eservations. Find which source connecticut capitol building has the best deal. Many hotels not only match a rate y ou hav e found on the I nternet but also, in some cases, beat it.

3621 18th St. (btw. Dolores and Guerrero connecticut capitol building sts.). &415/552-4055. www.delfinasf.com. Reservations recommended. M ain c ourses $18 $26. MC, V. M on Thurs 5:30 10pm; F ri Sat 5:30 11pm; Sun 5 10pm. Muni: J-Church streetcar to 18th St., and then walk 2 blocks east.

MODERATE Hotel Milano Designed to resemble an Italian villa, this small, modern hotel is one of the better S oMa hotels connecticut capitol building in this price categor y. The convenient location is steps away from several entertainment venues, the Westfield connecticut capitol building San Francisco Centre shopping mall, the Metreon, and Yerba Buena Gardens. You can also reach the Muni and the F-Market streetcars in moments. Room sizes vary, but the larger rooms are certainly more spacious than typical do wntown hotels in this price range. B athrooms use lots of black marble;

(p. 177) and travel connecticut capitol building to Monster Park. There is no simple way to handle strollers on either buses or str eetcars, although, with the ex ception of the F-M arket cars, streetcars ar e mor e spacious. I f y ou ar e

korean war memorial in washington dc This is the heart of the city, the focal point for shopping and entertainment. It s exciting, urban,

Tango Gelato Finds ICE CREAM Like the U.S., Argentina has had its fair share of Italian immigrants and, as a r esult, has a delicious array of gelaterias. F ortunately for San F ranciscans, one enterprising Argentine made his (v ery long) way up nor th and opened a gelateria in Pacific Heights. In addition to recognizable Italian flavors like nocciolo (hazelnut) and amaretto, you ll find luscious korean war memorial in washington dc South American favorites like dulce de leche, an ultrasw eet caramel concoction, and coconut. You ll also find other Argentine specialties, such as alfajor cookies.

This is the heart of the city, the focal point for shopping and entertainment. It s exciting, urban, and uniquely S an Franciscan and it s where you ll find the gr eatest range of accommodations. The downside for some families is the congestion and lack of gr eenery.

pictures of washington dc monuments Hop in line t o or der cr eative sandwiches made with sustainable ing redients (even the PB&Js use o

Hop in line t o or der cr eative sandwiches made with sustainable ing redients (even the PB&Js use or ganic peanut butt er), enticing salads , or health y hot dishes. Then grab a table outside t o enjoy lunch by the sculptur e gar den. The k ids can touch the sculptur es and ev en go inside of one as y ou sip y our post-lunch espresso.

439 P owell St. (at Sutt er St.). &415/986-0700. w ww.searsfinefood.com. K ids it ems on menu. H ighchairs, boost ers. Reser vations f or dinner only. M ain c ourses $8 $12 br eakfast, $7 $10 lunch, $14 $29 dinner. V, MC, AE, DISC. Daily 6:30am 10pm. Muni: 2, 3, 4 buses , Powell cable car lines.

Swensen s Creamery ICE CREAM As is proudly advertised on its sign at the corner of U nion and H yde Streets, pictures of washington dc monuments this is the original S wensen s creamery, established in 1948. You won t find the exotic flavors you get at Mitchell s Ice Cream, but they do offer three kinds of vanilla, which may be your little one s favorite flavor anyway. The location pictures of washington dc monuments

interactive tour of ellis island Mel s Drive-in HAMBURGERS The original Mel s was opened in 1947 on Van Ness Avenue by Mel Weiss. It

Larkspur Hotel When the Larkspur hotel group took over once-named Cartwright Hotel in 2007, they added an old-fashioned bar in the lobby, complete with leather seats and dark wood, naming it 1915 for the y ear the hotel was built. The old-time interactive tour of ellis island theme extends to the redecorated guest rooms, where you ll find chocolate-brown leather headboards and stately , if some what staid, ear th-toned furnishings. I n keeping with the architectural priorities of a near centur y ago, the guest r ooms are rather petite and the bathrooms truly tiny. While some closets are teensy, others are mysteriously large. You won t find any views out your window, but you are just far enough interactive tour of ellis island away from the cable car lines not to hear ev ery bell and whirr.

The San Francisco Convention & Visitors interactive tour of ellis island Bureau publishes interactive tour of ellis island a summary list of major conventions and trade shows on its website, www.sfvisitor.org/convention. It s wise to check it out before you cement your travel dates, just to find out if you re likely to be competing with your orthodontist or attorney for a hotel room.

Mel s Drive-in HAMBURGERS The original Mel s was opened in 1947 on Van Ness Avenue by Mel Weiss. It was demolished 25 y ears later, but not befor e George Lucas filmed American Graffiti there. In 1985 Mel s son Steven opened a new Mel s on Lombard Street interactive tour of ellis island but kept the old 1950s theme, complete with booths, chr ome, and tabletop jukeboxes. He eventually opened three more San Francisco locations and a smattering elsewhere in the state. The food is nothing to write home about, but under-10s love this place uniformed waitresses deliver their meals in car dboard Cadillacs, interactive tour of ellis island they can select 50s tunes on the jukebox, and they get balloons just for stopping by. The menu includes all the typical diner options: interactive tour of ellis island blue-plate specials, chicken potpie, salads, interactive tour of ellis island humongous desserts, and all-day br eakfast. Among other M el s locations ar e those in the S oMa and Richmond neighborhoods.

and incense, and grocery stores teeming Golden Gate Bridge and the city fr om with live frogs, crabs, and other wriggly seafood ar e all a visual and cultural the B ay Ar ea s ne west national interactive tour of ellis island par k? Kids can run around on the hills, check treat. A stop b y the G olden Gate Fortune Cookie Company just adds to the fun. S ee chapter 8 for a self-guided walking tour of the neighborhood. Hanging O ut at C rissy F ield: What better way to spend the day than to out the gift shop, pile up rocks, or play in the sand. B uy some nice sandwiches at the Warming Hut and enjoy a picnic at one of the many bayside picnic tables. See p. 160. Riding Bikes down the Embarcadero: slow down and take in the vie ws of the The boulevard is wide and the str eet is

oussaden tours Japantown and the Western A ddition Once upon a time, this neighborhood off G eary Boulev ard, betw

4 425 N. Point St. (btw. Mason and Taylor sts.), San Francisco, CA 94133. &800/648-4626 or 415/561-1100. Fax 415/561-1199. w ww.tuscaninn.com. 221 units. $159 $209 double; $249 $299 suit e. K ids under 18 stay free in parent s room. Rollaways $20; cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $38; oversized vehicles $48. Pets welcome. Amenities: Restaurant; concierge; courtesy car; room service (limited hours); babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning; executive-level rooms; free local calls (30 min.). In room: A/C, TV (DVD in suit es), free wireless Internet access, minibar/fridge (on floors 2 4 only), c offeemaker, hair dryer, iron, iPod dock.

Be sure to tell all of y our credit card companies the minute you discover your wallet has been lost or stolen and file a r eport at the near est police oussaden tours pr ecinct. Your cr edit card company or insur er may r equire a police report number or record of the loss. Most credit card companies have an emergency toll-free number to call if y our card is lost or stolen; oussaden tours they may be able to wir e you a cash advance immediately or deliver an emergency credit card in a day or two. Visa s U.S. emergency number is & 800/ 847-2911 or 410/581-9994. American Express car dholders and trav eler s check holders should call & 800/221-7282. MasterCard holders should call & 800/ 307-7309 or 636/722-7111. F or other credit oussaden tours car ds, call the toll-fr ee number directory at &800/555-1212.

501 Geary St. (at Taylor St.), San Francisco, CA 94102. &800/214-4220 or 415/292-0100. F ax 415/2920111. w ww.monaco-sf.com. 201 units , including 35 suit es. $229 $409 double; $379 $649 suit e. K ids under 17 stay free in parent s room. No rollaways; cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $39; oversized vehicles $45. Pets welcome. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; health club; spa; c oncierge; courtesy car; business c enter; 24-hr. r oom ser vice; in-r oom massage; bab ysitting; laundr y ser vice; dr y cleaning. In room: A/C, TV/DVD and games, dataport, free wireless high-speed Internet access, minibar, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe, CD player.

Japantown and the Western A ddition Once upon a time, this neighborhood off G eary Boulev ard, betw een Webster and Laguna streets, housed one of the largest concentrations of J apanese outside J apan. D uring World War II, when the city s J apanese r esidents w ere interred in camps, the area became home to other settlers, oussaden tours some of them African oussaden tours Americans who w ere r ecruited to California to wor k in the shipyar ds. Today, Japantown oussaden tours houses less than 4% of S an Francisco oussaden tours s J apanese oussaden tours population. S outh of G eary Boulev ard, which cut the neighborhood in two when it was widened in the 60s, the ar ea is pr edominately African American and residential.

washington dc vietnam memorial Neighborhood residents do much of their shopping along F illmore S treet from California to J ackson

That said, if you absolutely want to visit and have the kids in tow, not to worry. The staff is friendly and r elaxed. Moreover, chef Stoll and his wife Annie ar e parents themselves and sure to be accommodating. B ut if you re in any way concerned that the place may be too much for your kids, just head next door to Pizzeria Delfina (see below). Note: While I ve listed Delfina in the expensive category, the reasonable prices almost justify listing it in the moderate categor y.

471 Jeff erson St. (at H yde St.). & 415/771-2222. washington dc vietnam memorial www.bluemermaidsf.com. K ids menu , highchairs , boosters. Reservations accepted. Main courses $9 $25; kids menu $6.95. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Sun Thurs 7am 9pm; Fri Sat 7am 10pm. Muni: Powell-Hyde cable car to Beach St., and then walk 1 block nor th.

upper-level center islands; a uniformed guide will dir ect y ou to the appr opriate van. B e pr epared to wait fr om 10 to 20 minutes washington dc vietnam memorial for the one heading in your direction. Look for exact shuttle far es posted throughout the airpor t most ar e no w charging ar ound $13 per person, which may make a cab a better deal. Super- Shuttle (& 800/258-3826; www.super shuttle.com) is my favorite of the services, and you don t need adv ance reservations from the airpor t. ( You do need r eservations for a shuttle to the airport, however.)

Neighborhood residents do much of their shopping along F illmore S treet from California washington dc vietnam memorial to J ackson streets, and there ar e some ex cellent r estaurants here, too. I t s a wonder ful neighborhood in which to spend some time

washington dc vietnam memorial If you re staying in a hotel, ther e s a good chance y ou ll be near the P owell-Hyde cable car line

If you re staying in a hotel, ther e s a good chance y ou ll be near the P owell-Hyde cable car line. ( That said, if y ou re staying in Fisherman s Wharf, you may prefer to start this tour at stop no. 3 below and then fit in time for U nion Square after visiting Chinatown.) Your first stop , the cable car turnaround at the corner washington dc vietnam memorial of M arket and Powell streets, is the hear t of San Francisco s shopping scene. G iven the ev er-present queue for the cable car , you ll want to get there early, which may mean y ou ll be out before the stores open. Even so, you ll enjoy people-watching, washington dc vietnam memorial from local worker bees starting their day to other early-rising tourists to street performers getting ready to perform to the occasional odd bird carrying a sign lamenting the coming washington dc vietnam memorial doomsday. It s certainly a lively spot to start your excursion. See p. 159.

The gold r ush attracted a flood of for tune hunters, adv enturers, savvy business folk, and opportunists from across America, as well as immigrants from as far away as China. The vast majority made no money digging for gold; their luck came fr om ending up in

Perhaps it was inevitable that I would attend college in the Bay Area, so that weekends could be spent exploring San Francisco with roommates and friends. Upon graduating, I was off again: I wor ked at a ne wspaper in B razil, wr ote for the Associated P ress in Germany, earned a graduate degr ee in N ew York, and was then based ther e while I worked to promote investment overseas. In between washington dc vietnam memorial travel to far corners washington dc vietnam memorial of the ear th, I met my soon-to-be husband, a nomad like myself. washington dc vietnam memorial Although we moved to Seattle, my international job kept the fr equent flier miles multiplying until the bir th of our first daughter, when all the travel came to a screeching halt.

My husband and I gr ew up moving from one country and city to another. Our wanderlust did not end when our childr en were born, and w e have taken them with us to places near and far. Here are tips to consider when vacationing with kids:

hart building washington dc The most family-oriented hotels ar e in Fisherman s Wharf and the M arina, although the majority lac

The most family-oriented hotels ar e in Fisherman s Wharf and the M arina, although the majority lack the charm of the do wntown hotels. B ecause they re housed in mor e modern buildings, many have rooms that will accommodate mor e than just a couple and a crib. You ll find the best rates in the M arina, but public transportation there is limited to a few bus lines (elsewhere, cable cars, streetcars, and/ or more bus lines are also available). It s a better choice if you re traveling with a car.

Union S quare Named for the historic hart building washington dc plaza it encompasses, U nion Square hart building washington dc is the cultural hart building washington dc and commer cial heart of S an F rancisco. This is wher e tourists, and plenty of r esidents, come to shop. The roughly 22 square blocks bordered by Market, Mason, Bush, and Kearny str eets house S an F rancisco s

washington dc visitor center The best configurations for families are the eight suites; half of these have two double beds in one

FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING THE HAIGHT Hayes St.Hayes St. Fell St.Fell St. Oak St.Oak St. PanhandlePanhandle Page St.Page St. Waller washington dc visitor center St.Waller St. Beulah St.Beulah St. Frederick St.Frederick St. Carl St.Carl St. 17th St.17th St. Belvedere St.Belvedere St. Market St.Market St. Market St.Market St. 18th St.18th St. CastroCastroTheaterTheaterFillmore St.Fillmore St. Steiner St.Steiner St. Pierce St.Pierce St. Scott St.Scott St. Divisadero St.Divisadero St. Broderick St.Broderick St. Baker St.Baker St. Lyon St.Lyon St. Central St.Central St. Masonic St.Masonic St. Buena VistaBuen a Vi staParkPa washington dc visitor center rk Corona HeightsCorona HeightsParkPark 15th St.15th St. 14th St.14th St. Beaver St.Beaver St. Henry St.Henry St. 16th St.16th St. Castro St.Castro St. Germania St.Germania St. Hermann St.Hermann St. Duboce ParkDuboce ParkDuboce St.Duboce St. Clayton St.Clayton St. Downey St.Downey St. Ashbury St.Ashbury St. Delmar St.Delmar St. States St.States St. BuenaViisstaAve. W. BuenaVistaAve.E. Golden GateG o l d e n G a t eParkP a r k Waller St.Waller St. 17th St.17th St. Castro St.Castro St. Fell St.Fell St. Oak St.Oak washington dc visitor center St. Waller St.Waller St. Divisadero St.Divisadero St. Noe St.Noe St. Sanchez St.Sanchez St. CliffordTer. Ord St.Ord St. MasonicAve. Cole St.Cole St. Shrader St.Shrader St. KezarDr. washington dc visitor center Stanyan St.Stanyan St. Page St.Page St. Haight St.Haight St.Haight St.Haight St.Haight washington dc visitor center St.Haight St. 15th St.15th St. MarketSt. 17th St.17th St. UpperTer. AshburySt. Alpine Ter.Alpine Ter. Page St.Page St. KezarStadium TWINTWINPEAKSPEAKSCOLECOLEVALLEYVALLEY DUBOCEDUBOCETRIANGLETRIANGLETHE CASTROTHECASTROMuseumWayRooseveltWayPark HillPark HillAveAveBuenaVistaTer. RooseveltWayLevantSt. JohnF.KennedyDr. BuenaVistaAve.E. Muni TunnelMuni washington dc visitor center Tunnel Muni NMuni N Muni NMuni N Muni K,L,M,TMuniK,L,M,T Hayes St. Fell St. Oak St. PanhandlePage St. Waller St. Beulah St. Frederick St. Carl St. 17th St. Belvedere St. Market St. Market St. 18th St. CastroTheater Fillmore St. Steiner St. Pierce St. Scott St. Divisadero St. Broderick St. Baker St. Lyon St. Central washington dc visitor center St. Masonic St. Buena VistaPark Corona HeightsPark 15th St. 14th St. Beaver St. Henry St. 16th St. Castro St. Germania St. Hermann St. Duboce Park Duboce St. Clayton St. Downey St. Ashbury St. Delmar St. States St. Buena Vista Ave. W. BuenaVistaAve.E. MGolden GatePark Waller St. 17th St. Castro St. Fell St. Oak St. Waller St. Divisadero St. Noe St. Sanchez washington dc visitor center St. Clifford Ter. Ord St. Masonic Ave. Cole St. Shrader St. KezarDr. washington dc visitor center Stanyan St. Page St. Haight St. Haight St. Haight St. 15th St. Market washington dc visitor center St. 17th St. UpperTer. AshburySt. Alpine Ter. Page St. TWINTWINPEAKSPEAKS HAIGHT-ASHBURYHAIGHT ASHBURY THE CASTROTHE CASTRO TWINPEAKSHAIGHT-ASHBURYCOLEVALLEY DUBOCETRIANGLETHE CASTROMuseumWay RooseveltWayPark HillAve Buena Vista Ter. RooseveltWay LevantSt. JohnF. Kennedy Dr. BuenaVistaAve.E. Muni Tunnel Muni N Muni N Muni K,L,M,T 1/4 mi 0.25 km 00 N MuniM1617181312345678231214151922910112021SHOPPINGAmoeba Music 1 Books Inc. 22Buffalo Exchange 6 Cliff s Variety 23Costumes on Haight 15 Crossroads Trading 8, 19 Discount Fabrics 12 Gamescape 14Haight AshburyMusic Center 9 Kids Only 4Mendel s Art Supplies& Far Out Fabrics 5 Shoe Biz 7Skates on Haight 2 The Wasteland 3 EATINGBen & Jerry s 10 Blue Front Caf 13 Burger Joint 16Crepe Express 11 Indian Oven 18Memphis Minnie s 17 ENTERTAINMENTCafe du Nord 20Randall Museum 21 5

U.K. Citizens U.K. citiz ens r eturning fr om a non-EU country have a customs allowance of: 200 cigarettes; 50 cigars; 250 grams of smoking tobacco; 4 liters of still table wine; 1 liter of spirits or strong liqueurs (over 22% PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO

The best configurations for families are the eight suites; half of these have two double beds in one room and the rest have a queen-size bed. The second room in each suite has a pullout full-sized sofa sleeper. All have private bathrooms, but not all hav e tubs (only showers). All suites hav e micr owaves washington dc visitor center and small r efrigerators, but no air conditioning. Additional pluses include complimentar y continental br eakfast and a winning location just 21/2 blocks from Union Square. But remember: While it may be hip, this is a two-star hotel. washington dc visitor center Rooms are small and the building is old. At an off-peak rate of $149 the suites are a good deal for do wntown San Francisco. But suite prices hit $279 during high occupancy; they aren t worth that much.

136 2317 Chestnut St. (btw. Scott and Divisadero sts.). &415/346-8494. www.mamacitasf.com. washington dc visitor center Kids menu, highchairs, washington dc visitor center boosters. Reservations accepted. Main courses $10 $18; kids menu $6 $8. AE, MC, V. Sun Wed 5:30 10pm; Thurs Sat 5:30 10:30pm. Muni: No. 30-Stockton bus to Scott St.

vietnam wall history 100 touches that make this a definite cut above the usual, utilitarian Best Western. Better yet, roo

100 touches that make this a definite cut above the usual, utilitarian Best Western. Better yet, rooms come with two queen-siz e beds, as opposed to the cramped double-double configurations more common in the moderately priced hotels downtown. Four sets of rooms interconnect; two of these connect a room with a king-size bed with a room that has two queen-size beds. Depending on your kids interests, the most attractive option of all may be of the gaming suites, which contain the latest S ony PlayStation, Wii, bean bag chairs, and a 6-foot LCD projection vietnam wall history screen. If your kids are teens, let them play a couple rounds of video games while y ou shop for lo vely Japanese ceramics or a ne w kimono around the corner in the Japantown shops. Some rooms on higher floors have neighborhood views.

The San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau, 900 Market St. (at Powell St.), Hallidie Plaza, Lower Level, San Francisco, CA 94102 (&415/391-2000; www.onlyinsan francisco.com), is the best source of specialized information about the city. Even if you don t hav e a specific question, y ou might want to r equest the fr ee Visitors Planning Guide and the S an F rancisco Visitors Kit. You can also check online for specific

Families of thr ee can stay in a r oom with one queen and one twin for $90 or less. Larger families will be relegated to twin-bedded rooms for the kids and queen rooms for the adults the r ooms don t connect, vietnam wall history so this hotel isn t ideal for families with y ounger kids. The location is within walking distance to N orth Beach, Fisherman s Wharf, and public transportation, but this is a tough neighborhood in which to par k. Bottom line: the San Remo isn t for everybody. If you expect a high lev el of service and comfort on your vacation, you ll be better off at a mainstr eam hotel.

701 Post St. (at Jones St.), San F rancisco, CA 94109. &800/533-6533 or 415/673-2600. F ax 415/9291535. w ww.beresford.com/arms. 95 units. $119 $129 double; $140 $159 Jacuzzi suit e. K ids under 12 stay free in parent s room. Rollaways $15; cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $24, oversized vehicles $35. Amenities: Access to nearby vietnam wall history health club ($10/day); laundry services; free Internet access in lobby. In room: TV/VCR, dataport, minibar, hair dryer (upon request), iron.

kalaupapa mule ride The cheapest rooming option is usually one room with two queen-size beds. (Note: Some downtown hotel

The cheapest rooming option is usually one room with two queen-size beds. (Note: Some downtown hotels have small rooms, and so hav e two double beds in place of queen-size beds.) With little ones, that could mean lights out w ell befor e mom and dad are ready to pack it in. If that s the case, or if y ou have older kids who need their space, the next best option is a suite, which tends to r un cheaper kalaupapa mule ride than two

p. 118. Closer in tone to an E nglish village teashop is Lovejoy s Tea Room (1351 Church St.; & 415/648-5895), often filled with ladies having a t te- t te and little girls practicing to be big girls. See p. 148. Best O utdoor D ining: The v ery best outdoor dining kalaupapa mule ride area belongs to the Park Chalet kalaupapa mule ride (1000 G reat Hwy.; & 415/ 386-8439), which opens onto an expansive garden at the western edge of Golden G ate P ark. I n fact, with glass walls and a glass ceiling, the whole restaurant feels like you re outdoors. See 15

8 Mission St. (at Steuart St.), San Francisco, CA 94105. &888/890-8688 or 415/278-3700. Fax 415/2783750. www.hotelvitale.com. 199 units. $329 $399 double; $379 $699 suit e. $30 for 3rd adult in room; kids under 18 stay free in parent s room. Rollaways and cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $51. Dogs w elcome, $35 f ee. Amenities: Restaurant; bar ; fitness c enter; c oncierge; kalaupapa mule ride c ourtesy car ; business center; room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV/DVD, dataport, free high-speed Internet access, minibar, coffeemaker (on request), hair dryer, iron, safe, CD player, iPod dock.

nasa museum washington dc Because many hotels in the city center are housed in older buildings, guest r ooms ar e often small

2237 M ason St. (near Chestnut St.), San F rancisco, CA 94133. &800/352-7366 nasa museum washington dc or 415/776-8688. F ax 415/776-2811. www.sanremohotel.com. 62 units. $75 $89 double. No rollaways or cribs. AE, DC, MC, V. Self-parking $16 $19. Amenities: Laundry facilities. In room: No phone.

Because many hotels in the city center are housed in older buildings, guest r ooms ar e often small and inter connecting r ooms ar e not an option. Small guest rooms also mean that it s har d to find tr uly budget options downtown, since r ooms ar en t big enough for a family of four meaning y ou d hav e to spring for a suite or two r ooms. I n the

world war ii memorial facts The St. Patrick s Day Parade that runs along Market Street to the Civic Center is always lively. The

Many hotels world war ii memorial facts provide you with a booking reference number. Upon request, hotels send you written confirmation of your reservation by fax, e-mail, or snail mail. Keep this paperwork handy, as it will be helpful if you decide to modify your plans. If you do cancel a reservation, request a cancellation world war ii memorial facts number. This is very important, especially if you made your reservation with a credit card.

With all the tourists, it s no surprise most of the national chains hav e hotels here, many with pools. U nfortunately, except for the Argonaut Hotel, most of the area s lodging is not very inspiring but it is all quite family-friendly.

their hats will find plenty of options world war ii memorial facts in San Francisco. In addition to several internationally recognized hotel chains, the city boasts an outstanding collection world war ii memorial facts of smaller hotels in ev ery price categor y. Companies like Joie de Vivre Hospitality and Kimpton hotels hav e transformed a number of historic buildings (and ev en some lo wly motels) into luxurious boutique inns, delightful mid-priced hotels, and inexpensive, but festive, family accommodations.

The St. Patrick s Day Parade that runs along Market Street to the Civic Center is always lively. There s a large expatriate Irish community in town, and Ireland s patron saint traditionally gets his due here. Call & 415/675-9885 or visit www.uissf.org.

ameira If you must stay in F isherman s Wharf and your kids really want a pool, the Hyatt is the best choic

If you must stay in F isherman s Wharf and your kids really want a pool, the Hyatt is the best choice; it ranks a good notch above the other big hotel chains in the neighborhood. Its outdoor pool sits in a protected courtyard away from the str eet with an inviting spa, attractiv e chaises and tables, ameira and a nearb y indoor ameira shower. The guest rooms and bathrooms, already designed with families in mind, w ere fully renovated in 2006. The new color combination of rich chocolate brown set against bright white and ice blue is nicely ameira understated. Connecting r ooms and double-doubles are available, and complimentary ameira rollaways are available ameira upon request. In-room coffee- makers are available, but the most practical amenities may be the coin-operated washer/ dryers ameira on every floor. 4

Successful touring with kids r equires ameira preplanning or an extr emely mellow attitude, and preferably both. (In fact, an extr emely mellow attitude is as impor tant as a warm jacket.) Deciding beforehand, even the night before, what you d like to do each day is much preferable to winging it. Otherwise, you re going to waste time debating whether to go to Fisherman s Wharf or the zoo or Chinatown and not be prepared for any of them. Above, I listed some suggested itineraries that should help y ou plan your time in San Francisco.

upper-level center islands; a uniformed guide will dir ect y ou to the appr opriate van. B e pr epared to wait fr om 10 to 20 minutes for the one heading in your direction. Look for exact shuttle far es posted throughout the airpor t most ar e no w charging ar ound $13 per person, which may make a cab a better deal. Super- Shuttle (& 800/258-3826; www.super shuttle.com) is my favorite of the services, and you don t need adv ance reservations from the airpor t. ( You do need r eservations for a shuttle to the airport, however.)

Unlike the Four Seasons and St. Regis, the oh-so-posh decor here is quite traditional. The secret for getting the most out of this hotel is to communicate your ev ery wish to r eservations, letting them kno w whether y ou re trav eling with the nanny, celebrating a special occasion, or accompanied by a child who just brought home a perfect report card. These folks are looking for a reason to spoil you. If your little boy is into action figures, ameira let the concierges know and they ll gladly oblige with a super-hero welcome gift. Pets under 10 pounds are welcome and also entitled to customized amenities, such as doggie beds and bo wls. Rooms range from deluxe doubles to executive suites, ameira which are larger than most one- bedroom apartments in San Francisco. A deluxe with two double beds will still hav e plenty of room for a crib or rollaway, but if you re sharing with your kids, ask for one of the Stockton Street rooms, which are a bit larger. A handful of connecting ameira rooms are also available. An extra $100 per night will grant you access to the Club Lounge, which comes with a dedicated concierge and a constant parade of food, fr om an ample br eakfast to evening hors d oeuvres with fruit, snacks, and drinks. Although more expensive than the Mark Hopkins lounge, it may still be a worthwhile investment. Visits during the holidays are especially fun for kids the Ritz organiz es a kids Halloween tea in October, a teddy bear tea in D ecember, and other annual ev ents. During non-holiday times of y ear, kids can participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the hotel, with prizes awarded at the front desk.

altitude of cusco peru Be adventurous diners. The Mission, Chinatown, and the Richmond district have wonderful, inexpensive

your kids don t need you to swim with them, you can work out on the poolside cardio equipment at the Hotel Nikko, at 222 Mason St. (&800/248-3308 or 415/394-1111). If you d prefer to take it easy, the lounge chairs and J apanese altitude of cusco peru hot tub , all under an attractiv e glass ceiling, ar e a r elaxing alternativ e. S ee

DECEMBER Christmas at S ea, especially suited to children under 10, takes place on board the historic ships docked at the H yde Street Pier (p. 170), and offers singing, cider, and stories. altitude of cusco peru Call & 415/5616662 or visit www.maritime.org.

Be adventurous diners. The Mission, Chinatown, and the Richmond district have wonderful, inexpensive ethnic restaurants (Mexican, Chinese, Thai, and Middle Eastern, among others) that will expand y our horiz ons without depleting your pocketbook. Purchase a SF M unicipal R ailway (Muni) Passport (see chapter altitude of cusco peru 4). And, use buses and str eetcars in lieu of r enting a car or taking taxis. Minimize the use of a car while in the city. Parking is pr ohibitively expensive and fr ustrating. You ll not only sav e money, but y ou may hav e a mor e relaxed vacation. Take advantage of what s free. It may be difficult to schedule your trip around museums fr ee admission days, which are only once a month, but ther e ar e ways to spend a lo vely day without constantly digging into y our wallet. (See the bo x F ree (or N early F ree) Things to D o with Your Kids in S an Francisco, below.) Remember y our local memberships. Zoos, aquariums, and museums offer free or r educed admission prices if y ou are a member of y our local zoo, aquarium, and museum. F or example, the San F rancisco Z oo, the A quarium of the Bay, and the California Academy of Sciences all have such reciprocal agreements. So bring your home city s membership cards with you. ATMS

maui helicopter crashes Note that I ve listed several restaurants outside the main tourist z ones of U nion Square, F isherm

3621 18th St. (btw. Dolores and Guerrero sts.). &415/552-4055. www.delfinasf.com. Reservations recommended. M ain c ourses $18 $26. MC, V. M on Thurs 5:30 10pm; F ri Sat 5:30 11pm; Sun 5 10pm. Muni: J-Church streetcar to 18th St., and then walk 2 blocks east.

art in the countr y, and is housed in an impressive building designed by the Swiss architect M ario Botta. I f the kids ar e tired or not big museum-goers maui helicopter crashes head straight to the permanent collection on the second floor. The wacky Warhols, playful Pollocks, and magical M atisses are sure to perk them up. You ll also see some impressive sculptures and a Calder mobile or two. See p. 182.

78 higher-floor, street-side bedrooms ending in 00 through maui helicopter crashes 05, you ll have views of the cable cars and Union Square. Bathrooms are moderately sized, and each tub comes with its own rubber ducky. The in-house restaurant, Luques, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Older kids will appreciate the fr ee high-speed I nternet access av ailable in the lobb y. Check the w ebsite or call the hotel about special package rates, which can be much lo wer than published maui helicopter crashes rates.

Note that I ve listed maui helicopter crashes several restaurants outside the main tourist z ones of U nion Square, F isherman s Wharf, and N orth Beach. In most cases, the best food at the best prices is served in places like the Mission, the Richmond D istrict, or R ussian Hill residential neighborhoods wher e restaurants may hav e a mor e w elcoming attitude and where local residents are more likely to bring their kids.

kykuit tours 100 touches that make this a definite cut above the usual, utilitarian Best Western. Better yet, roo

Convention Center and M etreon, 47 with its o wn collection kykuit tours of kid-friendly attractions. D elightful bay vie ws and AT&T Park ar e ar ound the corner in nearby South Beach. Brand-new restaurants seem to pop up daily in this former industrial neighborhood. The

100 touches that make this a definite cut above the usual, utilitarian Best Western. Better yet, rooms come with two queen-siz kykuit tours e beds, as opposed to the cramped double-double configurations more common in the moderately priced hotels downtown. Four sets of rooms interconnect; two of these connect a room with a king-size bed with a room that has two queen-size beds. Depending on your kids interests, the most attractive option of all may be of the gaming suites, which contain the latest S ony PlayStation, Wii, bean bag chairs, and a 6-foot LCD projection screen. If your kids are teens, let them play a couple rounds of video games while y ou shop for lo vely Japanese ceramics or a ne w kimono around the corner in the Japantown shops. Some rooms on higher floors have neighborhood views. kykuit tours

elite land tours Head west to vie w this r estored wetlands area, which less than a decade ago was an unsightly aband

Head west to vie w this r estored wetlands area, which less than a decade ago was an unsightly abandoned militar y airstrip. You ll see joggers, dog walkers, bike riders of all ages, str oller-pushers, and plenty of other locals enjoying what is the youngest national park in the Bay Area, located next to the Golden Gate Bridge. Crissy Field is best at this time of day, when the morning fog has worn off but the afternoon winds, which attract expert wind- and kite-surfers from thr oughout the B ay Ar ea, hav e not yet picked up.

555 N. Point St. (btw. Jones and Taylor sts.), San Francisco, CA 94133. &800/233-1234 or 415/563-1234. Fax 415/486-4444. w ww.fishermanswharf.hyatt.com. 313 units. $168 $268 double. $400 $1,200 suit e. Kids 18 and under stay free in parent s room. Rollaways and cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $45. Amenities: Restaurant; heated outdoor pool; exercise room; Jacuzzi; sauna; concierge; courtesy car; room service (limited elite land tours hours); babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning; executive-level elite land tours rooms. In room: A/C, TV, dataport, elite land tours high-speed wireless Internet access, fridge (on request), coffeemaker, hair dryer, elite land tours iron, safe, iPod dock.

navy memorial store The few hotels that grace the area are priced in the high-moderate to luxur y range, but dining opti

INEXPENSIVE Hotel Tomo Value Here s another gr eat J apantown deal. A t H otel Tomo, a B est Western Hotel/Joie de Vivre hotel, you can get a bright, newly furnished room with two queen-size beds for not much more than $100 ($109 and up, depending on occupancy). Use your AAA card and get a further discount. The added bonus: Rooms all have one wall whimsically decorated in Japanese pop art style. The rest of the room decor is light and modern, with lemon-y ellow bed co vers, blond-wood navy memorial store furnitur e, and other pop ar t

471 Jeff erson St. (at H yde St.). & 415/771-2222. www.bluemermaidsf.com. K ids menu , highchairs , boosters. Reservations accepted. Main courses $9 $25; kids menu $6.95. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Sun Thurs 7am 9pm; Fri Sat 7am 10pm. Muni: Powell-Hyde cable car to Beach St., and then walk 1 block nor th.

The few hotels that grace the area are priced in the high-moderate to luxur y range, but dining options run the gamut from very inexpensive to big-night-out. Just slightly off the beaten tourist path, this would be a fun, conv enient area in which to stay with kids of any age.

martin luther king jr memorial washington dc Walk over to the Hyde Street Pier (p. 170) and purchase tickets to boar d the antique ships. Enjoy s

665 Bush St. (at Stockton St.), San Francisco, CA 94108. &888/717-2881 or 415/362-8878. Fax 415/3628088. www.theorchardhotel.com. 104 units, including 9 suites. $179 $439 double; $279 $439 suite. No rollaways; cribs $15. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $34. Amenities: martin luther king jr memorial washington dc Restaurant; bar; exercise room; concierge; courtesy car; room service (limited hours); laundry service; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV/DVD w/movies and games, dataport, free high-speed Internet access, fridge, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, CD player.

Walk over to the Hyde Street martin luther king jr memorial washington dc Pier (p. 170) and purchase tickets to boar d the antique ships. Enjoy stunning views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge while your children explor e an elegant 19th-centur martin luther king jr memorial washington dc y square-rigger, an 1890 ferr yboat chock- full of antique cars, and a 100-y ear-old tugboat. After checking out engine martin luther king jr memorial washington dc rooms, captain s quar ters, and ev en a r eplicated turn-of-the-20th-century concession martin luther king jr memorial washington dc stand, cr oss the str eet to the M aritime National martin luther king jr memorial washington dc H istorical P ark Visitor Center for a look at intricate model boats and more info on the city s seafaring past. The visitor center is in The Canner y, a 1907 red-brick str ucture that was once the world s largest peach-canning facility and now houses a collection of stor es, including the enchanting Lar k in the M orning Musique S hoppe. S top b y The Canner y courtyard to see if any musicians ar e playing.

korean war memorial in washington dc Ask the flight attendant if the plane has any special safety equipment for children. Make a member o

Ask the flight attendant if the plane has any special safety equipment for children. Make a member of the cr ew aware of any medical korean war memorial in washington dc pr oblems y our children have that could manifest during flight. Be sur e y ou ve slept sufficiently for your trip. If you fall asleep in the air and your child manages to break away, there are all sor ts of sharp objects that could cause injur y. Especially during mealtimes, it s danger ous for a child to be crawling or walking ar ound the cabin unaccompanied by an adult. Be sur e y our child s seatbelt korean war memorial in washington dc r emains fastened properly and try to reserve the seat closest to the aisle for y ourself. This will make it har der for your children to wander off in case, for instance, y ou re taking the redeye or a long flight and you do happen korean war memorial in washington dc to nod off. You will also protect y our child fr om jostling passersb y and falling objects in the rar e but entirely possible instance that an o verhead bin pops open. In the ev ent of an accident, unr e- strained children often don t make it even when the par ent does. E xperience has shown that it s impossible for a parent to hold onto a child in the ev ent of a crash, and children often die of impact injuries.

From the corner of Stockton and Sutter streets, take the no. 30-Stockton bus to Chestnut and Fillmore streets; if going straight to the second stop on the tour, take the no. 30 bus to Broderick and Beach streets. (The no. 30X-Marina express also stops at Chestnut and Fillmore sts. and then at Scott & Beach sts.)

washington capitol financial corporation Perhaps it was inevitable that I would attend college in the Bay Area, so that weekends could be spe

Perhaps it was inevitable that I would attend college in the Bay Area, so that weekends washington capitol financial corporation could be spent exploring San Francisco with roommates and friends. Upon graduating, I was off again: I wor ked at a ne wspaper in B razil, wr ote for the Associated P ress in Germany, earned a graduate degr ee in N ew York, and was then based ther e while I worked to promote investment overseas. In between travel to far corners of the ear th, I met my soon-to-be husband, a nomad like myself. Although we moved to Seattle, my international job kept the fr equent flier miles multiplying until the bir th of our first daughter, when all the travel came to a screeching halt.

POOLS Some kids will be happy anywhere y ou take them as long as ther e s a pool. But given San Francisco real estate prices, few hotels devote precious washington capitol financial corporation space to swimming facilities, and most pools that do exist ar e petite. Almost all the S an Francisco hotels washington capitol financial corporation with pools ar e listed in this chapter.

antine station. 1906 On April 18 at 5:12am, a major ear thquake r ocks San F rancisco and starts more than 50 fir es, which burn unc ontrollably for 3 days. Two-thirds of the cit y is destr oyed, 250,000 people ar e lef t homeless , and mor e than 675 are dead or missing.

Chinese cuisine c omes in man y guises. If the menu doesn t state what pr ovince the r ecipes hail fr om, can y ou t ell y our Shanghai fr om y our Sz echuan? Here s a little cheat sheet y ou can use t o impress your kids.

seattle ducks tour The itineraries in this chapter will help take the guesswor k out of ho w to spend y our time in S a

The itineraries in this chapter will help take the guesswor k out of ho w to spend y our time in S an F rancisco. I ve included the major sights that will interest both adults seattle ducks tour and kids, and arranged them in a manner that takes adv antage of S an

1 Ferry Building (at Embar cadero). &866/328-3663. w ww.taylorsrefresher.com. H ighchairs. Reser vations not ac cepted. M ain c ourses $4 $14. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 10:30am 10pm. Muni: F-M arket streetcar or any Market seattle ducks tour St. streetcar to Embarcadero Station.

navy memorial store 900 Nor th P oint St. (bt w. Lark in and P olk sts.). &415/929-1730. w ww.mccormickandschmicks.com.

Taking the F erry to M arin: B undle up and catch a B lue and G old F erry (p. 185) fr om P ier 41 to S ausalito or Tiburon. You can take bikes on the boats if y ou like, but both villages ar e petite and walkable. The ride is glorious. Remain outside for the full effect of the wind and salt spray. On a clear day, you ll have trouble deciding where to look; the scenery ahead is as thrilling as the vie w behind y ou. S ausalito is v ery touristy , but the stores are fun for window shopping. Tiburon is even more upscale than Sausalito. It won t take long to tour the village; navy memorial store leave someone behind to claim a table at Guaymas, at 5 M ain St., where drinks and passable Mexican food on the sunny deck make this trip a little v acation within your vacation. Trekking Along the Land s End Trail: Provided your child won t run off ahead of y ou, as the trail r uns along a steep cliff, ther e s har dly a mor e beautiful place to walk in S an Francisco. Start at the trail head on Camino del Mar, parking next to pictur esque Lincoln navy memorial store P ark, which is dotted navy memorial store with majestic Monterey Cyprus tr ees. H ead w est on the trail toward navy memorial store the Cliff H ouse, pausing to admire the vie w fr om the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, the sweeping Pacific Ocean, and the Marin Headlands to the north. See p. 186. Cheering the H ome Team at A T&T Park: You don t even need to be a baseball fan to derive a lot of pleasure from an afternoon or evening at this gem of a baseball navy memorial store stadium (p. 265). B leacher seats go on sale at the par k on game days, but if y ou prefer something fancier, y ou can usually get good seats online fr om season ticket holders if

Following the 1989 ear thquake and the 1990s building boom, this forgotten par t of town saw the constr uction of ne w condominiums and commer cial space. Although hotels remain scarce, the proximity to downtown, the Ferry Building, and plentiful navy memorial store public transportation make this waterfront neighborhood an ideal place to stay.

CHINESE When you walk into this fav ored joint at the edge of Chinatown, you ve got two options: pr oceeding upstairs to the fancier dining r oom, or descending into the basement. I f you have little ones with y ou, it s likely the host will send you downstairs. This troubled my husband gr eatly; the linoleum flooring, fluor escent lighting, navy memorial store and omnipresent mirrors of the downstairs dining room offended his aesthetic sensibilities. B ut the decor doesn t seem to bother most diners, who r eturn time and again to R&G for authentically prepared Cantonese fare featuring lots of fresh seafood and plenty of meat dishes as well. Salt-and-pepper crab is a big hit, as is the smoky barbecued pork. Something about putting all the dishes on a big lazy S usan seems to encourage adventuresome dining, at least with my kids, who happily munched on all kinds of crab, pork, and noodle dishes. For a real conversation-stopper, call 24 hours in advance and order the sweet-rice-stuffed chicken. 631 Kearny navy memorial store St. (at Commercial navy memorial store St.). &415/982-7877. www.rnglounge.com. Highchairs, navy memorial store boosters. Reservations recommended. Main courses $7 $25 lunch, $10 $50 dinner. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 11:30am 9:30pm. Muni: No. 30-Stockton bus.

900 Nor th P oint St. (bt w. Lark in and P olk sts.). &415/929-1730. w ww.mccormickandschmicks.com. navy memorial store Kids menu, highchairs. Reservations recommended. navy memorial store Main courses $13 $40; kids menu $5.35 $7.75. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. M on Thurs 11:30am 10pm; F ri Sat 11:30am 11pm; Sun 10:30am 10pm. Muni: No. 30-Stockton bus t o Lark in St., and then walk 1 block nor th, or P owell-Hyde cable car t o Beach St., and then walk 1 block west.

yalla tours Finds ITALIAN This neighborhood fav orite is no or dinary Italian restaurant. Considered one of the

Dragon Well Finds CHINESE Dragon Well was established with the idea of serving yalla tours light, fresh, flavorful, and reliably good Chinese food. It has succeeded. This is definitely west coast Chinese, the Tex-Mex yalla tours of Asian food, but it s the best rendition of it I ve had. Traditional favorites like pork-filled pot stickers (a big hit with my kids) and cashew chicken yalla tours are exceptionally well executed, and the tea-smoked duck, ser ved in a bun with plum sauce, is not to be missed. Owned b y a friendly and talented local mom, D ragon Well is pr obably the fav orite takeout destination for most local families. The interior decor spacious yalla tours and airy, in keeping with the light and healthful food makes D ragon Well an inviting place to eat in as w ell. I m confident everyone in your family will enjoy his or her meal at Dragon Well.

4 125 3rd St. (at Mission St.), San Francisco, CA 94103. &415/284-4000. Fax 415-284-4100. www.stregis. com/sanfrancisco. 260 units. $339 $689 double; fr om $650 suit e. K ids under 12 sta y fr ee in par ent s room. Rollaways and cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $45. Pets welcome. Amenities: yalla tours 2 restaurants; bar; health yalla tours club; concierge; courtesy car; business center; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; laundr y ser vice; dr y cleaning. In r oom: A/C, TV/DVD, datapor t, CD , high-speed I nternet yalla tours ac cess, minibar, hair dryer, yalla tours iron (on request), safe, CD player, iPod dock.

Finds ITALIAN This neighborhood fav orite is no or dinary Italian restaurant. Considered one of the best trattorie in S an Francisco, its homemade pasta dishes are deliciously uncomplicated, accentuating high-quality , fresh ingredients over busy, heavy sauces. The menu also varies with the time of year. Although you can t go wr ong with any of the pasta dishes, including such possibilities as fettuccine with porcini mushrooms, yalla tours oven-dried olives, and brown-butter sage, if you consider a fish or meat dish for a change y ou will not be disappointed. O ptions such as Alaskan halibut and clams in white wine and tomatoes, or thinly sliced sirloin steak with ar ugula and roasted potatoes, are delectable. If you have room for dessert, the rich chocolate cake and airy tiramisu are transcendent. The crisp white walls, warm wood furnitur e, and unpretentious yalla tours decor match the elegant food per fectly. Antica has no kids menu, but the kitchen is happy to serve a kids portion of hot buttered penne with veggies, and Vicki, the charming hostess, keeps a supply of cray ons on hand. Whenever we eat at Antica, which is frequently, we wonder why we don t come even more often. yalla tours 2400 Polk St. (at Union St.). &415/928-5797. www.anticasf.com. Highchairs, yalla tours boosters. Reservations recommended on weekends. yalla tours Main courses $11.50 $21.50. AE, DC, MC, V. Tues Thurs, Sun 5:30 9:30pm; Fri Sat 5:30 10:30pm. yalla tours Muni: No. 19-Polk to Union St., no. 41-Union, or no. 45-Union-Stockton bus to Polk St.

washington dc museum space with other big chains such as the Gap, Subway, Ben & Jerry s, and the International 91 House o

space with other big chains such as the Gap, Subway, Ben & Jerry s, and the International 91 House of Pancakes (which is the closest breakfast spot, unless you buy a cup of java from the coffee cart inelegantly occupying the lobby). washington dc museum At least the guest rooms and bathrooms are a decent size and, of course, you ve got the bay vistas washington dc museum to remind you that you are, in fact, in San Francisco.

the heavy concentration of tourists has its drawbacks, such as o verpriced, mediocr e food). F or mor e information about the lodging merits of each neighborhood, refer to the N eighborhoods in B rief section of chapter 3.

What could be more democratic than a f ood court? Having a wide variet y of options r educes strif e f or families with diff erent tast es, which is just about every family I k now. Also, kids have fun waiting in the line of their choic e and exercising a bit of independenc e. In the Union S quare area, the Crocker Galleria at 50 Post St., at Montgomery Street, has a terrific food court on the third level, open M onday thr ough F riday until 6pm and Satur days until 5pm. I t s always packed at lunch with offic e workers seeking a quick, inexpensive bite. At the Fountain Caf you ll find breakfast bagels, eggs, and baked goods in the morning and sandwiches and bur gers at lunch. Get a chili fix at Chili Up; the different versions come with tortillas or corn bread. You ll also find counters for Leila Mediterranean Cuisine; 360 Degree Gourmet Burrit os; Chaat C af !, with great I ndian take -out; New A sia Restaurant; and N iji Japanese Grill , among other international options. To avoid the rush, arriv e before washington dc museum 11:30am or af ter 1pm and grab a table in the light-filled atrium.

ballooning history Now that y ou have this guidebook to help y ou plan a gr eat trip, visit our w ebsite at www. fromme

An urban picnic could be an adventure, or at least a no velty. To start, hunt for sandwiches at Specialty s Caf and Bakery (&877/502-2837; 505 Sansome St. at Clay St., and many other Financial District locations). Specialty s bakes its own bread and offers deli-style sandwiches with some inventive ballooning history options such as Thai chicken and turkey curry. Want organic? Head to Soup Freaks (&415/ ballooning history 433-7687; 200 Pine St., at Battery St., and 90 New M ontgomery St. at Mission St.), where the soups, salads and sandwiches are made with all-natural, sustainable ing redients. Onc e y ou ve packed y our bag , y ou re r eady t o head t o the half-acre redwood grove by the Transamerica Building (600 Montgomery St. at Clay St.). The cool shade of the majestic ballooning history redwood trees and playful sculptures will make your picnic in this tr easured oasis even more enjoyable. If you re in SoMa, stop by A G Ferrari ballooning history Foods on 688 Mission ballooning history St. (&415/344-0644) to pick up delectable Italian sandwiches on fresh focaccia bread. Then head to Yerba Buena Gardens (p. 163) for an urban retreat.

So get started planning your trip. This chapter is a good place to begin; in it, I suggest ballooning history some of our all-time fav orite San Francisco ballooning history family experiences, in addition to the best hotels and dining spots.

Now that y ou have this guidebook to help y ou plan a gr eat trip, visit our w ebsite at www. frommers.com for additional travel information on more than 4,000 destinations. We update features ballooning history regularly to giv e you instant access to the most curr ent trip-planning information available. At Frommers.com, you ll find scoops on the best air fares, lodging rates, and car rental bargains. You can ev en book y our trav el online thr ough our r eliable trav el booking partners. Other popular features include:

439 P owell St. (at Sutt er St.). &415/986-0700. w ww.searsfinefood.com. K ids it ems on menu. H ighchairs, boost ers. Reser vations f or dinner only. M ain c ourses $8 $12 br eakfast, $7 $10 lunch, $14 $29 dinner. V, MC, AE, DISC. Daily 6:30am 10pm. Muni: 2, 3, 4 buses , Powell cable car lines.

national fallen firefighters memorial weekend All child seats manufac tured af ter 1985 ar e c ertified f or airline use , but make sure your chai

This solidly residential neighborhood is a good choice for young families or anyone who wants r espite fr om the urban jungle. S acramento S treet shopping has something for everyone, kids included, and Laur el Village, almost an old-fashioned strip mall, draws crowds of locals.

Companies that have offices downtown include Avis, 675 Post St. ( & 415/8855011; www.avis.com); Budget, 5 E mbarcadero Ctr. ( & 415/433-3717; www. budget.com); Enterprise, 222 M ason St. (&415/837-1700; www.enterprise.com); Hertz, 325 Mason St. (&415/771-2200; www.hertz.com); and Thrifty, 350 O Farrell St. (&415/788-8111; www.thrifty.com).

The Castro A huge rainbow flag, the symbol of gay activism, r eigns over the center of this historic community where Market Street national fallen firefighters memorial weekend meets Castro Street. The flag is planted in H arvey M ilk P laza, named for the country national fallen firefighters memorial weekend s first openly gay man elected to public office, r ecently portrayed by the actor Sean Penn in the acclaimed film Milk. There aren t many family-friendly hotels her e, but y ou ll find many fun, w ell-priced r estaurants in the area. The Castro Theater is handsome to look at and fun to attend, particularly if y ou can catch one of the legendary sing-along scr eenings of the Sound of M usic. Otherwise, there s not much for children around here.

All child seats manufac tured af ter 1985 ar e c ertified f or airline use , but make sure your chair will fit in an airline seat it must be less than 16 inches wide. You ma y not use boost er seats or seatless national fallen firefighters memorial weekend v ests or harness sy stems. Safety seats must be placed in window seats except in exit rows, where they are pr ohibited, so as not t o block the passage of other tra velers in the case of an emer gency.

marine museum washington dc EXPENSIVE Palace Hotel AFTERNOON TEA Tea under the stained-glass dome of the G arden Court at the Pa

San Remo Hotel Built in 1906 by Bank of Italy (later Bank of America) founder A. P. Giannini, this charming I talianate Victorian originally housed I talian immigrants, among others, marine museum washington dc made homeless after the ear thquake marine museum washington dc and fire. These days, European travelers and vacationing families on a budget ar e happy to find the S an Remo. An unabashedly old- fashioned pension, the period furnishings, bev eled glass, and Victorian detailing take y ou back to a bona fide slice of S an Francisco that s all but disappeared. The bedrooms, which look like they w ere decorated b y someone s grandmother, are small and quaint. R eminiscent of European boarding houses, r ooms have no phones, televisions, or en suite bathrooms. Guests share one of many polished and tidy r estrooms down the hall.

Yank Sing Finds CHINESE/DIM SUM For many S an F rancisco families, gathering with friends on a w eekend morning over dim sum is a fr equent occurrence. Families come together in groups of 6, 8, or 10 and seat themselves at a table, while servers carrying trays or pushing trolleys offer an assortment of bite-size Chinese delicacies, usually served three or four to a plate, for everyone to share. For years, we headed out to the Sunset marine museum washington dc to brunch marine museum washington dc at Ton Kiang, which I still r ecommend. But more recently we ve made our way to Yank Sing, which gets my vote for best dim sum in the city. Yank Sing makes more than 100 varieties of dim sum, and ser ves at least 60 of them on any giv en day. Scallion prawns, stuffed crab claws, and sno w pea shoot dumplings ar e among the possibilities and the quality is always top-notch. While the price is higher than at Ton Kiang, if you eat at the Rincon Center location, marine museum washington dc you get the added bonus of dining inside a lovely marine museum washington dc atrium housing an 80-foot-high water fall. The other good ne ws is, since Yank Sing has two convenient downtown locations, you can always pop in during the week for lunch, a popular alternative for locals who work in the area.

EXPENSIVE Palace Hotel AFTERNOON TEA Tea under the stained-glass dome of the G arden Court at the Palace Hotel, which is every bit as grand as the poshest hotels in London, is a celebratory affair. Linen and silver grace the elegant tables, and the menu consists of the customary dainty marine museum washington dc sandwiches, scones, and sweets, served with tea of your choice. The Palace clev erly offers marine museum washington dc a special P rincess and P rince tea for childr en 12 and under. Along with the sandwiches and pastries, marine museum washington dc childr en receive a crown and scepter, and are treated royally as well. During the winter holidays, tea service is offered 6 days a week.

The Joie de Vivre hotel group livened up this 1911 building with plenty marine museum washington dc of vibrant paint: think burgundy , y ellow, and purple. B ut the guest r ooms, named after locally made films, remain tiny, and the bathrooms are especially small. Given its location on a less savory section of Mason Street, the Bijou is best left to experienced trav elers with savvy kids who want an inexpensive, but fun, hotel.

washington dc wwii memorial When you study a map of the city, it appears as if it s an easy walk along Hayes, Oak, Fell, Page, o

Best All-Ar washington dc wwii memorial ound F amily H otels: The Argonaut (495 J efferson S t.; & 866/ beer and popcorn for those 7 and up. Kids staying in their o wn rooms get a 415-0704 or 415/563-0800) is my hands-down fav orite in this categor y. specially stocked minibar , and bathrobes washington dc wwii memorial ar e supplied in siz es to fit the It s a charming hotel in a family-friendly neck of the woods. S everal kid-friendly whole family. The concierge will also send up other family items fr om attractions washington dc wwii memorial ar e either next door or less than a block away: grassy Victorian washington dc wwii memorial cribs to boar d games on r equest. See p. 86. O lder kids will appr eciate the Park, the Aquatic Park beach, the Hyde Street P ier, the cable car turnar ound, gaming suites in J apantown s Hotel Tomo (1800 S utter S t.; & 877/738and The Cannery. The whimsical lobby and its adjacent N ational M aritime washington dc wwii memorial 7477 or 415/921-4000), which hav e the latest S ony P layStation, Wii, and Visitors Center will appeal to kids as well. The double queen r ooms are well a 6-foot L CD pr ojection scr een. S ee p. 99. suited to families, and the in-house Best Suites: TheHotel Beresford Arms restaurant serves kids meals in a beach (701 P ost S t.; & 800/533-6533 or pail. What mor e could y ou want? S ee p. 89. The warm and friendly Serrano 415/673-2600) has 60 J acuzzi suites, half of which have full kitchens and half Hotel (405 Taylor S t.; & 866/2896561 or 415/885-2500) gives kids a toy of which hav e kitchenettes. The guest rooms and bathr ooms also offer plenty upon check-in, offers kid-siz ed animal print robes for use during their stay, and of floor space and all beds ar e queen beds. S ee p. 82. I n J apantown, the has a game librar y av ailable to guests. See p. 76. The Handlery Union Square Hotel Kabuki (1625 Post St.; & 800/ 533-4567 or 415/922-3200) has fam( 351 G eary S t.; & 800/843-4343 or 415/781-7800) also gets my v ote, ily suites for the price of one-r oom junior suites, but with shoji screens that mainly for its outdoor, heated pool. See p. 78. separate the kids in their o wn ar ea, complete with J apanese futons washington dc wwii memorial on Best Amenities for Kids: The St. Regis (125 3rd St.; & 415/284-4000) offers tatami mats. S ee p. 99. The homey suites at the Cow H ollow Motor I nn kids their own bathrobes, toys from the SFMOMA gift shop, cookies with their & Suites (2190 Lombard St.; & 415/ 921-5800) contain two bathr ooms, name on them, and special items in the minibar washington dc wwii memorial provided par ents call the two bedr ooms, and a kitchen and must be booked far in adv ance. F or concierge befor ehand. S ee p. 87. The Four Seasons (757 Market St.; &415/ value and space, these offer the sweetest suite deal in town. See p. 97. 633-3000) supplies cookies and milk on arrival washington dc wwii memorial for kids 6 and under and root Best Indoor Pool: You have to supervise your kids at every hotel pool, but if

San Francisco s Municipal Railway, known simply as M uni ( & 311 fr om within San F rancisco or 415/701-2311 from other locations), operates washington dc wwii memorial the city s buses, streetcars, and cable cars. F or detailed route information, call M uni or visit its website at www.sfmuni.com. Another helpful w ebsite is http://transit.511.org, which also lists schedules and route maps.

When you study a map of the city, it appears as if it s an easy walk along Hayes, Oak, Fell, Page, or Haight streets from the Civic Center to Golden Gate Park. Appearances are deceiving. You ll encounter a number of hills along this r oute, which takes you through areas that are somewhat blighted, noisy with traffic, rough in spots, and unattractive. Save your legs for the park and get there on a bus or streetcar.

JUNE Union Street Art Festival, usually held around the end of May or beginning of June, includes special childr en s ar t activities among all the food, wine, and crafts booths and music stages. This is a particularly cr owded str eet fair and parking is next to impossible, so come by public transpor tation and foot. Call & 800/310-6563 or visit www.union streetfestival.com. washington dc wwii memorial

ahi travel tours CALIFORNIA When I ve got to run an errand downtown on a weekday, I try to do it around lunchtime so

If you re lucky enough to have a third day in San Francisco, then start it by heading back to Fisherman s Wharf for a tour of iconic ahi travel tours Alcatraz ahi travel tours Island. You ll also explore some of the most altered neighborhoods in the city, former industrial areas that now house a growing share of the city s cultural and culinar y highlights. Along the way , you ll find plenty of time for the kids to stretch their legs and run around.

CALIFORNIA When I ve got to run an errand downtown on a weekday, I try to do it around lunchtime so that I can swing by Sellers Markets. At first glance, it s a sleek lunch spot for the Financial District worker bees. Then you notice that these are no ordinary sandwiches and salads. In fact, all the meats, cheeses, and breads at Sellers Markets come from artisans, as Jim and Deb Sellers like to call the local ranchers, ahi travel tours farmers, and bakers who pr ovide the ingredients for such mouth-watering possibilities as the BBQ chicken sandwich made with fr ee-range pulled r otisserie chicken and melted smoked mozzar ella. You ll also find a gener ous selection of salads, fr om a Cobb salad with naturally raised pancetta to a sushi-grade ahi tuna salad. F or the kids, try one of the thin-crust ahi travel tours pizzas or the ham and cheese baguette. Sellers Markets also serves breakfast, so if y ou re up and about early stop in for a br eakfast pizza or an egg a muffin, a fried egg on an artisan E nglish muffin with additional toppings like N iman Ranch bacon or locally made goat cheese and spinach. 388 M arket St. (at P ine and F ront sts.) & 415/956-3825. 595 M arket St. (at 2nd and M arket sts.) & 415/227-9850. www.sellersmarkets.com. No r eservations. Br eakfast main c ourses $4.25 $5.95. Lunch main courses $6.95 $12. AE, DISC, MC, V. 388 Market St.: Mon Thurs 7:30am 3pm. Muni: 1, 31, 38 bus, streetcar to Embarcadero Station; ahi travel tours 595 M arket St.: Mon Thurs 7:30am 7:30pm; Fri 7:30am 3pm. 1, 31, 38 bus, streetcar to Montgomery Station.

FRENCH There s hardly ahi travel tours a better way to end an excursion to the Presidio than with an early dinner ahi travel tours at La Terrasse, located in a stand-alone building within the Presidio N ational P ark. While S an F rancisco s fickle ahi travel tours w eather makes alfr esco dining less common than one might hope, La Terrasse offers glass walls and heat lamps to pr otect outdoor diners from chilly winds and guarantee a cozy meal. Despite a French bistro menu not created with families in mind, La Terrasse is certainly the most kid-friendly restaurant in the Presidio and one to which w e ve taken our children several times. The kids usually have wood-oven fired pizzas or the onion soup , while we adults order lighter fare like the salad Nicoise or saut ed prawns. If you re extra hungry, the grilled hamburger with Roquefort or the rack of lamb is sur e to leave you without room for dessert. Note: The outdoor seating fills up fast, so call ahead and specifically ask to eat outside and/or arrive early, as in 5pm. Service can be slow so, if you come for lunch, don t get frustrated that the meal is cutting into your afternoon sightseeing time. Either order to go sandwiches and picnic at Crissy Field or grab a table, order a glass of wine, and enjoy the fresh air. 5

Children of any age will be impr essed arriving at this landmark 1907 hotel, which adorns one side of Nob Hill with its imposing facade and colorful flags. Inside, the expansive lobby s high ceilings, marble columns, and chandeliers will leave little girls expecting Cinderella to turn up. Despite the splendor, the overall feeling is relaxed and friendly. Guest rooms in the historic building are spacious by any standard, and the closets are so large that many will comfortably ahi travel tours fit a crib or even a rollaway! If you prefer separate ahi travel tours showers and tubs and a stellar view select a room in the tower building. Numerous combinations of suites and r ooms, with king-size beds, queens, or double- doubles, are available.

tissue paper balloon The hotel s restaurant serves all day in a spor ts-bar-like atmosphere surrounded by a total of 28 T

Value This inexpensive tissue paper balloon but tidy inn is most suitable for small families with one or possibly two y oung children. All guest rooms have queen-size beds, and a few have an additional twin bed. Depending on floor space, the very accommodating staff can pr ovide a r ollaway, crib, or foam mattr ess. Larger families would r equire taking multiple rooms, but you ll still spend very little for comfortable accommodations that include a continental breakfast of coffee, juice, pastries, and toasted bagels in a pleasant breakfast nook. The pine beds, armoires, and tables in every guest room are simple and lo vely. I nside r ooms obtain natural light fr om light w ells but ar e v ery quiet; the bright outside r ooms pick up noise fr om ev er-busy Lombar d S treet. M oscone P lay- ground, a popular destination for young families, is just 2 blocks away. Also close by are Chestnut Street, a great walking street with some of my fav orite family-friendly restaurants, and the famously tissue paper balloon crooked part of Lombard Street. Compared to the generic motels along Lombard, the Marina Inn is a Victorian oasis in a safer section of the neighborhood. 4

Starting at the P ine Street side of Belden Plac e is Brindisi Cucina di Mar e (88 Belden Plac e; & 415/593-8000), specializing in I talian seaf ood. F rom stuffed calamari and seafood risotto to plenty of kid-friendly pasta, most main courses are less than $24. Belden Taverna (52 Belden Place; &415/986-8887) serves excessively rich grilled meats and seaf ood, and a f ew pasta choices as well. Entrees range from $16 to $25.

The hotel s restaurant serves all day in a spor ts-bar-like atmosphere surrounded by a total of 28 TVs, one of them measuring a whopping 126 inches. O lder kids will enjo y the game room, complete with two pool tables, shuffleboar d, and arcade machines. The staff is friendly and helpful, especially the concierge, who will provide you with discount coupons for whar f attractions. Look for r oom deals on the H yatt w ebsite, but don t expect attractive weekend rates. Weekends here see high occupancy.

Take a City Guides walking tour (p. 187) in an in teresting neighborhood. Check out the free outdoor c oncerts and ev ents at Yerba Buena G ardens Thursdays tissue paper balloon at noon and w eekends bet ween M ay and Oc tober. Take the k ids to Golden Gate Park s Koret Children s Quarter. Take a fr ee tour of the Strybing A rboretum and B otanical G ardens in Golden Gate Park (p. 176). V isit the de Young Museum. Take in the impr essive architecture, check out the main lobby, savor the view from the museum tower, contemplate Ruth Asawa s ethereal sculptures inside, and stroll through the inspiring sculpture garden outside all at no c ost. Walk acr oss the Golden Gate Bridge. M osey through tissue paper balloon Chinatown. The sights and sounds of this c olorful neighborhood are a cultural experienc e many people w ould pay to have. Visit the lovely Hyde Street Pier at no charge. Adults must pay $5 to board the ships, but k ids are free. The nearby National Maritime Visitors Center is a hit with adults and k ids, and it s fr ee. Hang out at Crissy F ield. Relish the pric eless vista while y our k ids run around on the g rassy hills or pla y at the beach. A scend Nob Hill. Admire tissue paper balloon the stained glass at Grac e C athedral, r egard the lobby of the F airmont Hot el, and then take in the panoramic view fr om the top floor bar of the I nterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. Experian tissue paper balloon (& 888/397-3742; tissue paper balloon www. might allow you to board the plane if y ou experian.com), and TransUnion (&800/ have a copy of y our passport or birth cer680- 7289; www.transunion.com). Finally, tificate and a copy of the police r eport if y ou ve lost all forms of photo ID, call you ve filed. your airline and explain the situation; they