aerostar balloons Although few obvious children s attractions exist in what is first and foremost a shopping paradise,

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.

Brannan publiciz es the disc overy, and the Gold Rush beg ins. 1848 Domingo Ghirar delli sails t o San F rancisco t o join his par tner, James Lick, and beg in what is t o bec ome the cit y s most famous choc olate fac tory.

Although few obvious children s attractions exist in what is first and foremost a shopping paradise, Union Square is the psychological heart of the city and may be used as a launching pad for other ex cursions. aerostar balloons Kids may find the cr owds, clanging cable cars, and big buildings exciting. Moreover, Union Square itself now hosts entertainment, both ad hoc and planned. I n the winter months, the plaza s enormous Christmas tr ee and M acy s holiday decorations are especially festive. Specifically, kid-friendly activities here include riding the glass elevator at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, greeting the beefeater-clad doorman at the Sir Francis Drake, and visiting the Disney Store. Teens may enjoy checking out the Levi s and Diesel stores, among other shops.