jack harter helicopter For years, the Tuscan Inn could proudly call itself the best hotel in Fisherman s Wharf. Now that ti

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: 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.

For years, the Tuscan Inn could proudly call itself the best hotel in Fisherman s Wharf. Now that title will have to be passed on to the Argonaut. (Both hotels are part of the Kimpton hotel group.) Tuscan Inn rates are lower than the Argonaut s, but the inn is located on the less picturesque end of Fisherman s Wharf and doesn t have bay views. One thing both hotels lack is a pool, so if you re dead-set on one in this neighborhood, you ll have to go with one of the national chains. What the Tuscan Inn does have are spacious guest rooms and bathrooms handsomely furnished in warm, inviting colors. R ooms are filled with amenities, including a combination honor bar/fridge, and y ou can bring Fido with you too. The comfortable lobby puts out hot chocolate jack harter helicopter and biscotti in the mornings, not just coffee and tea, and hosts a complimentary wine hour in the evenings. More important, the concierge here is friendly and intelligent, setting the tone for the r est of the staff.

Fog City Diner AMERICAN A S an F rancisco institution immor talized in a Visa commercial, the Fog City Diner has quite a few things going for it: terrific jack harter helicopter location, fun metallic exterior, sleek wood interior, festive atmosphere, and great outdoor area. Because it s located near Levi s Plaza, kids can climb around the fountain on the opposite side of Battery Street or run around in the minipar k next door. In fair weather, the outdoor seating lets you enjoy the bay views and green space. jack harter helicopter As for the food, the children are sure to be satisfied. The kids menu features all the usual far e (hot dogs, grilled cheese, buttered noodles, three cheese quesadilla, kids sundaes) and comes complete with a pack of crayons. The grown-up menu, on the other hand, tries a little too hard. Although it s nice that they ve branched out fr om more common diner far e, some of the mor e inventive creations such as mu shu pork burritos filled with stir-fried veggies are not always as tasty as appear. You re best off sticking to the mor e basic items such as burgers or a Cobb sandwich.

When y ou step out of the dar kened Exploratorium Hall into the light of day , take a moment to appr eciate the lo vely scenery at the Palace of Fine Arts (p. 161) abutting the E xploratorium. H ave y our kids look at the ducks and run on the grass before heading nor th on B aker S treet, crossing M arina Boulev ard and continuing to the water s edge. Walk onto the breakwater, wher e y ou ll see the bizarr e Wave Organ (p. 202), created by scientists from the Exploratorium.