maupin tours Picnicking by the water may be an even better idea. Go to the Ferry Building (p. 161) on the Embar c

Picnicking by the water may be an even better idea. Go to the Ferry Building (p. 161) on the Embar cadero and pur chase sandwiches fr om Mastrelli s Delicatessen (& 415/397-3354). Then go out behind the building , g rab a bench, and enjoy your picnic as you watch the ferries head out across maupin tours the bay. Another good picnic spot is the Justin Herman Plaza across the street from the Ferry Building, where the massive concrete arms of Vaillancourt Fountain fold over each other. At Fort Mason, pick up delicious maupin tours v egetarian sandwiches like egg salad at Greens to G o (Building A, F ort Mason Center, &415/771-6330) and then sit y ourselves under a palm tr ee on the expansiv e lawn. If you re at Crissy Field (p. 160), g rab a soup or sandwich at the Warming Hut. You ll find plenty of picnic spots outside.

The first hotel in California hotel to r eceive LEED-NC certification (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design for New Construction) from the U.S. Green Building Council, the Orchard Garden followed opened after its sister pr operty, the O rchard H otel, earned a steady , satisfied clientele for its efficiency, pleasant decor , comfor table beds, and envir onmental friendliness. The Orchard Garden shares these same qualities, with rooms that are slightly more stylish in blond wood and soothing earth tones. Although it s priced slightly higher than its sister hotel, maupin tours the O rchard G arden has mor e family-friendly r oom configurations including junior suites, with a king-siz e bed and sleeper sofa in one r oom, that go for mor e than $400 during convention season, but can be had for $229 in the off-peak. A full breakfast can be included for an additional $20 to the r oom rate.

440 Post St. (btw. Mason and Powell sts.), San Francisco, CA 94102. &800/288-4346 or 415/397-3510. Fax 415/989-0529. w ww.unionsquare.com. 30 units , including 11 suit es. $239 $249 singles only ; $269 $329 suite. Kids under 14 stay free in parent s room. Rollaways $25; cribs free. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $36; oversized vehicles $41; self-parking $25. Amenities: Laundry service; dry cleaning. In room: TV, dataport, CD player, wireless high-speed Internet access, hair dryer, iron, safe, CD player.