City:
San Francisco

State:
California

Appropriate age group(s):
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

Best time to visit:
Spring and Fall

Time needed for trip:
Half day

Description:
San Francisco - the city by the bay, the city of fog, and the city where Tony Bennett left his heart. There is something about the beautiful city of San Francisco that always leaves you yearning for more. San Francisco's downtown tourist center is known as Union Square. It has a plethora of boutiques and hotels and is a great place to hop on the next cable car for a tour of city. Get off the cable car at Nob Hill and ride the elevator to the Top of the Mark (at the top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel) for an awesome view of the city. North of Union Square is Chinatown, a great place for wandering, eating and shopping. The best time to visit Chinatown is during the Chinese New Year in late January or early February, when you can enjoy parades, fireworks and lots of other festivities. You'll find North Beach nestled between Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf. Here you have your pick of yummy Italian restaurants and one of the cities most famous landmarks, Coit Tower, known for it's 360-degree views. And last but not least, you and your family must spend some time hanging out and wandering around Fisherman's Wharf. Here you'll find numerous accommodations, shops and off-beat museums. For more information regarding your visit to San Francisco, check out www.theinsider.com travel guide web site.