San Francisco Travel Info

Getting There

Amtrak
For all information on schedules and stations in San Francisco call 1-800-USA-RAIL. There's a San Francisco station at the Ferry Buidling, 31 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111

San Francisco International Airport
The airport is a short cab ried away from downtown.

Around Town

Local Transit
If you are travelling around the Bay area, a convenient alternative to driving is the BART (the Bay Area Rapid Transit). Also try buses and the trolley lines.

Biking
Want a bike tour or just a bike? Try Blazing Saddles at 1095 Columbus at Francisco Street or at Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 41, (415) 202-8888. Or try Presidio Bikes at 5335 Geary Blvd, (415)752-BIKE. Presidio also rents in-line skates.

Where to Stay

San Francisco Castle Inn, 1565 Broadway Street (415/ 441-1155)
$65 - $140. If you're on a budget, check prices during the high season.

San Francisco Travelodge, 3201 Steiner Street (415/ 921-5162)
$48 - $120. Public transportation just across the street.

San Francisco Carl Hotel, 198 Carl Street (888/661-5679)
$59 - $99. Close to downtown and the Golden Gate Bridge Park. Good weekly rates available.

International Student Center, 1188 Folsom Street (415) 255-8800
Cheap beds in dorm rooms.

Tourist Sites

Fisherman's Wharf/Pier 39
At the Wharf, enjoy delicious clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. Kids can visit the nearby arcade for video games and bumper cars while you visit the shopping district. The Pier is the site of festivals ranging from tree lighting in the Christmas season to a Street Performances Festival in the summer. For some reason, it has also become very popular with sea lions. They're waiting for your visit.

Alcatraz
Take a ferry over to see the infamous prison where convicts like Al Capone and "Machine Gun" Kelly were held.

Lombard Street
Set on a hill offering a fine view of city, Lombard Street is dubbed "the crookedest street in the world."

Cable Cars
When you get tired of tramping uphill and downhill, swing into downtown on these charming trolleys.

Chinatown
A district with a historic past and a bright future. Chinese workers who emigrated to work on the Transcontinental Railroad settled here. Tourists can visit tea and herb shops, haggle in the fish markets and take home souvenirs.

The Castro
A historically gay district bustling with cafes and bookstores.

Roxy Cinema
View English-subtitled Chinese films.
3117 16th St. at Valencia (415) 863-1087

Museums

Ansel Adams Center for Photography
Pure aesthetic pleasure.

Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
Lovely museum. Click on above link to find out about the latest exhibitions.

Pubs and Music

Beat Lounge, 1751 Fulton Street
Hip hop rules!

The Sound Factory, 525 Harrison Street
Salsa and house.

The Cat Club, 1190 Folsom Street
Get catty!

Asian SF, 201 9th Street
Gender benders, good food.

Liquid, 2925 16th Street
Fun, relaxed.