The best way to discover most cities is on foot and San Francisco, a compact, cosmopolitan and charasmatic urban centre, is no exception to the rule.
Renting a car is certainly not recommended as traffic is bad, and parking scarce and extremely expensive.
For tourists unsure of which way to wander, there are a variety of daily walking tours which give a good introduction to distinct neighbourhoods.
From the urban realism and trendy nightlife of the largely Hispanic Mission district, to the art galleries, theatres and studios of the SOMA district (South of Market), the city has something to suit all tastes.
Options include an architecture walking tour in Pacific Heights, which passes by some stunning Victorian houses and luxurious celebrity homes and gives a good insight into the city’s colourful history.
Visitors should also set aside some time to visit Golden Gate Park – a 1,017 acre urban oasis of greenery, museums and recreational facilities.
Tourists who opt for a walking tour are certain to build up an appetite which can be easily satisfied. San Francisco is a melting pot of nationalities and this is reflected in many aspects of city life, particularly its food.
The range and quality of Mexican and Asian food is superb – as well as Japantown and Chinatown, there are numerous Vietnamese, Thai and Korean restaurants.
Vegetarians are also catered for, as the city, like the rest of California, has a selection of organic, vegetarian restaurants.
Shoppers will also find themselves spoilt for choice with a wide range of clothes stores offering UK visitors some great bargains.
The area around Union Square, which is San Francisco’s equivalent to London’s Piccadilly and Regent Street, is home to a variety of internationally famous stores such as Macy’s, Tiffany’s and Cartier, as well as a five-floor Levi shop and a huge Tower Records.
Chic boutiques can be found all over San Francisco, from the most exclusive areas such as Pacific Heights and Marina, to Haight and Ashbury, Fillmore and Hayes Valley where funky clothes shops, eclectic gift stores and thrift shops line the streets.
And art lovers won’t be disappointed with San Francisco’s dynamic and diverse museum scene.
Even walking to the famous San Franciscan Museum of Modern Art in the SOMA district is a cultural experience, passing through Yerba Buena Vista gardens, with its modern sculptures, a giant waterfall memorial for Martin Luther King and a stunning view of the museum’s award-winning building.
Those looking for history and culture should head for the prison island of Alcatraz, Angel Island, Treasure Island and the pretty town of Sausilito can all be reached by ferry. Taking a cable car ride up San Francisco’s shockingly steep hills is another highlight.
In the evening, those looking for entertainment should head for the Mission or the Castro, two of the most popular places to visit in the city centre. The Mission is known for its lively bars and Mexican restaurants and the Castro for its gay nightlife – a friendly and entertaining place for all types.
For blues and jazz, Biscuits and Blues near Union Square is a good venue, while the Boom, Boom club in Fillmore, owned by John Lee Hooker, is also popular.
While most of these venues and attractions can be reached by foot, public transport or taxi, renting a car day is the best way to explore out of town.
The Napa Valley, 2hrs north of San Francisco, is a famous wine-producing area. For the best wine tasting and most scenic views, by-pass Napa town and head for St. Helena.
Other popular excursions include the fantastic aquarium at Monterey, 3hrs by car, and the upmarket, picturesque beach town of Carmel.
Muir woods, a protected area of giant redwood trees, is a natural spectacle and good hiking terrain. To get there visitors pass over San Francisco’s most famous symbol – the Golden Gate Bridge. But don’t leave this highlight to the last day as you might be unlucky and encounter fog – a common feature in San Francisco and a tragic waste of a world-famous view.
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Getting there: UK holidaymakers can fly direct with Virgin, British Airways and United Airlines from Heathrow. Prices from around £200 return. A stopover in New York is possible.
Attractions: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (admission $8); Ansel Adams Gallery (small gallery popular with photography enthusiasts $5); Alcatraz island ($11 with audio tour); Palace of Fine Arts, Pacific Heights (magnificent building and park, also houses the Exploratorium science museum); Mission Dolores, The Mission (late 17th century church, $3 donation).
Excursions: Yosemite National Park (5hr drive, camping and hotel accommodation available); Muir Woods, Marin County (45mins from city); Napa Valley wine region. Some vineyards offer free wine tasting but most now charge around $3; spa town of Calistoga (spa/mud bath/massage package around $70 for 1hr 30mins); Carmel (chic beach town); Monterey Aquarium (excellent for adults and children, $15.95/$6.95).