"San Francisco is the most beautiful city in America — and one of the finest places to eat in the world."
San Francisco occupies a 7-by-7-mile peninsula at the tip of a bay — a compact, hilly city of extraordinary beauty and extraordinary food. The proximity to the finest produce, seafood, and wine in the country has given the city's chefs an unmatched pantry, and the result is a restaurant scene that has shaped American cuisine for 50 years. The Golden Gate Bridge, the Ferry Building, and the neighbourhoods — from the Victorian painted ladies of Alamo Square to the murals of the Mission — make it one of the most visually compelling cities in the world.
"The Ferry Building on a Saturday morning — the finest food market in America, with the bay behind it."
TastesOf Editorial
At a Glance
What Not to Miss
The Golden Gate Bridge
One of the world's great engineering achievements — a 1.7-mile suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate strait, painted in International Orange and perpetually wreathed in fog. Walk or cycle across it; the views of the bay, the city, and the Marin Headlands are extraordinary.
The Ferry Building
A restored 1898 Beaux-Arts building on the Embarcadero — now home to some of the finest food vendors in California. The Saturday farmers market, with its extraordinary produce, artisan cheeses, and prepared foods, is one of the great food markets in America.
Napa and Sonoma Day Trip
The world's finest wine country is 45 minutes from San Francisco — and a day trip to Napa or Sonoma is one of the great pleasures of visiting the city. The Stags Leap District for Cabernet, the Russian River Valley for Pinot Noir, and the Dry Creek Valley for Zinfandel are the highlights.
The Mission District
San Francisco's most vibrant neighbourhood — a dense grid of taquerias, bars, galleries, and bookshops in the city's sunniest microclimate. The Mission Dolores, the oldest building in San Francisco, and the extraordinary street murals of Clarion Alley are both unmissable.
Alcatraz
The former federal penitentiary on an island in San Francisco Bay — now a national park with an extraordinary audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards. The views of the city from the island are spectacular; book tickets well in advance.
Fine Dining in the City
San Francisco has one of the finest restaurant scenes in America — anchored by Benu, Quince, and Atelier Crenn, and supported by an extraordinary range of neighbourhood restaurants. The city's proximity to the best produce, seafood, and wine in the country gives its chefs an unmatched pantry.
Where to Stay
Rosewood Sand Hill
LuxuryIn Menlo Park, 30 minutes from the city — a beautifully designed resort with a world-class spa, excellent dining, and a location convenient to both San Francisco and Silicon Valley. The finest hotel in the Bay Area.
The St. Regis San Francisco
Urban LuxuryThe finest hotel in downtown San Francisco — steps from SFMOMA, with a superb spa, excellent dining, and the impeccable butler service that defines the St. Regis brand.
Hotel Drisco
BoutiqueA beautifully restored 1903 Edwardian hotel in Pacific Heights — the most residential and characterful neighbourhood in San Francisco. The most intimate luxury experience in the city.
The Verdict
America's most beautiful city — eat at Benu, walk the Golden Gate, and spend a day in Napa.