Getting there Cheap flights to San Francisco From Paris, American Airlines offers daily flights to San Francisco via our gateway cities of Chicago, New York, Miami or Dallas. For all the latest special offers, discounts and cheap flights to San Francisco, click here.
What to See and Do San Francisco is often called "Everybody's Favourite City," a title earned by its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, diverse communities and world-class cuisine. Measuring 47 square miles, this very walk-able city is dotted with landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Alcatraz and one of the largest Chinatowns in the United States. A stroll of the City's streets can lead from Union Square to North Beach to Fisherman's Wharf, with intriguing neighbourhoods to explore at every turn. Views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay are often laced with fog, creating a romantic mood in this most European of American cities.
Attractions From the weathered pier timbers of Pier 39, to the endless fresh seafood of Fisherman's Wharf, the northern waterfront is a must see on any visitor itinerary. This area is an unending hub of activity. Travel less than half a mile east to Ghirardelli Square to taste world-famous chocolate, or pack up for an impromptu picnic of fresh sourdough bread and cracked crab. For a bit of San Francisco history, visit the San Francisco Maritime Museum and the historic ships berthed at Aquatic Park. A quick walk over the hill takes you to Fort Mason and Crissy Field, which affords some of the best views of the city's premier landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Few urban shorelines contain the diversity of these 39,000 acres: islands, maritime parks, yacht harbours, Ocean Beach, special event venues, and historic points of interest. At the northernmost section is the 67,000-acre Point Reyes National Seashore. The Golden Gate Park is the largest man-made park in the world, with over 1,000 acres. And there is not a single "Keep off the grass" sign.
Within San Francisco's 47 square miles, the city's diversity is most evident in its unique neighbourhoods. Grant Avenue's dragon gate provides an exotic entrance to Chinatown. The towering steeples of Saints Peter and Paul Church overlook the inviting cafes of North Beach. Colourful murals surround the Mission District and its authentic Mexican restaurants. Look for a five-tiered pagoda in Japantown or browse in the trendy boutiques of Fillmore or Union Street. For a touch of San Francisco culture or to experience the nightlife of "SoMa's" clubs, head south of Market Street to the most recently developed area of San Francisco. The Haight-Ashbury district will lure you back to the 1960s with its veneer of tie-dye, incense and rock history.
Shopping Among the most popular shopping destinations are Anchorage Square, The Cannery at Del Monte Square, Crocker Galleria, Embarcadero Centre (Boston Properties), Ferry Building Marketplace, Japan Centre, Metreon, the Mission District, Pier 39, Stonestown Shopping Centre, Union Square, Union Street and Westfield San Francisco Centre.
Nightlife & Cuisine It's only fitting that a metropolis known variously as the "Paris of the West" and "Gateway to the Orient" should uphold a tradition for fine foods of infinite variety. Nowhere is San Francisco's worldliness more evident than in its cuisine. Great restaurants flourish here and are the focus of much civic pride. More than 3,300 restaurants of every ethnicity can be found in San Francisco to satisfy everyone's tastes and preferences. San Francisco claims to have invented the fortune cookie and no one should leave without sampling an It's It, a sweet confection of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two oatmeal cookies and dipped in chocolate. Union Square is surrounded by some of the world's best shopping and finest dining. Its renovation, unveiled in 2002, creates a new gathering place and outdoor stage. Market Street has been galvanized with the addition of the San Francisco Shopping Centre, a galleria of boutique department stores and convenient eateries. Choose from an array of theatre entertainment, including musical productions, dramas and comedies and the best of repertory in the nearby Theatre District.
Climate Surrounded on three sides by water, San Francisco's climate is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean. Summers are cool and frequently foggy. Winters are rainy and can become uncharacteristically cold relati ve to the rest of California. Within the city itself, its not uncommon to have distinct microclimates among the various neighbourhoods, adding to the varied temperatures across the citys 46 square miles.
Where to Stay In a city renowned for its splendid collection of hotels, the process of assembling a strong hotel package is easily accomplished. With more than 32,700 hotel rooms San Francisco offers accommodations in every size and price range. There are approximately 250 hotels in San Francisco; the largest ranges from 1,900 rooms to intimate bed and breakfast inns.