San Francisco is a diverse city. It has many influences culturally and economically. Working class and business professionals, gay and straight all can find their niche.
The Soma district (South Of Market) was once known as the wrong side of the tracks and has now turned into a bustling night life hot spot! There are many places to go that will fit about anyone's preferences.
A great night life spot is Slim’s which was opened in the late 1980's by Boz Scaggs. It has a very relaxed atmosphere, and many famous people have crossed the threshold to play a game of pool and perform on stage.
If you are looking for something that will fit a more alternative lifestyle, The Stud Bar is the place to go. There is Trannyshack Tuesdays and $1 Bud Light nights on Wednesday.
Annie's Cocktail Lounge boasts free pool on Mondays and karaoke on Tuesdays at nine PM. Their famous slogan is “Stiff cocktails for your drinking pleasure.” If you are working in the service industry, you can bring in your pay stub on Monday nights to get a free drink.
If you are looking for something a bit more low key, why not visit the VinoVenue, a wine tasting bar. They have more than 100 wines from all around the globe. VinoVenue has a unique system where you simply purchase a VinoVenue tasting card, which works just like a debit card. There are “serve yourself” wine stations where you swipe your card for whatever wine you would like to try. Each station has something that will fit everyone’s budget, with drinks starting at a dollar. This is a great way to learn about wine without having to spend money on an entire bottle of wine that you won’t enjoy.
The SoMa area is a great place to start when you are looking for San Francisco nightlife.
Many people assume that living in a metropolis such as San Francisco would make dating easier, but that is not always so. People in large cities often keep to themselves. The key is to put yourself in the position to meet people and to make a connection.
San Francisco is home to a large population of both heterosexuals and homosexuals so there is a good chance you can find exactly who you are looking for.
Depending on you and your lifestyle, there are many approaches to meeting that special someone. If you follow a particular religion, churches in San Francisco offer mixers and other dating events. There is the Catholic Singles Network who matches people based on values, personalities and goals in life. On the first Friday of the month, the Young Jewish Alliance holds Shabbat potluck dinners. Simply call your local church and ask them what single events they have.
Another popular date idea in San Francisco is speed dating. Why waste your time on a date that may not be your perfect fit? Within 8 minutes, you should be able to tell if there is a possibility of things progressing to a first real first date. Speed dating events are held throughout the city.
Another great place in San Francisco to meet someone special is at a sporting event! Dress up in your 49ers or Giants fan gear and head to 3Com Park. You may end up being seated next to your Mr. or Mrs. Right!
San Francisco is full of beautiful views, fantastic seafood, and historical landmarks. If you're looking for things to do in San Francisco, whether it's in the daytime or the evening, you'll have no trouble finding something.
The Golden Gate Bridge is perhaps the most often photographed spot in San Francisco. The Marin headlands provide some of the place to take photographs of the bridge.
Alcatraz
One of the most famous San Francisco landmarks is Alcatraz. Alcatraz was home to notorious prisoners such as Al Capone. No longer used as a prison, Alcatraz is open to visitors. You can take a walk through jail cells which were once filled with the most infamous criminals in recent history.
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf has an aquatic park on one end and Pier 39 on the other. The Wharf has restaurants and shopping that will tantalize and challenge the most seasoned shopper. Pier 39 is home to world famous sea lions.
China Town
San Francisco’s Chinatown is home to the city's oldest street, Grant Street. It runs through 8 blocks of this cultural experience. With open markets, quaint stores and restaurants there is so much to take in. Immerse yourself in this city within a city.
Japanese Tea Gardens
The Japanese Tea Garden is a must see. It is a good idea to go on a Sunday when the park is closed to cars. It will make your experience much more enjoyable. You can have traditional tea and Japanese crackers in a serene garden for about $3.
Coit Towers
Coit Tower on Telegraph hill is a wonder to behold. Built in 1933, Coit Tower provides spectacular city views.
Going out for a meal in San Francisco can be an experience all its own. If you want to take in another culture, grab a bite to eat, or take in a complete formal dining experience, San Francisco has it all.
Yet Wah in Chinatown provides the best of both worlds. They boast an upscale dining experience with affordable prices, large portions and spectacular flavor.
On your visit to Pier 39 make sure you stop by the family owned and operated Capurro's. They have been providing San Francisco with amazing seafood dishes since 1946. An Italian influence mixed in with fresh caught seafood makes for a delicious meal. They have everything from Pizza to fresh cracked crab as well as nightly live entertainment.
Fleur de Lys, located in the Nob Hill area of San Francisco, is the ultimate in upscale dining. Chef Keller is noted to never repeat a menu so each visit would be a unique adventure in cuisine. You can choose from a three or five course meal or if you are really hungry, request a 7 course meal! He is known for his creativity in meat free meals as well.
Hawthorne Lane near the MOMA is a must visit for California cuisine. With such savory menu items as grilled Hawaiian swordfish, your visit is sure to be a delight to the palate.
San Francisco offers as much culinary variety as there is variety in the people you will meet and the places you will see.
Known as the "City by the Bay", San Francisco is home to dramatic cityscapes, beautiful coastal views, cultural diversity and charming older homes and neighborhoods.
The Golden Gate Bridge and cable cars are what most people envision when you mention San Francisco. However, the city has been around for nearly 250 years. It attracted people with gleams of gold in their eyes and hopes of fortune in their hearts during the gold rush. It is now a Mecca for artists, poets, immigrants, and people who march to the beat of their own drummer.
San Francisco is the fourth largest city in the state of California. It also claims the title of the fourteenth largest state in the United States with a population of approximately 740,000 people. It is one of the most recognizable cities in the world.
During the Gold Rush in 1848, there was a growth surge that helped form the city as we know it. The city was devastated by an earthquake in 1906 but was quickly rebuilt bigger and better.
The fog rolling in, the steep hills, view of the Pacific Ocean and the diversity of many cultures melded together make San Francisco a beautiful city full of history and a wonderful place to visit.