SAN FRANCISCO offers all the benefits of a great city in a small and manageable package, says Ms Linda Kozlowski, 35.
A senior vice-president in the public relations firm Fleishman-Hillard International, the Greensboro native moved there eight years ago. As she points out, 'few people are natives here. It is a true melting pot'.
It was the food, technology, its atmosphere of acceptance and a love for life which drew her there, and she says these are the same qualities that keep her there too. Here are her tips on how to make the most of your visit.
The Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco's most famous landmark and a good place to start. 'No matter how long you live in the city, it still impresses you every time you go over it,' says Ms Kozlowski.
It stretches more than 3.2km from the north side of the city to Marin County. You can take a bus there and walk the length of the bridge. It gets cold over the water, so make sure you have a jacket.
If you have a car, Ms Kozlowski recommends going up to Marin Headlands just off the northern end of the bridge. You get the best views of the city up on the hill.
Escape to Alcatraz
'Alcatraz is one of our most famous attractions, but it really is very interesting and much better than you can imagine,' says Ms Kozlowski.
If you go on a tour of Alcatraz, there are two things you need to know, she adds. First, get the audio guide for the walking tour. It is very well done and makes the visit much more interesting. Second, no matter what time of the year, take along a jacket for the ferry ride to Alcatraz. The Bay Area waters are always very cold.
Ride a cable car
The cable cars are 'moving historic landmarks' which were invented in 1873. They are one of the most romantic forms of transportation and well worth a ride.
Showcase of art
San Francisco not only has some of the most amazing art galleries, but it also has some of the best art schools. The Art Institute and the Academy of Art infuse the city with a young, fresh and expressive art scene.
Take a walk
Some of the country's most beautiful parks and preserves are near the city. Just 20 minutes' drive away from the centre of town is Muir Woods, where you can walk among some beautiful redwoods. These trees are considered the tallest in the world and grow only in specific climates.
Shop till you drop
San Francisco has something for all tastes. Shop downtown if you want designer brands, unique art and luxury goods. If you prefer boutiques, Ms Kozlowski recommends Union Street, Chestnut Street, Sacramento Street and Hayes Valley.
If it is San Francisco memorabilia from the 1960s you are looking for, head to the Haight Ashbury district. But some of the most fun shopping is in Chinatown, where 'you can find everything from furniture and jewellery to porcelain'.
Food and more food
'In San Francisco, you just cannot avoid eating,' says Ms Kozlowski. The diverse cultures here, plus the exceptional local produce, make for great meals.
For breakfast, don't miss Mama's in North Beach just off Washington Square. Don't leave without trying the coffee cakes.
For lunch and dinner, go to places like Perbacco in the financial district, or A16 in the Marina area for incredible Italian food, or Foreign Cinema in the Mission for good food in a unique cinema setting.
For modern Californian cuisine, try Spruce in Pacific Heights. 'You will need a reservation and a cab to get there, but it will be well worth it,' she says.
To market, to market
If you love food, visit the farmers' market at the Ferry Plaza building. The old ferry terminal was renovated a few years ago to house San Francisco's largest farmers' market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
The buildings also house permanent stores of some of the best olive oil, chocolate, cheese and wine merchants. Some restaurants have also opened there, including Slanted Door for Vietnamese food and Taylor's Refresher for burgers.
Sundowners
End your day with a drink at one of the city's great hotel bars. You can go to the top of the Mark Hopkins hotel for drinks and enjoy a gorgeous view of the city.
Also go to some of the more historic venues such as the Fairmont Hotel, The Huntington Hotel, The Westin St Francis, The Palace Hotel or the Clift Hotel. Many have been renovated, but they have all retained some of their old charm.
This article was first published in Life!, The Straits Times on August 5, 2008.
