de Young Museum Observatory (Golden Gate Park; 750-3600; Admission: $10/adult, $6/teen, free for kid

Why Go: It had us at hello. This fairest of towns where Tony Bennett left his heart. Where hippie-love culture was born. Where the majestic panorama of the bay can cause a longtime local's spirit rent a car one way rentals to soar as if he was seeing it for the first time. The appeal starts, rent a car one way rentals as your grandmother would say, with "good bones." The city is built on a 46-square-mile peninsula that separates San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean a setting that guarantees a multitude of water views. And then, of course, there are the glorious hills, which afford so many heartbreakingly gorgeous rent a car one way rentals vistas that we're hard pressed to choose a favorite view. (Our savvy readers have whittled it down to five, below.) Even getting up and down those inclines has its charms, rent a car one way rentals thanks to little cable cars that climb halfway to the stars.
Cosmopolitan and sophisticated yet welcoming and friendly, this city inspires its fair share of nicknames: Fog City, City by the Bay, SF (but, please, not "Frisco"). The famously vibrant, multicultural diversity means that foodies are in for a special treat. This is one of our nation's great dining towns, with more restaurants per capita than any city in America. And with dozens of enormous, open, grassy spaces and hundreds of opportunities for active pursuits, San Francisco is also an outdoor-loving family paradise.
Care for a friendly word of advice? Locals are accustomed to the city's somewhat wacky weather, which is influenced by microclimates (temperatures can vary by 15 degrees from one neighborhood to another) and by what is politely called "intermittent fog" (read: incredibly atmospheric photo ops of the Golden Gate Bridge). Visitors are wise to heed these words often attributed to Mark Twain: "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." Summer here tends to be downright unsummery. September and October are the warmest months. If you arrive during any other time of year, dress in plenty of layers and be prepared to don and shed them several times a day.
The Westin St. Francis (335 Powell St.; 397-7000 or 800/937-8461.) One of San Francisco's most historic rent a car one way rentals grand hotels makes families feel welcome with kids' gift packs and a super Union Square location. Traveling with a baby or toddler? Many travel essentials from cribs to strollers to potties to extra diapers are provided free.
Water surrounds the city on three sides, so there's no need to fret if you get lost. "Always remember: Downtown is east. The Golden Gate Bridge is north." You're more likely to get disoriented if you're driving, given the maze of one-way streets and streets that "break" when they hit a hill. Leave the car behind. Finding a parking spot is a hassle and, "unless you're a local, driving can be quite frustrating." Besides, "there are plenty of fun ways to get around this city that let you enjoy the views something you can't always do when you're behind rent a car one way rentals the wheel."
If you're going to be doing a lot of sightseeing, consider buying the San Francisco CityPass . It lumps the admission fees of seven major attractions (including a 7-day Muni Cable Car passport, rent a car one way rentals Blue Gold Fleet Bay Ferry, Exploratorium, and Aquarium of the Bay) into one price ($54/adult, $44/child 5-17). Another key perk: You can jump to the front of all the lines, which is a huge benefit during high tourist season. To figure out whether the CityPass makes sense for you, do the math. It's a bargain rent a car one way rentals if you're planning on getting rent a car one way rentals around rent a car one way rentals on streetcars and cable cars and visiting at least three of the seven sites that are included.
Cable car: Maybe they aren't the fastest way from A to B, but riding rent a car one way rentals these open, historic trolleys is both a "quintessential San Fran experience," and "tremendous fun for the kids." But "just don't call it a 'trolley'-locals hate that." There are three lines. The most interesting ride and "the best way to survey the hilly cityscape" is the Powell-Hyde line, which starts at the corner of Powell and Market rent a car one way rentals streets, rolls over both Nob Hill and Russian Hill, and zigs and zags down to a turntable at gaslit Victorian Square in front of Aquatic rent a car one way rentals Park, near Ghirardelli Square. The next-best pick is the Powell-Mason line, which also starts at the intersection of Powell and Market, then climbs Nob Hill before making its way down to Bay Street, just a few blocks from Fisherman's Wharf. Rides cost $3/person, including kids over 5. Note: included in the San Francisco CityPass.
Streetcar: These sleek electric rail vehicles are a quick way to get around. There are six streetcar lines, designated J through N, running underground downtown and above ground on the streets in the outer neighborhoods. "By far, the most useful and enjoyable line for visitors is the F line, because it's the only line that uses beautiful, vintage, 1930s-era cars." The F is "an easy and very lovely way to get from uptown to downtown," running from 17th and Castro streets to Beach and Jones streets near Fisherman's Wharf. In between, it travels on the city's main artery, Market Street, and its grand waterfront boulevard, rent a car one way rentals The Embarcadero. You can board the F line at specially-marked center islands along the route. The fare is $1.50/adult; 50¢ for seniors and children 5 to 17. Note: Admission is included in the San Francisco CityPass .
Bike Ride on the Embarcadero: This famous thoroughfare is wide, flat, and mostly crowd-free-making it an easy family ride. Rent bikes and pedal down the street past the piers, stopping where you like. "This is best done first thing in the morning when it's not crowded. rent a car one way rentals You might have to walk your bikes when you get to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf if there are too many pedestrians." You can go all the way to the Hyde Street Pier and Aquatic Park.
Blue Gold Fleet Bay Cruise (Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf; 773-1188). This very popular, rent a car one way rentals one-hour rent a car one way rentals narrated cruise leaves several times each day aboard 350-passenger sightseeing boats. The itinerary is a wide loop of the bay, sailing right under the Golden rent a car one way rentals Gate Bridge, then past Sausalito and Angel Island, and finally around Alcatraz. "The views are sensational! Have your camera rent a car one way rentals ready when you cruise up to the bridge." Be aware that "the morning cruises are less crowded than those in the afternoon" and "don't forget to bring a sweater since it gets positively chilly on the open water-even in the summertime." The discounted online fare is $23/adult; $19/youth (12 to 18 yrs); $15/child (5 to 11 yrs). Note: included in the San Francisco CityPass .
Bay Quackers San Francisco Duck Tours (Anchorage Mall at Fisherman's Wharf, corner of Leavenworth and Beach Sts; 431-3825). "This tour is definitely expensive" ($35/adult; $25/kids 12 and under), but it's "a real hoot for everybody in the family." The 90-minute "quirky and really fun" tour takes place inside a U.S. Coast Guard-approved World War II amphibious craft known as a "duck." After touring through some of the city's most interesting neighborhoods (Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, North Beach, South Beach, Union Square, China Basin), the duck splashes down into the water and gives a short cruise of the bay. "The atmosphere on this tour is very lively, thanks to the excellent, very outgoing and funny guides."
Golden Gate Promenade and Crissy Field (Marina District). Walking along the bayfront marina, "you get an unbeatable, sweeping view of the Golden Gate Bridge, sailboats in the bay, and the pretty Marin headlands." It's a favorite spot for "all sorts of active people-joggers, Rollerbladers, windsurfers, cyclists, moms and dads strolling with their kids, you name it."
Coit Tower. This round, stone tower sits atop Telegraph Hill, just east of North Beach (362-0808; Admission: $4.50/adults, $2.00/kids 6-12). From the top, you can enjoy a spectacular, panoramic vista of the city and the bay. "Take a few moments at the base of the tower to admire the beautiful murals" painted by more than 25 artists rent a car one way rentals in the 1930s.
Alamo Square (Fulton, Hayes, and Steiner Streets). rent a car one way rentals This grassy square in the middle of the historic district affords one of the most famous views of San Francisco. "You'll see it on a gazillion postcards and posters, but it's much more fun to take your own snapshots of this place." rent a car one way rentals The unusual panorama features a row of exquisitely restored Victorian townhomes (a.k.a. the "painted ladies") on Steiner Street, whose gables cut a sharp edge when juxtaposed against the powerful Financial District skyscrapers behind. "This is a wonderful spot for letting your kids run around on the grass and release some energy."
Top of the Mark (InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, Number One Nob Hill; 392-3434). On the 19th floor of this famous landmark hotel resides this legendary sky-bar, which is deservedly famous for its "dreamy, panoramic views" of San Francisco. "While it's known for its 100 Martinis menu, kids are made to feel very welcome, too."
Filbert Street Steps (Telegraph Hill). No time to hit the gym while you're in town? "It's a long hike (and great exercise) to climb up the flight of steps on Filbert Street, but you are rewarded with some really fantastic views."
de Young Museum Observatory (Golden Gate Park; 750-3600; Admission: $10/adult, $6/teen, free for kids 12 and under; Open Tues-Thurs Sat-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm, Fri 9:30am-8:45pm). Go for the artworks, but don't leave without taking the tower elevator to the ninth-floor observation platform. "The floor is entirely rent a car one way rentals encased in floor-to-ceiling glass, so you get a 360-degree view of the city. Even in the fog, it's a very cool place from which to view the city."
Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market (Ferry Building, 1 Ferry Plaza, base of Market Street on the Embarcadero; open Tues 10am-2pm and Sat 8am-2pm). "This is the place to be every Saturday morning-great local color and awesome fresh food!" The hundreds of stalls rent a car one way rentals are manned rent a car one way rentals by local farmers and gourmet purveyors of all things yummy, which makes it "a great place to pick up exotic non-perishables that you can't find at home." Count on spending at least an hour here, perusi