We know there are a million travel guidebooks out there, but we’ve created a handful of destination mini-guides designed specifically for working girls-on-the-go. So, whether it’s a quick stopover for a meeting, or a week-long conference, here’s everything you need to know about…
SAN FRANCISCO
Where to Stay:
Expense Account: The W Hotel San Francisco
This sleek hotel in the heart of SOMA (South of Market) is a short walk to Union Square, the Financial District, and the Museum of Modern Art. Features include a heated lap pool, comfy beds with feather duvets and panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and skyline. Kings, from $293. – with city view and sitting room, from $385.
181 3rd Street, Ph: 415.777.5300
Romantic Weekend: The Fairmont
This glorious hotel, built in 1907, embodies old San Francisco glamour at its finest. Perched on a hill, it is the only spot in the city where each of the city’s cable cars meet. Sip a drink at the elegant bar or spend the entire day tucked up in bed with the city (literally) at your feet. Rooms, from $350, Suites, from $500.
950 Mason Street, Ph: 415.772.5000
On the Cheap: Hotel Rex
Inspired by the art and literary salons of the 1920s and 30s, the cozy lobby of Hotel Rex is packed with vintage books and eclectic paintings. Perks include nightly wine tasting, and complimentary car service to the Financial District. The location (only a block from Union Square) makes getting around painless. Deluxe queens, from $126 with valid AAA card, from $139 without.
562 Sutter Street, Ph: 415.433.4434
Where to Eat:
Business Dinner: Boulevard
Housed in the Audiffred Building (one of the few to survive the great quake of 1906), Boulevard is a nod to the sophisticated European dining experience. The dining room is elegant, yet inviting, the perfect match to the rich flavors of the French-influenced cuisine. Enjoy a great bottle of wine – this is the perfect place to seal a deal. Average dinner price $31-$50.
1 Mission Street, Ph: 415.543.6084
Hot Spot: Range
This modern restaurant is just small enough to be intimate and just big enough to be tres cosmopolitan. The food sings at Range – ingredients are picked at their prime and dishes are perfectly executed. The menu is small, only 6 to 8 appetizers and entrees, but each option is more tantalizing then the next. Pair your choices with elegant sips (cocktails and wine abound) and, baby; you’ve got a Meal! Average apps $8.50, average entrée $19.00.
842 Valencia, Ph: 415.282.8283
Eating Alone: A16
Named after the highway that runs through the Campania region in Southern Italy, A16’s food is divine. Curl up at the bar and order one of 40 wines by the glass – or a bottle, if you happen to make a friend. Their pizzas are perfect, but so is everything else on the menu. Relax; we know it’s been a long day. Starters average $10, Entrees, from $10-$23. 2355 Chestnut, Ph: 415.771.2216
Where to Shop:
Whatever you’re hunting for – Downtown San Francisco is THE place to shop. Start at Union Square and take a slow turn. What do you see? Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, and Sacks (Nordstrom is only blocks away). If high fashion is your forte, wander side streets to find designers galore: Coach, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel, Hermes, and Gucci (to name a few) all have storefronts here.
Chinatown: Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also a fun, colorful shopping experience. Find fantastic silks, paper parasols, delicate teas, furniture, incense, and of course great Chinese food. It’s the perfect spot to find a little something for those you had to leave at home.
The Hayes Valley Neighborhood is shopping at its finest-dozens of delectable haunts offering everything your heart might desire. Bell’occhio is The Place for beautiful vintages ribbons, tiny boxes and other beautiful things. When you’re ready to wrap yourself in something pretty, head to Dish for sassy, modern clothes. Need some shoes? Gimme Shoes is a shop to swoon over. Hope there’s extra room in the bag, ‘cause you’ll need it!
Bell’occhio: 8 Brady Street, Ph: 415.864.4048
Dish: 541 Hayes Street, Ph: 415.252.5997
Gimmie Shoes: 416 Hayes Street, Ph: 415.864.0691
Head to Haight Street and get reacquainted with your inner hippie. Once the center of 60’s psychedelic, it’s now home to anarchist bookstores, piercing and tattoo shops and vintage clothing stores (visit La Rosa for the best). If music is your thing, run, don’t walk to Amoeba Records, the music mecca of San Francisco (and maybe even the world).
La Rosa:1711 Haight Street, Ph: 415.668.3744.
Amoeba Records: 1855 Haight Street, Ph:415.831.1200
Weekend & Time-Off Activities:
Golden Gate Park: The park is a lovely place to watch an afternoon pass by. Take a stroll (the park boasts over 1,000 acres of trail) or visit one of the many sights this SF landmark has to offer: the Japanese Tea Garden, Arboretum, or Conservatory of Flowers built in 1879 and boasting over 10,000 plants from around the globe. In the mood for art? Visit the newly re-opened DeYoung Museum—an architectural feat full of paintings, sculpture, and textiles. Here’s a tip: The special exhibitions are ALWAYS great.
San Francisco Ferry Plaza. It’s possible to spend an entire day and eat three great meals (plus snacks) at the Ferry Plaza, a working ferry port turned boutique food market. Come early on Saturday mornings when fruit, vegetable, bread, cheese and meat merchants descend on the square outside the building. Need a pit stop? Try The Slanted Door for Vietnamese food and great views, Hog Island Oysters for something on the half-shell, or Ferry Plaza Wine Merchants for something to sip.
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market: 1 Ferry Building, Ph: 415-291-3276
The Slanted Door: 1 Ferry Building, Ph: 415-861-8032
Hog Island Oyster Bar: 1 Ferry Building, Ph: 415-391-7117
Ferry Plaza Wine Merchants: 101 The Embarcadero, Ph: 415-391-2613
Wine Country. If you’ve rented a car – Napa Valley is only one blissful hour north of the city. Stop at Domaine Chandon for a bottle of bubbly and breathtaking views. Next hit up Artesa Vineyards and Winery; wander through their sculpture garden and pick up a bottle of Napa County Cabernet to take home with you. Check out www.napawine.com for maps and more ideas.
Domaine Chandon Artesia Vineyards and Winery
Travel:
Airport: SFO and Oakland
Landing at San Francisco International Airport is a piece of cake. The airport is big, but easy to navigate. Hop on BART or grab a cab- the city is only 25 minutes away!
Oakland International Airport is in the East Bay, about 40 minutes outside the city. It sounds like a drag, but flights to Oakland are often cheaper (this is where low-cost airlines like Southwest touch down). You can take BART public transportation into the city or cab it to Berkeley, home to a bevy of fabulous restaurants.
SFO
Oakland
BART
Weather and Wardrobe:
Good thing layers are fashionable because the weather in San Francisco is extremely unreliable. Depending on which way the fog flies, neighborhoods can be cool, gray, and misty or warm and lovely. It’s hardly ever hot, and it’s hardly ever truly cold. So check the weather reports each morning and make sure you pack a sweater.
