The Viceroy Hotel Group property attracts a high-tech crowd thanks to its sleek interiors, a game room off the lobby, and a floor-to-ceiling Plinko installation that you can actually play.
With its luxe rooms—Mozambican wood on the walls; marble bathrooms—the St. Regis brings a dose of glamour to the SoMa district. The Japanese-themed restaurant Ame only adds to the appeal.
Set within the 1,491-acre Presidio park, this intimate inn was carved out of two historic buildings—a 1903 brick structure and neighboring clapboard house. We love the hiking trails out the back door.
Star chef Charlie Palmer took over the Victorian-era Mystic, exposing brick and adding vintage mirrors to the rooms and opening a speakeasy-inspired tavern that has quickly become a local favorite.
The just-renovated Mandarin has some of the best views of the city, especially from the Bridge to Bridge rooms (binoculars included).
Fresh from a makeover (good-bye chintz, hello earth-toned geometric patterns), today’s Ritz, near Nob Hill, still has doting service.
Expect a residential feel, turn-of-the-20th-century architecture, and plenty of complimentary perks (including bicycles) at this hilltop property in Pacific Heights.
At the clean-lined Benu, in SoMa, every detail is carefully considered, from the porcelain tableware to the Eastern-inspired chef’s tasting menu (a 1,000-year-old quail egg; salt-and-pepper squid).
Dishes at this homey restaurant balance acidity and texture, and highlight surprise ingredients—sardine-laced potato chips are served with horseradish sauce; chicken lasagna with popped sorghum.
Most plates come from the open hearth, including succulent, spit-roasted meats and wood-fired pizzas. The pastas are a must—try the buttery raviolo di ricotta with farm egg.
Waiters roam the room serving innovative small bites from dim-sum-style carts. The seafood selections are particularly worth flagging down for delicacies like black-garlic aioli on a fried nori chip.
After receiving two Michelin stars, the farm-to-table Saison moved to a grander space in SoMa. Tasting menus highlight local ingredients, sourced from foragers and farmers’ markets.
Despite the hour-long wait, the food is worth it. Founding chef Danny Bowien calls his cuisine “Americanized Chinese food”; think fiery kung pao pastrami and a cardamom-laced beef brisket soup.
Co-owners Catherine Chow and Corina Nurimba have built a mini fashion empire in Hayes Valley. The latest boutique is stocked with cutting-edge looks from the likes of Alexander Wang and Acme.
At this 20,000-square-foot houseware factory, shop, and café in the Mission District, glass walls give visitors a peek at tile production while they browse the bowls, vases, and table linens.
Local purveyors, hawking everything from cheese and chocolate to cupcakes, line the arcades of this historic waterfront building; the city’s best farmers’ market sets up out front three days a week.
A must-visit not only for its Herzog & de Meuron–designed de Young Museum but also for lesser-known gems such as the Victorian-era Conservatory of Flowers and a paddock for rare American bison.
Sun-seekers, runners, dog-walkers, and kiteboarders come to this scenic bay-front beach and promenade. Pass through the restored tidal marsh en route to the Warming Hut, a cozy stop for lunch.
This Daniel Libeskind-designed steel-and-brick building is a go-to spot for great architecture.
The Moroccan restaurant Aziza is a favorite of designer Yves Béhar: “Chef Mourad Lahlou blows me away with his bold and vibrant dishes such as duck-confit bastilla.”
For breakfast, head to Mama’s on Washington Square Park; try the cranberry-orange French toast.
Drinks at this cocktail bar are named for Pantone colors and employ unusual spices and even the odd beet. Try Grandma’s Sweater, made with gin, blood orange, and a rhubarb liqueur.
Call ahead to reserve a table at the detective-agency-themed bar with a three-drink tasting menu.
Rum fanatic Martin Cate opened the new-wave tiki bar to spotlight the 400-odd rums he’s sourced from around the globe.
After a top-to-bottom refit, the town-house-style emporium in Union Square now has a men’s store featuring Brioni and Kiton boutiques and a made-to-measure bar for suits.
Proprietor Gus Harput turns out avant-garde pieces that look deceptively simple on the rack. Most can be worn many ways; the three-hole blazer and the swacket (sweater-jacket) are travel essentials.
The $64 million, 35,000-square-foot SF Jazz Center is America’s first stand-alone space for jazz, with a 700-seat auditorium designed to evoke both a club and concert hall.
