Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
OCEAN BEACH
; 415-561-4323;
www.parksconservancy.org
;
Great Hwy; sunrise-sunset; 5, 18, 31, N),
where Golden Gate Park greenery ends and the great blue Pacific Ocean begins. Dedic-
ated sand-castle architects dot the water's edge year-round, but only hardcore surfers
brave these riptides (casual swimmers beware). Beachcombers may spot sand dollars
and 19th-century shipwrecks along the south end - but stick to paths in fragile dunes,
where skittish snowy plover shorebirds shelter in winter. Bonfires are permitted in artist-
designed fire pits only; no alcohol allowed. For drinks, stop by oceanfront
Beach Chalet
(
415-386-8439;
www.beachchalet.com
;
1000 Great Hwy;
9am-10pm Mon-
Thu, to 11pm Fri, 8am-11pm Sat, 8am-10pm Sun;
;
5, 18, 31) for house-brewed beer on the
heated patio and 1930s lobby murals.
Sleeping
DEALS & HIDDEN COSTS
San Francisco is the birthplace of the boutique hotel, offering stylish rooms for a price:
$150-plus for most midrange rooms, plus 16% hotel tax (hostels exempt) and $35 to $50
for overnight parking. For last-minute vacancies and deals, check
Lonely Planet
(
ht-
tp://hotels.lonelyplanet.com
)
and San Francisco-based accommodations specialists
HotelTonight
(
www.hoteltonight.com
)
,
Airbnb
(
www.airbnb.com
),
Bed & Breakfast SF
(
www.bbsf.com
),
Hipmunk
(
www.hipmunk.com
) and
Hotwire
(
www.hotwire.com
).
Union Square & the Tenderloin
Hotel des Arts
HOTEL
with bath $129-199, without bath $99;
;
Montgomery,
Montgomery)
