It's easy to fall in love with San Francisco. From its chock-a-block row houses on winding hills to the gorgeous bay under crystal clear mid-day skies that quickly shift under mysterious evening fog, the town offers a cosmopolitan city center edging out towards laid back neighborhoods. And everywhere there's fantastic culinary fare keeping SF in the fight to be the country's foodiest city.
Despite its size, it's often pricey, but you can travel there now and not break the bank. Airlines and a host of hotel packages have made it easy this fall to let your self remember why so many maintain their mad crush. Flights on Jet Blue (www.jetblue.com) from New York City Kennedy's Airport are only $236 if you book two weeks in advance. The airline's easy-to-maneuver website also lists hotels if you want to book the trip yourself. American Airlines (www.aa.com) and American West (www.americawest.com) both beat Jet Blue price by 14 bucks, each one's fares starting from $222. But only Jet Blue has those handy little TV sets on the back of each seat. If you live in Cleveland, you can hop out of Ohio for only $198 on American Airlines. Fares are good through January and don't include airport departure taxes or security taxes.
If you don't want the hassle of booking all aspects of your trip yourself, several good packages deals are available. Everyone's favorite Internet success story and San Francisco hometown son (well, Palo Alto, actually), Yahoo (800/648-8248; http://travel.yahoo.com) has some excellent air-inclusive tour packages. A four-night stay at the centrally located Renoir Hotel with airfare from most U.S. gateways starts from $646. Other more luxurious hotels throughout the city are available. See the site for available dates. No booking date is required.
United Vacations (888/854-3899; www.unitedvacations.com), the "branded leisure vacation package" company of United Airlines offers some good Internet deals. Roundtrip airfare from Chicago and two nights at the three-star, art deco Canterbury Hotel runs you $276.50. Built in 1926, the hotel is just a short walk to fabled Union Square and central San Francisco. Room tax is included in the price. No travel dates are excluded. If you want to stay at the more picaresque Fisherman's Wharf and catch some of the cool breeze, the same two-night at the Argonaut Hotel Fisherman's Wharf starts at $324. Again, hotel and air tax are included, but you need to travel between November 1, 2004 and March 31, 2005. All prices are based on double occupancy.
While San Francisco has its mythical beauty and Golden Gate Bridge, wine county is just a hop and a skip away. Day trips to Sonoma and Napa are easy and touring the California vineyards is a treat. Last minute travel deals on Travelocity (www.travelocity.com) give travelers the chance to just pick up and go. Say you want to leave next Thursday, October 7? A three-night stay at The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Hotel and Spa with airfare runs you $643 per person. With over 25o vineyards including Francis Ford Coppola's estates, the trip allows you to sample a bounty of wines and the area's finest restaurants. These last minute deals are great getaways, and the Website offers many to-do tips while touring the valley.
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