Visitor Information
The San Francisco Visitor Information Center, on the lower level of Hallidie Plaza, 900 Market St., at Powell Street (tel. 415/391-2000; www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com), is the best source of specialized information about the city. Even if you don't have a specific question, you might want to request the free Visitors Planning Guide and the San Francisco Visitors kit. The kit includes a 6-month calendar of events; a city history; shopping and dining information; and several good, clear maps; plus lodging information. The bureau highlights only its members' establishments, so if it doesn't have what you're looking for, that doesn't mean it's nonexistent.
You can also get the latest on San Francisco at the following online addresses:
The Bay Guardian, the city's free weekly paper: www.sfbg.com
SF Gate, the city's Chronicle newspaper: www.sfgate.com
CitySearch: sanfrancisco.citysearch.com
Money-Saving Tourist Passes
If you're the type who loves to cram as many tourist attractions as possible in one trip, then you might want to consider purchasing a San Francisco CityPass or GO San Francisco Card. The CityPass includes 7 days of unlimited public transportation (including cable cars, Metro streetcars, and the entire bus system), and access to six of the city's major attractions: the California Palace of the Legion of Honor and de Young museums, the Asian Art Museum, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Exploratorium, and a Blue & Gold Fleet bay cruise. You can buy a CityPass at any of the above attractions or online at www.citypass.net. Current rates are $54 for adults and $39 for kids 5 to 17. For more information, visit the CityPass website at www.citypass.net or send an e-mail to info@citypass.com. For recorded information, call tel. 888/330-5008.
I think the better deal, however, is the GO San Francisco Card (tel. 800/887-9103; www.gosanfranciscocard.com). It offers free or discounted admission to more than 45 of the most popular attractions, activities, and tours throughout the Bay Area and Wine Country; has far more flexibility (available in 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 7-day increments over a 14-day period); and comes with a nifty little full-color guidebook that fits in your back pocket. In addition, some stores and restaurants offer discounts of up to 20% to Go San Francisco Card holders. The Go Cards are smart-technology enabled, which means they operate by calendar day and are activated the first time they are swiped, so you'll want to start your touring early in the morning to get the most value. The 2-day card costs $65 for adults ($39 for kids 3-13), and doesn't need to be used on consecutive days. You can purchase the GO Cards via their website or at the San Francisco Visitor Information Center, Red and White Fleet Ticket Booth, or Wax Museum.
