Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Photo credit: Brand X Pictures

After having to start this guide the past few years with the announcement that San Francisco is still recovering from the repercussions of the dot.com crash, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, a dramatic influx of new residents (up 13% since the '90s), and the general economic strains of 2002 and 2003, there's great news to report: San Francisco has definitely been on an upswing.

Of course, even during harder times, the City by the Bay was still a fantastic place to visit. So much so, in fact, that in late 2004 it was ranked the #1 American city by Condé Nast Traveler readers for the twelfth year in a row.

Even if you've never been to San Francisco, you probably already have an idea of some of its classic offerings: stunning bay vistas, Victorian architecture, swank boutiques, killer restaurants, walkable beaches, those oh-so-charming cable cars, the trademark dash of liberalism, and only-in-San Francisco style (remember the gay marriages of 2004?), all of which is tightly tucked into about 7 miles squared. The recent changes -- new restaurants and hotels, renovated museums, an overall sense of optimism -- may not seem apparent to the first-time visitor, but to us locals it's obvious and very welcome: The city feels exciting again.

So, what can you expect from the country's most romantic European-style city, which was founded on -- and still revels in -- the pioneers' boom-or-bust lifestyle? Whatever your heart desires! Like an eternal world's fair, it's all happening in San Francisco, and everyone's invited.

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San Francisco Attractions:  Things to Do in San Francisco

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