Whether it's opera or avant garde, visitors to San Francisco are sure to find their interests piqued by Stephanie Gold's selective listings. This longtime resident shares her favorite parks, gardens, and beaches, and recommends lodgings that accomodate a range of tastes: romantic Victorian B&Bs, posh five-star hotels, and arty and fun motels. San Francisco and the Bay Area attract 15 million visitors each year, and with this guide, anyone can find the best the city has to offer. Photos and maps.

