NIGHT+DAY San Francisco
Author: Julianne Balmain
Contributor: Kate Chynoweth
ISBN: 0-9759022-9-6
Price: $17.95

Web Direct Price: $15.95

Famous for its steep scenic hills and its freewheeling West Coast spirit, San Francisco is a city of vibrant neighborhoods, world-class cuisine, dance-til-dawn nightclubs, and breathtaking views.

August Love Letter

I often marvel at San Francisco's die-hard love of the outdoors. As I brave the windy streets with my hatted head down, the natives are actually sunbathing in Dolores Park—shiver!

On truly warm (read: rare) days, I'm the first to head for civilized outdoor space (read: patios that serve booze and bites in the sun; I'm not the cycling type).

I love to sip pastis at Chez Papa Resto (chezpapasf.com) on Mint Plaza with the cigarette-smoking Frenchies. In the nearby Yerba Buena Arts District, the new Contemporary Jewish Museum (thecjm.org) has fantastic exhibits and a plaza-front café. Next door, the patio at Ducca (duccasf.com) is ideal for prosecco toasts among friends.

On Aug. 17, I'll be celebrating the Long, Hot Summer of gay love and marriage at Orson (glaad.org/events). Hosted by yours truly, this all-out bash to benefit marriage equality will feature live jam sessions—to the tune of MTV's Wii "Rock Band"—starring local celeb chefs, including Elizabeth Falkner of Citizen Cake fame.  

Speakin' of rockin', the Outside Lands Music+Arts Festival (sfoutsidelands.com), Aug. 22–24, brings headliners including Tom Petty, Beck, and Wilco to Golden Gate Park. My all-time fave, Radiohead, will become the first band ever to rock the park after dark. If only I still had that OK Computer concert tee.

Chloe Harris

Today's savvy travelers rely on NIGHT+DAY San Francisco—with its opinionated listings, insightful descriptions, and witty, intelligent writing—to get the sophisticated edge in travel. From the trendiest tables, hippest hotels, top shops and galleries, to the hottest nightspots and coolest attractions, NIGHT+DAY San Francisco is packed with expert recommendations and insider tips.