North Point St, Russian Hill

I am actually surprised that this San Francisco icon doesn't have its own personal page on here, but North Point Street is close enough. Filled with high-end shops and restaurants, Ghiradelli Square is a cute, sheltered shopping area within walking distance of Fisherman's Wharf but with a fraction of the chaos. Perhaps equally touristy, given its namesake ice cream shop, Ghiradelli Square won't attract too many locals, but it is a very nice place to come for an evening walk along the bay and an ice cream sundae.

Something about this area at night is actually quite romantic. Perhaps it's the Golden Gate Bridge peeking out through the fog, maybe it's the gentle moonlight over the water, or it could just be my own personal experience with someone special, but even amidst the shops that sell $30 pairs of underwear, something here resonates. With me, with young couples stealing away together, with tourists looking for something "different" from Fisherman's Wharf, and with the city as a whole.

North Point runs east to west from the Embarcadero to Fillmore Street. There's not a lot to see on North Point except for hotels, but there is ONE major restaurant which was just recently voted #1 restaurant in San Francisco by Zagat again, which is Restaurant Gary Danko at North Point and Hyde. Kind of nondescript when you come upon it with black windows and all, but 4 stars and you need a reservation. There's also a Patagonia store across Hyde on North Point which I don't know why I am mentioning it but it's just such a fascinating location for a store and they've been there for years. If you are backpacking through San Francisco and need any outdoor clothing, this would be a great place to stop.

Also after Hyde you come upon Ghiradelli Square and there's lots to see in there from the famous chocolatier to Kara's Cupcakes (gourmet) and 365 wine bar. It's also a historic landmark and you can read the signs as you walk through it. For the shopper, there are some super cute boutique shops located within. Word on the street has it that by 2011, Restaurant Gary Danko will have an offshoot restaurant there in front of the Fairmont Hotel (which sits next to Ghiradelli).

North Point takes a break when you come upon Fort Mason, but then picks up again in the Marina. Nothing but residential there until you hit upon Fillmore Street where there is plenty of action if you go South 2 blocks to Chestnut.(left).

After a hectic day of exploring San Fransisco my family landed in the bedlam of Fisherman's Wharf. After a complete day of exploring "The Wharf" was just too much for my kids. Fortunately we discovered Ghirardelli Square a multiuse complex of returants, stores etc. right next to Fisherman's Wharf. The complex offers a wide variety of resturants including a chocolate shop, cupcake store and even a irish pub. A nice upscale place for you and your family to take a break from the city.