San Francisco - Beauty by the Bay

As many times as I have been to San Francisco, the city by the bay still holds a magnetic lure for me. It is the most beautiful American city, and I say that as someone who has visited cities in all 50 states. Somehow the hilly topography, the majestic structures, the slight chill in the air, and the afternoon fog combine for an idyllic ambience.

San Francisco's physical beauty encompasses one of the most diverse populations anywhere. The city has a strong sense of culture and cultural identity. Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, Latinos and Italians all have a palpable presence. This rich cultural diversity brings with it an amazing array of culinary delights. Food establishments in neighborhoods such as Chinatown, North Beach and the Mission District serve up bountiful portions of delectable dim sum, ravioli and rancheros, respectively.

Adding to the cosmopolitan potpourri is the largest gay and lesbian population of any U.S. city. Many of San Francisco's most prominent businesses, including hotels, restaurants, shops and services are owned and operated by gay people. The gay community enjoys a high level of visibility, acceptability and political clout.

I always make a point to walk through the second largest Chinatown in the country, the bustling hub for the city's Chinese population. As you stroll down Grant Avenue, the street immortalized in the 1961 movie Flower Drum Song, you will pass shops and sidewalk displays lined with tacky goods, as well as restaurants and open-air markets. I enjoy dining at Empress of China while looking out at the view from its picture window.

Another favorite experience is taking in the scene from Telegraph Hill. The Bay and the architecture of Telegraph Hill and nearby Russian Hill can best be described as uniquely San Francisco. The much-photographed Coit Tower crowns Telegraph Hill. Take the number 39 bus to the top of the hill and then walk down on the Greenwich Steps, a brick staircase lined with ivy and roses. And, if you worked up an appetite during your descent, take the short walk to the Fog City Diner on Battery Street for some of the city's finest comfort food.

The arts flourish in San Francisco with major museums, a world-class opera house, a symphony and a ballet company. Moreover, the Mission District is a melting pot of more than 60 public murals in an eight-block area. SoMa, short for South of Market Street, has enjoyed an arts renaissance and is home to the Museum of Modern Art and the Center for the Arts. In the shadows of these two new venues, numerous galleries have sprung up. Moreover, San Francisco's distinctive Victorian houses are as much of the arts scene as the museums and gallaries.

I have barely skimmed the surface of the treasures that await you in San Francisco. Some of my other favorites are the beautiful expanse of Golden Gate Park, the deluxe houses in Pacific Heights, and the cafes and bars of North Beach.

Perfect San Francisco vacations are easy to book on the Internet. Companies such as Collette Vacations, Travel Impressions and Pleasant Holidays will guide you through building your trip online. If you prefer, you can create your own San Francisco holiday.

Whether you are looking for a package from one of the vacation vendors or want to build your own, or if you want to compare, the best and easiest place to do so is at GoRoddy.Net. We are a franchise website of the number 25 seller of travel in North America.

GoRoddy.Net offers every choice available at the lowest prices. Just click on the Vacations tab. You can even make reservations for a professionally guided tour, whether it's San Francisco, Wine Country or Alcatraz, by clicking on the Extras tab on the homepage and then going to Tourist Activities at the bottom of the Extras page.

From the majesty of the Golden Gate Bride to the colorful Mission District, the breathtaking beauty of San Francisco will make your vacation one of the best ever.

Follow us on Twitter at GoRoddy Travel.

Best San Francisco Vacations at the Best Prices.

World's Best Travel Deals at GoRoddy.Net

GoRoddy.Net is a state-of-the-art travel booking portal. We offer the biggest brand names--airlines, hotels, cruise lines, car rental companies--in the world. GoRoddy.Net runs on advanced technology that finds the absolute best prices on the Web.

Top-tier products above and beyond what you find on the other travel sites sets us apart. Are you a golfer? Click on the Golf icon at the lower right, and an array of mesmerizing possibilities appear. Whether you are looking for tee times, equipment, a golf and spa package, or an unforgettable luxury golf vacation, it's all a click away at GoRoddy.Net.

Click on the Extras tab to purchase tickets for shows, sports events or concerts. We specialize in "impossible-to-get" tickets for the biggest attractions of all kinds. If you get a sudden urge for a long weekend getaway, visit GoRoddy.Net and click on the Vacations tab. Then Click on Last Minute Deals, and you'll save up to 70%.

When you visit us, enter the free Trip of a Lifetime Sweepstakes. An all-inclusive 3-night vacation plus airfare for 2 is given away monthly.The biggest variety of the world's very best travel and travel-related brands are always at your fingertips when you visit GoRoddy.Net.

Cruising is Heaven on Water

If you've been on a cruise, you know what an amazing experience it is. If you haven't, you don't realize what you have been missing. It's no wonder that 95% of the time, first-time cruisers say the experience met or exceeded their expectations.

A cruise is an all-inclusive, hassle-free vacation and one of travel's best values. You know the cost and pay upfront. Cruises are a great way to have fun, relax, meet new friends and get away from it all.

The price includes deluxe accommodations, fine dining, entertainment and nighttime activities, supervised children's programs, daytime activities and in-stateroom movies. You can eat anytime day or night, or even in the middle of the night. Room service is always at your beck and call.

If you order a steak and then decide you want the lobster too, no problem. Just order it. There's no additional charge. The wait staff will happily bring it to you.

Are you in the mood for pampering? Cruise ships have fabulous spas that cater to your every whim. Would you like to get off the ship and explore the sights at one of the ports? Just book a shore excursion through the cruise line. Cruise guests love the multiple destinations where the ship drops anchor. (Spa treatments and shore excursions cost extra.)

Cruises offer something for everyone and are drawing people of all ages.

The Caribbean/Bahamas is the #1 cruise area in the world, with 53% of the market. Other popular cruise regions are Europe/Mediterranean, Alaska, Mexican Riviera, Bermuda and Canada.

Some of the world's largest cruise lines include Carnival, Holland America, Disney, Princess and Costa. Most cruises are from 3 to 8 days, with 12 and 15-day cruises sailing on a seasonal basis.

To select the cruise that's right for your dreams and your budget, visit GoRoddy.Net. Click on the Cruises tab at the top. You'll be surprised by the low prices.

The Best Cruises at the Best Prices