San Francisco, USA
Airing Date: Jun 12th, 2003
Visually stunning, historically colourful and a regular trendsetter in everything from flower power to gay liberation, San Francisco is one of America's most loved cities.
The Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and San Fran's famous steep hills are just a few of the images that lure travellers to this vibrant city. Whether you live here or are passing through, San Francisco has something for everyone.
In the 1960s San Francicso was the hippy capital of America and the world, and the Haight district was the centre of it all.
The hippy vibe's have calmed down a little now, and although the streets are lined with exclusive boutiques, high-end vintage clothing shops and hip restaurants, there are still a few traces of those peace loving days. On Haight Street, platform shoes never went out of fashion, and you could find yourself walking around in 14 inch heels in next to no time.
For some R&R, head to the Red Victorian - this hotel just oozes hippy love. You can even spend the night in a flower power room.
After a day in the Haight, head to the Castro. Today, the Castro's queer identity is itself a tourist attraction. And just about everything comes with a twist round here - like RoCocoa Faerie Queene Chocoloates. Here chocolates have names like Oscar Wilde's Cherry, Monica's Flute and even Lou Rawl's Balls.
Bingo lovers will enjoy Drag Queen Bingo at La Tasca Restaurant. For $30 you get a bingo board, Sangria and a tapas brunch.
Chinatown makes a huge contribution to the multicultural flavour of San Francisco. It covers up to 30 city blocks and is the biggest Chinese community outside China. You don't need an itinerary to tackle this place - wandering around is half the fun. But if you prefer a guide, join the 90 minute walking tour of the Saturday market for $42. And believe it or not, the fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco - not China - so, for a free sticky beak head to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.
Once you've soaked up the hippy vibe, rocked on in the Castro and indulged your senses in Chinatown, complete the cultural circuit of San Francisco with a visit to the Mission district.
The Spanish settled in San Fran more than 200 years ago and they made this district their home away from home. For an authentic Latino experience head to La Rondallam, recommended by everyone in the Mission district. You'll find tequila shots and delicious food, so chill out and stay a while.
The facts
United Airlines and United Vacations have a special offer for viewers of The Great Outdoors. On sale for four days from Tuesday 14 October 2003, flights and four nights at the Handlery Union Square Hotel start at $1789 per person twin share. This package normally costs around $2300.
United Vacations
Tel: 1300 553 664 (or call your AFTA travel agent)
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Tel: 0011 1 415 781 7800 (international)
World Cars
Tel: 1300 65 66 01
Walking Tours and Cooking Center
Tel: 0011 1 650 355 9657 (international)
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
Tel: 0011 1 415 781 3956 (international)
Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Centre
Tel: 0011 1 415 285 2311 (international)
Red Victorian Bed, Breakfast & Art
Tel: 0011 1 415 864 1978 (international)
La Tasca
Tel: 0011 1 415 863 3516 (international)
RoCocoa's Faerie Queene Chocolates
Tel: 0011 1 415 252 5814 (international)
Mission Delores
Tel: 0011 1 415 621 8203 (international)
