Take a ride: San Francisco’s cable cars are one of the only moving historic landmarks in the U.S. Courtesy of San Francisco Travel
San Francisco – From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the colorful Painted Ladies, there is no shortage of sights to see in San Francisco, the host city of the ADA FDI World Dental Congress Sept. 4-8 at the Moscone Center and the New Dentist Conference Sept. 5-6.
Dentists, their teams and their families can enjoy these attractions and more as they turn the meeting into a vacation opportunity in the city by the bay.
“You’ll find out why Tony Bennett left his ‘heart in San Francisco,’” said Dr. Dennis Shinbori, a San Francisco dentist who is the chair of the American Dental Association Committee on Local Arrangements.
Below are some of Dr. Shinbori’s suggestions of things to do and see in town.
Attractions
- Golden Gate Bridge: For more than 80 years, the bridge has served as a bright gateway to San Francisco. Take a stroll across the famed structure, check out exhibits at the welcome center and explore the natural beauty of the Golden Gate National Parks at either end of the bridge. For a different view of the bridge, including the chance to sail underneath it, book a ticket on a San Francisco Bay cruise.
- Painted Ladies: Whether you’re a fan of historical architecture or the classic sitcom “Full House,” you’ll want to snap some pictures of this block of Victorian homes at Hayes and Steiner streets, one of the most photographed sites in the city.
- Alcatraz: Instead of escaping Alcatraz, why not venture inside and see the notorious federal penitentiary for yourself? Tours are offered both during the day and, for the brave, at night.
- Cable cars: Take a ride on one of the only moving historic landmarks in the U.S. The cars are the world’s last manually operated cable car system.
- Hills: San Francisco may be the city by the bay, but it’s also a city of seven hills. One of the most famous is Russian Hill, which includes the winding turns of Lombard Street, said to be the most crooked street in the world.
- Pier 39: Shop ’til you drop at the many retailers here, and see some sunbathing sea lions lounging on the boat docks while you’re at it. The Aquarium of the Bay also offers plenty of fishy fun for visitors.
- “Beach Blanket Babylon:” See this long-running pop culture and political satire famous for its enormous hats before the curtain closes on it for the final time Dec. 31.
Those eager to sample the city’s diverse fare can follow these dining tips from Dr. Shinbori and Michael Fox, food consultant to the Committee on Local Arrangements.
Food
American/Californian:
- Al’s Place, 1499 Valencia St.
- Nopa, 560 Divisadero St.
- State Bird Provisions, 1529 Fillmore St.
Bars/cocktails:
- ABV, 3174 16th St.
- Tonga, 950 Mason St.
- Top of the Mark, 999 California St.
Chinese:
- Dragon Beaux, 5700 Geary Blvd.
- Far East Café, 631 Grant Ave.
- Z & Y Restaurant, 655 Jackson St.
French:
- Brenda’s French Soul Food, 652 Polk St.
- La Folie, 2316 Polk St.
- Piperade, 1015 Battery St.
Italian:
- Acquerello, 1722 Sacramento St.
- La Ciccia, 291 30th St.
- SPQR, 1911 Fillmore St.
Japanese:
- Akiko’s, 431 Bush St.
- Ebisu, 1283 Ninth Ave.
- Tanuki, 4419 California St.
Mexican:
- Californios, 3115 22nd St.
- La Taqueria, 2889 Mission St.
- Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, 5929 Geary Blvd.
Seafood:
- Sam’s Grill, 374 Bush St.
- Swan Oyster Depot, 1517 Polk St.
- Tadich Grill, 240 California St.
Steakhouses and fine dining:
- Epic, 369 The Embarcadero
- Gary Danko, 800 North Point St.
- House of Prime Rib, 1906 Van Ness Ave.
Thai:
- Farmhouse Kitchen, 710 Florida St.
- Kin Khao, 55 Cyril Magnin St.
- Lers Ros, 730 Larkin St.
For additional ideas on how to experience San Francisco, as well as travel discount information, go to “Travel & San Francisco.”
To register for ADA FDI 2019 or learn more, visit ADA.org/meeting. To register for the New Dentist Conference, click here.