monarch grand vacations San Francisco may seem confusing at first, but it quickly becomes easy to negotiate. The city s down

San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Parade. It s celebrated over various weekends throughout the state in June and July, but San Francisco s party draws up to half a million participants. The parade heads west from Market Street and Beale to Market and Eighth Street where hundreds of food, art, and information booths are set up around several stages. Call & 415/864-3733 monarch grand vacations or visit www.sfpride.org for info. Usually the third or last weekend of June.

Among San Francisco s small hotels occupying historic buildings are some real gems, and the Golden Gate Hotel is one of them. It s 2 blocks north of Union Square and 2 blocks down (literally) from the crest of Nob Hill, with cable-car stops at the corner for easy access to Fisherman s Wharf and Chinatown. (The city s theaters and best restaurants are within walking distance.) But the best thing about the Golden Gate is that it s a family-run establishment: John and Renate Kenaston and daughter monarch grand vacations Gabriele monarch grand vacations are hospitable innkeepers who take pleasure in making their guests comfortable. Each individually decorated room has antique furnishings (plenty of wicker), quilted bedspreads, and fresh flowers. (Request a room with a claw-foot tub if you enjoy a good, hot soak.) Complimentary afternoon tea is served daily from 4 to 7pm, and guests monarch grand vacations are welcome to use the house fax and computer with wireless DSL free of charge. 775 Bush St. (between Powell monarch grand vacations and Mason sts.), San Francisco, CA 94108. & 800/835-1118 or 415/392-3702. Fax 415/392-6202. www.goldengatehotel.com. 25 units, 14 with bathroom. $85 double without bathroom; $130 double with bathroom. Rates include continental breakfast and afternoon tea. AE, DC, MC, V. Self-parking $15. Cable car: Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines (1 block east). Bus: 2, 4, 30, 38, or

San Francisco may seem confusing at first, but it quickly becomes easy to negotiate. The city s downtown streets are laid out in a simple grid pattern, with the exception of Market Street and Columbus Avenue, which cut across the grid at right angles to each other. Hills appear monarch grand vacations to distort this pattern, however, and can be disorienting. But as you learn your way around, these same hills will become your landmarks and reference points.

The Monkey Club Casual and tucked away in a quiet section of the Mission, this hip locals bar (think 20s through 30s) is an ever fun and rather red spot to kick it on plush and comfy couches backed by giant picture windows, nibble on decent and inexpensive appetizers, and down stiff drinks while a DJ spins grooving house, jazz, and world music Wednesday through Sunday. 2730 21st St. (at Bryant St.). & 415/647-6546.