the new museum In 1994 the Presidio was transferred from the U.S. Army to the National Park Service and became one

These days, traveler s checks are less necessary because most cities have 24hour ATMs that allow you to withdraw small amounts of cash as needed. However, keep in mind that you will likely be charged an ATM withdrawal fee if the bank is not your own, so if you re withdrawing money every day, you might be better off with traveler s checks provided that you don t mind showing identification every time you want to cash one.

This is the oldest structure in the city, built on order of Franciscan Father Jun pero Serra by Father Francisco Palou. It was constructed of 36,000 sunbaked bricks and dedicated in June 1776 at the northern terminus of El Camino Real, the Spanish road from Mexico to California. It s a moving place to visit, with its cool, serene buildings with thick adobe walls and especially the cemetery and gardens where the early settlers are buried. 16th St. (at Dolores St.). & 415/621-8203.Donations appreciated. May Oct daily 9am 4:30pm; Nov Apr daily 9am 4pm; Good Friday 9am noon. Closed Thanksgiving and Dec 25. Muni Metro: the new museum J. Bus: 14, 26, or 33 to the corner of Church and 16th sts.

In 1994 the Presidio was transferred from the U.S. Army to the National Park Service and became one of a handful of urban national parks that combines historical, architectural, and natural elements into one giant arboreal expanse not to mention a previously private golf course and a home for George Lucas s production company.

The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) (& 800/ 448-8550 or 954/776-2626; www. iglta.org) is the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry, and offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel companies.