cave of the winds Built in 1926 on the spot where railroad millionaire Mark Hopkins s turreted mansion once stood, the

Walkers and joggers cave of the winds will enjoy the forests of the Presidio. It was once a bleak field of wind-blasted rock, sand, and grass, but in a strangely humanitarian gesture, 60,000 trees were planted in the 1880s to make the place more livable for the troops. Today, on the 2-mile Ecology Loop Trail, walkers can see more than 30 different species of those trees, cave of the winds including redwood, cave of the winds spruce, cypress, and acacias. Hikers can follow the 2.5-mile Coastal Trail from Fort Point along this part of the coastline all the way to Land s End. It follows the bluff top from Baker Beach to the southern base of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Built in 1926 on the spot where railroad millionaire Mark Hopkins s turreted mansion once stood, the 19-story landmark is one of the city s most classy historic hotels. A renovation in 2000 resulted in exceedingly comfortable neoclassical rooms with all the amenities you d expect from a world-class hotel, including custom furniture, plush fabrics, cave of the winds sumptuous bathrooms, and extraordinary city views. Luxury suites, added in 2001, are twice the size of most San Francisco apartments and cost close to a month s rent per night. The Top of the Mark, a fantastic bar and lounge, where Pacific-bound servicemen went to toast good-bye to the States during World War II, underwent a major renovation. Now, dancing to live jazz or swing is done in spruced up, old-fashioned style. (Romantics, this place is for you.) 1 Nob Hill (at California and Mason sts.), San Francisco, CA 94108. & 800/327-0200 or 415/392-3434. Fax 415/421-3302. cave of the winds www.markhopkins.net. 380 units. $395 $525 double; from $650 suite; from $3,000 luxury suite. Continental cave of the winds breakfast $20; breakfast buffet $35. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking cave of the winds $35, some oversize vehicles prohibited. cave of the winds Cable car: California St. and Powell lines (direct stop). Bus: 1. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; exercise room; concierge; car-rental desk; business center; secretarial services; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service/dry cleaning; cave of the winds concierge-level floors. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, VCR in suites only, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe, 3 phones.

April San Francisco International Film Festival. One of the oldest film festivals in the country, featuring more than 100 films and videos from over 30 countries. Tickets are inexpensive, and screenings accessible to the general public. Call & 415/ 931-FILM or visit www.sffs.org. Mid-April to early May.