keswick hall San Francisco occupies the tip of a 32-mile-long peninsula between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific

Spec s Its incognito locale on Saroyan Place, a tiny alley at 250 Columbus Ave., makes Spec s less of a walk-in bar and more of a lively locals hangout. Its funky decor maritime flags that hang from the ceiling, exposed-brick keswick hall walls lined with posters, photos, and various oddities gives it character that intrigues every visitor. A museum, displayed under glass, contains memorabilia and items brought back by seamen who drop in between sails, and the clientele is funky enough to keep you preoccupied while you drink a beer. 12 Saroyan Place (off Columbus Ave.). & 415/421-4112.

September Los Angeles County Fair. Horse racing, arts, agricultural displays, celebrity entertainment, and rides are among the attractions of the largest county fair in the world, held at the Los Angeles County Fair and Exposition Center, in Pomona. Call & 909/623-3111 or visit www.fairplex.com for information. Throughout September.

THE HIGH SIERRA Lots of new restaurants and lodgings in this chapter, starting with Groveland. On your way to Yosemite, stop by the 150-yearold keswick hall Iron Door Saloon, 18763 Main St. (& 209/962-6244), for a charbroiled buffalo burger keswick hall and a try at tacking a $1 bill to the ceiling. Or stay the night at the historic Hotel Charlotte, 18736 Main St. (& 800/9617799), an inexpensive little charmer built in 1921 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. keswick hall

San Francisco occupies the tip of a 32-mile-long peninsula between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Its land area measures about 46 square miles. Twin Peaks, keswick hall in the geographic center of the city, is over 900 feet high.