redwood national park paranoia. Refer to Earthquakes in Fast Facts, later in this chapter, for general tips on what to do

151 Third St. (2 blocks south of Market St., across from Yerba Buena Gardens). & 415/357-4000. www.sfmoma.org. Admission $10 adults, $7 seniors, $6 students over 12 with ID, free for children 12 and under. Half price for all Thurs 6 8:45pm; free to all 1st Tues of each month. Thurs 11am 8:45pm; Fri Tues 11am 5:45pm. Closed Wed and major holidays. Streetcar: J, K, L, or M to Montgomery. Bus: 15, 30, or 45.

paranoia. Refer to Earthquakes in Fast Facts, later in this chapter, for general tips on what to do in the event of an earthquake, but avoid letting these fears dominate your thoughts before or during a California vacation. Major quakes are rare, and they re localized enough that it is highly unlikely you will ever feel one.

When the Embarcadero Freeway was torn down after the Big One in 1989, one of the major benefactors was this hotel, redwood national park whose backyard view went from a wall of cement to a view of the Bay Bridge redwood national park (a bay-view room costs extra). Just off the Embarcadero at the edge of the Financial District, this former YMCA books a lot of corporate travelers, but anyone who prefers stylish, high-quality accommodations half-canopy beds, large armoires, writing desks, soundproof windows and a lively scene will be content here. 165 Steuart St. (between Mission and Howard sts.), San Francisco, CA 94105. & 800/346-0555 or 415/882-1300. Fax 415/882-1313. www.harborcourthotel.com. 131 units. $165 $399 double. Continental breakfast $15. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking $32. Muni Metro: Embarcadero. Bus: 14, 32, or 80X. Pets accepted. Amenities: Access to adjoining health club and large, heated indoor pool; courtesy car; room service (breakfast only); same-day laundry service/dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV, fax, dataport, minibar, hair dryer, iron, safe.

In a city known for its panoramic views and vantage points, Coit Tower is The Peak. If it s a clear day, it s wonderful redwood national park to get here by walking up the Filbert Steps (avoiding a traffic nightmare), and then taking in the panoramic views of the city and bay at the base of the tower. (In fact, I d recommend not paying the admission to go to the top; the view is just as good from the parking area and you can see the murals for free.) Completed in 1933, the tower is the legacy of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy eccentric who left San Francisco a $125,000 bequest. Inside the base of the tower are the WPA murals titled Life in California, 1934, completed during the New Deal by more than 25 artists, many of whom had studied under master muralist Diego Rivera. Telegraph Hill. & 415/362-0808. www.coittower.org. Admission to the top $3.75 adults, $2.50 seniors, $1.50 children 6 12. Daily 10am 6pm. Bus: 39 ( Coit ).