road maps bonsai crossed by winding paths and high-arched bridges were it not for the hordes of tourists and s

The San Francisco Visitor Information Center, Hallidie Plaza, 900 Market St. (at Powell St.), Lower Level, San Francisco, CA 94102 (& 415/283-0177; www.sfvisitor.org), is the best source for any kind of specialized information about the city. Even if you don t have a specific question, you may want to request the free Visitors Planning Guide and San Francisco Visitors.

bonsai crossed by winding paths and high-arched bridges were it not for the hordes of tourists road maps and screaming children who can all but destroy any semblance of peace. Come early to enjoy the places for contemplation, including the bronze Buddha that was cast in Japan in 1790 and donated by the Gump family, the Buddhist pagoda, and the Wishing Bridge, which reflected in the water looks as though it completes road maps a circle. The garden is open daily November through February from 8:30am to 5pm (teahouse 10am 4:30pm), March through October from 8:30am road maps to 6pm (teahouse 10am 5:30pm). For information on admissions, call & 415/752-4227. For the teahouse, call & 415/ 752-1171.

Ruby Skye Downtown s most glamorous and gigantic road maps nightspot is all aglitter thanks to a dramatic renovation and the addition of killer light and sound systems road maps within the 1890s Victorian playhouse previously known as The Stage Door. Inside, hundreds of partiers boogie on the ballroom floor, mingle on the mezzanine, and puff freely in the smoking room while DJs or live music bring the dancing house down Thursday through Saturday. Big spenders should book the VIP lounge, which offers a glitzy place to kick it and bird s-eye views of the whole club scene. road maps 420 Mason St. (between Geary and Post sts.). & 415/693-0777. www.rubyskye.com. Cover $10 $25.

Built in the mid-1970s, this contemporary, four-story hotel offers the reliable comforts of a Sheraton in San Francisco s most popular tourist area. In other words, the clean, modern rooms are comfortable and well equipped road maps but nothing unique to the city. The Corporate Floor caters exclusively to business travelers. 2500 Mason St. (between Beach and N. Point sts.), San Francisco, CA 94133. & 800/325-3535 or 415/362-5500. Fax 415/956-5275. www.sheratonatthewharf.com. 529 units. $239 $274 double; road maps $550 $1,000 suite. Extra person $20. Continental breakfast $11. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $30. Cable car: Powell-Mason line (1 block east, 2 blocks south). Streetcar: F. Bus: 10 or 49. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; outdoor heated pool; exercise room; concierge; car-rental desk; business center; limited room service; laundry; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV, fax (in suites only), dataport, coffeemaker, hair dryer, high-speed Internet access.