Getting There

Flights to San Francisco from Gatwick are upwards from 350 with American Airlines. Of course, it's vital that you shop around for this part of your holiday if you're going to book each element yourself. One of the best ways to do this quickly and efficiently is to use a comparison website such as Cheap Flights. This website does exactly what its name suggests, by comparing deals from cheap flights available from a range of providers. You may not want to book your flights separately from your accommodation or other features of your holiday. If this sounds like you, then take a look at ASDA Travel for more. They also have an extensive collection of travel guides to help you before you take your trip.

Accommodation

If you are looking for something a little upmarket then you could try the Omni San Francisco Hotel, a luxury 4-diamond hotel that has won numerous awards for it service and excellence. Listed 34th in the Best Luxury Hotels in the World List rooms here start at around 150.00 per night.

For a lower priced, but still very elegant, alternative you could try the Carlton Hotel on Lower Nob Hill. Here a room will cost from around 45 per night, with all of the mod cons that you would expect including WiFi, CD and cable TV. For something a little different try the Phoenix Hotel, a funky hotel that has been frequented by the likes of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Pearl Jam. Rooms are reasonably priced at around 60 and have all of the cutting edge facilities modern travellers expect. For an extensive directory of hotels, take a look at Lastminute.com.

Things to Do

Firstly you must go and see the show Beach Blanket Babylon for its sheer weirdness. It is a musical spoof on popular culture where the performers wear hats sculpted in unusual shapes, for example the Statue of Liberty and even New York City itself. Tickets cost around 12 and can be bought throughout the city.

Look out for the notorious San Francisco Bushman who hides behind a twig, on Fisherman's Wharf, and jumps out unexpectedly at tourists. This causes much hilarity and a crowd gathers on the other side of the road. The Bushman is technically a busker so a few coins are much appreciated. Finally, go and see the San Francisco seals - not the baseball team but the animals to be found off Pier 39.

Where to Eat

Try the famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread roll. This is available from pretty much every restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf but a good one to try is Boudin Bakery, which has a museum upstairs displaying the history of baking. A sourdough bread bowl and soup cost around £4.00. For an upmarket option you can try the relatively new Ame Restaurant on Mission Street. This L-shaped dining hall is decorated in a very modern fashion with 'New American' style food, essentially a fusion between American and Asian cuisine. One dish that is exquisite is the broiled Alaskan black cod marinated in sake and served with gorgeous shrimp dumplings in a Shiso broth.