I could probably spend pages and pages writing on things to do in San Francisco and its surrounding areas. That would be an easy task, as time and words would not be a limitation. But, I asked myself, what if I had just 2 days to explore San Francisco, what would I do? Now that is a truly difficult and intriguing task.

Day one:
One needs to do some sightseeing (yes, San Francisco is more than just food and shopping). I personally would take a narrated bus tour. You will be able to see such sights as: Coit Tower (built in 1933 as a memorial for Lillie Hitchcock Coit and for the San Francisco firemen); Golden Gate Bridge; and Twin Peaks (weather permitting). When I took this tour, the view from the Golden Gate Park was nothing less than breathtaking.

Of course now I am hungry, so it's off to Chinatown where you can find restaurants that serve some great dim sum. In my experience, I fount it to be very reasonable and it hits the spot. The best way to explore San Francisco's Chinatown is by meandering through its streets and exploring the various shops. Don't forget the photo opportunity at the entrance known as the Chinatown Gate. Although it covers over 24 blocks, it is best to concentrate your exploration between Stockton and Grant Street.

For dinner, there are so many excellent places to eat. I won't even attempt to pick a place as it all depends upon your budget and taste.

Day Two:
What would be a visit to San Francisco without riding the cable cars? Unthinkable! So we take the cable car down to Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf. I remember the excitement and novelty of riding the cable cars (I played it safe and rode inside). There are three current operating lines: Powell-Mason; Powell-Hyde; and California Street. Pier 39/Fisherman's Wharf is actually 2 areas but has blended into one LARGE area. First we take a look at the famous sea lions, probably because everybody talks about them. They are sort of cute in their own way. Lots of specialty shops in the area where you can pick up those San Francisco souvenirs.

Again, with so many places to eat and from what I heard all of them are excellent. However, I personally did have lunch at Alioto's on Fisherman's Wharf. Located on the 2nd floor, the host was a gracious Italian gentleman who said all the right things. Service was excellent, prices were reasonable and the food was delicious.

Then it's back on the cable car back to Union Square and the remainder of the day shopping at probably one of the best shopping "destinations" in the world. Macy's flagship store as well as Nordstrom and Neiman-Marcus can be found here. The list of stores, both national names as well as smaller boutiques make this a shopper's dream. I'm not a shopper, but it's hard not to enjoy the atmosphere and excitement.

Two days. But there is so much more to do and see. It is not surprising why San Francisco continually draws visitors back again and again. I am too sold on San Francisco!

Howard Meguro writes for Kobayashi Travel Service, a leading tour operator of escorted tours to Japan and the US Mainland. Visit them at http://www.ktshawaii.com