Morling & Company

Top of the Mark has been living up to its name since it opened its doors in 1939. This elegant lounge and nightlife venue was once a penthouse suite and is located on the 19th floor, offering unmatched panoramic views of the city that are nothing less than amazing. The cocktails are expertly made, there is excellent live entertainment, and the clientele is nothing less than well-to-do. Expect excellent service and an experience that's nothing less than stellar.

Music fans know that in these days of a volatile economy, it is actually a challenge to find a real music store anymore. That's why collectors stay devoted to Amoeba Music, which just happens to be the world's largest independent record store. Both young and old music fans alike spend hours flipping through Amoeba's incredible selection of vintage vinyl LPs to find several long-out-of-print treasures. There's also a great selection of CDs, DVDs, and related items like t-shirts, posters and various other collectibles. Plus, the store regularly features musical guests who perform right in the store. So don't lose your groove, find it, at San Francisco's Amoeba Music!

When you visit San Francisco for the first time, visiting Alcatraz is definitely a must-do. The Rock, as Alcatraz is known locally, was originally a lighthouse and a military out post and prison before becoming a federal prison. The likes of Al Capone, among others, served their time here. The tour takes you from the shore to this ominous island and the guides are all well-informed and always ready to answer your questions. The inherent drama of Alcatraz itself makes it worth seeing, but the added touches and expert treatment by the guides only underscore how essential it is to see this dramatic facility when you are in the Bay Area.

For a look back that stretches all the way to the nation's colonial period, check out the awe-inspiring exhibits at the de Young Museum. This venue was first opened in 1895 and holds the distinction of being the city's oldest, most diversified museum. Even though it was remodeled in 2005 and several of its exhibits were updated, it still stands as one of the world's most fascinating collections of African, Oceanic, and pan-American art. This is highly worth checking out!