San Francisco's North Beach

This travel app explores two vibrant San Francisco neighborhoods: North Beach, its bustling streets lined with cafes, one-of-a-kind shops, bars and restaurants reflecting the area's Italian heritage, and, a few blocks north, Fisherman's Wharf, a main part of San Francisco's historic waterfront.

Amid the souvenir shops and restaurants catering to the millions of tourists who flock here each year you can still find authentic San Francisco -- the smell of boiling crab and sourdough bread being baked, the feel of the breezes of the bay, the sounds of sea lions barking at Pier 39 and the music of street performers who make their living here.

The wharf is well-known as the location of two of San Francisco's biggest attractions -- Pier 39 and cruises to Alcatraz, the notorious former federal prison.

Not a comprehensive guide to every shop and restaurant, this app offers a selection of locals' favorites. Photographs, interactive maps, telephone numbers and links to web sites provide information you'll need while exploring North Beach and the Wharf.

★ About the Author ★

Laura Del Rosso is a journalist and longtime San Franciscan with roots in North Beach.

She is the author of award-winning Great Escapes: Northern California (Countryman Press, 2008), a contributing editor to Travel Weekly, travel writer and blogger who regularly writes about San Francisco.

Laura also wrote and photographed the Sutro Media travel app, San Francisco's Chinatown. For more see www.greatescapesnorcal.com.

★ About Sutro Media ★

This guide is published in partnership with Sutro Media. By enabling local writers to share their expertise on mobile phones, Sutro Media is making it easier and more fun to explore the world!

If you have any problems, comments, or suggestions for improvement, we'd love to hear from you - [email protected]