Click MAP to locate destinations preceded by yellow numbers.

"The Powell, Jackson and Hyde" has been called the world's most famous ride. Decide for yourself after you take 16 the Hyde St. cable car from Powell and Market over Russian Hill to the end of the line at the city's north shore.

17 The Buena Vista Cafe (2765 Hyde; 415-474-5044), BV to locals, is a treat for breakfast and famous for Irish coffee.

The original red brick factory buildings of 18 Ghirardelli Square, turn-of-the-century architectural landmarks, once housed a chocolate factory that was converted to a restaurant and upscale shopping complex in the early 1960s. See some of the original chocolate-manufacturing equipment at the Ghirardelli Ice Cream Parlor (900 North Point; 415-771-4903). Nearby is 19 The Cannery (2801 Leavenworth; 415-771-3112), another landmark turned shopping haven.

20 The Hyde Street Pier, with historic ships like the 1886 Cape Horn square rigger Balclutha, and the Art Deco 21 San Francisco Maritime Museum (Beach at the foot of Polk St.; 415-561-7100), are must-sees for history buffs and sea lovers. The Hyde Street Pier also is the site of an annual weekend Festival of the Sea in mid-September, the city’s celebration of its seafaring heritage, as well as monthly chantey sings and other events.

Re-board the Hyde Street cable car and get off at Lombard to walk down 22 the crookedest street in the world. Continue down Columbus Ave. to 23 Washington Square, a green block in the heart of North Beach that is the site of the summer North Beach Jazz Festival. Formerly the city's Italian quarter, North Beach retains much of its original character, especially in its restaurants and cafes, such as 24 Mario's Bohemian Cigar Store Cafe (566 Colum-bus; 415-362-0536) and 25 Caffe Malvina (1600 Stockton; 415-391-1290). Dominating the square are the twin spires of 26 SS. Peter and Paul Church.

To get to 27 Coit Tower (tours: 415-362-0808), climb steep Telegraph Hill starting at Filbert St., or take the #39 bus at Washington Square. Designed by Arthur Brown and completed in 1933, the tower and surrounding Pioneer Park offer an unparalleled panorama. Look for the jagged Farallon Islands 25 miles out to sea. The tower's interior is covered with WPA frescoes of California working life.

Bustling North Beach gets even busier in the evenings, especially on weekends. Restaurants and cafes for after-dinner espresso and dessert line Columbus, upper Grant Ave. and the side streets. Stop in at Beat-era San Francisco watering hole 28 Vesuvio Cafe (255 Columbus; 415-362-3370), and end your day browsing at the paperback bookstore 29 City Lights (261 Columbus; 362-1901), established in 1953 by Beat Poet and publisher Lawrence Ferlinghetti.