China Airlines Flights from Taipei, Taiwan (TPE) to San Francisco (SFO)
As part of booking roundtrip flights which depart from US airports,
Orbitz is pleased to offer airline tickets on China Airlines, which operates a daily non-stop flight from Taipei, Taiwan (TPE) to San Francisco (SFO) regularly scheduled to depart at 11:25pm and arrive at 6:10pm. Usually a Boeing 747-400 is flown for this route. The average travel time from Taipei, Taiwan to San Francisco, CA is 10 hours and 45 minutes.
During your San Francisco vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Lombard Street
Known (erroneously) as the "crookedest street in the world," this whimsically winding block of Lombard Street draws thousands of visitors each year (much to the chagrin of neighborhood residents, most of whom would prefer to block off the street to tourists). The angle of the street is so steep that the road has to snake back and forth to make a descent possible. The brick-lined street zigzags around the residences' bright flower gardens, which explode with color during warmer months. This short stretch of Lombard Street is one-way, downhill, and fun to drive. Take the curves slowly and in low gear, and expect a wait during the weekend. Save your film for the bottom where, if you're lucky, you can find a parking space and take a few snapshots of the silly spectacle. You can also take staircases (without curves) up or down on either side of the street. In truth, most locals don't understand what the fuss is all about. I'm guessing the draw is the combination of a classic, unusually steep San Francisco street and a great photo op. FYI: Vermont Street, between 20th and 22nd streets in Potrero Hill, is even more crooked, but not nearly as picturesque.
Coit Tower
In a city known for its great views and vantage points, Coit Tower is one of the best. Located atop Telegraph Hill, just east of North Beach, the round, stone tower offers panoramic views of the city and the bay.Completed in 1933, the tower is the legacy of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy eccentric who left San Francisco a $125,000 bequest "for the purpose of adding beauty to the city I have always loved" and as a memorial to its volunteer firemen. She had been saved from a fire as a child and held the city's firefighters in particularly high esteem.Inside the base of the tower are impressive murals titled Life in California and 1934, which were completed under the WPA during the New Deal. They are the work of more than 25 artists, many of whom had studied under Mexican muralist Diego Rivera.The only bummer: The narrow street leading to the tower is often clogged with tourist traffic. If you can, find a parking spot in North Beach and hoof it.
Mission Dolores
San Francisco's oldest standing structure, the Mission San Francisco de Assisi (aka Mission Dolores), has withstood the test of time, as well as two major earthquakes, relatively intact. In 1776, at the behest of Franciscan missionary Junípero Serra, Father Francisco Palou came to the Bay Area to found the sixth in a series of missions that dotted the California coastline. From these humble beginnings grew what was to become the city of San Francisco. The mission's small, simple chapel, built solidly by Native Americans who were converted to Christianity, is a curious mixture of native construction methods and Spanish-colonial style. A statue of Father Serra stands in the mission garden, although the portrait looks somewhat more contemplative, and less energetic, than he must have been in real life. A 45-minute audio tour costs $5; otherwise, admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children.
The Monticello Inn
Federal-style decor, Chippendale furnishings, grandfather clocks, Revolutionary War paintings, a brass-mantled fireplace, and other old stuff scattered around the lobby (renovated in 2002) attempt to create a colonial milieu. Although it makes for a pleasant entrance, the period effect doesn't follow through to the comfortable, spacious rooms, which were completely renovated in 2004 with new textiles, carpet, striped white and light blue wallpaper, and mattresses. Despite the homely air conditioners in the walls, you'll be quite content here, especially considering the extras -- umbrellas, voice mail, and a morning ride to the Financial District. The service is wonderful and the downtown location is primo. The adjoining Puccini & Pinetti restaurant features modern Italian cuisine.
Hostelling International San Francisco-Downtown
For just over $20 per night (with a notarized ID), you can relive college-dorm life in an old San Francisco-style building right in the heart of Union Square. Occupying five sparsely decorated floors -- each with its own pay phone -- rooms here are simple and clean. Each has two or three bunk beds with linens, its own sink, a closet, and lockers (bring your own lock or buy one at the front desk). Although most private rooms share hallway bathrooms, a few have private facilities. Laminated posters adorn the hallways, and there are several common rooms, including a reading room and a large kitchen with lots of tables, chairs, and refrigerator space. There are laundry facilities in the building and a helpful information desk where you can book tours and sightseeing trips. The hostel is open 24 hours, and reservations are essential, especially during the summer. Persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Hostelling International San Francisco--Fisherman's Wharf
Unbelievable but true -- you can get front-row bay views for a mere $22 nightly. This hostel, on national park property, provides dorm-style accommodations and offers easy access to the Marina's shops and restaurants. Rooms sleep 2 to 12 people; communal space includes a fireplace, kitchen, dining room, coffee bar, and foosball. The breakfast alone practically makes it worth the price. Make reservations well in advance.
