CIVIC CENTER. The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art. Its holdings began with the generous donations of collector Avery Brundage, and now, the facility houses nearly 15,000 treasures that span 6000 years of history. More than 2500 extraordinary works are displayed at any one time. Together they constitute a comprehensive introduction to Asia's major cultures, including those of India, Tibet, China, Japan and Korea. The museum is located in the city's former Main Library.

BERKELEY. Although Berkeley has experienced public unrest in the past, especially during the '60s, the city as a whole has redirected its energies and experienced a flowering of late. Today, Berkeley offers a variety of cultural opportunities: a flourishing music scene, innovative art galleries and several theater companies. Dining in Berkeley is also a unique experience. The presence and success of businesses like Chez Panisse and the Cheese Board have given rise to a number of specialty food shops, cafes and restaurants along Shattuck Avenue, now known as the Gourmet Ghetto. The town's main attraction, though, is still the university. UC's Berkeley campus has an enrollment of some 30,000 students and is recognized around the globe as a center of academic excellence.

CHINATOWN. This museum has been called "one of the top 10 free attractions in the world" by travel guru Arthur Frommer. Watch the machinery that makes San Francisco's most famous form of transportation possible. Also go upstairs for photographs, memorabilia, and other displays related to the history of cable cars. Located at the intersection of Mason and Washington Streets.

LINCOLN PARK. The structure that houses this museum is as beautiful as the artwork within. The extensive collection features works from the 13th to the 20th centuries, including those by Monet, Manet, Rubens, Van Gogh, Picasso, Seurat, and other European artists. Earlier works date from approximately 2500 B.C. An original cast of Rodin's "The Thinker" dominates the museum entrance.

SOMA. First envisioned in 1984, this museum gained prominence following support from Charles M. Schulz, creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. In 1987, the museum established a home in Yerba Buena Gardens, the city's art center. The facility now offers nearly 6,000 original items, including comic books, comic strips, and computer animation. It's also the only museum of its kind west of the Mississippi. Several major exhibitions are held each year, and a bookstore is available to visitors.