Looking back on my top 20 favorite local travel finds in 2008

Preparing to take flight to find more of San Francisco's hidden jewels in 2009

I have to admit it’s been quite a kick being the SF Travel Examiner and a privilege to play local tour guide since July. Here’s a list of my top twenty favorite finds (and in some cases, re-finds) in 2008, the hidden jewels around and beyond this wondrous city I call home. Just click on whatever title piques your interest and enjoy!

Steve McQueen’s 9 1/2-minute tour of San Francisco

Yoda be there…ready are you to bask in his glory?

The Wave Organ: Can you hear the mermaids singing?

At Broadway and Columbus…the beat heard around the world

Doggie Diner Head: Every doggie has his day in the Sunset

Hitchcock’s classic “Vertigo” continues to inspire with tours and a newly renovated SF hotel

Day trip to the Schulz Museum: You’re a good man, Charlie Brown!

Six essential stops on and around Sixth Street...seriously!

Camera Obscura: Scenic beauty slowly rotates in a dark room

Sea lions at Pier 39: Barking up the wrong pier?

Audium: Random, soothing, surreal…and Kafka-what?

Seven sweet-tooth satisfiers in Japantown

Ten best licks in San Francisco…of ice cream, that is

San Francisco’s 5 best tourist alterna-tractions

Remembering Martin: A memorial for the ages

Neptune Society Columbarium: Neither spooky, kooky nor altogether ooky

Musee Mecanique: It ain’t over ‘til the fat lady laughs

Tourist Club: Happy wanderers come upon a private Bavarian retreat

Daycation on Jelly Belly Lane: Free the belly flops!

Market Street Railway Mural: Looking into San Francisco's soul on a wall