DK San Francisco and the Bay Area

Whether you want to muse over modern masterpieces at SFMOMA, indulge in the hedonistic nightlife of the Castro, or uncover cypress-tree sculptures in the Presidio forest, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that San Francisco and the Bay Area have to offer.

The glowing Golden Gate Bridge is the quintessential image of San Francisco, but there's so much more to discover - a forward-thinking foodie scene, an eclectic arts scene, and countless festivals and events. Further afield, Bayfront cities Oakland and Berkeley beckon while the lush vineyards of California Wine Country unfurl in easy reach.

Our updated guide brings San Francisco and the Bay Area to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations which place you inside the region's iconic buildings and neighborhoods.

You'll discover:

-Our pick of San Francisco and the Bay Area's must-sees, top experiences and hidden gems
-The best spots to eat, drink, shop and stay
-Detailed maps and walks that make navigating the region easy
-Easy-to-follow itineraries
-Expert advice: get ready, get around and stay safe
-Color-coded chapters to every part of San Francisco and the Bay Area, from Golden Gate Park and Land's End to Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach, Presidio and Richmond to Haight Ashbury and the Mission
-A lightweight format, so you can take it with you wherever you go

Want the best of San Francisco and the Bay Area in your pocket? Try our DK Eyewitness Top 10 San Francisco

Secure the best deal by acting fast! Our Pre-Order promo offers unbeatable prices on must-have items. Be quick to lock in the lowest cost before the promo ends.

The best part? You won't be charged until your item is ready to ship. This means you can reserve your product at the best price without immediate payment. Whether you're first in line or just ahead of the crowd, you're making a smart choice. Reserve your item now and enjoy the benefits of being an early buyer, with the added flexibility of delayed payment!

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs