San Francisco International Meeting on DNA Topology - Local Info
April 22^nd – April 26^th, 2009

Arriving/Departing to/from San Francisco

San Francisco has a main international airport (SFO) located south of the city. From the airport one can go to the city of San Francisco by taxi, shuttle (e.g. SuperShuttle http://www.supershuttle.com/default.aspx?content=SanFrancisco , cost $17 SFO to Union Square) and BART (http://www.bart.gov/, cost $5.35 SFO to Powell Street Station).

Hotel information

Unfortunately the hotel options near SFSU aren't great. We recommend that you stay in downtown, near Union Square. The campus is a 25 minute train ride from Powell Street Station (on Muni M-line).

We have reserved a block of rooms April 21^st-26^th in the following hotels near Union Square:

Chancellor Hotel
www.chancellorhotel.com
1-800-428-4748 or 1-415-362-2004, ask for reservations
You may also speak directly to Darla at 1-415-248-2463 (group reservations)
Or email to her attention at info@chancellorhotel.com
Rooms with 1 queen, or two twin beds
Identify yourself as part of the "DNA topology at SFSU" group
Rate: $145/night + tax
Chancellor block expires on Friday March 6th, 2009
Reservations made after that date are based on availability

Beresford Hotel and Beresford Arms Hotels
www.beresford.com
1-800-533-6533 (24 hour call center)
1-415-673-9900, in-house reservations, 8am-5pm weekdays
info@beresford.com
Identify yourself as part of the "DNA topology" group

Rate at the Beresford Arms Hotel: $145/night + tax
Junior Suites with one queen or two twin beds; kitchenette based on availability
Continental breakfast included

Rate at the Beresford Hotel: $99/night + tax
These are smaller rooms, with one queen or two twin beds
Continental breakfast included
This hotel is a good option for students.

Beresford block expires on Saturday March 21^th, 2009
Reservations made after that date are based on availability

Local public transportation

Public transportation in San Francisco is very good and MUNI will take you directly from downtown San Francisco to SFSU.

From San Francisco State University to UCSF Mission Bay Campus:

In the middle of the divider on 19th Avenue, there is a platform to board the M line street train. Take the M line street train inbound toward Embarcadero station and exit at Embarcadero Station. On the same platform you exited, wait for the T line street train. Take the T line until you get to the UCSF Mission Bay Station. This is the UCSF Mission Bay Campus.

From Union Square to UCSF Mission Bay Campus:

Go underground at Montgomery or Powell Stations found on Market Street. Take any street line inbound toward Embarcadero. Exit at Embarcadero station. On the same platform you exited, wait for the T line street train. Take the T line to UCSF Mission Bay Station. This is the UCSF Mission Bay Campus.

From Union Square to San Francisco State University Campus

Go underground at Montgomery or Powell Stations found on Market Street. Take the M line going outbound. This takes you to SF State Station. SF State Station is the San Francisco State University Campus.

For more information on public transportation in San Francisco, visit (www.sfmta.com/cms/home/sfmta.php).

If you want to rent a car, there are a few reasonable hotel options in Daly City and in Pacifica. These are a short 20 minute drive from the airport, and just a few minutes away from SFSU.

Cultural Events in the City

Music & Dance

San Francisco Performances is the Bay Area’s leading independent presenter of chamber music, vocal and instrumental recitals, jazz and contemporary dance.

Cal Performances at the University of California, Berkeley in the Zellerbach Hall. Allow one hour for the commute.

Museums

The de Young Musuem has many interesting exhibits including Warhol Live.
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. & Fridays until 8:45 p.m. mid-January through November.
This is a great opportunity to visit the museum after hours. There is usually music, craft activities for children and a cash bar. Most activities are free, and you only need to pay if you want to visit the galleries.
Admission: Adults $10, Seniors 65 and over $7, Youths 13-17 $6, College Students with ID $6, Children 12 and under FREE. Muni riders with Fast Pass, transfer, or CultureBus ticket receive a $2 discount.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) SFMOMA is very close to Union Square (and the recommended hotels in that area), and to the UCSF Mission Bay campus, check their website for hours and prices and calandar of exhibits during April 22–26, 2009.