This weekend, the AFC and NFC Championship games will be held in Candlestick Park and Gillette Stadium, respectively. Could you think of two match-ups that are any more of a traveler's dream? Two of the United States' most unique and thriving cities, San Francisco and Boston represent much more than home field advantage. Whether you're a proud resident, flying in for the big game or just looking to learn a bit more about one of these great American cities, hop on our virtual trolley and enjoy the ride. 

San Francisco

The Giants and 49ers are going to be gearing up for an intense match-up, not simply between the warring teams but also between two of the United States' most beloved cities. Let's even the playing field by giving The City by the Bay its proper due. Ready, set, hike:

Stay and Play: 

Old Time Elegance

Set atop prestigious Nob Hill with a cable-car stop out front, the landmark Huntington Hotel is within six blocks of Union Square and Chinatown. Grab breakfast, dinner or an evening libation at the famous Big 4 restaurant in the lobby. Need to loosen up before the big game? The Huntington also houses the renowned Nob Hill Spa. Personalize your experience with various massage packages and treatments, all while enjoying beautiful skyline views. Afterwards, cool off in the infinity pool or get cozy at the fireside lounge. Room rates are as low as $290 per night for Fridays and Saturdays.

1075 California St.

San Francisco, Calif. 94108

(415) 474-5400 

Bike the Bridge

Hop a cable car down Hyde Street, get off at the last stop (Ghiradelli Square) and you’ll be right across from Blazing Saddles – San Francisco’s (and coincidentally New York’s) premiere bike rental outfit. Take a ride (along bike-friendly paths) through Fort Mason, The Marina’s Crissy Field and Presidio National Park before accessing the Golden Gate Bridge. You can bike across the bridge, up the Marin Headlands and back to the city in under an hour if you really want, but then again what’s the rush?

2715 Hyde St.
San Francisco, Calif 94109
(415) 202-8888

Mid Day Grazing

The Ferry Building Plaza on San Francisco’s Embarcadero is home to a number of delectable shops and restaurants, including Cowgirl Creamery artisanal cheese shop, ACME Bread Company, Hog Island Oyster Company, Ferry Wine Merchant, Gott’s Roadside (formerly Taylor’s Refresher), and The Slanted Door – Charles Phan’s nationally-acclaimed Vietnamese restaurant that anchors the north-east corner of the Marketplace. On Saturdays the experience moves outdoors with the California certified farmers' market operated by the nonprofit Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA). The market is widely acclaimed for both the quality and diversity of its fresh farm products, and artisan and prepared foods. It is renowned throughout the country as one of the top farmers' markets to visit.

1 Ferry Building

San Francisco, Calif. 94105

(415) 983-8030

Liberal Libations:

Tequila at Tommy's

Self proclaimed, but rightfully so as “The Premier Tequila Bar on Earth,” Tommy’s is a San Francisco institution dating back to 1965. Their selection of 100 percent agave tequilas is world-renowned. Brush up on your tequila knowledge with their expert bartenders, otherwise known as Tommy's elite group of Tequila Masters.

5929 Geary Blvd. 

San Francisco, Calif. 94121

(415) 387-4747

Pub Punt

Not going to the game but want to feel like you're there? Across from the former home of the 49ers (Kezar Stadium) in the Haight-Ashbury District is Kezar Pub, the patriarch of SF sports bars, which offers an endless variety of beers and just the right amount of TVs to keep you in the game.

770 Stanyan St.

San Francisco, Calif. 94117

(415) 386-9292 

Dining Dos: 

Bix in the Mix

Regarded by many as San Francisco’s quintessential restaurant, Bix blends art, food and Jazz together into an experience like no other. Order a martini at the bar and admire the 1930s and ’40s ambiance reminiscent of the glory days of Cunard and French Line ships. Mark Stock’s “Butler In Love” is one of many carefully curated art pieces that adorns the walls of this back alley, Jackson Square destination. Every evening, the live jazz ranges from solo piano to vocals and spirited trios. The intimate nature of the dining room offers all patrons (including bar guests) a ringside seat.

56 Gold St.

San Francisco, Calif. 94133

(415) 433-6300

Take it Down to Chinatown

San Francisco boasts the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest in North America. Take that New York. We suggest you make a stop at R&G Lounge for impressive Cantonese cuisine like crispy salt and pepper dungeness crab (definitely get this – it's their speciality), beef chow fun and roasted duck. It's pricier than what most expect for Chinatown fare, but it makes for a delicious cultural immersion. 

631 Kearny St.

San Francisco, Calif. 94108

(415) 982-7877

Boston

O.K. – if you want to be technical, Gillette Stadium is about 45 minutes outside of the city. Which of these suits the name of "the Patriots" better, though: Boston or Foxborough? We rest our case. Beantown is a sports lover's haven, so Ravens fans should expect as much mercy here as Tom Brady showed Tebow last week. Those seeking hospitality are going to need to head indoors and appeal to the tip-reliant.

It's Game Time:

A Coveted Title

A top pick by the Globe’s famed sportswriter Dan Shaughnessy and holder of the title for Sports Illustrated’s “#1 Sports Bar in America,” The Four’s is an undeniable favorite in Boston. Its popularity is really no great mystery: With 42 TVs, an extensive collection of sports memorabilia, renowned Buffalo wings tossed in Louisiana hot sauce, friendly staff and rowdy fans, this spot is a sure fire people pleaser. Get a group of pals together, split an order of wings and Buffalo chicken nachos and join in on the revelry with a couple rounds of beers. Stomach still rumbling? Go the extra yard in your support with a steaming, creamy bowl of New England Clam Chowder.

166 Canal St.

Boston, Mass. 02114

(617) 720-4455

A Devine Time

What better way to cheer on the Patriots than taking a stroll along the historic Freedom Trail? The 2.5 mile trail (designated by red bricks) will lead you to 16 prominent sites, including Paul Revere House and the site of the Boston Massacre (read: not Gillette Stadium last Saturday). Luckily for you, it will take you right into Quincy Market where you’ll find Ned Devine’s. You’ll get that classic Boston Irish pub vibe here, but the brick accents, hand painted murals and authentic Irish woodwork all lend to a more upscale experience. Let your order reflect your surroundings: Start with an in-state brew like Cisco Whale’s Tail Pale Ale or a decadent drink like the Boston Creme Pie Martini, then devour some shepherd’s pie or fish ‘n’ chips. Location is also prime here – Faneuil Hall, a must-stop for any tourist, is a great spot to shop and mingle after the game.

1 Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Boston, Mass. 02109

(617) 248-9900

Cocktails and Super Bowl Dreams:

Bar Eats Top Good Seats

This James Beard finalist and current holder of Boston Magazine’s “Best Upscale Bar” title has drawn much attention to itself through acclaimed chef Tony Maws and its commitment to the locavore movement. Craigie on Main's actual restaurant is exquisite, but we’re more interested in the bar menu. Unique concoctions such as the Atwood Grove – spiced grapefruit, Milagro Silver, Pimm’s and hot water – join true foodie fare like crispy fried Maine clams and Wellfleet oysters. End your evening with the pinnacle of sweet and salty treats: the Bourbon pecan ice cream tart, comprised of Mexican chocolate in a bacon-chocolate crust. The menu changes seasonally, of course, but that’s how we like it.

853 Main St.

Cambridge, Mass. 02139

(617) 497-5511

All the Single Ladies 

If you’re in a group of singles, Boston Magazine voted Towne as “Best Pickup Bar,” so make sure everyone is looking snazzy and still generally coherent. The bar food is excellent – think lobster popovers and Cajun dusted French fries. It’s the perfect sit down meal spot, too, with a wood-fired rotisserie selection of grilled pizzas, steaks, chicken and seafood. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that it was named as one of Esquire’s “Best New Restaurants” either. Dinner and a date? A great night at Towne may just result in the end of bachelorhood. 

900 Boylston St.

Boston, Mass. 02115

(617) 247-0400

Revelry, Relax, Repeat:

Fairmont, Fair Game

Only in town for the weekend? Stay at The Fairmont Copley Plaza, which offers a 2012 deal, starting for $299 per night, that allows for a late 4 p.m. checkout on the day you leave (it might be a raucous couple of days and you’ll want to sleep in). Plus, you won’t even have to leave the hotel for a hearty, top-notch meal; simply stride into The Oak Room. In a nod to the Northeast, start out with their creamy Maine lobster bisque and then order up something you can divvy between all the guys while you lounge with libations. We suggest the New England Seafood Platter: steamed 2 pound lobster, six Georges Bank jumbo scallops, six tiger shrimp, two Maine crabcakes and Bay of Fundy salmon. For the main course, though, you’ve got to try the steak. We’re not so much concerned with the cut – any will do – but choose with care when you suss out which sumptuous sauce will top your entrée. Variations include béarnaise, horseradish cream, Merlot demi glace, roasted red pepper coulis and Chef Stefan’s steak sauce. Try to be a gentleman and not wolf it down on site.

138 St. James Ave.

Boston, Mass. 02116

(617) 267-5300

Most Buzzed About

If you’re looking for a laid-back, eclectic vibe, The Beehive in the South End is part eatery and part jazz club. We recommend it for early evening drinks or dinner before you kick things up a notch to hit the town later on. Try not to lick your fingers when you polish off their “fall-off-the-bone” baby back ribs appetizer, or for that matter smack your lips when you taste the organic chicken piccata with lemon, capers, sautéed greens and sage gnocchi. If you’re stopping by with a group to listen to the live music and enjoy a couple of drinks, we suggest starting off with the raw platter, priced at $80 for four and $110 for six. There’s plenty to choose from amidst their wine, beer and cocktail selection, but we favor the Honey Highball: Jack Daniels Honey, sour mix, orange bitters and a splash of ginger ale.

541 Tremont St.

Boston, Mass. 02116

(617) 423-0069

Contributing Authors: Hugh McGregor and Chelsey Pieretti