San Francisco: New itineraries, plus hotel deal for American Express members

New in town? I hardly ever am when I visit San Francisco, a place I return to over and over again. So I’m always in pursuit of something new to see and do in this oh-so-familiar city. Here are some itineraries that offer a fresh perspective -- and 49% savings on a third night’s hotel stay when you use an American Express card.

The itineraries: The 49 Hours of SF itineraries work for first-timers as well as returning visitors. You can choose Gertrude Stein’s 49 Hours or the Bohemian’s 49 Hours, or you can mix and match, which is what I did.

By scanning several tours, I learned about the Wave Organ musical sculpture on a jetty in the bay, a zigzag bike route called the Wiggle and the indoor House of Air trampoline park in the Presidio -- all things I’ve never seen or done.

Of course, tours also include standard fare like the Ferry Building Marketplace, Grace Cathedral and the De Young Museum. Why 49 hours? Well, according to the city’s tourism website, the city is 49 square miles and the football team is, well, you know, named for the key year of the Gold Rush.

The deal: As part of this promotion, visitors who use an American Express card at selected hotels can get 49% off a third night’s stay. You have to make reservations through the San Francisco Travel Assn. Web page or call to find this deal.

When: The offer is good for stays through Sept. 5, based on availability.

Tested: I checked availability online for a stay of three nights starting Aug. 1. I found a room with a queen-sized bed at the funky Hotel Vertigo at 940 Sutton St. Yes, that’s a tribute to the classic Hitchcock film, which was partly filmed on the site when this was called the Empire Hotel. On these dates, the room costs $169 for the first two nights and $86 for the third night, excluding tax.

Contact: 49 Hours of SF, (800) 632-1709