national zoo washington space with other big chains such as the Gap, Subway, Ben & Jerry s, and the International 91 House o

space with other big chains such as the Gap, Subway, Ben & Jerry s, and the International 91 House of Pancakes (which is the closest national zoo washington breakfast spot, unless you buy a cup of java from the coffee cart inelegantly occupying the lobby). At least the guest rooms and bathrooms are a decent size and, of course, you ve got the bay vistas to remind you that you are, in fact, in San Francisco.

MAY Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) is a major Mexican festiv al celebrating the B attle of P uebla against F rench occupation forces in 1862. A parade down Mission Street is followed by a festival at Civic Center P laza with music, ar ts, crafts, low-rider cars, and delicious food that most kids will lo ve. The parade is fr ee; the festival has a small admission charge of ar ound $5 for adults (fr ee for kids under 12). Visit www.sfcincodemayo. com. This fiesta is more family-oriented than Carnaval (www.carnaval.com) later in the month, which is wilder and very crowded.