San Francisco, California Attractions & Things to Do

It’s easy to take advantage of all the fun things to do in San Francisco when you’re a guest at our upscale financial district hotel. We’re close to dozens of tourist attractions, such as Chinatown, Coit Tower, and Alcatraz. What’s more, there are scores of shops and restaurants within easy reach.

Chinese Culture Center.

Started in 1965, the Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco is focused on preserving and promoting Chinese and Chinese American culture. Located onsite at the Hilton San Francisco Financial District, the Chinese Culture Center features lectures, workshops, and classes, as well as art exhibitions and a variety of performances, including dance and music. For more information, visit www.c-c-c.org.

Alcatraz.

Situated in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island was once a federal prison and the address of gangster Al Capone. A ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf will take you out there. Once you arrive, you can tour the prison and explore the grounds where you’ll find the West Coast’s oldest working lighthouse.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/alcatraz.

Chinatown.

San Francisco boasts the largest Chinese population of any city outside of China. Experience the culture in the exciting Chinatown neighborhood where you’ll encounter hidden temples, cool alleyways, and the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company, which produces 20,000 fortune cookies each day by hand. For more information, visit www.sftravel.com/china.html. [Top]

Coit Tower.

Built on Telegraph Hill in Pioneer Park in 1933, Coit Tower is 210 feet tall and features 26 murals by a variety of artists, including Diego Rivera. From the tower, which took five years to complete, you can see amazing views of Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, and Pier 39.

For more information, visit http://www.sftravel.com/coit-tower-san-francisco.html.

San Francisco Attractions - Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge.

This world-famous San Francisco landmark, which was constructed in 1937, connects San Francisco with Marin County. The bright red suspension bridge is nearly two miles in length and stands 746 feet high. Besides cars, the bridge welcomes walkers and bicyclists.

For more information, visit http://goldengatebridge.org/.

Golden Gate Park.

If you like a little nature with your city, you’ll love Golden Gate Park. Enjoy a plethora of paths enveloped by plant life from around the globe. Feed the ducks at Stow Lake or commune with them via paddle boat.Sip a cup of tea in the picturesque Japanese Tea Garden. Immerse yourself in culture at the de Young Museum. And see what the sea creatures are up to at the Academy of Sciences. For more information, visit www.sfgov.org/site/recpark_page.asp?id=17796. [Top]

Lombard Street.

It’s known as the “crookedest street in the world” and until you see it for yourself, it’s really hard to imagine. Steep and wildly curved, this popular portion of Lombard Street is not far from Fisherman’s Wharf. Whether you walk down or drive down, Lombard Street will go down as one of your favorite San Francisco things to do.

For more information, visit www.sftravel.com/lomabardcrookedstreet.html.

Pier 39.

Regarded as the number one attraction in San Francisco, Pier 39 is bustling with activity. Enjoy over 100 stores and a dozen restaurants featuring great food and even greater views of the bay. Sea lions and street performers give Pier 39 a real carnival atmosphere. For more information, visit http://www.pier39.com/.

North Beach.

The Italian section of San Francisco, North Beach is also where the Beat Generation got its start. Located halfway between Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach serves up some of the city’s finest Italian dishes, frothy cappuccinos, and refreshing gelato. Take a walking tour and get the inside scoop on this venerable neighborhood. For more information, visit www.sfnorthbeach.org/.

Union Square.

The hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment in San Francisco, Union Square is filled with everything from massive malls and unique boutiques to art galleries and theatres. In addition, you can enjoy a phenomenal meal in an upscale restaurant or a hot dog from a vendor. You can even hop on a cable car and ride it halfway to the stars. For more information, visit www.unionsquareshop.com/. [Top]

Entertainment

American Conservatory Theater (7 blocks)
AT&T Park - SF Giants (1.5 mi)
Broadway Theaters (various locations)
Chinese Culture Center (3rd floor of hotel)
Club Fugazi - Beach Blanket Babylon (6 blocks)
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company (1 block)

Movie Theaters (various locations)
Museums (various locations)
Opera House (2 mi)
San Francisco Zoo (13 mi)
Symphony Hall (2 mi)
Warfield Theater (1.3 mi)

Shopping

Embarcadero Center (3 blocks)
Ferry Building (9 blocks)
Fisherman's Wharf (1.3 mi)

Ghirardelli Square (1.3 mi)
Union Square (7 blocks)
Westfield San Francisco Centre (12 blocks)

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Restaurants

American

Alfred's Steakhouse (½ block)
Boulevard (1 mi)
Globe (4 blocks)
Salt House (9 blocks)
San Francisco Brewing Company (2 blocks)
The Grille at Seven Fifty (located in hotel lobby)
Town Hall (1.5 mi)
Zinnia (2 blocks)

Asian

Brandy Ho's (2 blocks)
City View Dim Sum (1 block)
House of Nanking (1 block)
Le Colonial (10 blocks)
Ozumo (10 blocks)
Oriental Pearl (1 block)
Osha Thai (various locations)
R&G Lounge (1 block)
Tommy Toy’s (1 block)

Italian

Allegro Romano (9 blocks)
Cafe Tiramisu (5 blocks)
Cafe Zoetrope (2 blocks)
North Beach Restaurant (7 blocks)
Ristorante Ideale (5 blocks)
Taverna Aventine (2 blocks)

French

Cafe Claude (5 blocks)
Jeanty at Jack’s (2 blocks)
Masa’s (7 blocks)

Seafood

Aqua (6 blocks)
Plouf (5 blocks)
Waterbar (.5 mi)
Yabbie’s Coastal Kitchen (1.2 mi)

Vegetarian

Alive Restaurant (2 mi)
Greens (1.5 mi)
Herbivore (various locations)
Millenium (13 blocks)