table of contents - sf tourism tips...the famous painted ladies of alamo square are six colorfully...
TRANSCRIPT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Top 10 Attractions ............................................................................................................... 3
Top 10 Tours ........................................................................................................................ 7
Top 10 Restaurants............................................................................................................ 12
Top 10 Nightlife Options ................................................................................................... 16
Monthly Event Calendars .................................................................................................. 20
What to Wear..................................................................................................................... 21
How to Save Money ........................................................................................................... 22
About SFTourismTips.com ............................................................................................... 23
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TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS
1. ALAMO SQUARE’S PAINTED LADIES
The famous Painted Ladies of Alamo Square are six colorfully painted Victorian houses
with the exact same architecture, built side-by-side to each other, near Alamo Square
Park. If you climb up to the top of the hill inside the park, you will get an amazing view
of downtown San Francisco right behind them. It’s a classic view of SF and one of the
most popular photographs of the city. This cute park is also the perfect place for a picnic
lunch or to relax for an hour or two during your vacation.
Admission: Free
Address: Steiner Street between Hayes and Grove
District: Alamo Square
Hours: Open 24 Hours a Day
Transit: Muni Bus #5, 21, 22, & 24
More Information: Alamo Square
2. ALCATRAZ ISLAND
Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison and, from 1933 to 1962, it was home to many
of the worst inmates in the US prison system. Some of the most infamous inmates to call
Alcatraz home include Al Capone, Robert "The Birdman of Alcatraz" Stroud, and
"Machine Gun" Kelly. Today, you can take tours of this island and learn about its
history, the prisoners that lived here, and also enjoy some fantastic views of San
Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area.
Admission: $35 to $42 based on tour selected
Address: Pick up the ferry at Pier 33 to make your way over to the island
District: Fisherman’s Wharf
Hours: Several tours daily starting at 8:45am
Transit: Use the F-Street car to get to the ferry terminal, all entry tickets to Alcatraz
include a ferry ride to the island
More Information: Alcatraz Island
3. CABLE CARS
The historic San Francisco Cable Cars offer a fun, open air cruise around San Francisco.
You will find three different cable car lines. Two lines run between Fisherman’s Wharf
and Union Square. The other one runs between the Financial District and Nob Hill. This
unique experience is one you will not soon forget.
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Cost: $7 per person, per ride
Address: Pick them up in Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Nob Hill, and the Financial
District
District: Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, Nob Hill, and the Financial District
Hours: Run daily between 6am and 1:30am
More Information: Cable Cars
4. CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
The California Academy of Science is the most visited museum in San Francisco. Under
a single roof, you get the chance to see four museums in one. Walk inside its four-story
rainforest to see butterflies, snakes, and other animals from around the world. The
Steinhart Aquarium offers you the chance to see thousands of sea creatures ranging
from jellyfish to stingrays. The Planetarium features free shows all day long and the
Natural History Museum offers the chance to explore evolution and the future of life.
Admission: $34.95 for adults; $29.95 for seniors, (65+), students, & youth (12 – 17);
$24.95 for kids (4 – 11); 3 and under free
Address: 55 Music Concourse Drive
District: Golden Gate Park
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9:30am to 5pm; Sunday, 11am to 5pm
Transit: Muni Light Rail N, Muni Bus #5 & 44
More Information: California Academy of Sciences
5. GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
The “crown gem” of San Francisco is the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge. This gorgeous
attraction is free to visit and enjoy. The eastern side of the bridge offers a walking path
that crosses the entire way across to the Marin Headlands and back to San Francisco.
Standing on the bridge you will get a close up of this amazing structure as well as
beautiful views of SF Bay, downtown SF, Angel Island, and the infamous Alcatraz
Island. Make sure you also spend a little time at the cute museum that was recently built
on the San Francisco side of the bridge.
Admission: Free
Address: Golden Gate Bridge
District: Presidio
Hours: Walking paths open from 5am to 6:30pm during PST, open from 5am to 9pm
during DST, you can drive over the bridge 24 hours a day
Transit: Muni Bus #28
More Information: Golden Gate Bridge
6. GOLDEN GATE PARK
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Golden Gate Park is a 1,000+ acre park with more than a half dozen attractions. Inside
you will find several museums including the California Academy of Sciences, the de
Young Fine Arts Museum, and the Conservatory of Flowers. It’s also home to the
Japanese Tea Gardens, the Botanical Gardens, and Stow Lake. The western side of the
park borders the Pacific Ocean. This is where you will find the Beach Chalet and Park
Chalet restaurants and two historic windmills that were imported from Holland.
Admission: Free
Address: Golden Gate Park
District: Between the Richmond and Sunset Districts
Hours: 24 hours
Transit: Muni Light Rail N, Muni Bus #5, 7, 21, 33 & 44
More Information: Golden Gate Park
7. JAPANESE TEA GARDEN
This gorgeous garden features several traditional Japanese gardens, temples, and
bridges for you to enjoy. It’s a calm and quiet place where you can relax and admire its
beauty. It's also close to the de Young Fine Arts Museum and the California Academy of
Sciences so you can visit all three in one trip if you plan your time well.
Admission: $8 for adults; $6 seniors (65+) & youth 12 – 17; $2 children (5-11); children
4 & under free; discounts for local residents
Address: 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
District: Golden Gate Park
Hours: Winter (11/1/ to 2/28) from 9am to 4:45pm; Summer (3/1 to 10/31) from 9am
to 6pm
Transit: Muni Light Rail N, Muni Bus #5, 7, 21, 33 & 44
More Information: Japanese Tea Garden
8. LOMBARD STREET
Lombard Street is where you will find one of the "crookedest" streets in San Francisco.
Even though it’s dubbed the most crooked street in the world, this is no longer true.
However, it is one of the most beautiful streets in the world. Its brick lined roadway is
magnificent and you will love the beautiful flowers and trees planted all along its edges.
Both add to its elegance. If you want to know an actual "hidden gem" secret about San
Francisco, the most crooked street in San Francisco is Vermont Street in Potrero Hill
which is located just a few miles away.
Admission: Free
Address: Lombard Street between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets
District: Russian Hill
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Hours: Open 24 Hours a Day
Transit: Powell-Hyde Cable Car, Muni Bus #30 or 91
Learn More: Lombard Street
9. MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
The Museum of Modern Art is the top art museum in San Francisco. This beauty houses
more than 27,000 pieces of modern art. They include paintings, photography, and
sculptures. You will also see modern architectural pieces, as well as pieces from artists
such as Henri Matisse and Diego Rivera.
Admission: $25 for adults, $22 for seniors (65+), $19 for ages 19-24, free for anyone 18
and under
Address: 151 Third Street
District: SOMA
Hours: Daily from 10am to 5pm, stays open late on Thursday until 9pm
Transit: Muni Buses #5, 6, 7, 9, 14, 21, 30, 38, 45, 71; Muni Light Rail J, KT, L, M, N, S;
F Streetcar
Website: www.sfmoma.org
10. PIER 39
Pier 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf is a favorite spot for many tourists. It’s filled with shops,
restaurants, and the Aquarium of the Bay. One of my favorite free things to do is to
spend some time watching the sea lions jockey for position on the platforms near the
pier. You can also learn more about these lively animals in the new Pier 39 Sea Lion
Center.
Admission: Free
Address: Pier 39
District: Fisherman’s Wharf
Hours: Open Daily, Weekdays: Stores open from 10am to 8pm; Restaurants from
11:30am to 9pm; Weekends: Stores 10am to 9pm, Restaurants 11:30am to 10pm
Transit: F Streetcar, Muni Bus #30 & 47, Powell-Mason Cable Car
Learn More: Pier 39
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TOP 10 TOURS
1. ALCATRAZ PRISON TOUR
By far, the most popular San Francisco Tour is the tour to Alcatraz Island. This former
maximum security prison housed some of the most infamous criminals of the time.
Open from 1934 to 1963, Alcatraz was home to prisoners such as “Scarface” Al Capone,
Robert “The Birdman” Stroud, and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Today, millions of
visitors’ flock to The Rock to learn more about this prison’s history and the inmates who
called it home. They offer day tours almost every day of the year. A few days a week, they
also offer night tours. Tickets go on sale 90 days in advance and I recommend booking
as early as possible as these tickets sell out early.
Price: Day tour is $35 for adults, Night Tour is $42 for adults
Starting Location: Pier 33 in Fisherman’s Wharf
Tour Length: 2 to 4 hours
Days/Times: Day Tour is Monday – Sunday, the first cruise leaves at around 8:45am,
the final cruise leaves around 3:50pm; Night Tour is Thursday through Monday with
two tours a night, the time changes based on the season
More Information: Alcatraz Prison Tours
2. BIKE TOUR OVER THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
One of the best ways to see the Golden Gate Bridge is by taking a biking tour over it.
This tour starts at Fisherman’s Wharf, takes you up and over the Golden Gate Bridge,
and ends in the city of Sausalito. On this guided tour, you will learn all about this
amazing structure as you cycle over its 1.7 mile (2.7 kilometer) span. Along the way, you
will also learn more about the history of San Francisco and the gorgeous waterfront city
of Sausalito. At the end of your journey, you can hang out in Sausalito before you make
the return trip to San Francisco by ferry.
Price: $55 to $60 per person
Starting Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
Tour Length: 3 to 5 hours (tour is about 3 hours, but you can stay in Sausalito until the
final ferry)
Days/Times: 10am and 1pm, daily
More Information: Biking Tours of the Golden Gate Bridge & SF
3. GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE WALKING TOUR (SF CITY GUIDES)
Another way to enjoy the Golden Gate Bridge is on the free walking tour provided by a
division of the Public Library, SF City Guides. This wonderful excursion starts at the
Strauss Statue near the Golden Gate Bridge Visitors Center. During the journey, you will
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learn all about the bridge and walk with the group to the southern tower. There is no up-
front cost for this tour, but they do request donations at the end. I usually donate about
$7 US per person in my group. This tour runs twice a week and does not require
advanced registration.
Price: Free
Starting Location: Strauss Statue at the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge
Tour Length: 2 to 2.5 hours
Days/Times: Thursday at 11am, Sunday at 11am
Learn More: Schedule of All Free City Guide Walking Tours
4. GOLDEN GATE PARK SEGWAY TOUR
The best way to cover a lot of ground in Golden Gate Park is on this fun Segway Tour.
Your tour starts with a 45-minute training session on the Segway, so you and your entire
group gets comfortable before you head off for your tour. You will then set off on a 2.5-
hour journey around the eastern side of the park. Discover details on some of its top
attractions including the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the
Conservatory of Flowers, and the Japanese Tea Garden. You will also learn about this
park’s interesting gardens including the National AIDS Memorial Grove and
Shakespeare’s Garden. If you haven’t tried a Segway tour before, this is the perfect one
to get you started!
Price: $75 per person, must be 16 years old
Starting Location: Music Concourse Drive between the de Young Museum and the
California Academy of Sciences
Tour Length: 3 to 3.5 hours
Days/Times: 9am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm, and 4pm
Learn More: Segway Tours of SF
5. HELICOPTER TOUR
If you would love to see San Francisco from above, then check out the daily SF
Helicopter Tour. This journey takes you over the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and
downtown San Francisco. From the windows of the helicopter, you will get the chance to
see and take pictures of this gorgeous city from above. It’s an experience like no other
and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new adventure.
Price: $185 to $235 per person
Starting Location: Shuttle pick up in both Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square
Tour Length: Ride length is 15 to 25 minutes based on selected tour, entire tour time
including pick up and drop off is around 2 hours
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Days/Times: Shuttle pick up times, daily at 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm
Learn More: Helicopter Tours
6. HOP ON/HOP OFF: BIG BUS RED ROUTE
The Hop On/Hop Off (HOHO) bus tour is the perfect way to get a great feel for San
Francisco and to easily get from one top attraction to the next in a short period of time.
My favorite of all of the HOHO tours is the Big Bus Red Route. It offers 19 stops
including the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, and Fisherman’s Wharf. It also
stops in Chinatown, at the Palace of Fine Arts, and several locations in Union Square. As
you cruise around SF, you can hop off at any of the locations listed on your ride. You can
then explore and, when you are ready, hop back on and continue your journey. Along
the way, you will also learn more about SF, its history, and its top attractions. It’s a great
way to see the city when you have limited time to visit or want to get to know it really
well.
Price: Starts at $30 per person
Starting Location: You can start at any stop, but I recommend starting in Fisherman’s
Wharf or Union Square
Tour Length: The entire loop is around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic; your ticket
is valid for either 24 or 48 hours depending on which option you select
Days/Times: Daily starting at 9am and the last loop starts at 6pm (and ends around
8pm)
Learn More: Best Bus Tours of SF
7. MOVIE TOUR
If you are a movie buff, you will LOVE this movie tour around San Francisco. It starts in
Fisherman’s Wharf and you are driven past the locations for some of the most famous
movie scenes filmed in SF. I love this tour has a video of the scene playing in the van
while you are driven past the location where it was filmed! It gives you a great visual
experience of how the scene was shot. You will also stop off at a few beautiful locations
for short breaks such as Inspiration Point, Fort Point, and City Hall. The guides on this
tour are wonderful also. They are knowledgeable and make the entire journey so much
fun.
Price: Tickets start at $49 per person
Starting Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
Tour Length: 3 hours
Days/Times: Daily at 10am
Learn More: Read About My Experience & What You Can Expect on this Tour
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8. SF BAY CRUISE
The 60-minute SF Bay Cruise is the most popular ferry cruise around SF Bay. This tour
leaves several times a day from Fisherman’s Wharf. From the deck of the boat, you will
cruise past the Palace of Fine Arts and around Alcatraz Island. You will also ride under
the Golden Gate Bridge twice! This cruise allows you to learn all about San Francisco
and its history since it is fully narrated over a loudspeaker during the cruise.
Price: Tickets start at $30 per person
Starting Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
Tour Length: 60-minutes for the cruise
Days/Times: Several times a day, most days of the year
Learn More: Find the Best Cruises in SF
9. WHALE WATCHING TOUR
Discover everything from Orcas to Gray Whales during this wonderful whale watching
tour out of San Francisco. In addition to whales, you also get the chance to see dolphins,
large sea turtles, dozens of species of birds, and more. During the week, this is a 5-hour
tour and it leaves at 8 am. On the weekends, the tour cruise is 6 hours long and goes all
the way out to the Farallon Islands. Just like the weekday tour, this cruise leaves at 8
am. All cruises begin and end at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Price: Starts at $79-$99 per person
Starting Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
Tour Length: 5 to 6 hours
Days/Times: Daily at 8am, except certain National Holidays
Learn More: Read More About SF’s Whale Watching Tours
10. WINE TOUR: NAPA & SONOMA IN ONE DAY
If you would love to check out the Northern California Wine Country, then I recommend
this one-day tour. It stops at wineries in both Napa Valley and Sonoma County. The tour
begins with a drive across the gorgeous Golden Gate Bridge (so have your camera ready
to take pictures as you cross it). You will then continue north about an hour to Sonoma
and Napa County. This tour usually stops in Sonoma for the first tasting. You will then
head over to Napa for two more tastings. In total, this tour includes three winery tours
and tastings, a stop in Yountville for lunch (on your own), and a chance to learn all
about winemaking in the Northern California Wine Country.
Price: Starts at $85
Starting Location: From your hotel or at 2627 Taylor Street in Fisherman’s Wharf
Tour Length: 8 Hours
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Days/Times: Daily starting at 9am
Learn More: Wine Tours from SF
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TOP 10 RESTAURANTS
1. DOTTIE’S TRUE BLUE CAFÉ
The thing I love about Dottie’s True Blue Café is they consistently serve up one of the
best breakfasts in San Francisco. The problem is, almost everyone knows about them
now and the lines can be quite long. However, I still recommend them often because
their food is so yummy. Make sure to get there early or you'll have to wait! They serve up
traditional American breakfast food, as well as, some great vegetarian options.
Average Price: Most dishes are around $12 to $15
Address: 28 6th Street
District: South of Market (SOMA)
Best For: Brunch, Breakfast
Website: Find More Great Brunch Options
2. GARY DANKO
My favorite top-of-the-line restaurant in San Francisco is Gary Danko. I’ve only had the
chance to eat here a couple of times, yet they do everything they can to make the
occasion unforgettable. They use fresh, local ingredients and change their menu
frequently. They offer several wonderful fish dishes as well as meat and game birds.
They also have an amazing selection of cheeses and some of the best desserts in the city.
Make sure to check out their wine list too. The downside to Gary Danko is that you do
need to call several weeks in advance to book your table.
Average Price: Usually a minimum of around $75 to $100 per person
Address: 800 North Point Street
District: Fisherman’s Wharf
Best For: Special Occasion Dinners
Learn More: Find Additional Fine Dining Options
3. KOKKARI ESTIATORIO
Kokkari is a high-end restaurant in San Francisco’s Financial District. This upscale
restaurant offers mostly Mediterranean dishes. Their lamb chops are amazing and I love
their Spanakotiropita (filo pie with spinach, feta, leeks, and dill). Other popular main
dishes include the Pacific Halibut, the Lamb Burgers, and Moussaka. They also offer a
lunch special every weekday.
Average Price: For lunch, it’s around $25 to $30 a person. For dinner, it will be around
$35 to $55 per person
Address: 200 Jackson Street
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District: Financial District
Best For: Dinner
Learn More: Find Other Great Mediterranean Options in SF
4. LITTLE STAR PIZZA
If you love pizza, you are going to drool over the pizzas at Little Star. Their menu
features both deep dish and thin crust options. You can either order one of their
preplanned pizzas or create your own. While their deep dish is AMAZING, I often order
their Pesto Chicken or White Pie thin crust pizzas. Unlike most pizza crusts, theirs is
made with cornmeal that has a totally different taste and texture, which I love. They
have two locations in San Francisco.
Average Price: Pizzas range from around $13 to $26 each
Best For: Dinner
Learn More: Discover a List of My Favorite Pizza Spots
Western Addition/NOPA Location
Address: 846 Divisadero Street
Mission District
Address: 400 Valencia
5. Rosamunde Sausage Grill
One of my favorite budget friendly options is Rosamunde Sausage Grill. They offer an
interesting selection of sausages, as well as, some tasty side dishes. My favs include their
chicken habanero and the cheddar brat. In addition to their basic sausages, they also
offer specialty options including wild boar, duck, and lamb. The lower Haight location
only has a couple of seats, so it’s perfect if you want to grab and go. If you want to sit
down for a meal, I recommend heading to their Mission Street location.
Average Price: Sausages are $7 each
Best For: Casual lunch or a late afternoon snack
Learn More: Find Other Great Places to Eat in the Mission
Lower Haight
Address: 545 Haight Street
Mission (this location also has a great beer selection with great happy hour specials)
Address: 2832 Mission Street
6. SHIZEN VEGAN SUSHI BAR AND IZAKAYA
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This fully vegan sushi bar is perfect for those who love the taste of sushi, but don’t want
to break their commitment to being vegan. This unique restaurant uses mountain yams,
konjac (a root vegetable), soybean curd, and other vegan ingredients to make their
vegan sushi delicacies. Some of my top picks for rolls include the Boddy & Soul, the
Candlestick, and the Proud Peacock. It’s also fun to order their Surprise Ending dish
which includes small servings and you never know which ones are spicy and which ones
are cool and mild.
Average Price: Rolls are around $10 - 12 each
Address: 370 14th Street
District: Mission District
Best For: Dinner
Learn More: Find More Vegan Options in SF
7. STATE BIRD PROVISIONS
State Bird Provisions opened in 2011, and from the minute they opened their doors, it’s
been one of the hottest restaurants in town. Their menu changes constantly, so you can
always try something different and exciting. They serve a large variety of small plates as
well as their specialty: CA State Bird with Provisions. Some of my favorites include their
Hog Island oysters, the pork belly citrus salad, and the grilled beef with maitake. If you
plan to eat here, make sure you call well in advance to book your table.
Average Price: Tapas range from $3 to $12, Main dishes are around $9 to $22
Address: 1529 Fillmore Street
District: Western Addition
Best For: Dinner for two
Website: statebirdsf.com
8. THE CODMOTHER FISH & CHIPS
The Codmother Fish & Chips is an inexpensive permanent food truck that serves up
traditional British Fish and Chips. The fish and chips are tasty and the prices are very
reasonable (especially for San Francisco). I also love their Baja Fish Tacos. They are only
around $6 for two hearty tacos. It’s also a great place to take the kids for lunch or an
afternoon snack. It’s also nicely located in Fisherman’s Wharf next to many of SF’s top
attractions.
Average Price: $9.95 for the fish and chips, $5.95 for the Baja Tacos
Address: 2824 Jones Street
District: Fisherman’s Wharf
Best For: Lunch on a Sunny Afternoon (Outdoor Seating Only)
Learn More: Find Other Great Spots to Eat in Fisherman’s Wharf
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9. THE HOUSE
The House is a small Asian Fusion restaurant tucked away in the North Beach District.
The food here is amazing and the portion sizes are great for the price. Some of my
favorite dishes are their rib-eye and the pork chop. Everything I’ve tried here has been
amazing, so don’t hesitate to try something different. Also, make sure to check out their
desserts before you leave. I have to admit that my fav is the crème brulee!
Average Price: Total price per person ends up around $30 to $50 (without drinks)
Address: 1230 Grant Avenue
District: North Beach
Best For: Romantic Dinners
Learn More: Find a List of My Favorite Places to Eat In North Beach
10. THE ITALIAN HOMEMADE COMPANY
This cute place is the perfect spot for casual lunches or early dinners. It’s another one of
those real hidden gems in the North Beach District. The pasta here is fresh, since
nothing is out of a box from these real Italians, and the service is always wonderful. I
dream about their fresh ravioli with Bolognese sauce. I’ve had their lasagna and it’s just
as tasty. The only thing I don’t like is they serve their food on paper plates. I would
prefer real plates, but I’ll sacrifice that for this authentic Italian cuisine.
Average Price: Dishes are around $12 to $14 each
Address: 716 Columbus Avenue
District: North Beach
Best For: Lunch or an early dinner (they close at 9pm)
Learn More: Find a Full List of My Favorite Italian Restaurants All Over SF
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TOP 10 NIGHTLIFE OPTIONS
1. BARTLETT HALL
Bartlett Hall is a new bar on the scene close to SF’s Union Square. It has a gorgeous dark
wood interior and you can see the brewing kettles for their beers in the back. This
brewery and pub offers some great happy hour drink specials as well as deals on their
tasting menu. They have their own beers on tap, as well as, other local selections. During
happy hour, they offer great prices on a couple of their top beers, one white wine, and
one red wine. Their food menu also includes just a few items from their larger menu
such as a pizza, the wings (which are AMAZING), and a salad. Their happy hour is
Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm.
Address: 242 O’Farrell Street
District: Union Square
Hours: Monday – Friday from 11:30am to 1:30am, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am
to 1:30am
Learn More: Check Out Some Additional Places for Happy Hour in SF
2. BEACH BLANKET BABYLON
Beach Blanket Babylon is truly a San Francisco original. This musical comedy takes an
in-depth look at local events that range from pop culture to politics. It pokes fun at
many of the most interesting stories of our day. It’s updated regularly, so you are
guaranteed to get a chance to laugh at the most recent events. To add to the fun, all
performers wear outrageous costumes and HUGE hats. Most performances at 21+, but
you will find a few family friendly shows over the weekend.
Address: 678 Green Street
District: North Beach
Days/Times: Wednesday – Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 6:30pm and 9:30pm, Sunday
2pm and 5pm
Learn More: More Details on Beach Blanket Babylon
3. ENO WINE BAR
One of the best places to grab a glass of wine in Union Square is the Eno Wine Bar. This
welcoming wine bar is intimate and the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing glass of wine.
They feature more than 300 wines by the bottle and up to 50 different wines by the
glass. They also do a great job of attracting visiting wine makers and other special guests
to their wine room to mingle with and educate those enjoying their wine. Make sure to
also try a few items from their tasting menu where they serve up everything from
wonderful cheese trays and salads to gourmet chocolates.
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Address: 320 Geary Street
District: Union Square
Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 3pm to 12am, Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 12am
Learn More: Find Other Fun Bars in Union Square
4. HIDDEN VINE
My favorite wine bar in San Francisco is the Hidden Vine. It’s hidden down an alley in
the heart of the action in the Financial District. They offer a large selection of wines by
the glass and by the bottle. I love their wine flights. I like the fact they offer wines from
lesser known regions as well, so I can sample something I’ve never tried before. You can
also head out to their courtyard to play bocce ball if you want to have a little fun.
Address: 408 Merchant Street
District: Financial District
Hours: Monday from 4pm to 10pm, Tuesday – Saturday from 4pm to Midnight
Best For: Wine Lovers, Romantic Night Out
Learn More: Find Other Top Wine Bars in SF
5. REDWOOD ROOM
The Redwood Room is one of the places I always take out of town guests. This classic bar
has an old world feel with modern touches. The wooden bar is gorgeous and they have
yummy cocktails. It’s another spot I like to visit earlier in the evening before it gets too
crowded. However, if you love mingling with people from all over the world, head over
for the late night fun that usually starts around 10pm.
Address: 495 Geary Street (on the first floor of the Clift Hotel)
District: Union Square/Tenderloin
Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 5pm to 2am, Friday & Saturday from 4pm to 2am
Best For: Early Evening Cocktails, Late Night Partying
6. SMUGGLER’S COVE
Smuggler’s Cove is a funky, pirate themed bar with more than 400 rare rums. They turn
these into a variety of colorful, tasty cocktails. It does take a little longer to get your
drinks here, as their expert bartenders individually craft each one. This three-story bar
offers intimate seating areas and a lot of fun décor.
Address: 650 Gough Street
District: Hayes Valley
Hours: Monday – Sunday from 5pm to 2am
Best For: A Night Out on the Town
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7. STARLIGHT BALLROOM
One of my other favorite bars is the Starlight Ballroom. It mixes old school glamour with
beautiful views of the Union Square District. The place fills up early with people who
have made reservations, so I try to head over right when it opens to enjoy the view
before the crowds arrive. They have tasty appetizers and the wait staff is very friendly. I
personally love all of their floor length gowns. They have a strict dress code after 9pm,
and I recommend you look nice when you arrive, even if it is earlier in the evening.
Address: 450 Powell Street (in the Sir Francis Drake Hotel)
District: Union Square
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday from 5pm to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 5pm to
2am
Best For: Early evening cocktails, late night ballroom dancing (with reservations)
8. THE VIEW
The View is a gorgeous bar at the top of the Marriott Marquis in SF’s SOMA District.
This recently remodeled bar and lounge offers floor to ceiling windows for the ultimate
view of downtown SF and the waterfront. They feature more than 20 wines by the glass,
as well as, some tasty cocktails. You can also enjoy some small bites from their tasting
menu such as handmade chips with black truffle salt, a mezze plate with hummus,
olives, and pickled vegetables, and meat & cheese trays.
Address: 780 Mission Street
District: SOMA
Hours: Daily from 4pm to 1am
9. THEATER
San Francisco also offers wonderful theater performances most of the year. Depending
on when you visit, you will find premier performances such as The Lion King, The Book
of Mormon, and Wicked. They play at some of SF’s most well-known theaters such as
The Orpheum, The Golden Gate Theater, and The Curran. In addition, you will find
dozens of performances each week in SF’s smaller theaters all around the city. These
theaters feature new productions from lesser known writers, as well as, popular shows
performed by local actors.
Address: Various options throughout SF
District: Various districts throughout SF with most in the Civic Center or Union Square
areas
Learn More: Find Out More on the SF Theater Calendar
10. TOP OF THE MARK
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The Top of the Mark is another bar and lounge on the top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel in
Nob Hill. This high-end bar offers 360 degree views of San Francisco. It’s the perfect
spot for those looking for a romantic evening out on the town or for those who love
martinis, since they have a menu of 100 different types. They also offer a few items on
their light dining menu such as quesadilla rolls, flat breads, and Dungeness crab bites.
It’s pricey (each Martini is $14), but it’s a fun place for a special evening on the town.
Make sure you dress up a little too as they request that you do not wear shorts or hats.
Address: 999 California Street
District: Nob Hill
Hours: Sunday from 5pm to 11:30pm; Monday – Thursday from 4:30pm to 11:30pm;
Friday and Saturday from 4:30pm to 12:30am
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MONTHLY EVENT CALENDARS
Click the links below for a list of the events coming up soon in San Francisco!
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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WHAT TO WEAR
This is a big one. Many people think San Francisco is sunny and warm all year long. It’s
not true.
San Francisco has a mild climate pretty much all year long. It’s usually in the upper 60s
(all temperatures are listed in Fahrenheit temperature) and partly cloudy in the
summer, a touch warmer in September and October, and in the mid to upper 50s the
rest of the year. It’s not cold here, but if you want to wear shorts, I recommend having
pants for a backup.
In the summer months, the temperature at night will dip down into the upper 50s. This
is also true for September and October. The rest of the year, you will find the
temperature at night in the lower 50s to upper 40s.
For women, I recommend bringing along layers for your trip. The temperature can vary
by up to 15 degrees in different parts of the city on the same day. You might be cool
when you step outside your hotel room and find you are boiling hot by the time you
reach Fisherman’s Wharf. You will then need to put back on your jacket or sweater for
your SF Bay Cruise as it is cooler on the water.
Bring along light layers you can easily add and remove as needed. I often wear short
sleeve shirts with a light sweater or jacket. I rarely wear shorts as it’s often too chilly for
me most days. I also stay away from skirts that have too much sway as San Francisco
usually gets pretty windy.
For men, I recommend light pants or longer shorts in addition to a light jacket. You will
most likely take it on and off several times a day, so it’s nice to have along as the weather
cools at certain times.
November through March are typically our rainy months with the rainiest months being
January and February. Make sure to plan ahead for rain during any of these months,
and don't forget the fog during the rest of the year.
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HOW TO SAVE MONEY
There are several ways to save money in San Francisco. The three options below are my
favorites. They all offer tour, event, and activity tickets at a discount. I do receive a small
commission from all three when you purchase, but this allows me to offer you all of the
content in this guide for free!
GOLDSTAR
Goldstar is my favorite secret to saving money in San Francisco. This online retailer
offers tickets to tours, events, and activities for up to 50% off. They offer a huge discount
with a small service fee per ticket. Even with the service fee, these tickets are an amazing
deal compared to the full retail price.
You can visit them today at www.goldstar.com.
GROUPON
Another place to look for event, tour, and restaurant discounts is Groupon. They offer a
wide variety of discounts, but if you have a little time to dig, you can find some really
great deals.
At times, you can even find some hotel and other travel deals. Change your location to
San Francisco and then click on local to find deals in SF. You will find them at
www.groupon.com.
LIVINGSOCIAL
You will also find some good deals on LivingSocial. Just like Groupon, they also have a
dedicated section for San Francisco.
On their site, you will find discounts on restaurants, tours, and activities. You will also
find a handful of deals on events. You will find them at www.livingsocial.com.
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ABOUT SFTOURISMTIPS.COM
Hi, my name is Jill and I’m the owner and founder of SFTourismTips.com. I moved to
San Francisco in the summer of 2003 and have called it my home ever since. I love this
city and want to help everyone who visits get the most out of their trip.
I started my site, SFTourismTips.com in 2009 and it turned into a full time project for
me in 2011. Every day, the site is growing and changing based on new information and
comments from my visitors.
If you enjoyed this book, I invite you to stop back by my site for more helpful tips about
visiting San Francisco at www.sftourismtips.com.
Also, I’d love to hear from you and find out what you liked or didn’t like about my book.
This will help me improve it for future editions. Simply fill out the contact form on my
site or email me at [email protected].
Thanks again for purchasing my book. I hope it gave you the information you needed for
your upcoming visit to the gorgeous city by the bay, San Francisco!
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