from
WorldWeb.com Travel Guide
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| Sightseeing
at the Golden Gate Bridge1 |
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Cross the Golden
Gate Bridge, one of America's
most famous landmarks, and enter San
Francisco, a city so charming, so colorful and so exuberant that
it has become notorious for stealing the hearts of those who visit. Though famous
for its rows of beautifully restored Victorian homes, steep inclines, scenic waterfront,
and expansive urban parks,
it is not the physical characteristics alone that make this fabulous city so people
friendly. It's the spirit, eccentricities, thriving ethnic neighborhoods, and
devotion to creativity that seems to glimmer in imaginations and leave lasting
memories.
San Francisco has been a
hub of activity since the charged days of the California
Gold Rush in 1849. Fueled by the discovery of gold in the Sierra
Nevada foothills, this once tiny hamlet saw unprecedented growth
and prosperity between 1849 and 1855. The same rush attracted fortune hunters
from across the globe, a mixed breed who brought along a wild reputation. That
reputation has continued through the centuries, recently contributing to the
Beat movement of the '50s, the hippies of the '60s, gay rights in the '70s and
countless other cultural progressions in between.
The wild days seem to have
let up in recent years. Growing prosperity and high-tech industry have caused
real estate and living costs to skyrocket. Due to this, the city's social landscape
has been altered. However, there still remains a good part of that lively spirit
and cultural vitality that has earned San Francisco international recognition.
GEOGRAPHICALLY SPEAKING
The city is located on the
coast of California. It sits on the tip of a peninsula that extends between
San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The region is
endowed with a mild climate that usually stays between 50°F (10°C) and
70°F (21°C). Due to the combination of cold ocean water and the heat
of the California mainland, a thick fog will often roll into the bay, enveloping
the city and creating that infamous image of a mysterious Golden Gate Bridge
in the clouds. Rain is a common occurrence from November through March, however,
snow is very rare, with only 10 instances recorded since 1852.
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Street
Cars of San Fran 2 |
GETTING TO THE CITY
BY THE BAY
There are three airports
in the San Francisco Bay Area. San
Francisco International is located about 10 mi (16 km) south of
the city, Oakland
International is positioned directly across the Bay, and the San
Jose International airport sits in the heart of Silicon
Valley, about one hour south of San Francisco.
Amtrak,
Caltrain
and Bay
Area Rapid Transit form a reliable network of rail service in and
around the Bay Area.
Greyhound
provides international motorcoach routes throughout North America, and stops
within downtown San Francisco.
Ferries
run to San Francisco from many of the cities that dot the shores of the Bay.
These ferries dock at the city's two piers found downtown at Fisherman's
Wharf and the Ferry Building.
The city's Municipal
Railway, or Muni, maintains a chain of light rail and subway systems
that stop at all the major attractions. The Muni also operates the historic
street cars and cable cars that can be seen climbing San Francisco's steep roadways.
STAYING IN THE CITY
BY THE BAY
Union Square
Union
Square is the place for all things fashionable. Anchored by a Palm
lined, landmark park, it is the city's principal shopping
and hotel
district. The masses converge here for its big-name retail stores, swank hotels
and fantastic theaters.
For the most part, it is
no difficult task finding a place to rest one's head in this grandiose district,
especially for those with money to spend.
Visitors who wish to stay
in the historic heart of the city will want to check into the Sir
Francis Drake Hotel. This marvel has stood as a true classic in
Union Square since 1928 and offers a mixture of elegance and high style.
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| A
View of San Francisco 3 |
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The
Westin St. Francis Hotel and the Chancellor
Hotel also overlook the Square, each offering its own unique charm.
For more reasonable prices,
head two blocks west and grab a room at the Adelaide.
Tucked into Isadora Duncan Lane, this small, quiet hostel offers cost-effective
dorms and private rooms. Hostelling
International also provides budget accommodations southwest of
the Square, on Mason Street.
For an even more personal
experience, try The
Golden Gate Hotel. A family-run bed and breakfast, it is situated
northwest of the Square on Bush Street and features an Old World charm along
with modern amenities.
Embarcadero and
the Financial District
The
Embarcadero stretches from Fisherman's
Wharf in the north, down past the base of the Oakland-San
Francisco Bay Bridge and into the South
Beach area near King Street. Though this waterfront district features
miles of visitor friendly promenades, it also serves as the central Financial
District of the city, making it quite popular amongst business
travelers.
Many hotels can be found
here. Most are centralized around the Embarcadero
Center—an architecturally dramatic eight-block business complex—and
most feature breathtaking views of the Bay.
Hyatt
Regency San Francisco is a massive luxury hotel located in the
Embarcadero Center. Nearby, the Harbor
Court Hotel gazes out over the bay. This boutique hotel combines
the energy of the Financial District with the style of South Market. Hotel
Griffon, a full service luxury hotel that dates back to 1906, is
located next door.
Steps north, and a bit closer
to that beautiful bay, Hotel
Vitale sits directly across from the historic Ferry
Building Marketplace.
The
Mandarin Oriental is located a couple blocks inland but because
of its soaring, needle-like appearance it can easily be spotted from far and
wide. This towering landmark presents panoramic views of San Francisco and the
Bay.
Fisherman's Wharf
No visit to this city would be complete without a day at Fisherman's
Wharf. In fact, 87 percent of those visiting San Francisco include
Fisherman's Wharf on their itinerary. This waterfront marketplace includes the
massive Anchorage
Shopping Center, the The
Cannery, Ghirardelli
Square, Pier
39 and countless galleries,
boutiques, culinary
treats and special events.
There are dozens of hotels
here, ranging from luxurious to basic, and most are centered around North Point
Street.
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A
Room at the Argonaut 4 |
Argonaut
Hotel is perched on the edge of the bay, next to the Maritime
National Historical Park. It offers a luxurious and lively experience
reminiscent of San Francisco's waterfront in the early 1900s.
East on Jefferson Street,
The
Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf features 313 spacious, postmodern guestrooms.
Back on North Point Street,
the modern Best
Western Tuscan Inn radiates with Italian charm and accents. Next
door, the immaculate Sheraton
Fisherman's Wharf underwent a full renovation in 2007, endowing
its 529 guestrooms with a contemporary, sophisticated design.
Head south on Mason and
find the San
Remo Hotel. This family-owned property features a Victorian charm
and individually decorated rooms. Fior
d'Italia, one of America's oldest Italian restaurants, is located
on the ground level of the Remo.
America's
Best Inn, Comfort
Inn By the Bay and Wharf
Inn all provide comfortable accommodations at a great value, all
within reach of Fisherman's Wharf.
Mission District
Mission
is a trendy, predominantly Hispanic neighborhood in the southern end of downtown.
A colorful collection of restaurants,
taquerias,
Mexican bakeries,
markets
and specialty
shops dominate this area. The name pays homage to Mission
Dolores Basilica, San Francisco's oldest structure, located at
16th Street and Dolores Street.
Mission is not well established
as a hotel district, however, there are a couple options in the area.
Centrally located on Van
Ness Avenue, The
Inn San Francisco captures the spirit of the Victorian era while
providing a bed and breakfast for those visiting the area. Over on Mission Street,
Elements
Hotel has become very popular amongst backpackers and shoestring
travelers. This modern hostel features spacious, comfortable rooms and a lively
atmosphere.
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| A
Suite at the Drake Hotel 5 |
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Haight-Ashbury
This charming Victorian sector still shines with the vintage shops and culture
of the '60s. And rightly so, Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and others once called
this neighborhood
home.
Accommodations can be found
at Inn
1890. In a historic, Queen Anne Victorian home, this bed and breakfast
has retained the original warmth and feel of the 1890s. Here, the tall ceilings,
hardwood floors, towering windows and fireplaces all blend seamlessly with modern
conveniences.
Nob Hill
Nob
Hill embodies those tall, rolling hills that San Francisco is famous
for. Hop on board a cable car and enjoy the view as it powers up high above
the Bay. While there, visit the Grace
Cathedral, take in an arts show in Huntington
Park and experience the Cable
Car Museum.
There is a high concentration
of historic buildings in Nob Hill, fortunately for visitors this includes many
of the hotels in the neighborhood.
On the crest of Nob Hill,
at the intersection of three cable car lines, the famed Mark
Hopkins has overlooked this city since 1926. Here 380 rooms, including
40 luxury suites, are tailored for comfort and convenience with state-of-the-art
amenities.
The luxurious Stanford
Court also looks upon this city's dramatic skyline. This timeless
hotel features upscale accommodations and Old World charm. Enter the turn of
the century lobby, complete with a massive stained glass dome, and check into
one of the European or Oriental reproduction suites.
The world renowned Fairmont
San Francisco is set a block away. Its 591 grandiose guestrooms
and suites represent an inspiring insight into San Francisco's past.
Next to that, the Huntington
Hotel has stood in this community for three-quarters of a century.
Family-owned and operated, this distinguished luxury hotel features a Premier
Spa Suite on the fifth floor.
The
Nob Hill Hotel was established here in 1906 and fully restored
to its original grandeur in 1998. Guests of the hotel will experience marble
flooring, stained glass panels, ornate ceilings, chandeliers and, in each room,
Victorian antiques.
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The
Lobby at Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf 6 |
Civic Center
Central to Van Ness Avenue in downtown San Francisco, the Civic
Center is home to many impressive buildings, museums and theaters.
City
Hall offers a wonderful example of Beaux Arts architecture while
the War
Memorial Opera House stands out as one of the world's most prominent
theaters and as the area's crown jewel.
Equally as impressive are
the area's fantastic hotels.
Find European style at the
Edwardian
San Francisco Hotel. Renovated in 2005, this hotel features individually
decorated rooms and a wine bar with international selections.
Inn
at the Opera is an ideal place for performing arts lovers and artists.
Guests of the inn are immersed in the same French-style ambiance that visiting
opera stars experienced over a half century ago.
Amidst the hustle of Market
Street, the elegant Hotel
Whitcomb is truly an early 20th century masterpiece complete with
soaring cathedral ceilings. After the 1906 earthquake devastated San Francisco,
this hotel served as city hall from 1912 to 1915.
Another Hostelling
International is located on Ellis Street in the Civic Center. It
serves as a good option for those who can't afford the more fanciful hotels.
A TIP OF THE ICEBERG
San Francisco is so much
more. It encompasses the oldest Chinatown
and largest Japantown
outside of Asia. There are enough places to stay and enough things to see that
a year in this city may not be long enough. It's no wonder Mr. Bennett left
his heart here.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- Sightseeing at the Golden Gate Bridge;
San Francisco, CA, USA
- Streets Car of San Fran;
San Francisco, CA, USA
- A View of San Francisco;
San Francisco, CA, USA
- David Phelps; c/o Argonaut
Hotel; A Room at the Argonaut; San Francisco, CA, USA
- Markham Johnson; c/o
Sir Francis Drake Hotel; A Suite at the Drake Hotel; San Francisco, CA, USA
- c/o Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf; The Lobby at Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf;
San Francisco, CA, USA
