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During your San Francisco vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Coit Tower
In a city known for its great views and vantage points, Coit Tower is one of the best. Located atop Telegraph Hill, just east of North Beach, the round, stone tower offers panoramic views of the city and the bay.Completed in 1933, the tower is the legacy of Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy eccentric who left San Francisco a $125,000 bequest "for the purpose of adding beauty to the city I have always loved" and as a memorial to its volunteer firemen. She had been saved from a fire as a child and held the city's firefighters in particularly high esteem.Inside the base of the tower are impressive murals titled Life in California and 1934, which were completed under the WPA during the New Deal. They are the work of more than 25 artists, many of whom had studied under Mexican muralist Diego Rivera.The only bummer: The narrow street leading to the tower is often clogged with tourist traffic. If you can, find a parking spot in North Beach and hoof it.
Lombard Street
Known (erroneously) as the "crookedest street in the world," this whimsically winding block of Lombard Street draws thousands of visitors each year (much to the chagrin of neighborhood residents, most of whom would prefer to block off the street to tourists). The angle of the street is so steep that the road has to snake back and forth to make a descent possible. The brick-lined street zigzags around the residences' bright flower gardens, which explode with color during warmer months. This short stretch of Lombard Street is one-way, downhill, and fun to drive. Take the curves slowly and in low gear, and expect a wait during the weekend. Save your film for the bottom where, if you're lucky, you can find a parking space and take a few snapshots of the silly spectacle. You can also take staircases (without curves) up or down on either side of the street. In truth, most locals don't understand what the fuss is all about. I'm guessing the draw is the combination of a classic, unusually steep San Francisco street and a great photo op. FYI: Vermont Street, between 20th and 22nd streets in Potrero Hill, is even more crooked, but not nearly as picturesque.
Pier 39
PIER 39 is a multilevel waterfront complex a few blocks east of Fisherman's Wharf. Constructed on an abandoned cargo pier, it is, ostensibly, a re-creation of a turn-of-the-20th-century street scene, but don't expect a slice of old-time maritime life. This is the busiest mall of the lot and allegedly welcomes 11 million visitors per year. It has more than 100 stores, 11 bay-view restaurants, a two-tiered Venetian carousel, a Hard Rock Cafe, and arcade and aquarium entertainment for the kids. And everything's slated toward helping you part with your travel dollars. It's the place that locals love to hate. That said, it does have a few perks: absolutely beautiful natural surroundings of bay views, fresh sea air, and hundreds of sunbathing sea lions lounging along its neighboring dock.
Kensington Park Hotel
The best address at Union Square! All guests whether corporate or leisure travelers will enjoy the quiet, intimate atmosphere. Featuring Complimentary Wireless Internet Access, our guest rooms are richly detailed in Queen Anne decor and have recently been enhanced with new bedspreads and drapes. Mahogany armoires, writing desks and individual artwork completes the English theme. Bathrooms are appointed in brass and marble. The elegant grand lobby creates the intimate atmosphere of a private ...
King George Hotel
The King George Hotel - Union Square offers the perfect San Francisco location. Our hotel shares sidewalks with fine dining, world class shopping, theatre, Moscone Convention Center, Convention Hotels and San Francisco's world famous cable car line to Fisherman's Wharf. You will immediately notice our comfort and warmth. A tradition of charm and personal service have been our hallmark since we first opened our doors in 1914. Our amenities are distinctly up-to-date, including complimentary ...
Hotel Triton - a Kimpton Hotel
Hotel Triton is 14 miles from San Francisco Int'l Airport. Across the street from the famous dragon gate entrance to Chinatown, the eclectic Hotel Triton places Union Square's shopping, the theater district, the Museum of Modern Art and the Yerba Buena Gardens within a five block walk. The Moscone Convention Center, the financial district and the cable car lines are also just blocks ...
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