table of contents - sf tourism tips...the famous painted ladies of alamo square are six colorfully...

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

http://www.sftourismtips.com/union-square-san-francisco.html#barshttp://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-wine-bar.html

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)


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

http://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-theater.html

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

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

http://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events-in-january.htmlhttp://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events-in-february.htmlhttp://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events-in-march.htmlhttp://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events-in-april.htmlhttp://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events-in-may.htmlhttp://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events-in-june.htmlhttp://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events-in-july.htmlhttp://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events-in-august.htmlhttp://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events-in-september.htmlhttp://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events-in-october.htmlhttp://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events-in-november.htmlhttp://www.sftourismtips.com/san-francisco-events-in-december.html

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.

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.

http://tracking.goldstar.com/aff_c?offer_id=24&aff_id=1032&aff_sub4=freedownloadhttp://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/5430986/type/dlg/https:/www.groupon.com/browse/san-francisco?locality=San+Francisco&administrative_area=CA&lat=37.77493&lng=-122.41942&address=San+Francisco%2C+CA&locale=en_UShttp://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/5430986/type/dlg/https:/www.livingsocial.com/browse/cities/15/searches?utf8=%E2%9C%93&city_search_id=15&country_search_id=1&query=&city_name=San+Francisco%2C+CA+%28San+Francisco%29

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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