San Francisco holiday facts
Much like its East Coast counterpart New York, San Francisco is a city that is amazingly familiar even before visiting. So many films and TV series’ have been based here, and there are so many iconic features, that spending time here is like exploring a succession of exciting film sets. Whichever one of our San Francisco hotels you decide to book, you can be certain that you will be close to many of them!
San Francisco is one of the most popular city destinations in the USA, so busy all year round. It is advisable to book your San Francisco hotel in good time if you plan on visiting the city in peak season. Being such a remarkably diverse and quirky city, there is a very wide range of hotels and apartments available, but San Francisco hotels have a deserved global reputation for friendliness and great service - so whatever your choice it should be to your satisfaction!
San Francisco is a relatively small city. About 800,000 residents live on a 46˝ square mile tip of land between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. San Franciscans cherish the city's colorful past; many older buildings have been spared from demolition and nostalgically converted into modern offices and shops. If San Francisco were to be described as a person, the city could be called a fighter, surviving two major earthquakes, numerous fires and more. But despite the setbacks, the city has bounced back and continues to progress. The city boasts one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the United States, which contributes to the thriving business and culture of the area.
During the summer months many neighbourhoods around the city host exciting street fairs. If you are interested in attending one of them, it is best to contact the Chamber of Commerce to find out about specific dates and times. If you are in the area during September, you can catch a blues festival held at Ft. Mason Center. If you’re a jazz fan, a two-week, citywide celebration called the San Francisco Jazz Festival jams on from the end of October through early November.
Be sure to visit the famous attractions that the city has to offer: the cable cars, the exquisite Palace of Fine Arts, Lombard Street (check it out and see where it got its nickname from), the entertaining theaters of Union Square, and the well-known Golden Gate Bridge. When you’re hungry, check out the tasty pasta in North Beach, shop at the fashionable Haight-Ashbury District or admire the historic Castro Theater. You will always be able to find something to occupy your time during your stay in San Francisco.
Many of San Francisco's famous attractions, including North Beach, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, and Union Square, are located in the northeast side of the city. You will find Golden Gate Park in the northwestern side of San Francisco. When you are discovering the hidden gems of the city, you will find yourself driving through a maze of one-way streets and restricted parking zones. Sometimes it is better to let the cable cars, buses and trolleys take you where you want to go.
These days the city seems to teem with world famous landmarks like Alcatraz, the fantastic bridges of the 1930’s and wonderful modern buildings like the Transamerica Pyramid. Film and television have made San Francisco instantly recognisable to almost everyone whether it’s from ’48 Hours’, ‘The Maltese Falcon’, ‘The Streets of San Francisco’, ‘Ironside,’ ‘Dirty Harry,’ or perhaps 1968’s ‘Bullitt’ starring Steve McQueen, a Ford Mustang and possibly the best car chase ever filmed!
Food and drink in San FranciscoFamous for fusion cooking, San Francisco is home to some of the best restaurants in the west. There's Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Thai and even a few Indian restaurants together with usual favourites such as the Hard Rock Café. The Stinkin' Rose Garlic restaurant is a must for lovers of this pungent herb - booking is essential!
NightlifeSan Francisco nightlife is as varied as San Francisco, and San Francisco bars, clubs and lounges are for the most part localized in different areas. For electronic music clubs, hip hop and chill art lounges, try San Francisco's SOMA. For bar-hopping with hipsters and rockers, Mission district is a must. More elegant bars can be found in the Marina district. San Francisco's North Beach is open until the small hours with neon strip joints and cool hideaway bars.
Other areas of interest for your holiday in California:
Lake Tahoe hotels and holidaysLos Angeles hotels and holidaysDisney's California Adventure holiday factsCalifornia National ParksSan Diego hotels and holidaysCalifornia Central CoastSanta Barbara hotels and holidays
