San Francisco

San Francisco, California is one of the most beautiful cities in the World and a great city to explore on foot. The iconic cityscape has formed the backdrop to so many Hollywood feature films - from Vertigo, to Bullitt, to The Rock - that you will probably recognize many of its famous landmarks. We often dream what it would be like to live in San Francisco, with its stunning scenery and proximity to so many of our favorite vacation destinations.

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Dream

We have been lucky enough to have access to some corporate rates at luxury hotels in San Francisco in recent years, and as a result, our hotel of choice Downtown is currently the Four Seasons, situated on Market Street between 3rd and 4th.  The hotel is close to Union Square and its rooms are beyond comfy.

When we are not at the Four Seasons, the St. Regis is our second choice. The lobby bar is a great place to unwind with a glass of wine after a long day of walking the city. And the rooms are luxurious. 

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Dine

The foodie scene in San Fran is first rate. Here are our top recommendations:

  • Cotogna: Rustic Italian cuisine in a casual, lively venue, complementing their adjoining sister restaurant Quince.

  • Rich Table: Great contemporary Californian food made from local ingredients, in a relaxed atmosphere, with an open kitchen.

  • Octavia: Another farm-to-table favorite set in a rustic-chic corner location on Octavia Street. The restaurant retained its Michelin star in 2017.

  • SPQR: Small, bustling yet cozy eatery on Fillmore Street in Lower Pacific Heights serving modern Italian entrees including very good pastas.

  • A 16: Sister of SPQR, this is a great place to enjoy authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and fresh pasta in the Marina District.

  • Balboa Café: Established in 1913 and one of the oldest saloons in San Francisco, set on a corner in Cow Hollow, this traditional restaurant serves an American bistro menu.

  • Wayfare Tavern: Upscale food in a British pub-style setting in the Financial District.

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Do

San Fran is the city for those who love to get active. Here are some of our favorite things to do:

  • Bike the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito with a Blazing Saddles bike rental from their location near Fisherman’s Wharf. Grab an ice cream from Lappert’s when you get there, and get the ferry back to the city.

  • Walk the city hills; we suggest Pacific Heights, Fillmore Street through the Marina to the Ocean.

  • Run along the Embarcadero to the Golden Gate Bridge – this is a flat mainly waterfront running trail.

  • Take a cable car ride through the city. Start at Union Square and hop off at Lombard Street to see the crooked street.

  • Visit TV and movie locations, including those featured in the Hitchcock classic “Vertigo”, such as the Palace of the Legion of Honor, Mission Delores and Fort Point. Or visit the homes from Mrs. Doubtfire and Full House which are quintessential San Fran tourist spots.

  • Visit Alcatraz and take the essential and atmospheric audio tour featuring the voices of former inmates.

  • Explore the Palace of Fine Arts which has been recently renovated with spectacular lake and gardens.

  • Explore the Palace of the Legion of Honor, a great, manageably sized museum set in Lincoln Park, which is well worth a visit.

  • Visit the park at Alamo Square to see one of the most photographed locations in San Francisco, the painted ladies: a row of Victorian houses on Steiner Street painted in pastel shades known as “postcard row”.

nearby destinations

Your next vacation awaits.