San Francisco, California
Few states, if any, have more things to see and do than California. With its major metropolitan cities, majestic mountains, legendary national parks, trailblazing theme parks and, of course, remarkable ocean views, the sunshine state is best sampled in week-sized chunks.
In all, California can be separated into 12 regions, each with its own distinct natural beauty and exciting adventures. Head to San Diego for a slice of surf culture, a romantic dinner or a visit to one whale of a theme park. Head to Lake Tahoe and sample more snow-covered terrain than any other U.S. destination. Or head to Palm Springs, home of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and the LG Skins Game, for a golf and spa vacation experience like no other. And when you're done, you'll realize you've barely scratched the surface of ways to explore the nation's third largest state - and the No. 1 state for tourism.
Back to other destinationsWhere to Stay:
Super 8 San Francisco/Union Square
The Super 8 San Francisco is located in a prime spot, within walking distance from local attractions including Union Square Shops - Macy's/Nordstrom, Chinatown, Moscone Centers, and several shopping malls.
With newly renovated rooms, complimentary SuperStart Breakfast and High Speed Internet Access, this location is a great home base for San Francisco visitors.
Days Inn San Francisco at The Beach
The Days Inn San Francisco At The Beach is located 4 miles from San Francisco downtown and 12 miles from San Francisco Airport, in a quiet, best neighborhood and suburbs, across from the San Francisco Zoo, just a short stroll to the beach. Close to the public transportation, VA Medical Center, Shiners Hospital, VA Hospitals and San Francisco State University.
All rooms feature remote control cable televisions, microwaves, and hairdryers; refrigerators are available upon request. There are also suites with kitchens available. The Days Inn San Francisco takes pride in providing first class service and attention to their guests needs.
Ramada Limited & Suites San Francisco
The Ramada Limited & Suites San Francisco Airport provides spacious and comfortable rooms, expanded amenities, and courteous customer service within an interior corridor building.
With free airport shuttles, complimentary continental breakfast, free parking and a convenient location, the Ramada offers guests a great place to stay at a great price.
Howard Johnson Express Inn San Bruno Airport
The Howard Johnson San Bruno is no stranger to accolades, having won the Howard Johnson Gold Medal Award for 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008; Property of the Year for 2004 and 2005 and Rookie Property of the Year 2004.
Their quaint size of 49 rooms allows their professional staff the extra time to ensure quality and attentive service. With suites available, the Howard Johnson Express Inn San Bruno is a great home base for those holiday family vacations.
Rentals:
WorldMark, San Francisco
Downtown San Francisco is all yours from this exciting urban location. WorldMark San Francisco occupies a historic building dating from 1908 on the corner of Bush and Stockton streets and is a short walk to Chinatown, Nob Hill and Union Square. The famous Powell Street Cable Car stops just two blocks away, and public transportation on the Bay Area Rapid Transit system is nearby.
Visit Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square and the Maritime Museum on San Francisco's waterfront; ride a ferry to Alcatraz Island and learn about this former federal prison's notorious inmates; explore the sixties-throwback Haight-Ashbury district; or spend time wandering through Golden Gate Park, an urban oasis larger than New York's Central Park. Enjoy some of the world's finest restaurants, shop in the glass-domed Crocker Galleria in the Financial District and check out the city's vibrant theatrical productions. WorldMark San Francisco puts you in the center of this dynamic city so that you can explore all it has to offer.
Wyndham Canterbury at San Francisco
A Revitalized Bay Area Landmark. At the heart of downtown in one of the most dynamic cities on the map stands the sparkling new Wyndham Canterbury at San Francisco. This celebrated resort blends a storied past with a stylish present. Having been a famed fixture in San Francisco for more than 70 years, the former Canterbury Hotel Whitehall Inn has been renovated and updated while maintaining its classic flair. With an enviable location that puts the best of the city within easy reach, this is your ideal address by the bay.
What to do:
Black Nativity - The Lorraine Hansberry Theater offers a Gospel celebration of Christmas that is inspired by the works of Langston Hughes. Presented at the Marines Memorial Theatre, tickets go on sale on November 16 and the production will run from December 16 - 27. This legendary event delivers a powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation.
Carols in the Caves - Using rare and unusual musical instruments to interpret carols in a new way, performer David Auerbach holds seasonal Winter Solstice shows in wine caves and other interesting spots.
The Celebration of Craftswomen - Talented artisans celebrating the feminine spirit host the 31st annual holiday gift and arts festival November 29-30 and December 5-6. The Celebration of Craftswomen is San Francisco's largest holiday fine crafts retail fair, and the largest event celebrating the craft of women in the nation. Here you'll find handcrafted wares such as art sculptures, paintings, children's toys and photography.
The fair also offers live music, gourmet food and a benefit raffle and silent auction.
Holiday Festival of Lights - Get your fix of holiday lights and get some shopping done too - located at Fisherman's Wharf, there are four major outlets within walking distance including The Anchorage Shopping Center, The Cannery, Ghirardell Square and Pier 39. Bright lights and decorations line the inner and outer lagoons and buildings. The large Christmas Tree at the Wharf's entrance is a great welcome to the shops and restaurants on the Wharf.
The holiday season kicks off with a day-long event at Ghiradelli Square on November 27 with the 45th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The lively and family-friendly celebration includes live entertainment, a visit from Santa and even real snow!
Travel Tips:
Three "don't miss" locations in this city are Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown & Haight-Ashbury for unique shopping & viewing pleasures. Also, Golden Gate Park for great views of the famous Golden Gate Bridge, & the famous restaurant "Cliff House" with its view of Seal Rock & Alcatraz Island.
- Crystal, Wyndham Worldwide
Pier 39 has always been a big draw for tourists, but even more so now - currently there are more than a thousand sea lions located at Pier 39 - it's the largest number of sea lions ever! They are all over the docks - even the ones used for the tour boats that tourists take! They are not sure what the reason is for the influx of sea lions, but they have researchers evaluating reasons. It's a unique opportunity for sure. Here's a press release for more info: http://www.pier39.com/UserFiles/File/Attractions/Record_Number_of_Sea_Lions_at_PIER_39.pdf
- Robyn, Wyndham Rewards
Take time to stop by the SS Jeremiah O'Brien, a merchant marine Liberty Ship memorial, when visiting San Francisco. I had been to San Fran three times and never stopped there until my last visit. There are lots of veterans that were there while we visited and they were more than happy to share their stories and experiences with you. You can explore virtually every part of the ship - from the engine room to the captain's quarters. It has lots of interesting history without the lines and high prices of other attractions.
- Robyn, Wyndham Rewards
Even in the summer bring a light coat as the wind is always blowing.
- Karen, Wyndham Worldwide
Restaurant I HOPE, the wonderful pancake house. Do not miss. Union Square is a good shopping area and also good place to stay. S.F is also an easy city to walk in. Golden Gate Bridge and this bridge you can walk over or rent a bike. If you rent a car, drive up north to the valleys and see the reed wood. (World largest trees).
- Delores, Novasol
I recently took a vacation to San Francisco, California and have some wonderful ideas for those looking for the best experience in San Francisco!
My recommendation would be to visit Pier 39, located downtown at the Warf. It has a fantastic view of Alcatraz and has some great photo opportunities available. The Pier is also the home of many seals that entertain the crowd with their amazing hoots and hollers! I also ate at Bubba Gumps, a restaurant located at the Pier, themed after the movie "Forrest Gump". It was located right on the water's edge, so while you are getting movie trivia from the waiters you have a fantastic view.
There are also many novelty shops and different activities to do while visiting the Pier, which I believe is a must for anybody traveling to San Francisco!
- Bridget, Wyndham Hotel Group
There's always a cheaper parking garage somewhere in San Francisco. Especially if you don't mind walking a few blocks, and the experience is always worth so much more when you take the time to see what's on those blocks. Every square inch of San Francisco has a different kind of shop, eatery or coffee shop that's unique and just waiting to be explored. My best advice is to walk to the majority of your locations rather than driving, the city from a street view is an entirely new experience compared to a few major landmarks from the constrictions of a car.
- Raina, Wyndham Vacation Ownership
Be sure to visit Fisherman's Wharf as they have great shopping and it's just a fantastic place to people watch. You get all walks of life, and the people are friendly. Alcatraz is amazing and where else can you ride moving landmarks - the cable cars. My favorite time here was going down Lombard Street - it's a windy dangerous road that just keeps curving, but the landscapes and all the flowers are just gorgeous in this quant neighborhood. It has been over a decade since I have been there, but I am sure it's even better now.
- Sheri, Wyndham Worldwide
