Destinations & Travel

Our Famous Bridges

A visit to the gateway to San Francisco – the Golden Gate Bridge – is an absolute must for any visitor. Whether you admire the towering structure from a bayside vantage point, walk or bike the 1.7 mile span of the bridge, you will be treated to spectacular views of our city. Cross the bridge to Muir Woods, to enjoy the California redwoods and stunning San Francisco Bay views. Don’t forget to see the Bay Bridge, featuring the fascinating Bay Bridge Lights, twinkling LED lights featuring nightly changing patterns. Please note that the Bay Bridge Light installation is being reimagined and will not be on display through February 2016

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Ferry Building Marketplace

Browse the aisles of artisan foods and locally produced gourmet products at the Ferry Building Marketplace situated along the Embarcadero waterfront. The Ferry Building Marketplace features indigenous restaurants and eateries highlighting local, sustainable cuisine. Visit the famous Farmer’s Market, Tuesday and Thursday 10am-2pm, Saturday 8am-2pm. The historic Ferry Building itself is a major transportation hub and has been an important commercial center of our city for over a century.

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Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is an enchanting attraction for families. It is rich in history, and offers fun activities including souvenir shopping at Pier 39, decadent desserts in Ghirardelli Square, the famed Sea Lions on the Pier, the Aquarium of the Bay, and the Exploratorium Children’s Museum. Stroll the promenade with a famous San Francisco sourdough bread bowl filled with steaming hot clam chowder as street entertainers amuse you with their unique talents.

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Golden Gate Park

Visit Golden Gate Park, a fascinating San Francisco attraction offering a plethora of cultural opportunities. This 1,000-acre park features the famed de Young Museum, Japanese Tea Garden, Academy of Sciences, Conservatory of Flowers, Botanical Garden, Stow Lake, and Bison Paddock. The de Young Museum offers an extensive collection of impressive works with a heavy concentration on American art. The de Young has been an important fixture in the San Francisco art scene for over 100 years. The Academy of Sciences features an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum—all under one living roof. Golden Gate Park is an attraction that pleases all visitors.

San Francisco Iconic Transportation

Experience a thrilling ride aboard a San Francisco Cable Car or Street Car. Cable Cars offer a nostalgic glimpse of San Francisco and are the first official moving historic landmark of our city. Cable Car stops are located throughout San Francisco on Hyde, Mason, Powell and California Streets. Enjoy the international collection of Street Cars that pass in front of the Palace Hotel. These colorful Street Cars from around the world transport you along Market Street.

San Francisco Shopping

The Palace Hotel is located within walking distance to the world’s top designer storefronts. Shop San Francisco’s finest selection: Barneys, Bloomingdale’s, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Cartier, Ferragamo, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Gump’s, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Prada, Saks, Shreve & Co., Tiffany & Co., Valentino, Westfield San Francisco Centre, and YSL. For your shopping pleasure, Union Square is a short walk from the Palace, featuring restaurants, theatres, clubs, lounges, and Union Square park- offering special events and seasonal attractions.

San Francisco Financial District

The Palace is located in San Francisco’s Financial District, the central area for major business operations in our city. Sometimes referred to as the West Coast Wall Street, the Financial District is home to major international companies, financial institutions, law firms, and corporate headquarters for such companies as GAP, VISA, and Wells Fargo. The 12th District United States Federal Reserve Building is appropriately located in this area.

Museums

San Francisco is home to an extensive collection of historic museums, many within walking distance of the Palace. Steps away you will find the Contemporary Jewish Museum, the Museum of the African Diaspora and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, reopening in Spring 2016. Visit the Legion of Honor located in the Presidio, the Asian Art Museum or the Mexican Museum to immerse yourself in the diverse culture celebrated in San Francisco.

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island, most famous for its high-security federal penitentiary, is one of the top things to do in San Francisco. Tours of the prison are offered through the National Parks Service, while the outdoor area offers great viewing opportunities for bird watchers and nature lovers. Access to Alcatraz Island is available by private ferry only and advance reservations are highly recommended. While reservations typically sell out in advance, please visit our Concierge to inquire.

AT&T Park

Cheer for San Francisco’s home team, the three-time World Series Champions, the San Francisco Giants. Visit AT&T Park, the sports venue made famous by its beautiful bayside location where home run balls can fly out of the park and into the San Francisco Bay. In addition to its roster of exciting Major League Baseball games, AT&T Park is the premier San Francisco venue for major concerts and special events. A variety of ballpark tours are available year-round, excluding game days, contact the Concierge for more information.

Local Neighborhoods

Discover the many sites and shops to be enjoyed in our diverse San Francisco neighborhoods. Visit the charming boutiques on Fillmore Street, as well as the Marina’s Union and Chestnut Streets. North Beach offers authentic Italian cafes, while the Castro provides a colorful collection of restaurants and bars. The Mission is known for its eclectic street art and culinary offerings. A newer neighborhood known as SOMA (South of Market Area) delivers an exciting nightclub scene, as well as trendy eateries. Each neighborhood contributes its own special characteristics to our city.