San Francisco is often called “Everybody’s Favourite City,” a title earned by its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, diverse communities, and world-class cuisine. Measuring 49 square miles, this very walk-able city is dotted with landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Historic Cable Cars, Alcatraz Island, and the largest Chinatown in the United States. A stroll of the City’s streets can lead from Union Square to North Beach to Fisherman’s Wharf, with intriguing neighborhoods to explore at every turn. Views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay are often laced with fog, creating a romantic mood in this most European of American cities.
Unbeatable Location
The Hyatt Regency San Francisco is in the heart of it all. Adjacent to the hotel is the Embarcadero Center, which encompasses more than 5 blocks with over 125 upscale shops, restaurants, entertainment, and more. Just outside the hotel is Justin Herman Plaza, a great place to relax and people watch. The plaza frequently hosts a flea market, street vendors, artisans, music, and other events. Across the street is the iconic Ferry Building, a local marketplace featuring gourmet restaurants, cafés, farmers market, fish market, and boutique shops.
From the hotel you can walk the waterfront embarcadero, or catch a trolley to Pier 39, where you’ll find more shops and restaurants, plus the Aquarium of the Bay. The hotel is within five minutes of the Financial District, Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Union Square, Moscone Center, Ghirardelli Square, North Beach, the Castro, and AT&T Park (home of the San Francisco Giants, 2010 World Series Champions).
October Events & Festivals:
OCTOBER 4-8
Fleet Week San Francisco
Aquatic Park and Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, 650-599-5057
Fleet Week is the Bay Area’s opportunity to honor the nation’s men and women of the Navy and marine services. Celebrates the Centennial of naval aviation. Navy ship tours and air show. Reserved seating and corporate packages available.
OCTOBER 5-7
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Hellman Hollow, Golden Gate Park
www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
This free celebration of music in the park includes a who’s who of top entertainment.
OCTOBER 5-13
Litquake
Citywide
A San Francisco literary festival showcases hundreds of the Bay Area’s finest writers for a week of readings, discussions, films, cross-media happenings and more
OCTOBER 7
Castro Street Fair
Castro Street, 415-841-1824
Arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, dancing and music are all part of the fun at this gay-friendly street festival.
OCTOBER 7
San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade and Festival
Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach, 415-703-9888
The city celebrates its Italian heritage with a lively parade through North Beach with food, music, entertainment and celebrities, beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct.7.
OCTOBER 11
Union Street Wine Walk
Union Street from Gough to Steiner and Fillmore Street from Union to Lombard, 800-310-6563,
http://sresproductions.com/union_street_wine_walk.html
Restaurants and merchants along Union Street offer hors d’oeuvres and wine samples; attendees who wish to sample purchase tasting wristband prior to event and receive wine glass and map with all tasting locations
OCTOBER 11-14
Sundance Stompede
Sundance Saloon, 550 Barneveld Ave., 415-820-1403
San Francisco’s annual Country Western weekend for the LGBT community and friends. Join hundreds of cowboys and cowgirls as they dance their feet off with three days of workshops and three nights of open dancing.
OCTOBER 13-14
Treasure Island Music Festival
www.treasureislandfestival.com
Internationally renowned artists gather for a spectacular two-day, outdoor concert festival featuring electronic music and indie pop, local designers, artists, food and beverage. The two festival stages are erected on Treasure Island offering amazing views of the bay and the San Francisco skyline.
OCTOBER 13-NOVEMBER 4
ArtSpan/SF Open Studios
Various locations, 415-861-9838
San Francisco’s most exciting artists open their doors to the public and reveal their latest projects, how they work and what’s for sale.
OCTOBER 14
Nike Women’s Marathon
http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikerunning_events-en_US/?tags=nike_womens_marathon_2011
Nike celebrates the eighth year of the Nike Women’s Marathon with 20,000 women racing together through the streets of San Francisco to raise funds and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Top 10 things to see in San Francisco:
- The Golden Gate Bridge
- Cable cars
- Alcatraz
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Union Square
- North Beach
- The entrance to China Town
- Dinner in San Francisco
- Nightlife
- Cultural experience, such as Academy of Sciences or the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.