San Francisco Here You Come! San Francisco Sightseeing Tours, San Francisco Attractions and Tours
| Bay Area, Things to Do: |
Situated on the San Francisco Peninsula, Burlingame is a beautiful place to live and visit.
The city’s recreational facilities and scenic, open environs provide tourists with diverse year-round activity and leisure.
The temperate, sunny climate and the city’s restful, tree-shaded parks, surrounded by San Francisco bay, the ocean and mountains, assure a variety of year-round recreational opportunities. On your visit, you will enjoy the Peninsula’s finest lodging and dining, world-class entertainment, distinctive retail shopping, beautiful golf courses, high-quality businesses, professional office centers, a historic California racetrack, and wonderful waterfront views.
The hip, dynamic city of San Francisco – with the iconic towers of Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Cars, Alcatraz, and many exciting attractions and neighborhoods - is only a 15 minute drive north.
Whether you need a well-appointed hotel suite near AT&T Park in San Francisco or are looking to stay in the heart of the Bay Area, you can’t beat our Holiday Inn Express hotel’s convenient location in San Francisco, California. Additionally, our San Francisco hotel’s location is near Union Square. Find the convenience, comfort and courteous customer service you deserve—call 650.347.2381 for reservations.
San Francisco / Bay Area Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge - One of the most breathtaking structures in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge connects San Francisco and Marin Headlands, offering incredible views of the San Francisco Bay Area. The iconic, orange towers of the Golden Gate Bridge, the quintessential symbol of San Francisco, are visible from almost every high point in the city. The bridge, which spans 4,200 ft, opened in 1937. Driving or biking across is a thrill, racing under the towers, while the half-hour walk allows you to absorb its enormous size and wonderful views.
Golden Gate Park – Golden Gate Park is the largest and most beautiful of San Francisco’s parks. Spreading more than three miles west from the Haight as far as the Pacific, Golden Gate Park attracts throngs of joggers, polo players, roller-skaters, cyclists and strollers. The park also offers peaceful spots with excellent ocean vistas.
Chinatown - Experience the culture and character of Asia at restaurants, shops, markets, and bakeries of historic Chinatown. Visit the elegant Chinese Presbyterian Church and the Pacific Renaissance Plaza, which houses shops, restaurants, and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.
San Francisco's Chinatown begins at the dragon-crested gate at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, a gift from the Republic of China in 1969. Chinatown’s 24-square blocks in the middle of San Francisco boasts culturally unique stores, open markets and facades, resembling shopping in Hong Kong. Try Dim Sum, a traditional Chinese breakfast.
Union Square - A landmark park in San Francisco, Union Square offers great shopping, an active theater district and high-end hotels.
Surrounding the park square are major department stores - Nordstrom, Macy's, and Emporium – luxury boutiques and superstores. Sporting new granite plazas, a new terraced stage on Post Street, light sculptures designed by artist R.M. Fischer, a new café and four grand entrance corner plazas bordered by the park's signature palms, the remodeled square pays captures the unique history and beauty of San Francisco.The Cable Cars and the city’s most personalized walking tours (only $20) depart right from Union Square.
Union Street - The first neighborhood in San Francisco to convert its Victorians into popular boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, Union Street's distinct turn-of-the-century atmosphere makes a walk along its streets is a delightful journey back in time from an architectural perspective.
Fascinating art stores and galleries are scattered about Union Street, where some of the city’s most fashionable and upscale citizens live and play. The annual Union Street Spring Festival adds to the fun.
Fisherman's Wharf – San Francisco’s historic waterfront, Fisherman’s Wharf is famous for seafood restaurants, unique shopping, street performers, live music and breathtaking Bay views.
Waterfront marketplaces include: The Anchorage, The Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and PIER 39. The Wharf’s Fish Alley sells sole, shrimp, salmon, sea bass, squid and fresh crab. See a fleet of historic ships at Hyde Street Pier, a component of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, which includes the Maritime Museum.
The USS Pampanito, a WWII fleet submarine, may be boarded at Pier 45. Walk to the museums of Fort Mason and on to the expanse of parkland along the Marina District, which afford excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Bay cruises depart several times a day from piers 39 and 41. Visit www.fishermanswharf.org.
Pier 39 - Pier 39 is a year-round festival marketplace located right on San Francisco Bay. After an up-close look at a California sea lion, check out a street performance, more than 110 shops and enjoy a bite to eat at one of the pier’s delightful restaurants. For more information, visit www.pier39.com.
Alcatraz - The rocky islet of Alcatraz was America's most dreaded high-security prison in 1934. Surrounded by the freezing, impassable waters of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz made an ideal place to hold the nation's most wanted criminals - such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly.
Due to massive running costs, the prison closed in 1963. At least 750,000 tourists each year take the hour-long, self-guided audio tours of the abandoned prison, which include sharp anecdotal commentary and the chance to spend a minute locked in a darkened cell. Take the ferry from Pier 41 to Alcatraz Island and tour the historic cell blocks. For reservations, call (415) 705-5555.
Angel Island State Park - A historic state park on San Francisco Bay, Angel Island offers tram tours, bike rentals, camping, and sea kayaking. Angel Island is a microcosm of U.S. history spanning from the Miwok Indian times through the Cold War. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset, year-round. Limited ferry service in the winter. For more information, call (415) 897-0715 or visit www.angelisland.com.
3Com Park – Better known as Candlestick Park, 3Com Park has a long and colorful history as the home of the San Francisco 49er's. The championship San Francisco 49ers have won so many Super Bowls since their move to the world-famous stadium in 1971 that the sign in the parking lot reads “Home of the Super Bowl Champions.”
Located in the southeast corner of San Francisco at Candlestick Point, 3Com is the coldest, windiest and foggiest ball park in the U.S. Watching 49ers game here is an awesome experience, just don't forget a jacket! Ticket Office: (415) 656-4900.
SBC Park – Called baseball’s perfect address, SBC Park – formerly Pacific Bell Park - opened in 2000 as the home of the San Francisco Giants and immediately became a landmark in a city of landmarks. With sweeping views of the city and bay and modern amenities, SBC Park is an incredible venue for sporting events, concerts and for watching the Giants swing into victory.
With downtown San Francisco on one side and the San Francisco Bay on the other, this classic brick baseball park is a unique and exciting destination, and the site of the 2007 All-Star game.
SBC Park is located in one of the sunniest, warmest areas in San Francisco. A unique public promenade has been developed along the waterfront from right field to center field where fans can watch the Giants game through a fence at no charge and where San Franciscans can enjoy new access to the bay 365 days a year. Ferries dock directly adjacent to the ballpark beyond the right field wall.
San Francisco Zoo - The San Francisco Zoo is Northern California's largest zoological park and conservation center. This urban oasis, nestled against the Pacific Ocean, provides a comfortable climate for 250 different animal species in naturalistic surroundings, and many Zoo activities and events.
The historic San Francisco Zoo is being transformed into the New Zoo, a conservation zoo that is dedicated to the preservation of wild places and wildlife. The new conservation zoo seeks to foster respect and appreciation of wildlife and to provide enlightening and awe-inspiring experiences for all ages.
The Zoo now boasts a new entrance, a host of new visitor amenities, a restored carousel, beautiful artwork, and a new exhibit featuring some of the most incredible animals on earth at the Lipman Family Lemur Forest.
Lombard Street – One of San Francisco’s most interesting attractions, Lombard Street is "The Crookedest Street in the World" because of its eight sharp turns on a treacherous 40-degree slope. Lombard Streetgoes all the way east, up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower, and continues west down through the Marina to the Golden Gate Bridge. A walk in either direction makes for a pleasant hike.
To get to Lombard Street, take the Hyde St. Cable Car line, which stops on the crest. The best place to photograph Lomabard is from the bottom of Leavenworth St. looking up. Some of the most expensive real estate in the city exists on Lombard Street.
This Russian Hill neighborhood possesses stately mansions, condos and townhouses. In the spring and summer, Lombard Street is alive with color, as the chrysanthemums are in full bloom.
Aquarium of the Bay – The Aquarium of the Bay is a unique educational and entertainment facility d edicated to the rich, diverse aquatic life of San Francisco Bay and surrounding waters. A window to the Bay, he Aquarium focuses on its distinctive ecosystems and seeks to entertain, educate and inspire preservation of this natural resource.
The four parts to your exciting journey - Discover the Bay, Under the Bay, Touch the Bay and Save the Bay - all play a role in the Aquarium's mission to create experiences that inspire the conservation of San Francisco Bay and marine environments. Visit www.aquariumofthebay.org.
Palace of Fine Arts – The Palace of Fine Arts, the magnificent home of the Exploratorium, was created as part of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition. The Palace, designed as a "valentine for San Francisco" by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck, was made to last one year.
The people of San Francisco decided to keep the imposing structure which, over time, has held art exhibitions, telephone books, and army jeeps.
Exploratorium - The Exploratorium is a cutting-edge, hands-on museum of science, art and human perception that is fun, experimental and awe inspiring. Artists and scientists create unique, interactive exhibits exploring phenomena of the natural world.
Located in the Palace of Fine Arts, the Exploratorium features hundreds of exhibits to touch, look through, pick up, and tinker with. The Tactile Dome offers a sensory journey in total darkness. The Exploratorium also offers a gift store and café. The Exploratorium is open Tues.-Sun. and select Monday holidays 10am-5pm. For more information, call (415) 561-0308 or visit www.exploratorium.edu.
Ghirardelli Square - Ghirardelli Square features fabulous views of San Francisco Bay, landscaped gardens, a self-guided historic walking tour, several shops and award-winning restaurants.
Although its oldest building, the Woolen Mill, dates back to 1864, Ghirardelli Square is famous for its years as a chocolate factory, 1893 until the 1960s. In 1964 Ghirardelli Square became the country's first manufacturing complex renovated into a festival marketplace. For information, call (415) 775-5500 or visit www.ghirardellisquare.com.
Metreon—A Sony Entertainment Center – The Metreon is an innovative entertainment and technology marketplace with 15 movie theatres, an IMAX theatre, three interactive attractions, nine restaurants, world-class shopping, and special events.
Located on the third floor, the 15-screen Loews Metreon is San Francisco’s largest movie complex with a panoramic view of the Yerba Buena Gardens Esplanade and the San Francisco skyline.
Every auditorium features huge screens, state-of-the-art projection technology, and advanced digital cinema sound systems. Metreon's IMAX Theatre features an 80' x 100' screen for 2-D and 3-D capabilities. Visit www.metreon.com.
Orpheum Theater - Since the magnificent carved doors of San Francisco’s Orpheum Theater opened more than 75 years ago, the Orpheum has presented an illustrious array of American theatrical entertainment across its stage and screen. From vaudeville to movies to musical comedy, this historical landmark has intrigued patrons with its visual and architectural beauty and performances.
In 2005, the Orpheum hosts the Pre-Broadway engagement of London's latest smash Jerry Springer - The Opera. The Best of Broadway series continues to play. Visit www.bestofbroadway-saf.com.
The Presidio - The Presidio preserves an astonishingly complex cultural and natural heritage within its 1,480 acres just south of the Golden Gate. As a U.S. Army post, the Presidio protected commerce and trade, and played a logistical role in every major U.S. military conflict from 1848 until closure.
World and national events - from military campaigns to the rise of aviation, from World Fairs to natural disasters - left their mark here. Since 1994, the Presidio has been part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Today, visitors enjoy the history and beauty of more than 500 historic buildings, a collection of coastal defense fortifications, a national cemetery, an historic airfield, a saltwater marsh, forests, beaches, native plant habitats, coastal bluffs, miles of hiking and biking trails, and spectacular vistas.
Presidio Trust Special Events Office: (415) 561-5444; email: events@presidiotrust.gov.
Nob Hill - Of the San Francisco’s many hills, Nob Hill boasts incredible views of San Francisco Bay, especially when observed from a California Street cable car, running from the foot of Market Street, over the hill and down to Van Ness Avenue.
Nob Hill's noble tenants include Grace Cathedral, a replica of Notre Dame in Paris, Huntington Park, site of art shows and graced by a replica of a 16 th-century Roman fountain, the Nob Hill Masonic Center, an architectural dazzler hosting various musical events, and the Cable Car Museum.
East Bay - The East Bay communities - Oakland, Berkeley and Alameda – offer a fascinating mix of culture and history just across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Jack London Square is a captivating collection of shops and restaurants on Oakland's western waterfront.
Lake Merritt in the downtown corridor is ideal for jogging enthusiasts and midday daydreamers. Berkeley, a well-known liberal stronghold and home to the University of California, offers unique shopping, trendy restaurants and world-renowned cultural and performing arts.
San Francisco Cow Palace - Since 1941, the San Francisco Cow Palace has welcomed visitors for year-round events, conventions, and livestock shows, and is home of the famous Grand National Rodeo. The Grand National Rodeo, Horse & Stock Show will celebrate its 61 st show April 7-16, 2006 at Cow Palacen with rodeo performances bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, team roping, tie-down roping and bull riding.
The event will also feature a horse and livestock shows, and "Celebration of Western Art.” This juried art show features well-known artists whose work portray the life, people, animals, landscape and activities of the cowboy and the West. For Cow Palace Event and Ticket Information, call (415) 404-4111 or visit www.cowpalace.com.
South San Francisco Historical Society Museum – The S outh San Francisco Historical Society Museum houses a collection of photographs and memorabilia following the history of the " Industrial City." Self-guided walking tour maps are available. Open 1:00 pm - 3:00pm, Tuesday and Thursday. Located at 601 Grand Ave.
Twin Peaks – Twin Peaks offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley. Experience awe-inspiring views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Downtown San Francisco, Angel Island, Alcatraz, the Pacific Ocean, and the hilltops of Yerba Buena Island. At the most-traveled point, there is a direct view down Market Street into downtown. San Francisco glows in the dark, so pick a clear evening to watch it light up the night sky. Look through the coin-operated binoculars for a closer view.
The Asian Art Museum - One of the largest museums in the world, the Asian Art Museum is devoted to Asian art with a collection of 15,000 objects spanning 6,000 years of history. The museum - reopened in March 2003 at its expanded Civic Center facility - is one of the greatest public learning centers in the country and one of the most technologically advanced in the world.
Over a million books, 400 electronic work stations, a children’s discovery center, and special rooms on African-American, Chinese, Filipino-American, and gay/lesbian works surround the light-filled atrium.
Bay Area Discovery Museum - L ocated under the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Discovery Museum was conceived, designed and constructed solely for children. The Discovery Museum is a fantastic place where children of all ages and their families find limitless opportunities for discoveries in art, science, and media.
Dozens of entertaining exhibits include crewing on a boat and exploring San Francisco Bay. For more information, (call) 415-487-4398 or visit www.badm.org.
Yerba Buena Centerfor the Arts – This $44 million entertainment and arts complex, located at 701 Mission Street, features performances and exhibits that showcase San Francisco's artistic diversity.
Coit Tower – Atop Telegraph Hill in North Beach, Coit Tower offers incredible views. Murals on its ground floor walls were painted in 1933 by some 30 local artists, each piece depicting a different aspect of the Great Depression.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) - Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, the SFMOMA houses an extensive collection of 20 th Century art – painting, sculpture, photography, architecture and design, and the media arts.
On the first floor, with its large atrium lobby, are a 299-seat theater, an interactive Education Center, the museum shop, and CaffË Museo. Art galleries occupy the top four floors.
Selections from the permanent collection of art, sculpture, furniture, and photographs are displayed along with changing special exhibits. Across from SFMOMA, the Center for the Arts provides performance/exhibition space for artists to reflect San Francisco's cultural diversity.
Bay Model Visitor Center - The Bay Model is a three-dimensional hydraulic model of the San Francisco and Delta areas capable of simulating tides, currents and river inflows. The model is over 1.5 acres in size and represents an area from the Pacific Ocean to Sacramento and Stockton, including San Francisco, San Pablo and Suisun Bays, and a portion of the San Joaquin Delta. Self-guided tours in five languages are available. For information, call (415) 332-3871 or visit www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc.
Muir Woods – Only 12 miles north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, in an isolated canyon, grows the ancient coast redwood forest known as Muir Woods.
Experience the tranquility of majestic coastal redwoods - some 500 years old - and canyon ferns as you follow a gentle scenic trail. Muir Woods offers numerous hiking trails, streams and interpretive displays.
Stroll through 1,000 year old giant redwoods towering 260 feet high and experience why naturalist John Muir called this “ the best tree-lovers monument that could possibly be found in all the forests of the world."
Tours are available from San Francisco. Open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Entry fee: $3 per adult (17 and older). For information, call (415) 388-2595 or visit www.nps.gov/muwo/home.htm.
Bay Meadows Race Track - Bay Meadows Race Course in San Mateo is one of the most tradition-laden and innovative racetracks in the country, and the longest continually operating racetrack in California.
Since 1934, Bay Meadows has been a venue for the most famous horses, jockeys and trainers, and where many "firsts" in racing have occurred. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Grandstand admission -$3; children 17 and under admitted free when accompanied by parent or guardian. Club House admission - $6. Turf Club admission (includes seat), Weekdays - $10; Weekends (Fri., Sat., Sun.) and Holidays - $15. Call (650) 574-RACE or go to www.baymeadows.com.
San Francisco Tours
San Francisco Seaplane Tours - Fly out to the Pacific Coast and south to the Golden Gate Bridge. After flying over the bridge, you will continue your flight over the Financial District and Downtown San Francisco, along the waterfront, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, then north to Alcatraz, around Angel Island, and along the picturesque cities of Tiburon, Belvedere, and Sausalito.This tour lasts approximately 30 minutes and offers incr edible sights from Marin to San Francisco. Call (415) 332-4843 or visit www.seaplane.com.
San Francisco Tours – Experience a 3.5 San Francisco bus tour of exciting and cultural San Francisco including, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, the Palace of Fine Arts, North Beach, the Presidio National Park, Victorian homes, and many incredible downtown San Francisco sights and attractions.
You’ll experience awe-inspiring views of Alcatraz and the Pacific Ocean. You’ll stop at Vista Point at Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks – with panoramic hilltop views of the city - and other famous points. This incredible San Francisco tour offers amazing photo opportunities.
San Francisco Evening Walking Tours - Explore San Francisco after dark as the city glitters with bright lights and cultural energy. Evening Chinatown Walking Tours and dinner tours begin with a short, scenic drive through the culinary heart of San Francisco on to a multi-course Chinese feast at Cathay House, Chinatown’s culinary treasure.
Work off your gastronomic indulgence with a guided 4-hour walking tour of the marvels of Chinatown. You’ll see the elegant Chinese Presbyterian Church and the Pacific Renaissance Plaza, which houses shops, restaurants and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.
Alcatraz Island Tour Package - Tour the rocky island of Alcatraz, formerly America's most dreaded high-security prison. Surrounded by the impassable waters of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz imprisoned the nation's most wanted criminals, such as Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly.
Departing from Pier 41 by ferry boat, you will experience an interesting hour-long, self-guided tour of the abandoned prison, which includes anecdotal commentary, tours of the historic cell blocks, and a minute locked in a darkened cell.
San Francisco Bay Cruise Tour - Cruise along the beautiful and culturally diverse San Francisco waterfront for a unique view of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and the beloved sea lions.
Highlights of this tour include: Victorians, Civic Center, Union Square, Nob Hill, Cable Cars, Chinatown, North Beach, Coit Tower, Fisherman’s Wharf, Marina District, Palace of Fine Arts, Presidio, Cliff House, Pacific Ocean, and Golden Gate Park. This spectacular tour makes scheduled stops at Twin Peaks, and Vista Point at the Golden Gate Bridge. View the sensational skyline and bridges in every direction!
California Wine Country & Winery Tours –Tour the magical Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley Wine Country, just north of the city. Experience Northern California’s award-winning wines as you wind through the scenic countryside.This wonderful 9 ½-hour tour of both Sonoma and Napa wineries, vineyards, wine tasting rooms and wine trails lets you experience the essence and flavor of California’s top wine growing regions, wines and communities. The beautiful rolling hills, vineyard vistas, fine wines, and lovely architecture will captivate your senses.
San Francisco Conventions & Events
South San Francisco Conference Center – Located 5 minutes from the hotel, the South San Francisco Conference Center features state-of-the-art conference and meeting facilities for corporate meetings and events, conferences, conventions, receptions and special events of all sizes - from small gatherings to large corporate events.
The Center features 16,500 square feet of meeting space with sound-proof walls, the Grand Ballroom - which can be divided into as many as ten meeting rooms - and the Baden Room, which can be divided into two meeting rooms, a dramatic, light-filled four-story atrium 6,300 square foot lobby, and a private office for event staff.
The conference center delivers elegant full-service catering from on-site kitchen facilities and chefs that can accommodate "off menu" requests. Visit www.ssfconf.com.
Moscone Convention Center – One of San Francisco's premier meeting and exhibition facilities, Moscone features more than 2 million square feet of building area, including 700,000 square feet of exhibit space, up to 106 meeting rooms, and nearly 123,000 square feet of pre-function lobbies.
The completion of Moscone West created a collection of facilities covering more than 20 acres on three adjacent blocks that anchors the 87-acre Yerba Buena Center redevelopment district in a vibrant downtown neighborhood of hotels, theaters, restaurants, museums, galleries, housing, parks and urban recreation centers.
The Moscone Convention Center is a perfect location to attend or hold any function you are planning. For additional information, visit www.moscone.com.
San Mateo County Expo Center - The San Mateo County Expo Center is a 48-acre event facility with seven indoor buildings. The Expo Center hosts hundreds of events each including trade/consumer shows, product launches, ride and drives, concerts, social gatherings, and corporate meetings. Visit www.sanmateoexpo.org.
San Francisco / Bay Area Sports
San Francisco Giants - Catch exciting baseball fever with the defending National League West champions – the San Francisco Giants. Since the team’s origins in 1883, the San Francisco Giants have battled baseball’s best teams, winning a pair of pennants, gaining Hall of Fame stardom, and two moments that undoubtedly warmed the hearts of San Francisco Giants fans everywhere - downing the Dodgers in dramatic fashion.
Come cheer for the SF Giants this season at their new home, SBC Park with its breathtaking views of San Francisco and classic design. Get your San Francisco Giants tickets, apparel, schedules and information at www.sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com, or call BASS Tickets at (408) 998-BASS.
San Francisco 49ers - The San Francisco 49ers were the first major league professional sports franchise on the West Coast. The 49ers entered professional football in 1946 and was granted a National League franchise in 1950.
The 49ers earned the moniker "Team of the 80s" after claiming four Super Bowl titles during that decade. They extended their dominance into the 90s, becoming the only NFL team to produce 10 or more wins for 16 consecutive seasons (1983-98).
Since 1981, the 49ers have won 13 division titles, five conference championships and five Super Bowl championships (the first franchise in NFL history), claiming the world title in 1981 (Super Bowl XVI), '84 (Super Bowl XIX), '88 (Super Bowl XXIII), '89 (Super Bowl XXIV) and '94 (Super Bowl XXIX). San Francisco has posted at least 10 wins seventeen times in each of the last 20 seasons. The 49ers usher in a new era with a return to the past as Mike Nolan, son of former 49ers coach Dick Nolan (1968-75), is named the 15th head coach in San Francisco 49ers history.
San Francisco Area Golf Courses
Crystal Springs Golf Course – Located 5 minutes from the hotel in Burlingame, Crystal Springs Golf Course is a beautiful, public golf facility featuring a championship, 18-hole, par 72 golf course, a driving range and a pro shop. Call (650) 342-4188.
California Golf Club of San Francisco – Located in South San Francisco,the private, 18-hole, par 72 California Golf Club course is deceiving and very plush. Three lakes come into play throughout the beautiful 6735-yard course.
Built in 1918, this challenging and scenic golf course features bent fairways and greens. Walking the course is allowed at designated times. For more information, call (650) 589-0144.
Cypress Golf Course – Located nearby in Colma, Cypress Golf Course is a fun public, 9-hole golf course with a driving range that’s open daily. For information and tee times, call (650) 992-5155.
Poplar Creek Golf Course - The newest public golf course in the San Francisco Bay Area, Poplar Creek Golf Course is a championship, 18-hole, par 70 golf course adjacent to San Francisco Bay. Located approximately five miles south of the San Francisco Airport, the course is off Highway 101 in nearby San Mateo.
Half Moon Bay Golf Links - Half Moon Bay Golf Links features two award-winning 18-hole championship golf courses overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a high-profile golf shop with the latest in men's/women's golf apparel, Caddy's ocean view bar and grill serving fine contemporary cuisine, and the recently opened Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay.
The golf resort is able to accommodate groups of any size, from private instructional clinics to major golf events up to 288 players. Their team of PGA professionals can arrange a perfect golf outing. Visit www.halfmoonbaygolf.com.
Presidio Golf Course - Located on the grounds of The Presidio, the 18-hole, par 72 Presidio Golf Course is a Bay Area favorite. Players are challenged by narrow fairways, hilly terrain, numerous fairway and greenside bunkers, and sweeping Bay winds.
This full-service golf club features a driving range, two putting greens, golf carts with GPS, a stocked pro shop, equipment rentals, free clinics, and a clubhouse and restaurant. Built in 1896, this historic course offers fantastic vistas. For information or tee times, call (415) 561-4653 or visit www.presidiogolf.com.
Lincoln Park Golf Course – One of the most scenic courses in San Francisco, Lincoln Park is an 18-hole, Par 68 course that has been host to the best golfers in the world including Bobby Jones, Johnny Miller, Tom Watson, and Babe Zaharias. Opened in 1928, Lincoln Park is 5,149 yards of very hilly terrain that offers magnificent views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The course is moderately forested with mature cypress and pine trees and native landscaping on rolling and sometimes steep hills. Lincoln Park is one of the courses used for the annual San Francisco City Golf Championships. Tee time reservations: 415-750-GOLF. Call (415) 221-9911.
Harding Park Golf Course – Opened in 1925, the historic 18-hole Harding Park Golf Course is one of the nation's premier public courses. The original design takes advantage of the terrain along the shores of Lake Merced, emphasizing parkland features while capturing the presence of the Pacific Ocean.
The course is bordered on three sides by Lake Merced, offering several scenic views and challenging play. This championship tournament course is on slightly rolling grounds and moderately forested with mature cypress and pine trees.
Harding Park is one of the city-owned courses which host the annual San Francisco City Golf Championship, one of the oldest running amateur golf events in the country. Harding Park has also played host to numerous professional golf tournaments over its long history. The newly-renovated Harding Park complex also includes the 9-hole Fleming Course, which also features Monterey Cypress trees lining the fairways and artfully placed bunkers. Call (415) 661-1865 or visit www.harding-park.com.
Olympic Club - A private golf and athletic club in San Francisco, the Olympic Club features three challenging 18-hole PGA courses – the Cliffs Course, Lakes Course and the Ocean Course. The Olympic Club has been the site of some of the most dramatic final-round comebacks in U.S. Open history. For reservations, call (415) 775-4400.
Sharp Park Golf Course - The 18-hole Sharp Park course in Pacifica, opened in 1931, was originally designed by famed architect Alister Mackenzie. The par 72 course is 6,299 yards long and offers fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding areas.
This is a walkable inland and seaside course lined with Cypress and Pine trees that wraps around Laguna Salada, a natural lake ringed with reeds, cattails and tulles. Living in the marsh are a variety of birds including mallards, coots and red-winged blackbirds. For tee time reservations, call (415) 750-4653. Call ( 650) 359-3380.
Golden Gate Park Golf Course – Located in the western end of Golden Gate Park near 47 th Avenue and Fulton Street in San Francisco, thi s 9-hole course was originally opened in 1951 as a "Pitch and Putt" course. The par 27 course is 1,357 yards long and offers nine holes of golf within one of the country's most magnificent urban park settings. Golden Gate Park Golf Course is the perfect location for beginning players or for more accomplished players to hone their games.
The course offers summer junior golf camps available to juniors at all levels of play. Tee time reservations can be made by calling (415-751-8987) or on a first come walk up basis.
Gleneagles Golf Course - Located in McLaren Park, t his challenging 9-hole, par 36 course designed by John Fleming was opened in 1962. Gleneagles Golf Course is 3,195 yards long and is a hidden jewel with beautiful vistas located in the far southern part of San Francisco.
This beautiful course can be played as 18 holes from different tee and pin locations that challenge even the most astute golfer. Gleneagles Golf Course is moderate to heavily forested and located on rolling and sometimes steep hills. For tee time reservations, call the golf shop at ( 415) 587-2425).
San Francisco Best Shopping
Shops at Tanforan – The new Shops at Tanforan is the premiere shopping center on the San Francisco Peninsula – an excellent shopping, dining and entertainment experience.
The Shops at Tanforan's upscale contemporary design with numerous skylights creates a fresh, airy atmosphere with today's favorite stores, including a popular bookstore, men's and woman's clothing stores, shoes stores, children's specialty shops, jewelers and home furnishing stores will be joining a Target, JC Penney and Sears.
Tanforan feature cafés, an international food court and sit-down restaurants, as well as the Bay Area's only state-of-the art, stadium-seating multiplex cinema. Located only minutes away from the San Francisco Airport, the center is s a place on the Peninsula where you can splurge on a new outfit, get the kids ready to go back to school, pick up your favorite book, eat a meal and see movie, all under one roof.
Great Mall Of The Bay Area - TheGreat Mall is Northern California’s largest enclosed outlet mall, featuring 200 stores and venues. This incr edible shopping and entertainment experience includes nine full-service restaurants, an international food court, an entertainment complex, a 20-plex theater, events, and a unique circular racetrack design that allows you to visit every store on a single level, without backtracking.
The Great Mall features the best names in retail and entertainment, including OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, St. John Knits Outlet, The Sharper Image Outlet, Dave & Buster’s, Vans Skate Park, Century Theatres and unique themed restaurants. Visit www.greatmallbayarea.com.
Santana Row - Santana Row is the South Bay's premier living, shopping and entertainment destination. More than a collection of stores, Santana Row is a vibrant community of luxurious apartments, distinctive condominiums, 66 exciting shops, and pampering spas.
Dining options range from casual outdoor cafés to sophisticated international cuisines. Pedestrian-friendly streets have a European flair, complete with fountains, a farmers' market, concerts and open air events. From fashion to food, Santana Row is a shopping sensation. Visit www.santanarow.com.
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