How to Spend 4th of July in San Francisco | Cornell Hotel de France

San Francisco offers one of the most exciting and memorable 4th of July experiences, with its combination of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and world-class events. With Cornell Hotel de France as your base, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy both the lively atmosphere of the city and the tranquility of a boutique hotel. Here’s how to make the most of your 4th of July weekend in San Francisco. 

Start Your Day Exploring Union Square 

Kick off your 4th of July with a relaxed breakfast at Cornell Hotel de France, where you can enjoy a hearty meal before stepping out to explore. After breakfast, head to Union Square, just two blocks away, to start your day. The square is the heart of San Francisco’s shopping and cultural scene, with a wide variety of stores, cafes, and public spaces. Whether you’re looking for a morning coffee or just want to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city, Union Square is a great place to begin your holiday. 

If you’re in the mood for a more relaxed start, explore the local art galleries nearby, or take a walk around Yerba Buena Gardens, located just a short distance away. The gardens provide a peaceful respite from the city.  

Take a Morning Cruise on the Bay 

After a leisurely start to your day, it’s time to take in the stunning views of the bay. A morning cruise is a fantastic way to experience San Francisco’s iconic waterfront. Several companies offer Bay Cruises, providing spectacular views of Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline. This is a relaxing way to enjoy the holiday and get a different perspective of San Francisco.  

Explore San Francisco’s Historic Neighborhoods 

By midday, make your way to Chinatown, just six blocks from the hotel. As one of the largest Chinatown neighborhoods outside of Asia, it’s full of history, cultural experiences, and delicious food. Spend some time wandering through its narrow streets, discovering authentic shops and restaurants. If you’re a fan of history, you can also visit Golden Gate Park or explore San Francisco’s Historical Society Museum to learn more about the area’s rich past. 

Enjoy a Relaxed Lunch at a Local Spot 

Take a break from the sightseeing and head back to Union Square for a leisurely lunch at one of the area’s many cafés. Scoma’s, located in the Fisherman’s Wharf area, offers fresh seafood with a view, or you can grab a classic San Francisco sourdough sandwich from Boudin Bakery. Whether you prefer casual or upscale dining, San Francisco offers something for every taste. 

Celebrate at the Annual 4th of July Fireworks Show 

The highlight of San Francisco’s 4th of July celebrations is the fireworks display. Each year, the San Francisco Bay becomes the backdrop for an impressive show that can be seen from multiple spots around the city. The fireworks begin at around 9:30 p.m., with the best views from Embarcadero, Crissy Field, or Pier 39. 

Since Cornell Hotel de France is located in the Nob Hill neighborhood, you can easily head to Union Square or take a quick ride to the Marina District to enjoy the show. Make sure to get there early to grab a great viewing spot! It’s the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day, surrounded by the beauty of the Bay Area and the lively atmosphere of San Francisco. 

Unwind back at Cornell Hotel de France 

After a fun-filled day of exploring and celebrating, head back to Cornell Hotel de France for a relaxing end to your 4th of July. The hotel offers a charming, quiet atmosphere. Here, you’ll find the space to rest and recharge for the next day’s adventures. 

Stay at Cornell Hotel de France for an Authentic 4th of July Getaway 

With its unique blend of French Colonial architecture, historical charm, and modern comforts, Cornell Hotel de France offers an exceptional experience for your 4th of July getaway in San Francisco. Whether you’re here to enjoy the vibrant city culture, explore the rich history, or simply take in the festive fireworks, our hotel is the perfect base for your holiday celebrations. 

Book Your 4th of July Weekend Stay at Cornell Hotel de France 

Looking for a cozy and unique place to stay in San Francisco this 4th of July? Cornell Hotel de France offers a relaxing, intimate escape with easy access to the best 4th of July events, dining, and sights. Book your stay today for a memorable and relaxing holiday experience! 

Labor Day Weekend in San Francisco: How to Enjoy the Perfect Getaway at Cornell Hotel de France

If you’re seeking a Labor Day weekend that strikes the perfect balance between cultural exploration, delicious food, and relaxation, San Francisco is the place to be. Nestled in the iconic Nob Hill district, Cornell Hotel de France offers a peaceful, European-inspired atmosphere with easy access to San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. 

From strolling through picturesque streets to enjoying the city’s finest restaurants, your Labor Day weekend in San Francisco will be as relaxed or as adventurous as you want it to be. Here’s how to make the most of your time in the city, all while enjoying the unique comforts and intimate vibe of Cornell Hotel de France. 

Explore the Rich History of the Neighborhood 

Start your Labor Day weekend with a quiet stroll through Nob Hill, one of the most historic and charming neighborhoods in San Francisco. Just a short walk from Cornell Hotel de France, you can explore the impressive architecture, visit Grace Cathedral, or wander through the tranquil streets. This neighborhood has long been a symbol of old-world San Francisco, with its historic buildings and beautiful gardens. 

Nob Hill also offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s busier areas, making it the perfect spot to spend the morning before heading out to explore more of the city. 

A Taste of San Francisco’s Culinary Scene 

San Francisco is known for its diverse and world-class dining, and Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to experience it all. From local seafood to global cuisine, there’s no shortage of great restaurants near Cornell Hotel de France. 

If you’re in the mood for something more casual, The Grill on the Alley in Union Square is a great choice for a laid-back yet delicious meal, offering classic American dishes with a twist. The vibrant energy of Union Square provides a lively atmosphere to enjoy your meal and take in the sights. 

Discover San Francisco’s Best Views and Landmarks 

San Francisco is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and Labor Day weekend is a great time to visit them without the usual crowds. From Cornell Hotel de France, you’re just a short ride away from Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Take a leisurely walk along Pier 39, enjoy the sea lions basking in the sun, or catch a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a tour of the famous former prison. For some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, head to Crissy Field or Battery Spencer—both offer stunning, panoramic views of the bridge and surrounding bay. 

If you’re more into nature, Golden Gate Park is an excellent spot for a peaceful afternoon. It’s home to gardens, museums, and walking paths that provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

End Your Day with a Night Out in San Francisco 

Labor Day weekend wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the nightlife of San Francisco. Whether you’re in the mood for a sophisticated drink at a rooftop bar or a cozy night out with friends, the city offers plenty of options. Head to The View Lounge for stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, or relax at Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, a historic tiki bar with a fun and unique vibe. 

For those who prefer something more intimate, check out the nearby Bourbon & Branch, a hidden speakeasy offering classic cocktails and a cozy, elegant atmosphere. 

Unwind Back at Cornell Hotel de France 

After a full day of exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to the calming atmosphere of Cornell Hotel de France. Our intimate and peaceful setting allows you to unwind, whether it’s in your room or our cozy lounge area. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a quaint Parisian hideaway, making it the ideal place to relax and recharge. 

The soothing ambiance of Cornell Hotel de France ensures that every moment of your Labor Day weekend feels like a vacation. 

Why Choose Cornell Hotel de France for Your Labor Day Weekend 

If you’re looking for a place that combines comfort, charm, and easy access to all the best attractions in San Francisco, Cornell Hotel de France offers the perfect base for your Labor Day weekend. Whether you’re looking to relax in our peaceful, intimate setting, explore the city’s best landmarks, or enjoy a delicious meal in a historic district, our hotel gives you the ideal starting point for an unforgettable getaway. 

Book Your Labor Day Weekend Stay at Cornell Hotel de France 

Make this Labor Day weekend special by staying at Cornell Hotel de France in San Francisco. From our intimate accommodations to our prime location, we provide the perfect escape to experience the city’s charm, culture, and adventure. Book your stay today and make your Labor Day a memorable one! 

What to do for Memorial Day Weekend in San Francisco

Memorial Day weekend in San Francisco is the perfect time to enjoy a fun-filled getaway. With so much to see and do, you’ll never run out of options for entertainment! From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the vibrant culture of Union Square and the Mission District, sunny San Fran is the place to be! Memorial Day weekend in San Francisco is sure to be an unforgettable experience that you will treasure for years to come, with much of the city transforming especially for the big weekend!

Meet Skittles! Golden Gate’s New Fur Baby

If you haven’t heard yet, Golden Gate Hotel has a new fur baby! Some of our previous guests might remember him fondly. We miss Pip loads. He was a legend and brought plenty of smiles and joy to a lot of our guests, but we really wanted to get a new rescue cat again. It was about time, so we did! 

Meet Skittles! Golden Gate’s New Fur Baby

We’re so excited to have Skittles as a part of the Golden Gate family. She’s been living here since December, and she’s already made quite the impression on the other staff members and guests alike. 

Skittles is a sweet and charming 3-year-old tabby cat adopted from the San Francisco SPCA. 

Last December, we did a giveaway on Instagram to help decide her name, and @jodi_goatcher won the giveaway! She was treated to a 2-night stay with complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon tea and cookies for two at our hotel for her tremendous help! It’s not easy finding your fur baby a name, and we wanted our guests to be a part of the experience. 

Skittles has settled right into her new home with us here at the hotel. We absolutely love her, and she’s already grown to become a very important member of our family. She’s been spreading so much happiness around, and she’s been a big part of making our guests feel at home.

 

A Little History

We’ve long been known as a pet-friendly hotel in San Francisco and we’ve always had a cat. They were always a part of what made our hotel place special. Our guests love having them around to cuddle, and play with their own fur babies too. 

Our first cat was a rescue named Captain Nemo. After he passed, we got a new rescue again, and through a contest with hotel guests, we called him Pip! 

Pip was an institution himself here at Golden Gate Hotel. He was a massive part of the Golden Gate family. We even have guests from around the world who always stay with us because they can’t get enough of Pip, and new guests coming to stay too because they’ve heard of him. 

He was very special to all of us at Golden Gate. 

He was just the sweetest! He would accompany guests for breakfast and tea… help give them a tour of their rooms… and greet them with kisses, too!

Sadly, Pip passed a few years ago. We know that some of you have been asking about the cats lately and why there hasn’t been one roaming around anymore. It’s because we’ve been trying to look for the right time to adopt again. It’s not an easy task. But now we’ve made the move and we have Skittles. <3

 

Learn more about San Francisco SPCA

We worked with the San Francisco SPCA to make adopting a new cat happen. Why buy when there’s plenty of animals out there who need love and shelter? We absolutely love what the organization does and support their causes. We also can’t thank them enough for helping us match with Skittles.

The San Francisco SPCA is a nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to improve the lives of animals in need. Their mission is “to ensure every companion animal has access to quality medical care, compassionate shelter, and a loving home,” and they do this by providing a safe haven for homeless animals, as well as high-quality veterinary care and adoption services. They are also a huge advocate for animal welfare laws, and they help educate the public on responsible pet ownership. 

If you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family and, or if you’d like to make sure your current pet is well taken care of, make sure to check out their website to know more about what they do, how you can adopt from SF SPCFA and avail of their veterinary services.

 

Golden Gate hotel is a pet-friendly hotel in San Francisco

At the Golden Gate hotel, we love pets as much as you do. When you stay with us, you can bring your four-legged friend along with you—and they’ll be treated like royalty, just like Skittles! We know how much you love your furry friends, and we want to make sure they have a home away from home while you’re in San Francisco.

Built in 1913, our historic property is one of the oldest and best hotels in San Francisco. It has been renovated to maintain its original charm while adding modern touches like Wi-Fi and LCD TVs. The hotel exudes a retro vibe decor with antique furnishings and distinctive artwork, plus a vintage bird-cage elevator.

All our 23 guest rooms also have their own distinctive design and décor. No two rooms are alike in our hotel in San Francisco Union Square! From adjoined family rooms with shared bathrooms to private European-style rooms with en-suite bathrooms (many of which have original claw-foot tubs), our family and pet friendly hotel in San Francisco guarantees a restful sleep for you and your loved ones. 

Centrally located up the hill from San Francisco Union Square, between Nob Hill and just a few blocks from Chinatown, our  location is perfect for exploring all of San Francisco’s attractions.

 

If you come to stay at the Golden Gate Hotel, make sure you meet Skittles and bring your fur babies with you!

The Perfect 3-day Itinerary for Your Romantic Getaway in San Francisco on Valentine’s Day

There’s a reason why musicians often write about San Francisco. The city is steeped in love-story lore, and it has a way of making those who visit feel simply at home, happy, and ready to take on life. With its quaint streets filled with an eclectic mix of Victorian and modern architecture, spectacular views of the bay, and the conveniences of a metro city, it’s no surprise that San Francisco on Valentine’s Day is a renowned destination for couples. 

Continue reading “The Perfect 3-day Itinerary for Your Romantic Getaway in San Francisco on Valentine’s Day”

Things to Do in San Francisco this Holiday Season 2022

Christmas in San Francisco is a magical experience!

 The city’s beautiful weather, rich history, stunning architecture and waterfront views, vibrant nightlife scene, and diverse culture make it a perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy the holidays. 

If you want a little extra holiday spirit, there are plenty of Christmas-y things to do in San Francisco, too! Catch the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker at the War Memorial Opera House. Check out the San Francisco Symphony’s shows at the Davies Symphony Hall. Or meander through the Christmas light displays at Union Square. Whether you’re looking for an exciting adventure or if you’re looking for a nice, relaxing time, you’ll find it in San Francisco. 

Continue reading “Things to Do in San Francisco this Holiday Season 2022”

Make a Memorable Thanksgiving 2022 in San Francisco

“Every man should be allowed to love two cities: his own and San Francisco” – Gene Fowler 

There is nothing quite as magnetic as seeing the fog roll in over the hills of San Francisco. The city by the Bay is one with many faces and has a majestic appeal in all of its moods. A windy summer day brings sailboats out in full force, showing off their speed as they race under the bright red Golden Gate Bridge. A brisk winter sunset lights up the sky in a rainbow of colors and makes the magic of the city lights even more romantic. San Francisco is unlike any other, making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable Thanksgiving weekend getaway.

With its large diversity and eclectic neighborhoods, there is something for everyone in San Francisco — and finding a slice of home is an easy thing to do. No matter where home is! Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving 2022 with family or friends, the city has much to offer for visitors of all ages. Read on for a list of must-do Thanksgiving activities in San Francisco.

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The Best Things to do in Union Square San Francisco

Whether you’re coming to the city for business or pleasure, visiting San Francisco in the fall can be delightful. Our Hotel, located in San Francisco’s popular Union Square neighborhood, is a great place to stay while you’re in town. We have a great guide to helping you enjoy all the best things to do in Union Square San Francisco, not to mention more great ways to enjoy the best of this city in the fall.

While you’re enjoying walking the beautiful streets of San Francisco, shopping ’til you drop in Union Square, or exploring this vibrant city by neighborhood, there’s no better place to stay than our Hotel in Union Square San Francisco. The Golden Gate Hotel has recently reopened under new ownership, and offers the perfect blend of retro decor, modern amenities, and comfortable accommodations.

Fall is a golden time of year with nature’s hues changing colors combined with cozier, crisp evenings, clear nights, and mild days. Whatever brings you to town, let us treat you to a memorable stay in San Francisco. Book your room at our Union Square San Francisco Hotel today! Continue reading “The Best Things to do in Union Square San Francisco”