Category: Wineries

Home to the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey is just under two hours from the Golden Gate Hotel and is one of the best overnight trips from San Francisco. This small coastal town is also home to several wineries, plenty of scenic views, whale watching, and the famous historic Cannery Row. Visit the Monterey peninsula’s south side and explore the artful Carmel-by-the-Sea. Stroll white sandy beaches, wind-carved bluffs, and Point Lobos State Park, plus visit a piece of history at the Carmel Mission. Both Monterey and Carmel offer a variety of restaurants, shops, and galleries.

No trip to California’s northern region is complete without a visit to wine country. Between Napa and Sonoma Valley, you have what seems to be an endless supply of wineries and tasting rooms. Both Napa and Sonoma Valley are home to just over 400 wineries. Napa Valley is a bit more touristy and more expensive. Sonoma Valley cares less about tourism and more about wine and tends to be less expensive, overall. Napa is two hours from San Francisco, and Sonoma is slightly under two hours from San Francisco.

For those who seek the outdoors and are looking to soak up a bit of mother nature during their vacation, then a visit to Yosemite National Park is a must. Right at three hours, the trip to Yosemite National Park is one of our favorite overnight trips from San Francisco. Discover ancient sequoia trees, the massive Bridalveil Falls, and the impressive granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. Plus, be sure to stop in at the Yosemite Museum and Ansel Adams Gallery, where a collection of Ansel Adam’s photographs are displayed.

For some of the greatest unspoiled beaches in Northern California, visit Point Reyes National Seashore. Discover natural beauty less than an hour outside of San Francisco. With 11 miles of rough coastline free of buildings and no development, all you will find is just beach and ocean. Be sure to visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse, Drakes Beach that features sheer, white cliffs that tower over the Pacific, and the Cypress Tree Tunnel – one of our San Francisco bucket list items.

Enjoy the surf, old carnival rides, and one-of-a-kind vintage shopping in the quiet beach town of Santa Cruz. With wide, flat sandy beaches and a beautiful surf, Santa Cruz makes for a great beach destination away from the city. Due to its decent surf, the shoreline of Santa Cruz is often a great place to spot local surfers catching a wave. Be sure to also spend some time along the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. The mile-long boardwalk offers shops, restaurants, carnival games, and an amusement park. Santa Cruz is about a 90-minute drive from San Francisco.

Make the Golden Gate Hotel your home base for exploring the city and these overnight trips from San Francisco. Choose from 23 cozy and comfortable guest rooms that are uniquely decorated with antiques, original art, and welcoming hospitality. Guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning, afternoon tea, convenient parking, and more amenities to make your stay the best it can be. Start planning your getaway and book your stay with us today!

With 360-degree views, one of the highest scenic viewpoints in San Francisco is the summit at Twin Peaks. Named for a pair of peaks that rest in a remote residential area of the city, Twin Peaks is a popular spot for hiking, dog walking and taking in beautiful views of the city. A 64-acre grassy park sits at the top, ideal for a day at the park. Access the summit either by driving to the top or hiking one of the several trails leading to the summit.

Hawk Hill is a 923-foot peak that rests in the Marin Headlands, north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Located within the Golden Gate National Park Recreation Area, Hawk Hill features a series of lookouts providing some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Not only is this one of the best scenic viewpoints in San Francisco, but it is also the best place to see the fall raptor migration.

Bernal Heights Park is a hillside park that offers plenty of green space, towering trees, hiking trails, and a beautiful viewpoint that provides one of the best spots to enjoy a sunrise in San Francisco. This park’s views stretch across the sprawling suburbs in the foreground and the skyline of the Financial District and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Bernal Heights Park is a great alternative to Twin Peaks with its similar views and fewer crowds.

Both the Golden Gate Overlook and the Pacific Overlook were built in 2012 to celebrate the Golden Gate Bridge’s 75^th anniversary. Each of the overlooks provides the most iconic vantage points of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Pacific Ocean, and a stunning landscape that makes up the city’s coastline.

Located in the Corona Heights and Castro neighborhoods, Corona Heights Park boasts a hilly landscape, a signature red rock, which makes for the perfect spot to take in scenic views of San Francisco. This park features a nearby museum, grassy park, tennis courts, dog park, playground, and more – ideal for a family day at the park.

A bit of a hidden vantage point, Tank Hill captures much of the city’s views as the popular Twin Peaks does but without the crowds. Tank Hill is located near the intersection of Clayton Street and Twin Peaks Boulevard. The rock outcropping doesn’t offer a 360-degree view but does provide scenes of downtown San Francisco, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Access the top of Tank Hill via a wooden staircase or a dirt path.

As the highest natural point in San Francisco at 928-feet, Mount Davidson is found in the center of the city, which provides stunning 360-degree views that can’t be beaten. The 40-acre mountain-top park provides ample hiking trails all within the middle of the city and is also a great place to see Twin Peaks, Sutro Tower, and downtown skyline.

Take in these scenic viewpoints in San Francisco and complete your experience with a stay at the Golden Gate Hotel. Located near San Francisco’s Union Square, our hotel offers an excellent location for exploring the city, coupled with old-world charm with friendly surroundings. Choose from our 23 boutique-style rooms that provide a charming atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the city. And to top it off, guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea-time to complete your relaxing vacation. Start planning your San Francisco vacation and book your stay at Golden Gate Hotel today!

The San Francisco cable cars are one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Whether you use them for your mode of transportation or for a fun afternoon activity, they are an enjoyable way to get around the city.

Read here for more about the history of the cable car.

Less than half a mile from the Golden Gate Hotel is the Ice Cream Museum. This immersive art experience features imaginative, multi-sensory installations all centered around ice cream and its universal power to connect us all.

Visit the Point Reyes National Seashore and take a walk through the Cypress Tree Tunnel. It’s like something out of a fairytale.

Walk amongst green space and an urban oasis atop the Sales Force Transit Center. The 5.4-acre park features trees, gardens, and a walking path. There is also a gondola that will take visitors from street level to the rooftop garden.

The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark of San Francisco. Gain a different perspective of the bridge by walking or biking across to get a better understanding of what makes this bridge so special and unique.

While a visit to Chinatown during your stay in San Francisco is a must, eating dim sum is one of the best ways to experience the culture and food of Chinatown. Check out the Dim Sum Bistro or Hang Ah Dim Sum Tea House to start your dim sum journey.

Named as the “crookedest street in the world,” Lombard Street is one of the most photographed streets in America and is an iconic San Francisco attraction. The street is famous for its steep, one-block section that challenges drivers with eight tight turns. The original design was intended to reduce the steep grade of the hill, which was originally too steep for most vehicles to drive.

Designated a historical landmark, the colorful homes of Alamo Square’s famous “postcard row” is a beautiful representation of Victorian homes from the Queen Anne era. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the square and admire the details of what makes these homes so unique.

As part of Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 is a must-add to your San Francisco bucket list. Home to the famous barking sea lions, Pier 39 is also home to restaurants, shops, and other activities – making for a great afternoon outing.

A San Francisco tradition, Bob’s Donuts is open 24 hours a day, every day, so grab a donut anytime.

For those rainy, foggy San Francisco days, curl up with a book at the quaint bookstore; City Lights Booksellers & Publishers.

Visit the Presidio and enjoy an enchanting and relaxing walk through Lover’s Lane. As the oldest footpath through the Presidio, dating back to the 18^th century, today it is filled with joggers, walkers, bird watchers, and those seeking a bit of peace and quiet away from the city.

Golden Gate Park is home to two windmills within the park grounds. The 115-year-old Dutch windmill and the 15-year-old Murphy Windmill are located at the western end of the park.

The infamous Alcatraz prison is one San Francisco attraction that is best experienced with a tour. Take a ferry ride over to Angel Island and discover the secrets of this once maximum security prison. Find out more about tour information here.

Get your exercise and view beautiful artwork all at the same time. The 16^th Ave. steps are famous for their colorful tiled steps that make a stunning pattern of shapes and symbols. The Lincoln park stairs are another great option for a colorful walk.

No need to leave the city for a trip to the tropics. Stop in at the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar for a Mai Tai or your favorite tropical drink, all while you enjoy the sounds of a rainstorm at the tiki bar.

The Labyrinth is a beautiful display of rocks set in a maze-like pattern just off Mile Rock Beach. The walk is about a mile long and offers beautiful waterfront views.

Spend the day shopping at your favorite stores at San Francisco’s Union Square. Home to the classic Macy’s flagship store and plenty of high-end retailers, Union Square also offers restaurants and other activities to complete your shopping experience.

Complete your San Francisco bucket list with a stay at the Golden Gate Hotel. Located just a few blocks from Union Square, our boutique hotel is conveniently located to many San Francisco area attractions. Our 23 guest rooms are uniquely decorated with antiques, original art, and comfortable surroundings. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning, afternoon tea, and modern amenities to complete your stay. Start planning your San Francisco getaway and book your stay with us today!

Union Square itself is only four blocks, but within this small space, they pack in a lot of stores. Here is where you will find your luxury shopping options, including Tiffany’s, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. This is also where you will find the Macy’s flagship store, which is host to the famous Christmas tree that greets Union Square every holiday season.

Powell Street nearby also offers plenty of shopping opportunities. Here you will find name brands for all including H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Express.

Talk a walk on Maiden Lane

This pedestrian-only street was once a former section of the city’s red-light district and is now filled with boutiques, art galleries, and luxury shops, all waiting to be explored. Also, be sure to stop by and see the city’s only Frank Lloyd Wright building.

Across from Union Square is the Westfield Shopping Center. This shopping mall offers larger retailers including Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom’s, and the Banana Republic.

Looking for discounted theater tickets? Check out the TIX Booth in Union Square. The booth is open seven days a week and offers both full-price and discounted tickets to almost any cultural event in San Francisco.

Union Square is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in for your San Francisco vacation. With its central location and convenience to public transportation, a stay near Union Square is perfect for getting around the city. Beyond just shopping in San Francisco Union Square, there are plenty of dining options, museums, unique landmarks and buildings that make it a great starting point for your San Francisco vacation.

Need a place to stay? Discover the Golden Gate Hotel. Located just steps away from Union Square, our bed and breakfast offers old-world charm in an elegant and friendly surrounding. Our 23 guest rooms are delightfully decorated with antiques, original art, and original features that make a stay with us truly unique. Enjoy a morning breakfast, afternoon tea, and a warm friendly staff during your stay. So, relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city with a stay at the Golden Gate Hotel.

In its 30^th year this year, the Union Square Christmas tree lighting will take place the day after Thanksgiving and kick off the Christmas season here in the Bay area. The tree lighting will take place across from the Macy’s in Union Square Park between Sutter & Geary Streets and Powell & Stockton Streets. Festivities include a meeting with Santa, walk the festive Holiday Lane on the seventh floor of Macy’s Union Square for even more holiday decorations and fun.

Ice skate at Union Square with the Macy’s Christmas tree set as your backdrop. The classic activity is open to the public and is available from November 6, 2019, through January 20, 2020.

What Christmas is complete without a visit to see Santa? You can do just that at Macy’s iconic seventh floor. Visit with Santa and tell him your holiday wishes from November 23 through December 24. Visit Santa’s schedule here.

Watch, or participate, as hundreds of Santas take over the streets of Union Square and the city. But it’s not just Santas the run through the streets, Mrs. Clauses, elves, reindeer, and even grinches steal the show. The event is open and free to the public (21 and older) and is held on December 7, 2019. While the event is free, they do ask you to bring a toy for donation for the San Francisco Fire Department toy drive.

Begin the new year with the Polar Bear skate on January 1, 2020. Putting a California-twist on an old tradition, watch as ice skaters, dressed in their bathing suits and beach apparel, skate around the Union Square ice rink. Skaters are encouraged to come wearing the best beach attire for a chance to win one of the many prizes offered.

Stay near Union Square San Francisco and don’t miss any of the fun with a stay at the Golden Gate Hotel. Our historic hotel offers an ideal location, just blocks from Union Square, for celebrating Christmas at Union Square San Francisco. Our rooms are delightfully dressed with antiques, decorative artwork, and original details that make a stay here a truly special San Francisco experience.

Plus we put a bit of Christmas cheer throughout our bed and breakfast with festive decorations inside and out. ring in the spirit of the season and book your holiday vacation with the Golden Gate Hotel and

For travelers in town for business, conventions, or just leisure, the Golden Gate Hotel is a lovely alternative to other San Francisco hotels. Located in Nob Hill, we are within walking distance to Moscone Center, the largest convention center in San Francisco and a five-minute walk to Union Square.

One of the many perks you can expect from a bed and breakfast is a delicious breakfast included in your stay. Typically, a home-cooked meal from the innkeepers is provided to all guests each morning. Golden Gate Hotel serves a continental breakfast every morning and afternoon tea. It’s the perfect way to start your day, whether you are site seeing are heading out to a business conference at the Moscone Center.

If you’ve seen one Holiday Inn, you’ve seen them all! Not like a bed and breakfast, where charm and character offer a unique experience. Most bed and breakfasts have unique rooms, none like the other. Here at the Golden Gate Hotel our 23 historic rooms are individually decorated with antique furnishings, unique features like claw-foot tubs and “Pillbox” commodes, plus unique artwork that makes for a charming and cozy retreat in the heart of San Francisco near Union Square. Browse our accommodations today!

Everyone wants personal attention when they travel to make their vacation that much more special. When you stay at a Bed and Breakfast, personal attention is typically the number one focus for innkeepers. Everyone here at the Golden Gate Hotel, even Pip the cat, is here to welcome our guests to make sure they have the best experience with us. Feel like family as soon as you enter through our doors with generous hospitality and impeccable service.

It’s always the special amenities and little extras that can make a memorable vacation. When you stay at a bed and breakfast you will find a lot of little extras you won’t get at a basic hotel. Some leave out warm fresh baked cookies or offer champagne and chocolate packages for romantic weekends. Our amenities at the Golden Gate Hotel include complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, plush linens, and luxurious toiletries.

There are few hotels in San Francisco Union Square area that offer old-world charm and friendly atmosphere, all in an excellent location like the Golden Gate Hotel. Our location is not only ideal for leisure travelers but also for business travelers with our hotel just steps away from the Moscone Convention Center. With our prime location, you won’t find a better bed and breakfast in San Francisco! Browse our accommodations and find which room is right for you!

The history of the cable car began right here in San Francisco with its invention by Andrew Smith Hallidie in 1873. For more than 30 years it was the city’s main transportation system and was sturdy enough to survive the San Francisco earthquake of 1906.

In 1947 the cable cars almost saw their extinction. Due to other cheaper modes of transportation, there was a movement to get rid of all cable car lines. In response to this, a committee was formed to Save the Cable Cars. Today the San Francisco cable cars are recognized as a National Landmark and are a protected part of the city’s history.

San Francisco’s cable cars run on two different systems.

The California Street Cable Car line uses 12 large cars that offer open seating and a closed section in the middle. These cars are operational from either end, with a turnaround operated by a simple switch.

The Powell Street lines, on the other hand, are smaller cable cars and operate from only one end. This requires a physical turntable to reverse the direction of the car at the end of the line. The cable car turnaround is located at the corner of Market Street and Powell Street. Visitors can watch as the operators leap out the car and slowly turn the car atop a revolving wooden platform.

To learn more about the history of the San Francisco cable car visit the Cable Car Museum in Nob Hill. Learn more about the historical impact the cars have had on the city. View old photographs of some of the original lines and cars and even watch the actual cables turn, as they keep the cars moving up the hilly streets of San Francisco.

Experience the San Francisco cable car with a stay at Golden Gate Hotel. Our boutique hotel near Union Square sits in front of one of the cable cars stops, making us an ideal location for exploring nearby neighborhoods and attractions such as Nob Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf, and North Beach.  We are just six blocks from the cable car turnaround and the Powell/Market St. Station. Plus, our historic hotel offers the perfect way to experience the best of San Francisco. With unique features like our birdcage elevator, clawfoot tubs, bay windows, and decorative features, a stay at the Golden Gate Hotel is unlike anything else in the city.

Discover our boutique hotel and book your stay with us today!