San Francisco activities
January 22nd, 2008 by jamie a

Latte Heart from Ritual Coffee Roasters Photo uploaded by
Why not get out and do something new this Valentine’s Day? Skip the traditional chocolates and flowers, and head out on the town for a night of fun with your loved one or with a group of your friends to celebrate each other.
If you’re a foodie who’s just aching to try out a new restaurant, this listing of spots all around San Francisco from OpenTable.com are offering special promotions for the holiday. From prix-fixe seven course meals to live jazz bands, you’re sure to find something to suit your style.
There’s also a myriad of special Valentine’s Day cruises from Hornblower Holidays, offering dinner & dancing on the open seas!
If you’re on your own or with a group of single friends this Valentine’s Day, never fear! The Professionals Guild is hosting their Un-Valentine’s Day Singles Party at the Golden Gate Yacht Club. The event is on February 2nd and will run from 8 pm to midnight, complete with mixer games, great dance music, free appetizers, a salsa dance lesson and a no-host bar.
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Francisco Card.
January 17th, 2008 by susan j
Friday, January 18 (5 pm-10 pm)
The de Young Museum presents Friday Nights the de Young featuring live music, poetry, films, dance, tours, lectures, plus hands-on art activities for children and adults.
Friday, January 18-Sunday, January 20 (various times)
Lamplighter Music Theater presents a musical adaptation of the classic children’s story, The Secret Garden.
Saturday, January 19 (8 pm-10 pm)
The 24Hour Art Show is an annual gathering of Bay Area artists. The venue is announced on Friday, so text the phrase “24hour” to the number “41411″ to get the inside scoop.
Through Sunday, January 27 (various times)
The 7th annual San Francisco Sketchfest brings 17 days of comedy to San Francisco.
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Francisco Card.
January 14th, 2008 by jamie a

Whale Watching in Monterey Bay, San Francisco
Photo uploaded by
If you’re looking for a memorable experience for you and your family on your next visit to San Francisco, there’s nothing better than a whale watch. Right now is prime whale watching season, as they are migrating through the area to and from Alaska. I haven’t been whale watching in San Francisco, but I have been on a tour from Cape Cod, and I can definitely say that it was one of the best vacation experiences I ever had, full of excitement and wonder.
Included with the , is full service and family-friendly, touring the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. With and a , they pride themselves on knowing the seas like no one else in the area. Here’s their to answer any questions you may have about length of tour, what to wear, or weather conditions.
Before you head out for your adventure on the high seas, Chris has also put together a that can be seen on the tours and the differences between all the species. Be sure to read up and get to know these amazing creatures.
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Francisco Card.
January 4th, 2008 by susan j

Golden Gate Park photo uploaded by
According to our friends at TripAdvisor, environmentally conscious travel (or ecotourism, as it’s sometimes called) is one of the . With a high percentage of parks and many residents walking using public transportation (BART), San Francisco ranks among the .
Here’s our guide to going green on your next trip to San Francisco.
- Make like a local and walk, bike, or use public transportation. can take you to many of the Bay Area’s tourist attractions, plus it’s often cheaper than renting a car. For a bit of exercise, you could take a walking tour or rent a bike.
- Fly green. Online retailers like offer flight eco offsets that will balance out the carbon emissions of your plane based on the length of your journey.
- Book an eco-friendly hotel. in Union Square offers that have water saving devices, energy efficient AC units, among other amenities. recommends , , and .
- Get an eco-education. San Francisco is home to dozens of beautiful parks and nature preserves. For a taste of the local landscape, check out the Conservatory of Flowers, the University of California Botanical Garden, and San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum.
- Support green businesses. There are tons of globally conscious shops in the Bay Area, so those are a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Check out for eco-friendly clothes or for fair trade items like coffee and crafts.
Is there something we’re missing? Leave a comment and let us know!
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Francisco Card.
December 19th, 2007 by susan j

Holiday photo uploaded by
In the spirit of holidays, Macy’s Union Square is hosting their 21st annual Holiday Windows Animal Adoption event. This year’s theme is “The Magic of Christmas. Now through Tuesday, January 1, Macy’s store windows will feature giant snow globes depicting San Francisco landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Twin Peaks. The snow globes house live dogs and cats who are available for adoption through the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). .
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Francisco Card.
December 17th, 2007 by jamie a
If you’re visiting family or vacationing in San Francisco for the holidays, here’s a list of activities that will be open on both Christmas and New Year’s Day to keep you busy.
Take advantage of the great weather and rent yourself a bike from . Ride across the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito and then take the ferry back for an exciting day.
Experience one of the world’s great collections of wax figures at the . From the Chamber of Horrors to the Chamber of Religions, you’re sure to find many of your favorite icons.
From penguins to coral reefs, there’s tons of natural wonders to explore at the . Get some hands-on experience with anemones and hermit crabs at the tide pools and be sure to check out the daily penguin feedings!
Located in the stunningly beautiful Golden Gate Park, the is a must see for any horticultural nut.
For even more wonders of nature, the immerses you in 7,500 plant varieties from all over the world.
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Francisco Card.
December 10th, 2007 by susan j
If you’re headed to northern California and plan to explore the area’s outdoor activities, then you’ll definitely want to sign up for . This weekly email is like the equivalent for outdoor enthusiasts, offering plenty of suggestions from hiking and biking to special tours and other activities. !
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Francisco Card.
November 26th, 2007 by jamie a

Photo uploaded by
Start your holiday season off with a bang by enjoying the ice rink, which is now open for the season. From November 7 through January 15, you can don your skates and round the rink to your heart’s content.
While you’re at the Embarcadero Center, you can also visit over 100 shops and restaurants as well as the five-screen cinema, which shows the best in independent and foreign language films.
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Francisco Card.
November 20th, 2007 by amy c
Thursday, November 22
: If you’re visiting San Francisco over Thanksgiving there is no better, stress-free way to enjoy the holiday than on a sunset cruise around the bay. Board the famous s for a delicious spread of traditional Thanksgiving fixings in a picturesque setting.
Thursday, November 22
: Get some exercise before indulging in a feast at the Ocean Beach Turkey Trot underneath the famous Cliff House.
Friday, November 23
: Enjoy live free entertainment all day before the culminating 35-foot Christmas tree lighting in the evening. For more lighting ceremonies, head over to Macy’s at Union Square for another festive display of charity and holiday decorations.
Saturday, November 24,
Gingerbread building: Take your kids to the to make their own gingerbread house creation.
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Francisco Card.
November 15th, 2007 by amy c
Friday, November 16
: The Embarcadero, shopping central and Winter Wonderland, begins its famous celebration of the holiday season this Friday. Complimentary appetizers and holiday cheer abounds in this famous celebration.
Saturday, November 17
: Real live reindeer return to the San Francisco Zoo to celebrate the holiday season.
Sunday, November 18
Free day at the museum: is offering a free day from 10- 5!
Sunday, November 18
: Enjoy Bay Area performances at Fisherman’s Wharf’s Pier 39 of traditions from Christmas, Hanukah and Kwanzaa. The majestic Christmas tree will also be lit and adorned with hundreds of multi-cultural bows.
Planning a trip to
San Francisco?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Francisco Card.