STAY
FEATURED
The Fairmont
The elegant Fairmont offers a panoramic view of the city and The Bay from high atop Nob Hill. Guests can expect superb service and luxurious accommodations to make their stay a memorable experience.
Wildcatter Tip: Each of their unique suites offers a different view of the city, but reserve the Signature Golden Gate Suite for sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and city skyline including the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Ritz-Carlton
One of the finest downtown hotels to call Nob Hill home, The Ritz offers a welcoming escape into timeless luxury. A 1909 landmark that has been transformed into a beautiful retreat of modern classic design is a gateway to iconic memories, enveloping guests in the sounds, flavors and imagery of San Francisco.
Wildcatter tip – For your own private wine cellar and whirlpool overlooking the city, reserve the Presidential Suite.
Cavallo Point
For a unique and luxurious peaceful hideaway, reserve a contemporary lodge at Cavallo Point. Housed in two-story buildings constructed to the highest standards of green architecture, each accommodation has a private entrance, cozy gas fireplace, radiant heat floor, bamboo furnishings, and an individual patio or deck. The four-star resort offers floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of The Golden Gate Bridge and the city.
Wildcatter tip – The Healing Arts Center and Spa is ranked the #4 Top Hotel Spa in the United States by Travel + Leisure Magazine so make sure you enjoy a signature massage or facial, or enjoy a soothing soak in the heated outdoor meditation pool beneath the pines.
DRINK
Bourbon and Branch
The exclusive speakeasy provides a glimpse back into the 1920’s era of Prohibition where the bar actually operated illegally from 1921-1933. Patrons are to abide by a set of house rules to maintain the “Speakeasy.” Only serving the most elite spirits, their bourbon selections are hand numbered, and all other liquor selections are unique and rare.
Wildcatter Tip: Make a reservation beforehand, and they will email you your very own password to get into a private entrance.
Tradition
The All-American style watering hole is separated into nine seating nooks dubbed snugs, and each one pays tribute to a classic type of American bar. The bartenders concoct their own blended spirits or you can blend your very own. Soak some beer in a used bourbon barrel to prime it, then pour some 12-year-old whiskey in and age it to your liking. The result: your own private personal stash.
Wildcatter Tip: Make a reservation and request one of their private “snugs” (booths). If you forget to make reservations, grab one of the swivel seats at the bar that once served as juror seats at the courthouse in Sacramento.
The View
The iconic lounge located 39 floors atop the San Francisco Marriott Marquis is the ideal destination for guests longing to enjoy awe-inspiring views and hand crafted cocktails. The massive, floor-to-ceiling arched windows will want to make you extend cocktail hour right into dinner where locally inspired small plates are offered.
EAT
The Crab House
Located on the famed Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf, guests will enjoy the best crab in town while taking in breathtaking views of The Bay and The Golden Gate Bridge.
Wildcatter Tip: Go right when the doors open as they do not take reservations and wait times can get long. Be sure to order The Killer Crab – a whole crab roasted in secret garlic sauce!
Hog Island Oysters
Located in the historic Ferry Building on The Bay; this oyster bar offers the finest selection of oysters, craft cocktails, and an ever-changing seasonal seafood menu. Their non-traditional clam chowder is a customer favorite. Enjoy a glass of Sancerre with your oysters while you take in the scenery of The Bay.
The Stinking Rose
Need a break from all the West Coast Seafood? Venture over to the city’s renowned Little Italy and try the restaurant that has become famous for celebrating the culinary euphoria of garlic! For over 25 years, the establishment has been pleasing its foodie customers with signature dishes of 40-clove garlic chicken, roasted rabbit, bagna calda with house made focaccia buns and, of course, garlic ice cream with chocolate sauce.
The Big 4
This New American restaurant of sophisticated elegance was created in honor of four Central Pacific railroad tycoons of the 19th century who played a vital role in San Francisco’s history. Located inside The Scarlett Huntington Hotel, the establishment pays tribute to the grandeur of earlier eras, retaining its elegance with an impressive collection of original artifacts, historical photographs and memorabilia from California’sunique history. Patrons love the piano bar!
Gary Danko
Located on Fisherman’s Wharf, Restaurant Gary Danko continues to astound its patrons with a combination of classic French cooking, thoughtful and inventive use of local ingredients, and personable yet impeccable service. Over the past seventeen years, the Michelin rated restaurant has earned twelve Five Diamond ratings from AAA as well as a coveted Relais & Châteaux designation and several James Beard awards.
Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a one of a kind evening, the Tonga Room is the place. Step into a tropical getaway that offers dinner plus dancing to live entertainment on a moving stage. Guests should prepare for a rainstorm with thunder and lightning as well as the best Mai Tai in the city!
Le Colonial
Located just minutes from popular Union Square, Le Colonial evokes the ambiance of French colonial Vietnam in a lush, romantic setting. For fifteen years, the restaurant has offered the freshest and highest quality ingredients possible from the Bay area. The Lounge and Bar located on the second floor provides a relaxed salon ambiance with its faded oriental rugs, low wooden tables and comfortable couches.
SEE
Golden Gate Bridge
Visitors to the city can drive, walk or bike across the Bridge. Rent a bike for a truly unique experience! Locals enjoy viewing the bridge from Crissy Field or Marshall Beach.
Golden Gate Park
The Park offers museums, aquarium, planetarium, the beautiful San Francisco Botanical Garden, the Japanese Tea Garden, Lakes, and the Music Concourse featuring major headliners, and is lined with statues of historical figures, including many other activities and sights.
Fisherman’s Wharf
The Wharf is located in San Francisco’s Historic Waterfront District. Try some clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, sold fresh from the piers of The Wharf. Attractions, cruises, bike and Segway tours, and wine and beer tasting are a few of the many excursions that begin here.
Alcatraz
Take a ferry to Alcatraz for a tour of this once federal prison island that housed some of the most infamous criminals in U.S. history.
Lombard Street and The Painted Ladies
These two attractions can be seen with a quick drive-by, but they are still must-sees for anyone traveling to the West Coast. Travel Lombard Street, known as “the most crooked street in the world”, and see The famed Painted Ladies, a historical row of Victorian houses well-known for appearances on movies, TV shows, and postcards.
Afternoon Tea
Two places offer an exceptional afternoon tea, The Fairmont Hotel and The Ritz-Carlton. A tradition of the Fairmont since 1907, Laurel Court offers the ceremony of afternoon tea at the center of the hotel’s magnificent lobby with its original grandeur. At The Ritz, experience a deliciously modern ritual of Afternoon Tea in The Lounge with a city view.
Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa Valley
Sonoma is a serene valley with over 400 wineries over a historic town square. Down the road for there is the famous Napa Valley, the epitome of countryside scenery and legendary acclaimed wines. Plan to spend a day visiting some of the most beautiful sights and vineyards in California and sampling fine wines.
Wildcatter Tip: To make the most of your wine tour, travel by custom limousine, and schedule a gourmet picnic lunch at a winery. Click here for more Napa tips.
Ghirardelli Square
Visit this historic San Francisco attraction offering shopping, waterfront dining, family events, Ghirardelli chocolate and walking tours. Shops and restaurants fill this 3-level landmark, former chocolate factory, near Fisherman’s Wharf.
SLEEPERS
Biscuits and Blues
This hidden gem located near Union Square is committed to providing blues fans of all ages with a comfortable, intimate and exciting venue to enjoy fantastic live blues music in tandem with outstanding Southern cuisine. Twenty years later, it’s one of the top blues clubs in the nation. Locals come from all over The Bay to hear the blues and feast on the best fried chicken in the city.
Beach Blanket Babylon Show
This must see pop-culture musical is the longest running musical review in theater history. With its zany costumes and sold out performances since 1974, it is an internationally acclaimed San Francisco institution. The show introduces current celebrities and political figures, such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Oprah, Kim Kardashian, Donald and Ivanka Trump, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, and more. Get ready for an evening of fun and laughs!
Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory
Located in San Francisco’s Chinatown, this Landmark bakery prepares homemade fortune cookies in an open kitchen, with free tours available. Watch the fortune cookies being made and taste samples!
