THINGS TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO

Enjoy a sophisticated night out on the town when you attend a world-class performance by the San Francisco Opera. Housed in the beautiful and classic War Memorial Opera House, the San Francisco Opera is known for commissioning numerous world premieres and training some of opera's finest young artists. Be the first to get tickets to this season's most anticipated performances, including Verdi’s rarely performed Ernani, Handel’s hilarious Partenope, and Grammy Award-winning The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.

With a stunning Greco-Roman rotunda and colonnades, a tranquil lagoon and immaculately-planted gardens, the Palace of the Fine Arts is a must-visit San Francisco destination. Widely considered one of the most beautiful structures in the city, the Palace of the Fine ARts was inpsired by Roman ruins featured in a Piranesi engraving. With live events, concerts, comedy acts and more, there's something for everyone when you visit this gorgeous San Francisco venue. Schedule your visit today.

Polk Street - it’s where you go to let off steam and bar-hop with your pals. It’s also where you’ll find a world-class meal that represents the style and spirit of San Francisco. At Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, we’re only a block away from some of the best pizza, oysters, and draft beers in the whole city. Check out our insider list of local eateries, lounges, and dance clubs just steps away on Polk Street.

If riding a San Francisco cable car is on your bucket list, prepare to check that box. Cable cars stop right outside our doors! There is no better way to get your fill of city views than on one of the iconic attractions itself - up and down the rolling hills, breezing past the Ghirardelli Factory and Lombard Street. Make sure you bring your camera! And of course, $5.00 for your ticket.

Did you know Alcatraz is a U.S. National Park? And of course, it used to be one of the world's most formidable federal prisons, home to criminals like Al Capone for a portion of his sentence. Book a ferry ticket to Alcatraz and learn about the 1,500 prisoners detained there over the course of 30 years of American history. But make sure to schedule your trip in advance - it’s not unusual for Alcatraz tours to sell out fast.

You haven’t truly seen San Francisco unless you’ve spent time in the historic waterfront district known as Fisherman’s Wharf. Shopping, dining, outdoor festivals, live music, art galleries, and a carousel for the kids - the bustle doesn’t stop. Rent a bike, go to a wine tasting, visit a wax museum…the list goes on. Take a look at our Fisherman's Wharf Guide and set your day’s itinerary based on the must-see sights we’ve curated just for you!

Discover the rich history of San Francisco in the Nob Hill neighborhood. Once the domain of San Francisco's elite, Nob Hill still remains one of the most desirable neighborhoods to live in. Don't miss out on classic tourist attractions like Grace Cathedral Church or the Cable Car Museum. Get special insight into this amazing San Francisco neighborhood by taking a walking tour of Nob Hill. If a guided tour isn't your thing, you'll still find walking the streets of Nob Hill to be inspiring.

Nob Hill is not just for the history buff. This affluent San Francisco neighborhood is also an amazing place for two of America's favorite pastimes: shopping and dining. Everyone has their favorite type of stores, but we suggest visiting ReLove, a vintage and second-hand store, Terrasol, a shop filled with lovingly handmade items like soaps and candles, and Picnic, a store selling clothing and other eclectic gifts. The dining options in Nob Hill are incredible and we are confident you will find your new favorite among the many restaurant options.

If you’d love to see some greenery, you don’t have to venture outside the city limits. Just take a stroll over to Golden Gate Park! Covering over 1,000 acres, you can rent a paddleboat on Stow Lake, visit the De Young Museum, or simply immerse yourself in nature at the fifth-most frequented city park in the U.S. Coming from Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, you’re just over two miles from the east end of the park, where you’ll find the Conservatory of Flowers. This Victorian-era greenhouse is home to over 2,000 different species of plants. The Koret Children’s Quarter Playground is another favorite destination for families, with plenty of play structures as well as a carousel to ride.

Oracle Park (formerly AT&T Park) arguably features the best view in all of baseball. Come for the game; stay for the energetic atmosphere and jaw-dropping views of the bay at dusk. Sailboats, seagulls, and city lights are the perfect backdrop for America’s pastime. There are plenty of phenomenal bars and restaurants near Oracle Park for pregaming or post-game revelries too! Whether the Giants win or lose, you’ll love being in San Francisco "when the lights go down in the city."