Celebrate Spring in San Francisco! 5 Great Events to Attend.

The days are getting longer, the weather is warming up, and it’s a great time to go outside and explore beautiful San Francisco! Whether you crave a cultural experience unique to San Francisco or a major sporting event, we have something for you.

Here are our top 5 spring events to experience in San Francisco:

1. Attend a Giants Game

The World Series Champions are back! It isn’t every day we have an opportunity to watch a world class baseball team play in a world class stadium, so be sure to attend a Giants game at AT&T Park while you’re in town. If you aren’t quite sure what to expect, fear not! Visit our guide to attending a baseball game.

2. Sunday Streets in San Francisco’s Mission District

The next edition of San Francisco’s Sunday Streets takes place on Sunday, April 14! This monthly event is a fun way to see San Francisco’s neighborhoods and local culture without a car. Streets are closed to traffic, allowing people to play and explore on foot, bike, skateboard, or roller skates. Come out and enjoy live music while you attend yoga classes, learn to swing dance, or just walk around to take in the sights.

3. Japantown’s Cherry Blossom Festival

San Francisco’s legendary Cherry Blossom Festival takes place on April 13, 14, 20 and 21 in Japantown. The festival is complete with booths sampling Japanese delicacies, dance and musical performances, tea ceremonies, and an ikebana exhibit.

4. The How Weird Street Faire

A San Francisco institution for 14 years, the How Weird Street Faire is a celebration of all things weird, with an emphasis on peace and creativity. This is a great opportunity to see some of the free spirits San Francisco is known for!

5. Bay to Breakers

Another famed San Francisco event, Bay to Breakers is a 101-year-old race from The Embarcadero to Ocean Beach and will take place on May 19, 2013. Though this is an event for serious runners and spirited revelers alike, the emphasis of Bay to Breakers is on costumes and floats. Not quite sure what to expect? Take a look at the Bay to Breakers photo gallery.

Do you have a favorite springtime event in San Francisco? Let us know in the comments below! We look forward to seeing you this spring at The Pickwick Hotel.

Urban Wine Tasting in San Francisco

One of the San Francisco Bay Area’s main attractions is wine tasting. A trip up to Napa Valley is seen as a “must-do” excursion when visiting San Francisco, and while we certainly agree it is worth the trip, there are some excellent wineries and tasting rooms right here in the city! Whether you have limited time in town or simply prefer to have an urban wine tasting experience, check out these fabulous tasting rooms:

1. Bluxome Street Winery
Bluxome Street Winery emphasizes the facts about California wine-making: it all started in San Francisco! The Bluxome Street Winery has several wines on hand and the tasting room is a short walk through San Francisco’s SoMa district, bringing you close to the renowned AT&T Ballpark for further sightseeing.

2. Tank18
Tank18 is the neighborhood’s newest tasting room! Urban-chic wine tasting at its best. The wines are delicious and affordable, and they have charcuterie plates and grilled cheese sandwiches on hand if you’re hungry.

3. Chateau Montelena 
If the name of this Calistoga-area winery sounds familiar, you likely saw it featured in the film Bottle Shock. If you don’t have time to make the drive to Calistoga, visit their tasting room at the Westin St. Francis Hotel! It’s located right here in downtown San Francisco. When you stay at The Pickwick, you are just a short walk away from tasting some world-renowned, award-winning wines.

4. Press Club
A wine bar/tasting room hybrid, Press Club is a cavernous yet beautiful venue for tasting some of California’s best wines. Taste beer and wine from their monthly featured brewer and vintner, or buy a flight and taste through your favorite varietal.

Still want to make the trip to wine country? The Pickwick Hotel‘s friendly concierge can help you make all the necessary arrangements.

What is your favorite place to drink wine in San Francisco?

 

Super Bowl Viewing in San Francisco

The Super Bowl is just around the corner! If your travels bring you to San Francisco on Sunday, February 3, and you’re planning to sit down and watch the game, why not join a crowd of locals for the festivities? The San Francisco 49ers are playing and Bay Area sports fans are going wild!

Here are some places around the city where you can watch the game in good company:

1. Public House
Public House is located on the grounds of AT&T Park, near the main entrance and Willie Mays statue. This pub is larger than the typical San Francisco watering hole, making Public House a great place to settle in and watch a game. With a great football game on the TV, tons of beers on tap, and excellent food, your Super Bowl game day will be made.

2. Yancy’s
Yancy’s is an old-school, no frills pub in San Francisco’s Sunset District. Situated conveniently on Irving Street, it is easily accessed from the Muni Metro N Line–a quick trip from downtown San Francisco. Yancy’s doesn’t serve food but they welcome you to bring in take-out from any of the area’s fabulous restaurants.

3. The Boardroom
If you want to do a little sightseeing before watching the game, head to The Boardroom! This sports bar is located in historic North Beach, one of the city’s oldest and most popular neighborhoods. Rumor has it they have fantastic bacon-wrapped tater tots on the menu. Win!

4. Kezar Pub
If you’re looking to experience the game with a room full of serious sports fans, head on out to Kezar Pub. It will definitely be crowded so arrive early to queue up! The excitement, camaraderie, and chicken wings will be worth the wait. Kezar Pub is a short walk from Muni Metro N Line.

Do you have a favorite game-watching location in San Francisco? Join the conversation in the comments section below!

Winter Ice Skating in San Francisco

San Francisco is known for its temperate winter season, but that doesn’t stop us from having two outdoor ice skating rinks to bring a little winter cheer to locals and visitors each year. There are a few weeks of outdoor skating left this season, so there’s still time to go out for a skate!

Union Square Ice Rink

Located just a few short blocks from The Pickwick Hotel, the Union Square Ice Rink is truly in the center of the action. Union Square is San Francisco’s busiest public square, located across the street from Macy’s on the south side and Saks Fifth Avenue on the north side; it is also one of the most happening places to be in San Francisco during the holidays. So, go for a skate with the beautiful Union Square Christmas Tree in the background and soak up the cheer!

The Union Square Ice Rink is hosting a special Polar Bear Skate on January 1 and the last day to skate is January 21.

Embarcadero Ice Rink

When you find yourself taking in the sights of San Francisco’s Ferry Building and the beautiful San Francisco Bay, stop for a skate at the Embarcadero Ice Rink at Justin Herman Plaza. The rink will remain open until January 6 and offers 90-minute skating sessions.

If you want to make a day of it, stop for lunch or dinner at one of the many wonderful restaurants in the Embarcadero area. And if you dig independent films, stop by the Embarcadero Center Cinema to rest your feet for awhile.

Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center

Is indoor ice skating more your speed? Head over to the Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center! This is also a great spot to go if you’re traveling in a large group of people with varying interests. In addition to the in-house bowling lanes, shopping and movies are nearby at the Metreon.

What are your favorite urban wintertime activities? Join the conversation in the comments section below.

The Pickwick Hotel’s Guide to Holiday Shopping

With Thanksgiving this week, the holiday shopping season is just around the corner! The Pickwick Hotel’s guide to San Francisco holiday shopping will ensure you find something special for everyone on your list.

1. Westfield San Francisco Centre
San Francisco Centre is just around the corner from The Pickwick and is home to Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and numerous specialty shops and clothing boutiques. And if your special someone has an insatiable sweet tooth, stop at Cocoa Bella for a selection of chocolates from around the world. The food court–befitting of San Francisco’s world class restaurants–is fantastic too! Not your typical mall fare.

2. Union Square
Union Square is always a fun San Francisco destination and is additionally festive during the holiday season. With a giant Christmas tree, ice skating rink, and a menorah lit for each night of Chanukah, there is something special for everyone in Union Square. While you’re there visit an enormous Macy’s store, Neiman Marcus, Saks 5th Avenue, and Barney’s. A lot of high-end shopping to be had here!

3. Embarcadero Center
Embarcadero Center is a great place to go when you’re looking for a less crowded shopping experience. When you’re finished shopping for the day, stop to watch an independent film at the Landmark Theater upstairs and take a beautiful waterfront walk along the Embarcadero. Or go ice skating next door at Justin Herman Plaza!

Sign up now via The Pickwick Hotel’s Facebook page and get 50% off your Black Friday stay! If you’ll be joining us after Black Friday, visit us online before you head to the city and book our Shop The Block package. Breakfast, specials at local shops and a $25 Westfield San Francisco Centre gift certificate are included.

Seasons Greetings from all of us at The Pickwick Hotel!

Around Town: San Francisco Beaches

Locals know that San Francisco is famous for its Indian Summer. June, July, and August tend to be quite chilly here, but Mother Nature cranks up the heat once September and October roll around! You may not think of the early Autumn months as providing beach-going weather, but trust us–this is the best time of year to soak up the sun in San Francisco.

Below are some of our top picks for sunny day outings:

Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is San Francisco’s longest and largest beach. It also tends to be the coldest. Ocean Beach is perfect for an evening bonfire, people watching, or taking a long walk. Head South along the beach and end up at the San Francisco Zoo, or walk North and visit landmarks such as the Cliff House, Sutro Baths, and the Land’s End Trail.

Baker Beach
Baker Beach is a beautiful beach with amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re on a mission to avoid tan lines, walk to the end of the beach, where you’ll find a clothing-optional area. Baker Beach is a great place to spend the afternoon taking in the sun and iconic bridge and coastal views.

Crissy Field
Crissy Field is San Francisco’s famously beautiful bay-front beach. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay alone are worth the trip. Crissy Field’s geographic location also makes this beach San Francisco’s warmest. Go here if you’re craving a day of picnicking, strolling, and kite-flying.

Do you have a favorite place to visit on a warm day in San Francisco? Join the conversation in the comments section below!

Around Town: San Francisco’s Chinatown

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest Chinatown outside Asia and the oldest in North America. Certainly worth a visit on your next trip to San Francisco! Events are held each month and several walking tours are available as well.

Andrey Bayda / Shutterstock.com

There are numerous restaurants, shops, and historic landmarks to see in Chinatown. Here are some of our top picks:

Waverly Place
Waverly Place is one of the most famous alleys in San Francisco; Amy Tan’s famous book The Joy Luck Club took place there. Waverly is also the site of many Chinatown temples. Stroll through for a short break from visiting galleries and shops.

Portsmouth Square
Stop by Portsmouth Square for a quick San Francisco history lesson. In modern times the square is deemed the “Heart of Chinatown” but it previously was the site of many important events in San Francisco’s history. Portsmouth Square was San Francisco’s first public square and was also the location of the first public school in California.

Garden Bakery
While perusing Chinatown’s shops, stop for a treat at Jackson Street’s highly rated and very popular Garden Bakery. We recommend the pineapple bun!

Great Eastern Restaurant
If you’re looking for something more substantial to eat, have a traditional dim sum lunch at Great Eastern Restaurant. The menu is formatted with photos next to each item, making it easy to select your order. This is some of the best dim sum in Chinatown and is becoming increasingly famous since President Obama stopped by for lunch on a recent trip to San Francisco.

Getting There
Chinatown is about a 15 minute walk from The Pickwick Hotel. Walk there or do as Chinatown locals do and take the 30 Stockton Muni bus from Market Street and 3rd Street.

What shops and landmarks did you enjoy most during your visit to Chinatown? Join the conversation in the comments section below.