A Trade Show conference brought me to San Francisco for my first time in 1998. Not only was this my first opportunity to explore the Golden Gate City, but my first earthquake experience, which was thankfully, very mild.
The luxurious Sheraton Palace Hotel was my home for a week, centrally located on Market and New Montgomery. This historical hotel was originally built in 1875 and after the deadly 1906 San Francisco Earthquake was demolished to make way for the new structure in its place.
I walked from my hotel to Chinatown and found Sam Wo Restaurant for lunch. I had learned that this amazing eatery had been in this location on Washington Street since the early 1900s. The restaurant came highly recommended, so I met up with some new-found friends from the conference to enjoy a fresh take on Chinese food. We entered the tight set of stairs and ascended to the third floor seated next to the small window overlooking the bustling streets below. We ordered several small plates (dim sum) and shared our orders so we could sample several dishes of sumptuous food.
On a recent visit to San Francisco, I dined at Delicious Dim Sum on 752 Jackson and found that Sam Wo had relocated his restaurant to 713 Clay Street.
The Dragon Gate Entrance into Chinatown, located on Bush Street and Grant Avenue was a gift from Taiwan in 1969. Chinatown was established in 1848 and is the oldest and largest Chinatown in North America attracting more visitors than the Golden Gate Bridge. I loved strolling the shops and markets gazing at the unusual food finds hanging from the store windows. In addition to food, Chinatown is known for its open green space where locals participate in Tai Chi sessions as well as taking their seat at tables to challenge each other with a game of Chinese chess.
From Chinatown, it was a six minute walk to The Transamerica Pyramid, located at 600 Montgomery Street. Standing in the area known as the Financial District, the tower, an architectural mix of pyramid and obelisk, stands 48 stories tall. One of the first of its kind, it was built to sustain seismic activity. It became a comfort to me as I toured the city because I could see it from most anywhere I happened to be standing.
Unfortunately the observation deck has been closed since 9/11, but there is a screen that displays the views from there. Long ago, visitors could dine at a restaurant at the top and if you could afford it, a boardroom is available for rent on the 48th floor. The light at the top is a beacon to protect the building from aircraft, and if you have a friend in high places, you too may be able to climb to the top. At the opposite end of the Pyramid, excavations uncovered a Niantic whaling ship once anchored only feet away.
As I was shopping in Chinatown, I couldn’t help but notice another great landmark, Coit Tower. I heard that this is also another location for spectacular views of the Pacific as well as the local neighborhoods. Standing at 1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard in Pioneer Park, I caught the elevator to the top to explore the 360 degree panoramas.
On the first floor are colorful murals that depict life in California which include scenes associated with agriculture and banking. Recently, there were more colorful murals that were discovered on the second floor and this is now open for visitors to enjoy. The mural project, commissioned in 1933, included about twenty-five artists to create daily life scenes in the style of Diego Rivera. Political ideals were introduced within these works of art which resulted in protests and picketing.
Following a zig-zag of streets, I continued strolling towards the shoreline where I arrived at Fisherman’s Wharf. I spent a few moments watching the street performers near Pier 39. Talented entertainers mesmerized their audience with magic tricks, feats of juggling and short stints at stand-up comedy. It was the first time I had ever seen a silver painted mime and was amazed at his talent of standing so still that I was convinced he was a statue. 
Pier 39 is also home to the famous local sea lions. Their barks can be heard from blocks away and they are so fascinating to watch. Fighting for a spot on chain tethered blocks of wood, they compete for an opportunity to sunbathe. Following the 1989 earthquake, droves of sea lions took over K-Dock and in 2009, nearly 1700 of these lovely creatures resided along the waterfront.
I couldn’t take enough photos of these sassy sea lions at Pier 39.
The view of Coit Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid from Fisherman’s Wharf
Looking out towards Alcatraz from Fisherman’s Wharf.
The remains of the Pier 43 Ferry Arch stand scorched after a fire in 1998.
The famous Fisherman’s Wharf of San Francisco sign
Castagnola’s has been offering seafood and Italian dishes since 1916 and is the oldest restaurant on the wharf.
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company opened in San Francisco in 1852. I couldn’t resist visiting the original ice cream and chocolate shop located at 900 North Point, Suite 52.
A visit to San Francisco is not complete without a ride on the San Francisco Trolley.
Lombard Street is the “crookedest street” in the world with eight hairpin turns.
A look at Lombardi Street from the top of the turn.
A view of Alcatraz from Pacific Heights
By the end of the day, I found myself making my way back to the Palace Hotel. By chance, I happened to slip into one of San Francisco’s historical bars, the Iron Horse at 25 Maiden Lane. Opened in 1954, this San Fran institution has served such notorious celebrities to include “Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin,Sammy Davis, Jr., and Liberace. Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio had their wedding reception here.”
I can’t wait to book another trip to San Francisco in the near future to compare photos from over 20 years ago. It will be extraordinary to see how things have changed and what has remained the same.
Have you been to San Francisco? What were some of your favorite sights and attractions? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for scrolling through my photos of San Fran and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
- Chinatown
- Transamerica Pyramid
- Coit Tower
- Admission Fee: Elevator entrance fees for Adult: $9 per person; Senior (62+): $6; Youth 12 – 17: $6; Children (5 – 11): $3 and Children (4 and under): Free; Discounts available for San Francisco Residents
- Hours: Daily from 10AM to 6PM; Last ticket for the elevator is 5:30PM. Holiday closures on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
- Amenities: Parking, restrooms, docent-led tours (available daily from 4 – 8 people lasting 30 – 40 minutes; $5 per person for the second floor and $8 per person for second floor and murals; These rates do not include the elevator entrance fees)
- Scenic View: Amazing views of the city of San Francisco and the Bay
- Length of Visit: 1 hour
- Tips for Your Visit: Don’t miss the murals in the lobby.
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Pier 39
- Alcatraz
- Admission Fee: Because there are several tour packages available, visit www.alcatrazcruises.com for the most recent prices for each tour option.
- Hours: Departures available every half hour starting at 8:30AM. Holiday closures include Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
- Amenities: Ferry transportation to the island; food is available on the ferry but not Alcatraz Island; Limited restrooms available on Alcatraz Island.
- Scenic View: Amazing views of the city of San Francisco and the Bay
- Length of Visit: varies, depending on the tour option you choose
- Tips for Your Visit: Purchase your tickets ahead of time as tickets may sell out in advance. There are additional options for visiting Alcatraz, such as the Evening Tours, Behind the Scenes Tour and the Angel Island-Alcatraz Island tour. Special programs led by the rangers are available on a daily basis (check the website). Visit the website for a list of exhibits.
- Pier 43 Ferry Arch
- Fisherman’s Wharf Sign
- San Francisco Trolley
- Lombard Street
Where to Stay:
Sheraton Palace Hotel, now The Palace Hotel
2 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: 415 512 1111
Where to Eat:
- Castagnola’s – The restaurant is known for its soups served in bread bowls. Select the clam chowder bread bowl or the lobster bisque bread bowl.
- Ghirardelli Chocolate Company – The world famous hot fudge sundae is the best seller.
- Sam Wo Restaurant – I highly recommend the fish jook (also known as Congee is a Cantonese rice porridge, usually served with meat), chicken with bok choy and their delicious wonton soup.
- Sotto Mare for its infamous cioppino, an Italian-American seafood stew that reminds me a bit of Spain’s paella.
Where to Drink:
- Iron Horse – Their signature drinks include the James Bond Martini, Goldfinger, Alice in Wonderland, Tiki Temple and Happy Fortune.
- Absinthe Brasserie & Bar – This cute little bar in Hayes Valley has been serving drinks since 1998. Don’t miss their champagne and caviar kit or try one of their absinthes.
- Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge – Located in Mid-Market at the Proper Hotel, this gorgeous bar has gorgeous views of San Fran, fire pits, heat lamps and specialty drinks with cute names (Fifi the Flea)
What to Read:
- Cool Grey City of Love by Gary Kamiya
- San Francisco Stories by Jack London
- Zodiac by Robert Graysmith
- Alcatraz-1259 by William Baker
Photo Guide for San Francisco:
- Aquatic Park is the best place to photograph San Francisco’s waterfront
- Broadway Street in North Beach for its neon signs and was formerly known as the area’s “red light district”
- Chinatown is absolutely amazing for taking photos of America’s oldest Chinatown.
- Coit Tower for 360 degree views of San Francisco and the harbor
- de Young Museum Observation Deck located at Golden Gate Park is perfect for panoramic photos of the city. Bypass the line to enter the museum to reach the Hamon Observation Tower to take your photos.
- Fort Point is a decommissioned military base on the waterfront which provides outstanding views of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
- The Marin Headlands is one of the best places to photograph the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
- Treasure Island for spectacular views of San Francisco’s skyline
- See the entire city of San Francisco from Twin Peaks
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