Local Attraction
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Attractions:
- North Beach:
If you love friendly urban neighborhoods with great restaurants, bars, cafes
and night clubs, then North Beach in San Francisco is the vacation spot for
you. While staying at Washington Square Inn, you will experience North Beach’s
lively past including Little Italy and the Barbary Coast.
North Beach has the easygoing feeling of a village with all the
amenities of an exciting big city. Generally viewed as one of the country’s
top inner-city neighborhoods, North Beach is referred to as the heart and soul
of San Francisco. Named for a beach that became landfill in the 1800s, North
Beach is nestled in an urban valley between Russian Hill and Telegraph Hill.
North Beach has it all: romantic cable cars; landmark buildings;
fantastic bay and city views; an outstanding selection of restaurants, cafes,
clubs and saloons with live music.
- North Beach Dining:
North Beach has a high concentration of very good restaurants, many Italian (of course) but also Californian, French and as you venture closer to China Town, many Chinese, Vietnamese, & Japanese as well. We are sure that you will enjoy all that San Francisco has to offer including some of the most multi-cultural restaurants and cafes in the city. Our favorites include Mooses, La Folie, Rose Pistola, North Beach Restaurant, Frascati, Allegro Romano, Zarzuela, Trattoria Contadina, Ideale and The House. Our staff will be sure to reserve dinner at one of our favorites. - Washington Square Park:
Right across the street from the inn is Washington Square Park. Legendary San Francisco columnist Herb Caen loved to comment about the park: "It is a square that isn't a square, in the heart of North Beach, which isn't a beach. Washington Square isn't on Washington Street and has a statue of Benjamin Franklin instead of George Washington." Discover for yourself the distinct charms of this urban retreat, an ideal place to take a break while exploring San Francisco. - Angel Island State Park: This park covers 740 acres with hiking, fishing, biking and environmental camping sites available. Explore the military building build in 1863. Visit three historical homes on the island. Open all year around.
- Golden Gate Park: Even if you've only got a couple days for your romantic getaway in San Francisco, head down to this lovely place, one of the finest city parks anywhere. The park offers visitors a Rose Garden, an Observatory and an arboretum. There are also lakes and plenty of green space framing the magnificent Golden Gate. The Golden Gate Bridge is nearby if you decide you'd like to walk or cycle across. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area encompasses over 75,000 acres of land and includes Alcatraz, the Marin Headlands, Fort Mason and more
- Crissy Field: Once an airfield at the historic Presidio of San Francisco and now part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Crissy Field is a great location for taking a relaxing walk along the bay and enjoying the views of the ocean, boats, Golden Gate Bridge, and Marin County. Minutes from the Washington Square Inn, the park also features Crissy Field Center, where guided walks, workshops and more are available to the public, as well as a café and giftshop.
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which opened in 1935 was the first museum on the West Coast dedicated to featuring only 20th century art. The museum boasts world renowned works by Matisse and Bracusi and the extraordinary photography of Mapplethorpe, Man Ray and Ansel Adams.
- Asian Art Museum of San Francisco: The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted exclusively to Asian art. In addition to the nearly 14,000 pieces included in their permanent collection, a diverse selection of rotating exhibits representing cultures throughout Asia are on display throughout the year.
- Legion of Honor: At the Legion of Honor, known as San Francisco’s most beautiful public museum, you can experience a displayed collection of over 4,000 years of ancient and European art in the exquisite Beaux-Arts building in an unforgettable setting overlooking the historic Golden Gate Bridge.
- De Young Museum: The De Young Museum since being founded in 1895 in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of the city and a sought out destination for millions of residents and visitors alike over the past 100 years. This culturally historic landmark showcases many priceless collections of 17th- 20th century American, African and Pacific art.
- The Exploratorium Museum: Experimental and hands-on, The Exploratorium Museum will spark curiosity through its many educational and scientific exhibits. Regardless of age or familiarity with science, the hundreds of discoveries to touch, look through, pick up and tinker with will enrich your San Francisco vacation.
- Coit Tower: Coit Tower is one of San Francisco’s most popular historic landmarks. While visiting Coit Tower you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of San Francisco from the top of the tower or browse through the historic murals displayed throughout the building. Washington Square Inn is conviently located a few blocks from the Coit Tower.
For more information about the Coit Tower visitwww.coittower.org
- Bay Area Discovery Museum: For children ages 1-10 and their families. Exhibits include a simulated San Francisco Bay, Architecture & Design, and Maze of Illusions.
- Six Flags Marine World: Six Flags has just taken over this attraction and has added many new and exciting rides. This is the perfect thrill for people of any ages. Six Flags is 45 minutes from San Francisco.
- San Francisco Zoo: The San Francisco Zoo offers hundreds of different animals for you and your children to view and learn about. This is a great place to explore, relax, and get educated.
- Exploratorium : Experiment with these hands on science exhibits which explores the six senses and human perceptions. There is something for everyone to explore; with exhibits on gardening, sports, music and much more.
- Paramount’s Great America : This high energy amusement park features gravity defying roller coaster and thrill rides. Located thirty minutes south of San Francisco.
- Aquarium of the Bay
: Aquarium of the Bay is a unique educational and entertainment facility dedicated to the rich and diverse aquatic life of the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters. The Aquarium provides a window to the Bay that focuses on its distinctive ecosystems and seeks to entertain, educate and encourage preservation of this wonderful natural resource.
- Alamo Square
: One of the most photographed locations in San Francisco, Alamo Square is an attraction you don't want to miss. The colorful Victorian row houses with the city in the distance is one of the most popular views of San Francisco. Don't miss out on this romantic stroll.
- Lombard Street
: I'm sure you have seen Lombard Street on television or in movies, but you will want to see it for yourself. A short walk from the Washington Square Inn you will find Lombard Street, the steepest street in the world. You will have the chance to drive or walk down this crazy curvy road between Hyde St. and Leavenworth St.
- Cable Car: Take a ride on the historic cable cars of San Francisco, hang on to the poles as it clatters down the streets. With stops near the Washington Square Inn this is a great experience.
- State Parks : California has over 260 state parks, many of them near the San Francisco Bay Area. You will have the chance to enjoy natural beauty of California. Some of the closest locations are Mount Tamalpias and Angel Island .
- Monterey: The Monterey Peninsula is the perfect compliment to your stay at Washington Square
Inn. This magnificent peninsula is often referred to as the greatest meeting
of land, sea and sky in the northwest United States. The unique shopping, beautiful
art galleries, fabulous restaurants and magical sandy beaches all lend to the
European feel.
The beautiful seaside community combines small town charm with
an endless variety of recreational and cultural activities. Monterey's rich
history, the saga of California's Mission Trail, Cannery Row, Fisherman's Wharf,
the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and a spectacular assortment of parks
and natural areas combine to provide a truly unrivaled experience to enrich
your vacation.
The day trip from includes a drive through the Del Monte Forest
on the 17 Mile Drive, famous for luxurious homes and the unparalleled golf
courses of Pebble Beach. You’ll also get a glimpse The Lone Cypress,
a long-standing beacon of fortitude along this rugged stretch of coastline.
While exploring the Monterey area, plan to add a visit to the charming towns
of Carmel-By-The-Sea and Pacific Grove.
- Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz is just a short drive from Washington Square Inn and offers several
exciting attractions for the whole family to enjoy. It was here that Hawaiian
royalty first introduced surfing to the mainland. Locals and visitors alike
have been riding the waves ever since. Not far from where the surf breaks is
the West Coast's last remaining seaside amusement park. You can enjoy music,
food, shopping and rides when you include a stop here in your San Francisco
vacation.
One of the main attractions is the newly renovated downtown.
The tree lined streets are pedestrian friendly and filled with vibrant shops,
galleries, outdoor bistros and strolling sidewalk musicians that keep the energy
of Surf City's offbeat personality that has affectionately stolen the hearts
of locals as a favorite spot to spend a weekend away.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk overflows with adrenaline pumping
rides, arcades, food and entertainment. There's a climbing wall for those not
fond of rides and several other options including a mini golf course, laser
tag, or bowling for the whole family.
Whether you choose to escape on the beach for surfing, visit
the amazing Natural Bridges State Park, or get mystified at the "mystery spot" where
gravity just doesn't seem to play by the rules; you will make memories to last
a lifetime.
- Wine Country: While staying at the Washington Square Inn, you simply must visit some of the
vineyards in California's famed wine country! Just a short drive and you will
find yourself amidst many of the most famous wineries in the world. California's
wines account for over 90% of the production in North America, making it the
world's fourth largest producer. Visit the Napa Valley and Sonoma vineyards
to experience both mass production facilities and the smaller boutique wineries
that have become favorites of many San Francisco locals.
The Napa Valley wine region is most distinguished by its' extraordinary
range of appellations and wine styles, which range from rich red wines with
soft tannins and intense fruit, to spicy zinfandels and rich creamy chardonnays.
The Sonoma Wine Region is north of San Francisco and to the west
of the Napa Valley, close to the Pacific coast. Larger geographically than
the Napa Valley, Sonoma is overall more quiet and has smaller wineries than
Napa. The cooler climate with offshore breezes makes it ideal for growing more
delicate grape varieties like Pinot Noir.
Once you cross the famed Golden Gate Bridge into the spectacular
rolling hills populated with these historic and impressive destinations, the
best tasting wines and most sought out vineyards are at your fingertips. Enjoy
a tasting at any of the wineries and become a connoisseur of the most premium
wines in the country. The tours are scenic, fun and informative entertainment
to add to the memories of your San Francisco vacation.
- Point Reyes National Seashore: While vacationing in San Francisco at the Washington Square Inn, make sure to
visit the amazing Point Reyes! It's breathtaking scenery and rich history of
culture makes it a welcomed trade from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday
life. Whether you choose to hike the varied trails, take a horseback ride out
to the beach, kayak off the shore or swim at Heart's Desire Beach you will
definitely make memories to last a lifetime!
Point Reyes is one of the many natural beauties of San Francisco.
The park's 88,000 acres cover over 100 square miles and are accessible through
numerous well-maintained trails that help preserve many historic relics of
ways of life that are long since gone in California. Estuaries, windswept beaches,
coastal scrub grasslands, salt and freshwater marshes and coniferous forests
create a haven of 80 miles of unspoiled and undeveloped coastline.
Point Reyes is a peninsula that has been an important agricultural
area of San Francisco, California for hundreds of years. The Miwok People,
Spanish and Mexican along with a series of other different cultures are supported
by Point Reyes in today's modern America. There are some amazing interpretative
exhibits as well, such as the Miwok Indian Village displayed as it may have
looked in the mid sixteenth century when it was visited by Sir Francis Drake.
There are tons of other exciting activities that are also available
for the whole family's enjoyment ! Visit the Muir Woods and be captivated by
the giant redwood forest, tour the historic lighthouse, enjoy bird watching
at Bolinas Lagoon, observe the sea lions playing on the beaches, the tule elk
at Pierce Point or watch for the giant whales swimming just offshore. Point
Reyes National Seashore is the perfect accent to your San Francisco area vacation!
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Activities:
- Shopping: San Francisco offers some of the best shopping in the world, so it is no wonder that tourists want to spend some time and money in San Francisco's assorted shopping centers, districts and malls. Union Square, Hayes Valley, Upper Fillmore, the Mission, Sacramento Street, Union Street, Grant Street, Chinatown and downtown's San Francisco Shopping Center offer a distinctive style with exclusive shops, each mall and neighborhood has a unique feel appropriate for any shopper's mood. The area features stores such as, Coach, Bulgari, Cartier, Thomas Pink, Louis Vuitton, MaxMara, Emporio Armani, Diesel, Prada, Celine, Escada, Gucci, Guess, Hermes, Agnes B., Betsey Johnson and Wilkes Bashford, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Christolfe, and luxury retailers Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and the incredible seven story Macy's. Bloomingdales will be opening soon, next to Macy's at Union Square.
- Basketball
- Fishing: fly-fishing and deep-sea fishing
- Kayaking: The San Francisco Bay Area offers exciting kayak adventures for beginner and advanced paddlers. Enjoy the incredible views, beautiful islands and beaches from your kayak. You may also encounter some of the areas wildlife which includes whales, seals, birds, and other animals in their natural habitats.
- Sailing: try a sailing adventure in the bay
- Scenic Views: For the best view of the city venture to Coit Tower, Twin Peaks, Sterling Park, and the Cliff House. The panoramic view of San Francisco and the Bay area is the perfect conclusion to a romantic getaway in San Francisco.
- Hiking: A great way to explore the bay area is by hiking one of the scenic trails near the city. Within an hour of San Francisco, you can discover beautiful redwood forests at Muir Woods National Monument, a variety of great terrain in Tilden Park in the hills above Berkeley and the beauty of the bay at the vast Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
- Biking: Enjoy a leisurely road ride or explore rugged off road trails or both because the San Francisco Bay Area offers many miles of bike trails. Explore the city and discover all it has to offer.
- Ferry Rides:
Red & White Fleet
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Departing from the historic Fisherman's Wharf, Red & White
Fleet offers a the one-hour bay cruise to the highlights of San Francisco
Bay, including the view of the skyline, North Beach, Aquatic Park, Hyde
Street Pier, San Francisco Maritime National Park, around the Island of
Alcatraz and various other famous sites. It is the only bay cruise narrated
in 8 languages.
Leaves from: Pier 43 1/2
For fare and schedule information call (415) 901-5254 or go to www.redandwhite.com
Blue and Gold Fleet
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Blue and Gold Fleet offers Alcatraz Day and Evening Tours
and is the only ferry service that drops you on the island. The evening
tour offers a special tour, programs and activities that are not offered
during the day. Reserve at least a week in advance to ensure to get an
Alcatraz tour when you want it.
- Islands Hop Tours enjoy a combination tour of Alcatraz and
Angel Island. Angel Island is a nice place for picnics, hiking or biking.
- One-hour Bay Cruises along the historic waterfront and under
the Golden Gate Bridge, past Sausalito, Angel Island and around Alcatraz.
- Ferry service to Oakland and Alameda, Angel Island, Tiburon
and Sausalito, and Vallejo
Leaves from: Pier 41 (Marine Terminal) For fare and schedule
information call (415) 705-5555 or go to www.blueandgoldfleet.com
Baylink
Ferry
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The Vallejo Baylink Ferry runs between San Francisco and
Vallejo visiting different highlights along the way like Angel Island,
Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Treasure Island, Bay Bridge and many more.
Leaves from: Fisherman's Wharf/Pier 41 and the Ferry Building
For fare and schedule information call 1-888-HORNBLOWER or 1-888-467-6256 or
go to www.baylinkferry.com
Alameda
Oakland Ferry
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The Alameda Oakland Ferry offers daily year-round service
between Oakland's Jack London Square, Alameda Main Street, the San Francisco
Ferry Building and San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf area. Service to Angel
Island State Park is also available weekends May through October.
Leaves from: Ferry Building
For fare and schedule information call (415-705-5555) or go to www.eastbayferry.com
Hornblower
Dining Cruises:
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Hornblower provides elegant cruises for corporate events,
wedding receptions, birthday celebrations, weekend champagne brunch cruises
and nightly dinner cruises.
Leaves from: Pier 39
For fare and schedule information call 1-888-HORNBLOWER or 1-888-467-6256 or
go to www.hornblower.com
AdventureCat
Leaves from: Pier 41
For fare and schedule information call (415) 777-1630 or (800) 498-4228 or
go to www.adventurecat.com - Walking: Come discover North Beach in San Francisco on foot! From the front door of Washington Square Inn all the way down to the Golden Gate Bridge. If you are interested in learning more about San Francisco and its attractions then we suggest you start your trip with our one-of-a-kind walking tour.
There are many walking tours one can take from the inn. Nearby you can take the Filbert St. steps to the Coit Tower and around Telegraph Hill where you will have great views of the entire Bay & most of the city. Fisherman’s Wharf, Maritime Museum, Fort Mason, Marina Green, Russian Hill, Lombard St., Crissy Field & Golden Gate Bridge are also in walking distance from the inn.
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