InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco Destination

The Alcatraz Tour is the most popular tour in San Francisco! As we approach our hight season, you should purchase tickets well in advance of your stay. This is a self-guided walking tour that takes about 3 and half hours. Tickets can be purchased on thier web site at www.alcatrazcruises.com. Extremely busy during the summer vacation period June-August. Please plan ahead to avoid disappointment. Tip: The evening night tours are even more poplular and are sold out weeks in advance.

Only a short 10 minute walk away is San Francisco's Chinatown, the largest and oldest in the USA. Enjoy strolling through the giant Torii which marks the entrance into Chinatown at Bush and Grant Avenues. Visit the Fortune Cookie bakery at 56 Ross, also the Chinese Cultural Center located in the Hilton Hotel on Kearny St. Try some dim sum at City View restaurant at 662 Commercial St. just off of Portsmith Square.

Built is 1933, Coit Tower sits atop Telegraph Hill. Dedicated to the firemen of the city and shaped like a fire fighter's hose nozzle, this landmark offers spectacular views of the city and the bay. You will also see some beautiful murals painted by 26 different artists that were inspired by the famous Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. If you have time, take a stroll down the famous Filbert steps, just east of the tower, see beautiful secret gardens and homes hidden from the normal passerby.

The Golden Gate Bridge is a must visit. Drive to the north end of the bridge and stop at the vista point to take in the view of the bridge and the city. If you have time, walk across the bridge southbound to the visitor's center, or visit Fort Point just below the bridge. You no longer have to stop to pay your toll, you will be billed by vehicle registration when your car crosses the toll booth area.

Golden Gate Park, larger then Central Park in New York. You can explore on foot, on rollerblades or by bike. If you have limited time, you can visit the Conservatory of Flowers, the Arboretum, and a large children's playground. If time permits, try some refreshments in the tranquil Japanese Tea Garden, located in the heart of the park.

A walk along Ocean Beach is lovely, but be sure to bring a jacket. Also, the water is cold year-round, so we don't recommend a swim. Try walking or jogging north from Golden Gate Park to the Cliff House restaurant, where you can enjoy a soothing drink and watch the seals on nearby Seal Rock. Enjoy a snack at the Beach Chalet restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The historic ferry terminal is now a mecca for gourmet foodies, food stalls offering everything from artisan cheese to the freshest of local fish, plus a weekly farmers' market along with restuarants and cafes for all to enjoy!

These jaw-dropping steps will equally amaze and challenge you. Rising from the Financial District to Coit Tower, these stairs are impressive for the length, views of San Francisco, the well tended gardens on both sides and the beautiful Art Deco buildings along the way.

Tip: A good vantage point to watch the ferries, yachts and surfers in the ocean A great place to exercise, picnic or just sunbathe.

Tip: The California Street Line, which stops directly outside the hotel, is not as crowded as some and offers exciting views. With all the steep hills these are essential. They are usually the same price as a taxi, but for sheer SF entertainment they are hard to beat. If you have time, visit the Cable Car Museum at Mason Street and Washington Street to see how the cars operate.

Tip: Try going early or late in the day. The Ghirardeli Square side of the wharf is not as crowded. Pier 39 is the number one attraction at Fisherman's Wharf. Filled with restaurants, shops and local entertainers. Very crowded in the afternoons.