Visit San Francisco | Flights, Holidays & Hotels

What if finding adventure again was in San Francisco?

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities on the west coast. Famed for its steep rolling hills, iconic bridges, unique architecture, and its wonderful location on the Pacific Coast Highway. Cosmopolitan and diverse, the stunning Bay Area just gets better with time.

From hippies to hipsters, gold rush to dot coms – San Francisco has had a colourful history. Art, culture and past glories intertwine – such as the vintage cable cars criss-crossing the city, or the counterculture roots of Haight-Ashbury – ‘Frisco’ is a city of constant change. San Francisco’s capacity to embrace social change and subcultures creates an intriguing place. The Victorian splendour of the ‘Painted Ladies’ of Alamo Square contest with the high-rise megaliths of the Financial District. Museums and galleries vie for your attention against sports and shopping. Add to this world-class restaurants, great bars and idyllic parks and you have the makings of a fantastic San Francisco holiday.

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Enjoy American Independence Day celebrations, jazz in the streets and Hamlet in the park during July. Shaping up to be one hot month, experience foodie fun, big music names and the Oakland festival come August. Check out awesome art, beer feasts and indulge at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival in September.

July

On the first weekend of the month, head to the Fillmore Jazz Festival, an institution enjoyed since the 1940s – on one of San Francisco’s most charismatic streets. This year will be a nostalgia-filled celebration of 50 years since the Summer of Love. Sing along to Fleetwood Mac covers on 1 and 2 July. For the 4 July head to the Waterfront, where Pier 39 will be celebrating all day. There’ll be fireworks aplenty in the city come evening and if you take an evening ferry cruise you’ll see the best of all of them. It’s the 35th anniversary of the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival this year. For the first time, they’re staging an ambitious production of Hamlet, in a series of free open-air performances every weekend from July. Grab a picnic and a blanket and go.

August

Hit the music scene and soak up the eco-friendly atmosphere at the Outside Lands music and arts festival from 11 to 13 August. Watch renowned band Metallica rock on, as well as Alt-J and Lorde play in summer 2017 at Golden Gate Park. Head over to Oakland for the Arts and Soul festival from 19 to 20 August. Join in with urban dancing or some painting, see circus and street performers and indulge on barbecue bites. Wander through the artisan market too, all between 12pm and 6pm. Relish foodie delights at Eat Drink SF, the ultimate San Francisco food and drink festival, from 24 to 27 August. Feast your eyes on taco competitions and enjoy the spread of grand tasting delights. With over 160 chefs and 70 beverage purveyors cooking up a storm in the Bay Area, you’ll enjoy a real treat.

September

Immerse yourself in the glorious Sausalito Art Festival, enjoy live music, gourmet bites, plenty of drinks and spectacular artistic delights. Over Labor Day weekend, from 2 to 4 September, catch colourful collages, gaze at wondrous sculptures and soak up the artsy atmosphere. Make your way to Ghirardelli Square, for the Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival and indulge in a flavourful treat. Tantalise those taste buds on 9 and 10 September, sample wine and chocolate together and watch the almighty ice cream sundae contest. Check out the chocolate school too, all between 12pm and 5pm. Wander along to the seafront for the Pier 39 Fall Beer Pour on 22 September. Taste plenty of beers, snack on light bites and listen to live music. With other entertainment between 4pm and 8pm as well, enjoy the quirks of this renowned pier.

San Francisco areas

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Union Square

The cosmopolitan and chic Union Square is a haven for shopaholics, with its abundant shopping opportunities. They range from well-known department stores, like Macy’s, to exclusive designer boutiques and lesser celebrated emporiums. Union Square is a one-block plaza boasting a 97-foot Corinthian column, with flower stands, palm trees and a great atmosphere. You will also find some great food options, from high-end restaurants to food stands selling hot dogs and pizza – it caters for everyone looking for a bite to eat after shopping.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the most famous attractions in the USA, and a must-see spot in San Francisco. Home to Pier 39, where sea lions bask and bathe, Ghirardelli Square, and ‘Fish Alley’. Enjoy the boardwalk entertainment, then sample a fantastic local delicacy – try the famous clam chowder and sour dough bowl or the Dungeness crab. There’s plenty of fun to be had at the museums and shops along the pier. You can take a trip to the infamous island-prison of Alcatraz from Pier 33, not to be missed.

Financial District

As in all major cities, the Financial District is home to the biggest skyscrapers in San Francisco. From the ultra-modern monuments to the clusters of less imposing art-deco structures. ‘Wall Street of the West’ is the concentrated centre of commerce and business. There is plenty to do in the area, with popular bars and fashionable restaurants lining the streets. Located in the hub of the district, The Crocker Galleria Shops are high-end boutiques, and the nearby Embarcadero Center, will cater to your other retail needs.

Chinatown

The ‘Dragon’s Gate’ entrance to San Francisco’s Chinatown welcomes you to the largest Chinese community outside of Asia. This tightly-packed warren of restaurants, temples, shops and street vendors is the oldest ‘Chinatown’ enclave in North America. Become immersed in Asian culture, find exotic gifts in the wonderful stores, search for herbal remedies and become mesmerised while watching a dragon parade. Chinese New Year is an especially fun time to visit, with many parades and festivities to watch, and of course awe-inspiring firework displays.

Mission District

The predominantly Latino neighbourhood of ‘The Mission’ lies at the heart of San Francisco and contains the oldest building in the city – Mission Dolores. You will find authentic restaurants serving delectable Spanish and Mexican food, alongside specialty bakeries and markets. Nearby Dolores Park has subtle flavours of Barcelona’s public parks, especially the colourful and eye-catching art. There is a Chicano (Mexican American) pride present in the area, with galleries, murals and music suggesting this all over the district. Check out Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley for the stunning murals.

Castro District

If San Francisco is unofficially the LGBT capital of the world, then the Castro District is its headquarters. Neon-lit bars, chic shops and superb restaurants compete for your attention in what could be the cleanest and friendliest part of town. Karaoke nights are booze-fuelled and hilarious, with duets that would put Elton and George Michael to shame. Head to Orphan Andy’s for 24-hour food, ideal for after-hours snacks and maybe a nightcap. Don’t miss the Castro Theatre, a baroque-deco cinema in the centre of town.

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