A San Francisco Treat (Guest Post by Matt)

Lovers, adventurists, cultural enthusiasts, culinary aficionados and for all those that enjoy diversity will find their wanderlust satisfied in all that San Francisco has to offer.

As a local, I feel blessed to live amongst all the options that make this city-by-the-bay one of the most beloved travel destinations in the world.

While I am indeed partial, my recommendation is to find your “hitching post†and “set sail†from there. Since San Francisco’s most popular and convenient destination is Fisherman’s Wharf, I would suggest the best hotel in the city’s #1 neighborhood…Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf.

The hotel has a fresh atmosphere; boasts the city’s best sports bar, Knuckles at the Wharf; resides at the Powell Street Cable Car turnaround; and is ideally located a stone’s throw away from San Francisco’s most iconic attractions.

There are the obvious, must see activities…here is a list of my top ten recommendations:

1. Walk, bike, run or skip across the Golden Gate Bridge
2. Share a hot fudge Sundae at world famous Ghirardelli chocolate
3. Climb half way to the stars aboard one of the city’s iconic cable cars
4. Fly a kite at Chrissy Field and enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge
5. Climb the notorious Filbert Steps. This unique “stairway to Heaven†leads up to Coit Tower, with gardens and sculptures guiding the way up to a phenomenal, panoramic view of the bay at the top
6. Wend your way through Pier 39’s mirror maze
7. Walk the decks of the tall ships and stroll along the Hyde Street Pier, home of the world’s largest collection of historic ships by tonnage, where visitors can board several National Landmark vessels
8. Enjoy a California Sunset Cruise aboard Red and White Fleet
9. Explore the National Maritime Museum and the USS Pampanito Submarine Museum
10. Rent bikes or roller blades and head out to the 240 miles of scenic Bay Trail

For those that really want to live like a local, I’d suggest checking out these hidden gems:

1. Enjoy the most breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay are from Land’s End…where the bay meets the ocean in a dramatic setting, with a choice of vigorous trails or casual walking paths.
2. Check out Pan Dore for tender slices of sour French baguette with sauteed apples in lemon butter sauce.
3. One of the “local†favorites is the Warming Hut in the Presidio near Fort Point. It is a great place to go in the morning, pick up a hot drink and a breakfast roll, maybe find a small gift or two for relatives, and take a view-inspired stroll along Crissy Field. This is also a great place to begin or end a stroll or run along the bay.It’s a place filled with great sights of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angle Island, the Marin Headlands, in and out bound ships, and the occasional sailing or outrigger regatta.
4. If you’re looking for a little pampering, check out Cocoon Day Spa. While you are getting a treatment they provide you with free Champagne…Cheers!
5. Rent a bike at Pier 43½ and ride to Fort Mason. There is a great farmers market, where you can buy a complete a meal of fruits, vegetables, pastries, bread, drinks, coffee, etc. Then, enjoy your snack or meal at one of the many bayside benches or ride to the Marina Green or Crissy Field.
6. On a cold winter day the locals like to warm up at Fiddler’s on the Green. It is an authentic Irish pub with amazing food, including a fresh made, daily soup. And of course, the soup of the day is always served with homemade Irish brown bread.
7. For shopping, check out Chestnut Street where you can find posh, name brand clothing and jewelry stores, mixed in with really nice eateries.
8. Browse through the flagship Boudin Bakery and savor a freshly baked loaf of sourdough.
9. Enjoy an Irish coffee at Buena Vista Café, the beverage’s place of origin 10. Leave the car behind and hike the streets of San Francisco to discover your own special treasures…you’ll get in a work out and find stimulation in every neighborhood you cruise.

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If you want to continue to be in the know, keep up to date by following Matt’s favorite blog at www.hyattatthewharf.blogspot.com.

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Heels First is the travels and tribulations of two twenty-something frequent fliers jumping into the world of travel. Join Keri and Jeanne as they tackle mileage runs, elite status, and of course–the perfect travel accessories.

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