San Francisco looks even better in real life than it does in the films.
In a nutshell
Crammed into a relatively small area surrounded by the bay and the Pacific Ocean, its streets can be explored on foot, taking in the various neighbourhoods.
Chinatown is lively and bewitching, with its shops selling curios and restaurants tempting you with their sizzling delights. Union Square is for department store shopping, and downtown drinking and dining. North Beach has some great Italian restaurants, and is also famous for its association with the Beat poets. Well-to-do Nob Hill can be visited on one of the famous cable cars (it's compulsory to take a ride!), while swanky Russian Hill and Pacific Heights are a delight to stroll around. In Mission, sample some great Central American food in the funky restaurants.
Down at Fisherman's Wharf, you can meet sea lions, sample delicious local seafood and take the ferry to Alcatraz Island, home of the world's most notorious prison. Golden Gate Bridge must be walked over and an afternoon in Golden Gate Park is a delight. Ascend Coit Tower for stunning views of the bay and the whole city. Sonoma and Napa wine valleys are slightly north, with Carmel and Monterey 2 hours south, down beautiful Highway 1.
Eats & drinks
Famous for fusion cooking, San Francisco is home to some of the best restaurants in the west. There's Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Thai and even a few Indian restaurants together with usual favourites such as the Hard Rock Cafe®. The Stinking Rose garlic restaurant is a must for lovers of this pungent herb - booking is essential!
Getting around
Either explore on foot or hop aboard one of the many cable cars, but hold on tight, riding down some of those steep streets requires nerves of steel!
Getting there
There is 1 Virgin Atlantic flight per day and it takes about 30 min to get to your hotel from the airport.
Additional info
Time difference - GMT -8 hours
Transfers
If you don't require car hire, transfers are available at the following price: £35 per person.
Private Limo Transfers
Feel like a film star and guarantee that your hotel is the first and only drop-off with this fantastic private limo airport-to-hotel transfer! You'll have checked in and be riding a cable car before anyone else arrives! All limo prices are from £100 per car for a one-way trip
Contact Your Resort Reps Before You Travel!
Contact our resort reps before you even leave the UK, allowing you to ask questions, check out facts and purchase a complete range of tour and attraction tickets from the experts. Send an email to: san.fran.vhols@fly.virgin.com
Napa Premium Outlets®
Just over an hour's drive from San Francisco you will find the Napa Premium Outlets® mall. With a FREE designer gift and discount vouchers for Virgin Holidays' guests on offer.
Weather and climate
