Destination Guide
San Francisco
Where West Coast vibe collides with the electric energy of the city.
Destination Guide San Francisco
How I See San Francisco
Pack your bags and embark on the ultimate urban adventure. The 49 square miles that make up San Francisco are filled with breathtaking cityscapes and vibrant cultures from across the globe. From an innovative food scene to unexpected street art on every corner, the City by the Bay has something for everyone.
When In San Francisco, You Must
EAT
The Ferry Building
1 Embarcadero
DRINK
Cold Drinks
644 Broadway
SEE
16th Avenue Tiled Steps
16th Ave
DO
Golden Gate Park
19th Avenue
Know Before You Go
Try the 1848 cocktail at our Living Room Bar, inspired by our gold rush themed room rehab. It's a mix of Evan Williams bourbon, honey from W San Francisco’s rooftop bees, mint, lemon, and ginger beer.
Talk Like a Local
Learn the slang from the city.
Karl
/kahrl/ noun
The nickname locals have given to the fog found rolling throughout the city. Yes, Karl even has its own Instagram: @karlthefog
When its a sunny out, you know Karl decided to take the day off.
Neighborhoods to Explore
When in San Francisco, do as San Franciscans do. Mingle with the locals, sip on Fernet and chill out at Dolores Park.
1. The Mission
Murals, taquerias, and buzzing nightlife – take your pick. The Mission District is one of San Francisco’s many melting pots, where you can shop at a high end boutique and cross the street to eat at an authentic taco stand.
2. Hayes Valley
Hayes Valley is not only one of the best districts to shop in San Francisco, but it also fosters a true neighborhood feel. Start at Hayes Street and Octavia Boulevard, grab a coffee at Ritual or ice cream at Smitten, and then explore the many boutiques of the neighborhood.
3. The Sunset
Those who like to venture deep into the city explore here. Hipster coffee shops, authentic Asian cuisine, and peaceful parks are among The Sunset’s many hidden gems. Head far west to Land’s End at sundown for breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s not called “The Sunset” for nothing!
4. SoMa
The perfect blend of work and play. Home to most major tech companies and W San Francisco, SoMa has a happy hour haven for everyone. Visiting the city for leisure? Hit up the city’s many museums during the day and mingle in its vibrant club scene at night.
wsanfrancisco.com
Ultimate Access to San Francisco
Live it up San Francisco like a local.
Louie’s Gen Gen Room
871 Sutter Street
Intimate reservation-only cocktail lounge featuring tropical cocktails and delicious bites.
Sara Hamza / Insider
Louie’s Gen Gen Room is in the basement of acclaimed restaurant Liholiho Yacht Club. If you missed your chance at a reservation at Liholiho, Louie’s is a great alternative and a unique experience in itself.
Whitechapel
600 Polk Street
Gin lovers, you’re in luck! Whitechapel hosts the largest selection of Gin in North America.
Sara Hamza / Insider
This bar is designed to look like one of the many abandoned stations of the London Underground.
Cockscomb
564 4th Street
Meat, meat and more meat. Top Chef Masters Champion Chris Cosentino makes a bold statement with his “head to tail” style of cooking. The best view at the restaurant is at the chef’s counter, where you can catch all of the kitchen action.
Sara Hamza / Insider
Fernet has been a cult favorite in the Bay Area, with Fernet Branca monopolizing the taste buds of San Franciscans. Expand your horizons and try the many varieties of Fernet and Amaro that Cockscomb has to offer.
Black Cat
400 Eddy Street
Restaurant, bar and live jazz every night located in the heart of the Tenderloin district.
Sara Hamza / Insider
Though the Tenderloin neighborhood has evolved over the years, it was once the epicenter of arts and entertainment in San Francisco. Black Cat is designed to revive the legacy of supper clubs and jazz venues that once thrived in the area.
Either/Or
DETOX
Mission Cliffs
2973 16th St.
Whether you are trying climbing for the first time or still have a box of pitons tucked away in your attic, you’ve come to the right place!
Packing List
1. Wind & rain resistant jacket
Anyone who’s visited San Francisco knows how crazy the constant weather changes can be. Keep warm and look cool with a lightweight jacket.
2. Sneakers
Whether you’re running to catch Muni or hiking San Francisco’s urban hills, stay fit and fashionable with a pair of sneakers.
3. Backpack
Keep with the commuter lifestyle and bring a backpack that can hold all the essentials.
4. Wide-angle lens for your phone
Catch all 7×7 square miles of San Francisco with this must have tech accessory.
W San Francisco
Retreat to the smart style, dynamic design and cool comfort of our
downtown San Francisco Hotel.
Spotted in San Francisco
W San Francisco
Raise your glass to a New Year with 5 exclusive holiday cocktail recipes from our W bartenders around the world.
Secrets of San Francisco with Emily Holt
Emily Holt, a fashion writer, entrepreneur and owner of the new boutique Hero Shop, shares the places and things that are distinctly SF.
Freda Salvador
2416 Fillmore St
Get a taste of Spain in the heart of SF with handcrafted leather shoes at Freda Salvador.
Rocha Art Gallery
466 Brannan St
Always supporting emerging artists and creating community based program, Rocha Art stands out as a place to see and experience artwork in a truly inviting gallery setting.
1760
1760 Polk St
Take a swig of cocktail culture at its best at 1760, where mixing drinks is an art form. Try the house gin and tonic with mint, cumin, and mezcal for a new twist on a classic.
Insider Tour
