KPH

So you’re planning a trip to San Francisco for the holidays?

Here are some of our favorite things to do in the Union Square area.

1. Tree Lighting

The 30th Annual Macy’s Great Tree Lighting Ceremony takes places on Nov. 29, 2019 at 6 p.m. just 1 block from the hotel at Union Square. Each year the 83-foot tree is lit with more than 33,000 twinkling lights and 1,100 ornaments. Visitors will enjoy musical performances, plus a visit from Santa!

2. Santaland

Santaland starts November 29th at the nearby Macy’s. Guests can meet Old Saint Nick and explore an array of holiday decor.

3. See America’s first Nutcracker

This year San Francisco Ballet Company is celebrating 75 years dancing the Nutcracker! The Nutcracker is for everyone so whether it’s with friends, family, co-workers or a special someone, and attending the 75th Anniversary Celebration will be a spectacular experience. See ticket availability here.

4. Go Ice Skating

The Union Square Ice Skating Rink is officially open for the season! A San Francisco holiday tradition in the heart of Union Square, the ice rink is a 2 minute walk from the hotel. For tickets & info click here.

So you’re packing for your upcoming San Fran trip? We’ve got you covered on all of the outfit essentials you’ll need to properly handle the Fall weather! Here, we will cover 3 main outfit tips that will comfortably get you through October in SF.

First off, let’s go over what you can expect with the weather. Starting in September and carrying over to October, San Fran offers warm days and cool nights. On a typical day, you can expect to have an average high of 70° F and an average low of 55° F. This is great news for you, since this means you’re getting the best of both worlds when it comes to weather! However, since the weather changes as the day goes on, it’s important to plan accordingly. So, let’s go through the top 3 tips to consider when packing.

1. Layers are your friend!

During the day, feel free to bust out those shorts and sundresses! The weather is just warm enough for you to soak up some sun and wear some light clothing while doing it. However, as mentioned before, the later it gets, the more cool it gets. This is where layers will become your best friend.

If you’re going to be walking, we suggest bringing along a light jacket that you can easily tie around your waist and use as an accessory during the day and a necessity at night. Ladies, it might be a good idea to wear a dress that might also look cute with leggings underneath so that you can throw some on if you get too cold later in the night. Overall, just be sure to bring along some extra layers of clothing so that you don’t have to cut your city exploring short due to the chilly weather.

2. Active wear is a must

SF is filled with more than just city life. You can easily spend hours doing hikes, bike rides, runs, and so much more. Since your time in SF will consist of a lot of active exploring, it’s always important to pack active wear/workout clothes to prep for these adventures. If possible, you can even pack a spare in your day pack that you take with you throughout the day in case you run into an unexpected adventure that you want to embark on! This one is less specific to October, and is more of a year round tip, but one that should always be reminded of!

3. Backup shoes are a good idea

The same goes for shoes as it does for clothes. It’s a perfect time of the year to wear those sandals and open toed shoes. However, you’re going to want to swap those out for comfortable, close toed shoes as soon as evening hits. This is harder to carry around if you aren’t taking a vehicle or carrying a day pack. If that’s the case, it is completely okay to wear them from the beginning. If possible, though, we recommend a slight outfit/shoe change when the sun begins to set!

We hope this helps in your packing for this upcoming trip! October offers you a warm sun and a cool moon, which means a packing list with a variety of clothes fit for both conditions is best. As long as you consider these 3 tips, you should be set! Happy packing and happy Fall!

If you are visiting in August, you are in luck! There’s no shortage of exciting events going on all around San Francisco. Here, we give you the inside scoop to some of SF’s biggest events this August, including games, festivals and fairs, and concerts and shows!

Games

Giants Games in San Francisco:

• Dates: 8/5, 8/6, 8/7, 8/8, 8/9, 8/10, 8/11, 8/13, 8/14, 8/26, 8/27, 8/29, 8/30 & 8/31
• Location: Oracle Park (formerly AT&T Park) in the SoMa District

Whether you’re a Giants fan or not, experiencing a home game while in San Francisco is a must. With 13 home games going on in the month of August, you are bound to catch one while you’re here!

Visit this site to buy tickets now!

49ers Preseason Games in San Francisco

• Dates: 8/10 & 8/29
• Location: Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara

Can’t wait for football to start back up? You don’t have to! In August, the 49ers will have 2 preseason games in the San Francisco Bay Area. You need some football, and they need your support!

Visit this site to buy tickets now!

Festivals and Fairs

Outside Lands

• Dates: 8/9-8/11

• Location: Golden Gate park

Outside Lands is one of the largest San Francisco events in August. This three-day music festival features more than 70 well-known artists on multiple stages, as well as local food, wine, and beer vendors. 

Visit this site for information on the lineup and to purchase tickets!

The Nihonmachi Street Fair

• Date: 8/3 & 8/4
• Location: Japantown District

Nihonmachi Street Fair is an annual event that celebrates Asian Pacific American cultures. During this event, you can sample traditional food, listen to live entertainment, and enjoy activities with your kids. Admission is free, so make sure you take advantage of this cultural event!

Visit this site for more information!

Noise Pop’s 20th Street Block Party

• Date: 8/17
• Location: 20th & 19th Street between Bryant and Harrison

Join the diverse community of SF’s colorful Mission District for the fifth annual 20th Street Block Party–a free celebration of summer, music, and great food.

Visit this site for more information!

Concerts and Shows

Concerts:

• 8/7: Gipsy Kings at the Warfield
• 8/13: Prettymuch at The Masonic
• 8/17: 10,000 Maniacs at The Independent
• 8/27: Crash Test Dummies at The Chapel

*Click the links for more information on the each concert!

Shows:

Hamilton

• Dates: 2/14-1/5
• Location: Orpheum Theatre
• https://hamilton.shnsf.com/Online/default.asp

The Play That Goes Wrong 

• Date: 8/13 – 8/18
• Location: Golden Gate Theater
• https://broadwaygoeswrong.com/tickets.php

Cabaret 

• Date: 5/26 – 8/31
• Location: San Francisco Playhouse
• https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2018-2019-season/cabaret/

Wondering what to wear in San Francisco in July? Well, unlike most places, San Francisco can be a little cooler in July than most places, so it is important to plan for many different types of weather.  Even if the temperature reaches into the 80s during the day, you can be sure that evening and nighttime temperatures will drop into the high 50s F (14 C). As Mark Twain famously wrote, “The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco.”

Our recommendation! With a light jacket or windbreaker, jeans and shirts, you should be comfortable during your trip.

As always, don’t forget to pack some comfortable walking shoes!

What to do in July:

1.      Watch a concert

·        Cheap Trick | July 6th

·        Paul McCartney | July 10th

·        Seal | July 12th, 13th

·        Shawn Mendes | July 13th, 14th

·        Rick Springfield/Tommy Tutone | July 13th

·        Adam Lambert/Queen | July 14th

·        Slash | July 15th

·        Beck / Cage the Elephant | July 16th

·        The Raconteurs | July 23rd, 24th

·        Pat Benatar/Melissa Etheridge | July 23rd

·        Rascal Flatts | July 25th

·        Bowling for Soup/Reel Big Fish | July 25th

·        Slipknot | July 26th

·        Styx | July 30th

·        Michael McDonald | July 30th

2.     Summer and Baseball go hand and hand. Remember the Bay Area has two great teams to watch: The San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics

3.     Want to get out of the heat?  How about a play? The SF Playhouse is located in our building!  Cabaret is playing through September 14^th  – Get $10 Off with your Room key.   Also enjoy Happy Hour Tuesday – Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 and on Friday’s from 5:30 to 7:30 for Small bits, Discount on Beverages, and Complimentary Snack Baskets.

4.     Avid Runner? Don’t miss the San Francisco Marathon – Sunday July 28^th – www.thesfmarathon.com

5.     Celebrate Independence Day – www.pier39.com 

6.     Attend Union Square Live – www.unionsquarelive.org

June 1^st marks the first day of Pride Month which celebrates everyone in the LGBTQ community.  Check out these local events happening in the SF this month!

• San Francisco Pride Run.   Saturday, June 29^th, 2019 – Golden Gate Park http://www.sffr.org/priderun.   The Pride Run benefits Gender Spectrum. Gender Spectrum works to create a gender inclusive world so all children and youth can develop their full, authentic selves. We work with youth, parents and families, youth-serving professionals, corporations, government and other institutions, and others to bring greater gender understanding and inclusion. www.genderspectrum.org
• San Francisco Pride Parade, Sunday June 30, 2019 http://www.sfpride.org/parade/: Starting at 10:30 a.m. local time at Embarcadero and finishing at the Civic Center. This is one of the oldest and largest LGBTQ parades in the world. It is expected that there will be more than 100,000 spectators.
• San Francisco Celebration and Rally at the Civic Center – Saturday June 29 Noon to 6pm and Sunday June 30^th 11am to 6pm.  The San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Rally is a two-day community festival in San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza. The Community Stages are a great way to experience first-hand the amazing diversity of the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco and beyond. The event is free, but they do ask for a $1.00 to $5.00 donation at the festival gates.

If you are visiting us during the month of February, you’ll be happy to know that there are many events happening at Union Square. Located an easy 2-min walk from our hotel, you’ll find fun activities to do solo, as a couple, or a family. 

Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime with Roots of Creation & Fayuca

Wednesday, February 6, 2019
From 8:30 pm – 11:59 pm

A Tribute to Sublime continues to channel the spirit of Sublime with a fury not felt for some time. What separates Badfish from other tribute bands is that they have replicated Sublime’s essence, developing a scene and dedicated following most commonly reserved for label-driven, mainstream acts. To learn more, click here.

Galentine’s Day Celebration

Saturday, February 9, 2019
 From 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm

Share the love! Treat yourself and your gal pals to a day of fun and pampering at Macy’s! Enjoy complimentary cold brew coffee and sweets, DIY custom charm accessories and more while you shop to find the perfect gift for yourself or that special someone. Take an Insta-worthy selfie at the Michael Kors photo booth and visit Coach for an exclusive Gift with Purchase and gift wrap station. For more information, see here.

Technique Class: Valentine’s Day Linzer Cookies

Sunday, February 10, 2019
 From 11:00 am until 3:30 pm

Buttery, flaky, jam-filled Linzer cookies are the way to everyone’s heart. Now they’re easy to make with our cutters and our favorite roll-out cookie dough. Join us and learn how to make them just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Tas Cru & his Band of Tortured Souls

Sunday, February 10, 2019
 From 5:00 pm until 10:30 pm

Raucous, rowdy, gentle, sweet, eccentric, quirky, and outright irreverent are all words that fittingly describe Tas Cru’s songs and testify to his reputation as a one of the most unique of bluesmen plying his trade today. It’s not for nothing that Cru has received wide praise for his songwriting.  As Downbeat magazine noted, “His songs are blues poetry – crafted with rare verbal flair and his ability to cast a memorable hook is magical!” Live, these songs are performed with power and passion as observed by Living Blues magazine, “The vivacity and sheer joy with which Cru plays is intoxicating!” RSVP and more! 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Farallon

Thursday, February 14, 2019
 From 4:30 pm until 9:30 pm

Join Farallon here in Union Square for a three course Prix Fixe Menu with wine pairing:

Three Course $95.00 | Wine Pairing add $75.00

Scallop Crudo
apple, fennel, crisp shallot, and tarragon
Sablefish from the Farallones
early spring vegetables & white sturgeon caviar fondue
Red Velvet Cake 
red velvet cake, chocolate mousse, vanilla bean ice cream, cocoa nib tuile. Reserve Now!

Bay City Blues w/ Chris Cain Special Guest: Nancy Wright

Wednesday, February 20, 2019
 From 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm

Bay City Blues is our tribute and exploration into the Blues genre, it is a special event in which we all get to help, share, & “Preserve the Blues.” Special Guest: Nancy Wright “Her tenor is, by turns, slathered with Noble “Thin Man” Watts Southern-fried grease, robust with King Curtis soulfulness and buffed to a gleam with pungent Junior Walker funk.”
– Frank-John Hadley, Downbeat

RSVP and more here.

Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade – 2019

Saturday, February 23, 2019
 From 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm

Named one of the top ten Parades in the world by International Festivals & Events Association, the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is one of the few remaining night illuminated Parades in North America and the biggest parade celebrating the lunar new year outside of Asia.

RSVP and more here.

Coeur de Pirate

Wed, February 27, 2019
 From 8:30 pm until 11:00 pm

Béatrice Martin, better known by her stage name Cœur de pirate is a Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist. A francophone from Montreal, she sings mostly in French and has been credited with “bringing la chanson françaiseto a whole new generation of Quebec youth”. She will be performing contemporary Folk music at August Hall.

Learn more here.

For more things to do in San Francisco check out our blog Stay and play in Union Square. 

Whether you are planning a day of shopping, just finished a business meeting, or are exploring Union Square, we would like to share our favorite dining destinations in the area.

Our  5 Favorite Restaurants in Union Square

Del Popolo

Location: 855 Bush St.

Looking for something casual but delicious? Grab a pie from this cozy bistro. What was once a longtime pizza-truck favorite, is now a top-notch restaurant located on lower Nob Hill. Easily the best pizza in the city, the mid-priced, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pies are this spots brick-and-mortar. The menu also boasts some excellent salads and seasonally changing starters, plus craft beer and wine.

Scala’s Bistro

Location: 432 Powell St.

Whether you’re taking a break from shopping, dining before the theatre, or just looking for delicious grinds, this Italian inspired bistro is bound to delight. From their tasty handcrafted cocktails to their French-accented menu you’ll be glad you stopped by.

Mensho Tokyo SF

Location: 672 Geary St.

Nob Hill’s popular Tokyo standout specializes in creamy, chicken tori paitan ramen.They also feature traditional ramen, tsukemen (broth and noodles served separately) and brothless mazesoba combos made with local ingredients and specialty items imported from Japan.

Gibson

Location: 1111 Mason St.

Tucked away in Hotel Bijou, Chef Robin Song crafts live-fire selections and a New American tasting menu. The casual yet refined bar and restaurant are designed to encourage sharing, community, and conviviality.

Campton Place

Location: 340 Stockton St.

This Michelin starred, the first-class restaurant is the perfect place to impress be it, special occasion or business dinner. The unique Cal-Indian cuisine is beautifully presented and made using only the best fresh ingredients, aromatics, and traditional spices.

For more things to do in San Francisco check out our blog Stay and play in Union Square. 

If you have a phone, chances are, you are on it a good portion of your day; I would venture to say that most of that time is occupied with scrolling through social media platforms rich with beautiful photo content. Am I right?

Whether you are a photographer, or a social media Influencer wannabe, creating beautiful photo content is something you take great pleasure in creating. You’ll be happy to know that San Francisco is one of the best places to get your photo fix.

There are plenty of photo worthy locations here for you to explore and take the perfect photo. And to make things easier on you, so that you can focus on your photography skills, we’ve put together a list of our favorite Instagrammable places surrounding the hotel.

Sutro Baths

What was once a large public salt water pool, is now a beautiful ruin. Established in 1896 the building which housed the Sutro Baths was destroyed in a fire in 1966. Today, these ruins provide a gorgeous backdrop to the perfect photo.

Located at 1004 Point Lobos Ave.

City Hall

Believe it or not, San Francisco’s City Hall building is the perfect Instagrammable place for photos. Built after the previous City Hall was destroyed in the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906, City Hall was rebuilt with steel, granite, and marble interiors. Come marvel at this architecture.

Located at 1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Pl.

Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies is an absolute necessity for San Francisco Instagram photos. From 710 to 720 Steiner Street, across from Alamo Square, the iconic Painted Ladies make up an inclining row of Queen Anne homes. Constructed during the Gold Rush, these colorful houses were meant to flaunt the city’s wealth. They are now a San Francisco picture staple.

Located at Steiner St.

AT&T Park

AT&T Park is a baseball park located in South Beach and is home to the San Francisco Giants baseball team. AT&T Park is perfect for sports fans and San Francisco lovers alike. You can even book a behind-the-scenes tour of the park!

Located at AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza

Lombard Street

This East-West street is famous for its steep, one-block section of eight hairpin turns. This crazy-twisty street attracts over two million people a year. Drive it, walk it, or just point your camera and shoot. Lombard Street is an artistically crooked marvel.

Located in Lombard Street.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is known for bustling tourists, souvenir shops, great views of the Golden Gate and Alcatraz, with stalls selling sourdough bread bowls filled clam chowder at every turn. There is no shortage of photograph opportunity at this location.

Located at Fisherman’s Wharf.

The Bison Paddock

Gifted to Mayor Dianne Feinstein by her husband in 1984, the Bison occupying Bison Paddock in Golden Gate Park are descendants of the original heard. Photos of these magnificent American Bison are a great addition to your San Francisco collection.

Located The Bison Paddock, 1237 John F Kennedy Dr.

Golden Gate Bridge

Of course, our list would not be complete without the iconic and Most Instagrammable place in San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge. Take your photo up close, or from a far from any one of these three beaches: Marshall’s Beach, Baker Beach or China Beach.

For more things to do in San Francisco check out our blog Stay and play in Union Square.