We bring you 37 can’t miss things to do in the city by the bay….
Aquarium of the Bay Fisherman’s Wharf
Meet 20,000 amazing marine animals as you walk through 300 feet of crystal clear tunnels. Touch sharks and rays. It’s like skin diving without getting wet. Open daily except Dec. 25. Summer hours 9am-8pm. Most other times M-Th 10am-6pm, F-Su until 7pm. Admission $15.95 adults; $8 seniors (age 65+) and children (ages 3-11); $39.95 family (2 adults, 2 children). Children under 3 free. Prices and hours subject to change.
Address: Pier 39
The Embarcadero at Beach Street
City: San Francisco 94133
Phone: 415-623-5300
Email: info@aquariumofthebay.org
Website: http://www.aquariumofthebay.org
Extranomical Adventures, Inc. Fisherman’s Wharf
Explore San Francisco and the surrounding area in small, intimate tour groups. Offering regularly scheduled trips with unique itineraries to Yosemite, the wine country, the Sequoia redwoods and more. Now carbon neutral. TCP 18350.
Address: 501 Bay Street
City: San Francisco 94133
Phone: 415-357-0700
Email: reservations@extranomical.com
Website: http://www.extranomical.com
Hornblower Cruises & Events Embarcadero
Discover how breathtaking views, groumet cuisine and fresh sea air combine to make any event an extraordinary occasion. Offering the largest fleet of elegant dining yachts on the West Coast and more than 20 years of experience. Nine distinctive yachts, fully enclosed and climate controlled, can accommodate groups of 20 to 2,000. Full event planning and catering serice. Professional charter coordinators handle every detail.
Address: Pier 3, On the Embarcadero
City: San Francisco 94111
Phone: 415-788-8866
Email: sfsales@hornblower.com
Website: http://www.hornblower.com
Pier 39 Fisherman’s Wharf
There is something for everyone at Pier 39, one of San Francisco’s premier bay attractions: a festival marketplace with more than 110 stores, bay-view restaurants and a variety of fun-filled attractions.
Address: P.O. Box 193730
City: San Francisco 94119-3730
Phone: 415-705-5500
Email: groupsales@pier39.com
Website: http://www.pier39.com
Presidio of San Francisco Presidio
Formerly a military post, the Presidio is a National Park and recreational paradise featuring spectacular vistas, beautiful trails, and historic and architectural treasures. Come for a hike, a walking tour, a picnic, to view an exhibit or take a stroll back in time. Entrance and most programs are free; open daily year-round.
Address: 34 Graham Street
P.O. Box 29052
San Francisco 94129
Phone: 415-561-5444
Fax: 415-561-7688
Email: events@presidiotrust.gov
Website: http://www.presidio.gov
Alcatraz Cruises Fisherman’s Wharf
The official and only transportation carrier to Alcatraz Island. Guaranteed lowest prices. Advance reservations recommended. Book tours and print tickets on-line to avoid the crowds.
Address: Pier 33, Alcatraz Landing
City: San Francisco 94111
Phone: 415-981-ROCK (7625)
Email: info@alcatrazcruises.com
Website: http://www.alcatrazcruises.com
Angel Island Company Marin County/Sausalito
Several unique event sites only a 20-minute ferry ride from Fisherman’s Wharf. Angel Island Catering provides full-service catering, decor, entertainment and activities, including audio-enhanced, historical TramTours, mountain bike rentals and Segway Tours.
Address: 5757 – A Sonoma Drive
City: Pleasanton 94566
Phone: 415-897-0715
Email: goplay@angelisland.com
Website: http://www.angelisland.com
The Armory Community Center Mission District
The alternative event experience in San Francisco. Host an event in a former military fort in the heart the Mission District.
Address: 333 14th Street
City: San Francisco 94103
Email: dklein@ctbt.com
Boudin at the Wharf Fisherman’s Wharf
Set in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, two-story flagship building allows visitors to observe the bakery in action. Learn how sourdough French bread is made and why it cannot be baked anywhere else on earth. Complimentary trip to tasting room included with Museum & Bakery tour.
Address: 160 Jefferson Street
City: San Francisco 94133
Phone: 415-928-1849
Email: wharfevents@boudinbakery.com
Website: http://www.boudinbakery.com
California’s Great America Silicon Valley
Only place in Northern California where families can hug Nickelodeon® characters and enjoy the most rides, most water rides, most coasters and an 11-acre water park. Open April-October. Visit the Web site for pricing and calendar.
Address: 2401 Agnew Road
City: Santa Clara 95054
Phone: 408-988-1776
Email: jim.stellmack@cagreatamerica.com
Website: http://www.cagreatamerica.com
Conservatory of Flowers Golden Gate Park
Historic San Francisco landmark in Golden Gate Park since 1879 boasting rare tropical flowers and plans from around the world. Architectural gem with five distinct galleries. New event gallery provides a stunning venue for daytime meetings, private parties, and corporate events.
Address: 100 John F. Kennedy Drive
Address2: Golden Gate Park
City: San Francisco 94118
Phone: 415-831-2090
Email: info@sfcof.org
Website: http://www.conservatoryofflowers.org
Driven Raceway Sonoma County
Premiere indoor kart racing and family entertainment facility. Come experience European style racing with the most sophisticated and high-speed electric karts available today. M-Th 11am-10pm, F until midnight, Sa 10am-midnight, Su until 9pm. MC, V.
Address: 4601 Redwood Drive
City: Rohnert Park 94928
Phone: 707-585-3748
Email: info@drivenraceway.com
Website: http://www.drivenraceway.com
Filoli Silicon Valley
A historic estate and includes a 36,000 square-foot mansion and European-inspired gardens. Tu-Sa 10am-3:30pm, Su 11am-3:30pm.
Address: 86 Canada Road
City: Woodside 94062
Phone: 650-364-8300
Email: friends@filoli.org
Website: http://www.filoli.org
Fox Theater East Bay
The newly renovated Fox Theater is the centerpiece of the Uptown Oakland District. The historic theater is available to rent for corporate events and parties. MC, V.
Address: 1807 Telegraph Avenue
City: Oakland 94612
Phone: 510-302-2277
Fax: 510-251-8498
Email: contact@anotherplantetent.com
Website: http://www.thefoxoakland.com
Golden Gate Fields East Bay
Live thoroughbred racing with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop. For groups, meetings, incentive and leisure with great food, views and action. Admission for live racing Grandstand $4, Clubhouse $6, Top of Stretch $2, Turf Club $10-15. AE, CB, DC, D, JCB, MC, V.
Address: 1100 Eastshore Highway
City: Berkeley 94710
Phone: 510-559-7383
Fax: 510-559-7481
Email: jaldoroty@goldengatefields.com
Website: http://www.goldengatefields.com
Hearst Castle® Monterey/Carmel Central Coast
Publisher William Randolph Hearst’s 165-room estate was designed by noted architect Julia Morgan and built between 1919 and 1947. Daily tour times and ticket prices vary. Evening Tours during the spring and fall.
Address: 750 Hearst Castle Road
City: San Simeon 93452-9741
Phone: 805-927-2093
Email: jallen@hearstcastle.com
Website: http://www.hearstcastle.com
iFLY SF Bay Indoor Skydiving East Bay
Fun indoor family entertainment. Safe, freefall all ages. Simulated skydiving. Active, adventurous, unique, exciting, vertical wind tunnel. No experience needed, once in a lifetime chance to fly. M-F 2-1opm, Sa-Su 9am-11pm. Extended summer hours and holiday occasions. $54.95 per person, $49.99 discounted, holidays before 5pm. Ages 3+, under 250 lbs., not pregnant, good should, neck and lower back health. Group rates available. AE, D, MC, V.
Address: 31310 Alvarado Niles Road
City: Union City 94587
Phone: 510-489-4359
Fax: 510-401-5198
Email: travis@iflysfbay.com
Website: http://www.iflysfbay.com
Jelly Belly Candy Company Sacramento and Lake Tahoe
Free Jelly Belly Candy Company Factory Tours. See how the legendary jelly bean is made 9am-4pm. Retail store/gift shop daily 9am-5pm. Café, Sample Bar.
Address: One Jelly Belly Lane
City: Fairfield 94533
Phone: 800-953-5592
Fax: 707-428-2204
Email:
Website: http://www.jellybelly.com
Lucky Chances Casino San Francisco International Airport Area
Poker games, Asian games, Pai Gow tiles, baccarat, blackjack, 3-card poker, weekly poker tournaments, restaurants, bar, free shuttle from BART Station. Open daily 24-hours. Must be 21 or over.
Address: 1700 Hillside Boulevard
City: Colma 94014
Phone: 650-758-2237
Website: http://www.luckychances.com
Mare Island Historic Park Foundation Sacramento and Lake Tahoe
Tour Historic Landmark Naval Base (1854). Chapel with 25 Tiffany windows, mansions, 50,000 square foot museum (1855), weddings, special events, 3,000 acre shipyard. Call for advance reservations.
Address: 328 Seawind Drive
City: Vallejo 94590
Phone: 707-557-1538
Fax: 707-552-3266
Email: kenzad01@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://www.mareislandhpf.org
METREON Yerba Buena
Metreon is the first-of-its-kind entertainment center in the heart of downtown San Francisco. This 350,000 square-foot complex features an eclectic mix of restaurants, shopping venues, theatres, and entertainment destinations, including the West Coast’s largest IMAX theatre.
Address: 101 Fourth Street
City: San Francisco 94103
Phone: 415-369-6002
Website: http://www.metreon.com
Napa Valley Wine Train Napa County
The Napa Valley Wine Train is one of Napa’s most distinctive restaurants. Enjoy wine tours, wine tasting and great dining.
Address: 1275 McKinstry Street
City: Napa 94559
Phone: 707-253-2160
Fax: 707-253-9264
Email: sales@winetrain.com
Website: http://winetrain.com
Presidential Yacht Potomac East Bay
Berthed at Jack London Square. A living history memorial of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration; offering tours and history cruises. M-F 9am-5pm.
Address: 540 Water Street
City: Oakland 94607
Phone: 510-627-1215
Website: http://www.usspotomac.org
Red and White Fleet Fisherman’s Wharf
Founded in 1892 the family owned Red and White Fleet is legendary for its exciting San Francisco cruises. Cruise under the Golden Gate and past Alcatraz; enjoy sunset sailings and discover San Francisco’s sights and history onboard with headphone audio in 12 languages. Sailing daily. Golden Gate Bay Cruise $24, $16 ages 5-17, children under 5 free; San Francisco Explorer Cruise $36, $24 ages 5-17, children under 5 free; California Sunset Cruise $54, $36 5-17, children under 5 free.
Address: Pier 43 1/2, Fisherman’s Wharf
City: San Francisco 94133
Phone: 415-673-2900
Email: sales@redandwhite.com
Website: http://www.redandwhite.com
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum Fisherman’s Wharf
A collection of odd/unusual exhibits, interactive and video displays in 11 galleries – a landmark at Fisherman’s Wharf for 43 years and entertaining for all ages. Open daily. General admission $14.99 (ages 13 and older), $8.99 children (ages 5-12), $12.50 seniors and students (with I.D.) Prices subject to change without notice.
Address: 175 Jefferson Street
Fisherman’s Wharf
City: San Francisco 94133
Phone: 415-202-9850
Email: sanfran@ripleys.com
Website: http://www.ripleysf.com
River Rock Casino Sonoma County
Twenty-four hour gaming entertainment, a little over an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge. All the games you love to play in the heart of the wine country. Must be 21 years or older in the entire facility. Open daily 24 hours.
Address: 3250 Highway 128
City: Geyserville 95441
Phone: 877-883-7777
Email: chrisw@riverrockcasino.com
Website: http://www.riverrockcasino.com
Roaring Camp Railroads Beach Communities
Beautiful redwood forests, mountain meadows and historic Roaring Camp village provide the setting for steam and beach train rides, and nature walks. Check Web site for fares and schedules.
Address: P.O. Box G-1
City: Felton 95018
Phone: 831-335-4484
Email: info@roaringcamp.com
Website: http://www.roaringcamp.com
San Francisco Botanical Garden Society at Strybing Arboretum Golden Gate Park
There is always something new at San Francisco’s Botanical Garden. Stroll through New Zealand, the Mediterranean or Central American rain forests. The garden is a beautiful, calm oasis. M-F 8am-4:30pm, Sa-Su and holidays 10am-5pm. Tours M-F 1:30pm, Sa-Su 10:30am and 1:30pm, departing from Bookstore; W, F, Su 2pm, departing from North Gate. Admission is free, donations accepted. Special group tours, $6 per person, available with advance reservations.
Address: Golden Gate Park
Ninth Avenue at Lincoln Way
City: San Francisco 94122
Phone: 415-661-1316
Website: http://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org
San Francisco Zoo Sunset
A home to a variety of exotic animals. Visit the African Savanna; Grizzly Gulch; Lemur Forest; Penguin Island; Gorilla Preserve and Children’s Zoo.
Address: 1 Zoo Road
City: San Francisco 94132-1098
Phone: 415-753-7080
Email: marketing@sfzoo.org
Website: http://www.sfzoo.org
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Beach Communities
The world-famous seaside amusement park features the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, summer entertainment, indoor game arcades. Free admission. Call or visit Web site for hours.
Address: 400 Beach Street
City: Santa Cruz 95060-5491
Phone: 831-423-5590
Email: guestservices@beachboardwalk.com
Website: http://www.beachboardwalk.com
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Sacramento and Lake Tahoe
Northern California’s only combination wildlife, oceanarium and theme park will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2011 with all-new shows and attractions.
Address: 1001 Fairgrounds Drive
City: Vallejo 94589-4006
Phone: 707-644-4000
Email: evidal@sftp.com
Website: http://www.sixflags.com
Submarine USS Pampanito Fisherman’s Wharf
This restored, authentic, World War II submarine offers visitors an unforgettable experience. See how the crew of 80 men lived for weeks on end in amazingly tight quarters. Exclusive iPod audio tour features Pampanito crewmen. Summer hours: Th-Tu 9am-8pm, W 9am-6pm; Winter hours: M-Th 9am-6pm, F-Su 9am-8pm. Admission $9 adults; discounts for children, seniors and active duty military.
Address: Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 45
City: San Francisco 94133
Phone: 415-775-1943
Fax: 415-561-6660
Email: pampanito@maritime.org
Website: http://www.maritime.org
Tcho Chocolate Embarcadero
San Francisco’s only chocolate maker, making exquisite chocolates from pod to palate. Tcho is obsessed with making the finest, purest, most flavorful chocolates.
Address: Pier 17, Embarcadero at Green Street
City: San Francisco 94110
Email: larry@tcho.com
Website: http://www.tcho.com
Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf Fisherman’s Wharf
Every day of the year visitors can come face to famous face with the most renowned personalities of history, fantasy and today’s news! The Wax Museum offers heroes, stars, religious and world leaders. Open daily.
Address: 145 Jefferson Street, Suite 500
City: San Francisco 94133
Phone: 415-202-0402
Email: jguire@waxmuseum.com
Website: http://www.waxmuseum.com
Winchester Mystery House Silicon Valley
Tours daily of historic 160 room Victorian mansion, former home to rifle heiress Sarah Winchester. Twist and turn way through this beautiful, yet bizarre mansion. Open daily 9am-5pm except Christmas. Tours vary by price.
Address: 525 South Winchester Boulevard
City: San Jose 95128
Phone: 408-247-2000
Website: http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com
Yerba Buena Gardens Yerba Buena
An award-winning public facility, features a children’s garden, public art, museums, a historic carousel, ice-skating and bowling centers. Open daily sunrise-10pm.
Address: 750 Howard Street
City: San Francisco 94103
Phone: 415-820-3550
Email: info@yerbabuenagardens.com
Website: http://www.yerbabuenagardens.com
Zumba Gardens East Bay
Plants, water, art and whimsy come together in this East Bay garden. Playful, imaginative and fun in Oakland. Advance reservations only. Admission prices upon request.
Address: 11205 Ettrick Street
City: Oakland 94605
Phone: 510-703-8146
Email: raul@zumbagardens.com
Website: http://www.zumbagardens.com
