San Francisco is often called "Everybody’s Favorite City," a title earned by its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, diverse communities, and world-class cuisine. Measuring 49 square miles, this very walk-able city is dotted with landmarks and attractions like Union Square, the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Alcatraz, and the largest Chinatown in the United States.
The NAEYC Institute hotel, the Hilton San Francisco Union Square, is located in the Union Square neighborhood. Union Square is the heartbeat of San Francisco and its most visited neighborhood. Right within walking distance of your hotel are retail shops, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and theatres, all surrounding a beautiful urban park. Union Square is a wonderful place to enjoy an afternoon of shopping, indulge in a delicious meal, sip a cup of coffee at an outdoor café, catch a show, or just sit in Union Square Park and people watch.
The Golden Gate Bridge is the most famous bridge in the world and is said to be one of the most photographed things on Earth. Spanning 1.7-miles, approximately 120,000 automobiles drive across it every day. A pedestrian walkway also allows the crossing on foot, and bikes are allowed on the western side.
Since the late 19th century, cable cars have been transporting people around San Francisco. The cars run on tracks and are moved by an underground cable on three routes. Their familiar bells can be heard ringing from blocks away. Traveling on the cable cars provide spectacular views of the city’s celebrated hills, as well as, exhilarating transportation.
Alcatraz, the notorious former prison, is located on an island of the same name in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Some of the United States’ most notorious criminals were incarcerated there. Though several tried, no inmate ever made a successful escape from “The Rock.” The prison was closed in the 1960’s and stories about Alcatraz are legendary. A visit to Alcatraz today is fascinating. Recorded cell-house tours are available, allowing visitors to learn about the prison as they explore the buildings and grounds.
The entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street is called the "Dragon's Gate." Inside are 24 blocks of hustle and bustle, most of it taking place along Grant Avenue, the oldest street in San Francisco. This city within a city is best explored on foot. Exotic shops, renowned restaurants, food markets, temples, and small museums comprise its boundaries. Visitors can buy ancient potions from herb shops, relax and enjoy a "dim sum" lunch, or witness the making of fortune cookies.
Dining in San Francisco is an attraction in itself. Known as America’s best restaurant city, San Francisco chefs excel at combining the freshest local ingredients, authentic international flavors, and a touch of creative genius. Choose your cuisine – Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, Moroccan, Indian, Malaysian, Mexican, Greek, Russian or “fusion,” a combination of any or all of these influences.
