Showing posts with label Golden Gate Bridge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Golden Gate Bridge. Show all posts

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Alcatraz Island Named Only US. Destination In TripAdvisor's Top 25 World Attractions For 2015



 TripAdvisor recently revealed the winners of its 2015 Travelers' Choice Awards for Landmarks for both the U.S. and the world. Number 1 on the list for the United States is Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, which ranks number 8 on the international spectrum. 
The Top Ten Landmarks in the world, according to TripAdvisor’s 2015 awards are as follows:
1.    Angkor Wat
2.    Machu Picchu
3.    Taj Mahal
4.    Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
5.    La Sagrada Familia
6.    St. Peter's Basilica
7.    Milan Cathedral
8.    Alcatraz Island
9.    Cristo Redentor
10. Golden Gate Bridge

According to TripAdvisor’s description of Alcatraz Island, “For almost 150 years, Alcatraz has given chills to the innocent and cold sweats to the guilty. Having once been a forbidding maximum-security penitentiary, Alcatraz is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area [one of America's 407 National Park sites] and is this year’s #8 Travelers’ Choice Landmark. The roster of former Alcatraz inmates includes A-list criminals such as crime boss Al Capone and kidnapper George Kelly. Though it was considered escape-proof, in 1962 the Anglin brothers and Frank Morris infamously floated away on a makeshift raft and were never seen again.”

Visit www.alcatrazcruises.com for more information about Alcatraz tours
and to purchase tickets, up to ninety days in advance


Alcatraz Cruises is the National Park Service concessioner of ferry service to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, one of America's 407 National Park sites. Alcatraz Cruises hosts nearly 1.5 million visitors annually.  Alcatraz Cruises designed, built and operates the first hybrid ferry in the United States.  The Hornblower Hybrid’s revolutionary design has reduced fuel consumption by 75% and has already begun to be implemented in other parts of the country.  For more information visit:www.alcatrazcruises.com.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

San Francisco's Hyatt Regency, The Only Luxury Hotel On The Waterfront, Offers Explore Package And Walking Guide


- As the only luxury property on The City’s waterfront, Hyatt Regency San Francisco is offering its popular Explore Package in conjunction with a series of free walking tours.  This list of suggestions was accumulated with input from the National Parks, the hotel’s concierge staff and San Francisco tourism resources.

 “Explore” Package
Enjoy the excitement of the City by the Bay with the hotel’s Explore Package, which includes overnight accommodations in newly renovated guestrooms, 15% off food and beverage at Eclipse Restaurant located in the Guinness Book of World Records largest atrium lobby and two San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) passes, which provide unlimited daily use on the iconic cable cars, historic street cars, buses and trolleys.  Rates start at $229.

Walking San Francisco’s Most Beloved Destinations
Here is a summary of some of the most idyllic options for those that want to get out of doors while in the city-by-the-bay. Please read on…

Lands End
Sometimes considered the wildest, rockiest corner of San Francisco, Land’s End is a historical hike that begins at Point Lobos and is an ideal location to watch the spectacular sea lions bark on the rocks below.  This is a nice retreat from the busy city life where outdoor enthusiast can get lost in the dramatic cliffs, open terrain and 30-mile, panoramic views of the California coast. While here, hikers can also visit the ruins of Sutro Baths, a large public bathhouse that was constructed in 1896. There is also a Labyrinth, shipwreck remains and the Palace of the Legion of Honor to round out the adventure. This relatively easy hike is roughly 3.4 miles long and normally takes 1-3 hours. For more information, check outhttp://www.everytrail.com/guide/lands-end-san-francisco.

Golden Gate Bridge Walk
The Golden Gate Bridge is the icon of San Francisco and is considered to be one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. Luckily, visitors have the opportunity to walk across the 1.7 miles span of this bridge, which opened to the public on May 28, 1937 at a cost $35 million dollars. For those that want a longer walk, there is a trail up to Hendrik Point, which features a phenomenal view of the bridge and the San Francisco skyline. For more information, check outhttp://www.everytrail.com/guide/walking-the-golden-gate-bridge.

One Perfect Day in San Francisco
San Francisco may be as diverse a city as they come. The city boasts vast culture, art and history. For one perfect day, enjoy this 7.1 mile tour that will highlight  the locals’ favorite diversions. It begins at Tartine Bakery, which is one of the best bakeries-cafés in town. Next, Stow Lake, where adventurers can rent rowboats and paddle boats. For lunch, walk a short few blocks to check out the vicinity surrounding UCSF at Irving Street & 9th Ave where there’s a diverse group of several ethnic restaurants. Then, return to Golden Gate Park for a visit to The Academy of Sciences Museum, a world-class science museum that has visitors lost for hours. Finally, finish at Haight-Ashbury, which takes visitors back in time to the hippie culture of the 60s. For more information, check out http://www.everytrail.com/guide/one-perfect-day-in-san-francisco.

Downtown Architecture Walk
For those interested in a walking tour through the heart of downtown San Francisco, check out Crocker Galleria, Hallidi Building on 150 Sutter St, Wells Fargo Banking Hall, 111 Sutter St, City Group Center Greenhouse, The Crown Zellerbach Paper Co. Building and Shell Building. These buildings offer unique architecture that are not found anywhere else, and are considered to be some of the most important buildings in the world. Even though it’s only a half a mile walk, architecture buffs can get lost here for hours just admiring the beauty this historic area. For more information, check outhttp://www.everytrail.com/guide/san-francisco-downtown-architecture-walk.

Touring Chinatown
Tourists and locals alike are drawn to the irresistible charm that Chinatown has to offer. The entryway to this historic neighborhood features a green-tiled gate at the intersection of Grant and Bush streets at which point visitors are drawn into one of North America’s most populated Asian communities with the authentic ambiance of shops, restaurants, grocery stores, delis, bakeries, fortune cookie factory, tea and herbal shops, galleries, souvenir haunts and more. At 1.2 miles long, it’s the largest Chinatown outside of Asia. For more information, check out http://www.everytrail.com/guide/chinatown-san-francisco-walk.

Union Square and SoMa
Built in 1850, with a history from the Union troops of the Civil War, Union Square is the place to gravitate to for shopaholics, theater enthusiasts and people watching addicts. Some of the most reputable retailers include Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany’s, Williams-Sonoma, Nike and Neiman Marcus. Or, for those that enjoy the more exclusive boutiques, head to Maiden Lane for the more intimate, chic boutiques and cafes. Before or after shopping, take the cable car or head to south of Market Street (SOMA) to enjoy museums, park life, a great variety of food and drinks and several family-friends sites. To properly prepare for this outing, prepare for a half-day with a 1.6 mile long journey. For more information, check out http://www.everytrail.com/guide/san-francisco-s-union-square-amp-soma.

Reservations and Information

The above Explore Package is available through December 30, 2014 (with the exception of blackout dates) and is based on availability.  Rates will vary according to dates of reservations. For reservations and additional information, visitwww.sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com or call (800) 233-1234.

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