February is one of the best times to visit San Francisco, as you can explore the Golden City’s iconic sights without battling the huge crowds. If you’re looking for things to do during your stay in San Francisco, below are some options. For even more, visit https://www.sftravel.com/.
Attractions
- The Golden Gate Bridge: No visit to San Francisco is complete without seeing this iconic landmark. You can walk, bike, or drive across the 1.7-mile-long suspension bridge that connects San Francisco and Marin County. Enjoy the stunning views of the bay, the city skyline, and the Pacific Ocean. You can also visit the Golden Gate Bridge Visitor Center to learn more about the history and engineering of the bridge.
- Chinatown: The oldest and largest Chinatown in North America, with a rich cultural and historical heritage. You can stroll along the colorful streets, visit the temples and shops, sample the authentic cuisine, and join the festivals and events.
- Cable Car Museum: A unique and fascinating museum that tells the story of the cable car system, which is a historic and iconic feature of San Francisco. You can learn about the history, the technology, and the operation of the cable cars, as well as see the actual cables and machinery that power them. You can also view the vintage cable cars and the memorabilia on display. The museum is located in Nob Hill, which is about a mile and a half away from the Moscone Center. You can take a cable car or a bus to get there.
- Coit Tower: This 210-foot-tall tower stands on top of Telegraph Hill, offering a panoramic view of the city and the bay. It was built in 1933 as a tribute to the firefighters of San Francisco, and it features a series of murals that depict the life and the history of the city. You can take an elevator to the observation deck, or climb the Filbert Steps to the tower. You can also enjoy the gardens, the wildlife, and the neighborhood around the tower. Coit Tower is about two miles away from the Moscone Center, and you can take a bus or a bike to get there.
- Fisherman’s Wharf: This waterfront district is one of the most popular tourist destinations in San Francisco. You can enjoy the lively atmosphere, the seafood restaurants, the souvenir shops, and the street performers. You can also visit some of the attractions nearby, such as Pier 39, where you can see the sea lions, the Aquarium of the Bay, where you can see the marine life, and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, where you can see the historic ships.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: Near the Moscone Center, Yerba Buena Gardens is home to the country’s second-largest memorial to Martin Luther King Jr., a 50-foot-high sculptural waterfall fountain. Water cascades over a granite walkway, blocking out the city sounds and creating a tunnel in which visitors can contemplate inscribed quotations from Dr. King’s speeches.
- Ghirardelli Square: If you love chocolate this is a must-visit historical attraction. Originally a chocolate factory established in 1852 by Domenico Ghirardelli, this square has transformed into a destination that beautifully preserves its iconic past. Today, visitors can learn about the rich history of the factory while indulging in chocolate desserts at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company.
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: One of the largest and most renowned museums of modern and contemporary art in the world, featuring over 33,000 works by artists such as Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, and Henri Matisse. The museum also has a sculpture garden, a rooftop terrace, and a library. Open at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Tuesday and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, closed on Wednesday. The museum is located next to the Moscone Center, making it an easy and enriching visit.
Top Restaurants
- Benu: This three-Michelin-starred restaurant is the epitome of fine dining, serving exquisite dishes that fuse Asian and Californian flavors. The tasting menu features delicacies such as sea cucumber, abalone, and foie gras, as well as a signature dish of faux shark fin soup. The restaurant is located at 22 Hawthorne Street, a 5-minute walk from the Moscone Center. Reservations are required and can be made online or by phone. The price range is $$$$.
- Liholiho Yacht Club: This vibrant and eclectic restaurant serves Hawaiian-inspired dishes with influences from India, China, and beyond. It is located at 871 Sutter Street, about 1.1 miles or 22 minutes walk from the Moscone Center and 0.5 miles or 10 minutes walk from the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. The price range is $$$. The menu features dishes such as tuna poke, beef tongue buns, lamb ribs, and spam fried rice. The restaurant also has a tiki-themed bar that offers cocktails, beer, and wine.
- Rich Table: A cozy and casual restaurant that serves seasonal Californian cuisine with a creative twist. The menu changes frequently, but some of the signature dishes include the porcini doughnuts, the sardine chips, and the dry-aged ribeye. The restaurant also has a bar that offers cocktails, beer, wine, and cider. Rich Table is located at 199 Gough Street, about 1.2 miles or 24 minutes walk from the Moscone Center and 0.9 miles or 18 minutes walk from the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. The price range is $$$.
- Tropisueño: This lively and colorful restaurant is a great spot for Mexican food and drinks, serving authentic and flavorful dishes such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. The restaurant also has a full bar with a selection of margaritas, mojitos, and sangrias. The restaurant is located at 75 Yerba Buena Lane, a 5-minute walk from the Moscone Center. Reservations are not required, but the restaurant can get busy during lunch and dinner hours. The price range is $$.
- Yank Sing: This legendary restaurant is the place to go for authentic and delicious dim sum, the Chinese tradition of small plates served with tea. The restaurant offers a variety of steamed, baked, and fried dumplings, as well as other specialties such as Peking duck, crispy sea bass, and noodle dishes. The restaurant has two locations near the Moscone Center, one at 49 Stevenson Street and one at 101 Spear Street. Both are within a 15-minute walk from the convention center. Reservations are not required, but expect long lines during peak hours. The price range is $$$.
- Zuni Café: A classic San Francisco institution that has been serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes since 1979. The restaurant is famous for its wood-fired oven, which produces the iconic roast chicken with bread salad, as well as pizzas, oysters, and other dishes. The restaurant also has a bar that offers a selection of wines, cocktails, and spirits. Zuni Café is located at 1658 Market St. The price range is $$.
Events
- Noise Pop Festival: Enjoy the best of indie music, film, and art at this annual festival that features local and international artists. You can attend concerts, screenings, panels, parties, and exhibitions at various venues across the city. You can also discover new and emerging talent, as well as established and acclaimed performers.
- SF Beer Week: Celebrate the craft beer scene in San Francisco and the Bay Area, February 9–18, which showcases the diversity and quality of the local breweries, pubs, and restaurants. You can attend tastings, pairings, tours, workshops, and festivals. You can also sample hundreds of different beers, from classic styles to innovative creations.
- San Francisco Botanical Garden “Magnificent Magnolias”: Occurring in late January through March, be sure to find some time to view these spectacular blossoms. Magnolias are ancient flowering trees native to Asia and the New World. The SF Botanical Garden cultivates species from dozens of different climates, including the forests of the Himalayas and Mesoamerica. Find hundreds of blossoms, many of them rare and exotic, in the Great Meadow and the Camellia Garden.
These are just some of the many things that you can do and see in San Francisco while attending the Crohn’s & Colitis Congress. Whether you have a few hours or a few days, you will find something that suits your interests and preferences.
