For December’s holiday version of Concierge Corner, we tapped into Timothy Quintana of the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, who is also a proud member of Les Clefs d’Or USA. With nearly 25 years of hospitality experience, Quintana offers deep knowledge, thoughtful service and a true passion for sharing San Francisco’s most memorable experiences. Whether uncovering hidden gems or arranging iconic moments, Timothy is dedicated to creating warm, personalized stays that reflect the best of the city. Here are a few of his recommendations for seeing the city during the festive season.
Best holiday activities in SF?
One of my favorite ways to celebrate the season is with Let’s Glow SF, an only-in-San-Francisco experience. Local artists light up our downtown buildings with mesmerizing projection art. Speaking of light, this year also marks the debut of Lightscape at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, an after-dark trail of illuminated art in Golden Gate Park. For a festive winter evening that feels truly special, pair either one of these adventures with a legendary cable car ride that stops at Ghirardelli Square for a hot chocolate.
Best family-friendly activities in the city during winter?
Union Square’s Holiday Ice Rink is a family favorite that stays open well into January. Whether you’re skating or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a timeless San Francisco tradition. The Exploratorium on the Embarcadero is another great winter activity to engage all ages, including its annual Glow exhibit taking place until late January. Of note, San Francisco’s downtown district has truly transformed in recent years, making it cleaner, safer, more vibrant and a wonderful place to explore with the whole family during the winter season.
Any new or under-the-radar spots that shouldn’t be missed?
A stroll through historic Jackson Square — a downtown neighborhood filled with art galleries, quiet charm and some of the city’s most stylish shops and restaurants. Just a short walk away, Transamerica Redwood Park is a hidden gem: it’s a serene pocket of towering redwoods tucked right into the heart of the Financial District. Both offer a peaceful, distinctly local side of San Francisco that many visitors don’t see.
Best place to get a seasonal or iconic drink?
For a festive drink with a bit of sparkle, check out The Bauble Bar, our holiday pop-up at Four Seasons San Francisco which is back for its second season. It’s a cozy, glittering lounge where you can enjoy playful seasonal cocktails in a space that feels straight out of a holiday movie. It is the perfect spot to gather with friends, snap a few photos, and toast the season in style.
What about the best spots for seasonal dining in San Francisco?
When the weather cools down, I always lean toward comforting, seasonal dishes and nothing hits the spot like a great bowl of soup. Sotto Mare in North Beach is an iconic favorite for classic San Francisco seafood, especially their rich, steaming cioppino. Lately, I’ve also been loving Lunette in the Ferry Building. Featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, the restaurant’s Cambodian noodle soups are deeply flavorful and perfect for warming up on a chilly day by the Bay.
Your suggestions for a romantic spot and/or ideas for solo travelers in the area?
For a romantic evening, Boulevard is a timeless favorite. With its glowing Belle Époque interiors and sweeping Bay Bridge views, it’s perfect for a special night out. For solo travelers, I always suggest exploring some of San Francisco’s most character-rich neighborhoods: wander the Castro for its vibrant history, go to the Mission for incredible street art and bites or visit Pacific Heights for stunning architecture and postcard-worthy views. Each offers its own unique slice of the city.
