A new year is upon us, sparking renewed desires to go, see and do. Perhaps that includes working one’s way through a pre-made bucket list, or perhaps it fuels the desire to discover agenda-free.
Either way, our January expert, Hotel Nikko San Francisco’s lead concierge Ernesto Cerrillos, has ideas for you to start the month (and year!) with a renewed sense of excitement to explore new corners of San Francisco or old ones you’ve yet to see. Cerrillos is a distinguished member of Les Clefs d’Or USA and the Northern California Concierge Association who is committed to exceptional guest service. His personal interests include photography and international travel.
January can be a slow travel month. How can visitors to San Francisco — and locals too — best take advantage of fewer crowds and better access to activities, restaurants and more during this time of the year?
Overall, January really is the ideal month for flexible, stress‑free exploration. There’s still some holiday experiences going on, plus it’s much easier to get last‑minute reservations at top restaurants and secure spots on popular tours such as Alcatraz Island, which typically book months out. You can take advantage of the shorter lines for cable cars, too. Overall, museums, neighborhoods, and viewpoints feel more relaxed, and hotel prices often dip. Cooler weather also makes walking the city’s hills pleasant.
What are your suggestions on how to spend a romantic day in San Francisco?
Start with a leisurely stroll through Golden Gate Park’s Botanical Garden and nearby Japanese Tea Garden (the oldest one of its kind in North America), soaking in the calm and greenery. Afterwards, rent a rowboat at Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stow Lake) for an intimate moment together. As golden hour approaches, head west to Ocean Beach to see the sunset; it’s cold near the water so make sure to bring a big blanket and some warm drinks! Watching the sun dip below the Pacific Ocean horizon, accompanied by the sound of waves, creates a slow‑burn, romantic atmosphere.
Any must-see neighborhoods or spots that travelers to the city won’t typically find in travel guides?
San Francisco offers many options that veer from the typical tourist attractions. Mission Bay offers a sleek, modern waterfront with peaceful boardwalks, calm bay views, and pockets of green that most tourists never explore. Closer to the Golden Gate Bridge, there’s the Marina District neighborhood with chic shops and restaurants, and nearby Presidio with its stunning coastal overlooks, eucalyptus‑lined trails, and quiet historic sites perfect for a January wander. Head to the Outer Sunset along Judah for surf culture, indie cafés, and wintery beach calm. For a serene moment, the Lands End labyrinth is unmatched.
What’s a “hidden-gem” place to go to dinner or grab a drink in San Francisco?
Ozumo, near the Embarcadero, fits this description. It’s been around for more than two decades, is upscale yet approachable, and combines modern Japanese elegance with a warm, polished atmosphere. The menu highlights premium sushi, robata-grilled dishes, and an exceptional sake collection featuring both classic and rare picks.
How about things for families to do in the city this time of year?
There are several museums in the city that are very family friendly and world-class at the same time: the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park which houses an amazing aquarium, a rainforest and live penguin habitat; the Exploratorium full of interactive hands-on activities; and the Children’s Creativity Museum. Kids love to explore Fisherman’s Wharf and watch the sea lions lounging and barking at each other at Pier 39. For chocolate lovers, explore Ghirardelli Square where you can score a nice cup of hot chocolate or a hot fudge sundae, and play a round of indoor mini-golf at Subpar with model-size San Francisco landmarks at every hole.
