Vacationing in San Francisco in July? First, welcome to our gorgeous city, and second, July in the city is not only exciting, but can be wonderfully sunny and foggy on the same day, so pack well!
You are in the right spot for the inside scoop: Concierge Corner, our series where we ask hotel concierges how to get the most out of a visit to the Bay Area.
In this month’s Concierge Corner, we checked in with Darlene Domingo, a concierge at the 1 Hotel San Francisco, located right on the Embarcadero with glorious views of our world-famous bay. Read on for Domingo’s best tips!
Not only is Domingo a native San Franciscan, she’s also an avid dog lover. She found her calling as a concierge at her first job at the historic Westin St. Francis, and has worked as a concierge at other fine hotels ever since. She brings her passion to the dog-friendly 1 Hotel San Francisco, and the best thing about her job is the joy she experiences when four-legged furry guests show up. It always put the biggest smile on her face!
In her free time, Domingo enjoys taking her own fur babies out and about in the Bay Area and discovering new pet-friendly places to visit.
What’s special about visiting San Francisco in the summer?
While summer in much of the country, including parts of the Bay Area, brings high temperatures and humidity, San Francisco offers a pleasant and temperate escape. Visitors should be prepared for cooler weather and the possibility of fog rolling in at any time by always having a jacket or sweatshirt on hand.
The city’s ideal weather invites exploration, whether by bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, a leisurely stroll through Golden Gate Park, or a refreshing toe dip in the Pacific Ocean at San Francisco’s edge.
What are the must-see neighborhoods for visitors?
One of my favorite San Francisco neighborhoods is Pacific Heights/Fillmore Street. Architectural enthusiasts will also appreciate wandering the streets of Pacific Heights to admire the iconic Victorian and Edwardian grand mansions and the diverse architectural styles the area is known for.
What about furry companions? Can you bring them along?
Yes! As a dog mom, I love taking my pups on “field trips” and find that well-behaved dogs are welcome at many places. A number of San Francisco’s hotels are pup-friendly—including ours!—as well as shops and boutiques. Alta Plaza Park is perfect for tiring out your fur baby with some hiking and off-leash play. Afterward, head to Fillmore Street to enjoy treats from several pet-friendly cafes and bars. My favorite spots are Jane for baked goods and lunch, and The Snug for a craft cocktail or glass of wine.
Everyone loves hidden gems. What are some new or underrated spots that shouldn’t be missed?
For starters, Ina Coolbrith Park, located at the intersection of Vallejo and Taylor streets, is a hidden gem offering sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and city.
On Saturdays, discover the vibrant mural art of the Mission District with guided tours of Balmy and Clarion alleys, offered by the Precita Eyes Project. These tours showcase stunning works by leading modern muralists, highlighting the significant contributions of Latin cultures and more.
Explore the Filbert Steps and Grace Marchant Gardens: Starting near the intersection of Filbert Street and Sansome Street, take the steps leading through a lush garden area. Not only are the views of the city and the bay incredible, you may even encounter a flock of the world-famous wild parrots of Telegraph Hill!
What about the best way to spend a romantic evening in San Francisco?
For an iconic sunset, head towards Ocean Beach, especially on a clear evening. Make it an oceanside dinner by grabbing provisions from Palm City Wines, which offers an excellent and eclectic selection of savory sandwiches and mezes. It’s an easy stroll down to the newly opened Ocean Beach Park, where you can find a cozy spot to spread out and enjoy a romantic and amazing sunset, toasting the end of another magical day!
What’s the best place to grab an iconic and/or summer themed drink?
It doesn’t get any more iconic than the Tonga Room at the Fairmont Hotel. How many hotels have a lagoon built in the hotel with timed tropical rain showers and a live band for dancing? Their Mai Tai is famous and a must-try, and they offer a terrific happy hour on Wednesdays through Fridays featuring a buffet of Pacific Rim influenced appetizers.
Best summer season activities for families?
If your family enjoys professional sports, San Francisco offers top-tier baseball and basketball teams. Planning to attend a San Francisco Giants game? Consider booking a pre-game, one-hour tour of Oracle Park. These tours allow you to bypass general admission lines, enter the ballpark before gates open to the public, and watch team warmups from various vantage points on the field.
For a unique and enjoyable experience, book a private day or evening tour of San Francisco with Lucky TukTuk Tours. The colorful tuk tuk vehicles, a popular form of transportation in parts of Asia, can accommodate up to six people and offer customizable tours tailored to your family’s interests.
