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I recently went on an amazing tour of the wine country which included both Napa and Sonoma Valley. I was delighted that we could visit both areas on the same day with a bus tour. This particular sightseeing bus was a fantastic experience! We visited four wineries, three of which had no tasting fee at all. The other winery only charged $5 because we were with the group, and they actually waived the tasting fee when we purchased a bottle!
 Wine Tasting Our driver let us know what kinds of questions to ask when purchasing wine, and also allowed us to store multiple cases on the bus. We were very impressed with his knowledge of the countryside, and the excellent tour he gave us on the way to the wine country. He gave us history, culture, and much more than what we were hoping for. He also stopped in Sonoma Square for lunch which was an excellent choice. We had heard so much about the square, and were excited to try more tasting rooms. Plus we got to check out some of the shopping they had to offer. I really like the fact that there are upscale and casual restaurants to choose from in Sonoma square.
It’s great that we had such a great variety of options available to us. Each winery also gave us an amazing tour of their properties, also explaining some history and culture which we enjoyed greatly. There were also options to upgrade to a reserve tasting.
By Michelle K.
A once modest establishment of 1863 enhanced to extravagance then brought to its demise by a fire during an attempted remodel of 1907. The Cliff House now stands once again overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, Seal Rock and the memories of the recreation and attractions that gathered the area. Built Originally by Charles Butler in 1863 located in the area referred to as Lands End, Cliff House attracted the upper class looking for beautiful views as well as other recreation such as horse racing made available by the construction of the toll road. After the remodeling of Adolph Sutro the enormous French Château like structure, referred to as “The Gingerbread Palace,” provided fine dining, dancing and entertainment in a more elegant fashion. Withstanding the destruction of the 1906 earthquake sadly the chateau was brought to the ground in a fire one short year later. Within 2 years Sutros’ daughter had the building reconstructed and although considerably more modest continued to attract those of all classes.
The structure today remains similar in appearance as of the latest construction, although there have been a number of interior and exterior remodeling. In fact after becoming a part of the Golden Gate Nation Recreation Area extensive renovation was required to preserve the historic elegance and atmosphere. The area surrounding provides easy access to the historic remains of The Sutro Baths, the sands of Ocean Beach and views of Seal rock. You will also find the memory of those with the luxury of attending the festivities of the past in autographed photos lining the interior. In short fine dining, dancing and entertainment overlooking the vast depths of the Pacific Ocean and infinite skyline will forever remain the memory of The Cliff House.
By Jamie D.
Stop A2 on City Sightseeing Hop on Hop off Bus Downtown Loop takes you to the Filbert Street Steps. Located at Filbert and Sansome streets, the Filbert Steps are said to be one of the most famous stairways of San Francisco. The length of the steps and the magnificent garden views they provide is truly impressive. It is great way to explore Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill.
 Coit Tower The first part of the staircase is concrete and it rises steeply up the hill. Look out for The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, a flock of once domestic parrots, made famous by the documentary of the same name. On either side are wonderful gardens with the houses set back. Behind, you can see the bay, Treasure Island and the Bay Bridge. Near the top is a boardwalk with the name Darrell Place. There is a sign there that says “in appreciation of Grace Merchant for her unselfish, devoted energy in the beautification of Filbert Gardens.”
At the top of the steps is Montgomery Street. The Art Deco building there has a huge panel depicting a man holding a globe on his shoulder. There is also a picture of Humphrey Bogart in a second floor window. This is the location of his film,costarring Lauren Bacall, called “Dark Passage” made in 1947. On the opposite side of the road just to the right is a small mural of a toy poodle called Ginger.
There are roughly 450 steps from Levi Plaza up to the top. The view is incredible with the Transamerica Pyramid rising majestically to the south and the Ferry Building looks tiny in the distance. From the other side looking north are fantastic views of Angel Island and Alcatraz.
By Leif A.
 Parrots on Telegraph Hill
I had the privilege of taking the Night Tour with City Sightseeing in late August. I didn’t expect much but what I got was rather surprising. The tour began in its usual fashion with the florescent bright red bus corralling tourist into jumping on to see the sights. The driver and tour guide preparing to dazzle the crowd with witty banter in their own specific way of delivering what will undoubtedly be pretty entertaining.
 San FranciscoNight Tour The tour didn’t take long to become worth the time. Within minutes we were dicing through Victorian neighborhoods one minute and Edwardian neighborhoods the next. Steven the Tour Guide was quite knowledgeable and very impressive until we stared going down Bush street and passed the world renown Nob Hill Hotels, Grace Cathedral and The Pacific Union California Club.
The conversation quickly went to famous celebrities and the Original Double Mint Twins. Then, right before your eyes, the Twins appeared at a Cafe, waving at the bus as we passed by. It was almost surreal. Steven explained to us that the Cafe they were at, was actually an Italian Restaurant named Uncle Vito’s and the twins get to eat for free when they wear the matching cowboy outfits.
As we continued, in front of us was the financial district with all its grandeur when the Ferry Terminal suddenly appeared… and that clock centered on the tower that hasn’t worked since the earthquake of 1989, was staring us in the face. The backdrop , the north bay and Treasure Island with the San Francisco Bay bridge balancing the aesthetics. This tour was getting rave reviews from the people on board when we took a sharp left and just waited for the next surprise. and there it was. Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge polishing off the tour. Steven reminded us that a major effort had been put in place nearly 20 years ago to beautify downtown along the Embarcadero to encourage the locals come and spend time on wharf. Apparently it worked because I was supremely impressed with the number of people I saw rummaging through the Farmers market, hanging out on the Piers and riding their bicycles along the Embarcadero. No other city from my knowledge compares to what the city of San Francisco provides for California.
By Daniel T.
Hawaii! Why travel 5000 miles for a getaway, when we have the most beautiful and scenic mile long beach right here in San Francisco. Baker Beach lies at the foot of the rugged serpentine cliffs on the Presidio shoreline, a fantastic place for sunbathing, picnicking and people watching, with priceless and spectacular views of Golden Gate Bridge.
 Baker Beach in San Francisco On a warm fall day, which is the true San Francisco summer time, with the sun shining bright and the waves lapping at the shore, you see sun seeking college students playing hooky, sprawled out on beach mats, big dogs and small dogs racing around and chasing Frisbees, toddlers running through the sand towards the waves and running back screaming, as the waves catch up and splash them. With ample free parking and police patrolling the beach at regular intervals, I cannot think of another more peaceful beach anywhere close by.
Did you know that just about twenty years ago and four years in a row from 1986-1990, the north end of Baker Beach was the original site for the Burning Man Art Festival. This festival was moved to Black Rock Nevada in 1990, as the San Francisco police would not allow the burning of the large statue on the beach. This same north end of Baker Beach has the dubious distinction of being the only “clothing optional” beach in and near San Francisco. Look to your left and you see million dollar mansions on the edge of Seacliff. Look straight ahead and you will see cargo ships and cruise ships crossing the commercial channel connecting the Bay and the Pacific Ocean. And every so often there are sightings of dolphins playing in the water. Yes, there has also been one fatal shark attack in 1959 and we have learnt to respect Mother Nature and its fury. There is history and there is awesome beauty – all in one at Baker Beach, nature’s gift to this fabulous city.
By Maria M.
Golden Gate Park is the third most visited city park in the United States after Central Park in New York City and Lincoln Park in Chicago. In the 1860’s the Golden Gate Park in San Francisco was known as the Outside Lands due to its unpromising sand and shore dunes. The main goal for creating the Golden Gate Park was to attract housing development and provide for the westward expansion of San Francisco.
 Conservatory Of Flowers California’s first State Engineer William Hammond Hall became commissioner of the Golden Gate Park in 1871. Due to budget constraints and the positioning of the Arboretum and the Concourse ended the plan of the Golden Gate Park in 1876. The Park was then nearly exchanged for a race track favored by “The Big Four” millionaires of San Francisco, Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, Collis P. Huntington, and Charles Crocker. After much scrutiny, Mr. Hall and the rest of the commissioners resigned.
The original plan, however, was back on track by 1886, when San Francisco streetcars delivered over 47,000 people to Golden Gate Park on one weekend afternoon. Mr. Hall then selected his assistant John Mclaren as his successor in 1886. The first stage into building the Golden Gate Park was to plant over 155,000 Blue Gum Eucalyptus, Monterey pine and Monterey Cypress trees to stabilize the ocean dunes. In 1887 Mr. Mclaren scoured the world looking for all types of plant life that would survive San Francisco’s weather. When he returned to California he started planting all the seeds that he collected over the years abroad.
During his years at the park, the city wanted to build massive statues around the park. Since Mr. Mclaren could not stop them from building the statues he would plant enormous foliage all around the statue so in time you would not be able to see it. Long after he passed away at age 96 people would discover lost statues in the Golden Gate Park even one that was of John Mclaren. Thus showing he was not fond of statues invading his park. Not even of him self. One of the great rules Mr. Mclaren advised to the city was to never put up signs telling people to stay off the grass or forbidding people in areas of the park. He felt the Golden Gate Park was meant to be walked on and looked at by all.
 Academy of Sciences - San Francisco Adjacent to the Golden Gate Park is Haight Ashbury and it was the site of the Human be-in of 1967 preceding the Summer of Love. The Speedway Meadow located inside the Golden Gate Park is still used today for large, free gatherings. One of the largest gatherings started in 2001 is Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. Which is a free festival held in October. Some of the major features located inside the Golden Gate Park are Kezar Stadium, The Conservatory of Flowers, Music Concourse Area, De Young Museum, Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Gardens, Stow Lake, Spreckels Lake, Golden Gate Park Stadium, Bison Paddock, Windmills and the Beach Chalet. This being said, if you have a chance to visit San Francisco you have to explore one of the greatest parks in California.
 Visiting San Francisco Without a Car Many times friends and family who are coming to visit always ask if they should book a car for their visit. I almost always say “NO”. We are a fortunate destination City that has an amazing transportation system that allows us to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
Beginning from when visitors land at San Francisco International Airport they can hop on BART and take the subway into downtown.
Once downtown, visitors are told a must is to ride on the Cable Car. Sometimes waiting 30 minutes to an hour at the turnaround the visitors line up to participate in a San Francisco tourist attraction tradition. Nothing quite as spectacular as climbing up the hills of the City and coming down them to see the amazing view of Alcatraz and the Bay. I like to tell my visitors to ride the Hyde line so they can stop off at Lombard (the famous crooked street). It is also the perfect line for families to ride so they can end it with a stop at Ghiradelli Square for some of the fabulous Chocolate.
If visitors choose not to ride the Cable Car there is always the cute European street cars called the “F” line which go from downtown along Market Street to the Ferry Building finishing at the Wharf/Pier 39 area. Guests can also ride the cars to the Castro the ever fascinating Gay and Lesbian district.
The Muni “N” line is the one subway line that I feel visitors should ride. They can take it to the Haight Asbury (re-visiting the 60’s Hippie movement); Golden Gate Park seeing the Amazing Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Gardens, Conservatory of Flowers and the De Young Museum.; or if they want to see the Pacific Ocean the subway will take them all the way to Ocean Beach.
When visitors want to do a City Tour, or Wine Tour, perhaps visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito or Muir Woods I always recommend they book a tour with City Sightseeing. I tell them: “Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!”
As the air gets crisp and the sky darkens earlier, tourists and natives can be seen bundled up on the Streets of San Francisco. There is a magic sparkle to the air though as the city is adorned with holiday lights and decorations. Union Square, Ghirardelli Square, and Pier 39 all have magnificent Christmas Trees. Every year tourists and natives line up to see the various lighting of the tree celebrations. For those of the Jewish Faith a beautiful Menorah is lit in Union Square as well.
For kids there are so many fun Holiday activities. One of the best is to view the puppies and kittens in the Macy’s windows, which is sponsored by the SF SPCA. Every year they have cats and dogs of all ages on display to help raise money for their wonderful animal organization. Another fun thing to do is get bundled up and laced up with skates to twirl around the ice rinks at both the Embarcadero and Union Square. After skating perhaps the children might enjoy having tea with their parents’ at numerous special teas’ in the City. The Palace Hotel, Sir Francis Drake, Top of the Mark, Westin St. Francis, Ritz Carlton (Teddy Bear Tea) and Fairmont (Nutcracker Tea) all have something enjoyable to offer to families.
 Holiday Lights Tour in San Francisco One of the most magical things about the City though is being glided around seeing all of the lights and decorations thinking of the Jolly Old Man and his anticipated arrival. City Sightseeing is also offering a fun tour for families. An hour and a half long tour that starts at Pier 39 with a photo with Santa and hot chocolate. Each person also receives a goody bag as they get on the open top bus.
A fun activity for adults is an annual event called Santa Con. This is where adults of all ages dress in their version of Santa, Elves etc. It is an interesting time in the City, as Santa appears everywhere. It is nice to see on display that there is the spirit of Santa in all of us!
Who knew someone could make such a successful career from sitting in the tourist filled streets of Fisherman’s Wharf hiding behind a eucalyptus branch? Well, Greg, our beloved bush man did just that, and to the tune of over $60,000 per year. Such is his fame here in San Francisco that now he will rub shoulders with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in our Wax museum on Fisherman’s Wharf, where his wax figure was unveiled November 13, 2011.
The bushman’s act is very simple. He hides behind his eucalyptus branch and preys on unsuspecting passers-by, jumping out from behind his branch startling his prey and collecting his suggested donation for his own success. Once you have been frightened by the bushman you owe it to him to credit his act and donate to his cause. He has become quite a legend of Fisherman’s Wharf, as his skill for startling people is quite incredible. Often crowds will gather in his vicinity to watch the hilarious, contorted faces of the innocent tourists leaping in fright as he pops out to scare them!
A legend of Fisherman’s Wharf and the Bay area, the bush man’s unique career path has kept him and us entertained for over 32 years, a tall feat for any career. Unfortunately, the time has come for him to pack up his Eucalyptus branch and camouflage clothing and move on. We as tour operators and San Franciscans are delighted to have him and wish him all the best in his upcoming, well deserved retirement.
By Morgan
Cirque du Soleil has done it again… and this time, in San Francisco! The Canadian circus arts company brings together performing artists or all kinds from around the globe to create a one-of-a-kind experience for viewers. Their new show “Totem” has an underlying theme of evolution, which has been somewhat controversial but perfect for the pro-nature, forward-thinking city of San Francisco.
 Bay Bridge The show begins with what looks like a disco ball slowly being lowered onto the stage. The disco ball unfurls to become a beautiful mirrored creature, as the stage lights up and amphibian-like acrobats perform to tribal music. If the opening act wasn’t enough to wow your socks off, the show continues with everything from trapeze artists and clowns to a romantic roller skating routine. The roller skating pair (Massimiliano Medini and Denise Garcia-Sorta) are not only lovers in real life but childhood sweethearts, and it certainly shows in their performance.
Another pair of star-crossed lovers (played by Rosalie Ducharme and Louis-David Simoneau) performs a trapeze act conveying a childlike love that melts the hearts of viewers. Each act is so thoughtfully choreographed and flows so well from one to the next that you wonder how they’ve done this for 27 years and still managed to make each show so spectacular.
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