April 2011 Hotel Manager's Picks | Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf Hotel

Greetings from Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco's #1 visitor destination. If you are visiting in April, there are fun attractions to visit, things to do and see, and places to dine and relax. 

Marking San Francisco's sailing season's official opening day, the 95th annual "Opening Day on the Bay" Decorated Boat Parade, hosted by the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association takes place on the last weekend of this month.

The parade will feature over 150 historic workboats, fireboats, Vessel Assist towboats, classic and contemporary craft decorated to a theme. Boats can be viewed for free by the public all along the waterfront from Fisherman's Wharf west to Crissy Field.

A trip to our famous city this month will also allow visits to the city's major attractions without dealing with the crowds that are common during the summer.

One of the busiest and well known attractions in North America, Fisherman's Wharf is best known for being the location of Pier 39, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, the Cannery, Ghirardelli Square, a Ripley's Believe it or Not museum, the Musée Mécanique, the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf, Forbes Island and restaurants and stands that serve fresh seafood, most notably Dungeness crab and clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl.

Some of our restaurants, like Pompeii's and Alioto's #8, go back for three generations of the same family ownership. Nearby Pier 45 has a chapel in memory of the "Lost Fishermen" of San Francisco and Northern California.

To help plan your stay, visit our Local Events page on our website for details of some of the more interesting events that are happening in San Francisco this month. Regardless of what you have planned, enjoy visiting our beautiful city.

What's your favorite spot in San Francisco? Let us know at sheratonsf@ihrco.com or Share on Facebook.

Happy Travels ... Craig Schwan, General Manager

Walt Disney Family Museum
Now open in three historic buildings within the nearby Presidio, a total of 10 galleries are devoted to the inspiring story of Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," Disneyland and the global yet distinctly American company that bears his name.

Disney's story is portrayed through drawings, storyboards, a model of Disneyland, the narrow-gauge train built for Disneyland along with film clips, concept art, scripts, musical scores and cameras used by Disney and his staff.

Using a mix of historic materials and artifacts, Disney's achievements comes to life through innovative displays that include listening stations, interactive media, and more than 200 video monitors. Much of the material is being generously lent by the Walt Disney Company and private collectors.

Located at the nearby Presidio. For further information, call: (415) 345-6800. 

Teatro ZinZanni Presents Caliente!
Christine Deaver and Robert Lopez return to San Francisco to create new characters of Tres and Cinco, a brother and sister team who galvanize the troops with a Latin flavor and prove that, against all odds, "the show must go on."

In a storyline seemingly ripped from the current headlines, times are tough and the tent is threatened with closure. In the spirit of Chaplin and the Marx Brothers, pandemonium ensures when the kitchen staff refuses the pink slips. 

With only one night left to live out their show biz fantasies, our underdogs band together as "back-of-house" heads to "front-of-house" in typical ZinZanni style. A realtor with a heart of steel finds her inner chanteuse, the real estate developer turns into an aerialist, and non-stop entertainment is had by all. In the end, of course, artists save the day and the circus stays in town!

Set along San Francisco's historic waterfront, Teatro ZinZanni is a bewitching evening of European Cabaret and Cirque, Divas and Madmen, Spectacle and Sensuality with Live Music and a Gourmet Five-Course Dinner.

Now through June 19, 2011 along the Embarcadero. For more information call: (415) 438-2668.

Easter Cruises by Hornblower
Join Hornblower and the Easter Bunny for a fun-filled Easter Brunch Cruise. Relax and enjoy a bountiful buffet of all your brunch favorites and free-flowing champagne. For those who prefer dinner, the Easter Dinner Dance Cruise includes a four-course meal, accompanied by a live band and dancing set against twinkling city lights and legendary vistas. 

Both events are featured on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011.

Brunch boarding is at 10:30 a.m. with cruising from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Dinner boarding is at 6:30 p.m. with cruising from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Located at Hornblower Landing, Pier 3. For further information call: (415) 788-7020.

Napa & Sonoma Wine Country
The mesmerizing scenic beauty of wine country in Spring enhances the romance of both Sonoma and Napa valley. For a taste of timeless romance and some of the best vintages of wine in the world, journey north to enjoy the fragrance of wine in the air and superlative epicurean delights ... you will revel in the simple pleasures of being together.

Situated an hour's drive north of the hotel, Napa Valley is a great getaway idea for a weekend, although it is equally apt for a longer and more leisurely holiday.

You will be in awe of the many great wines, luxurious spas, and fine restaurants in Napa Valley, as well as interesting cultural events and the beautiful rolling hills and colorful countryside.

Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley together compose the traditional wine country of Northern California, often referred to as the vintner capital of the USA. A magnet for those who appreciate the good life, the area is famous for the medicinal hot springs and spas that soothe the soul and pamper the senses.  

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Spring Scavenger Hunt Extravaganza
Bring your friends and family to Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium and have a blast with this fun family show. Explore the most interactive Odditorium in the world through the Spring Scavenger Hunt Extravaganza!

Navigate over 400 exhibits in 18 themed galleries as you hunt for answers. Pick up the scavenger hunt form at our ticket booth to participate. Find at least 11 of the 13 odd exhibits listed on the form and you will win free admission to the Mirror Maze!

Find at least 11 of the 13 odd exhibits listed on the form and you will win free admission to the Mirror Maze! Presented now thru May 1, 2011.

Located on Jefferson Street at Fisherman's Wharf. For more information call: (415) 202-9850.

RocketBoat is Blasting Back onto the Bay!
Calling all thrill seekers! Climb aboard RocketBoat at PIER 39 for the ultimate high-speed adventure on San Francisco Bay.

Get blown away as you hold on for the most exhilarating ride of your life. Stunning views and a classic Rock n' Roll soundtrack add to the 30 minutes of fun. Never the same ride twice, RocketBoat is a BLAST!

Begins mid-April, (weather-dependent) with afternoon sailings.

Departs from PIER 39. For more information call: (415) 705-8200, or visit www.blueandgoldfleet.com.