May 2012 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 May, there are fun attractions to visit, things to do and see, and places to dine and relax.

San Francisco residents mark the start of Summer with the annual Bay to Breakers footrace which takes on the third Sunday of May. The name reflects the fact that the race starts at the northeast end of the downtown area a few blocks from The Embarcadero (the "Bay") and runs west through the city to finish at the Great Highway on the Pacific coast (where breakers crash onto Ocean Beach). The complete course is 7.46 miles (12.01 km) long.

The event is well-known for many participants wearing costumes, from elaborate to scanty, and has been officially the world's largest footrace from 1986 onward.

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

Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary
It's the 75th year of the Golden Gate Bridge this year and it's time to celebrate! Join in our 75 Community Tributes program with a variety of activities throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

For information about a specific Tribute event, visit goldengatebridge75.org and save the date of May 27 for the big celebration, The Golden Gate Festival!

During the month be sure to visit these Tribute events in our area:

The National Park Service is showing the film, “Building of the Golden Gate” in the theater at the Fort Point National Historic Site plus interpretive walks and talks in the parklands at the Golden Gate every Friday-Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm. The California Historical Society is featuring an exhibition featuring art work, photographs and historic bridge artifacts every day from Noon - 5 pm.

The 75th anniversary public celebration will be a spectacular event on May 27, 2012, spanning the waterfront from Fort Point to Pier 39. Major program venues include Crissy Field and the Marina Green; additional activities and events will be held at the Presidio, Fort Mason Center, Ghiraradelli Square, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Pier 39. While the Bridge will be open to auto traffic only and there will be no Bridge walk, there will be numerous vantage points and ways for the public to share in the Festival experience.

For further information, visit goldengatebridge75.org  

Quince at Jackson Square
Situated in San Francisco’s Jackson Square Neighborhood, approximately a mile from the hotel, Quince is housed in an 1907 historically landmarked brick and timber building. Quince features a daily changing Italian-inspired menu that celebrates the seasonal bounty of Northern California.

Chef Michael Tusk was recently recognized by the James Beard Foundation with the 2011 Beard award for "Best Chef – Pacific"

San Francisco Chronicle restaurant critic, Michael Bauer recently re-reviewed the restaurant and and in the process, upgraded the Pacific Avenue restaurant to a perfect four stars. It's an experience you shouldn't miss when in town.

Located on Pacific Avenue. For reservations call: (415) 775-8500.

U.S. Open Golf Championship
The 2012 U.S. Open Golf Championship will be played at the historic Olympic Club, held June 14-17, 2012. Four previous U.S. Open golf championships have been hosted at this venue, in 1955, 1966, 1987 and 1998.

This event presents golfers around the world with the opportunity to see the world's best professionals compete on this classic stage, and to play some of the nation’s finest public courses including Pasatiempo Golf Club, CordeValle, Pebble Beach, and Spyglass Hill.

Tickets for the 2012 U.S. Open Golf Championship can be purchased at www.usga.org/tickets.

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.

55th Annual San Francisco Film Festival
The 55th San Francisco International Film Festival runs April 19-May 3. Held each spring for 15 days, the International is an extraordinary showcase of cinematic discovery and innovation. Founded in 1957, the San Francisco International Film Festival is the longest-running film festival in the Americas. Held each spring for two weeks, the International is an extraordinary showcase of cinematic discovery and innovation in the country's most beautiful city, featuring nearly 200 films and live events with more than 200 filmmakers and industry guests in attendance and nearly two dozen awards presented for cinematic excellence.

Remarkably intimate for a festival of its size and scope, the International combines a range of marquee premieres, international competitions, hard-hitting documentaries, digital media work and star-studded gala events.

For further information and to purchase tickets online, visit festival.sffs.org.

Walt Disney Family Museum
Celebrating their second anniversary, the Walt Disney Family Museum's three historic buildings within the nearby Presidio houses 10 galleries 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 impressively portrayed through drawings, storyboards, 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 really 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 information and tickets call (415) 345-6893.