Hotel Manager's Picks

Greetings from Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco's #1 visitor destination. If you are planning an adventure to San Francisco in September, be prepared to experience a multude of fun attractions, things to do and see, and places to dine and relax. 

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

Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National, Paris
Be sure to see this one of a kind extraordinary exhibition of more than 100 masterpieces by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) from the permanent collection of Paris's world-renowned Musée National Picasso.

The once-in-a-lifetime exhibition is made possible only because of the temporary closure of the Musée Picasso until 2012 for extensive renovations.

The works on view comprise paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints drawn from every phase of the artist's career and demonstrate the wide range of artistic styles and forms that the artist mastered, including works from the artist's Blue Period; Rose Period; Expressionist studies, and Cubist / Surrealism.

At the DeYoung Museum through October 9, 2011.

Scala's Italian Bistro
Since opening in 1995, Scala's Bistro is a perennial local favorite where the menu has celebrated seasonal ingredients created in an uncomplicated and inspired style. Their kitchen produces an earthy and satisfying offering that allows diners to bask in the culinary delights of the Italian and French countryside.

Located just a block from Union Square, Scala's Bistro is adjacent to the historic Sir Francis Drake Hotel.

High ceilings with original elaborate design, richly colored floor tiles, a setting inspired by Monet's kitchen, and Scala's Old World atmosphere create a comfortable yet elegant ambiance. An eclectic mix of original murals, rich tobacco tones, gilt mirrors, white linen tablecloths and a semi-open kitchen produces the look and feel of a classic Parisian bistro. For additional information or reservations, call (415) 395-8555.

Maestro's Enchantment Arrives at Teatro ZinZanni
Relax and be prepared to be entertained! 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 - set in the nightclub of your dreams!

Experience an enchanting evening of trickery and illusion, dreams and divas, music and merriment guaranteed to mesmerize the beholder and tickle the palate.

Melanie Stace makes a welcomed return to the fabled Spiegeltent in a show filled with charm and fascination. Romance is reignited between master illusionist, Voronin and Madame ZinZanni played by Melanie Stace when she returns to the Spiegeltent with her mysterious 18th century circus troupe.

At Pier 29 on the Embarcadero, now through October 9, 2011. For further information call: (415) 438-2668. 

Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival
If you had to ask: what's so romantic about chocolate, you need to rent the movie "Chocolat" from Netflix. Okay, now that you've done that, plan a trip to Fisherman's Wharf September 10-11.

At Ghirardelli's annual festival of perpetual indulgence, treat yourself and a loved one to chocolate delicacies, sip wine or enjoy chocolate-inspired activities. This event is presented by Ghirardelli Chocolate and is free and open to the public. 

To celebrate its "Sweet Sixteen" this year, the festival will offer exciting interactive events, including chef demonstrations, live entertainment and activities for the entire family, including the now-famous daily ice cream sundae eating contests at the Kids Zone. Fun for the entire family!

At Ghirardelli Square. For more information call: (415) 775-5500.

Billy Elliot - The Musical
Plan on seeing this joyous celebration of one young boy's journey to make his dreams come true. Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls Billy Elliot, "... the most inspiring show I've seen in years."

Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising passion that inspires his family and his whole community. A big musical with an even bigger heart, Billy Elliot will enchant the dreamer in all of us.

At the Orpheum Theatre through September 27, 2011. For further information and tickets call: (888) SHN-1799.

Mapping the West Coast at the Maritime Museum
A world-class exhibition of rare maps, books and documents, dating from the 1700's to Lewis and Clark's era, comes to the Maritime Museum.

This exhibit traces many of the greatest adventures in history, including dangerous ocean voyages by Spanish, French, English and Russian explorers, the race to discover the northwest Passage, sightings of "sea monsters," and the very first contacts between Native Americans and Europeans.

Many of the documents tell dramatic stories in their own right, with references to explorers such as Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, Sir Francis Drake, and Captain James Cook, all of whom left their mark on the Pacific Coast.  Visitors may select a self-guided or audio tour of the exhibition.  Free admission.

Now through October 31, 2011 at the Maritime Museum. For more information call: (415) 561-7049.