16 . MEETINGS | Never the same. Always San Francisco. NEVER THE SAME. ALWAYS SAN FRANCISCO. SAN FRANCISCO PACKS A LOT OF APPEAL INTO ITS 49 SQUARE MILES. Trips that start with business are often extended for a few days of pleasure before or after. Whether attendees are veteran visitors looking to experience the latest and greatest or they’re first-timers in search of classic San Francisco experiences, here are some helpful suggestions for activities sure to delight — whatever their interests may be. With these ideas, attendees can experience the city for a few extra days or a few free hours. de Young Museum ARTS & CULTURE MUST-SEE MUSEUMS, WORLD-CLASS PERFORMING ARTS AND MORE. FINE ART MUSEUMS OF SAN FRANCISCO — From 20th-century American art at Golden Gate Park’s de Young Museum to European classics and decorative arts at Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, San Francisco is home to one of the country’s largest art collections. The distinctive, elegant architecture of each museum only adds to the experience. ASIAN ART MUSEUM OF SAN FRANCISCO — Home to a collection of more than 18,000 art treasures and antiquities representing 6,000 years of Asian history and tradition, this unrivaled museum is a must-see for any traveler with an interest in Eastern cultures. SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART — Emerging from an extensive makeover and expansion, the esteemed institution reopened in May 2016 to unveil additional galleries of modern and contemporary art, sculpture gardens, outdoor terraces, a restaurant and more. SAN FRANCISCO WAR MEMORIAL AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Culture lovers will definitely want tickets to a performance here during their stay. On any given night, one will find opera, the symphony or ballet lighting up the stage. SHN THEATRES —The SHN Orpheum and SHN Golden Gate are home to some of the city’s biggest theater productions and touring Broadway shows. CURRAN — Almost a century after it welcomed its first Bay Area audiences, the Curran recently underwent a major restoration and renovation, reopening its 1,600-seat venue near Union Square in January. SAN FRANCISCO ICONS A FEW MUST-HAVE EXPERIENCES IN SAN FRANCISCO. ALCATRAZ — This island has numerous claims to fame beyond the Hollywood hype. It was the site of the first lighthouse on the West Coast, a Civil War fortress and, most famously, the federal penitentiary. Advance reservations through Alcatraz Cruises are recommended. CABLE CARS — There’s nothing like fresh Bay breezes and jingling of trolley bells as you ride San Francisco’s steepest hills aboard an iconic cable car. Enjoy this quintessential San Francisco experience on three different lines or learn more about them at the Cable Car Museum on Nob Hill. COIT TOWER/TELEGRAPH HILL — One of the highest points in the city, Coit Tower offers stunning 360-degree views of the Bay Area. There’s an elevator ride to get to the top and beautiful, New Deal-era murals at the base. Parking can be tricky, so public transportation is always a good option (from Washington Square catch the #39 bus). GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE — Experience a feat of modern engineering up close by walking, biking or driving across. Spanning more than a mile, the landmark bridge affords breathtaking views of the surrounding water and cityscape, especially on clear days. PALACE OF THE FINE ARTS — A legacy of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the Palace of the Fine Arts is a Marina District landmark. A stunning Greco-Romanesque rotunda with Corinthian colonnades rising from a lagoon, the building is a favorite backdrop for wedding photos. sftravel.com San Francisco Travel Association
San Francisco Meeting Planner's Guide San Francisco Travel Meeting Planner's Guide: Page 16
