1 Hotel San Francisco

San Francisco exists on a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, and Golden Gate Strait. Known for its steep rolling hills, it’s a gorgeous display of California’s diverse terrain. At Twin Peaks, one of the highest points in San Francisco, see the city from 925 feet above — boasting 360-degree views of the cityscape contrasted with lush hills and sparkling waters. Out in the waters of the San Francisco Bay, you’ll find a group of over 15 islands, including Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Farallon Islands, the man-made Treasure Island, Alameda, and beyond.

Surrounded by water on three sides, San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate featuring warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. While San Francisco's climate varies day-to-day, it remains temperate throughout the year — summertime temps typically range from 50°F to 75°F and winter from 45°F to 60°F. No matter the season, enjoy a peaceful morning surrounded by the city’s famous misty coastal fog and end the day feeling the fresh evening sea breeze on your skin.

The slopes and parks of San Francisco are bursting with mosaics of diverse flora. Stroll through fields of brilliant California Wild Roses, California Tiger Lilies, Poppies, Daisies, and Douglas Iris. Gaze up at forests of towering Coast Redwoods and navigate webs of Coast Live Oak branches. At the Presidio, over 260 indigenous plant species still thrive, while a dozen rare and endangered native plant species keep their legacies alive.

This coastal city is home to abundant wildlife. From bird watching to whale watching, there are so many opportunities to interact with the Bay’s diverse fauna. On land, we share the city with Tule Elk, mountain lions, bobcats, deer, and a variety of woodland creatures. Soaring through the sky, you might see red-tailed hawks, hummingbirds, sparrows, blue jays, robins, great blue herons, doves, countless species of vibrant butterflies, and so much more. San Francisco's surrounding waters are full of over 500 species including whales, seals, sea lions, dolphins, shrimp, oysters, and salmon.

With over 1,000 acres of natural beauty, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is the third-most-visited park in the nation. Spend time strolling through the botanical gardens alongside a number of glistening lakes. Right next to the park on the northwest coast of the city, you’ll find Lands End Lookout — a stunning destination full of winding trails, cluster beaches, and vibrant blooms. Just north of Lands End, explore the Presidio, a 1,500-acre park and former military base with a rich history and ecology. Of course, the San Francisco Bay itself is a stunning natural attraction you can explore through whale watching and island exploring. 

Surrounded on all sides by natural beauty, sustainability has always held a special place in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant culture. Two decades ago, the city passed a public Zero Waste resolution, aiming to divert waste from landfills and promote a circular economy. So far, the city has reached 80% waste diversion — the highest in the nation. The city continues to champion sustainability efforts and inspire the rest of the nation through green transportation options, sustainable and equitable food programs, and water conservation initiatives (on average, San Franciscans consume the least amount of water in all of California).