We flew from London to San Francisco for out 8 day trip in the USA.  We took a taxi from the airport to check into our hotel, The Intercontinential Mark Hopkins, a traditional 1926 hotel in Nob Hill.  Located a the top of one of San Fransisco’s most famous steep streets it was just a 6-minute walk from Union Square and 1.2 miles from Ferry Building Marketplace. 

After a good night sleep we got up to explore the city.  It was St Patricks Day so there was a parade and we spent most of the day shopping and orientating ourselves.  It was Ross’ birthday so we went to dinner at Colibri Mexican Bistro to celebrate.

The following day we too a trip out to Alcatraz which was amazing and I can’t imagine visiting San Fransisco without a trip pout the famous prison. Read about our visit here:  A day at Alcatraz

We loved Fisherman’s Wharf which is home to Pier 39, a festive waterfront marketplace that is one of the city’s most popular attractions.  A community of California sea lions has taken up residence on the floats to the west of the pier and visitors line the nearby railing to watch their antics.

We almost missed seeing Lombard street. It is amazing – so steep as per the rest of San Francisco however so bendy. The views from the top are fantastic. It is such a popular tourist attraction that police officers control the traffic and tourists at the bottom of the street so both can safely go about their business. It really is a street to visit and walk up when visiting San Francisco.