We LOVE San Francisco…
Over the past several years, our San Francisco vacations have begun with a BART stop at the Civic Center and a short stroll to the Renoir Hotel. Located in the Tenderloin, it sometimes receives unflattering reviews from Yelpers, but we love the corner rooms of this “flat iron” style hotel. The convenient location puts you in position for the best transportation choices in the city. The Renoir staff is always friendly and helpful.
Harry Denton’s Sunday’s a Drag at the Sir Frances Drake Hotel in the Starlight Room. A salute to old-fashioned variety 
shows Harry Denton and Donna Sachet are reviving the spirit of the drag show, picking up where the legendary Finocchio’s left off. Donna Sachet hosts each of the 45-minute brunch performances, showcasing the talents of a variety of San Francisco Drag Queens. The Divas will perform stand-up comedy routines, female impersonation acts and lip-sync performances. “This will truly be a magical experience,” says Sachet. “Whether you’re gay, straight, or anything in between. People won’t forget it!”
This classic brunch with an attitude, offers two seatings every Sunday (noon and 2:30pm), each limited to 100 people. The price of brunch is $44.95 per person, which includes: dazzling entertainment, brunch, coffee, tea, and fresh juices. A full bar is available and all adult beverages will be added to the check. Please note you must be 18 years and older to attend.
Enjoy meeting and having your photo taken with the stars of the show. Harry is there to meet and greet you.
Teatro ZinZanniNow is in its 12th sensational season, Teatro ZinZanni continues its blend of European cabaret and cirque artistry, intertwined with a five-course gourmet dinner. The show features an amazing roster of renowned singers in the role of hostess Madame ZinZanni (in July 2011 it was Joan Baez). Ukrainian illusionist Voronin, an original ZinZanni cast member performs his role of a mysterious traveler. Tickets are pricely, but treat 
yourself if possible. You won’t regret it.
San Francisco Architecture Walking Tour —
This memorable two-hour walking tour includes not only an introduction to some of San Francisco’s most famous downtown buildings but, you will also discover hard to find rooftop gardens, unique open spaces and historic landmarks. The San Francisco Architecture Walking Tour will be one of the most fascinating tours you’ve ever taken. Adults: $20 per person. Fee collected at beginning of tour.
2009 marks the 100 the anniversary of Alcatraz Island serving as a prison and with a new cruise that explores more of the bay, a new audio tour on the island and newly open sections of the cellhouse.
The tour has 14 daily departures to Alcatraz Island. There are two night tours on Thursday through Sunday. We strongly urge you to make your reservations online in advance. The tour leaves from Pier 33.
City Sightseeing ToursThey offer really fun and informative tours of San Francisco. The flexibility offers you the opportunity to jump on and off the bus at a variety of locations throughout San Francisco. City Sightseeing provides on-board tour (the other bus tours don’t) that share lots of trivia.
A word about public transportation. Muni Passports are good for unlimited rides on Muni, including cable cars. 3-day and 7-day Passports are good for three or seven consecutive days. Passports may be purchased in advance at several locations including San Francisco International Airport and the street car turnaround at Market and Powell Streets. Currently the Passports are $14 for a one day; $21 for a three day and $27 for a seven day Passport.
But…hold on…there’s another great way to see several San Francisco on your next trip…
CityPASS offers deep discounts including a Muni & Cable Car 7-Day Passport!
Purchasing a San Francisco CityPASS will save 47% on admission to six famous attractions. Adults pay $69 and kids (ages 5-12) are only $39. These passes are great because they not only save you money but you get to go the head of the line…that’s right…you get to skip most of the ticket lines. Here’s what you’ll get:
• 7-Day Muni and Cable Car Passport. Ride San Francisco’s Muni and world-famous cable cars too! The Muni will take you to all CityPASS attractions plus the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown.
• California Academy of Sciences admission. Explore this great aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum and four-story rainforest canopy – all under one roof.
• Aquarium of the Bay admission. Discover the amazing aquatic animals that live in the San Francisco Bay. Ginormous Sevengill Sharks circle overhead as you walk through crystal clear tunnels filled with 20,000 fascinating denizens of the deep.
• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art admission. Conveniently located in the flourishing Yerba Buena Gardens cultural district. Enjoy modern and contemporary art. There’s also a great park setting to enjoy a picnic lunch.
• Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure. Enjoy a fully narrated tour, sail along the Coty’s historic waterfront, past PIER 39 sea lions, underneath the Golden Gate Bridge, by Sausalito, past Angel Island and around Alcatraz. Bring a jacket and enjoy the sights! The CityPASS also includes your choice of:
• Exploratorium admission. This remarkable museum combines art, sciences and human perception into hundreds of interactive and entertaining exhibits
… or the …
• DeYoung + Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museum. The deYoung in Golden Gate Park showcases art from all continents and the Legion of Honor collection spans 4,000 years of ancient and European art in Lincoln Park overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. You can enjoy City PASS in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hollywood, Houston, New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Southern California and Toronto as well as the city by the bay. The HillQuest gals really enjoyed the variety of experiences that CityPASS offers. Our favorite is the Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museum. Thanks to Alma Spreckels for donating much of her personal collection. Alma is a story unto herself. Learn more here. Many San Francisco historians don’t like to give Alma credit for her contributions. It was Alma’s husband and brother (Adolph and John D. Spreckels) who gave San Diego’s world famous organ located in Balboa Park. Get to know her better.
There are so many things to do and see in San Francisco…you’ll want to return to this fabulous city by the bay over and over.