If you have a phone, chances are, you are on it a good portion of your day; I would venture to say that most of that time is occupied with scrolling through social media platforms rich with beautiful photo content. Am I right?

Whether you are a photographer, or a social media Influencer wannabe, creating beautiful photo content is something you take great pleasure in creating. You’ll be happy to know that San Francisco is one of the best places to get your photo fix.

There are plenty of photo worthy locations here for you to explore and take the perfect photo. And to make things easier on you, so that you can focus on your photography skills, we’ve put together a list of our favorite Instagrammable places surrounding the hotel.

Sutro Baths

What was once a large public salt water pool, is now a beautiful ruin. Established in 1896 the building which housed the Sutro Baths was destroyed in a fire in 1966. Today, these ruins provide a gorgeous backdrop to the perfect photo.

Located at 1004 Point Lobos Ave.

City Hall

Believe it or not, San Francisco’s City Hall building is the perfect Instagrammable place for photos. Built after the previous City Hall was destroyed in the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906, City Hall was rebuilt with steel, granite, and marble interiors. Come marvel at this architecture.

Located at 1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Pl.

Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies is an absolute necessity for San Francisco Instagram photos. From 710 to 720 Steiner Street, across from Alamo Square, the iconic Painted Ladies make up an inclining row of Queen Anne homes. Constructed during the Gold Rush, these colorful houses were meant to flaunt the city’s wealth. They are now a San Francisco picture staple.

Located at Steiner St.

AT&T Park

AT&T Park is a baseball park located in South Beach and is home to the San Francisco Giants baseball team. AT&T Park is perfect for sports fans and San Francisco lovers alike. You can even book a behind-the-scenes tour of the park!

Located at AT&T Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza

Lombard Street

This East-West street is famous for its steep, one-block section of eight hairpin turns. This crazy-twisty street attracts over two million people a year. Drive it, walk it, or just point your camera and shoot. Lombard Street is an artistically crooked marvel.

Located in Lombard Street.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf is known for bustling tourists, souvenir shops, great views of the Golden Gate and Alcatraz, with stalls selling sourdough bread bowls filled clam chowder at every turn. There is no shortage of photograph opportunity at this location.

Located at Fisherman’s Wharf.

The Bison Paddock

Gifted to Mayor Dianne Feinstein by her husband in 1984, the Bison occupying Bison Paddock in Golden Gate Park are descendants of the original heard. Photos of these magnificent American Bison are a great addition to your San Francisco collection.

Located The Bison Paddock, 1237 John F Kennedy Dr.

Golden Gate Bridge

Of course, our list would not be complete without the iconic and Most Instagrammable place in San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge. Take your photo up close, or from a far from any one of these three beaches: Marshall’s Beach, Baker Beach or China Beach.

For more things to do in San Francisco check out our blog Stay and play in Union Square. 

Looking for something fresh and new for the holidays? Now is the perfect time for a San Francisco trip! The weather is still warm during the day, airfare is more affordable, and there is no shortage of fun holiday events to explore. From the traditional tree-lighting ceremony, and a Santa-themed pub crawl to Kwanzaa and Hanukkah events and parades, there’s something for everyone this holiday season. When you book your stay at the Kensington Park Hotel, you are booking in the epicenter of holiday cheer.

To make navigating the top holiday events easier, we’ve created a list of fun, conveniently located, events for you to enjoy near the hotel.

Find a Tree-lighting Ceremony
San Francisco is so in love with the holidays, they have multiple Christmas trees for you and the family to enjoy. When shopping in Union Square, you’ll see a tree in the center, and another at Macy’s, an officially nondenominational tree at City Hall, and another majestic tree at PIER 39. Union Square also has an ice-skating rink, so don’t forget to strap on some skates while you’re in town.

Head to Union Square from November 23 through December 3, 2018, to enjoy nightly events.

Go for a Winter Walk
Unwind with a Winter Walk around San Francisco and enjoy the lights, laughter, delicious restaurants, holiday cocktails and more in the bustling downtown shopping district.

Watch the Lighting Boat Parade
A holiday tradition since ’94, The Lighted Boat Parade on the San Francisco Bay is a must-see during the holiday season. Don’t miss the flotilla with over 60 holiday decorated boats, on Friday, December 14, 2018, from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Become Santa (SantaCon)
Are you more of a drink connoisseur, enjoy holiday costumes, or both? SantaCon may just be the thing for you! Beginning at noon Saturday, December 8, SantaCon makes its return to Union Square with thousands of revelers dressed up in holiday attire; think reindeer, elves and Old St. Nicholas.

You must be 21 or older to participate. For more information go here.

See a Show
Come to one of San Francisco’s major theaters for top-notch productions. The Curran welcomes Tony Award-winning sensation Dear Evan Hansen, Dec. 5-30, 2018. SHN will have both its houses full with A Bronx Tale at the Golden Gate Theater (Nov. 27-Dec. 23) and Bat Out of Hell at the Orpheum (Dec.4-23). And we couldn’t forget A.C.T.’s annual staging of their beloved adaptation of A Christmas Carol, Dec. 6-29, 2018.

Enjoy a Dance
The contemporary ODC Dance Company presents The Velveteen Rabbit, Nov. 24 – Dec. 9 at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Get Illuminated
Beginning Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, more than 30 dramatic, eco-friendly light art installations will brighten the block for the Illuminate SF Festival of Light. The annual display is accessible by public transit and is admission-free.

Tight on time? The best way to see the city is aboard Big Bus. Their hop-on, hop-off routes take you to all the major sights and attractions. During the holiday season, take their special Holiday Lights tour. You’ll see San Francisco’s festive holiday trees, trimmings, and twinkling lights. Enjoy jovial jingles along with a complimentary seasonal treat from Ghirardelli Chocolate.

Hanukkah at the Contemporary Jewish Museum
Come celebrate Hanukkah at the Contemporary Jewish Museum with an evening of dance, drink, and decorating during “Night at the Jewseum: Shimmer” on Thursday, December 6, 2018, from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Admission is $8 after 5 pm (includes Museum admission). More information here.

The Village Project Presents: Kwanzaa
The Village Project, a youth-centered nonprofit geared toward community building and diversity programs, will host events for its 13th annual citywide Kwanzaa celebration.

Each event is themed upon a different core principle of the Kwanzaa tradition—Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith)—and features a different performer each night.

For a detailed explanation of each of these special celebratory days, visit the official Village Project website here.

For more things to do in San Francisco check out our blog Stay and play in Union Square. 

This city is known for embracing people, culture, and art from around the world and the way that we typically celebrate one another is through our annual parades. We’ve put together our top 10n favorite parades and their dates, in case you are lucky enough to be visiting during one of these exciting events.

Chinese New Year’s Parade in Chinatown –February 23, 2019
Chinese New year, also known as the Spring Festival in Modern China, is an important Chinese Festival celebrated at the turn of the lunisolar Chinese calendar. This annual tradition is celebrated with a number of different events held around the San Francisco Bay area. The 2019 Year of the Pig Chinese New Year Parade will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019.

St. Patrick’s Day – March 17, 2019
Another highly attended parade and our second favorite is the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration.  What makes this parade so special is that it is filled with kilted bagpipe players, Irish dancers, proud marchers, big floats, and attendees wearing customary green clothing.

The procession starts at 11:30 am and lasts for about two hours.

Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown – April 13 -14, 2019 | April 20 -21, 2019 
Celebrate the blossoming of the cherry blossoms at one of three remaining Japantowns in the United States. Serving up cultural performances, martial arts, food, and fun!

Carnival – May 25 -26, 2019
Celebrate the 41st annual Carnival San Francisco with a two-day festival celebrating Latin American Culture. Enjoy traditional cuisine, dances, music, arts & crafts, and beautifully adorned floats. This two-day festival with be held May 25 and May 26 on Harrison Street between 16th and 24th  streets.

PRIDE Festival – June 29-30, 2019
For close to half a century, San Francisco has celebrated lesbian, gay, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) pride with parades. The Pride Parade is an SF tradition and the biggest parade in the Bay Area. The event starts on Saturday in downtown’s Civic Center Plaza and features over 20 community-produced stages and venues from Homo Hip Hop, to Gay Pride, and something in between. Don’t miss this event happening June 29-30, 2019.

Outside Lands – August 9-11, 2019 
Fans wait year round for this exciting festival. With an awesome vibe, fantastic music, food drinks, and artwork — there’s something for everyone! Located in Golden Gate Park, the festival continues to grow every year, so you never know what may develop.

Folsom Street Fair – TBD
This annual LGBTQ celebration is also referred to as, “The World’s Biggest Leather Event” which should give you a clue as to the attire and nature of this event. You’ll likely see outrageous people and extraordinary exhibitor booths along with loads of EDM music. That said, this parade is not for the faint at heart. This parade typically occurs sometime during the month of September.

Fleet Week – TBD
Take in the sights and sounds of Fleet Weeks annual airshow. Featuring military ships, live music, food and loads of fun! Enjoy this weekend-long event at the waterfront sometime in October.

Ghirardelli Square Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 23 – January 2
Visit one of the sweetest places in the city, Ghirardelli Square, for the Annual Tree Lighting which takes place in Union Square Park Between Sutter & Geary Streets, across from Macy’s. You’ll enjoy holiday performances,  a selection of beverages, and other holiday treats.

NYE Fireworks Over the Bay – December 31
Start the New Year out right with an amazing fireworks display at the waterfront, near the Bay Bridge. The show starts at 11:59 pm on New Year’s Eve.

After flying for hours and attending all day conferences, you’re ready to get your body up and moving, but what is available? You’ll be happy to know that San Francisco is full of active people like you who are attending classes to support their active lifestyles.

We’ve put together a list of some affordable and some FREE recreational activities for you to take part in while enjoying your stay.

YOGA 

Yoga to the People
This donation-based yoga class caters to yogis of all proficiency levels.  Enjoy one of their 60-minute classes throughout the day, ranging from 7 am to 9 pm on weekdays. Conveniently located on 16th and Mission.

Laughing Lotus Yoga Center 
Get your energy levels up and your chakras aligned in this vibrant yoga studio. Community donation classes occur weekdays at 2:30 pm with suggested donations ranging from $7-$16. Located in the Mission Dolores neighborhood at 3271 16th Street.

Yoga on the Labyrinth 
Upgrade from the typical four-walled yoga studio to the magnificence of Grace Episcopal Cathedral. Like your typical yoga studio, yogis of all experience levels are encouraged to attend the hatha yoga classes. Join the group Tuesdays at 6:15 pm with donations appreciated. Located at 1100 California Street.

BICYCLING

SF Midnight Mystery Ride
Are you a bicycling adventure seeker? Join SF Midnight Mystery Ride the third Saturday of the month, at midnight, for a tour of the city.

San Francisco Bike Party 
On the first Friday of the month bikers gather at Glen Park Rec Center at 7:30 pm. You’ll stop along the route for impromptu dance parties and get a chance to meet fellow riders.

Velo Girls
Calling all lady-riders!  Offering beginner-level morning road rides each Sunday, and midweek all-level mountain bike rides on Wednesdays.

RUNNING

Sports Basement Fun Run 
Head to their 610 Old Mason Street location every Wednesday at 6:30 pm for a three to six-mile jaunt. After the run enjoy drinks and snacks with your new running pals.

November Project 
One of the most well-known free workout meet-ups in the country. Start your week off with a 6:30 am Monday morning sweat sesh at Mission Dolores Park. Choose from a 5:30 am or 6:30 session at Alta Plaza Park on Wednesday.

Golden Gate Park 
Go it alone or with a traveling buddy to the Golden Gate Park; with over 1,000 acres of jogging paths.

There’s so much to explore as Kensington Park Hotel is it’s located directly next to Union Square, a shopper’s paradise. You’ll find everything from upscale department stores and boutiques to discount houses.  And after a recent revitalization of this area, there are many NEW and renewed places to explore. The historic venue, August Hall has been reborn — here you and your traveling companions can savor live music and entertainment. Drop by one of the many popular eateries like San Francisco’s own Bluestem Brasserie, or grab an adult refreshment from Eno Wine Bar.

Here are some of our favorite places for you to explore:

August Hall

August Hall was built in the 1890s as a Victorian Playhouse by architect August Headman and after decades and multiple facelifts, it has been restored as an entertainment venue with three full bars. | 420 Mason St. | (415) 325-5519

Bluestem Brasserie

Featuring familiar brasserie menu of fresh, simply composed dishes showcasing sustainably produced grass-fed beef from highly regarded purveyors. Savory items are balanced by a dessert menu of classic, brasserie-style pastry selections. | One Reba Buena Ln. | (415) 547-1111

Eno Wine Bar

Excite your tastebuds at ENO, San Francisco’s newest casual win bar, set in the heart of Union Square. | 320 Geary St. | (415) 678-5321.

Curran Theater

Built in 1922, the Curran has housed some of the biggest productions in theatre history and has maintained a reputation as one of the premier live entertainment venues in North America. | 445 Geary St. | (415) 358-1220.

Did you know that booking directly through the hotel, rather through 3rd party sites, can oftentimes help you save lots of money on your SF Hotel?

At the Kensington Park Hotel we always offer our guests the best rates when they book direct. In fact, using this link, guests can receive 10% off their booking.

Other ways to save are to:

• Check before booking whether your hotel of choice has added amenity fees. Amenity fees, also known as resort fees, can vary from $15/night upwards of $40/night. The Kensington Park Hotel does not charge any amenity fees. We also offer complimentary coffee and biscotti, sherry, tea, wifi & more!
• Book in advance! Rates tend to get higher as the stay date gets closer. Also, many hotels offer discounts for booking early!
• Check the specials page before booking. There are often special offers that are available on that page but not available on the booking engine.

Did you know that inside the Kensington Park Hotel hides one of the oldest Elk’s Lodges in the country? In fact, it is the longest continuously operating lodge in “Elkdom”!

While the hotel is open to the public, Elk’s members have special access to the Elk’s floor of the hotel. Elk’s members visiting San Francisco are welcome to visit, and rooms can be book their stay at the www.kensingtonparkhotel.com website.

Learn more about the Elk’s portion of the hotel here.

10 things to do in Union Square:

1. Eat
When you’re staying in a city that is a destination for foodies across the globe, your last concern should be where to eat. Attached to your own hotel is Farallon: a classic seafood restaurant with a modern twist whose coastal cuisine does not disappoint. And, just next door is Morton’s Steakhouse and Scala’s Bistro. Scala’s offers a modern Italian and French fusion vibe, while Morton’s provides a traditional steakhouse dining experience.

If you have a more limited budget, there are plenty of local restaurants that serve delicious food at reasonable prices, with the option to even order to-go and enjoy in the luxury of your room. Besides, when you book a room with a view of Union Square, who needs fine dining? Get some Chinese take-out or a large pizza and take in the city’s night lights from the comfort of your own hotel room.

2. Ride the cable cars
Hop on a cable car at Powell Street, merely steps from our front doors, and navigate your way through the hills of SF. Savor the famous clam chowder and crab at the Fisherman’s Wharf or hop off at Chinatown and experience the history, culture, and incredible food of one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in the U.S.

3. The View @ the Marriott on Market
Short trip? Don’t worry! See all of SF in seconds from The View Lounge atop the San Francisco Marriott Marquis between Market and Mission Street. Sit by the window of the 39th floor and overlook the panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline all whilst sipping a cocktail or enjoying a bite to eat. Order happy hour, dinner, or treat yourself to a snack after a day of shopping on Market, and soak in the beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area. Let’s just hope Karl the Fog doesn’t stand in your way!

4. Shopping
From brand names to souvenir vendors, Union Square offers stores ranging from Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton to DIY tye dye and jewelry made from recycled coins. Scan the racks at the 8-floor Macy’s department store or simply window shop at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. If you’re an art-lover, the square often hosts art fairs, presenting hundreds of pieces by the city’s local artists. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, walk a few blocks down Powell and get lost in the Westfield mall on Market Street. Order a famous Ghiradelli hot fudge sundae (to go!) from the food court and wander the floors of Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Artizia, Adidas, Zara, and so many others.

5. SF Playhouse
Go Off-Broadway! Treat yourself to an evening of theatre only two flights of stairs up from the lobby at SF’s own San Francisco Playhouse. Producing five to six independent productions per year, this venue presents professional, top-notch theatrical performances with tickets starting at only $35. An intimate alternative to more traditional theatre venues, the SF Playhouse offers locals and tourists an opportunity to share in stories that “uplift our spirits, deepened self awareness and nurture a compassionate community.”

6. Live Music
Feeling groovy? Just blocks away from Union Square are historic musical venues like The Warfield, The Fillmore, and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. The Warfield began as a vaudeville theater in 1922 and now hosts a variety of national music acts, and only a few blocks away on Geary is the historical indie concert venue The Fillmore. Neighboring Union Square, in Civic Center, the Bill Graham Civic Center has hosted a multitude of significant cultural events and now serves as an arena for famous bands and events like Comedy Central’s Colossal Clusterfest. So, put on your dancing shoes and jam out to bands and performers like MGMT, The Kooks, Gary Clark, Jr., Jack White, and the Arctic Monkeys.

7. Museums
Just steps from Union Square, located in SF’s SoMA district, is the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. One of the largest museums in the nation, the SFMOMA’s current collection includes over 33,000 works of painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, design, and media arts. Newly renovated, this expansive museum is a must-see for fans of modern and contemporary art.

If you’re interested in a less traditional museum experience, visit the pop-up Color Factory and SF’s Museum of Ice Cream. Fun for families or the perfect spot for your next Instagram photo, The Color Factory and The Museum of Ice Cream are interactive exhibitions that invite imagination and adventure through vibrant colors and tasty props. Tickets sell out fast so be sure to buy yours in advance!

Alternatively, while not in Union Square, you can take a taxi or rideshare to the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. The de Young is a fine arts museum that offers permanent collections encompassing American art while also hosting seasonal, more alternative exhibitions. Directly across the plaza from the de Young is the California Academy of Sciences, a research institute and natural history museum that hosts interactive and educational experiences in an effort to increase scientific and environmental literacy worldwide. Get a taste of past, present, and future while enjoying the beautiful landscape of the third most visited park in the United States.

8. Powell Bart station
Just off of Powell and Market is the Powell Bart station. An acronym for Bay Area Rapid Transit, the BART is a cheap alternative to taxis or rideshares that, within a half hour for under $10 per person, can take you from the San Francisco or Oakland airports to merely blocks from your hotel. Hop on Bart to navigate SF or even venture into the East Bay and explore Oakland or Berkeley. From Powell Bart station, you have easy access to SF’s Mission district, home of incredible Mexican food and the iconic Dolores Park. Or, take a shorter ride to the Embarcadero where you can visit the Ferry Building, bargain with vendors at The Ferry Building Farmers Market (open on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm AND Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm), and purchase one-of-a-kind jewelry and art pieces from local artists.

9. Hop On/Hop Off Bus Tours
Sit back, relax, and let the pro’s show you how it’s done. Buy a ticket for a day tour of the city on a double-decker bus, where you can hop on and hop off at designated stops of your choice. Hop on at Union Square and explore the city’s most iconic sights like Lombard Street, Haight Ashbury, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Painted Ladies, and the Fisherman’s Wharf. Get your fill of San Francisco with a one-day pass that includes over 20 stops at key landmarks and attractions, pre-recorded commentary, live guides, and free walking tours.

10. Treat Yourself!
Whether you’re on a “staycation,” here on business, or on a family vacation, we understand that sometimes you have to take some time for yourself to slip into a comfy robe and cuddle up with a good book or a loved one. While San Francisco has so much to offer, with select rooms that overlook Union Square, you can take in the sights of one of the city’s most iconic spots from the comfort of your hotel room. So book in advance and request a room with a view, because you deserve it!