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Welcome to San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Welcome to the Marriott Marquis where modern luxury meets the charm of the city by the bay.
Nestled in the heart of downtown, our hotel offers an unparalleled location just steps away from iconic attractions including Moscone Center, Chase Center, Oracle Park, Union Square shopping and the museums of SoMa and Yerba Buena. Relax in our elegantly designed rooms with sweeping city views.
Gaze at the sunset from The View Lounge on the 39th floor, which boasts panoramic views of downtown San Francisco and the Bay. We're delighted to have you with us and look forward to making your stay extraordinary.
1. San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Whether you are in town for business or leisure, San Francisco Marriott Marquis welcomes travelers with exceptional service, spacious hotel rooms and suites, and a prime downtown location with easy access to numerous restaurants and attractions, including the Moscone Center, Chase Center, Oracle Park and the sights of SoMa. Contemporary rooms and suites feature plush bedding, Smart TVs, mini-refrigerators, ample workstations, and Wi-Fi access. Suites offer separate living rooms, perfect for traveling families or impromptu work sessions. Indulge at our popular restaurants and bars, and don’t forget to take in the sunsets from The View Lounge on the 39th floor which boasts sweeping views of San Francisco and the Bay and signature cocktails and lite fare. You also can take advantage of our 10,000 sq ft bi-level Cor fitness center with a terrace. Event planners have more than 133,000 sq. ft. of space to consider from boardrooms to exquisite ballrooms.
2. The View Lounge
Perched on the 39th floor, The View Lounge in San Francisco offers stunning city and Bay views, perfect for sunsets. Known for its specialty cocktails like the Ten/89 martini, it features small plates by talented chefs. With event space for 300, it promises a luxurious experience. Despite an earthquake in 1989 causing all the glassware above the bar to crash, a lone martini glass survived and is now on display, symbolizing the lounge's resilience. Sip on the Ten/89 Martini and toast to San Francisco's spirit.
3. Golden Gate Bridge
Spanning a remarkable length of 1.7 miles, the Golden Gate Bridge stands at the entrance to San Francisco Bay as a symbol of American innovation and resilience. Originally planned as a hybrid cantilever-suspension bridge, the suspension bridge design eventually won out thanks to the ardent suggestions from Leon Moisseiff. Irving Morrow gave the Golden Gate Bridge its distinctive Art Deco style, iconic International Orange hue, and dramatic lighting.
As the Golden Gate Bridge’s Chief Engineer, Joseph Strauss led the charge into making the bridge become a reality from its groundbreaking in 1933 to its completion in 1937. Together these three trailblazing men would create the world's most spectacular bridge. Today, this engineering marvel serves as both a vital transportation link and a major travel destination for millions of visitors from around the world.
Photo by Frank Schulenberg4. San Francisco Cable Car
Once a prominent form of public transportation for cities across the nation, cable cars have almost become extinct within the United States. Thankfully, this unique form of cross-city traversal is still rock and rolling up and down the streets of San Francisco. The cable car was developed by Andrew Hallidie in 1873 in order to reduce the burden and suffering by horses climbing up the steep cobblestones of San Francisco. Almost annihilated by the Great Earthquake of 1906, cable cars were nearly scraped by Mayor Roger Lapham in 1947. Thankfully Friedel Klussmann came to the rescue, as her organized protests helped to save the cable car from certain destruction. A traveling National Historic Landmark since 1964, cable cars have become a key touchstone into the heart and soul of the City by the Bay.
Photo by candastock5. Salesforce Park
Salesforce Park is a stunning urban oasis that seamlessly blends nature and modern architecture. This innovative rooftop park spans four acres and features a remarkable living roof adorned with more than 600 trees and 16,000 plants, creating a lush green landscape in the midst of the city's skyline. Salesforce Park is not only a symbol of sustainable urban development but also a dynamic gathering place that enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike, redefining the concept of public spaces in a metropolitan setting.
Photo by SnapASkyline by chensiyuan6. Dragon Gate / San Francisco Chinatown
Facing south as per the principles of Feng Shui, this dragon-clad arch is a popular entry to San Francisco Chinatown. Opened in 1970 and designed by Clayton Lee, this elegant portal into Chinatown carries a four-character inscription that translates to "All under heaven is for the good of the people." Among other notable features, it has two large guardian lions looking over the pedestrian entrances. Both the gate and the lions symbolize protection from evil spirits. Beyond the gate, the pagoda-topped architecture was innovated by Chinatown merchants in the 1920s in order to lure tourists with a distinctively modern look. Indeed, this had worked, as the dragon streetlights soon chased away the shady ladies. Today, they light the way to the stylish shops where you can buy antiques, silks, teas, gems, and more.
PhotoPhoto by yhelfman
7. Coit Tower
Atop Telegraph Hill sits Coit Tower, a slender, Art Deco-style tower that stands at 210 feet tall. Built in 1933, Coit tower was funded by a bequest from Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy socialite who left a portion of her estate to the city. Coit Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco, including vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline. Inside the tower, visitors can also admire a series of murals created during the Great Depression as part of a government-funded art project. Coit Tower is both an architectural gem and a cultural landmark, drawing tourists and locals alike to its spectacular vantage point and historical significance.
8. Fisherman's Wharf / PIER 39
Every major city has a tourist hub that visitors absolutely adore, and in San Francisco, it’s Fisherman’s Wharf. With attractive waterfront views, historic ships, delicious seafood, and the lively presence of sea lions, it’s easy to see why this place is such an enamoring draw for curious travelers. Established as a fishing village during the mid-1800s California Gold Rush, the Wharf evolved into a thriving maritime center by the late 19th century. Rebuilt after the great quake of 1906, it became a major tourist destination during the mid-20th century, renowned for its colorful atmosphere, fresh seafood, and stunning views of the bay. However, Fisherman's Wharf is best known for being the home to PIER 39. Refurbished in 1978 to resemble a quaint wooden fishing village, PIER 39 features an array of quirky shops, classy restaurants, and a lively sea lion population. Even if you’re only in town for a day, this beloved district that perfectly encapsulates San Francisco’s beautiful maritime heritage is a must-see attraction.
9. Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco is a stunning architectural gem nestled within the city's Marina District. Originally constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition, this neoclassical masterpiece features a grand rotunda and a tranquil lagoon surrounded by colonnades and meticulously designed Greco-Roman-style structures. The palace's ethereal beauty is further enhanced by its iconic dome, intricate embellishments, and the picturesque swans that gracefully glide across the water. Today, it serves as a beloved cultural and recreational destination, hosting art exhibitions, performances, and providing a peaceful oasis for visitors to appreciate its timeless elegance and historical significance.
Photo by Rhododenrites10. Dolores Park
With a rich history that is uniquely San Francisco, Dolores Park is located two blocks from the Mission Dolores, one of California's original 21 missions. Renowned for its amazing views of the City skyline and the San Francisco Bay, the park is also home to a large playground, tennis courts and a multi-purpose court. Dolores Park is best known for its cultural events, festivals and other gatherings making it a hub for community and social interaction. Situated in the sunny Mission District and adjacent to some of San Francisco's most popular specialty food outlets, Dolores Park is the perfect location for picnics and people watching. With its lush green spaces and lively atmosphere, Dolores Park is a beloved urban oasis that reflects the City's unique character and spirit.
Photo by Canadastock11. Painted Ladies / Alamo Square
Alamo Square is best known for its large picturesque park, chic Victorian houses, and spectacular views of the city skyline. Dubbed by Mayor James Van Ness in 1856, Alamo Square became heavily landscaped during the 1890’s. This led to a massive building boom in the area that produced many stunning houses. Among these are Matthew Kavanagh’s iconic 'Painted Ladies', which serves as the perfect backdrop for any San Francisco postcard. A Historic District since 1984, Alamo Square provides visitors and residents alike with plenty of opportunities to take splendid pictures and enjoy its charming ambiance.
Photo by Bernard Gagnon12. Yerba Buena Gardens
Yerba Buena Gardens is a vibrant urban oasis offering a blend of art, culture, and nature. Spanning over five acres, the gardens feature beautifully landscaped lawns, serene water features, and diverse plantings that provide a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
13. San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers
Situated at the entrance of Golden Gate Park, the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers is a renowned botanical garden and greenhouse. Established in 1879, it is one of the oldest public conservatories in North America and a beloved cultural and educational institution in the city. The conservatory's iconic Victorian architecture, characterized by its white wood and glass design, houses an exquisite collection of rare and exotic plants from around the world. The Conservatory of Flowers provides a captivating and educational experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and biodiversity of the plant kingdom while learning about conservation and horticulture.
Photo by iv-olgaInteresting Things to Look Out For:
1. Marriott Marquis San Francisco
The San Francisco Marriott Marquis channels the vibrant cultures of the SoMA neighborhood and reflects the creative energies of the City by the Bay.
2. The View Lounge
Located on the 39th floor, the View Lounge offers breathtaking 360-degree views of San Francisco.
3. Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is renowned for its striking International Orange color and majestic presence.
4 . San Francisco Cable Cars
San Francisco cable cars are the last manually operated cable car system in the world.
5. Sales Force Park
This emerald oasis is perfect for any cosmopolitan explorer.
6. Dragon Gate / Chinatown
The Dragon Gate features green-tiled pagoda roofs, stone guardian lions, and intricate carvings of dragons and other mythical creatures.
7. Coit Tower
Coit Tower offers both breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco and a beautiful series of murals.
8. Fisherman's Wharf / Pier 39
During the winter, there are as many as 900 sea lions hanging around Pier 39.
9. Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts features a grand rotunda and a lagoon, creating a beautifully serene and picturesque setting.
10. Dolores Park
This vibrant urban park is known for its panoramic city views, lush green spaces, and lively atmosphere.
11. Painted Ladies in Alamo Square
Take a photo in front of one of San Francisco's most Instagrammable backdrops.
12. Verba Buena Gardens
Yerba Buena Gardens seamlessly integrates nature, art, and community activities in the heart of the city.
13. Conservancy of Flowers
Marvel at the exquisite collection of rare and exotic plants from around the world.
Copyright © 2024, Jake Rose
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email author at jake@colorourtown.com.
Cover art and back cover art by Brenda Zabala. Line illustrations by Ivan Myerchuk, and Jake Rose
Printed in USA