#san francisco

#san francisco

San Francisco is gearing up for a big return to the 2026 Rose Parade with a brand new float that will roll through Pasadena on New Year's Day. Designed and built by Fiesta Productions Inc., the float is a giant floral tribute to the city. It features a 24 foot Golden Gate Bridge, Victorian Painted Ladies up to eight feet tall, a full 13 foot cable car, and Chinatown's ten foot Dragon Gate. More than 50,000 flowers and natural materials will cover the entire build.

A trip to the Westin St. Francis off Union Square always comes with a shot of nostalgia, an irresistible jolt of American mythology that covers more than 120 years. The storied walls hold pictures of visiting dignitaries like Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, Douglas MacArthur, and, in a gloriously chaotic (and age-gap scandalous) photo from the 1960s, newly married Latin music sensations Xavier Cugat and Charo.

Shopping for the big Beatles fan in the family this season? Well, we've got a suggestion: Get that loved one (with impeccable musical taste) some tickets to see the acclaimed Beatles tribute act Rain doing its cool holiday show. Yes, it should be a totally Fab (Four) evening when Rain A Beatles Christmas Tribute hits the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco on Dec. 23.

Located in the heart of San Francisco, the museum is home to one of the world's finest collections of Asian art, boasting more than 18,000 awe-inspiring artworks ranging from ancient jades and ceramics to contemporary video installations. Free First Sundays Typically the first Sunday of the month (dates might be moved due to holidays)

Raise a glass-it's the holiday season in the Castro! On Thursday, December 18, the Castro Merchants Association is uncorking the Castro Wine Walk, where you can sip, swirl, and stroll through local participating businesses. Enjoy seasonal pours-from bold reds to sparkling sips-while soaking in holiday vibes and neighborhood spirit. Each stop will feature a unique wine and a warm welcome, making it the perfect evening to connect with friends, neighbors, and fellow wine lovers, all while supporting local businesses.

"You hungry?" Lydia Lee asks me, beaming in her bright pink Hello Kitty apron. "You look skinny." She stands in front of a steaming vat of fish stock, ready to scoop me a fresh bowl of udon. It's not even 11 a.m., but I can't turn her down. At Yo Yo's, which offers one of the most affordable lunches in all of San Francisco's Financial District, an order of udon noodle soup is just $9, and a six-piece tray of sushi is just $3.25.