San Francisco

Apr 12-14, 2024
AC743 YYZ-SFO, AC738 SFO-YYZ

We always enjoy our time in San Francisco, and took advantage of new competition on the Toronto - San Francisco route to grab an inexpensive flight. We were also able to benefit from relatively low hotel demand to return to the Grand Hyatt Union Square at a very affordable rate. Of course, we were also lucky to be able to connect with friends as well. We flew in after work on Friday night and took the train into the city.

Apr 13

After breakfast, we went for a walk to Fisherman’s Wharf to check-in on the sea lions. We then connected with our friends Yuka and Robert, and had a great lunch and our first visit to Japan Town for the somewhat poorly-scheduled Cherry Blossom Festival.

View from the Grand Hyatt Union Square

Tom in Union Square

Chinatown gate

Saints Peter and Paul Church

Fisherman's Wharf Ferris Wheel

Pier 39 still vibrant Sea Lion colony

Yuka and Rob were able to find a few cherry blossoms in Japan Town

Victorian house in the Fillmore area

The Painted Ladies Victorian home across from Alamo Square

Completing our long walk in the Castro

More Castro Pride decorations

Experiencing Waymo self drive back to Union Square

Afternoon view from the hotel

We enjoyed our visit, and walked through and explored some new areas of the city for us. Given the technology focus of the Bay Area, it was a great opportunity to test out Waymo autonomous driving cars, arriving safely at our hotel.

Apr 14

We had a pretty low-key day near the hotel, before taking the train back to the airport and getting an opportunity to enjoy Air Canada’s new San Francisco Maple Leaf Lounge and outdoor terrace.