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The City by the Bay always dazzles, especially during the holiday season when it is aglow with the annual Illuminate SFâ„¢ Festival of Light.
Installation Highlights
San Francisco’s Illuminate Festival of Light celebrates the power of light with artworks by world-famous artists such as Jenny Holtzer, Joseph Kosuth, Leo Villareal, Hank Willis Thomas, Jim Campbell, Ivan Navarro, and Johanna Grawunder. This year’s event highlights the city’s 41 permanent light artworks and 14 temporary light art installations within the city’s 49 square miles.
Tip – A great way to see a collection of the installations is to take the Light Art Trail. The Trail begins along the Embarcadero at “The Bay Lights,” which is displayed on the north side of the Bay Bridge’s western span. The Trail ends at a poignant gay installation. “Hope Will Never Be Silent” glows over Harvey Milk Plaza in the Castro, commemorating the words of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the history of California. This installation is designed to honour his life and legacy through the light’s power of attraction, offering a sign of hope to all who visit.
While all are worthy of a visit, here are our top choices not to be missed:
- Psychedelic Photosynthesis
A colourful illuminated moving projection on the Conservatory of Flowers that harkens back to the Summer of Love in San Francisco. Developed in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, the joyous installation compliments the endless parade of rare and unusual flowers on display inside the conservatory.
- Winter Lights by Joshua Hubert
Located in the woodlands of Golden Gate Park and opening on Dec. 2. Hundreds of individually controlled LED floodlights create dynamic patterns that are programmed to flow across a full acre of the park. The illuminated sculptures are by the park’s 6th Avenue SkatePark.- Entwined by Charles Gadeken
An enchanting art installation returns to the festival for another year. The popular exhibit transforms Golden Gate Park’s Peacock meadow into a forest of otherworldly shapes and ever-changing light that allows visitors to explore twisting paths, sit under colourful trees, and admire nature-inspired sculptures that flower with light.Where to Stay?
- San Francisco is divided into several neighbourhoods, but the primary 2 are The Castro and Soma, with Soma being the area where you will find Folsom Street and most of the leather and fetish bars.
- If you want to be close to all the tourist attractions and stay in some of the best hotels in the city, then we recommend the downtown/union square districtÂ
San Francisco is split into several areas but the main 2 are The Castro and Soma, with Soma being the area the where you will find Folsom Street, and most of the leather and fetish bars. With there being so many gay bars we have had to put 2 maps in.
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action
SOMA,
InterContinental Hotel,   Courtyard by Marriott ,  Palace Hotel,   Hotel Zelos,
CASTRO,
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The W Hotel is our preferred hotel in
the city close to everything with a gym
For further information and advice on
Illuminate Festival of Light, Website
We have divided the map into two areas, the Castro, San Francisco’s world famous gay district and SOMA, the are where the Folsom Street Fair takes place each September.
Map of Gay San Francisco (SOMA)
Map of Gay San Francisco (The Castro)
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We have chosen hotels in San Francisco that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Famed bars, an awe-inspiring crystal chandelier restaurant, a fitness area and a glass dome indoor pool are featured at this landmark Palace. Leather tufted headboards, 11-foot ceilings, pillow-top bedding set the stage for a luxurious night’s sleep. High-end luggage inspired desk, tables and the bathroom vanity. A 48-inch flat-screen satellite TV, marble bath & rain shower
This Central San Francisco hotel offers rooms with a 46-inch flat-screen smart TV. Free WiFi, an iPod docking station, a portable wireless Bluetooth speaker, and double-panned windows for quiet. A seating area, work desk, and an Illy espresso coffee machine, walk-in shower, bathrobes & premium toiletries. A state-of-the-art fitness centre & laundry services
Offering French-inspired architecture, The Marker San Francisco, provides guests with an ideal city centre. The guest rooms and suites at this upscale hotel boast amenities such as an LCD flat-screen TV with on-demand movies and an iHome alarm clock radio. All guest rooms feature ironing facilities, a hairdryer, a make-up mirror and boutique bath products.
This San Francisco hotel is located in Union Square, it offers an outdoor pool and rooms with an MP3 connection. It features a barbershop and a business center. Access to a fitness centre one block from the hotel and an on-site sauna. Each classically-designed room is equipped with a flat-screen cable TV and mini-refrigerator. Free coffee and tea are also provided
Video highlighting the best of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s Hunky Jesus Contest in Golden Gate Park,
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We have chosen hotels in San Francisco that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Along with a restaurant, this smoke-free hotel has a 24-hour fitness center and a bar/lounge. A coffee shop/café, valet parking, and conference space. All 1195 rooms offer comforts like pillowtop beds and premium bedding, plus WiFi and LCD TVs with cable channels. Guests will also find Netflix, room service, and coffee makers. Housekeeping is available on request.
Along with an indoor pool, this smoke-free hotel has a restaurant and a health club. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a 24-hour business center, and a conference center are onsite. All 556 rooms offer WiFi, iPod docks, and plasma TVs with digital channels. Other amenities available to guests include 24-hour room service, wired Internet, and minibars.
Along with a restaurant, this smoke-free hotel has a 24-hour fitness center and a bar/lounge. Other amenities include a snack bar/deli, a coffee shop/café, and valet parking. All 152 rooms feature espresso makers and bathrobes, along with refrigerators and coffee makers. Free WiFi and pillowtop beds are standard, as are flat-screen TVs with digital channels.
A restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, and a bar/lounge are available at this smoke-free hotel. Additionally, a rooftop terrace, a 24-hour business center, and a coffee shop/café are onsite. All 195 soundproofed rooms feature free WiFi and iPads. LED TVs come with cable channels, and guests can also appreciate comforts like pillowtop beds and premium bedding.