The 2012 PRSA International Conference is finally here! While we know you’re thrilled to absorb the breadth of PR knowledge from within the Marriott Marquis, it would be a shame if you didn’t make the time to explore some nearby gems of San Francisco. Here are some favorites for locals and tourists, newcomers and regulars. Enjoy!

Embarcadero

A five-minute walk from the hotel is San Francisco’s Eastern waterfront known as the Embarcadero. Here you’ll find the picturesque Ferry Building Marketplace, a showcase for local farmers, artisan producers and independently-owned and operated food businesses. Take a walk down one of the piers for a beautiful view of San Francisco.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Take the F light rail around Embarcadero to Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco’s waterfront community. Here you’ll find shops, eateries, museums and even seals. Make sure to pick up some clam chowder at the seafood stations – a true San Francisco tradition.

Union Square

Did I hear you want to shop? You will leave your heart and your wallet in San Francisco’s Union Square District.  The best names in fashion, including the newly-opened Japanese retailer UNIQLO and three H&Ms are available in this insanely modish shopping quarter.

Indoor and outdoor shopping line with North Beach

Just north of the Financial District is San Francisco’s historic North Beach District, also known as Little Italy. Arguably home of the Bay Area’s best slice of pizza, North Beach also hosts a variety of bars, coffee shops, Italian restaurants and the gorgeous Washington Square Park, facing Saints Peter and Paul Church.

Chinatown

Tucked in between Union Square and North Beach is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Lined with hundreds of souvenir shops and restaurants, this Chinatown is true to San Francisco’s more than 30 percent Asian American make-up.

Castro District

You can also take the F Market Street car or catch an L, M, K or T MUNI train (not to be mistaken for BART) down to Castro Street. You’ll emerge in one of the gayest and most diverse spots in America, if not the world: “The Castro.” Pride flags, brunch spots and adult stores sprinkle this vibrant community close to the heart of many San Franciscans.

Local Edition

I had to make a special section for one of my favorite spots in the city – that’s how awesome it is. If the name doesn’t already give it away, this subterranean bar on Market Street will appeal to your inner journo. Dimly lit and plastered in San Francisco newspaper archives, Local Edition is seated beneath the historical Hearst Building and offers a variety of classic and contemporary specialty drinks.

 

Carolina Madrid is the diversity chair for the PRSA New Professionals Section.