What to do in San Francisco ?

[nevpugh308]

On the 6th we're flying out to San Francisco where we're staying for 4 days before moving on to Hawaii.

Anyone got any ideas for must-see-must-do things whilst we're there ?!? We were planning on Alcatraz, but any other good suggestions ? (wasn't planning on hiring a car, not for just a few days, so things within the city boundaries)

Also, whats the best way of getting round, taxi or tram ?

Thanks !

[sparkythecat]

Be sure to wear a flower in your hair

[jeremyc]

Depends what you like really.

There's plenty of shopping in downtown SF.

Have a walk around Fisherman's Wharf (the main tourist district); you'll be there to catch the boat to Alcatraz anyway.

You could take a trip up to Napa Valley (or Sonoma) for winery tours and tasting.

Check out the Golden Gate Bridge (walk to it along the bay from the Marina). Exploring the Golden Gate Park and Presidio is also pleasant.

See if there is a Giants (baseball) game on at PacBell Park (in fact now renamed SBC Park ), or a Golden State Warriors basketball fixture just over the bay in Oakland (I'm not sure on transport for this).

Finally, of course, you might want to see if there's any motorsport taking place at Infineon Raceway (used to be Sears Point) - it's on the way to Napa.

[jeremyc]

Forgot to say: transport in SF is easy - either walk, take a tram or catch a taxi (not overly expensive).

[hedders]

You can easily spend a day in Golden Gate park, while you are there take a stroll down Haight Street and check out all the funny looking people.

[Balmoral Green]

Dont leave your harp in Sam Planks disco.

[Alistair H.]

I spent a day across the GG bridge in Salsolito? - loverly little place. _ also of course you have to drive down the bendiest road, I am sure it has a proper name??

[JulianHJ]

Haight-Ashbury was pretty interesting for the history and shopping. Union Sq. has lots of big shops. San Jose has a brilliant science museum if you're willing to travel.

[nevpugh308]

Balmoral Green said:

Dont leave your harp in Sam Planks disco.

[nevpugh308]

I've heard there's a really good Marine / Aquarium museum / place somewhere ?

[JulianHJ]

nevpugh308 said:

I've heard there's a really good Marine / Aquarium museum / place somewhere ?

here? Not been myself. Ohh - climb the big white tower! I forget the name, but you can't miss it. Amazing views.


>> Edited by JulianHJ on Wednesday 22 December 19:21

[Corin Denton]

Some great clubs and bars! Go for a Cosmo in the 'Red Room' mad bar! http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/886131/?cslink=cs_boc_lw_2_1

Catch the ferry across from downtown to Marin, the Marin mountains are beautiful!

Have a Chinese in the 'House of Nanking' this back to basics restaurant has won best Asian restaurant in san Francisco for the last five years and has been applauded by many people such as Jamie Oliver, there's an excerpt from one of his books on the wall amoung many awards. Cheap and brilliant!
www.inetours.com/Pages/Dining_Archive/House_of_Nanking.html

Go a little way down the road to Monterey, that is the most beautiful town I have seen in California.

Go for a meal in Betelnut, it is the mutt's nuts in Asian food, have the ribs and the green beans, yes I said green beans, they are outstanding! Went twice!
www.betelnutrestaurant.com/





>> Edited by Corin Denton on Wednesday 22 December 19:25

[workshy fop]

Have a cocktail at the Top of the Mark. Eat mexican food and get p1ssed in the Mission district. Science museum is worth a look. The cable car museum is excellent.
Watch where you go at night though, use cabs. SF is full of crazies, but fun - bring ID to pubs if you don't look 50+
You should seriously consider getting a car for a couple of days and doing a bit of Highway one (Pacific coast road). Starts only 30 mins from city centre, you could make it to Santa Cruz or Monterey, Carmel, or even Laguna Seca race-track in 4 hours easy driving. Stunning road, shame to miss it being so near

[viper_larry]

If you fancy a day out - hire a car and a 2 hour drive will get you to Yosemite - awesome and a quiet time of year too.

[jeremyc]

JulianHJ said:

Ohh - climb the big white tower! I forget the name, but you can't miss it. Amazing views.

Coit Tower.

[ChelseaTractor]

Alistair H. said:

also of course you have to drive down the bendiest road, I am sure it has a proper name??

Lombard Street.

I love San Francisco, we've been there twice and the second time happened to be over the 4th July celebrations 2 years ago. What an atmosphere, absolutley superb.

viper larry said:

If you fancy a day out - hire a car and a 2 hour drive will get you to Yosemite - awesome and a quiet time of year too.

2 hours

What the hell were you driving? It took us nearly five hours and I didn't hang about. A bit much for a day trip but you can get a motel room nearby in Maraposa. Don't stay in the NP, it's fing expensive!


>> Edited by ChelseaTractor on Wednesday 22 December 21:01

[BliarOut]

Dont forget the BART... Bay Area Rapid Transit (Underground). Good for getting from the airport to central SF and reasonably priced.

[JulianHJ]

ChelseaTractor said:

viper larry said: If you fancy a day out - hire a car and a 2 hour drive will get you to Yosemite - awesome and a quiet time of year too. 2 hours What the hell were you driving? It took us nearly five hours and I didn't hang about. A bit much for a day trip but you can get a motel room nearby in Maraposa. Don't stay in the NP, it's fing expensive!

What he said.

Took me over 5 hours to get to Yosemite. Did it in early December, at night. We could feel the jeep slipping all over the shop, and there was definite sense of huge drops as we got near the NP.

Only in daylight the next morning did we get a proper look

[jaz34]

Hire a bike at Fishermans Wharf (see tourist books for discount vouchers). Bike across the Golden gate and down to Sausilito. Take the ferry back to SF across the bay.

Hard Rock Cafe for "happy hours" - A must!

[moparmick]

We took a stroll up to north beach and Pacific heights.Had a meal in the piano bar, where all the waiters get up and sing solo to the diner
Have a good time Mick