Booked a trip to San Francisco, YAY!

[CameronBornAndBred]

So I'm taking my family to San Francisco in June. I've been, loooong ago, they never have. (My 2 stepsons have not been on airplane, might be highlight of their trip, ha!)
We will basically be there for a week, but I'm not spending the entire time in the city. On my agenda, I have going for at least one night in Yosemite, and on the way back come via Muir Woods. Those are my 2 biggies. I know my family wants to see Alcatraz (I'm up for that, too). The rest though I have no idea. If anyone has any suggestions for things to do while in the city itself, I'm all ears. Remember, I'm an artist who loves landscape (including structures like houses) so any places you know that stand out scenically, let me know, too. I'm wanting to take tons of photos for future paintings. Everything will be new for my wife and stepsons. Also, any suggestions for some good eating without spending a lot will be helpful. Thanks in advance!

[allenmurray]

So I'm taking my family to San Francisco in June. I've been, loooong ago, they never have. (My 2 stepsons have not been on airplane, might be highlight of their trip, ha!)
We will basically be there for a week, but I'm not spending the entire time in the city. On my agenda, I have going for at least one night in Yosemite, and on the way back come via Muir Woods. Those are my 2 biggies. I know my family wants to see Alcatraz (I'm up for that, too). The rest though I have no idea. If anyone has any suggestions for things to do while in the city itself, I'm all ears. Remember, I'm an artist who loves landscape (including structures like houses) so any places you know that stand out scenically, let me know, too. I'm wanting to take tons of photos for future paintings. Everything will be new for my wife and stepsons. Also, any suggestions for some good eating without spending a lot will be helpful. Thanks in advance!


Chinatown

[sue71]

Sigh. No LA. :(

[devildeac]

Mount Tamalpais (sp?) and Tiburon are pretty and just north of the city near Muir Woods.

Get the AAA travel guide and pick out 2-3 of their "gem" items to do each day. We were there about 5 years ago and 1 day we took about an 8 hour self-guided walking tour all over the city. Spring rolls for a lunch appetizer in Chinatown, pasta and a salad for lunch at a sidewalk cafe in Little Italy (?) with a gelato a few blocks later for dessert. Chowder for dinner appetizer at the wharf with dinner on the waterfront a bit later. Dinner dessert was a large sundae at Ghiradelli's. And yes, we did more that eat that day:o. Coit Tower. The Cable Car Museum. Golden Gate Park with a Japanese Garden (?). Seal Rock and seals at the wharf. Visit Alcatraz-a fascinating tour/story. Have a great trip.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Mount Tamalpais (sp?) and Tiburon are pretty and just north of the city near Muir Woods.
I told my dad that you had mentioned "that place with a wierd name" earlier today and he knew right where you were talking about. He also agreed we should see it.

Seal Rock and seals at the wharf.
Dad also recommended the Seal Rock Inn (http://www.sealrockinn.com/). I'm going to check on rates, sounds awesome.

[devildeac]

I told my dad that you had mentioned "that place with a wierd name" earlier today and he knew right where you were talking about. He also agreed we should see it.

If you get a clear day, the view and pictures of the Pacific and the SF Bay and skyline are awesome. I want pictures:cool:. Just thought of the winding road (not Lombard) up to (a) hill/s (Twin Peaks?) about 1000' elevation in the city limits. Great views, too.

Watch the weather forecast before you go. We had daytime temps in the 50's and windy conditions for a few days and didn't have sweatshirts/jacket and had to buy them out there.

[CameronBornAndBred]

We had daytime temps in the 50's and windy conditions for a few days and didn't have sweatshirts/jacket and had to buy them out there.
= pre-fitted Christmas presents.

[hc5duke]

adding alcatraz (might want to reserve tix now), golden gate bridge, wineries up in napa/sonoma

edit - whoops didn;t even read the OP carefully

[CameronBornAndBred]

adding alcatraz (might want to reserve tix now)
Are they tough to get, or expensive? Or bleah, both?

[roywhite]

You might want to spend more time at Yosemite. Just a magnificent place, and a little extra time would give you a chance to hike or get to some less traveled areas.

No shortage of great restaurants. Tadich's Grill is one of my favorites. Enjoy.

[rthomas]

To the North, take the Pacific Coast Highway - (caution: kids may get sick in the car). For an artist, spectacular scenery of the ocean, especially looking back toward SF.

To the South, Monterey (touristy Cannery Row, great aquarium, eat lunc on one of the touristy docks and watch the seals) - drive the loop around Pebble Beach - have a drink at the club house and watch golfers come in on the 18th.

[DukePA's Mom]

When I was a child, we lived in Oakland. Our parents took us to San Francisco to the zoo.Guess its still there. We loved it.

I know you guys will have a wonderful time.

[Ima Facultiwyfe]

http://www.beachblanketbabylon.com/ It's been going for years and years...still sold out every night. A goofy, goofy ever changing musical review with outrageous costumes :eek: , a spoof on current topics. You will hold your aching sides with laughter. We all need that these days. Get tickets in advance.

Eat at Mustards if you travel to Napa.
Love, Ima

[CathyCA]

So I'm taking my family to San Francisco in June. I've been, loooong ago, they never have. (My 2 stepsons have not been on airplane, might be highlight of their trip, ha!)
We will basically be there for a week, but I'm not spending the entire time in the city. On my agenda, I have going for at least one night in Yosemite, and on the way back come via Muir Woods. Those are my 2 biggies. I know my family wants to see Alcatraz (I'm up for that, too). The rest though I have no idea. If anyone has any suggestions for things to do while in the city itself, I'm all ears. Remember, I'm an artist who loves landscape (including structures like houses) so any places you know that stand out scenically, let me know, too. I'm wanting to take tons of photos for future paintings. Everything will be new for my wife and stepsons. Also, any suggestions for some good eating without spending a lot will be helpful. Thanks in advance!

Do the 49 Mile Scenic Drive (http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/maps/49miledrive.asp)around SF. You'll find picture postcard views around every corner. You just follow the signs with the seagull on them. You'll want an extra memory card for your camera because you'll be taking so many pictures.

Also, if you're interested in art, and I think you are, you must visit the Legion of Honor (European art, including Rodin's The Thinker) and the DeYoung Museum (mostly American art). Your paid admission at one of these museums allows you to enter the other museum on the same day. The Asian Art Museum houses one of the largest collections of Asian art in the western world. It is located across the plaza from San Francisco's Beaux-Arts City Hall. And then there is SFMOMA (modern art), which you will adore.

If you go to Napa, I suggest that you travel up to St. Helena. It's a charming little town, chock full of wineries. However, there are wineries up in Sonoma County, too. Actually, there are wineries all over the place, and some of the wineries I have enjoyed the most are those that I just happened upon while driving around the countryside.

I'm not sure when you're going to be there in June, but the Giants have a long home stand in June. Maybe you could catch a game there or cross the Bay Bridge and drive down to Oakland to catch the As playing. They're at home when the Giants are away in June.

You're not going to have time to do everything you want to do while you're out there. I lived in Northern California for 10 years and didn't get to do everything--I still haven't been to Yosemite as an adult.

Y'all are going to have so much fun. I can't wait to see your pictures and your paintings.

Stuff I added:

Get your tix for Alcatraz now. You can reserve them online. It's tough to walk up and get tickets, especially in June.

Devildeac's recommendation for the Cable Car Museum is one you should take. It's a fascinating museum, and then you can step outside and ride the cable car, armed with the knowledge of how those things work.

Don't eat at the touristy places unless you want to spend a lot of money. I'd stay away from Pier 39 for eating simply because I think you can find better food in other areas of the city. Food at Pier 39 is overpriced.

[aimo]

Do Alcatraz at evening/night. You can see the city all lit up from the boat. Dress warmly.

And I believe that it's in the Mission where there are a lot of buildings covered with street art, kind of graffiti-like but interesting.

And see if the Citrus Club is still open on Haight. Asian, cheap, and very good.

[should_be_working]

SF is a great walking city, so parking and taking a walk is easy and fun to do. Just don't walk from pier 39 to the bridge, my husband and i walked it (after walking several miles to get to the pier) and it nearly killed me. Drives up and down highway 1 are gorgeous and don't cost you anything - except for the loop around pebble beach which is like $8-9 - not sure if the kids will like that though. you can get your tickets to alcatraz here (http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/) and bring a jacket! Oh and hotels are much cheaper around the airport if you want to save some money and don't have to stay downtown - the drive to the city isn't bad.

[Schwarz]

I always recommend the Marin Headlands. This place is just north of the Golden Gate bridge and towards the Pacific ocean. There are spectacular views of the city and the bay looking over the bridge. Here is a sample photo. (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/1125252)

And of course, get ice cream at Ghirardelli's.

[devildeac]

Have we spent enough of your time AND money yet?;):cool:

[CameronBornAndBred]

Have we spent enough of your time AND money yet?;):cool:
HA! Hell no, I'm loving all of these suggestions.

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

I loved eating at the Empress of China when I visited San Francisco. There are several different dining rooms with different views. Plan on making a reservation before you go. You'll love all the carvings and other elements of the decor. Lunch might be a good idea.... less expensive than dinner. http://empressofchinasf.com/

Sad to say, my favorite Vietnamese restaurant (Golden Turtle) has closed.

Don't know if you'll have time to go to the Monterrey peninsula; what a beautiful area! The 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach is a photographer's paradise. You'd need to stay overnight for this side trip.
http://www.pebblebeach.com/page.asp?pageName=_17_Mile_Home

[Devil in the Blue Dress]

I know you enjoy doing some cooking, CBandB. If you were going to San Francisco in July (24-26), I'd recommend the Gilroy Garlic Festival. You might still visit if you travel south of San Francisco. Garlic is Gilroy's claim to fame! http://gilroygarlicfestival.com/

You'll also miss the Artichoke Festival which is held in May, but you can still visit the artichoke capital of the world if you are heading toward Monterrey. It's worth a stop in Castroville. http://www.artichoke-festival.org/index.html

[CathyCA]

I know you enjoy doing some cooking, CBandB. If you were going to San Francisco in July (24-26), I'd recommend the Gilroy Garlic Festival. You might still visit if you travel south of San Francisco. Garlic is Gilroy's claim to fame! http://gilroygarlicfestival.com/

You'll also miss the Artichoke Festival which is held in May, but you can still visit the artichoke capital of the world if you are heading toward Monterrey. It's worth a stop in Castroville. http://www.artichoke-festival.org/index.html

OMG! The hottest day I ever experienced in California was the day of the Gilroy Garlic Festival. We cooled off with Garlic Ice Cream.

[hurleyfor3]

Go up to the top of Twin Peaks, preferably late in the day when the sun is behind you. You look straight down Market Street. Probably the best place to view the whole city (better even in winter than summer, as the sun is *directly* behind you in January and thus reflects off the Ferry Building). Best way to go up there is by car. Buses don't go up there and the walk is not pleasant -- it is not very steep, but there is no sidewalk, trail or stairs.

Also visit Alamo Square, which is where all Official Photographs Of San Francisco are taken, but is not touristy.

I'd skip Yosemite. It deserves its own trip and enough other interesting stuff is nearby. For a good nearby scenic drive try highway 36 down the spine of the Peninsula. Off this road are many short hikes you can do, with good scenery.

[devildeac]

OMG! The hottest day I ever experienced in California was the day of the Gilroy Garlic Festival. We cooled off with Garlic Ice Cream.

Maybe we need a "ycch, ice cream" thread:o:rolleyes:.

[devildeac]

Have we spent enough of your time AND money yet?;):cool:


HA! Hell no, I'm loving all of these suggestions.

Wait until you see the price of sundaes at Ghiradelli's:eek:! And you'll need at least 4 of them;).

[devildeac]

I would also imagine you would want to take a brewery tour or three. Anchor? North Coast? Mendocino? I am almost sure Anchor is in SF but I am not sure about the others.

[CameronBornAndBred]

I would also imagine you would want to take a brewery tour or three. Anchor? North Coast? Mendocino? I am almost sure Anchor is in SF but I am not sure about the others.
You are correct about Anchor, what a great idea! http://www.anchorbrewing.com/about_us/tourinfo.htm I'm not sure if the family will agree, they get enough brewing at home :rolleyes:.

[devildeac]

You are correct about Anchor, what a great idea! http://www.anchorbrewing.com/about_us/tourinfo.htm I'm not sure if the family will agree, they get enough brewing at home :rolleyes:.

Wonder how/why I thought of that idea:rolleyes::D.

[TheRose77]

Consider taking the ferry to Sausalito, and poke around there. Nice little town. The cable cars are fun, too, especially for the kids. And if you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.....
(Sorry, couldn't help myself.)

[summerwind03]

I've been to San Francisco about 15 times (6 in the last year or so) and the most fun thing I've done is rent bikes and bike over the Golden Gate Bridge. So cool. And then it's (mostly) downhill to Sausalito and you can take the ferry back from there. A really great way to spend a day.

[CameronBornAndBred]

I've been to San Francisco about 15 times (6 in the last year or so) and the most fun thing I've done is rent bikes and bike over the Golden Gate Bridge. So cool. And then it's (mostly) downhill to Sausalito and you can take the ferry back from there. A really great way to spend a day.
Wow that sounds great. Can you leave the bikes with the same company on the other side, or do you have to return them when the ferry gets back?

[orrnot]

I second the recommendation. Great fun when we did it a couple of years ago. We biked on to Tiburon and caught the ferry back from there, taking bikes w/us. The ferries are used to the bike traffic. It is a very well established tourist practice. The weather changes over the course of the trip were fun--rain/sun; cold/warm.
I enjoyed Monterrey too. Somewhat mellow around Memorial Day but a great spot. We explored Big Sur. Incredible driving scenery w/good day hikes. Couldn't get enough of seal/sea lion spotting, plus the beautiful Pacific, both wide vistas and tight little bays. I love our sandy & accessible East Coast but the pretty clear blue Pacific water is something to see (if not swim in).

[summerwind03]

We took the bikes on the ferry and then rode the 1/2 mile or so to return them. Then happily took the cable car up the hill!

[InSpades]

My girlfriend and I took a trip to San Fran 2 years ago and had an amazing time. We bought this:
http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/Sightseeing/Motorcoach/citypass.cfm

I'm not sure if it still includes the same things, but for us it was a great deal. We didn't have a car so the unlimited rides on MUNI and cable cars was very useful. I remember getting a trip to Alcatraz included in the deal but maybe I'm mistaken (it may have been Sausalito instead, we went to both). The museums weren't really our cup of tea but we were in Golden Gate park anyway so it was nice to be able to stop inside and take a quick look around. The Japanese Gardens were gorgeous.

Some of our favorites were:
Ghirardelli's Square (we split a sundae the 1st time we were there, which led to us having to go back two days later to get our own)
Fisherman's Wharf (very touristy, the seals are awesome though)
San Francisco Zoo
Golden Gate Park (so much to do! so much to see)
Sausalito (nice change of pace and awesome views back towards the city)

[AtlBluRew]

I echo CathyCA's recommendation to do the 49 Mile Scenic Drive. It's a great self-guided tour of the all the sights of the city, and you see some really beautiful neighborhoods and views.

[CameronBornAndBred]

My girlfriend and I took a trip to San Fran 2 years ago and had an amazing time. We bought this:
http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/Sightseeing/Motorcoach/citypass.cfm

That looks like a must buy item, thanks very much for the tip.

[summerwind03]

Have you booked a place to stay yet?

I've stayed in Inn1890 quite a few times and it's really quite cool. Kitchen open 24 hours a day, so great for saving money. Right next to Golden Gate Park.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Have you booked a place to stay yet?

Nope, my dad has strongly recommended this place, Seal Rock Inn (http://www.sealrockinn.com/). I haven't called about prices yet, but that will be a deciding factor. Your suggestion sounds cool, we love food :).

[TillyGalore]

Nope, my dad has strongly recommended this place, Seal Rock Inn (http://www.sealrockinn.com/). I haven't called about prices yet, but that will be a deciding factor. Your suggestion sounds cool, we love food :).

Room rates are noted on their web site. For $152/night you can have the bridal suite. ;)

[CameronBornAndBred]

Room rates are noted on their web site. For $152/night you can have the bridal suite. ;)
Ahh, they are working now. For some reason that page would not load a few days ago, maybe they heard I was coming and upped the price. :mad: And ouch, those are winter rates. They will be pricier in June. I did look at SummerWind's suggestion, their prices are better, but require a 4 day minimum stay.

[moonpie23]

definitely make time to take the ALCATRAZ tour.....i thought it was going to be dumb but it turned out to be awesome...

[CameronBornAndBred]

definitely make time to take the ALCATRAZ tour.....i thought it was going to be dumb but it turned out to be awesome...
The family is demanding that one too, it looks like it would be pretty fun.

[devildeac]

definitely make time to take the ALCATRAZ tour.....i thought it was going to be dumb but it turned out to be awesome...


This is an excellent tour and great ride to and from the city. Just don't try and swim as the water stays about 55 degrees about all year.:rolleyes:

[CameronBornAndBred]

This is an excellent tour and great ride to and from the city. Just don't try and swim as the water stays about 55 degrees about all year.:rolleyes:
We'll just glue together some rainsuits into a raft and paddle over.;)

[devildeac]

We'll just glue together some rainsuits into a raft and paddle over.;)

I'd feel a whole bunch safer if you took an approved watercraft;).