CSY1212

My husband has been in training out in San Francisco for about a month now and I am flying out to meet him over the long weekend. His corporate housing is near the Giants stadium for reference. Wanted some advice on must-see places and restaurants - specifically would love opinions on the best places to get Chinese food, Brunch and fun cocktails somewhere in the city.

Also, was curious about any tips or advice for visiting either Napa or Sonoma as a day or overnight trip over Saturday/Sunday. Tour vs. No Tour? Napa vs. Sonoma? and which wineries to visit.

We have both been briefly to San Francisco before but am looking for hidden treasures to check out while I'm in town. Any advice is much appreciated!!! Thanks again!

janisj

Am dashing out so only time for one VERY quick comment right now. I would not under ANY circumstances head to the Wine Country over Labor Day weekend. It will be a zoo w/ bumper to bumper traffic . . .

janisj

Oh - plus w/the Bay bridge closed that weekend, traffic over the Golden Gate will be much worse than a typical holiday - so the bad traffic won't be limited to the two 'wine valleys'.

Just stick to SF.

NewbE

I agree with janisj, it will be very busy in wine country, but if you have your hearts set on going I'd choose Sonoma over Napa as it can absorb more traffic more easily. We love the Dry Creek Valley. All the towns will be slammed. You should look for a room now, and try to book dinner reservations now, but it may be too late. Good luck!

CSY1212

Thank you both! We were both afraid that, that might be the case. Any places we should make sure to go see in SF?

StuDudley

I'm pretty sure that all the hotels in the wine country are going to require a two night stay on labor day weekend.

Here are my ideas about things to do in SF

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...mendations.cfm

Stu Dudley

MichelleY

Do one of the SFcityguide tours. They are free and very interesting!

http://www.sfcityguides.org/

Places in Sonoma County or Napa Valley would required a two or three night minimum on the holiday weekend. Stick to the city.

bluestar

The Sausalito Art Festival runs Aug 31 - Sept 2 -- to get there you can take a ferry, bus, bike or even walk.
http://sausalitoartfestival.org/

Check to see if there are any music/art/film events you might like to see:
http://www.sfweekly.com/concerts/#/date:2013-08-31/

If you have your heart set on a wine country excursion, don't overlook the Livermore Valley in the East Bay, about 40 miles SSE from SF. You can take BART to the Dublin/Pleasanton station, having a limo driver pre-arranged to pick you up.

MichelleY

If you are thinking of Alcatraz, you will need to book now. It may already be sold out

DebitNM

cocktails at the Top of the Mark, at sunset or in the evening.
Dim Sum - City View http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/6/82569/...-San-Francisco

Tadich Grill for great fish and seafood [their cioppino rocks], been around a long time. Go early, they don't take reservations:
http://www.tadichgrill.com/

Old report but most info is still valid:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-francisco.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...isco-style.cfm

CSY1212

These are all great suggestions! Thank you guys so much!

MichelleY

We did a quick weekend trip to SF in February. Here is a link to our report:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-francisco.cfm

Our niece got married last month in SF. We stayed on California Street at the Omni as the reception was on the next block. We had dinner at Perbacco, fantastic as always. Salted caramel gelato and a pine nut cookie for dessert. Tadich Grill for lunch the next day. I hadn't been in 25 years. Good, but not the style of food I like to eat anymore. But everyone should experience it at least once. To early as it was packed by the time we left.

Last week I had dinner at Perbacco's casual sister, Barbacco. Also very god and fun.

Michael

http://www.yanksing.com/home.php for dim sum.

Take the J Church to 30th st. and eat at http://www.laciccia.com/index.php?op...d=15&Itemid=34 (reservations essential)