Must Sees in San Francisco

Old Feb 7th, 2016, 12:57 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Must Sees in San Francisco

We will be in San Francisco for a total of 3 days. What are the must sees in San Francisco? We will take one day to go up to Napa to visit with some friends. What's a good area to stay in San Francisco? Things to do? First time in San Francisco for all of us and we are definitely excited for this city!
Juvidalex is offline  
Old Feb 7th, 2016, 01:01 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Do a bit of reading. http://www.fodors.com/world/north-am.../san-francisco

Without knowing your likes etc, hard to determine. More info needed.
DebitNM is offline  
Old Feb 7th, 2016, 01:43 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,126
Received 26 Likes on 4 Posts
Two whole days, then, eh? Does that include travel?
MmePerdu is offline  
Old Feb 7th, 2016, 01:45 PM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
DebitNM we are pretty flexible. What did you like when you have gone/lived there? What are some things that you may not have been able to go/see when you where there and wished you had etc. I also want to know what neighborhood is good to stay in that is central to all of the "must sees". We are just looking for general ideas since we will only have 3 days there. Obviously, most of the things I have read are Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Ghiradelli Square, etc. I want to know if there's anything that is not as popular but definitely a must do.

Thanks.
Juvidalex is offline  
Old Feb 7th, 2016, 01:55 PM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
MmePerdu, no I only included days that we are not traveling.
Juvidalex is offline  
Old Feb 7th, 2016, 02:10 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,329
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Look into staying in the Union Square east area, Financial District/Embarcadero. When is this trip? You need to get Alcatraz tickets well in advance.
MichelleY is offline  
Old Feb 7th, 2016, 02:24 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I personally like the Embarcadero, although Union Square East would be my second choice. The Embarcadero, especially on a glorious day like today, puts you close to the Bay, and is great for a long beautiful walk (you can walk to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, even the Marina Green and Crissy Field and the Golden Gate Bridge if you're so inclined). I wouldn't ever choose Nob Hill, because I think the fact that it's on the hill (which is quite steep) makes it rather inconvenient. I also wouldn't stay in Fisherman's Wharf because there's nothing "real" about FW anymore (when I came here the first time when I was 12, it was touristy, but it was also still a working wharf, now it's pretty much just touristy).
sf7307 is offline  
Old Feb 7th, 2016, 02:30 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Agree with Michelle on where to stay for 1st trip.

I have a few trip reports on San Francisco and tried to put links in this post but it won't let me do that so... click on my name, go to my profile and scroll through the section that lists my Trip Reports.
DebitNM is offline  
Old Feb 7th, 2016, 03:32 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 20,609
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Depends on your interests and ages. For example, with children I'd recommend CA academy of sciences, for art and history lovers - Legion of Honor, if you love to be outside - Japanese gardens and Arboretum.
Dayenu is offline  
Old Feb 8th, 2016, 09:56 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,388
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here are some ideas of things to do & see:

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

Stu Dudley
StuDudley is offline  
Old Feb 8th, 2016, 10:48 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I second Legion of Honor, a terrific museum. As I recall it has a nice Rodin collection. Pier 39 had a ship, the Balclutha, you could tour and was interesting. A day spent at Golden Gate Park is never a bad choice unless it's pouring. You can visit the Japanese Tea Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, Academy of Sciences, The deYoung Museum. During the summer they had swing dancing in the park, live music, so much fun. I'd pass on Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli square unless they're on your short list or you must check that box.
Cjar is offline  
Old Feb 8th, 2016, 11:41 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,126
Received 26 Likes on 4 Posts
I, too, might have listed the Legion, but given the responses, "we are pretty flexible" & "Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Ghiradelli Square" and no mention of interest in art & museums, and only 2 days to spend in the City with a day in Napa, The Usual seems to be what the OP requires. Add a cable car ride between Union Square and the bay and I think it's covered. Grant Ave/Chinatown will likely be a good choice in between, a short walk from Union Square and no pesky ride all the way out to the Legion or GG Park. I think the phrase "must sees" says a great deal.
MmePerdu is offline  
Old Feb 8th, 2016, 04:55 PM
  #13  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
MichelleY thanks! I'll definitely look in that neighborhood for the hotel. The trip is next month. Alcatraz isn't something major that we have to do. I did list it because that's what always pops up in a "things to do in San Francisco" list. I did check tickets however, and there's availability.

sf7307 thank you for the great tips!

DebitNM I'll take a trip over to your page to check those out.

Dayenu, StuDudley, Cjar, and MmePerdu thank you for all of the suggestions. I am definitely writing them all down and checking with the group.

I am planning a trip for my parents, myself, and a friend so having different options is great since we all like different things. It's best to present them with all of this information at once, that way I don't have to go and do it again if they don't like any of it.
Juvidalex is offline  
Old Feb 8th, 2016, 05:50 PM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,329
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Don't be confused with Union Square West. Seedier area.
MichelleY is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
laurenjones1919
United States
40
Jan 28th, 2015 07:24 PM
GG1958
United States
21
Apr 16th, 2010 07:22 PM
lynndl3
United States
7
Feb 21st, 2006 12:19 PM
lmavolio
United States
8
Jun 1st, 2005 10:00 AM
Mark
United States
6
May 3rd, 2002 10:32 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -