andreadee

We have enjoyed utilizing VRBO for our family of 5. We enjoy it more when we get recommendations from those that have stayed in different rentals. We will be in San Francisco for 3 nights. Any suggestions on where to stay? If not certain homes then how about certain areas over others. We have never been to SAn FRan so would appreciate any help.

sf7307

Neighborhoods that would be great for a visitor (good vibe, safe, have a "neighborhood" where you can eat, shop and people-watch, access to public transportation)....Noe Valley (24th Street), Castro (Castro), Marina (Chestnut), Cow Hollow (Union), Pacific Heights (Fillmore), Cole Valley/Haight-Ashbury, some parts of the Mission District (Valencia, Mission). The names in parentheses are the commercial streets in the particular neighborhood. Duboce Triangle is also often mentioned, although it doesn't have the neighborhood "street" that the others do. There are other neighborhoods that are good to visit that I wouldn't particular want to stay in (Hayes Valley comes to mind).

What kind of neighborhood do you like - very upscale, funky, hippie, yuppie?

andreadee

Thanks so much! I have 16, 13 and 10 year old daughters that love to people watch, shop, stroll and enjoy occassional ethnic cuisine. We live in "white bread America" so it would be nice for them to see something other than what they are use to. Nothing 5th ave-ish...a place where we can walk, explore, dine out, shop for souveniers and t-shirts....so, not very upscale, not too funky...My oldest is total American Eagle girl...athlete...my other two are more funky and artsy...hope you can help...We just did italy and they loved exploring all sorts of places. We are not too picky. What's your favorite?

SAB

My suggestion would be in the Duboce Triangle, which is located between the lower Haight neighborhood (young, funky, urban) and the Castro (gay, yuppy, upscale urban) within easy reach of the Mission and Dolores Park. There are great transportation options to all parts of the City, lots of fairly quiet tree-lined streets with Edwardian and Victorian houses, but near lots of activity. I'm sure that you will get heavy recommendations for Noe Valley, which is very nice place to live but this SF resident finds it has somewhat of an upscale suburban feel and it is becoming less and less diverse (lots of double strollers and yoga classes).

sf7307

While I agree that 24th Street is somewhat upscale (much more so than when I lived there 20 years ago), I do still think Noe Valley would fit the bill, and it, too, has loads of fairly quiet tree-lined streets with Edwardian and Victorian houses! I'd vote for Noe Valley, Castro or Duboce Triangle. Marina, Cow Hollow and Pacific Heights are probably more upscale/yuppie than you're looking for, while Mission, Haight, Hayes Valley are probably a little more downscale than you're looking for. Noe Valley, Castro and Duboce Triangle...."just right".

andreadee

Thanks so much....appreciate the info!

DebitNM

We usually stay in hotels for our annual treks to SF but this year we are staying for 2 weeks and have opted to stay in an apt to get a bit more of a "locals" feel. We are staying in Duboce Triangle as we think it is an idea location for the vibe we are seeking.