mouseRD

My husband & I will be flying to SF from Charlotte, NC & spending 7 nights - anniversary/birthday trip. 2 possible options include 4 nights at the Washington Square Inn (WSISF) in North Beach, followed by 3 nights at the Hotel Drisco in Pacific Heights OR 3 nights at WSISF, 1 night in Carmel or Monterey (either Spindrift Inn or Tickle Pink Inn) & 3 nights at the Hotel Drisco. My concern is that we don't want to feel too rushed, but it would be nice to see different areas since we may not be able to return in the near future. We are definite about our lodging in SF, just not sure about including 1 night in the Monterey area. It would afford us an extra day there & would break up the driving over 2 days.

1) We want to have enough time in the city to explore - all of the usual tourist haunts - Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, North Beach, Pacific Heights other neighborhoods in the city.

2) Possible Tours/Expeditions:

-Bike the GG Bridge to Sausalito & ferry back
-Visit Angel Island
-Alcatraz Tour
-Golden Gate Park
-GoCar and/or Segway Tour
-Rent a car & tour Muir Woods/Point Reyes Ntl Seashore
-Take a 1 day wine tour to Napa and/or Sonoma with a company.

3) Other -

- Sample various cuisine - would definitely like to try some N. Beach restaurants since we are staying in that area, also considering Gary Danko's for a special meal, Frascati's is a possibility - like fish/seafood, Asian, Latin, Middle Eastern, Indian, Italian cuisine.
- Thinking about Beach Blanket Babylon - will we like it?
- Listening to some jazz.

Thank you for your opinions/input.

trippinkpj

With 7 nights, and as much as I like San Francisco, I would spend at least 2 in Carmel or Monterey.

jtrandolph

I agree that a trip to Monterey/Carmel/Pacific Grove with an overnight would really add to your trip. Look into Pacific Grove. There are two Victorian B & B's right across the street from the water..Seven Gables Inn and Green Gables Inn. From there you can walk to the several excellent Pacific Grove restaurants and also along the shore.

StuDudley

I'll third the suggesion for 2 nights in Carmel/Monterey/Pacific grove.

Most people don't change hotels in SF - I think you're the first ones that have mentioned it. Not a bad idea - the "action" of North Beach & the quiet/sedate/elegant atmosphere of Pacific Heights. You'll be two blocks away from the homes of Larry Ellison, Gordon Getty, & Diane Feinstein. Rent some bikes so you can enjoy the Presidio. Have dinner at Pres a Vie in the Presidio. Consider a free walking tour of "Pacific Heights Mansions" offered by S F Cityguides - sponsored by the SF Public Library. For schedules & descriptions of this & the other 30 free walking tours offered, see:
www.SFCityGuides.org

Stu Dudley

mouseRD

Thank you for your input; I'll check out your suggestions jtrandolph & Stu. I'll probably post with some new questions soon, but if anyone has opinions on Beach Blanket Babylon (would like to book soon - may do reserved seating so we don't have to wait & can arrive after dinner). Thank you.

suze

Don't forget to ride a streetcar!

StuDudley

I have not seen BBB in about 20 years, but we get bits & pieces of it all the time.

Many people love it - lots of slapstick. I'm about 60, and that kind of humor really isn't my style anymore.

A few years back, we saw Teatro Zinzani - and we though that this was perhaps the best live entertainment we've ever seen. A bit more sophisticated & clever humor, plus there are European style circus acts (no clowns), singing (Joan Baez (sp) a few times), dinner is served, and there are many other original skits/encounters. My stomach was sore the next day (from laughing, not the food). It's advertised a "Love, Chaos, and Dinner" The venue is an old circus tent from the 19OOs.

There have been a few people posting here who did not enjoy BBB (thought it was stupid). So far nobody has said the same about Zinzani - but I suspect a lot more people attend BBB than Zinzani. Zinzani costs more than BBB.

Stu Dudley

mouseRD

Thank you, Stu!

jtrandolph

I have not seen Teatro Zinzanni but I have seem Beach Blanket Babylon. The former is more like Cirque de Soleil, I think, with acts of that nature. The latter is outrageous political comment with incredible costumes. Here are the websites so you can compare. Be sure to click on the links to allow you to see what goes on in each.

http://www.beachblanketbabylon.com/
http://love.zinzanni.org/

kleroux

If you like Swing/Jazz then be sure to hit the Top of the Mark Hopkins hotel and listen to LaVay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet lickers. They only play on Wed. nights when they are in town, but its a fun scene with swing dancer/groupies. The room itself has a great view over the City and its a fun way to end an evening.

StuDudley

I saw Cirque du Soleil the same year as Zinzanni & enjoyed Zinzanni a lot more. Zinzanni is more like a mix of BBB & Cirque du Soleil.

Stu Dudley