San Francisco in 2 Days - trying to organize my thoughts
Mar 9th, 2012, 01:19 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
San Francisco in 2 Days - trying to organize my thoughts
So some of you may remember from my last post that I was planning one day in San Francisco, one day on a wine tour, and 3 plus days based in Carmel.
I then thought I would skip the wine tour and do the coast for 4 days. However I started to look at San Francisco and have decided (for now at least) that we need 2 days in the city. My husband hasn't weighed in yet ,as he has been away, but he is usually happy to have his days planned. It's our first trip without the kids in a long time.
Here is what I would like to do in San Francisco .
The Ferry Building. I love food stores
Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge
A cable car ride
Exploring scenic neighbourhoods- maybe one of the stairway walks Stu Dudley mentioned.
North beach
Coit tower
Should we do Alcatrez? I'm really on the fence.
We love to just pop into places for casual fresh food but enjoy reasonably priced dinners, with some California wine.
We are great walkers but I have a tendency to set a frantic ,see it all pace ,that my husband sometimes finds too much. I think the coast part of the trip will be more relaxed though.
Am I missing any real must sees? Can you help me turn this into a itinerary that makes sense.
Thank You
I then thought I would skip the wine tour and do the coast for 4 days. However I started to look at San Francisco and have decided (for now at least) that we need 2 days in the city. My husband hasn't weighed in yet ,as he has been away, but he is usually happy to have his days planned. It's our first trip without the kids in a long time.
Here is what I would like to do in San Francisco .
The Ferry Building. I love food stores
Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge
A cable car ride
Exploring scenic neighbourhoods- maybe one of the stairway walks Stu Dudley mentioned.
North beach
Coit tower
Should we do Alcatrez? I'm really on the fence.
We love to just pop into places for casual fresh food but enjoy reasonably priced dinners, with some California wine.
We are great walkers but I have a tendency to set a frantic ,see it all pace ,that my husband sometimes finds too much. I think the coast part of the trip will be more relaxed though.
Am I missing any real must sees? Can you help me turn this into a itinerary that makes sense.
Thank You
Mar 9th, 2012, 02:05 PM
#3
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think Alcatraz is really interesting, but it takes at least a few hours or more, so you may decide to skip it on this trip.
Of the things you're planning per your list, I would spend one morning and afternoon as follows:
start with breakfast and a couple of hours at the Ferry Building. If you happen to be here on a Saturday, add time because that's the day of the "granddaddy of them all" farmers market.
After the ferry building, walk north on the Embarcadero and make your way to the Vallejo Steps (at Montgomery and Vallejo). Walk up the steps to Kearny Street. Turn right on Kearny Street and walk up to Filbert - turn right to go up more steps to Coit Tower. Spend as much time as you like at Coit Tower (I've never been beyond the main floor, which has very interesting murals and is free to enter).
After Coit Tower, walk out the front door and head back down the access road. Take the Filbert Steps down to Montgomery Street.
Turn right on Montgomery Street and right on Union Street and head for Columbus Avenue, which is the heart of North Beach. In addition to North Beach, walk on Upper Grant Avenue, with its funky fun shops and restaurants (and live music at the Savoy Tivoli, which you can both see and hear from the sidewalk).
If you're still not too tired, take a cable car ride before or after dinner.
You can walk the Golden Gate Bridge the second day. Will you have a car? It's not that easy to get to the bridge without one (there are buses, I think). you can either walk half-way and turn around, or walk all the way into Sausalito, which is a very nice town itself, and take the ferry back to SF.
Of the things you're planning per your list, I would spend one morning and afternoon as follows:
start with breakfast and a couple of hours at the Ferry Building. If you happen to be here on a Saturday, add time because that's the day of the "granddaddy of them all" farmers market.
After the ferry building, walk north on the Embarcadero and make your way to the Vallejo Steps (at Montgomery and Vallejo). Walk up the steps to Kearny Street. Turn right on Kearny Street and walk up to Filbert - turn right to go up more steps to Coit Tower. Spend as much time as you like at Coit Tower (I've never been beyond the main floor, which has very interesting murals and is free to enter).
After Coit Tower, walk out the front door and head back down the access road. Take the Filbert Steps down to Montgomery Street.
Turn right on Montgomery Street and right on Union Street and head for Columbus Avenue, which is the heart of North Beach. In addition to North Beach, walk on Upper Grant Avenue, with its funky fun shops and restaurants (and live music at the Savoy Tivoli, which you can both see and hear from the sidewalk).
If you're still not too tired, take a cable car ride before or after dinner.
You can walk the Golden Gate Bridge the second day. Will you have a car? It's not that easy to get to the bridge without one (there are buses, I think). you can either walk half-way and turn around, or walk all the way into Sausalito, which is a very nice town itself, and take the ferry back to SF.
Mar 9th, 2012, 02:08 PM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes sorry I was more detailed in my previous post. We have 6 nights, 5 full days in mid May. We are arriving on a Wed. and leaving on Mon afternoon.
Tentative plans
day 1 and 2 - San Francisco ( possibly staying at The Chancellor )
Day 3 4 5- exploring the coast to Big Sur . I am looking at booking The Mission Inn or the Martine Inn ( in Moterey)
Tentative plans
day 1 and 2 - San Francisco ( possibly staying at The Chancellor )
Day 3 4 5- exploring the coast to Big Sur . I am looking at booking The Mission Inn or the Martine Inn ( in Moterey)
Mar 9th, 2012, 02:14 PM
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh Thank you sf7307. That sounds gret. We are flying in so no car ,but we have to rent one for the coast. Maybe we should rent one do the bridge and head off to the coast. But Sausalito sounds good too.
If we didn't rent a car would it be possible to do the bridge and Alcatrez in one day?
If we didn't rent a car would it be possible to do the bridge and Alcatrez in one day?
Mar 9th, 2012, 02:30 PM
#6
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bridge and Alcatraz in one day is absolutely do-able. Reserve tickets for an early-morning Alcatraz boat (do reserve, they sell out). Have lunch after Alcatraz and then make your way to the bridge. Again, getting to the bridge is the only question, and I'm sorry, but I have no idea how to do that (I'm not a huge user of public transportation here in SF).
Mar 9th, 2012, 02:48 PM
#8
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 17,106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd agree with sf7307's suggestions - somewhat, although it makes me tired just to read her walking itinerary. 
If your goal is to walk SF, then that's fine.
If your goal is to see as much of SF as possible within two days, then walking all day, IMHO, is not the way to go. SF has so much to offer that walking would be a "waste of time" given how few days you have allotted to SF.
You could get a one-day transportation pass and take all the local transportation - bus, tram, etc. for that day.
In the interests of maximizing your time in SF, definitely don't walk the GG Bridge, but drive and hike at both ends of the bridge if you want to hike. Also don't hike down to Sausalito from the GG Bridge but you might want to take the ferry to Sausalito and still see the Bay while skipping going onto Alcatraz.
Please let us know if you want to walk SF or see as much as possible within your time limit. I'm certain someone can come up with a great two-day itinerary to fit your needs - possibly beginning with sf7307's walking itinerary.
As for food - Ferry Building is good, but there is also the Food Emporium in the Westfield San Francisco Centre (4th and Market) [there's a parking garage on 5th and Mission, entrance on Mission]. I don't know exactly where you are coming from, but this is a great place to sample gourmet foods from around the Pacific Rim at less than gourmet prices. It is not your usual food court and there is also an awesome Bristol Farms Market with an unbelievable selection of gourmet foods [I think , better than even some of the offerings at the Ferry Building!]. Personally, I think it's the best food court in California that I've ever been in .
http://www.yelp.com/biz/westfield-sa...-san-francisco
If your goal is to walk SF, then that's fine.
If your goal is to see as much of SF as possible within two days, then walking all day, IMHO, is not the way to go. SF has so much to offer that walking would be a "waste of time" given how few days you have allotted to SF.
You could get a one-day transportation pass and take all the local transportation - bus, tram, etc. for that day.
In the interests of maximizing your time in SF, definitely don't walk the GG Bridge, but drive and hike at both ends of the bridge if you want to hike. Also don't hike down to Sausalito from the GG Bridge but you might want to take the ferry to Sausalito and still see the Bay while skipping going onto Alcatraz.
Please let us know if you want to walk SF or see as much as possible within your time limit. I'm certain someone can come up with a great two-day itinerary to fit your needs - possibly beginning with sf7307's walking itinerary.
As for food - Ferry Building is good, but there is also the Food Emporium in the Westfield San Francisco Centre (4th and Market) [there's a parking garage on 5th and Mission, entrance on Mission]. I don't know exactly where you are coming from, but this is a great place to sample gourmet foods from around the Pacific Rim at less than gourmet prices. It is not your usual food court and there is also an awesome Bristol Farms Market with an unbelievable selection of gourmet foods [I think , better than even some of the offerings at the Ferry Building!]. Personally, I think it's the best food court in California that I've ever been in .
http://www.yelp.com/biz/westfield-sa...-san-francisco
Mar 9th, 2012, 03:02 PM
#9
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My take:
1. The Westfield Center food court is a great food court, but it's a food court, not a food market. Bristol Farms is outstanding, but it's a chain. The Ferry Building is a local treasure, not to be missed if you're into food markets.
2. My afternoon walk won't take even 3 hours! We took some out-of-town Fodorites on this walk, and we all had a great time. However, we do walk everywhere. We were in Hong Kong last year, and except for the ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong, and the bus ride out to Stanley, we never took any form of transportation other than our own two feet. In Hanoi, we told the concierge at our hotel, we wanted to walk to the Museum of Ethnology -- she was flabbergasted, as it wasn't even on her map. We agreed to take a taxi there, but told her we'd walk back and we did, even though the taxi driver was waiting for us because he couldn't believe we'd actually choose to walk! That all said, in London, we use the tube extensively....
1. The Westfield Center food court is a great food court, but it's a food court, not a food market. Bristol Farms is outstanding, but it's a chain. The Ferry Building is a local treasure, not to be missed if you're into food markets.
2. My afternoon walk won't take even 3 hours! We took some out-of-town Fodorites on this walk, and we all had a great time. However, we do walk everywhere. We were in Hong Kong last year, and except for the ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong, and the bus ride out to Stanley, we never took any form of transportation other than our own two feet. In Hanoi, we told the concierge at our hotel, we wanted to walk to the Museum of Ethnology -- she was flabbergasted, as it wasn't even on her map. We agreed to take a taxi there, but told her we'd walk back and we did, even though the taxi driver was waiting for us because he couldn't believe we'd actually choose to walk! That all said, in London, we use the tube extensively....
Mar 9th, 2012, 03:06 PM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband just arrived home and is definitely voting for seeing as much as possible, rather than a strictly walking tour. He is also not super keen on Alcatrez but admits its just a gut feel. I like the idea of the ferry ride to Sausalito however.
We are coming from Ontario so Pacific Rim gourmet food sounds fabulous to me. If it were just me on my own I could easily spend a day going to food stores. I have a particular penchant for health food stores too.
We are coming from Ontario so Pacific Rim gourmet food sounds fabulous to me. If it were just me on my own I could easily spend a day going to food stores. I have a particular penchant for health food stores too.
Mar 9th, 2012, 03:22 PM
#12
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You might even consider renting a car for a day. Although public transportation in San Francisco is excellent, you can certainly get around much faster with a car -- for example, you could explore the Mission District or Castro Street, go up to Twin Peaks for the view, drive across the Golden Gate Bridge (I've never walked it, why should you ), maybe take a walk at Crissy Field (I love that walk - about 6 miles round trip from Fort Mason to the Warming Hut), or drive out to Land's End (for another spectacular walk); drive through Pacific Heights (mansion territory), through the Fillmore Street, Union Street and Chestnut Street areas, etc.
), maybe take a walk at Crissy Field (I love that walk - about 6 miles round trip from Fort Mason to the Warming Hut), or drive out to Land's End (for another spectacular walk); drive through Pacific Heights (mansion territory), through the Fillmore Street, Union Street and Chestnut Street areas, etc.
Mar 9th, 2012, 05:11 PM
#14
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You are really boiling it down, and that's great to do.
I am a big fan of the Ferry over to Sausalito (used to be my "working commute") and walking around - but you could also rent a car on the 2nd day - drive up to the Golden Gate - and park there (just before the toll gates) - and walk part way out on to the bridge and back. (We used to love to ride our bikes over the Gate and into Sausalito/Marin County).
You could then continue driving over to Sausalito. You could also combine that with going to the Warming Hut and walking whatever distance you choose along Crissy Field.
Also used to live in Pacific Heights (when I first moved to Sf - as a renter in one of the big mansions- with an incredible bay window/unobstructed view) - and it's fun to drive up steep Filmore and then perpindicular along Brodway, etc.
Another fun thing to do if you like Dim Sum is go to Chinatown/North Beach - and the Golden Mountain? on Broadway - was excellent. Or go to the last remaining true deli in North Beach - Molanari - and get a sandwich, roll of Salami, cheese, whatever. Park in the Green? St garage - next to the Police Station.
I am a big fan of the Ferry over to Sausalito (used to be my "working commute") and walking around - but you could also rent a car on the 2nd day - drive up to the Golden Gate - and park there (just before the toll gates) - and walk part way out on to the bridge and back. (We used to love to ride our bikes over the Gate and into Sausalito/Marin County).
You could then continue driving over to Sausalito. You could also combine that with going to the Warming Hut and walking whatever distance you choose along Crissy Field.
Also used to live in Pacific Heights (when I first moved to Sf - as a renter in one of the big mansions
- with an incredible bay window/unobstructed view) - and it's fun to drive up steep Filmore and then perpindicular along Brodway, etc.Another fun thing to do if you like Dim Sum is go to Chinatown/North Beach - and the Golden Mountain? on Broadway - was excellent. Or go to the last remaining true deli in North Beach - Molanari - and get a sandwich, roll of Salami, cheese, whatever. Park in the Green? St garage - next to the Police Station.
Mar 9th, 2012, 05:30 PM
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok after 2 references to the warming hut I had to google. Suggesting a warming hutt to a Canadian brings up images of bare bones buildings with fires going . Literally places to warm up when skiing or skating when you are in danger of frostbite. Lol
Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. I'm still processing,but open to suggestions. Right now very much leaning to day 1 walking tour that sf7307 suggested. Still confused about day 2.
Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. I'm still processing,but open to suggestions. Right now very much leaning to day 1 walking tour that sf7307 suggested. Still confused about day 2.
Mar 9th, 2012, 06:04 PM
#17
I don't get the attraction to Alcatraz. I've been to San Francisco many times and never even thought about doing that tour.
You're already got it mapped out for you better than I could, but I do like to take the cable car, hit Fisherman's Wharf, thru Chinatown, Embarcadero, and Union Square (go to 'Mocca' on Maiden Lane for lunch).
You're already got it mapped out for you better than I could, but I do like to take the cable car, hit Fisherman's Wharf, thru Chinatown, Embarcadero, and Union Square (go to 'Mocca' on Maiden Lane for lunch).
Mar 9th, 2012, 11:24 PM
#18
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For pacific rim food i vote for eating above ground and not at westfield mall basement...although it is good for a food court. As one who does weekday lunches downtown, i would go for finding one of the new wave of modern trucks or a fleet of food trucks and seeing what looks good. The food is typically very fresh and very creative but not cheap. Check out the website for "Off the grid SF" for a schedule and maps of where some trucks will be. Many trucks park solo so keep ana eye out at lunch time if you are near office neighborhoods. I had a breat vietnamese sandwich (bahn min) on thursday from a truck and it was great. Lean pork on baguette bread with cilantro. Yum. Chow.com is also a great source for finding good local food in SF. Sometimes there is excellent lunch to be had at the ferrry building farmers market. Just look for a line of locals, or ask someone with a yummy looking item, where they got it.
My DH and i like to get some oysters at the Hog Island seafood place inside the ferry building.
But then there is always swans oyster bar out near van ness and california.(sorry dont know the address) . It is a classic one counter old sf style seafood place. Wonderful.
And for the cold, bring a windbreaker and hat in case the fog rolls in.
Oh, if you like ships, the maritime museum is great. It includes some old ships and a sub that are tied up and you can walk on and look at. Also, fort point is a great fort tucked under the southern landing of the golden gate bridge.
Enjoy!
My DH and i like to get some oysters at the Hog Island seafood place inside the ferry building.
But then there is always swans oyster bar out near van ness and california.(sorry dont know the address) . It is a classic one counter old sf style seafood place. Wonderful.
And for the cold, bring a windbreaker and hat in case the fog rolls in.
Oh, if you like ships, the maritime museum is great. It includes some old ships and a sub that are tied up and you can walk on and look at. Also, fort point is a great fort tucked under the southern landing of the golden gate bridge.
Enjoy!
Mar 9th, 2012, 11:32 PM
#19
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oops.
Off the grid sf is at
http://offthegridsf.com/calendar
And swan oyster depot is at 1517 polk, just half a block north of california street, just befor california st crosses van ness st.
Off the grid sf is at
http://offthegridsf.com/calendar
And swan oyster depot is at 1517 polk, just half a block north of california street, just befor california st crosses van ness st.
Mar 10th, 2012, 03:47 AM
#20
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 11,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just to "simplify" things - here again is what I would suggest for day 2.
Rent a car - and drive down to the Marina Green and along the Green out toward Crissy Field - and park somewhere for a walk - or at least - for part of your daily hike. Before this - you could also drive by/along Fisherman's Wharf - as it probably wouldn't be too busy earlier in the morning.
Stop by the Warming hut for coffee and/or a snack - and then drive up the hill to park where the road comes out to join the roadway going across the Golden Gate. If the lot if full - just wait for somebody to leave, leaving one person in the car to pray to the parking gods and the others can leisurely stroll about.
Walk out at least partway on the GG - and it is AWESOME to be on top of the bridge - enjoying the unparalleled view and looking down at ships coming in and out of the bay. There will be people riding bikes, jogging, going for power walks - or just strolling along ga-gaing at the views.
Continue on to Sausalito and have lunch there at one of the many good places, perhaps Scomas and enjoy the view looking back at SF. http://scomassausalito.com/
After lunch - you could drive over to lovely Tiburon (half hour max) - and take the short ferry ride to Angel Island if you wish.
Or head back to your hotel room for a nice nap.
Rent a car - and drive down to the Marina Green and along the Green out toward Crissy Field - and park somewhere for a walk - or at least - for part of your daily hike.
Before this - you could also drive by/along Fisherman's Wharf - as it probably wouldn't be too busy earlier in the morning.Stop by the Warming hut for coffee and/or a snack - and then drive up the hill to park where the road comes out to join the roadway going across the Golden Gate. If the lot if full - just wait for somebody to leave, leaving one person in the car to pray to the parking gods and the others can leisurely stroll about.
Walk out at least partway on the GG - and it is AWESOME to be on top of the bridge - enjoying the unparalleled view and looking down at ships coming in and out of the bay. There will be people riding bikes, jogging, going for power walks - or just strolling along ga-gaing at the views.
Continue on to Sausalito and have lunch there at one of the many good places, perhaps Scomas and enjoy the view looking back at SF. http://scomassausalito.com/
After lunch - you could drive over to lovely Tiburon (half hour max) - and take the short ferry ride to Angel Island if you wish.
Or head back to your hotel room for a nice nap.
