TomasS

Iam going to be in San Francisco for the first time in early October. Trying to make the most of a long weekend trip and wanted to fit in a good view/picture opp of Golden Gate bridge. We will be staying near the Wharf, and no rental, so we'll be getting around through walking, cabs, and public transporation. Whats our best bet, for a nearby view?

Also I was looking for an Italian place to book dinner on our first night but theres a ton to choose from, any suggestions on where to get good Italian food at a reasonable price ($30-$40pp with a drink) in the North Beach area?

LoveItaly

Hello TomasS, here is one suggestion. It is a favorite of mine and my family including my son-in-law who is from Rome. Many Fodorite's have eaten at the MonaLisa and those that have the time have returned, sometimes more than once. If you decide to go to the MonaLisa do make reservations as otherwise you could find a long line waiting outside on the sidewalk. Enjoy your time in San Francisco!
http://www.monalisasf.com/

SAB

You can get a great view of the GGBridge from Crissy Field in the Presidio, both from a distance and up close. You can walk to Crissy from the Wharf or you could rent bikes and bike there and if you are feeling up to it, you can bike across the bridge into Sausalito and take the ferry back.

spirobulldog

we ate at Mona Lisa and thought it was great, and is fairly priced. We didn't have reservations and didn't have a problem getting in at 5:00pm. Upon our exit, there was a serious line waiting outside. Don't miss the Farmers Market. Good luck at seeing the Golden Gate, it is foggy a lot of the time(i think Oct is one of the clearer months). You might consider renting a car one day from downtown and driving across the Golden Gate to Muir Woods. Very nice place to spend 3 hours or so. We also enjoyed the Segway tour.

bigbomoho

agree Presidio is good--if you want a wider perspective go to Sea Cliff Ave near 25th st.Its just SW of the presidio,and very high. The other good spot is on the other side of the bridge, on the high bluff on the non-tourist side of the viewing plaza.You have to drive around a bit to get up there,but it pretty neat spot if you can find it.I like eating near the water--theres plenty of decent Italian near the Piers--my memory tells me the Fransiscan is where we ate last time--they had an excellent crab dish

TomasS

Thanks alot for all the input, I'll definately look up all your suggestions. Even the segway tour was something I never considered but sounds kinda fun.

spirobulldog

Segway tour is very touristy, but it was fun and is a good way to start out seeing some of the area. We had never been on one before. You get the hang of it after 5 mihutes or so.