where to take soon to be 16 year old for a few night getaway to celebrate?

hi Dawn, While I dearly love Seattle (live here) for a 3-day getaway personally I find San Francisco MUCH more exciting & exotic.

But I can help you with either city for some of my favorite activities and restaurants, just let us know which one you pick!

suze

Have you been to Portland, OR? I would take a young person there first. San Francisco second.

See the locks, Olympic Sculpture Park, take a ferry ride, visit SAM, go have coffee and a croissant at Le Panier and watch the Pike Place Market vendors set up then visit the market, visit Ye Olde Curiosity Shop, take a float plane ride or at least check them out on the lake, visit Tillicum Village, visit EMP, and of course the Space Needle. These are all things our kids enjoyed when we lived up there or when we go back now.

Well..... I talked to her since posting this and she would like to go to S.F. - so once again Suze - you were on the money

Dayenu - I had not actually thought of Portland. I have not been there in almost 15 years or so -

So S.F. it is ....

I know there are experts here!

Let the suggestions begin:

Hotels
Area
What to do!

How fun MomDD!
Some great deals on Expedia..
Mark Hopkins Inter-Continental and the Huntington hotel..
4* Westin is $104 a night..flight and hotel some deals from OC around $300 pp..you can really rock it for a lot less..imo

Scottsdale/Phoenix at the AZ Biltmore is $80 a night.great resort..hot but fun and nice..4.5*..hit up Sedona for a night or two..road trip and it would be cheap, fun with luxury..off season 5* hotels are the way to go..

Palm Desert after Memorial Day is some great deals at Rancho Las Palmas or La Quinta..water slides and heat are a great combo pak.

I also love Avalon/Catalina for a couple of days either at Hamilton Cove to rent a home or BW in Avalon..
We love taking the boat over or the Cat Express..

All the best to you and your family!

<<Scottsdale/Phoenix at the AZ Biltmore is $80 a night.great resort..hot but fun and nice..4.5*..hit up Sedona for a night or two..road trip and it would be cheap, fun with luxury..off season 5* hotels are the way to go..>>

hummmm this might be a cool idea....

Not if you are 16. SF is way more cooler (literally) and it has sushi and theater.

Ronda - I think you are right... dh and I want to go to Sedona (not in August)... but I think my stepdaughter was pretty excited about SF. I mentioned Seattle or SF and offered if she could think of any place else that she has read about or thought about - but that we did not want to spend all the time flying there if we only had a few days - as she is a great traveler and I had really wanted to take her to London...

Question about SF -

what is the best airport? I have only flown into Oakland and taken the BART to the city... Is it better to fly into SFO?

Either works fine. If you fly into Oakland, you have to take a shuttle to the BART station (which isn't actually on-site at the airport). If you fly into SFO, you can walk or take the airtrain to the BART station (which is actually at the airport). Go with whichever is cheaper.

Sf - thank you - which is less time? I remember taking a bus from Oakland over by the stadium and then taking the BART - I like the idea of the BART being right there but will see if it makes a big difference. I am also thinking driving might be fun. I have only driven twice...once was a blast a long road trip dh and I took. The other was not fun - ds was VERY sick - and could not fly. I ended up renting a car and driving him home to Oc.

i don't know about seattle or portland but i think she will like s.f.

as far as airports, i would look at the cheapest fare because both oakland and sfo have bart service to s.f.
i think swa generally has good prices out of oakland.

i would probably stay around the union square area. lots of shopping and restaurants and you can walk to a lot of places from there.
i think you will also be well served by the bus and bart in that area.

besides the tourist things like the crookedest street or fisherman's wharf, some of areas that dd and her friends like to go to besides union square area:

haight st - still has the old hippie vibe with great people watching, vintage stores, amoeba records and dd's favourite restaurant cha cha cha

china town

north beach

taking the ferry from the ferry plaza to sausalito or tiburon

golden gate park - california academy of sciences, the de young museum and shuttle to the legion of honor, japanese tea garden.....

i will ask her for more ideas.

We really enjoyed going to Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Lombard Street, seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, going to China Town, and walking along Fisherman's Wharf to eat crab and watch the sea lions.

Dawn, Flying to either SFO or OAK will work. SFO is a bit easier to use BART. Time wise maybe a bit faster too.

As for a hotel, I HIGHLY recommend The Mosser. It is on 4th, a short walk from BART stop. It is just off Market and a few short blocks to Union Sq. We stayed there last year and loved it. Small rooms, but you can get a great price.

I just got an email from them that they still have a $69 a night special. I'll find it and forward it to you.

It is a cross between a hostel and a boutique hotel. Very clean, modern lobby, coffee and muffins in morning. They have rooms with private baths and some that use a "hall" bathroom. We had a room with private bath, but I did look in the hall baths when it was being cleaned. VERY clean. They keep them constantly cleaned. You can get a room with 2 twin beds I think.

For the special you have to call direct to book; this is not prepaid, so you can cancel within a few days of arrival.

TheMosser.com

Deb

Thank you everyone!

Deb - I will check that out - I am not up for shared bathrooms. Draw the line there

I had planned on surprising her but am glad I did not - I thought she would want to go to Seattle more but she was very excited about SF.

There are some GREAT deals through Expedia - I am going to try booking it out separate and see what prices I come up with and also see if anything is available with Starwood points or Marriott points, or Hilton.

I am very excited to go with her. She is SO low maintenance in this family - we will have a party for her but want this time with her. More questions I am sure to follow!

Hi Dawn, I am sure you and your stepdaughter will have a fantastic time in SF. I have never known a teenager yet that didn't love SF.

I also agree w/SF but I would liekly just ask her where she may have an interest in going. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Travelzoo shows specials running right now on the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins and a couple of the Kimpton Properties. www.travelzoo.com

If you can get a good deal on a flight, do it as you really do NOT need a car in SF. The public transportation is awesome, assuming you can't just walk wherever you are going (and often you can). A car is a big liability there--you will have to pay (a lot!) to park it at most hotels, then many places you will drive to will also make you pay to park it there! Bummer! Save that money for shopping and eating!

Have fun!

DD, there is a small difference between SFO and OAK on a Sunday. BART starts running at 8 am, so if this is an early flight, a shuttle to SFO is much eaiser. Check how late the AirTran is running to OAK - if the schedule is good for you, then flying into OAK may be cheaper - and don't forget, Southwest does not appear on Kayak or Orbitz.

How is her foot? Will she be able to take a bus (meaning may be standing on a shaky bus)

Oh, it's your stepdaughter, not the one who had surgery? Sorry

Dayenu - it is my stepdaughter - not my dd DD is just 12 - and her foot is doing MUCH better a little over a year post op. She is doing great with tennis and seems very happy to be back in school and is doing well.

I am going to try to take a mid afternoon flight out - so that should not be an issue - but will go with the cheapest airfare within reason with times.

musicfan - I know I do not need the car and was thinking between gas, parking etc it will cost about what a flight will. ...

SanParis - I did ask her and she said SF I was thinking and leaning more towards Seattle and was surprised by her answer. She is a great traveler and I wish I could take her to London...oh well.

Ivk - thank you~ I will check that out as I would LOVE to stay at a Kimpton property.

Dayenu - we were posting at the same time.

I thought she grew up too fast

Will she be interested in spending some time around Berkeley University?

Haight-Ashbury in San Francisco?

Dayenu - she might - I will have to ask her. I need to see what theater is in town that weekend. I am waiting till next week when my new term school schedule comes out and can book from there -

for theater check out this site:

http://www.theatrebayarea.org/

Click on "buy tickets" on the left, you can now buy even 1/2 price in advance!

If its her first time in SF, splurging on a hotel near Union Square or Nobhill would be fun but practically speaking, can't go wrong with a motel near Chestnut St like Cow Hollow Motor Inn. Chestnut St is fun to walk, near enough the wharf and streetcar stations to get around.

here are a few more ideas from dd.

the ferry plaza and the farmer's market on saturdays.
starting july 2nd, there will be a new sustainable street food market on thursdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - this sounds very interesting

there are planned sunday street closures on the following dates. you can more info about this at www.sundaystreetsSF.com.
this is a lot of fun as there is invariably entertainment set up along the street.

Sunday, June 7: Garfield Park to Dolores Park via Harrison, 24th Street,
Valencia Street and 19th Street

Sunday, July 19: Garfield Park to Dolores Park via Harrison, 24th Street,
Valencia Street and 19th Street

Sunday, August 9: Great Highway Route. Connecting Golden Gate Park to the San Francisco Zoo, along Ocean Beach.

Sunday, Sept 6: Great Highway Route. Connecting Golden Gate Park to the San Francisco Zoo, along Ocean Beach.

dd also loves to hang out on union street and chestnut street which have lots of cool boutiques and restaurants.

e ferry plaza and the farmer's market on saturdays.
starting july 2nd, there will be a new sustainable street food market on thursdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - this sounds very interesting

----
This is something my dd would love...although she might be afraid since I promised her the flea market in Paris and we went on an adventure that day and thought we were going to be mugged! LOL
Where is this located? Tell your dd thank you!!

I would not bother with a car for 3 days in San Francisco. Either airport is just fine to fly into, whichever has better fares, times, etc. Pick a hotel with a central location and you can get around just fine on foot, by streetcar, but or BART.

*bus*

Ferry Plaza - if by BART or MUNI - Embarcadero station

If looking at the map - Embarcadero @ Market by water

DD, from there you can take a boat to Sausalito, a cute village in the mountains, some shopping. If the weather is nice, very pleasant sailing.

http://goldengateferry.org/schedules/Sausalito.php

Thank you thank you thank you!!

The only reason I was going to drive is I REALLY hate to fly..and avoid it at any cost

Oh, I thought you meant drive around the city, once you arrived in San Francisco. That's what I was voting against. I don't care how you get there (haha).

the ferry plaza is a great foodie destination and extremely safe.

the saturday markets are phenomenal. i can only imagine how great the new street food market will be.

on occasion in the summer, i take the ferry from sausalito to the s.f. ferry plaza, spend the a.m. at the farmers market, lunch at slanted door, browse through some of the art tents across the street from the ferry plaza and take the ferry back home in the p.m.

W
181 3rd Street, San Francisco ,CA 94103 United States
T: (415) 777-5300 - SPG Category 5
1.85 km/1.15 miles from center of san francisco.

Greetings - me again - I can stay here for 90.00 a night plus points - any feedback on the location and property?
Thanks so much!

not a bad location.
ofcourse being a w , it is quite chic.
it is a block away from the moma and the yerba buena center and about 3 blocks from the westfield center - great for kids to hang out and shop and eat - about 6 blocks away from union square.
did you check out the westin at union square? it is a beautiful old hotel and right on the square with lots of activity right outside.

That is sort of far from Union Square... I will check the Westin... liked hte 90.00 and it being a W.. I can also stay at the Palace.

i meant the westin st. francis not the westin on markets st.

the palace is gorgeous. but it is even farther than the w.
even if you don't stay there, if you have the time you should go there to check out their garden court stained glass dome ceiling.
they have great brunches and teas.

I have been to the Palace. My olderest son was going to go to Art school right across from where it is located We went over to the Palace to have lunch and talk about the school.

oldest. oppss... okay... looks like I will stay off those two - they are the ones showing up as available for cash/points.

Since you have just a few days, I'd really suggest staying in downtown SF, near the Union Square area. Union Square is near the major theater scene, as well as walking distance to Chinatown and near the cable car line. The F streetcars run on Market St., going down to the Embarcadero and on to Fisherman's Wharf. And there's piles of shopping in Union Square.

Get a visitor's transit pass; they're available at the visitor's center in the BART station at Powell and Market. The passes are good on the cable cars, which otherwise are $5 each way, every time you hop on one.

There's a TIX in Union Square, where you can get half priced tickets for that night's performances to many shows. I was there this spring with friends; we caught "Shopping, the musical" which was a lot of fun. It's short, about 90 minutes, light and funny.

There's a huge food court in the lower level of the Westfield shopping center, on Market at Powell. They have stands from many of the nicer SF restaurants. It's a good place for a quick but good lunch. And don't miss the Ferry Building...nice restaurants, interesting food shops, and it's right on the Bay.

Have fun!

ps: If budget is a concern, you might try Priceline for hotels. It's hard to go wrong...tho a few places might have just one double bed. Also, Kimpton hotels rock! They're very individualistic and have a lot of character. They pamper their guests with snacks and a free wine/beer/soda happy hour in the lobby every afternoon. And you can get goldfish for your room if you want. I love Kimptons, and I bet a 16 year old would appreciate them as well.

Oh you are going to have such fun! If the fare is right, I'd say fly into SFO. You can BART right to downtown from there.
Folks have liked the Orchard Hotel as well. It's right near Union Square. Tell your DSD there is an H&M downtown. She'll probably be thrilled. I'd recommend you check out the Mission
District. There are lots of hip places to eat and things to see and do.Especially check out Valenica Street/Guerrero beteen 16th Street and 24th.

You may also be interested in Sunday services either at Glide or at Grace Cathedral. While vastly different, either would be a fine choice. There will be more music of a lively fashion at Glide.

I have read (here on Fodor's) that the movie tour is great fun. Even though I'm local, I'm going to try it this summer. http://www.sanfranciscomovietours.com/

You might enjoy watching "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" before you come, or other movies that have been made in San Francisco, like Vertigo or Mrs. Doubtfire. http://www.wildparrotsfilm.com/

The Castro Theatre has really fun programming; for example, in July, there will be a "live, in person tribute to Patty Duke". http://www.castrotheatre.com/s-events.html

I like North Beach for exploring sidewalks, cafés, bookstores (City Lights), and unusual shops. You might even like Beach Blanket Babylon, although I can't remember how appropriate it is for teenagers. Chinatown is close by, and very fun to stroll.

If you are baseball fans, a day game with the Giants is enjoyable. You can walk by and watch the game for free (and eat garlic fries) at the outfield fences near McCovey Cove.

I would love to go to the Castro Theatre - Did I see it in Milk???

I would also like to check out Glide or Grace and will Pam - thank you! Keep all the great suggestions coming. I am looking forward to it. I did get my schedule for next term and have school all day on Thursday so now I cannot leave until Friday am - I will fly home late on Sunday.

You did see the Castro Theater inb"Milk". It can be quite a romp. There is much "audience participation" which is especially fun when they run the classics from the 40's!

www.andrewshotel.com is a reasonably priced hotel on Post near Union Square. I've stayed there several times. Sent a co-worker there just last month (they had an internet special rate of $68.00/night!!). We all love it. You can read reviews to see if it's your kind of place (it's an old hotel).

My parents and I stayed at the Chancellor Hotel near Union Square a few years ago and thought it was a great place. The rooms are smallish, but very nicely furnished and clean.

September weather is often spectacular, and can be a great time of year to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

DD~I just checked the Orchard. Internet rate for two twins is $150.

San Francisco all the way. Get tickets for Wicked if you are going to splurge on a gift. A tour of Alcatraz...but don't make it too early in the morning....you want the fog to be gone so you can look back and see the best view of this city. A fun place to eat at Embarcadero is The Slanted Door(vietnamesse) but you need to make reservations ahead of time.The top of Macy's has a Cheesecake Factory-always a huge hit with teens.

Pam - that looks great! I just checked for the dates and if I prepay I can get it for 258.00 TOTAL for the two nights.

Suze I will look at it and check out the Chancellor as well!

just checked Expedia again and the Westin in SOMA is $109 and is a 4* and also the lovely Stanford Court in Nob Hill is $95 a night..4* as well..

Between those two, pick the Westin for its location. (It's my own particular preference, to be where I can walk outside and be in the middle of everything. Not so on Nob Hill (lovely, but quiet, and obviously, at the top of a very steep hill).

I'd still opt for near Union Square with a teen. You will be two blocks from BART stop to the hotel. Nob Hill is a bit removed from it all.

totally concur on Nob Hill but thought I would throw that out there since the Stanford Court for $95 is a good deal..
$109 for the Westin, I think is a good deal too..
It changes daily on Expedia..but when you catch those smoking 4-5* deals..it's sweet!

Take a walk out Crissy Field with the GG Bridge just above you. I swear it is amazing.(You will need to get MUNI directions to the Marina)

Take her to coffee in North Beach(how grown up!) at Cafe Trieste. Check out the tai chi folks in Washington Square Park. Do go into St Peter and Paul. It is stunning. Walk back through Chinatown. She'll probably find some great things (like the Chinese maryjanes) to buy. You can easily do this loop from your hotel is you are in Union Square area.

For breakfast consider: Dottie's True Blue Cafe 522 Jones Street(the walk there can be dicey but you will be safe). You might pair this with Sunday at Glide.

or~just eat your way through the Ferry Plaza where there is Boulette's Larder inside and lots of food stands in the outside market.

Post for Easy Traveller to suggest places in Chinatown for dining. Check out Chowhound.com for other ideas. I like to take kids to the Imperial Cafe because it has booths in the "old world" way but the food is really not particularly good.

Thanks so much to everyone! I sure love this board. I will let you know where we end up staying. I am not going to take her to see Wicked as she has seen it twice... but I agree - it is wonderful and perfect show for a 16 year old!

Circling back - I can get the Westin St. Francis:

The Westin St. Francis
335 Powell Street, San Francisco ,CA 94102 United States
T: (415) 397-7000 - SPG Category 4
1.4 km/0.87 miles from center of san francisco.

For 60.00 a night... it states it is in Union Square. I know that can be misleading.

Any feedback - I know Abranz mentioned it...but just to say it is lovely and to check for it. I did and it is available cash/points at 60.00 a night I am thrilled!

grab it.
it is right on the square - a beautiful classic s.f. hotel.
you can walk to a lot of places from there. besides, it is in the heart of shopping.
what more could a girl ask for?

What a great idea for a wonderful birthday. Hope you both have a great time.
Last time my DH and I were there we ran into the Bush man on the Wharf. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.

Dawn, the Westin St. Francis is right across the street from Union Square. Absolutely perfect! As abranz said, you can walk to a lot of places. Look at a map and you will understand. Congratulations!

Now nanabee, I have been ready to throttle the bushman at Fishermen's Wharf to tell you the truth. I never go there unless there is a reason and there was some months ago when we had a Fodor's GTG. I swear I almost had a heart attack, I wasn't LOL.

GRAB the Westin!

Dawn, such a great trip you have planned for your DD! She's one lucky gal!

Have you used Google street view? If not, go to google maps, type in the address of the hotel. On the map itself, there should be a little white pop up box with the address info. You'll see a "street view" link. Click on it, work the arrows around on the streets, and you'll see the St. Francis, directly across from Union Square!

Have fun!

awesome feedback!!! Thank you - I will go and book it now

Grab the Westin St. Francis at that price-It is a great location and a really neat hotel.

we usually stay at the St.Francis and if you can get a rate of $60.00 I would take that in a heartbeat!!!
I prefer the newer rooms but the older ones are a classic design..
I'm jealous..sitting and having drinks in the lobby bar with the piano and jazz ensemble..going across the street to Lefty's which is one of the oldest bars and they have a great smorgasboard for cheap..see lots of baseball players..quite a hangout for all of them..perfect location for the cable car too.
Are you bidding on Priceline?
They do not secure bed selection..do you think its the Sir Francis Drake?
The hotel survived the earthquake..or parts of it..
Keep us posted!

Ksucat - it is with Starwood points plus cash - so 4,000 points a night plus 60.00 cash. It is worth it! No, it is the Westin because I c/p the address straight from SPG website.

Mom -
yk just returned from a weekend in SF and they stayed at Westin St. Francis. I am sure she could answer any questions you might have, she is on Facebook so you could send her a message or wait for her Trip report.

Deb

Deb - I did not know she was on fb - I do not think we are "friends" can you email me her name? That woman travels!

deb - also - did you do your TR yet??

I started the Trip Report; first part is here. I can't find yk on Facebook anymore, but will track her down for you.

Deb

I went ahead and booked the Westin St. Francis - it was two double beds - NOT queens - so I assume the room will be pretty small - "limited" view . But for the 60.00 a night (plus 4,000 points a night) It is worth is... so just 120.00 for the two nights. I was not thrilled with YK's review but again, for the location and the price I think I cannot beat it... hope so!

I am looking forward to my time away with sd.

I had a great stay at the Westin St. Francis last fall, Oct. 2008. And I travel a lot to Starwood proerties, as well as Marriott properties as I am highest level in both programs, and I am picky re hotels. Room at the St. Francis was fine, and I loved the lobby, lobby bar, and the history. I had two very memorable massages in the spa there. And a very nice dinner at a bistro wine bar around about two blocks from the hotel, called First Crush. WONDERFUL food there, nice atmosphere, close to the hotel. The St. Francis is a fine hotel! Great use of Starwood points plus $ !!! Good for you!

for First Crush, see: http://www.firstcrush.com/

BTW, my 16.5 yr old daughter went to SF last summer to visit a friend. She LOVED going to Alkatraz and also seeing the sea lions at the Pier.

Awesome rate MomDD!
Lefty's across the street of the St. Francis has a great smorgasboard of great comfort food stuff that is a huge hit and its cheap too!
I bet the kids would love Taylor's Refresher..Ahi burger is one of the best!
Have a great time..it's one of our fav's and the glass elevator is a blast for kids and us older ones too!

www.taylorsrefresher.com

awesome information! I booked our flights - great fares - 49.00 each way - I am happy on that - get to fly right out of Orange County into SFO.

Emd -glad you had a good experience. I was hoping to get my stepdaughter spa treatments but generally it is 18 in the USA for treatments at those types of properties. I will double check. I generally stay at Marriotts or Starwood as well.

Ksucat - I will check out Taylors!

I really want to find a good Sushi place as well as a good Italian place - those are her favorites. I am going to try for the Slanted Door as well.

She wants to go to Alkatraz as well.

We will have all day Sunday so am thinking of Pam's recommendations as well for the Sunday am services.

I found the recommendations for dining that I was given by the concierge desk at the St. Francis to be very good.

I have found that hotel spas will do a facial on my teen girl, more so than body services. Or take her to get her nails done somewhere outside the hotel...

I would love to get her a facial and will check into it!

Be sure to make Alcatraz reservations in advance - it does sell out.

thanks Sf - good reminder.

Hi MomDDTravel - the fact that you room has 2 beds, it's got to be at least twice the size of my room! BTW, it might not hurt to call the hotel (or SPG line?) a few days prior and mention it's your DD's 16th birthday. They *may* assign you a nicer room, you'll never know.

I really enjoyed my meal at Perbacco (Italian).

P.S. I didn't realize you and Deb were talking about ME behind my back!

Sf - done - thank you.

YK - I was going to do just that (call them) It is a special time! You would have to know my stepdaughter to know how special she is. I met my husband when she was just 13 months old and we married when she was just 3. We are extremely close and always have been - I want to make her feel as special as she is. We are having a party for her but really want this time with her. Due to the fact that we are having a party - I do need to watch my budget but want to make it as special as possible.

I will take a look at Perbacco! Any sushi recommendations? She LOVES Sushi.

Be sure to look at the menu at Perbacco -- it's great, but it's definitely not red-sauce Italian (in case that's what she's thinking). Other places you might try (A16 (Chestnut Street), Pizzeria Delfina (Mission District or Fillmore), SPQR (Fillmore), E Tutto Qua (North Beach)...probably all less expensive than Perbacco (which is in the financial district).

Sorry, can't help with Sushi in San Francisco. Don't you guys have excellent (and cheap) sushi in SoCal???

sf - any of the places that you listed closer to Union Square area?

Sd likes "different" pasta - not just the normal kiddo red stuff. She loved the food in Florence

Yk - yes, we have YUMMY sushi but always am up for more

Yes, do look at Perbacco's menu online. Assuming your stepdaughter doesn't have an enormous appetite, she can easily be full with 1 app and 1 small plate of pasta. All pasta dishes come in 2 sizes & prices, and all are homemade. Or, you guys can order a couple of apps and one large plate of pasta to share.

Service there was excellent. Everyone - I mean everyone from the hostess to the manager to our waiter to busboys - was courteous, and smiling. It was a really nice experience for me (not for DH as he had a terrible headache and couldn't eat a thing!)

[I had an app plus a large pasta all by myself, and I could barely finish it.]

well... I am not sure SD would like Perbaccos - I would but she would prefer one of the menus that sf listed -

Sf - which one of those (They all look great)... is closest to our hotel...?

Well, none of them really. But based on your "different pastas" comment, I would go to SPQR on Fillmore. The restaurant is fun (tight quarters, but not uncomfortable). No reservations, so go between 5 and 6. If you have to wait, or when you're done, you can stroll around the Fillmore Street area (cute shops, movie theatre, etc.).

If you want a restaurant in walking distance of your hotel (and sorry, ksucat, I am not a fan of the food at Lefty O'Doul's), you could go down to the oft-recommended Belden Alley, although I'm not sure there's great Italian there.

Okay SF - we will venture over - maybe on Friday night - we arrive into SF around 1:00 pm. So that would work?

We have 10:00 am Alcatraz on Sat morning..

I've only been for dinner, but friends went for a late lunch (2:30-ish) and had no problem getting in. I will say the same friends, major foodies LOVE the new Pizzeria Delfina (near SPQR, so you could easily head over and then pick where you want to eat).

great thank you sf!

Any sushi recommendations?