yotefan37

I have a business trip to SF scheduled for early February, and DH has never been to the Bay Area, so we're going 3 days early to explore. I know the area well (born and raised in NoCal), but I thought we'd start off with a Grey Line Tour so my DH could get his bearings. We'll also do Golden Gate park, Alcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, etc.

Beyond that, are there any "off the beaten path" suggestions you fodorites may have?

Also, do you have any restaurant suggestions? My aunt told me about a "circus" restaurant (sounds weird, I know) that was supposed to be fantastic - anyone know the name?

As always, thanks in advance for the wonderful help!

maj

One of our favorite places was the Marin Headlands on the left side after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Wouldn't call it off the beaten path, since there were plenty of people there, but I had not seen it mentioned here except for Stu Dudley.

FainaAgain

Is that circus dinner - Zinzani? Or maybe Zinzanni, not sure if 1 or 2 n's.

FainaAgain

http://love.zinzanni.org/

1JAR

Love Marin Headlands too.. and have posted going to Rodeo Beach before. Few people make it over... you do need to know which road to turn Left on crossing the GG bridge from San Francisco ..the beach and the Pacific Ocean awesome.
We were in San Francisco over Thanksgiving and had a lovely 4 course prix fix dinner at Vignette with wine pairing.
We also saw the Titanic Exhibit..there were alot of San Francisco families struck by this tragedy..
Also I rec. Expresso Cafe for good, fast inexpensive food breakfast or after theater and for an Italian treat while in the Union Square proper area (open lunch only cash only) CAfe Mocha on Maiden Lane.
Our latest fabulous French Restaurant find is Chapeau..you will need a car and teh Concierge to help you find it as it is in a neighborhood more toward Golden GAte bridge..
Don't miss the Ferry Building...Slanted Door for lunch, great little French pastry shop. Wonderful Farmers Market Saturday am (they have booths that serve breakfast from famous restaurants)
Lastly I really enjoy teh China town walking tours..lern fabulous tings from a guide that I have walked past a hundred times...or www.sfcityguides.org offer free walking tours.

trippinkpj

I went to Teatro Zinzanni once. Very entertaining, but not sure if it was worth the high price. For me at least.

maj

Sorry 1JAR, I just found your post on Rodeo Beach -- missed it somehow during my research. (along with some others I'm sure). I actually really enjoyed reading it now -- kind of like reliving the trip.

DRJ

I second a visit to the Ferry Building and recommend a meal at Chez Panisse (in Berkeley?).

kimamom

Don't miss the Ferry Building Marketplace, Pier 39 is also fun and Union Square has world-class shopping. We enjoyed lunch at The Terrace at the Ritz Carlton last May, you can take a cab from the hotel to Union Square which is fun.

We like Boulevard and Farallon for nice dinners. My daughter spent New Year's Weekend in SF with her youth group, had a great time. Have fun! ***kim***

StuDudley

If you've read any of my past posts, you'll know that I'm not a fan of Fisherman's Wharf - WAY to tacky for me. I think there are many more things to do & see other than the Wharf to discover why this is such an enjoyable place to live.

Do a search on the US forum for "stu" and you'll find some suggestions for alternatives to the Wharf - along with my list of scenic spots, drives north of SF, etc.

Take a free city guides tour. My wife is one of the volunteer guides on the two Victorian House tours. She's scheduled to lead the tour on Feb 3 - and the tour usually (but not always) starts with a tour of one of the most lavish Victorian house interiors in the US. She leads the other Victorian tour on Feb 11. The Palace Hotel tour is great, so is the Haight-Ashbury tour, Nob Hill, Chinatown, Gold Rush City, Cityscapes & Public Places. There are over 30 different tours each month. 1JAR gave you their web site. City Guides is sponsored by the SF Public Library.

Stu Dudley

marrsbar

My favorite place in the world to eat breakfast is Mammas in North Beach. The pancakes are to die for. There is usually a line out the door but it is definitely worth it.

1JAR

Het Stu..DH and I had a wonderful time again on out annual Thanksgiving trip to SF. We envy you living there and some day I will look forward to a "tour" of the Victorians with your DW!!

katorric

hey if you are lucky you may hit the Chinese New Years Parade. It is awesome and occurs on one of the Saturday's in February.
See what is playing at Davies Symphony Hall - www.sfsymphony.com
Best New Restaurants
Ame at 3rd and Mission
To have a funky day - Take MUNI to Van Ness at the Civic Center and walk around Hayes Valley. Hayes street down from Gough. Great restaurants and still bohemian - Check out
Suppenkuche - for great German beer and food plus young hip san francisco.
Find Lindon Alley and go to Blue Bottle Coffee and have one brewed right up.www.bluebottlecoffee.net
Go have a really strong drink and eat the wonderful bar food - much better than the actual restaurant at Absinthe
Oh go ahead and ride those cable cars
Have the best Prime Rib dinner of your life for about $30 at the local favorite House of Prime Rib on Van Ness
The current cool and most favorite restaurant is called NOPA for North of Pan Handle.
http://www.viamagazine.com/weekender...s_valley05.asp
Go to www.yelp.com for local reviews on EVERYTHING