6 Nights in San Francisco Trip Report
Aug 31st, 2010 | 06:48 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
6 Nights in San Francisco Trip Report
Our flight arrived in San Francisco at 2.30pm and we caught a shared transit right to our door in Lombard Street and checked into our motel, (Americas Best Value Inn Golden Gate). We were pleasantly surprised at our accommodation, which at US$99 a night, including a continental breakfast (juice, muffins, coffee), was at the lower end of the price scale and although it looked OK on the internet......you never know. Our room had a king bed, TV, fridge, microwave, coffee maker and a large bathroom - all very clean and the staff were very helpful.
There had been some discussion on the Fodors site about this motel as there had been some pretty bad reports on line and some concerned Fodorites advised not to stay there. Because of the price and the location I took a punt and am glad I did, as can certainly recommend it.
Dinner that night was at Liverpool Lil's Pub which was only a few blocks from our motel. Over a few drinks we enjoyed talking to some locals who gave us some handy information on getting around and where to eat and drink. We also enjoyed a good pub meal there.
The next day, as we both enjoy a good walk, we walked from Lombard Street, almost the full length of Green Street (including the massive hill), to purchase tickets for the Beach, Blanket Babylon show, then caught a bus to Market Street and Union Square for some shopping - looks like we missed the sales though.
Dinner that night was Tadich Grill. We arrived at about 6.30pm as we had been advised to get there early to avoid a long wait. We waited at the bar it only took about 1/2 hour to get a table. We ordered mains of Cioppino and Angus Beef, both of which were awesome. The ambience in the restaurant is great and the service very professional. I cant recommned it highly enough.
On our 3rd day, we caught a bus to the Golden Gate Bridge and walked across. It was a pretty clear day and you could see most of the bridge. When we reached the other side we asked directions and walked the 1 1/2 miles downhill to Sausalito and enjoyed exploring the quaint shops there. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day there and we headed to Scoma's Restaurant for a late lunch. We were seated at a table on a small verandah and ate another excellent meal, looking across the Bay to the city, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, before catching the ferry back to wharf no. 1.
The next day we walked down to Fishermans Wharf and had a good look around with all the other tourists before eating Clam Chowder in sour dough bread, on the sidewalk. That night we caught a bus from Chesnut Street to the AT&T Stadium to watch San Francisco Giants play the San Diego Padres. There was a capacity crowd of 42,000 people and the atmosphere was fantastic. We queued for a dinner of highly recommended garlic fries and a corn dog and a beer or two. Very expensive, but all part of the fun. We decided to support The Giants (the safest bet, as we were surrounded by Giants fans). The guy sitting next to us explained a lot of the rules, as this was our first game. Even though we didnt understand all of the play, it was a great night - all about the enthusiasm of the crowd and the atmosphere. I think if we lived in the USA we would be fans ourselves.
On Saturday we decided to visit the Haight/Ashbury area and walked up Divisadero Street (another massive hill ) to Pacific Heights where we knew we could catch a bus (yes we are gluttons for punishment). There was a great view of the Bay from the top of the hill. We enjoyed the many funky shops and restaurants and the beautiful old three storey houses. Unfortunately it seemed to have a bit of a seedy side as well with many beggars frequenting the area. It was worth the visit though. We then caught the bus back up the hill to Pacific Heights and walked along Jackson Street (where we ate a sandwich lunch outside a local deli) and walked back to our motel via Polk Street.
Before going to the 9.00pm show of Beach, Blanket, Babylon, we had dinner at Rosa Pistola Italian restaurant on Columbus. We found this restaurant pretty disappointing and overpriced (I was served the tiniest Panna Cotta I have ever seen!!!). The show, however was excellent. I can see how its been going for so long. We really enjoyed it.
On Sunday we had arranged to meet up with friends who we met in Alaska, and who lived in San Francisco. They picked us up at noon and we spent the day sailing on The Bay. It was a sunny day and we really enjoyed the afternoon on the water seeing both bridges, Alcatraz and both shore lines from an entirely different perspective. After a few drinks at South Bank Yacht Club we went to dinner at Delancy's Restaurant where we had a very nice meal at a very reasonable price.
The last day of our holiday and our flight home didnt depart until 11.30pm. It was a plus to be able to leave our luggage at our motel after checking out. We headed for Union Square for some last minute shopping and then walked up Stockton to Columbus again and ate an excellend late lunch at a small Italian restaurant called Osteria del Forno which I can highly recommend.
We had visited San Francisco 2 years ago and did most of the touristy sights then, so decided this time, we would just enjoy the city and the food and do the things we
didnt do last time. We certainly achieved this and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. I would love to return and try some of the restaurants that were recommended, but that we didnt get to eat at!!!
I did a lot of research for our holiday and many thanks to those Fodorites who provided information and answered my questions. The information was invaluable.
There had been some discussion on the Fodors site about this motel as there had been some pretty bad reports on line and some concerned Fodorites advised not to stay there. Because of the price and the location I took a punt and am glad I did, as can certainly recommend it.
Dinner that night was at Liverpool Lil's Pub which was only a few blocks from our motel. Over a few drinks we enjoyed talking to some locals who gave us some handy information on getting around and where to eat and drink. We also enjoyed a good pub meal there.
The next day, as we both enjoy a good walk, we walked from Lombard Street, almost the full length of Green Street (including the massive hill), to purchase tickets for the Beach, Blanket Babylon show, then caught a bus to Market Street and Union Square for some shopping - looks like we missed the sales though.
Dinner that night was Tadich Grill. We arrived at about 6.30pm as we had been advised to get there early to avoid a long wait. We waited at the bar it only took about 1/2 hour to get a table. We ordered mains of Cioppino and Angus Beef, both of which were awesome. The ambience in the restaurant is great and the service very professional. I cant recommned it highly enough.
On our 3rd day, we caught a bus to the Golden Gate Bridge and walked across. It was a pretty clear day and you could see most of the bridge. When we reached the other side we asked directions and walked the 1 1/2 miles downhill to Sausalito and enjoyed exploring the quaint shops there. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day there and we headed to Scoma's Restaurant for a late lunch. We were seated at a table on a small verandah and ate another excellent meal, looking across the Bay to the city, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, before catching the ferry back to wharf no. 1.
The next day we walked down to Fishermans Wharf and had a good look around with all the other tourists before eating Clam Chowder in sour dough bread, on the sidewalk. That night we caught a bus from Chesnut Street to the AT&T Stadium to watch San Francisco Giants play the San Diego Padres. There was a capacity crowd of 42,000 people and the atmosphere was fantastic. We queued for a dinner of highly recommended garlic fries and a corn dog and a beer or two. Very expensive, but all part of the fun. We decided to support The Giants (the safest bet, as we were surrounded by Giants fans). The guy sitting next to us explained a lot of the rules, as this was our first game. Even though we didnt understand all of the play, it was a great night - all about the enthusiasm of the crowd and the atmosphere. I think if we lived in the USA we would be fans ourselves.
On Saturday we decided to visit the Haight/Ashbury area and walked up Divisadero Street (another massive hill ) to Pacific Heights where we knew we could catch a bus (yes we are gluttons for punishment). There was a great view of the Bay from the top of the hill. We enjoyed the many funky shops and restaurants and the beautiful old three storey houses. Unfortunately it seemed to have a bit of a seedy side as well with many beggars frequenting the area. It was worth the visit though. We then caught the bus back up the hill to Pacific Heights and walked along Jackson Street (where we ate a sandwich lunch outside a local deli) and walked back to our motel via Polk Street.
Before going to the 9.00pm show of Beach, Blanket, Babylon, we had dinner at Rosa Pistola Italian restaurant on Columbus. We found this restaurant pretty disappointing and overpriced (I was served the tiniest Panna Cotta I have ever seen!!!). The show, however was excellent. I can see how its been going for so long. We really enjoyed it.
On Sunday we had arranged to meet up with friends who we met in Alaska, and who lived in San Francisco. They picked us up at noon and we spent the day sailing on The Bay. It was a sunny day and we really enjoyed the afternoon on the water seeing both bridges, Alcatraz and both shore lines from an entirely different perspective. After a few drinks at South Bank Yacht Club we went to dinner at Delancy's Restaurant where we had a very nice meal at a very reasonable price.
The last day of our holiday and our flight home didnt depart until 11.30pm. It was a plus to be able to leave our luggage at our motel after checking out. We headed for Union Square for some last minute shopping and then walked up Stockton to Columbus again and ate an excellend late lunch at a small Italian restaurant called Osteria del Forno which I can highly recommend.
We had visited San Francisco 2 years ago and did most of the touristy sights then, so decided this time, we would just enjoy the city and the food and do the things we
didnt do last time. We certainly achieved this and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. I would love to return and try some of the restaurants that were recommended, but that we didnt get to eat at!!!
I did a lot of research for our holiday and many thanks to those Fodorites who provided information and answered my questions. The information was invaluable.
Nov 12th, 2010 | 07:58 PM
#7
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 8,798
Likes: 0
Thanks for your trip report. I missed it the first time around. How nice to be able to enjoy the bay on your friend's sailboat! I've been lucky enough to spend many days sailing on the Bay and it is a treat. Thanks for posting.
Trending Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RichinPA
United States
6
Mar 21st, 2008 06:36 PM
