Hello everyone,

My fiancé and I are coming to San Francisco for our first visit and we are both in our late 20’s. We’ll be arriving April 25th and leaving May 2nd. We have a full week to explore. We’re staying at Petite Auberge in Union Square. We live in Manhattan so we’re assuming catching onto the bus and cable car system in San Francisco won’t be too much of a challenge and the walking should not be a problem. We are big museum and theatre buffs here and are wondering how much of it will be different and worth the time. We’re still researching the theatre but would definitely like to book Beach Blanket Babylon one night. Of course shopping is a must. I am plus sized so a lot of the clothing stores I’ll be passing up. Anything upscale for the home, knick knacky, crafts, arts, stationary, antiques (not so much vintage), perfumes, skin care, candles, boutique stores, etc. etc. would all be the kind of stores I would pop into. Thankfully my fiancé is patient enough to stroll through these stores I have read the destination guides at both Fodor’s and Frommer’s and a ton of the past postings on SF itineraries (PamSF – you had mentioned doing this in one of your old postings, so much great info – thanks a bunch!). Here’s what we have come up with so far….

Monday
We arrive at 12 noon, taking a cab from SFO to Petite Auberge

Tuesday
Thinking of doing Filmore Street for shopping and exploring Pacific Heights
Anything to see in Japantown?
Kabuki Spa from 2:30-6pm (Nirvana package + acupuncture)
Milfune for dinner (Would this be a good place to go considering the post spa state we’ll be in?)

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday *not sure what to group with what*
North Beach - Café Trieste for coffee, Victoria Bakery on Stockton, Café Jacqueline for dinner (soufflés)
Beach Blanket Babylon one evening – Is a weekend night better? Should we get reserved seating? If not, how early should we plan on arriving?

Take Powell Hyde Cable Car to Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Venetian Carousel – probably won’t spend much time but figured it was worth seeing?

Sausalito or Tiburon and Muir Woods – being the amount of time that we have would you recommend? Others have posted that there is some sort of a bus tour. I’m hesitant with tours and was thinking we could rent a car for the day.

Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower
Chinatown – Wok Wiz tour? Is it worth taking a walking tour?, Yank Sing for Dim Sum
Alcatraz one night
Ferry Plaza – Slanted Door, Taylors Refresher, or Mistral for a meal
Museums – Moma, Yerba Bueana, Legion of Honor????
Hayes Valley, Noe Valley, Russian Hill, and Union Square – shopping, any specific streets to hit?
Alamo Square for view and Postcards Row?
Walking tour? Had looked at www.sfcityguides.org briefly. Any recommendations?

Monday
Leave for home, Flight at 2pm

I can’t seem to figure out what activities to group together and their general proximity to each other. I went to college in Georgia so I’m always very conscience of Sundays and what is open. I’ve printed out some of the past postings on restaurants to take with us. Tartine sounded interesting along with Ella’s for brunch one day. Any recommendations on places would be great. We’re pretty open on where we go and the cuisines we eat. We’ll probably try to keep the price under $25 a plate except for maybe a night or two. We’re not big drinkers or club types. I had read somewhere about an old movie theater palace sort of place and had thought that might be fun but now I can’t locate the info again. Also, I’m not sure what parks and beaches to hit. Biking across the GG bridge sounds great if I only knew how to ride a bike – YIKES!

Thanks again guys! All of your help is really appreciated!
Rachel

Forgot to mention that we're also trying to get a feel for the city for a potential transfer/move. They've thrown it on the table a few times. If and when it will happen is vague at best.

Rachel

Try Tix-by-Mail for a listing of theater and concerts.

Hi Rachel,

If you are pressed for time, I would skip the museum part of the trip except if there is a specific exhibit to see. Coming from NYC (where I used to live as well), the MOMA and Legion of Honor may seem unimpressive in their collections. The Asian Art Museum (www.asianart.org) might be worth a visit b/c there may not be something similar in NYC.

Getting around will be easy. I grew up in SF and know the bus system pretty well so I don't know where one gets maps once you get here. I do know you can consult with www.sfmuni.com to get a sense of how the buses run. Staying in Union Square will be convenient as many of the bus routes run through the area.

As for Beach Blanket Babylon, the seating is general admission within whichever section you have tickets. This means that you really should get in line about an hour (or more) before the performance starts. I think people start lining up at 6:30ish for the 8pm show. YOu should purchase tickets in advance (i.e., now). I happen to love Beach Blanket Babylon b/c it is unique and different. The other theatre in SF will also be unimpressive both in selection and quality vs. NYC (just my personal opinion).

As for Muir Woods, et al, I'd rent a car for the day. I don't know what tours are available since I live here and just drive myself. The drive is easy and having a car will allow you to go at your own pace. I think most car rental places have Union Square locations. I know Avis does.

If you're into paper, stationary, and general DIY paper projects (I AM!!) be sure to stop at Paper Source (www.paper-source.com) when you are on Fillmore Street (note: the chestnut Street location is bigger and easier to navigate). It's like Kate's Paperie, but not so pricey...

Hope that helps.

Looks prety good. A few thoughts:

The bus system is great and worth getting a one week pass (pass includes streetcars and cable cars as well).

Renting a car one day for Muir Woods roughly same cost as tours for two and is much more convenient. Go EARLY!!! Like arrive by 9am. The parking lot fills quickly and it's a nicer experience without the crowds.

Also go early for a quick walk around Fisherman's Wharf before the busloads of tourist arrive.

Don't miss Golden Gate Park - Sunday is best (closed to cars).

Take a taxi on day to the far side of the Golden Gate Bridge and WALK over it (toward the city) - very scenic. It's about the same effort as walking the Brooklyn Bridge. You could then explore the Presidio or catch a bus somewhere else.

Catch a movie at the Castro Theater.

In Japantown, the Kinokuniya Bookstore is a great stop not just for books but for calendars, anime comicbooks, etc. It's inside the "mall" part of the block near Buchanan and Post. Across the hallway from Kinokuniya is a little restaurant which might be a good alternative to Mifune. It's called Maki, and it's on my VERY short list of authentic Japanese restaurants. It's tiny, serves seasonal and daily specials, and is known for a certain type of rice "casserole" called kame-meshi, that is, steamed rice with various ingredients on top.

Definitely rent a car for your Muir Woods day. That way, you can go up Mt. Tam and maybe over the hill to Stinson Beach if you so desire. Great views on the way. Also, try to get to Muir Woods as early in the a.m. as possible, to outwit the tour buses.

For SF City Guides tours, I like the "City scapes & public Places" tour which takes you around the Financial District and up to many of the roof top gardens that most tourists don't even know about. This tour is offered on Fridays at 10 - have lunch in the Financial District afterwards - at Tadich, or Sams, or if the weather is nice, grab a sandwich at Crocker Galleria & have lunch outside on their roof garden. Also the "Palace Hotel" tour is quite nice. On Sunday, I would definatly take the Haight Ashbury tour at 11:00 and then have lunch in the Haight & if the weather is nice, wander into Golden Gate Park afterwards - car traffic is not allowed on the main roads in the east end of the park on Sundays. There are bike shops on Stanyan St (east edge of park - at the end of Haight St).

Almost 100% of the shops in town are open on Sundays, except for some in the Sacramento District shopping area (west of Divisadero), in the Financial District, and some of the smaller botiques in Union Sq. This leaves the Fillmore St, Union St, Chestnut, 24th St (Noe Valley), Haight, Hayes Valley open for your indulgence.

BTW, I like Teatro Zinzanni more than Beach Blanket Babylon.

Stu Dudley

I’m going to check out the website for the Asian Art Museum. You’re right – that would be something a little different than what is here. I’ve downloaded a couple of the transit maps. I’m hoping the hotel has better copies. And you’re right - a week pass will probably be the best bet!

Thanks for the info about Beach Blanket Babylon. I was going to book the tickets in the next few days and we’ll plan on getting there at 6:30pm. Was wondering if that might be something to do on the weekend? Maybe an area that will be livelier then? I had looked at Teatro Zinzanni. I’m always iffy on shows that include dinner. Should I be reconsidering my decision?

Muir with a rental car sounds like the plan. Union Sq. did have plenty of car rental places. How long of a drive is it? Are there any other sights other than Mt. Tam and Stinson Beach that we should be seeing while we’re out? Will Sausalito and Tiburon be in the same direction? And are both towns worth going to?

Thanks Stu for all the info on the walking tours. I had gotten the info initially off of one of your past posts. I’m going to have to look it all over again! It looks like doing the Haight tour, Golden Gate park, and walking over the bridge might fit together nicely on Sunday assuming the weather is good.

As far as the different neighborhoods go is the shopping concentrated on one street or in a specific area? Is each neighborhood specific in the kinds of stores that they have? Paper Source is definitely on my list! My guy will love Kinokuniya Bookstore. He's an anime fan!

One last question - Would anything in the list I have under Wed, Thurs, etc. naturally fit together to make up a day? I hate to spend time doubling back over the same areas and I’m sure some of these areas are close to each other.

Thank for all the info!

I think you might like Mill Valley as much as Sausalito or Tiburon and it's more directly on the route to Muir Woods. It should take about an hour to get there from SF, or less. There is a great restaurant in Tiburon (Caprice) if you want to add a dinner stop at the end of your day.

Rachel,
Welcome in advance to the greatest city in the world! You've already been given a lot of good advice, and you look like you've done a lot of research, so I'll just throw a little of my two cents in.

First, DON'T MISS Beach Blanket Babalyon! I've literally had friends fall off their chair laughing. It's very unique to SF, but I promise you will love it!

Union Square is a great central location. And, transportation in SF is very easy to get around. You can get a map from any bus (even if you're not getting on the bus, just step on and ask the driver for a map) Also, in Union Square, where Powell street hits Market, is where the cable cars turn around. If you head down the stairs, (as if you were going into BART, our version of a subway), there is a tourist information center. They will set you up with all the maps that you need. Also, (it used to be this way, I hope it still is) if you ask for the SF visitors package, inside there is a coupon for a pound of "See's Chocolates". There is a "See's" on Market less than a half of a block away. See's is famous here, and the chocolates are quite yummy. Also, you don't have to get a prepackaged box, you can choose any candies you want for your free pound. (It's about a $12 value) I think you have to fill out a certificate so fill it out while you are at the tourist center, and turn it in, and they will hand you the gift certificate. (I confess, as a local, I've done this a few times!)

About the cable cars....a must for visiting SF. Do not stand at the turn around at Powell and Market. There will be long lines and you may wait hours. Instead, walk a block or two, and catch the cable car from there. You can catch the cable car from any stop. Also, besides the one running through Union Square, there is one that runs on California Street from the financial district to Van Ness Avenue. Definitely not as crowded, has some great hills, and you'll get the same experience!

About shopping. Being from Manhattan, the stores in Union Square will be what you find at home. Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Gucci, Tiffany, etc. You may want to check out the shopping in our neighbourhoods. Try Chestnut street (In the marina district)it's almost all locals, great little shops, (a few chains) and some great places for lunch. Or, grab something to go, and a few blocks away is the "Palace of Fine Arts". Simply beautiful, with a lake, and grassy area to have a picnic. It's one of my favourite places in SF. Back to shopping.....there is also Union Street (also in the Marina, not far from Chestnut), and Fillmore street. You will find some unique little shops that you might really enjoy. Also, there is 24th street in Noe Valley. If you head that direction, check out Savor for lunch. Great menu, large portions (I LOVE their salads) and very cute place! From what you mentioned you like in shopping, I think you would find a lot of great places on any of the above places I mentioned. Chinatown is great (and walking distance from Union Square) if you want to bring unique gifts home for a very reasonable price.

Fisherman's wharf is the epitome of tourism! But, I guess something everyone should see once. Just don't plan on a lot of time there.

Oh, you'll LOVE the Kabuki spa! Good choice!

Cafe Trieste is simply the best coffee in the world! If you go on Saturday afternoons, the family that owns it preforms live Opera singing! There is only one Cafe Trieste (in Northbeach, which is another great place for funky little stores, go down the side streets!) but if you are into coffee, anytime you see a "Peets", stop there! But be warned, their caffiene packs a serious punch!

Coit tower is great for the views. Just don't go on a foggy day, or a weekend it will be too crowded.

You mentioned Slanted Door for dinner. Don't miss it! But DEFINITELY CALL FOR A RESERVATION! They have been known (as I recently read in a foodie mag) as the best Vietnamese restaurant in the US! Don't miss their speciality, "Shaking Beef", (cubes of filet mignon with vietnamese spices) the food and the signature drinks are incredible, and the place is gorgeous! If you like ethnic foods and you have a car, (or you can take the 38 Geary Bus from Union Square) check out Tommy's Mexican food on Geary between 23rd ave and 24th ave) The food is incredible, prices are inexpensive, and they have the best margs! (In fact, they are known for having the largest selection of tequilla in the US) Also, right next door, is a thai restaurant called "Khan Toke". It was the first thai restaurant in SF. The food is amazing, very inexpensive, and the atmosphere is five stars! You take off your shoes and sit on the floor in front of intrically carved tables. (It's probably my favourite restaurant) It's also different than any restaurant you might find in any other city. On Clement, between 31st and 32nd ave (I may be a block off) is a place called "El Mansour". It has an amazing atmosphere as well, you sit in semi round booths or on leather cubes, all food is eaten with your hands (and the food is fanatastic!) AND, they have a belly dancer! Not corny, but really great. Again, not something the tourists have found yet. Bring your camera, you can take photos and even have your photo taken with the belly dancer!

(I'm assuming you have so many great places to eat in Manhattan, I'm trying to recommend some unique places with great food at reasonable prices for you) Oh...stock up on your pizza before you get here (I'm an east coaster originally) you can't find a decent NY slice anywhere!

Sausalito is nice, if you want to say you've been there, but has become very touristy. They do have lots of small art galleries. I recommend Tiberon if you want to head that direction, you'll get an amazing view, and it's got little shops, but only about 2 blocks of stores. Some great seafood places, stop at Sam's. (and ask to sit outside on the deck) you can have a great lunch overlooking the skyline of SF. (People actually boat up to the restaurant, dock and arrive that way as well!)

Alamo square is nice for the view, if you have a car, it's just a few blocks from Fillmore street, but can be a rough neighbourhood, so just be street smart.

Also, esp in Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf, be wary of pickpockets. While we are a relatively safe city, pickpockets know where the tourists are, and that they are distracted by views. So, just keep your purse close to you, and tell your fiance to keep his walled in his coat pocket, not his pants pocket. Same for the buses, as they can become crowded, standing room only, so just be cautious.

Oh, the movie place I think you were talking about is "Foreign Cinema" in the Mission District. (they have valet) The food is good, not great, and it is pricy. But they have an outdoor seating area where they show films on a huge wall while you eat. It's unique, but I wouldn't recommend it highly.

Please don't miss the Palace of Fine Arts. It's perfect for a picnic, or at least take an hour to walk around it. It's my favourite place and simply beautiful.

I hope you have a fantastic time! Bring comfortable shoes. SF is definitely a walking city. You can easily walk from Union Square through Chinatown, into and through Northbeach (our Italian neighbourhood) and continue walking to Fisherman's Wharf. It's not that far, and parking can be terrible, so if you like to walk, it's a great way to go.

Oh, almost forgot, "Mama's" is a small restaurant (only open for breakfast and lunch I think they close at 2) in Northbeach on the square next to St. Peter and Paul's church. Avoid weekends if possible, there is always a line, but worth it. Lots of food, will fill you from breakfast through lunch. Everything is fresh and homemade, and amazing. It's a little pricey for breakfast, but you will have so much food, you will be full until dinner time.

Hope I was able to give you some good ideas. Feel free to post back if I can answer anything else.

Oh I'm a former east coaster, moved here 16 years ago and haven't regretted it for a second. It can be expensive here, but if you're used to Manhattan....enough said. The nice thing about SF (besides the people and the weather) is within a few hours, there are so many options, the wine country (Napa and Sonoma), Carmel, Big Sur, Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Santa Barbara, a one hour flight to Las Vegas, etc.

Again, have a wonderful trip!!!! Who knows, maybe I'll run into you on Chestnut, Union or Fillmore! If I can answer anything more specifically, feel free to post back.

Andiamo

>>>Also, besides the one running through Union Square, there is one that runs on California Street from the financial district to Van Ness Avenue. Definitely not as crowded, has some great hills, and you'll get the same experience!<<<

I recently read in the Chron that the Calif Cable Car line was closed for repairs for a few weeks - don't remember which weeks.

Someone mentioned that Mill Valley is 1 hr from SF - it's much shorter than that. Perhaps 15 mins from the GG bridge to Blithdale Ave, plus another 10 to the center of Mill Valley.

Consider shopping on Hayes St from Gough to Fillmore St. Perhaps our most unique & unusual shopping area.

Most of our major shopping areas are on 1 street - except the Union Square area & the Financial District. Excluding Union Sq, Chestnut has the most chain stores, and Hayes St the fewest (followed by 24th st & Haight St).

Stu Dudley

I'm a Noe Valley-ite, but I wouldn't go out of my way to shop on 24th Street. Not to say you shouldn't go, but I think Hayes Street is more interesting, and if you have limited time for shopping...well, enough said.

Warning: our theater leaves a little something to be desired compared to Manhattan. But BBB is fun, a SF tradition.

Don't miss Golden Gate Park. You could do a leisurely walk down to Ocean Beach. Stop and see the bison! Kind of sad...

I second whoever said the Castro is a great place to see a movie if you can squeeze it in.

Your plans seem good and you've received sound advice. Have fun.

Seconding the suggestion for Castro Street, whether you take in a movie at the Castro Theatre or not. At Castro and Market, you are at the bottom of the Twin Peaks hill - I always tell people to take a cab (plenty around in the hood) to the top and then walk down through the neighborhood. There are some great off-beat shops in the Castro - but bring your sense of humour (your R and X-rated sense of humour). I love stopping for coffee in the Peets branch on Market Street, Sweet Inspirations on Market Street or at a little place called Spike's on 19th and Castro. If you like Victorian and Edwardian residential architecture, this is definitely an area worth an hour or two of exploration.

>>I'm a Noe Valley-ite, but I wouldn't go out of my way to shop on 24th Street<<

Noe valley has nice shops - my wife has purchased more stuff there than almost anywhere else in the City.

The OP is considering relocating to SF. I can't think of a better neighborhood to live in than the Noe Valley. We lived there for 7 years in the mid 70's. We've visited almost every nook & crannie in the City & the Noe Valley is still our favorite. We're having dinner at Incanto on Church St this Friday with our ex neighbors on Jersey St, who how live in Sonoma. Almost every Sunday we spend in the City, ends with a coffee at XO on Church & 30th, and a walk across the street to the produce place to buy things for dinner. Spend a leisurly day in the Noe Valley if you want to experience SF living at it's best. Cruise 24th St up & back, then south on Church to 30th (XO for coffee, lunch, etc), and then take the J-Church street car (stops in front of XO) directly back to Powell St & Union Sq. Sit on the right (east) side of the car to get fantastic views of downtown as you hit Dolores Park.

Stu Dudley

Agree with Stu. Eat at Incanto, stroll the neighborhood, but beware....next thing you know, you'll be talking about moving here. The neighborhood Stu's talking about is the end of Noe Valley which starts melting into Glen Park - lots of charming houses and curvy little streets. A bit of San Franciso you wouldn't see on a post card, but the kind of thing that makes people long to come back. Incanto has a endlessly diverting wine list and was the overwhelming vote among my group of dining friends for best new Italian place (very close tie with A-16 in Marina).

Definitely walk over the GG Bridge.
I'll agree with the posters that recommended renting a car for Muir Woods (my parents made us take a tour bus to Muir when I was a teenager, and it was just awful). I'd actually head up Mt. Tam and over to Stinson Beach, Muir Beach and even up to Point Reyes (it's only an hour from SF) on Hwy 1 instead of spending too much time at Muir Woods. It's an easy, gorgeous day trip-you can head north on Hwy 1 and loop back via Hwy 101 by going from Olema to Petaluma (you'll see the back roads on a map). This would be a great compliment to your city activities.

Oh, Stu, okay. I agree; Noe Valley is very nice. I live here. But as a young-ish--and I might add extremely glamorous and hip (smile, kidding)--person I do prefer to shop elsewhere.

I live right off 30th and where you get your coffee is where I catch the J to go to work! Love Incanto! Wear a funny hat next time you're in the neighborhood, Stu, and I'll know it's you.

Have fun in our city, Rael81.

Well I found a decent map of San Francisco last night and highlighted everything of interest. It is amazing how it all makes sense when you see it in front of you! We booked Beach Blanket Babylon for Friday night and made rental car arrangements for a trip out to Muir Woods on Thursday. The Castro Theatre was the theatre I was thinking of. The film festival is in town the week we are there. I’m not sure if we’ll end up catching something or not. They have a few nights set aside for awards ceremonies. Stu – we’re definitely going to do the Haight tour etc. as you suggested for Sunday and spend some time in Noe Valley another day. All of the shopping tips look excellent. Andiamo – thanks for taking the time to write down everything. There are so many great, great tips for shopping and restaurants. It all sounds like a lot of fun!

Can you tell me roughly where the shopping begins and ends on Chestnut Street? After checking out Café Jacqueline’s menu I’m not so sure if we’ll do dinner there. Any recommendations for restaurants in North Beach for pre-Beach Blanket Babylon? Also, any good places close to our hotel in Union Square? If anyone can think of anything else please let me know.

Many thanks!

Shopping on Chestnut begins at Filmore, and continues west for about 7 blocks.

Just as Patrick said, shopping on Chestnut Street is between Fillmore and Divisadero.

As for restaurants in North Beach, I just went with DH, parents and bro to El Raigon (Union St between Stockton and Grant)- an Argentinian place. It is quite good and the menu is obviously steak heavy. I'm not a big steak eater, but it was really good and nice newer option in the area.

Cafe Jaqueline is rather unique and not for everyone (I liked it but I'm not too wild about souffles on the whole). One of our favorites near BBB is Trattoria Contadina http://www.trattcontadina.citysearch.com/ for a neighborhood traditional italian place. Moose's http://www.mooses.com/ is very "San Francisco" and has been around for years. It recently got a new chef who was reviewed well by Patty Unterman (local food writer).