Going to San Francisco... Need advice, have questions...
 

We're headed to San Francisco in November and need a little advice...

We are not staying in the city and have rented a car. We're staying at some low-budget inn in Redwood City (part of a package deal-- flight and motel). I think that's not too far from San Francisco, and I don't mind driving.

Anyway, many of the things we want to do are in the city or at least start in the city. I know I've heard parking in the city is hard to find. But we are going to be doing the Alcatraz thing, which is No. 1 on our list, and we have to depart from Pier 33. Parking there?

We also are taking a cruise of the bay, apart from the trip to Alcatraz. But I can't remember, off hand, which pier that departs from--but I think Fisherman's Wharf.

I also want to know how much of a drive and would it be worthwhile to go to either Sequoia National Park (or whatever the technical titel of it is) or Yosemite National Park (again, or whatever the technical title of it is) for a day trip?

Thanks

magnumholmes:
Can't answer all your questions but, can help a little, their is parking for Alcatraz I know you probably already know this but parking is very expensive in San Francisco. As far as going to Yosemite for a day trip don't it takes about 4 hours to get there not sure how long you will be there or when in November but, I do understand they close some of the roads due to weather. Instead I would suggest going to Point Reyes and visit the lighthouse it is very nice and a lot closer! I did a trip report for San Francisco (June of 2006) I don't know how to do a short cut for it but if you click on my name you should be able to find it, or better yet on the search type San Francisco trip report and you should find trip reports, read them and see what intrests you from their. Hope this helps and have a great time. San Francisco is a beautiful city.
Gina

From Redwood City to Fisherman's Wharf by car will take about 35 minutes (except in rush hour, when it will be more like 45 minutes).

There are plenty of parking lots in all the right places in San Francisco -- but they are expensive.

There's a very popular seafood place in Redwood City. I haven't been, but it's well-known for its lobster rolls. The name is Old Port Lobster Shack.

http://tinyurl.com/ys6d9g

According to Yahoo Maps, Redwood City is 27 minutes by car to San Francisco. By experience, they must mean 27 minutes if you drive at 80 mph after midnight on Wednesdays. In peak commute times this can take well over 1 hour. Even at non-peak times, I seriously doubt you can make it in 27 minutes. You don't say how many "we" includes, but you might consider taking CalTrain from RC to SF, (or drive to Millbrae and take BART) and public transportation to Pier 33, and your other SF destinations. Otherwise, you can expect to pay $20-25 per day for parking, when you can find it. Check Yahoo maps, but I think Yosemite is 3+ hours from RC and Sequoia is more like 4+ hours away. Good luck and I hope you enjoy San Francisco (and Redwood City).

Agree that in peak commute times, the trip from Redwood City to the pier in SF could take an hour. If there are only two of you, BART might be a good option (although it's $3.80 per person each way from Millbrae to SF)

columbiana's report is here:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34821699

Hope you get some more great ideas too!

You might want to also check out our destination guide for San Francisco here on the website:

http://www.fodors.com/world/north%20...sco/index.html

We live in San Jose and take Caltrain into SF occasionally. Once there we ride MUNI or walk. It works out pretty well.

We drove to San Fransico in August 2006, and like fools parked in one of the large structures near the Alcatraz boats/Pier 39 area. It cost us $18.00. And the price probably has gone up since then.

To drive to the city doesn't make sense, parking fees will kill your wallet.

Public transportation to SF: Caltrain or SamTrans buses. On weekdays they should go to the city, not only to BART.

I agree w/those suggesting you use public transport. Even if you're willing to pay for parking, you might die before you find any.

Seriously, the train is so convenient & civilized & fun, and the buses from SF depot to points all over the city are a piece of cake.

http://www.caltrain.com/

Be sure you buy your train tickets before getting on the train (atm's at all stations.) You can't buy them on the train without a hefty penalty.

Yes, ITA on the Caltrain from the Redwood City station. Some of the schedules have less stops than others. Much easier than driving. Then you can connect with sfmuni trains and buses in San Francisco, as others haven't mentioned. Then use a Rent a Car for your other trips. Also, Santa Cruz area redwoods/ Skyline Drive would be a better & easier day trip than Yosemite/ Sequoia. Or Carmel, Monterey and/or Pacific Grove.

If I were staying in Redwood City I wouldn't hesitate on driving into SF. Everyone makes such a fuss out it but I really don't get it. Just drive, get a map, park by where you want to start your day and then do whatever and get yourself back to your car for the drive home.

It really is not that big of a deal. Just get a good map and go for it. If you do all public transportation you'll drive yourself crazy trying to make all the connections. What nobody is telling you here is public transit in the Bay Area is not very well coordinated between different agencies. Just drive into the city and then do your thing. It's much easier.