limited time/SF
 

I will be in SF next week for 5 days through the week-end on business. THere will only be limited time off for any outside activities. I will be attending a meeting and staying at Fairmont/Nob Hill. Any suggestions for fun dining in the area or things to do?

The possibilities are endless, but if you really want to get the "flavor" of San Francisco, I would definatly head to Fishermans Wharf and Pier 39.
Take a trolly ride and if you have time take the Alcatraz tour. If you'd like, while at Fisherman's Wharf, pick up some authentic sourdough bread to take to friends and family. We did this our last trip, and it was a hit with everyone we gave the bread to.
San Francisco is a wonderful place and I know you'll have a great time.

Let us know how you like the Fairmont, we are considering staying there this year since they are in our E-Book. Will you try the Tonga Room? Ghiradelli Square is one of my favorite places in SF.

It's been a couple of years since we've visited, we're due for a trip. The sourdough bread is very nice. We had to do birthday shopping for my daughter's friend at the SF airport one year. LOL ***kim***

I'll go the other direction. ;)

If you really want to get a "flavor" of SF, go anywhere other than Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. :D

To me, those places are just horribly tacky, and I don't enjoy myself at all wandering around them (except to watch the sea lions - worth a trip for that if you have the time).

Alcatraz is wonderful, and they have evening tours (leave at 4:20) if you are free then.

But I think the best way to get a feel for any city is to pick a neighborhood and wander around - eat a meal there if the timing is right. There are many neighborhoods to choose from, so your best bet is probably to head to the library (or bookstore) and get a guidebook on SF that describes them all. Many offer walking tours of each neighborhood so that you don't have to wander aimlessly if you don't want to.

Oh, and walking out onto the GG bridge and along the water from there is absolutely beautiful if the weather cooperates and you have time!

yick! I just lived in SF for 8 years, and would never take anyone to fishermans warf! Uck. If you are looking for some great restaurants, head to the North Beach area. There are plenty of restaurants with reasonable prices, great people watching, some great bars/pubs with live music. This is also where The Stinking Rose restaurant is located. If you like garlic, then try it out. But you must make reservations.
Some other great restaurants are Le Coloniel, I think it is near the financial district. Make sure you have the address and take a cab, it is on one of those side alley streets, so it is hard to find. But is worth the trip. One of our other favorite spots, is a French restaurant called Plouf. The service, is well, french. Meaning, they don't gush over you, but the food and atmosphere make up for it. This is also in the financial district on one of these wierd alley streets. Both of the restaurants are open late, and seem to get "hoppin" around 10pm, so don't let there location in the financial district be a turn off.
The Union Square area is a great place to shop, and people watch. You can take/catch a trolley to this area.
I would probably avoid the Haight Ashbury area. Seems like most tourists like to go to this area, becuase of its long history. However, it has really gone down hill...seems it is full of teenage run-a-ways, and drug users. We never felt safe there and it was kind of depressing.
If you have a car, then remember that CA drivers just GO. If you are changing lanes, then do it, etc. That is just how they drive there. Be careful of the lights in the city, most of the red lights are hung on the side of the street and not directly overhead. If you don't understand, you will soon see.
However, if you do have a car, then you must drive down the most crooked road, Lombard St. If you don't have a car, then take the trolley. It is a sight to behold.
The drive across the GOlden Gate bridge, is wonderful. Once you are across the bridge, then you can take the first exit, which is the best sight seeing places. Once you are back on 101, take the very next exit....if you turn left, then you can drive up the cliff on the other side of the bridge and the views are incredible up there as well. If you turn right after you exit, then that road will wind you down into Sausalito. All the restaurants are great and the shopping is really fun there. They have great boutiques.
I am done...

The Fairmont is at the intersection of 2 cable car lines, and if your time is limited, take each line to the end and back gives you a quick and wonderful visual tour day or night. Then you can decide what is a must see or do and go back. S.F. is not a huge city, has a strong multi culture flavor, there is a great variety of restaurants of different cuisines and prices. Shopping is also a lot of fun.