Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Trip Report Long Weekend in SF-trip report

While I didn't have too ask many questions on this board, I gathered much info on where to stay, what to do and where to eat from the board. So thanks to all for all the great information. We arrived in San Francisco late Thursday afternoon and followed the advice from FainaAgain and LoveItaly to take the BART to Powell St Station. It was quick and easy, but as warned the escalator was out at the Powell St station...oh well, what's some steps with one's luggage??? We were greeted by helpful desk clerks at the Adagio Hotel http://www.jdvhospitality.com/hotels/hotel/15 on Geary St. This board had mixed reviews primarily related to its location. We were fine with the location--if you wandered down Jones St. it wasn't a great walk, but otherwise, the location worked for us-about 3 blocks to Union Square. Our room was nice, on the 15th floor with an okay view. Only problem was trash was collected bright and early and even from the 15th floor we could hear the recycling in particular making its way into the trash trucks. Had dinner the first night at Ponzu, in the Serrano hotel, just a few blocks from Hotel Adaigo. It was convenient and food was good, but not what we hoped to experience the rest of the weekend. Friday am we had breakfast at Dottie's True Blue Cafe on Jones--it was great. We arrived early, 7:30 am when it opened (still being on East Coast time) so there was no wait, but by 8:00 am, it had a short line. After a very filling breakfast we took public transporation to Golden Gate Park and enjoyed the Botanical and Japanese Gardens b4 heading to the deYoung http://www.thinker.org/deyoung/. The building and space are fabulous and the view from the tower is spectacular. We saw a good show, the International Arts and Crafts. General admission to the Museum was $10 and $15 more for the special exhibit. (Living in DC I'm never cease to be shocked by musuem prices.) We hoofed it over to Haight Ashbury which defintely had its heyday in the 60's I'd say. Had lunch in Chinatown at Oriental Pearl which had been recommended, but we thought just ok. Poked around Chinatown, always fascinating. Dinner was in North Beach at L'Osteria del Forno at 519 Columbus, tiny little place--waited about 30 minutes, but well worth it. Fabulous meal! Next morning hiked up to Nob Hill and took the California St. line cable car to the Ferry building. Lots of fun and great eats!
From there we walked to North Beach for our tour. Were sad to learn that many of our little favorite shops had been forced out due to high rents. But North Beach is still a vibrant neighborhood full of tourists and locals. We picked this tour from San Francisco city guides often recommened on this board http://www.sfcityguides.org/overview.html. It was a wonderful 2 hour tour and free to boot! Had sandwiches for lunch at Marios Bohemian Cigar Store-wish we had gone back to the L'Osteria. Did some window shopping on Union St and Fillmore St. Saturday night's dinner treat was at Restaurant at Gary Dankos--superb food and outstanding service! http://www.garydanko.com/
Well worth the price. Sunday morning we did dim sum at Yank Sing, http://www.yanksing.com/
also delicious, but pricey as mentioned often on this board. Walked around SOMA and then over to the Mission District for the Carribean festival and to hit Tartine Bakery--what a gem! Topped off the afternoon with opera at Yerba Buena Gardens--perfect way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Dinner was at Delfina,http://www.garydanko.com/
very good Italian meal! With the exception of a cab to Gary Danko's we took public transportation or walked (my calves are still lyelling fo relief...)Had wonderful weather and a glorious time in San Francisco...a perfect Memorial Day weekend.