Must dos and must sees in SF??
May 19th, 2001 | 07:12 AM
#2
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muir woods
napa or sonoma valley
if you have time drive down to 17 mile drive at pebble beach and include carmel, its worth the drive if you have time.
Avoid fishermans wharf very commercial and loaded with too many tourists.
North beach for great italian food
Golden gate park
Have fun its a beautiful city
napa or sonoma valley
if you have time drive down to 17 mile drive at pebble beach and include carmel, its worth the drive if you have time.
Avoid fishermans wharf very commercial and loaded with too many tourists.
North beach for great italian food
Golden gate park
Have fun its a beautiful city
May 19th, 2001 | 01:08 PM
#4
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Do ride the cable cars at least once, go to Alcatraz, walk across the Golden Gate but bring a sweater!
Althrough September and October bring the best weather it can be cold at any time and very windy.
Also the the cable car turntables and other tourist areas are very busy at the weekends.
Hope this helps
Althrough September and October bring the best weather it can be cold at any time and very windy.
Also the the cable car turntables and other tourist areas are very busy at the weekends.
Hope this helps
May 19th, 2001 | 06:53 PM
#5
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Walk down Grant Avenue in Chinatown and have a dim sum lunch; check out the latest exhibit at the Chinese Culture Center.
Drive out to the ocean and have drinks at the Cliff House.
Get tickets to see "Beach Blanket Babylon" at Club Fugazi in North Beach.
Visit the Metreon and the SF Museum of Modern Art.
Go to see the Steinhart Aquarium, the Planetarium, and the Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park.
Take BART under the Bay and walk around the UC-Berkeley campus and Telegraph Avenue.
If you're interested in architecture, take a look at the newly renovated City Hall and the SF Main Library.
You can check the SF Chronicle (www.sfgate.com) for other attractions and also do a search on this forum for past discussions on San Francisco.
The weather should be good in October -hope you have a great time.
Drive out to the ocean and have drinks at the Cliff House.
Get tickets to see "Beach Blanket Babylon" at Club Fugazi in North Beach.
Visit the Metreon and the SF Museum of Modern Art.
Go to see the Steinhart Aquarium, the Planetarium, and the Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park.
Take BART under the Bay and walk around the UC-Berkeley campus and Telegraph Avenue.
If you're interested in architecture, take a look at the newly renovated City Hall and the SF Main Library.
You can check the SF Chronicle (www.sfgate.com) for other attractions and also do a search on this forum for past discussions on San Francisco.
The weather should be good in October -hope you have a great time.
May 20th, 2001 | 08:06 AM
#6
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If you take the previous advice and walk down Grant Ave, go around 8:30 am also and watch those very energetic older people put you to shame doing their exercises by the church, I think it is called Washington Square. They made my husband and I feel old and we're only in our 40's.
Although Fishermans wharf is "touristy", the seals are a pleasure to watch.
Although Fishermans wharf is "touristy", the seals are a pleasure to watch.
May 21st, 2001 | 05:20 AM
#7
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I would move to SF is a heartbeat if I didn't like living in NY that much.
I would suggest the ff activities: walking across the golden gate bridge (the view from there is awesome), visiting the cliff house and the sutro baths, going to the house of nanking in chinatown(u won't miss it....lines anytime of the day), if you're familiar with the beat generation...have a drink at vesuvio (steeped in history!!) in north beach and peruse really great book at city lights bookstore, take a walk around the haight ashbury 'hood and have dinner at chachacha (amazing experience), spend a day at the golden gate park with it's 5 or so museums, ride the cable car (at least once), take the ferry to sausalito &/or tiburon and finally, visit alamo square, have a picnic and watch the painted ladies and the view beyond as the sun sets. These are my favorite sf
activities.....enjoy, it's a great city!!!
I would suggest the ff activities: walking across the golden gate bridge (the view from there is awesome), visiting the cliff house and the sutro baths, going to the house of nanking in chinatown(u won't miss it....lines anytime of the day), if you're familiar with the beat generation...have a drink at vesuvio (steeped in history!!) in north beach and peruse really great book at city lights bookstore, take a walk around the haight ashbury 'hood and have dinner at chachacha (amazing experience), spend a day at the golden gate park with it's 5 or so museums, ride the cable car (at least once), take the ferry to sausalito &/or tiburon and finally, visit alamo square, have a picnic and watch the painted ladies and the view beyond as the sun sets. These are my favorite sf
activities.....enjoy, it's a great city!!!
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May 21st, 2001 | 10:26 AM
#9
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I recommend a bay cruise at night -- it's a great way to see the entire city (and the golden gate bridge from a different angle!)
I always take visitors to Sutro Baths -- it's the ruins of these huge public baths that I think were active in the 1920s or so. It's in the northwest corner of the city and most tourists don't know about it. You can spend a day on the west side of the city: have a picnic lunch in Golden Gate Park (and don't miss the buffalo paddock in the middle of the park!); walk or bike over Golden Gate Bridge; visit Sutro Baths; take a stroll down Ocean Beach and finish up with dinner at Cliff House.
You can spend another day doing touristy things on the other side of the city: Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square (get an ice cream sundae -- you can't buy Ghirardelli ice cream in stores, and it's so good!), cable car, etc. In the evening, head to City Lights Bookstore in North Beach and have dinner at one of the many Italian restaurants.
If you want to get out of the city: Muir Woods (just north of the city) is beautiful and the wineries in Napa and Sonoma are worth visiting. You can also rent a bike up there. To the south, there's the Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk, Monterey and Carmel. To the east, there's Berkeley, which is a fun town to wander around -- lots of little shops and offbeat people. There's also the university. And if you're interested in that sort of thing, you can take the train down to Palo Alto to see Stanford's campus. They have an observatory that's open to the public and a Rodin sculpture garden.
Have fun!
I always take visitors to Sutro Baths -- it's the ruins of these huge public baths that I think were active in the 1920s or so. It's in the northwest corner of the city and most tourists don't know about it. You can spend a day on the west side of the city: have a picnic lunch in Golden Gate Park (and don't miss the buffalo paddock in the middle of the park!); walk or bike over Golden Gate Bridge; visit Sutro Baths; take a stroll down Ocean Beach and finish up with dinner at Cliff House.
You can spend another day doing touristy things on the other side of the city: Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square (get an ice cream sundae -- you can't buy Ghirardelli ice cream in stores, and it's so good!), cable car, etc. In the evening, head to City Lights Bookstore in North Beach and have dinner at one of the many Italian restaurants.
If you want to get out of the city: Muir Woods (just north of the city) is beautiful and the wineries in Napa and Sonoma are worth visiting. You can also rent a bike up there. To the south, there's the Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk, Monterey and Carmel. To the east, there's Berkeley, which is a fun town to wander around -- lots of little shops and offbeat people. There's also the university. And if you're interested in that sort of thing, you can take the train down to Palo Alto to see Stanford's campus. They have an observatory that's open to the public and a Rodin sculpture garden.
Have fun!
May 23rd, 2001 | 06:54 AM
#10
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I also recommend a drive up to the Marine Headlands. You take the first exit after crossing the Golden Gate Bridge (heading north), and you turn left at the stop sign. It will take you into the hills above the bridge on the north side, and you get spectacular views of the bridge and the city (great photo shots!). You can also hike up there; there are some WWII batteries to climb around on, and it's very woodsy. Being a Californian, this is one of my favorite things to do in the San Francisco area. Have fun on your trip!
May 23rd, 2001 | 04:08 PM
#12
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I agree that Fisherman's Wharf is full of tourists, but my husband and I were tourists and we loved it! We sat and watched the SEA LIONS (someone erroneously referred to them as seals) for hours. If nothing else, stop at a restaurant (one outdoors if it's nice) and get a steamed Dungeness crab, sourdough bread, and a beer. Pure heaven!
May 25th, 2001 | 09:39 AM
#14
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we have a new treasure in the city... crissy field. it opened recently at the base of the goldend gate bridge. there are beaches, and birds and beautiful vistas. on a sunny day it is the perfect stroll, bike ride or kite flying location.
http://www.crissyfield.org/
http://www.crissyfield.org/
Jun 1st, 2001 | 02:40 PM
#17
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My favorites to take visitors when they visit:
walk down Crissy Field-great views of bay and Golden Gate Bridge
North Beach-walk up to Coit tower and get coffee and biscotti at cute italian cafe
Tiburon-go to lunch on a patio at Sam's cafe or Guayama's Restaurant-great views of the city and bay
Hike up Dipsea Trail in Muir Woods or to Tennessee Valley in Mill Valley
Drive through Haight to see all the interesting people
Wine tasting in Napa or Sonoma County
Ride a cable car
See Beach Blanket Babylon
Drive down highway 1 to half moon bay
walk down Crissy Field-great views of bay and Golden Gate Bridge
North Beach-walk up to Coit tower and get coffee and biscotti at cute italian cafe
Tiburon-go to lunch on a patio at Sam's cafe or Guayama's Restaurant-great views of the city and bay
Hike up Dipsea Trail in Muir Woods or to Tennessee Valley in Mill Valley
Drive through Haight to see all the interesting people
Wine tasting in Napa or Sonoma County
Ride a cable car
See Beach Blanket Babylon
Drive down highway 1 to half moon bay
Jun 1st, 2001 | 10:30 PM
#18
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I have posted this before... but I think I will do it again for Curious.
1) A sunny day. Take the ferry to Tiburon, lunch at Guaymas Mexican restaurant http://www.tiburon.org/restaurants/Guaymas.html. Marvel at
the great views of the city. After lunch take ferry to Angel island. Hike the uninhabited hills. Return to the city just in time to watch the sun set from the deck of the boat.
2) A rainy day. Wander through the beautiful collection at the Legion of
Honor. http://www.thinker.org/legion/index.html.
3) A cloudy day. Take a walking tour of San Francisco (you will be grateful there are clouds as you go up and down the hills). Guide yourself using a book such as "Walking San Francisco: On the Barbary
Coast Trail," by Daniel Bacon. Or have someone lead you through our interesting and diverse city such as Jay Gifford
http://www.victorianwalk.com/.
4) A lazy day. Check out our fabulous books stores (i.e. City Light). Find a great read and stop in a neighborhood coffee shop for some enjoyable reading and a cappuccino.
5) A shopping day. Check out the fabulous shopping around Union Street. When you have had your fill and are in need of a pick-me-up, go for high tea at one of our beautiful locations (Top of the Mark, Sheraton Palace, St. Francis).
6) A trendy day. Check out the Haight Street scene. Grab lunch at Cha Cha Cha (Tapas) or Massawa (Ethiopian/Eritrean).
7) A kids day (for all ages!). Visit the California Academy of Sciences and check out the Aquarium. While in Golden Gate Park, take a walk and enjoy some of the most beautiful acres in the city. Wander to Sharon Meadow and play on the swings, or wander all the way out to Ocean Beach
and play in the sand. Grab a burger and malt at Luis' at Land's End. Possibly the best burger joint in town... definitely with the best views.
8) An athletic day. Bike across the Golden Gate to the Marin Headlands. I cannot even begin to describe the views you will encounter. If the fog is rolling in the site becomes surreal.
9) An adult night out. Martinis and appetizers at Zuni and then a show (Opera, Play, you name it). Grab a late dinner at Jardiniere.
10) A college day. Take the BART over to Berkeley and spend some time remembering when. Walk the beautiful campus and check out Cody's book store. People watch at a local eatery.
11) A movie day. Check out the scene at the huge cineplex that is our Sony Metreon. Words cannot describe all the lives there http://www.metreon.com.
12) A eaters day on the town... choose from any of our amazing restaurants. Here is a list I find invaluable as a local: The top 100 Bay Area Restaurants.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl.../06/FD100Z.DTL
13) A dinner with the boss and her husband. One Market. A place to impress and still maintain that distance...
14) A day for your little kids to meet and play with other little kids. Take them to the Bay Area Discovery Museum just across the Golden Gate Bridge. There they can play in an extremely kid friendly environment while you soak in the amazing views of the bridge and the city. http://www.badm.org/
15) A romantic night out. Froo froo: Dinner at Campton Place http://www.camptonplace.com/restaurant.html or La Folie http://www.lafolie.com/ (either one, both have GREAT food WITH great
service).
16) A romantic night out Easy going: Tommy's (best margaritas in town) 5929 Geary Blvd. The outer Richmond
OK, that is a start. I hope it helps.
1) A sunny day. Take the ferry to Tiburon, lunch at Guaymas Mexican restaurant http://www.tiburon.org/restaurants/Guaymas.html. Marvel at
the great views of the city. After lunch take ferry to Angel island. Hike the uninhabited hills. Return to the city just in time to watch the sun set from the deck of the boat.
2) A rainy day. Wander through the beautiful collection at the Legion of
Honor. http://www.thinker.org/legion/index.html.
3) A cloudy day. Take a walking tour of San Francisco (you will be grateful there are clouds as you go up and down the hills). Guide yourself using a book such as "Walking San Francisco: On the Barbary
Coast Trail," by Daniel Bacon. Or have someone lead you through our interesting and diverse city such as Jay Gifford
http://www.victorianwalk.com/.
4) A lazy day. Check out our fabulous books stores (i.e. City Light). Find a great read and stop in a neighborhood coffee shop for some enjoyable reading and a cappuccino.
5) A shopping day. Check out the fabulous shopping around Union Street. When you have had your fill and are in need of a pick-me-up, go for high tea at one of our beautiful locations (Top of the Mark, Sheraton Palace, St. Francis).
6) A trendy day. Check out the Haight Street scene. Grab lunch at Cha Cha Cha (Tapas) or Massawa (Ethiopian/Eritrean).
7) A kids day (for all ages!). Visit the California Academy of Sciences and check out the Aquarium. While in Golden Gate Park, take a walk and enjoy some of the most beautiful acres in the city. Wander to Sharon Meadow and play on the swings, or wander all the way out to Ocean Beach
and play in the sand. Grab a burger and malt at Luis' at Land's End. Possibly the best burger joint in town... definitely with the best views.
8) An athletic day. Bike across the Golden Gate to the Marin Headlands. I cannot even begin to describe the views you will encounter. If the fog is rolling in the site becomes surreal.
9) An adult night out. Martinis and appetizers at Zuni and then a show (Opera, Play, you name it). Grab a late dinner at Jardiniere.
10) A college day. Take the BART over to Berkeley and spend some time remembering when. Walk the beautiful campus and check out Cody's book store. People watch at a local eatery.
11) A movie day. Check out the scene at the huge cineplex that is our Sony Metreon. Words cannot describe all the lives there http://www.metreon.com.
12) A eaters day on the town... choose from any of our amazing restaurants. Here is a list I find invaluable as a local: The top 100 Bay Area Restaurants.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl.../06/FD100Z.DTL
13) A dinner with the boss and her husband. One Market. A place to impress and still maintain that distance...
14) A day for your little kids to meet and play with other little kids. Take them to the Bay Area Discovery Museum just across the Golden Gate Bridge. There they can play in an extremely kid friendly environment while you soak in the amazing views of the bridge and the city. http://www.badm.org/
15) A romantic night out. Froo froo: Dinner at Campton Place http://www.camptonplace.com/restaurant.html or La Folie http://www.lafolie.com/ (either one, both have GREAT food WITH great
service).
16) A romantic night out Easy going: Tommy's (best margaritas in town) 5929 Geary Blvd. The outer Richmond
OK, that is a start. I hope it helps.
Jun 2nd, 2001 | 01:57 AM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Definitely Alcatraz, never boring for us. Hornblower Yacht Cruises, you go underneath the golden Gate Bridge twice, Bay Bridge once, view the new SF Giants Pac Bell Park, entering the beginning of Willie McCovery cove. Drive north to Sauslito, we like lunch at Spinnakers, restaurant on the water, or try a helicopter ride over the city, fabulous views if the weather is clear.
If time available, go to Napa, St Helena and tour the wineries. Take the Napa Valley Wine Train, have lunch or dinner on board. Can also have a picnic lunch at a lot of the wineries. Go to Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur via Hwy 1. Drive the 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach. You will have majestic views. You could dine in fine restaurants or go to a local deli & bring lunch to enjoy on the 17 mile drive sitting on the beach or the rocks.
Enjoy.
If time available, go to Napa, St Helena and tour the wineries. Take the Napa Valley Wine Train, have lunch or dinner on board. Can also have a picnic lunch at a lot of the wineries. Go to Monterey, Carmel & Big Sur via Hwy 1. Drive the 17-mile drive in Pebble Beach. You will have majestic views. You could dine in fine restaurants or go to a local deli & bring lunch to enjoy on the 17 mile drive sitting on the beach or the rocks.
Enjoy.
