Need a little help
Apr 23rd, 2010, 11:47 AM
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Need a little help
Hello Fodorites!
It's been a few months since my last forum addition...hopefully I'm not too rusty. Again, I have to say thank you to everyone who helped me with my honeymoon planning. Our trip was more than memorable!
So here I am again asking for help. Towards the end of June I will be going to California for a work trip. Seeing as how my wife's birthday is at the end of June she will be joining me for a "pre workshop" vacation. She however, will not be ending her trip sitting in meetings like I will be, but will spend her time shopping. Our plan is to go out to San Francisco a few days before (4 or 5 days) my workshop begins and explore within San Fran and the surrounding areas. My workshop takes place in Berkeley, which I know isn't in San Fran but is close. And yes we have planned to rent a car, but return it before my workshop begins.
To give a littel info about us. We are in our late 20s, newly married and we love to travel. I have previously been to San Francisco but my wife has not. Unfortunately my last trip out there was in High School and I don't remember much. If you have read my trip report from Europe you can tell we are not only active people but very adventurous. I will try any foods at least once, but she does not eat red meat nor fried foods. We are both very open minded and love to spend time outdoors.
We would love to do a day trip to see the Red Wood trees...We love to hike and have conquered a few trails here back in GA. I would love some personal suggestions on where we can hike some beautiful trails and see the giant Red Woods. I dont' mind reading information from books but I like to hear what people have personally experienced and it's easy to get an idea of how many people liked or disliked their experiences from these open forums.
As much as we would love to go to Napa Valley and do a wine tour, it is not top on our priority list of things to do. We did a winery tour in Tuscany on our honeymoon and those memories are still fresh in our minds. We will however plan to do this later in life with some friends...at a time we can go at a slower pace and truly enjoy the wines and scenery. We are HOWEVER, not against doing a day drive up and down the country-side, but we would MUCH rather do the scenic drive down the coast. What highway is this and is it possible to do from San Fran on our short time frame?
I'm not much of a shopper but my wife is. I know of the Haight-Ashbury district and Chinatown, but what other areas should we check out? Also, is there a train/bus/shuttle/tram or something that runs between the two areas (Berkeley and San Fran). We do plan on checking out Alcatraz but as of right now I can't think of much other touristy stuff we would want to do. We are open to suggestions though!
Also, what suggestions on hotels does everyone have? Ideally I would like to spend around $90-100 a night, possibly a little more...we don't plan on spending much time in our hotel in San Fran and once we get to Berkeley work will be paying for our expenses. We actually also wouldn't object to spending the night in another city nearby...maybe even Carmel by the Sea? I know thats roughly a 2 hour drive South of San Fran.
We're open to any and all suggestions. I'm really looking forward to what everyone has to say! Also, I'm personally open to favorite restaurants, eateries and markets that people favor too!
Thanks in advance!
CIAO!
Stuart
It's been a few months since my last forum addition...hopefully I'm not too rusty. Again, I have to say thank you to everyone who helped me with my honeymoon planning. Our trip was more than memorable!
So here I am again asking for help. Towards the end of June I will be going to California for a work trip. Seeing as how my wife's birthday is at the end of June she will be joining me for a "pre workshop" vacation. She however, will not be ending her trip sitting in meetings like I will be, but will spend her time shopping. Our plan is to go out to San Francisco a few days before (4 or 5 days) my workshop begins and explore within San Fran and the surrounding areas. My workshop takes place in Berkeley, which I know isn't in San Fran but is close. And yes we have planned to rent a car, but return it before my workshop begins.
To give a littel info about us. We are in our late 20s, newly married and we love to travel. I have previously been to San Francisco but my wife has not. Unfortunately my last trip out there was in High School and I don't remember much. If you have read my trip report from Europe you can tell we are not only active people but very adventurous. I will try any foods at least once, but she does not eat red meat nor fried foods. We are both very open minded and love to spend time outdoors.
We would love to do a day trip to see the Red Wood trees...We love to hike and have conquered a few trails here back in GA. I would love some personal suggestions on where we can hike some beautiful trails and see the giant Red Woods. I dont' mind reading information from books but I like to hear what people have personally experienced and it's easy to get an idea of how many people liked or disliked their experiences from these open forums.
As much as we would love to go to Napa Valley and do a wine tour, it is not top on our priority list of things to do. We did a winery tour in Tuscany on our honeymoon and those memories are still fresh in our minds. We will however plan to do this later in life with some friends...at a time we can go at a slower pace and truly enjoy the wines and scenery. We are HOWEVER, not against doing a day drive up and down the country-side, but we would MUCH rather do the scenic drive down the coast. What highway is this and is it possible to do from San Fran on our short time frame?
I'm not much of a shopper but my wife is. I know of the Haight-Ashbury district and Chinatown, but what other areas should we check out? Also, is there a train/bus/shuttle/tram or something that runs between the two areas (Berkeley and San Fran). We do plan on checking out Alcatraz but as of right now I can't think of much other touristy stuff we would want to do. We are open to suggestions though!
Also, what suggestions on hotels does everyone have? Ideally I would like to spend around $90-100 a night, possibly a little more...we don't plan on spending much time in our hotel in San Fran and once we get to Berkeley work will be paying for our expenses. We actually also wouldn't object to spending the night in another city nearby...maybe even Carmel by the Sea? I know thats roughly a 2 hour drive South of San Fran.
We're open to any and all suggestions. I'm really looking forward to what everyone has to say! Also, I'm personally open to favorite restaurants, eateries and markets that people favor too!
Thanks in advance!
CIAO!
Stuart
Apr 23rd, 2010, 12:13 PM
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BART runs between Berkeley and SF. However, there are only two stops in Berkeley downtown and North Berkeley. If your workshop isn't near to those stops you would have to catch a cab or bus to it.
I don't think you'll find much for a hotel for $90 to $100 without using something like Priceline.
I personally find Noe Valley more pleasant than the Union Square area (where most of the shopping is).
I don't think you'll find much for a hotel for $90 to $100 without using something like Priceline.
I personally find Noe Valley more pleasant than the Union Square area (where most of the shopping is).
Apr 23rd, 2010, 12:40 PM
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Check what StuDudley has on the forum for things to do in SF.
And with limited time, either go north to Muir Woods (big trees) and Point Reyes, or south along the coast hwy and hike in Pfieffer SP more big trees and check out Monterey, Big Sur etc.
And with limited time, either go north to Muir Woods (big trees) and Point Reyes, or south along the coast hwy and hike in Pfieffer SP more big trees and check out Monterey, Big Sur etc.
Apr 23rd, 2010, 12:42 PM
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Hello Stuart, how nice to see this thread of yours as I so remember your fun and interesting Italian Honeymoon Report.
Stuart, since you and your bride are interested in hiking here is a website from the SF Chronicle regarding hiking on Mt.Tam which I would think you two would enjoy.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...TL&type=travel
A younger man in our family took his love hiking on Mt. Tam recently and proposed marriage to her while there. She accepted! Their interests are quite similar to the interest you two have regarding activities so think you would find that Mt.Tam would make a lovely day trip. Best regards.
Stuart, since you and your bride are interested in hiking here is a website from the SF Chronicle regarding hiking on Mt.Tam which I would think you two would enjoy.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...TL&type=travel
A younger man in our family took his love hiking on Mt. Tam recently and proposed marriage to her while there. She accepted! Their interests are quite similar to the interest you two have regarding activities so think you would find that Mt.Tam would make a lovely day trip. Best regards.
Apr 23rd, 2010, 12:46 PM
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Stuart, I failed to mention that if you use the Search Box for our "Mr. San Francisco" Stu Dudley you will see a wonderful thread he has that would give you all kinds of ideas regarding enjoying San Francisco including lots of good walks. And speaking of walks, most everyone enjoys walking across the Golden Gate Bridge unless it is a low fog kind of day.
Apr 23rd, 2010, 01:02 PM
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>>
I don't know what kind of shopping your wife intends to do, but if I were a young woman, I'd want to shop in Noe Valley (24th Street), on Union Street (which is different from Union Square) and on Chestnut Street, as well as Union Square (which is the major shopping district here --- all the chain stores, department stores, boutiques, brand stores, even shopping centers).
I don't know what kind of shopping your wife intends to do, but if I were a young woman, I'd want to shop in Noe Valley (24th Street), on Union Street (which is different from Union Square) and on Chestnut Street, as well as Union Square (which is the major shopping district here --- all the chain stores, department stores, boutiques, brand stores, even shopping centers).
Apr 23rd, 2010, 01:24 PM
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Here are some of my ideas
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35129049
Take some free City Guides walks - see the link for details.
In addition to the shopping areas sf7307 mentioned, explore Hayes St - between Gough & Buchanan also.
Stu Dudley
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35129049
Take some free City Guides walks - see the link for details.
In addition to the shopping areas sf7307 mentioned, explore Hayes St - between Gough & Buchanan also.
Stu Dudley
Apr 23rd, 2010, 02:10 PM
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There are buses connecting Berkeley and San Francisco - check "AC transit" - I think bus F and some others, those are "transbay" buses.
Is your workshop at the university? My son said, they have free shuttles to SF.
Is your workshop at the university? My son said, they have free shuttles to SF.
Apr 23rd, 2010, 02:31 PM
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Stuart,
If you want to go hiking, I have to recommend my area, Monterey County. Big Sur is a fantastic area for hiking and will put you amidst redwoods. (And most of the hiking is within a half-hour drive of wineries. I know you said wineries weren't a priority, but you could squeeze some in if the urge struck.)
Here's a list of the top area day hikes: http://www.seemonterey.com/tourist-a...onterey-county
Nearly all of the day hikes listed are within a 45-minute drive of Carmel-by-the-Sea; some are much closer.
As far as staying overnight in Carmel-by-the-Sea: know in advance that the U.S. Open takes place at Pebble Beach from June 14 to June 20. It will be extremely difficult to find a hotel room at that time.
Another great place to see redwoods, although it's not a strenuous hike at all, is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park just outside of Santa Cruz. You could even stop there on your way down to Monterey and do the one-mile path through the redwood grove.
If you pay for a California state park parking pass, you can use it to park at as many state parks as you like on that day! So if you're avid hikers you can string a couple of hikes at different locations together.
The highway down the coast is Highway One. You can get on it from San Francisco or you can cut over to it from the 101 or 280 via the 17. It's a gorgeous scenic drive, with lots of places to stop and admire the view. The Big Sur stretch between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon is probably the best-known.
I live in Monterey and I have friends in Berkeley and SF. I've driven up to the Bay Area as a day trip more than once. It's about 1.5 hours in no traffic from the Bay Area to Monterey (don't ask what it's like during rush hour). Add another hour to get to the heart of Big Sur.
If your wife is a shopper she may also like the Union Square area of San Francisco. Lots of chains, both big and small, are represented. Hayes Valley has a lot of quirky stores. (Don't miss the coffee vendor Blue Bottle.)
P.S. I work for the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau, so I'm biased toward our area - but with good reason!
If you want to go hiking, I have to recommend my area, Monterey County. Big Sur is a fantastic area for hiking and will put you amidst redwoods. (And most of the hiking is within a half-hour drive of wineries. I know you said wineries weren't a priority, but you could squeeze some in if the urge struck.)
Here's a list of the top area day hikes: http://www.seemonterey.com/tourist-a...onterey-county
Nearly all of the day hikes listed are within a 45-minute drive of Carmel-by-the-Sea; some are much closer.
As far as staying overnight in Carmel-by-the-Sea: know in advance that the U.S. Open takes place at Pebble Beach from June 14 to June 20. It will be extremely difficult to find a hotel room at that time.
Another great place to see redwoods, although it's not a strenuous hike at all, is Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park just outside of Santa Cruz. You could even stop there on your way down to Monterey and do the one-mile path through the redwood grove.
If you pay for a California state park parking pass, you can use it to park at as many state parks as you like on that day! So if you're avid hikers you can string a couple of hikes at different locations together.
The highway down the coast is Highway One. You can get on it from San Francisco or you can cut over to it from the 101 or 280 via the 17. It's a gorgeous scenic drive, with lots of places to stop and admire the view. The Big Sur stretch between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon is probably the best-known.
I live in Monterey and I have friends in Berkeley and SF. I've driven up to the Bay Area as a day trip more than once. It's about 1.5 hours in no traffic from the Bay Area to Monterey (don't ask what it's like during rush hour). Add another hour to get to the heart of Big Sur.
If your wife is a shopper she may also like the Union Square area of San Francisco. Lots of chains, both big and small, are represented. Hayes Valley has a lot of quirky stores. (Don't miss the coffee vendor Blue Bottle.)
P.S. I work for the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau, so I'm biased toward our area - but with good reason!
Apr 23rd, 2010, 02:37 PM
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I highly recommend Muir Woods - especially since you are in Northern california http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm
and a fantastic bed and breakfast that is quite romantic - wife and I always stay at romantic bed and breakfasts - sure beats chain hotels - we stayed at The Gables Inn in Sausalito - which is not too far from Muir Woods or you could stay at a bed and breakfast in Tiburon just around the corner - Gables Inn is a little more pricey than you wanted but for $225 you can have a dozen red roses and a bottle of champagne to celebrate the anniversary - if you need any help with other B&B's or Inns in the area - will be happy to assist.
Enjoy -
and a fantastic bed and breakfast that is quite romantic - wife and I always stay at romantic bed and breakfasts - sure beats chain hotels - we stayed at The Gables Inn in Sausalito - which is not too far from Muir Woods or you could stay at a bed and breakfast in Tiburon just around the corner - Gables Inn is a little more pricey than you wanted but for $225 you can have a dozen red roses and a bottle of champagne to celebrate the anniversary - if you need any help with other B&B's or Inns in the area - will be happy to assist.
Enjoy -
Apr 23rd, 2010, 07:19 PM
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Chinatown is a great place to shop for souvenirs, but not for clothing or much else. Your wife is better off shopping on upper Grant Avenue in North Beach (little boutiques) or the aforementioned Union Street, Chestnut, Hayes, Fillmore, etc.
Susan
Susan
Apr 24th, 2010, 09:14 AM
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While you're in Berkeley, besides the funky boutiques, there are upscale shops in Emeryville, which is right where the Bay Bridge ends. We have stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn there many times, and can suggest it, if you need a hotel in/near Berkeley.
Near Union Square, we liked the boutique Hotel Rex, a Joie de Vivre property. Don't know if it's out of your price range, though.
Near Union Square, we liked the boutique Hotel Rex, a Joie de Vivre property. Don't know if it's out of your price range, though.
Apr 26th, 2010, 05:57 AM
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Thank you everyone for such great ideas! I've already checked out and printed Stu Dudley's link...A LOT to read through but we did something similar to this for our Honeymoon and it proved really helpful to have these printouts at our disposal.
I believe we're going to go to Muir woods, my in-laws have highly recommended it too.
LoveItaly- so great to hear from you again! Hope all is well! Thanks for the recommendation! If we have enough time and enough energy to make the drive out to Mt. Tam we'll surely do it! We also definitely plan on walking the Bridge. I did it on my last trip to San Fran and it was fun! I'm sure my wife will love to do it too! Let's just hope it's a clear day!
SF7307- I'll be sure to tell my wife where to shop now! thank you!
Stu - thank you for your amazing post. I think the only other person who I've seen give such amazing detail is Stu Tower in Paris. I find it rather amusing and ironic that the two most detailed people I've found on this website happen to share my name and live in the same places I am traveling to! I plan on sharing my experiences from your advice on here after we get back.
Dayenu, the event isn't at the University, but at a hotel in Berkeley...I need to double check the location to see if we the free shuttle is anywhere near us. That would be amazing!
RedNikki- thank you so much for the heads up! I completely forgot about the US Open being out there in June! That would've put a damper on the situation! Although I'm a golfer and would've loved to watch, my wife however is not a golfer and would dread that day. We might just skip Carmel altogether now. I've wanted to drive HWY 1 for as long as I can remember...I mean how many movies do you see with people driving: top down, sunglasses on, huge smile on their face and just cruising! Monterey is sounding pretty inviting! Hiking and Wineries! I'll talk to the missus to see what she thinks. Thank you for your suggestions! What is Blue Bottle Coffee? Never heard of it...but I'm a fan of all things Java!
SouthwestFan - thank you for the great idea but my wife and I aren't really bed and breakfast people. We really just need a room at hotel where we can leave our belongings during the day...we really don't even eat breakfast at the hotel or any of the other services. Just a place to store, eat and clean up. Maybe when we start to slow down our pace of life we could truly appreciate all that a bed and breakfast has to offer. They sound cozy and romantic and definitely something we will look into as we get older but for now we don't need all the extra amenities. Thank you for your suggestion though.
Peaceout - thank you for the suggestions! I don't know much about Berkeley but it's nice to know there's some good shopping there.
Waldrons - I know Chinatown has chincy souviners but it's an experience just to walk around and see what the area is like. It's been over a decade since I've been there so it'll be fun to just walk around.
Again thank you everyone for such great advice!
I believe we're going to go to Muir woods, my in-laws have highly recommended it too.
LoveItaly- so great to hear from you again! Hope all is well! Thanks for the recommendation! If we have enough time and enough energy to make the drive out to Mt. Tam we'll surely do it! We also definitely plan on walking the Bridge. I did it on my last trip to San Fran and it was fun! I'm sure my wife will love to do it too! Let's just hope it's a clear day!
SF7307- I'll be sure to tell my wife where to shop now! thank you!
Stu - thank you for your amazing post. I think the only other person who I've seen give such amazing detail is Stu Tower in Paris. I find it rather amusing and ironic that the two most detailed people I've found on this website happen to share my name and live in the same places I am traveling to! I plan on sharing my experiences from your advice on here after we get back.
Dayenu, the event isn't at the University, but at a hotel in Berkeley...I need to double check the location to see if we the free shuttle is anywhere near us. That would be amazing!
RedNikki- thank you so much for the heads up! I completely forgot about the US Open being out there in June! That would've put a damper on the situation! Although I'm a golfer and would've loved to watch, my wife however is not a golfer and would dread that day. We might just skip Carmel altogether now. I've wanted to drive HWY 1 for as long as I can remember...I mean how many movies do you see with people driving: top down, sunglasses on, huge smile on their face and just cruising! Monterey is sounding pretty inviting! Hiking and Wineries! I'll talk to the missus to see what she thinks. Thank you for your suggestions! What is Blue Bottle Coffee? Never heard of it...but I'm a fan of all things Java!
SouthwestFan - thank you for the great idea but my wife and I aren't really bed and breakfast people. We really just need a room at hotel where we can leave our belongings during the day...we really don't even eat breakfast at the hotel or any of the other services. Just a place to store, eat and clean up. Maybe when we start to slow down our pace of life we could truly appreciate all that a bed and breakfast has to offer. They sound cozy and romantic and definitely something we will look into as we get older but for now we don't need all the extra amenities. Thank you for your suggestion though.
Peaceout - thank you for the suggestions! I don't know much about Berkeley but it's nice to know there's some good shopping there.
Waldrons - I know Chinatown has chincy souviners but it's an experience just to walk around and see what the area is like. It's been over a decade since I've been there so it'll be fun to just walk around.
Again thank you everyone for such great advice!
Apr 26th, 2010, 06:41 AM
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I don't know where you live, Stuart, but if you haven't already bought your airfare, you should look into an air/hotel package which may be the best way to book a good hotel inexpensively. If you don't need the hotel for every night of the trip, that's possible to do too. Travelocity, Expedia and on kayak.com (vacations) are good places to look.
