Vista Point on the north end of the Bridge cannot be reached from Sausalito; I checked and here are the directions the GGBridge gives to reach the south lots when coming south from Marin, i.e. Sausalito.

"Traveling South from Marin County: Follow US Highway 101 south across the Golden Gate Bridge. Have exact change ready to pay the appropriate toll, collected southbound only. Proceed through the far right toll lane #1, and make an immediate right exiting US Highway 101 just past the Toll Plaza onto Merchant Road. Make an immediate right onto a roadway that goes down a short hill and into an underpass which leads directly into the southeast side visitor parking lot."

I agree visit Muir Woods early.

So what route do you all recommend for the drive from SFO to Pacific Grove? We're leaning towards Hwy 1, but what is the best way to get to the coast. I looked at going over to Pacifca, which would require us to go north and then south or across to Half Moon Bay skipping the coastal road north up to Pacifica. Is there anything in Pacifica that really warrants a stop there?

What about the way back? Is it worth stopping in Gilroy?

I forget where you're starting, but if it's at the airport, I would head south on 101 and cut over on 92 to Half Moon Bay, or head north to 380 (very short distance north, with its own lanes from the airport), then 380 west to 280 and 280 south to 92 to Half Moon Bay. There is nothing that warrants visiting Pacifica (other than the fact that it's on the ocean, it's just a suburb of San Francisco)

Thx sf...that's exactly what I wanted to know!

Now if someone would just give me feedback on the city walks! LOL

The Pacifica Chamber of Commerce thinks their fair city is worth visiting.

http://pacificachamber.com/

I only go to Pacifica when I'm staying there -- when visiting SF but want to be on the ocean (not Bay) and not pay a king's ransom. There are a couple of good motels and shops and it is a convenient drive to a BART station to get into SF.

But a destination in and of itself -- no.

Gilroy would like you to come visit and see their attractions.

http://www.gilroyvisitor.org/attractions.php

Is this a joke?

Pacifica - suburb of San Francisco that happens be on the ocean.
Gilroy - suburb of San Jose that is home to a gigantic outlet mall, and hosts the annual Garlic Festival.

Both - no reason to go out of your way to visit.

For the Garlic Festival -- yes. But be prepared to die in the heat and get stuck in traffic. Any other time -- the only reason to ever stop in Gilroy is for a pit stop and maybe a little shopping.

No joke, Janis. I just figure that it helps people to make up their minds whether to visit a place or not if they have some idea what's there.

I would enjoy seeing the 1903 Wright Flyer in Gilroy. But that's just me.

The word suburb tells very little about a place. Santa Monica is a suburb of LA that happens to be on the ocean but many people just luuuv it.

>>

Well, that may be true, but then why not post the Chamber of Commerce's visitor's guide for Montara, or Pescadero, or Morgan Hill? What about Los Gatos and Cupertino?

And as for the word "suburb", I live in one, a very nice one south of SFO, but I wouldn't suggest people visit it as a "destination" unless they happen to be staying near the airport. I think calling someplace a "suburb" tells me pretty much all I need to know. Even though it technically is a suburb of Los Angeles, noone I know would refer to Santa Monica using that term.

Deb - used to live in SF area. Spent a lot of time in the city and one of my favorite restaurants is Greens. It's vegetarian but I'm not - food is so good, fresh and imaginative that you won't miss meat. It's also relaxing, low-key and has beautiful views. Might go for lunch. It's best for you to rely on Yelp - either on your computer or smartphone ap - for restaurants that appeal to you. Many, many people review every imaginable restaurant and won't mislead you. Have found many good restaurants that I otherwise might not have tried.

dbdurand: Giving a link to somewhere one has never personally been isn't always that useful. I can find links to LOTS of places I haven't visited -- that doesn't mean I should suggest others check them out.

OR - at least post a disclaimer like >>I have no idea if this is accurate, but here is what the chamber says about Pacificaanything to do w/ Pacifica.

Wow...there's been quite a bit of banter since I left for work this morning! LOL

I think the Gilroy garlic festival would be great fun, but I believe it's not until the end of July. So Pacifica and Gilroy are out!

terri - I've seen good reviews about Greens, but I don't think hubby would want to try that option. I've been spending quite a bit of time researching on yelp too, but sometimes it's nice to get info first hand. Some places that get 4-stars can still have very mixed reviews...although the ratios are in favor of the better ones.

Deb -- don't necessarily dismiss Greens out of hand. It isn't a sprouts/new agey vegan sort of place. Really terrific views and amazingly hearty fare. I wrote about it here:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...uggestions.cfm

>>Instead of Betelnut -- on my fist night I ate at Greens and it was VERY good. The views are great of course, and even serious meat eaters wouldn't feel abused there. Several of the dishes are very substantial and there is nothing particularly 'vegetarian/vegan/earth mother-ish' about the place. Had a Potato/Leek/Nettle soup to start (delish) and buckwheat crepes filled w/ squash/sweet potatoes and accompanied by roasted veg.

But Betelnut, which Janis apparently was planning to go to but didn't, is very good!

Thanks janis...I still don't think hubby will bite based on the time we have there. But I can mention it to him and check out the reviews and menu.

sf...haven't heard of Betelnut; will look it up.

We'll need to eat late one night (after 9:30) since we're doing the night tour at Alcatraz. We'll probably try to grab a snack just prior to our departure for the island, so we won't be looking for a big meal. Any suggestions?

Remind us where you're staying so we can suggest things in between the Alcatraz pier and your hotel.

Orchard Garden Hotel on Bush Street very close to Chinatown. We plan to have a transit pass, not sure if we'll do the 3 or 7 day one though.

You could try Barbacco on California Street (bar/Italian, more casual than the adjacent Perbacco).

Or head to Belden Alley which is very close to your hotel and pick a restaurant (I like Plouf):

http://www.belden-place.com/view/restaurants/