One day in S.F. What to do?
 

On my way to Hawaii on business I will be spending one day in San Francisco. I worked it out so my layover will be 24 hours. I'm excited, I love city environments in general and I hear that S.F. is one of the best. I haven't been there in years. Any suggestions on restaurants and areas to enjoy would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Tony

Do the touristy thing and drive down Lombard Street straight to Coit Tower...look back at Lombard Street and at beautiful SF. Ride the cable cars (try to catch them not at Fisherman's wharf, but at the other end. The line will be shorter. Go to the Park (can't remember the name...someone help me out) and to the Japanese Garden there. Drive thru the Presidio (sp) and to the base of Golden Gate Bridge on the SF side. Drive across the bridge and view SF from the first overlook. Just before sunset, drive to the westernmost point and watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. If you have time go to the Cable Car Museum, Muir Woods (across the Golden Gate Bridge...not REAL far) or walk around China Town. If you chose China Town, look in Fodor's or Frommer's (can I say that here?) for directions to the Fortune Cookie Factory where you can watch them being made. There is really too much for one day. You will have to make choices...and you have to eat. I'll let someone else make those recommendations.

Tony: Get a one day Muni pass, which will give you unlimited travel on buses, cable cars and trolleys. The Muni goes to all the tourist spots, including Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, Palace of Fine Arts, etc. A Muni map will also show all the routes. Places to eat: Fior d'Italia in North Beach, McCormick & Kuleto's at Ghirardelli Square, Roxanne Cafe and Sotano Grill on Powell between Bush and Sutter. Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge (free), stroll through Chinatown (free)and see the sea lions at Pier 39 (free).

If you have time and money you might visit the naughty Mitchell Brothers Theater. Ask any cab driver for directions... It is X-rated, however.

One day...I would spend it at Fisherman's Wharf...you could just stroll or sit in the park near Ghiardelli's and look out at the Golden Gate and Alcatraz and across to Sausalito...hit Pier 39, and check out the seals basking on the piers...wife and I ate at Bubba Gumps on the end of Pier 39 with a nice view of Alcatraz check out Wylands Studio...wonderful paintings of whales and other sea creatures..and stroll the Cannery and don't forget a ride on the cable car.

Hi! We spent from 1PM on a Saturday to 1PM on a Sunday in S.F. Had a great time--of course not enuf time to do everything, but: we stayed at the Pan Pacific Hotel (pricey $200 a nite) but very pretty with a great view of the city. This hotel is in the Union Sq. area which is fun. We walked from our hotel all the way through Chinatown to Fisherman's wharf, so really got the city flavor. We didn't ride the trolley cars 'cus we wanted to walk, but we heard and saw them which was fun. (the concierge told us the best way to walk from the Pan Pacific to the wharf) That walk probably took us about an hour and a half 'cus we stopped along the way a few times. We then grabbed a harbor cruise--we went past the Golden Gate bridge, we went around Alcatraz, and under the Bay bridge. This cost us $10 and it took about an hour and a half. We then walked back to the Union Sq. area, walked through the financial district and had a drink at Aqua (fancy restaurant and supposed to be delicious), then we went back to Chinatown (Kearney St. I think) to the R&G lounge--not at all fancy, but delicious Chinese food. Mostly Asian families eating there--got the recommendation from the Fodor's pocket guide of S.F.
Had brunch at the Pan Pacific--the bar there is also very nice. Walked around the next morning--nearby is Cafe Mozart, voted the most romantic restaurant in the city--it was closed, but we were able to look in, and it looks REALLY neat!! It was a great 24 hours--have fun!! Kristin [email protected]

DEFINITELY get the Muni pass and leave the car behind. SF is awful parkingwise. I would do all the tourist things if you've not been in a while--I would only add Little Italy and Washington Square to my destinations and try to eat at Rose Pistola, SF's newest darling--Ligurian seafood--yummy! I don't think I would bother to go to Alcatraz--takes too long--but you can take a ferry over to Tiburon if you want pretty views of the city and back in a fairly short time. It's a beautiful city with great character--but the tourists can drive you crazy with the congestion--SF is very small compared to other American tourist spot. Enjoy, just don't leave us your heart!!

DEFINITELY get the Muni pass and leave the car behind. SF is awful parkingwise. I would do all the tourist things if you've not been in a while--I would only add Little Italy and Washington Square to my destinations and try to eat at Rose Pistola, SF's newest darling--Ligurian seafood--yummy! I don't think I would bother to go to Alcatraz--takes too long--but you can take a ferry over to Tiburon if you want pretty views of the city and back in a fairly short time. It's a beautiful city with great character--but the tourists can drive you crazy with the congestion--SF is very small compared to other American tourist spot. Enjoy, just don't leave us your heart!!

I've been to San Fransisco several times. One of the most beautiful views ( on a clear day only) is from the top of Twin Peaks. You can find it on a map of the City. It was unbelievable, you could see the ocean, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin County, Downtown, Alcatraz and the Bay all in one eyefull. At Golden Gate Park there is a very nice aquarium in the round that was kind of fun. Definitely go to Fisherman's Wharf, there is a restaurant in the Ghiradelli building ( Charlie Brown's ?) that has a beautiful view ( especially in the evening) of the Bay and the Wharf.

I'd like to thank everyone for responding to my post. The suggestions are great. I'll be leaving Friday and I know I'll have a great day. If any of you ever plan to come to my home town, Philadelphia, I'll be happy to return the favor and point you in the right direction. Again, thanks for the suggestions. Sincerely, Tony