doodlebugg

I am celebrating (drumroll puh-leez) my 30th birthday at the beginning of October. My hubby and I are flying from home in San Diego to San Fran for a Thurs-Sun getaway.
He made reservations at the Hotel Drisco (he did good!) in Pacific Heights.
I'm trying to put together a loose plan. We like to discover local neighborhoods, restaurants, museums. We've both been to San Fran once, but not together.
I've been told Top of the Mark for drinks is a must. I'd like to do something really outrageous and special for my birthday night.
I know this doesn't give you very much to go on, but here's some hints. I'm turning 30, he's 34, we have no kids. We both work hard and play hard. We're avid readers, movie watchers and we like art and music. We also like anything weird, funky, historical and we LOVE wine.
Anyone ever take one of those day trips to Napa?
Any recommendations are appreciated.
C'mon, brainstorm people! This is my 30th birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

swimmer

Happy Birthday! Hopefully some of the SF locals will add to my more general opinions for you:

I would spend some time exploring North Beach...especially for little restaurants. I would also plan a day at Union Square, but I like shopping! If you are looking for a special dinner, try Farallon at Union Square--lights that look like jelly fish--undersea theme that is also elegant--hard to describe, but also one we recommend often for special events.

If you want a day that is active, hikes in Golden Gate Park.

Napa area is fun---try Cakebread Cellars for tasting, lunch/dinner at Tra Vigne. If you head to Sonoma wine country, I would visit J Vineyards--they have a website.

Have fun!

easytraveler

TA-TA-TA-TA-TA! (drumroll)

Happy Birthday, doodlebugg!

I'm certain the best and the brightest of the Bay Area Fodorites will have a lot of wonderful suggestions for you, but here are a couple of thoughts for you to consider:

There's a wonderful tapas place in the Haight-Ashbury. It's about a block from the famous street corner. (Help me, someone pleeease! The name has suddenly slipped down the memory slope into oblivion!) Order a jug of their indescribable sangria - or two - or three! You'll be so happy afterwards! Just don't drive, take a taxi back to the hotel. They make one of the best calamari dishes too!

Given a choice, I'd select Sonoma over Napa. Much better scenery, more variety, and more "authentic". If you are planning to go to the wine country, it'll be better to plan on spending a night there rather than driving back to SF.

J Cellars is definitely for the young. There are also the gorgeous vineyards of Ferrari-Carano and Souvereign. There are also quaint cellars like Rafanelli, which makes some wines only for the serious oenophile. There are so many wineries to choose from, select only a handful, you wouldn't be able to visit them all. Viansa near the town of Sonoma is a great starter place.

Have fun! And Happy Birthday again!

kimamom

Napa Valley is very nice. Hit Yountville, St. Helena & Calistoga! There are wonderful places to eat in this area. My favorites are: Terra, Tra Vigne, Auberge du Soleil, Bistro Jeanty & Domaine Chandon.

Sonoma is also great! My favorite places in that area are: Cafe La Haye, the Swiss Hotel, Sante @ the Sonoma Mission Inn, and the girl and the fig on the plaza.

In Geyserville, check out the gorgeous Chateau Souverain and have lunch at the Alexandar Valley Grille. ***kim***

TravelingMom

Just posted my own message - I'm trying to plan a trip for my husband's 30th. I'm thinking San Fran, but a little different focus - maybe catch a baseball game (we'll be there in June) and then camping at Point Reyes...haven't thought it all the way through yet though!

cigalechanta

Happy birthday, happy travels!

bobludlow

Don't miss the great art collection at the Palace of the Legion of Honor. And if you like wine, make a reservation for either lunch or dinner at the great nearby french bistro Chapeau! (the exclamation park is part of the name, merely a signal of the strength of my recommendation). My favorite chef left earlier this year, but the restaurant is still a great spot with wonderful wine service.

dovima

Neighborhood walks, architecture, wine....here's a little plan which would satisfy those interests. Have you been in the Haight Ashbury or Cole Valley areas yet? If not, get a bus which will take you to Haight Street, preferably at the intersection of Haight and Masonic. If you want to explore Haight St. itself, walk further to the west. If you want to look at some fabulous Victorian houses, walk uphill on Masonic. When you've had enough of that, wander over to the intersection of Cole and Carl streets, a short distance away. You'll be in Cole Valley, a little neighborhood with everything S.F. locals like - a great bakery, good coffee, little shops and a nice selection of restaurants. You will see the sign for Eos Restaurant. Go next door to the Eos Wine Bar and have dinner there instead of the restaurant proper. The wine bar is a nice, casual place to have a light meal and sample some great vinos, both Californian and European. Alternatively, have a sushi meal at one of the two sushi bars in the hood, then go to Eos for a dessert and a glass of vintage port.
There - I've given you an agenda I myself engage in whenever possible, by myself or with a favorite companion. Enjoy!

AZWildcat

easytraveler--It's Cha-Cha-Cha in the Haight for great tapas! Love their plantains/black beans/sour cream dish and you're right, their sangria is fabulous. One of my favorite CHEAP (approx. $4-10 per plate of tapas) restaurants in the city!

easytraveler

AZ! Thanks a mil! That's it! Cha Cha Cha!

I wasn't thinking so much of the cost as of the taste, but you're right, they are relatively inexpensive and good!

Haven't tried their plantain and black beans as yet - reason to go back soon!