san fran touring questions
 

Hi:
I am planning a trip to California and will be in san fran for 3 or 4 days. I am planning on renting a bike to cover the Presidio ride over the Golden Gate Bridge as well as covering the Marina area, Pacific Heights and Nob Hill. Any suggestions on a specific bike shop and anything else that I should see in the northern part of San Fran
such as Cow Hollow or Russian Hill? I also have been to the Beach Chalet . Should I try the Cliff House and see the seals? I was in San Fran 2 yrs ago so I have seen alot.
I just missed the North west and North area other than north beach and Fisherman's wharf.

Thanks in Advance Kappy

Kappy: Wow. Uh....don't know WHERE that came from. Feel the positive energy we SANE people are sending your way and ignore the meanies.
I had drinks and appetizers at Cliff House on my last visit to the Bay area. I had never been there before and enjoyed the vista very much. the Sutro Bath ruins are kinda cool, too. Have a safe and lovely trip.

ignore TheMasher. He registered today and has just posted this sort of garbage on several threads - and some much worse. I know that a few fodorites have already e-mailed the editors about it. So far no action - which is probably why he registered on a weekend. No one watching the farm . . . .

A few of us have suspicions re who he might be - a formerly banned (at least twice) long-time member.

Let's not give attention where it is not due....

The Cliff House is a yes. I hope it's a sunny day for you! Also, The Ferry Building is a must if you have not seen it already (even if you have :)

www.blazingsaddles.com. Please rent a helmet.

Are your familiar with our famous hills? Pacific Heights, Nob Hill, & Russian Hill can be monster climbs if you don't study the terrain before you head out. Several years ago I watched the Tour de San Francisco, and Lance Armstrong complained about the Fillmore St climb - he said he might not return unless they did something about it (I think the bikers did this climb either 5 or 10 times - I saw one biker traverse up the street).

A bike is a great way to see The City if you plan your routes carefully.

There are several bike rental shops on Stanyan St. facing GG park.

Stu Dudley

Have you considered taking your bike to Angel Island? The road around the perimeter is about 5 miles long but there are lots of places to stop.

I sure wish the editors would put in something to explain a deleted post--very confusing otherwise.

Dont forget to visit the fort under the Golden gate bridge.Paul

although i was sick for 10 of my 12 days in SF just a week or so ago, while i was feeling perky.... we toured the presidio and residential area en route to cliff house, and then hit the beach there because it was one of those unusually hot hot days the bay area had recently. it was so nice i have to share my reflections.

in newburyport and environs (boston's north shore) beach rules prohibit just about everything. by stark contrast, as i was enjoying cliff house beach, i took in the fact that the beach was clean, several horses carrying riders were galloping along behind me, several dogs off leashes were frolicking with frisbees and balls in front of me, a few surfers were risking the rip tide all around us, many children were boogie boarding AND skim boarding on either side of us, people were of all nationalities, speaking multiple languages.....i loved, loved, loved it.

the experience showed how a beach can accomodate everyone and their activities without whatever it is the prudish new englander's are afraid of by banning 90% of the activities i enjoyed watching in my stroll up and down the beach. i was just amazed at what i am "not" allowed to do on the beaches in my area! i'm thinking of writing an editorial to the local paper!

I want to thank everyone for the great replies. I am going to San Fran in three weeks and will take all your great advice.I was at the Ferry Terminal 2 years ago for Fleet Week watching the planes do stunts and ate at an outdoor cafe with friends which was great fun. I have been to Nob Hill many years ago.As far as the hilly areas that I asked about it was just about advise not really for bike riding. Pacific Heights I will visit but I did not know if Russian Hill or Cow Hollow was worth touring as these are area that I have not been to before.
Does anyone reccomend going there as well as Fillmore Street from the 60's?
I remember the Fillmore East as a youngster.
I am also attending an Oakland Athletics game with friends which should be fun as well as touring the Giants stadium.
Thanks in Advance Kappy

If you want to explore a neighborhood from the 60s, it should be the Haight Ashbury. It's a much more interesting neighborhood than near the Fillmore Auditorium. The Haight has vintage clothing shops, and used record stores, as well as Ben and Jerry's and the Gap.

The Fillmore Auditorium is on Geary and Fillmore, not an interesting neighborhood (except for Japantown). Fillmore Street (further up the hill toward Pacific Heights) is an interesting neighborhood -- not as yuppy as the Marina/Cow Hollow, but not as counter-culture as the Haight.

Kayyp, this has nothing to do with touring, but have you been to Beach Blanket Babylon? It's a stage show that's one of a kind and very entertaining. It's been playing in San Fran since the 70s I think and changed the theme from time to time to keep it contemporary. I recco it for SF visits. I can't remember the web site but you can google Beach Blanket Babylon and see if it's anything that appeals to you.

There is a bike route that you could pick up once you get across the Golden Gate bridge. Take a right down into Sausalito on Alexander Drive, go through Sausalito (bike shop just before you get to path running along 101); head North along bay -- I don't know where the rest of the trail goes, but it ends up in Tiburon, then you come back.

Also across the Golden Gate Bridge are the Marin headlands with beautiful views, a beach, old coastal batteries, a lighthouse, a hostel, tourist info center and more. Take a left at the North end of the bridge. Lots of roads and trails to ride up there.

In San Francisco, you can ride in Golden Gate Park. After the Cliff House and beach, go south to Lincoln and ride into the park. There's a great new botanical center and art museum (deYoung).

I see those blazing saddles bikes everwhere! I guess this means they are a good company. However, I must second the advice given above..DO rent and wear a helmet. So many don't and it is really unwise around here. I think it would be fun to ride over the GGbridge into Sausalito and then take the ferry back into SF. You can ride right back to the wharf around the Embarcadero from the Ferry building and if you go on a Saturday there will probably be a lovely farmers market along with the everyday fabulous-ness of the refurbished ferry building marketplace, which I highly recommend. If I were you, I'd take off the silly "map bag" they have attached to the handlebars..it just screams..not from around here..not that that really matters..but, just something I've noticed...

Hello Everyone.

Thank you so much for all the great info. I have been to Beach Blanket Babylon two years ago and loved it. Thanks for the suggestion though.
I will use almost all of these tips in two weeks.
Thanks
Kappy

I like the Cole Valley district, near Haight Ashbury. A very nice yet casual french bistro called Zazie is there. Also there are a lot of good dining options on Union Street in Cow Hollow.

I used to ride my bike out Lake street starting at Arguello and then hit Baker Beach. You will see great houses, it's a flat ride and the beach is fabu.