San Fran-Worst Destination?!
 

I am reading the post about the "Worst Destination" and it seems as though San Fran is mentioned as a "not so great place" in every other post. Planning an August visit (4 days for San Fran) and extremely excited about it. I have read many good things about the city on this site, but feeling a bit bummed about it making the list in "worst destination." Should I NOT be excited for this trip so I can be pleasantly surprised? What a horrible attitude to take.

Anybody that says San Francisco is on the worst destination list is an idiot. It is one of the greatest cities in the world. You will love your visit.

My husband and I LOVE San Francisco. It's a gorgeous city with lots of great restaurants and sights. We walk from one end of the city to the other, ride the cable cars, shop. We'd go there all the time if we could get away.

I'll go out one a limb here and say that some people who picked S.F as a "worst" did so because the gay influence there. Dependfing on what part of the city you're in, you'll see examples of same-sex affection frequently, and that bothers some people (i know, because they've told me so). <BR>That said, I will note that SF is one of my favorite places to visit. It's beautiful and culturally diverse. It makes LA look like Peoria -- with apologies to those of you from Peoria. <BR> <BR>And by the way, I'm married and about as straight as you can get.

Shannon: <BR>I live next door to SF and I have worked, played and have relatives who live in SF. <BR>Do not change your plans because of the opinions of others. SF was a part of YOUR travel passion so go for it. <BR>Know what YOU want out of your four days and four nights and you will be fine. Your attitude is what counts. If you based your trvel on the various opinions of people on the internet you probably would stay stuck to your keyboard asking 20 questions and never going and getting your own opinion to bring back to the internet. <BR>Where else are you going and what are some of the top things on your list that you plan to do in SF? Share them if you want. Be prepared for anything and everything to be said about YOUR plans. <BR>p.s. go to some other travel sites and get some other perspectives... <BR> <BR>Happy Travels <BR>Oaktown

shannon, <BR> <BR>some people love san francisco and some don't, i've found that more love it. i think that it all depends upon what kind of a person you are and what kind of travelling you enjoy. san francisco is a city: yes, it has traffic, crowds, areas that are run down, etc. but, on the other hand, it's got great art museums and theatre, fabulous restaurants, unbelievable scenery, excellent shopping, beautiful neighborhoods, and a character that is unique, which can't be found anywhere else in the world. it's a city steeped in history which prides itself on its cultural and social diversity. perhaps some people just aren't city types. they may have a preference for vast, open spaces, plenty of parking, no restaurant waits, stores with names they know, spotlessly clean streets, and a commonality of community. if so, then san francisco may not be for them. but then why travel? for those of us who like to experience the unfamiliar, see new sights, hear new sounds, san francisco is for you! so i guess my point is, don't you dare let other people's opinions of the city dull your excitement for your upcoming trip! :) that's one of the pleasures of going on holiday, the buildup in the months before.

Make up your own mind and don't plan your vacations on consideration of other people's dislikes. This forum holds a majority who idolize San Fran. and some people post just to be negative and defensive against them. <BR> <BR>We enjoyed San Francisco immensely and thought it was especially beautiful in it's own very individual way. The general physical pace and the evident appreciation for the best things in life had more in common with some European cities than with the other USA cities that I have visited. Having said that you should also know it is very expensive and not as tourist friendly, in our opinion, as many on these boards seem to believe. I've been to maybe 20 to 25 major USA cities and it's probably in the top three for confusing signs etc. Take the public transport everywhere and don't attempt to drive, if you can help it. If you are young and/or into styling, you will love it.

To Jim: <BR> <BR>I am one of the people who answered "SF" on one of the boards which asked which city was a disappointment. I grudgingly said SF, because it has a reputation that almost no city can live up to. That said, I would return to SF any time - I loved it (but I did not LOVE it, as everyone told me I would). It is a great city, great scenery, etc., and whoever posted this question here should go. <BR> <BR>BTW, your assumption that the reason I listed SF as a disappointment was because of gay people is astoundingly ignorant (by trying to be so PC, you violated one of its basic tenets - not to prejudge). I am a big-city liberal who is extremely open to gay people - if anything, I thought after my first time to SF that it was remarkably "un-gay" outside the Castro.

I have to agree with the above poster who summed up my thoughts exactly. I liked the city immensely but I think that it is so hyped that it would be impossible for any city to live up to that. I would still include it as a city not to be missed. <BR>PS- I am also straight but not uncomfortable in a gay community. My company serves the gay community and half the staff is gay.

Shannon-I lived in the Bay Area for several years, and while I did not live in SF, I certainly visited countless times. We lived in San Jose, and SF was our idea of a wonderful day trip. We also loved Sausalito and Tiburon. I could never understand what the big attraction was to tour Alcatraz. I'm sure many people found it fascinating, but it was just not on our things to do list.

Thanks all for lifting my spirits about San Fran. I have been eager to visit the city for years. <BR>Oaktown, I am planning on staying at the White Swan for five days (no car during this time. Not sure yet what plans we have to do in San Fran (hopefully going to do the Alcatraz tour-yes so touristy) and heading to Big Sur for a day. Then up to Napa (although, I have read on this post that Sonoma may be better). Always up for suggestions. (25 yrs old, live in NJ and frequent NYC) <BR>I have posted with a few questions before and more may follow. Thanks for all of your responses.

Although it is not the "worst" destination, neither is it necessarily the "best". It has its moments, but IMHO did not live up to the expectations created by many unqualified and glowing reviews. It is an interesting city, but go with reasonable expectations.

I did SF as a tourist and then, years later, as a resident. Frankly, I can see why some people would not like it. Many Americans are used to lots of open space, warm summer weather, and a car culture. SF doesn't have that when you're a tourist seeing the city. Also, it took me some time to discover the best the city had to offer, and a tourist would miss some of those things. <BR> <BR>So go, enjoy, and stay away from Fisherman's Wharf. Just make sure to appreciate the uniqueness of SF. No one can dispute that SF is the only place on earth like SF.

Shannon and everyone... <BR> <BR>Remember in every post on virtually every thread on these boards....everything you are reading is just (to borrow a phrase from Neal Sanders) *One Travelers Opinion*. No more, no less. No one person can speak for all others in selection of any destination, whether it be hotel, restaurant, or city. We are all at different stages in our lives and different socio-economic levels. What is fantastic for one could just as easily be the worst experience for the next. <BR> <BR>You'll get a wide range of opinions on every subject. The boards are allowing you to make an educated guess, narrow choices, but in no way eliminate the homework you should be doing as well to ensure that your trip is the best for you considering your likes and dislikes.

Shannon: <BR>Your plans sound fine. The White Swan is a gem. You will enjoy yourself. You go ahead to Alcatraz and the Fisherman's Wharf, Lombard Street(the crooked part) and just do your thing! <BR>Go to web sites that rate restaurants and by all means stop by the bookstore and hit up the magazine section to find out the latest reviews on SF. <BR>Big Sur can be "done" in a day with a highly suggested overnight. With our traffic and the distance to Big Sur you will be so glad that you have a night in that area. <BR>Sonoma is lovely. Do a little reserach on wineries that YOU like and use that as your guide. Your favorite restaurant wine list is another good place to start your thoughts as for where you want to get a pour and a picture! We have tons of great/good wineries. We collect and attend winemaker dinners so if you get stuck, holler. <BR>If you want to dance the night away, I can let you know the "up-to-now" on that as well. Clubs change as soon as the ink dries... <BR> <BR>Happy Travels <BR>Oaktown

Wow. I've never heard anyone say they didn't like SF. Shannon--you'll have a great time.

I agree with Mrs. Oyl, every word of it, and building upon her very reasonable, closely reasoned response, I would say this: debating about San Francisco ... are you all out of your everloving, nutty, fri**ing minds? SF is one of the premier, fab, fad, just don't make me leave places in this whole entire world. And if you don't want to go there, then check your pulse ... or if you've the equipment, check for brain waves. Me oh my ... I know this will bring down the wrath of Fodors upon my head, but some of you guys are definitely smoking some good stuff, but getting the wrong results. ... Scotty ... oh, Scotty ... I say, Scotty .... Scotty? Beam me up anytime now ... Scotty? I think this debate did poor Scotty in, or he might be tokking one himself, just to ease the anguish. And now I must repair to my favortite bar and have that martini ... 3 olives, please. I need it!!! Heck, I've earned it. And now, back to you, OO. Ciao

Shannon, I read those posts and considered responding with a rebuttal, but decided that wasn't really in line with the original question. But I could not disagree more with those who would put San Francisco anywhere NEAR a "worst" list. It is a wonderful city; easily one of our top North American destinations, in my view. A four-day visit is about right (it's interesting, but tends to be on the pricey side and you can do a lot in the time you have). I would be very surprised if you don't have an absolutely wonderful time and if you are like many of us, it will be high on your list for a return visit, too. Happy Trails! :o)

S.F. is often compared to Boston and as a Bostonian I was anxious to see S.F. Let me tell you I fell in love with S.F., and all the touristy things, the hills, restaurants, people,etc. Have yet even on a second trip to go to Alcatraz I don't understand the attraction, but walking along the waterfront, hearing the seals, going to Scoma, doing the tourist things. S.F. is a great jumping off spot to go up to Sonoma (nicer and less touristy than Napa), go down to Carmel. Our favorite time and weather has been October when we "ran" into the Blue Angels practicing their manuevers over the Bay..breaking the sound barrier all day long...push carts along the water front... You can drive in S.F. and taxi cabs are reasonable..yep, I left my heart there too. There is nothing wrong in being a tourist, I love it... I'd go there anytime...

As a grandson of one of the prominent San Fran founding families (the Magnins - check out Cyril Magnin Sq. in SF.) I often kiss the ground on my grand father's grave for moving to LA in 1917. At that time, my grandfather said that LA would be NY with palm trees. And he was right. I admit that LA is harder to explore than teeny SF. But it has far surpassed SF in culture, (as even the SF Chronicle recognized a decade ago) and every other indicia of a metropolitan city. Chose any five days at random, and compare the entertainment section of the LA Times vs. the SF Chronicle (one of the worst "big city" papers in the US.) LA rules. In 1955, SF had it over LA, and it has rested on it's laurels ever since, as it was left in the gutter. Anyone who compares LA to Peoria is just plain ignorant. Anyone who thinks SF is clean is either blind or drunk. <BR> <BR>Try LA.