lobster103

Am going to this great city in July...will only be there for 5 days and need to see everything....Any suggestions how to do this...definitely planning to go to Wine Country for 1 day, Sausalito and Alcatrez...I am a walker so would like to walk as much as possible....

traveler24

Any SF visitor who likes to walk MUST walk the Golden Gate Bridge...sometimes strong winds and fog...still great!!!
Consider Ferry to Tiberon (sp?)from the newly restored Ferry building at the end of Market Street.
Hope the weather is good for your visit..
Today was 70, sunny with slight wind and bay was full of sailboats...Beautiful.

islandmom

I just want to bump this up since we are planning a trip next month also.

tinatoadster

Lobster, we went in November 2002 and went to Muir Woods where the big redwood trees are. That was good. Be sure to bring a jacket as it is cool in the woods. Actually, Sausalito is on the way back from Muir Woods.

If you want to do Alcatraz, buy tickets in advance. We went on the Alcatraz night tour--starts at 4:30 I think, it was really good. Especially the night we went. It had not rained in SanFran since May and November7th, the skies opened up and there was a HUGE thunderstorm, made Alcatraz a little spooky.

Anyway you will have a good time weather you do the day, night or whatever weather.

If you want a nice restaurant, go to the 5th Floor. Make res. in advance. We unfortunatly could not go as we waited to make reservation when we got there and it was too late. It came highly recommended. They make ice cream to order (homeade) right on the spot when you order.

We went to Aliotos on Fishermans Wharf for lunch. It was nice with a good view.

Have a great trip.

tinatoadster

Forgot one thing. Go to Sear Fine Food for Breakfast. I am not really a bkfst person but my husband is and really liked it.

kikahead

What part of SF are you staying in? I would agree with EVERYTHING tinatoadster suggested. The day you do Alcatraz you could do Sausalito as well (before or after your Alcatraz trip). Be sure to get the audio tour of Alcatraz--very neat. North Beach is fun to walk through--stop at Mama's for brunch (on a weekday because you will NEVER get in on a weekend). This is the restaurant metioned in Tales of the City. They have fantastic food!! And like traveler24 says you MUST bring a jacket for walking across the bridge!

Jeanna

Lobster, we went to SF in June of last year and it got quite chilly, with some folks wearing heavy coats, with the wind from the bay and all. Sonoma and Napa were warm and it was such a relief. You might consider a Muir Woods/Sausalito tour and take a ferry back to SF from Sausalito. Alcatraz is very interesting, a definite must. Where are you staying? I wouldn't recommend staying at FW, but it is a fun place to hang out, like watching the seals and wondering over to Ghiardelli Square. Since you're a walker, you'll be glad to know that you can walk, say, from the pier at FW, Chinatown, North Beach, Union Square and the Financial District quite easily and quickly. I agree with the other posters, definitely get your tickets to Alcatraz and anywhere else you want to go at least a couple of weeks in advance over the phone or internet.

karimelli

At a SF local's advice (and I think Fodors too) - cross the Golden Gate - and get off at one of the first exits (sorry, I don't remember the name, though I think it was a park) for a great view of the city and the bridge. You have to do a little walking, but I got some great pictures!
Walking is the way to go in SF in my opinion. When I was there last summer, we walked EVERYWHERE! The people as we went along the way were very helpful; they would stop us and give us recommendations as to what we should see and do without us even asking. We did drive down Lombard St. - like all the other tourists - but you kinda need to if you are there.

Betsy

I think Kari is referring to Vista Point, just at the north end of the GG bridge and an easy exit by car. In our family it's known as "Bathroom Point" because my husband has to stop there every time we travel from the South Bay to Sonoma County. The view is outstanding. Bring your camera.