San Francisco First Timer
 

I am going to San Francisco for the first time later this month. We are staying at the Tuscan Inn- any thoughts, comments etc. ?<BR>Also, we wondered what others know about a restaurant that was recommended- the Fog City Diner. Finally- what would you recommend that a first timer not miss while in San Fran.<BR> Thanks in advance for your help!<BR>

Debi, there are lots of postings on SF, so do your searches. I've lived in SF for over 30 years and have never been to the Fog City Diner, maybe because I stay away from touristy spots. Off the top of my head, for good high-price restaurants, try La Folie, Masa's or Boulevards; for medium-price, try Ton Kiang or Ploof; for bargain prices, try some of the neighborhood restaurants in the Mission for great Mexican food, like Mama Is Cooking, in the Richmond District for Chinese/Vietnamese/Thai food, and Valencia and Haight Streets for all kinds of food - Masala has great Ethiopian food. Not to miss: Alcatraz, wine tasting in Napa, Golden Gate Bridge, a baseball game at PacBell Park, it depends on what you like too. Maybe you should say what you like to do and how long you'll be staying in SF.

The Tuscan Inn is probably the nicest propety in North Beach/ FW. REcommend Moose's and the Stinking Rose in North Beach. For others go to www. sfgate.com<BR>Fog City Diner is Ok but there are better.

I live here also. Don't go to SF just to see the Fog City diner. It ain't that special in a town with a lot of special places.<BR><BR>Alcatraz tour is a must.

If you like museum, half a day at eiter the MOMA or the Legion of Honor is very relaxing.

All of my relatives and guests for my recent wedding stayed at the Tuscan Inn and they all liked it very much.<BR><BR>Take the Alcatraz Night Tour. Also, one of my favorite spots is Angel Island. It's a state park that you take a ferry to -- beautiful scenery, great hiking, interesting history, and a beautiful boat ride.<BR><BR>The SF Public Library offers free (though donations are welcome) walking tours all over the City. Check www.sfcityguides.org for list of programs. <BR><BR>Japanese Tea Garden in GG Park is also one of my favorites.<BR>

Other must sees - though any travel book will tell you the same thing:<BR><BR>Pier 39 (incl. Underwater World)<BR>Fisherman's Wharf<BR>Ghiradelli Square<BR>Golden Gate Park - Japanese Tea Garden<BR>Palace of Fine Arts and the Exploratorium<BR>Lombard St (the twisty segment)<BR>Nob Hill<BR>Pacific Heights<BR>Shopping on Union Street<BR><BR>Haven't see the new baseball stadium but heard it's great.<BR><BR>Go to the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero hotel, peek at the lobby, then walk over to Yank Sing Restaurant and have a dim sum lunch for something special, followed by a cable car ride (no waiting!) up California Ave.<BR><BR>

The fog City Diner is good but there are much better places to go in the City. Try the following places for dinner:<BR>B44<BR>Aqua<BR>Fifth Floor<BR>Bix Super Club<BR>Bubble lounge (cool champagne lounge!)<BR><BR>Try these places for fun:<BR>Muir Woods<BR>China Town (take the "Eat Your Way Through Chinatown Tour") <BR>Golden Gate Park<BR>Ghiradelli Factory (best ice cream sundae in the world!)<BR><BR>Good Luck!