San Francisco, here we come!
 

A last minute decision due to DH's work schedule is taking us to San Francisco for a couple of weeks. We leave *this* Saturday, Oct 2. So little time to plan and we haven't been to the area in years, which adds to the anticipation but also the unknowns. I've noted the thread on the weekend in SF for ideas there, a good start. For a 2 week stay, we'd prefer to stay in 1 hotel and 1 B&B for the two different experiences, location is important --wondering about parking as we will rent a car. We like to walk (although I'm sporting a broken toe from a hike 4 weeks ago), enjoy good food and good wine, I'm hoping for some great restaurant tips in the area. Suggestions for day trips as well as local attractions would be so appreciated. I will be hunting down SF info in the meantime, and probably more while we're there... although I don't fancy spending our holiday on the internet learning about the places we should have gone for!
Many thanks in advance, folks.

First things first(mundane as it is) -- will someone else be paying for the parking of your car ? It will generally cost about $40-50 a night at a hotel, although you can find downtown lots for less (but without in-and-out privileges).

Here are my ideas of things to do & see

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35129049

And B&Bs in my favorite neighborhood

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...valley-bbs.cfm

Stu Dudley

I don't think you're going to be up to as much walking as you might think. The hills in SF mean that a good percentage of the time you'll be walking downhill and that pressure on your toe at the front of your shoe is probably going to be painful. I know - I suffered with a broken toe on a daytrip to the City and really couldn't stand it.

I think Japanese garden has benches to rest when you need it. The weather this weekend will be perfect for it.

Plan that whenever you go, your husband will drop you off at the entrance and you'll wait for him to park the car.

sf... and now I wonder if that is for San Francisco?? If mundane, it is well worth knowing and has already changed our plans. Thank you! Any more of your "mundane" comments are most welcome!
Stu, you sir, are a gold mine of information. I have not yet read through all your threads, but we will make use of much. Thoughtful comments from the others also appreciated, I will have to pace myself for sure. The driving parts of the trip will be easier in that respect. I contacted Urban Trek but they are fully booked, even for a private tour, maybe it's a sign. ;)
Another question... would you drive north or south from the city to see the area? We are thinking we'll take about a week to see SF, and then head out for the next week. Stu, I read far enough to review some of your wine country comments, which could figure largely into our decision! But must also take the season into consideration, we'd appreciate some warm days, if anyone cares to order that up on our behalf! =)

For the second week, do both a north and south trip. Wine country north and Monterey and Big Sur south.

You can rent a car for the day and it is way cheaper than keeping it overnight - no garage fee. Return it and then rerent when you need it.

Dollar has convenient in town locations [FW and on O'Farrell St near Union SQ and they often have online special rates.

Buy a Visitors Passport for unlimited rides on busses, trolly/streetcar [the historic F line] and cable car. You can get a 7 day one that is a bargain.
http://www.sfmta.com/cms/mfares/passports.htm

Drat, too fast on the submit button.

We loved our stay here: in Pacific Grove

http://thesevengablesinn.com/

http://picasaweb.google.com/DebitNM/PacificGroveCA2008

Since our weather has turned very nice, many Northern CA residents will be taking advantage of the weather for trips to wine country and Carmel, etc. (and not just on the weekends) so you may need to make reservations wherever you plan on heading to north or south of SF.

Thanks for all the info, each of you. We have decided to spend the first week north of San Franciso on the advice of a friend who recommended a place in Bodega Bay. We'll move back to San Francisco after we have re-energized and tour some of the city and area. I'll keep checking in to see if there are any further updates, we'll return home October 16. Cheers!

<i>"San Francisco, here we come!"</i>

Welcome!

The weather right now is perfect, with a little bit of fog here and a lot of sunshine there.

We have had a wonderful time and the good news is we aren't done yet! We spent the last week around Bodega Bay, doing various day trips north to Fort Ross and inland to various towns and sights and tastes. We are now happily ensconced for a few days in Santa Rosa-- not realizing this was an American long weekend, we were happy to find room at the Hilton/inn that is now completely full. We will head down to San Francisco on Tuesday, but want to see the Healdsburg area before we move on. For us, this is Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, and we thank all of you for your helpful comments that have added to our lovely time here in California. Cheers!

<<<not realizing this was an American long weekend>>>

Well, it's not really. Although Monday is technically a holiday, it is not a day off for most people -- government offices are closed, but that's pretty much it. I'm not even sure schools are closed.

Still, glad you got a room, and glad you're enjoying your trip.

sf - you're not watching the Giants loose ???

Stu Dudley