I am helping my mom plan a trip to SanFran next year (October). They go every year to a different location with a group of 6 of our family members.

Next year is SanFran. I thought a mystery trip..sort of would be cool. Basically, they only know that they are in SanFrancisco. Daily things are a suprise.

I wanted to plan some really cool things...out of the ordinary. I would like some suggestions here...nothing too museumy though.

I already got some suggestion on a hotel....many have susggested the Sir Francis Drake.

Any ideas. They will be there for 5 nights.

Thanks

Hello tinathetoad. What a fun idea!
Regarding the Sir Francis Drake. In the past I have stayed there more then once but really do not like that hotel. Bad attitude on the part of the hotel staff, small and worn out rooms etc.

However recently the Kimpton Group was selling this hotel to a group of investors. However the Kimpton Group was evidently going to continue to manage it. Normally I love Kimpton hotels.

The Sir Francis Drake is supposed to be remodeled. I don't know if that has started yet or how long the remodeling is scheduled for. So I would suggest that when you make the reservations you call the hotel direct and ask this question as staying in a hotel going through a remodeling process is not usually very pleasant.

Attached to the hotel is Scala's Bistro which is a favorite restaurant of mine. And you probably know that Harry Denton's Starlight Room is on the top level of the hotel. A nice place for an afterdinner drink and even dancing if the group would enjoy that.

If this is a mystery trip, then a mystery dinner is appropriate!

http://www.theatrebayarea.org/whatsp...tl.jsp?id=2801

Don't know if this is anywhere near what you had in mind, but someone in SF (at a bar on Nob Hill) told us about a "Vampire Trip"? Anyone heard about that? Is is an "insider's" tour. You'll need to check internet if other Fodorites don't know about it.

Thanks...I like the ideas thus far...I will inquire about the Vampire and report back.

Tina, How about a Ghost Walk? www.sfghosthunt.com Also, if you have any history buffs, a trek on the Barbary Coast trail is really interesting. http://www.kqed.org/w/sinfiregold/map.html

For a fabulous dinner and show out, check out Teatro Zinzanni. Beach Blanket Babalon is a favorite as well.

If some of the members of your group are making a first visit to SF, please don't neglect the faves: Alcatraz, the GG Bridge,Fisherman's Wharf,Chinatown, a ride on the cable car, picnic in GG Park. Hey, they're faves for a reason!
How about a baseball game at China Basin?

the regualr faves are a must. That is defin. planned. What is the china basin?

http://www.sfvampiretour.com/

This is for the vampire tours...interesting? Not sure..

Anyone know of a tour of the City...NOT on a bus or other....something private and really, really different.

Limos are not that great as they are not that comfortable....

This has to be really neat.

There is a new tour, I saw it in the streets, "safari" something, you get on a jeep (you can rent the whole jeep just for your party) put on a safari hat, look silly, feel happy.

http://www.sfvisitor.org/memberdirec...Code=SIGHTSPEC

Also listed the fire track tour, the pictures will be priceless.

How about a guided Segway Tour?
www.sfelectrictour.com

Just saw that and it looks interesting. I will look at it more extensively.

We used Golden Gate Jeep Tours. It was great--only us and our guide. The jeep was able to go places larger vehicles were unable to go. No safari hats required!

You should go to the Winchester mystery house near Stanford.Paul

China Basin is the name of the area of the city where SBC Park is. It is a really great park and if baseball season is on when you are in town, I would really recommend adding a game to your itinerary. Even if everybody in your group isn't a baseball fan, it is still fun.

Oh - I forgot to comment on the Winchester Mystery House. I wouldn't make a trip all the way down to San Jose just for that. If you were going to be in the area, it might be worth it, but I wouldn't give up time in SF to tour it. Also, it isn't anywhere near Stanford, really. It is smack dab in the middle of San Jose.

sounds really neat...but you are right...too far for a short time in SF.

Still looking for hotels...should mention that a pool is preferred. Hotel price around $250 per night.

Take a free walking tour from SF City Guides - sponsored by the public library. There are over 30 different tours. Palace hotel, Chinatown, "bawdy & naughty", SF Victorians, North Beach, GG Bridge, Pacific Heights mansions, just to name a few. See the complete list at:
www.sfcityguides.org

We took the ghost walk (last halloweeen) that someone mentioned, and found it kinda boaring.

Stu Dudley

Thanks. i will look at that. a walking tour may be good.