Hi All - My hub and I (we are in our 30s) are going to be in San Francisco for 3 days visiting friends and wanted to know what things there are to do that are unusual. I have been to SF about 12 times - I've done the touristy stuff in SF, Napa, Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Sonoma, Sausalito, etc. We don't have kids. I'm looking for anything that is different that is left off of the guide books. We are city folks, love to walk around, don't want to spend time in a car. Any ideas fodorites?

Dawn - You didn't mention a whale watch... We spent a day on montereywhalewatch.com and it was spectacular! In six hours of ocean hopping, we saw over 40 blue whales and dozens of humpbacks, plus other swimming stuff.
I'm a very laid-back person, but this was a pretty intense experience, especially when the whales came right up to the boat... before I start sounding like a shill I better get back to work... have fun

Look at www.wokwiz. com You might was to take a walking tour with a native of Chinatown which ends in a dim sum lunch. Lots of fun. Takes about 2 hours plus lunch. You'll see things you wouldn't see on your own. Have you been to Mission Delores or the SFMOMA? Have you been over browsing on Union Street or to Alamo Square to see the beautiful old homes? There's a wonderful walk (I think you can get the route from the tourist bureau) based on SF as the Barbary Coast. Lastly, have you been to the Palace of the Legion of Honor--it's a bit off the normal tourist routes and you can combine it with lunch at some small place on Clement in the Richmond.

Kam,

What is SFMOMA????? Could that be the lates edition of Beach Blanket Babylon??
Real cute code words. Geez. People too lazy to spell it out.

Native

Yikes. That's the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Now through January they are showing a special exhibit of Ansel Adams' photos. In addition, the permanent collection is fabulous and worth a visit. It is across the street from the Yerba Buena Gardens, which is worth a stroll through.

For another thing to do I'd suggest the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market (that's FPFM ;-)) on Saturday mornings.

And the Palace of the Legion of Honor has a wonderful collection of Rodin sculptures, including The Thinker. Wear good walking shoes and take a hike around the grounds for an incredible view of the GG Bridge and ocean-side of the city.

I genuinely thought "MOMA" was a standard abbreviation! Add SF and there you go. The building is an architectural gem as well and it's relatively new so Dawn might not have seen it before.

I didn't mention it but I will be there in early December. Yes I have heard of SFMOMA and I work right around the corner from NYMOMA...I did some research on citysearch as well. Any feedback on Angel Island State Park? I like the idea of Yerba Buena Gardens and I haven't been to SFMOMA yet.

Thanks for the tips. Keep them coming!

In early December you can have tea at one of the fancy hotels that will be all done up for the holidays. I can personally recommend the Compass Rose in the St. Francis Hotel. And the symphony is having some special holiday performances in early December, including a Choral Christmas sing-along. You could dine at Absinthe on Hayes Street and then walk to the symphony hall.

Depending on the weather you can take the ferry to Angel Island and rent bikes to tool around. There are food concessions on the island or you can pack your own lunch to bring along.

Have you spent time in the Mission district? There are a ton of great restaurants and clubs/bars to check out and just a different vibe then you'll find in the tourist centers of the city.

Think Angel Island decision is best left until you see what the weather will be. Davies Hall decorates with beautiful holiday trees at sometime in December. Don't know exactly when. If you call for symphony tickets ask then. Around Davies Hall (and the Opera Building) is Absinthe (above suggestion), Hayes Street Grill and Jardiniere--all really good restaurants that you might not get to unless you're going to a performance. All walking distance. Be sure to book as soon as you get your tickets though because they are impossibly popular. The area is newly gentrified with some interesting little shops. You could check www.gracecom.org to see if there are any concerts scheduled at Grace Cathedral during your stay and combine that with a drink at the Top of the Mark--touristy but fun mecca of SF.

If you haven't been to Alcatraz at night, I'd highly recommend it. It's a totally different experience than going during the day. Much more intimate (limitd to just a couple hundred people instead of the thousands during the day), more educational (lots of special tours at night that aren't offered during the day, including some behind-the-scenes tours), and a spooky yet beautiful atmosphere. Great views of the whole city and both bridges lit up at night, plus the Embarcadero buildings will be lit up for the holidays. Also, the Night Tour got voted "best tour of the Bay Area" a few months ago by SF Magazine.

Also, City Guides offer wonderful free educational history walks in many different neighborhoods in the City. They operate through the SF Public Library. I don't know the website address, but if you type in "City Guides" and "San Francisco" I'm sure it will pop up.

Enjoy!

Kate

For descriptions of their walks and a current schedule, see

http://www.walking-tours.com/cityguides/

No reservations required; just show up at the designated time and place. Tours last about two hours.

I've found the volunteer guides to be enthusiastic ambassadors for the city, eager to share their knowledge and expertise...and to answer questions from participants. A give-what-you-will donation is requested at the end of each tour.

Grace Ann Walden, a food writer, give tours of North Beach and also of the "real" Fisherman's Wharf on Saturdays. Haven't been personally, but have heard excellent reviews. We keep saying we want to do the "Mangia North Beach"--includes info about Italian immigration to SF and Joe Dimaggio stories as well. You can find info at www.sfnorthbeach.com

I personally prefer YOMAMA.

Sorry, just trying to lighten things up on this board today.

I have unusual for you!! How about a 3 hr trip back in time? This info may be a bit late, but i'll share anyway. My husband suprised me last year with a cruise on the bay....what made it exciting ? It just happened to be an 18th century ship (it does have an engine), and i loved every moment of it. The Hawaiian Chieftan offers all kinds of differant cruises, from Sunday brunch to sunset sails. The day cruise is fun and educational..i got to work the sails, but that is optional
Cost is around $35 per person and worth it! They may be in Sausalito mid November, if interested here is the website http://www.hawaiianchieftain.com

There is also a sister ship (Lady Washington?) that they do mock battles with.

If you want further details feel free to emal me.

The Mission was mentioned briefly, but, depending upon your perspective, you could spend a very interesting day walking Mission Street from 18th Street to 24th Street and walk along 24th Street to about Folsom. This wouldn't be for everybody, but you would see how people with primarally latino backgrounds live; Mexican, Ecuadorian, Honduran, Peruvian, etc. You'll see their shops, food stores, clothing stores, all manner of everyday life. Many really good restaurants from just about evry Latin American Culture. A mass of humanity in close quarters, but dress down, have an open mind and I gaurentee a fascinating day. Again, not for everybody, but a real find for the inquisitive. Just use common big-city judgement and you will be perfectly safe. The early evening on 24th Street around the restaurants is also safe. Just don't wander onto the side streets and don't stay late.

By the way, the side streets off 24th Street (during the day) contain some beautiful Victorian homes. There are more Victorians on and around Guerrero Street and around Haight Street (hippy haven). Let me know if you are interested.

Guys and gals - you are great! Thanks for all of the wonderful tips. I love the ideas about the walking tours and the cruise ship. We will definately check it out! Thanks again.

My business trip is in San Jose the week of the 10th. How far is it to San Francisco? What could I manage to see after class each day? Also, how far away is it to Sequoia or Yosemite? Is this possible? I am considering driving from LV to San Jose the Sunday prior (10 hrs according to Mapquest) in order to take in the Nat'l parks. Yeah, I'm a driving fool.