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We are getting very excited although I understand that the weather might be much less than perfect this time of year. One reason that we rented a car is so that if the weather is bad for walking we can just hop in the car and see something out of town. The other reason is that we are from Canada so the concept of not having a car is foreign to us. My husband's knees are not the best so we were worried about the walk on your famous hills even though we walk miles on holidays. So far we have decided on -
South to Carmel/Monterey Napa/Sonoma - at least once. We will probably do a tour on the serious tasting day but may wander that way again 49 mile Drive Alcatraz Muir Woods Sausalito Fishermans Wharf, Pier 39, Lombard Street, Cablecar ride Chinatown - not sure which walk to take though I can see everyone loves Wok Wiz I think we will manage to keep busy. All of the other suggestions are still under consideration. We want this trip to be somewhat relaxing which is not entirely our style. We move around pretty quickly. How about the weather. It isn't necessarily going to be bad all week...is it? We have had spring all winter where we are in Canada so nothing ever seems to be carved in stone. |
At the moment, the weather is beautiful - sunny & high 50s to low 60s.
Could I talk you into visiting the "real" San Francisco - away from the Wharf, Chinatown, and Pier 39? Do the 49 mile drive early in your visit & see if driving through some areas where locals spend their time, will entice you to spend time in these areas - instead of the Wharf/Pier 39 Stu Dudley |
I'd almost say a trip to Fisherman's Wharf is worth it just for the chance to say you've experienced (and survived!) one of the Seven Tourist Trap Wonders of the Modern World. ;o)
However, I have to admit that I still hit the Wharf on rare occasion, usually to drop in on the sea lions at Pier 39 or to take a cruise of the Bay on a clear day. I've never had an interest in actually touring Alcatraz; the Bay cruise provides me with nice enough views of the dilapidated structures as it is. I like the sourdough bread at Boudin, and the shipping fleet's sea of masts near Alioto's are fairly photogenic. At the far west end of the tourist mecca, the Maritime Museum is a brief diversion. And you'd want to pick up some chocolate in Ghirardelli Square. If you are up to it, you could continue up along the path rising past the Municipal Pier for a stroll offering nice views back to Alcatraz and out to Marin County and the Golden Gate Bridge. Depends on the condition of the knees, though, I'd guess. Not too tough a walk otherwise. Are you driving to Fisherman's Wharf, taking a cable car, or accessing it via one of the historic F-Line streetcars that travel down Market Street and up the Embarcadero to the Wharf? I'd pick up the F-Line along Market (with a stop at the beautifully restored Ferry Building and its lovely interior with food shops, a wine bar, etc., view of the Bay Bridge) and get off at Pier 39, take a gander at the sea lions, walk along the Bay-side of Jefferson down to Boudin's for a snack, and then take either of the two cable car lines back downtown. The Powell-Hyde cable car turnaround is across from the Buena Vista Cafe, famous for its Irish Coffees. Tourist-y Chinatown is Grant Avenue; less-tourist-y Chinatown is Stockton Street, one block west, which is critical mass with locals shopping for a fascinating, if sometimes nauseating, array of still-moving seafood. I don't care for Chinese food, so my experience of Chinatown is mostly passing through it aboard a #30 Muni Bus on my way to eat in North Beach. Do get yourselves out to Golden Gate Park! It's a terrific place to hang out and relax and enjoy your vacation. |
Everyone should ride the 30 Stockton at least once in their lives.
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If you're in the city at night have a drink at the Top of the Mark - Intercontinental hotel. Great views.
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