San Fransciso trip with grandchildren 24-29 March
Mar 31st, 2005, 03:57 PM
#1
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San Fransciso trip with grandchildren 24-29 March
What a great city to experience with grandchildren!! As background, we are 65 and the grandchildren are 11-16. We are from Sioux Falls, SD, Bemidji and Rochester MN. We met in Minneapolis for a great, fun flight to SF.
We really were lucky with the weather as it only rained twice and when it did not inconvience us. I received many good tips from this board, but two were the most helpful. The first was that Bart was very easy to use and inexpensive. It was absolutely correct, and the grandchildren loved it. It was especially easy because we stayed at Park 55 at 5th and Market. I was very impressed with how clean the cars and stations were kept. The second tip was to get our tickets to Alcatraz weeks ahead of time. We went on Friday morning. As we left, we heard someone say they were sold out until Tuesday. Thanks everyone tor excellent advice.
We checked into our hotel with rooms ready for us immediately which was early afternoon. We had a very good rate ($126/night) along with access to the club as my husband stays numerous nights at Marriott hotels. It really helped to have free breakfast for 6 people plus at.night they provided snacks and dessert. The room the three boys shared was a sight to behold for even experienced maids. I talked to her and she just laughed. I always tip maids so maybe that helped. She deserved it, but then I feel that anyone that cleans my toilet and makes my bed should be tipped.
After we checked in, we walked to China Town and had lunch at "Empress of China". Everyone was so hungry by that time that I think anything would have tasted wonderful. We went back and rented a hotel movie. With 2 hours time difference, we were all very tired after leaving early morning. We were up early every morning in SF and early to bed at night.
We were at Pier 39 by 8AM the next morning to take in what I believe is the best free show in SF--the sea loins. They still weren't ready to leave when our 9:30 boat left for Alcatraz. They are extremely funny with their bickering noises and shoves. There was one that was doing yoga's "salute to the sun" for an hour. The sun was wonderful on our backs as we watched.
Alcatraz turned out to be their favorite. They ended up buying books to contine to learn about the former residents of Alcatraz. It was especially interesting for me as I used to teach at our local state prison. We walked to McCormick and Schmicks for lunch. Great view, but we were not impressed with the food for the price and small servings. They wanted to go to Ripley's on the way back to the Pier to catch the boat for the bay cruise. My husband and I found a place across the street in the sun to wait for them. They liked it and were excited to tell us about it. The bay cruise, which is included in the city pass, was really not worth the price which they quote as $20. In my opinion, of course.
The city pass. I don't know if I would purchase it again. I definitely would substitute Alcatraz for the bay cruise which would have saved me some money. The cable cars were always so packed with long lines leaving us to take the street cars which wasn't a problem. When I considered the pass, I was thinking we would ride the cable cars most of the time which would have made the pass cost effective. I have to add how absolutely polite and helpful the drivers were to us. I found this to be true in San Diego also. I always make it a practice to take local buses where ever I go because I like to experience and be with residents of each city.
Saturday we rented a van early morning to drive to Muir woods (someone advised early morning because of the parking situation later in the morning). Again, good advice. Cars were going around and around looking for a place to park as we left. Early when I was planning this trip I asked if it made sense to take a tour. One person was horrified that I would spend $300 when it would cost me about $100 to drive and have flexibility. Absolutely right again. We made a day of it by going to the beach, stopping for lunch and had wonderful views driving back on highway 1. California has some of the most beautiful beach views in the world. We drove around the city after going to the "Legion of Honor".
Sunday morning found us at the Exploritum when it opened. What a wonderful experience for both adults and children. Somehow I missed that reservations were required for the tactile dome. Sold out for the entire day. Stayed for hours. The children were starved, and wanted hamburgers in a hurry. Johny Rockets was what we found. By that time it was off to Beach Blanket Babylon. It started raining just as we entered the door. There was a long line waiting in the rain for general admission seats. I was given many thanks for having reserved seats. What a clever, witty, fast moving and fun 80 minutes. The four kids said it didn't come close to Loin King, but then Loin King is hard to beat .
Monday--- the last day. It was suppose to be raining in the morning, but to our surprise it was sunny. Aquarium of the Bay was their choice for the morning. We all had chowder in a bread bowl before we went in. They loved it. The Aquarium was better than I expected and we went thru twice. We then walked to Yang Sing for Dim Sum. The place was packed and we tried many different dishes. Egg rolls dominated our table in the end. At least they would try the unknown. They now have experienced dim sum. The "men" went to the Apple store while I went shopping with my 16 year old granddaughter. What fun!! Dinner was a first time ever visit to the Cheesecake Factory. Since we had to leave our hotel by 6AM, it was a movie and to bed.
I am so grateful and feel so privileged to do these trips with our grandchildren. We have also taken them to New York and DC. Any suggestions for our next trip? Thanks everyone again for helping me plan this trip. Owa
We had to
We really were lucky with the weather as it only rained twice and when it did not inconvience us. I received many good tips from this board, but two were the most helpful. The first was that Bart was very easy to use and inexpensive. It was absolutely correct, and the grandchildren loved it. It was especially easy because we stayed at Park 55 at 5th and Market. I was very impressed with how clean the cars and stations were kept. The second tip was to get our tickets to Alcatraz weeks ahead of time. We went on Friday morning. As we left, we heard someone say they were sold out until Tuesday. Thanks everyone tor excellent advice.
We checked into our hotel with rooms ready for us immediately which was early afternoon. We had a very good rate ($126/night) along with access to the club as my husband stays numerous nights at Marriott hotels. It really helped to have free breakfast for 6 people plus at.night they provided snacks and dessert. The room the three boys shared was a sight to behold for even experienced maids. I talked to her and she just laughed. I always tip maids so maybe that helped. She deserved it, but then I feel that anyone that cleans my toilet and makes my bed should be tipped.
After we checked in, we walked to China Town and had lunch at "Empress of China". Everyone was so hungry by that time that I think anything would have tasted wonderful. We went back and rented a hotel movie. With 2 hours time difference, we were all very tired after leaving early morning. We were up early every morning in SF and early to bed at night.
We were at Pier 39 by 8AM the next morning to take in what I believe is the best free show in SF--the sea loins. They still weren't ready to leave when our 9:30 boat left for Alcatraz. They are extremely funny with their bickering noises and shoves. There was one that was doing yoga's "salute to the sun" for an hour. The sun was wonderful on our backs as we watched.
Alcatraz turned out to be their favorite. They ended up buying books to contine to learn about the former residents of Alcatraz. It was especially interesting for me as I used to teach at our local state prison. We walked to McCormick and Schmicks for lunch. Great view, but we were not impressed with the food for the price and small servings. They wanted to go to Ripley's on the way back to the Pier to catch the boat for the bay cruise. My husband and I found a place across the street in the sun to wait for them. They liked it and were excited to tell us about it. The bay cruise, which is included in the city pass, was really not worth the price which they quote as $20. In my opinion, of course.
The city pass. I don't know if I would purchase it again. I definitely would substitute Alcatraz for the bay cruise which would have saved me some money. The cable cars were always so packed with long lines leaving us to take the street cars which wasn't a problem. When I considered the pass, I was thinking we would ride the cable cars most of the time which would have made the pass cost effective. I have to add how absolutely polite and helpful the drivers were to us. I found this to be true in San Diego also. I always make it a practice to take local buses where ever I go because I like to experience and be with residents of each city.
Saturday we rented a van early morning to drive to Muir woods (someone advised early morning because of the parking situation later in the morning). Again, good advice. Cars were going around and around looking for a place to park as we left. Early when I was planning this trip I asked if it made sense to take a tour. One person was horrified that I would spend $300 when it would cost me about $100 to drive and have flexibility. Absolutely right again. We made a day of it by going to the beach, stopping for lunch and had wonderful views driving back on highway 1. California has some of the most beautiful beach views in the world. We drove around the city after going to the "Legion of Honor".
Sunday morning found us at the Exploritum when it opened. What a wonderful experience for both adults and children. Somehow I missed that reservations were required for the tactile dome. Sold out for the entire day. Stayed for hours. The children were starved, and wanted hamburgers in a hurry. Johny Rockets was what we found. By that time it was off to Beach Blanket Babylon. It started raining just as we entered the door. There was a long line waiting in the rain for general admission seats. I was given many thanks for having reserved seats. What a clever, witty, fast moving and fun 80 minutes. The four kids said it didn't come close to Loin King, but then Loin King is hard to beat .
Monday--- the last day. It was suppose to be raining in the morning, but to our surprise it was sunny. Aquarium of the Bay was their choice for the morning. We all had chowder in a bread bowl before we went in. They loved it. The Aquarium was better than I expected and we went thru twice. We then walked to Yang Sing for Dim Sum. The place was packed and we tried many different dishes. Egg rolls dominated our table in the end. At least they would try the unknown. They now have experienced dim sum. The "men" went to the Apple store while I went shopping with my 16 year old granddaughter. What fun!! Dinner was a first time ever visit to the Cheesecake Factory. Since we had to leave our hotel by 6AM, it was a movie and to bed.
I am so grateful and feel so privileged to do these trips with our grandchildren. We have also taken them to New York and DC. Any suggestions for our next trip? Thanks everyone again for helping me plan this trip. Owa
We had to
Mar 31st, 2005, 07:10 PM
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Hi Owa,
Great report! What lucky kids your grandkids are to have grandparents take them to such wonderful places! I think you are right--we probably passed each other on the street--ha, ha!
I wish we would have gotten in a trip to the Muir Woods. My husband and I both agreed that if we are ever back in that area, we'll rent a car and drive to other sights rather than just staying in SF.
We had the city pass too, but we included Alcatraz in that. I agree that the Bay Cruise wasn't so great, but that's mainly b/c it started raining on us after our cruise started. It was SO miserable going to the Golden Gate Bridge and back in the bad weather and rough water.
For future trips with your grandkids, I would suggest San Antonio, Texas and New Orleans, LA. Both are great cities with lots of fun things to do and GREAT food!
Great report! What lucky kids your grandkids are to have grandparents take them to such wonderful places! I think you are right--we probably passed each other on the street--ha, ha!
I wish we would have gotten in a trip to the Muir Woods. My husband and I both agreed that if we are ever back in that area, we'll rent a car and drive to other sights rather than just staying in SF.
We had the city pass too, but we included Alcatraz in that. I agree that the Bay Cruise wasn't so great, but that's mainly b/c it started raining on us after our cruise started. It was SO miserable going to the Golden Gate Bridge and back in the bad weather and rough water.
For future trips with your grandkids, I would suggest San Antonio, Texas and New Orleans, LA. Both are great cities with lots of fun things to do and GREAT food!
Apr 1st, 2005, 03:15 AM
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Lee4, Thanks for your suggestions for future trips. As many other grandparents feel, our grandchildren are the joy of our lives. As a former nurse I now volunteer at a Cancer Center which has resulted in making me very grateful for good health among other things. Also, I'm not waiting for "tomorrow to do". After my mother died from her third round of cancer, I decided I'm going to spend my money with my children and grandchildren now instead of leaving it to them. Oh my, I'll stop. Where are you from Lee4?
Apr 1st, 2005, 05:34 AM
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Good morning, Owa! I am from Arkansas and still live here today (Little Rock area). I wanted to tell you that I have very fond memories of trips with my grandparents as I was growing up. They had a motorhome and travled all over the US, and I got to make a few trips with them. We went to the West Coast when I was 3 or 4, and, of course, I have no memory of it! I've heard lots of great stories, though. So, technically, I did drive through San Francisco as a small child!
One great trip they took me on (that I do remember!) was to Disney World the summer before I graduated from high school. It was so much fun and really special since I was with them. I have some wonderful memories from that trip. My grandfather is gone now, but I'm so thankful for a lifetime of happy memories I had growing up with him in my life. Grandparents are wonderful people, and the fact that you and your husband take your grandkids on trips really touched me since I had similiar experiences growing up. I think my grandfather is responsible for my love of travel!
One great trip they took me on (that I do remember!) was to Disney World the summer before I graduated from high school. It was so much fun and really special since I was with them. I have some wonderful memories from that trip. My grandfather is gone now, but I'm so thankful for a lifetime of happy memories I had growing up with him in my life. Grandparents are wonderful people, and the fact that you and your husband take your grandkids on trips really touched me since I had similiar experiences growing up. I think my grandfather is responsible for my love of travel!
Apr 1st, 2005, 08:28 AM
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Dear Owa,
You sound like a very nice lady, with your comments on tipping the maids. Your grandchildren are lucky to have you close to them and undoubtedly will benefit from your good sense and life experiences.
Thanks for reporting back. I'm glad it all worked out for you.
You sound like a very nice lady, with your comments on tipping the maids. Your grandchildren are lucky to have you close to them and undoubtedly will benefit from your good sense and life experiences.
Thanks for reporting back. I'm glad it all worked out for you.
Apr 1st, 2005, 09:09 AM
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I think it's great that you have decided to spend your money with your family rather than saving it up to leave it to them. You can't put a price on these types of experiences, but people can always make more money.
San Diego is a great place and I bet you guys would have a great time there. Your grandkids sound like a fun bunch.
I haven't been to the other cities, but they are all on my list of places to go.
San Diego is a great place and I bet you guys would have a great time there. Your grandkids sound like a fun bunch.
I haven't been to the other cities, but they are all on my list of places to go.
Apr 1st, 2005, 02:43 PM
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Thank you everyone for your kind words and suggestions. When we were talking about where to go next year, many of the listed cities were mentioned.
Lee4 I posted a reply to you early this morning after you mentioned having similar experiences with your grandparents. It never appeared. You made a good morning even better. Thank you . Owa
Lee4 I posted a reply to you early this morning after you mentioned having similar experiences with your grandparents. It never appeared. You made a good morning even better. Thank you . Owa
Apr 1st, 2005, 07:50 PM
#13
Owa we were at the same beach Blanket Babylon show!!! Small world. The Sunday afternoon four oclock show? It was fun. My kids tried Dim sum also as part of our Wok Wiz tour. I was lucky enough to be sitting next to someone who could explain everything that came to the table! Your grandkids are lucky to have such great grandparents. My parents took all of us to Bermuda (kids and grandkids) a few years ago and it was great for the cousins and us siblings to hang out again! Glad you had a great trip. So did we !
Apr 2nd, 2005, 06:05 AM
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Thanks for taking the time to post a report - great job. I'll agree with all of padams great ideas for future trips with your pre-teen/teen grandchildren. However, I personally would reverse/change the order of preference: Montreal(!), Vancouver, Boston(!), Chicago, Seattle, Sante Fe.
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