hpl

I want to surprise my wife with a long weekend in either Santa Fe or San Francisco. This will be in early November; she has been to Santa Fe but it's been years ago and has never been to San Francisco. I picked these two destinations partly because they are reasonably close to Colorado where we live and I don't want to spend all day getting there.

While I'm not particularly wealthy, I expect to spend what it takes to give her a memorable 50th birthday.

Thoughts between the two? Suggestions for other locations?

Thanks

Jayne1973

Both are great choices, IMO. If she's already been to Santa Fe, I think I'd go for San Francisco.

SharonNRayMc

Hi hpl,

Wow! What a question. Both are terrific places.

Check out the First Timer's to San Francisco posting if you haven't seen it: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34528368

I just love the Taos/Santa Fe area and make a trip once or twice a year. I think for that time of year I would choose San Francisco. Given that she has not been to San Francisco, and you aleady get plenty of the mountain scenery where you live, I would choose against Santa Fe in this instance. Each trip would be so different! You'll have to make a decision based on what you think your wife would like better.

There are some wonderful spa places in Santa Fe and Taos... and maybe that would be a hit.

What does she like to do? Give us a clue and we'll all be able to provide some better input.

- Sharon

hpl

She enjoys art, fine food,and fine wine. She's not really an urban dweller; prefers the country more than the city. That would lean towards Santa Fe but as I said, she's been there and has expressed interest in San Francisco.

dovima

Dear hpl,
San Francisco is a great destination for someone who is "not really an urban dweller", because it is a city which is very easy to get out of should you so desire. None of this driving for hours through suburbs - cross the GG Bridge and you are in the headlands, the redwoods, the beaches, etc. Plus, S.F. with its hills and many greenbelts feels very different from most cities. If you decide on San Francisco, I would recommend that you (a) rent a car for some driving excursions in Marin or Sonoma and (b) make an effort to see some neighborhoods outside of the downtown area.

kikahead

I know nothing about Santa Fe..only San Francisco. If you come here (to San Francisco) I would reccomend saving money by getting a hotel on Priceline.com and then spend the savings on a nice birthday dinner.

Like dovima I too would reccomend renting a car and taking a trip outside the city (if she likes wine take her up to Sonoma/Napa Valley for tastings).

SharonNRayMc

Ok. I vote for San Francisco also especially since she had voiced an interest in San Fran and she hasn't been there.

Take her to Muir Woods... it's very, very close to San Francisco. Stroll through Golden Gate park and take her to the Asian Art Museum in the park. As dovima indicates, there are lots of green spaces and ocean spaces to choose from. Take her to some wineries for wine tasting. There are great restuaunts... and ... wish her a Happy 50th for me!

Maybe someone who knows San Fran better than I can recommend a street or two where there are some good art galleries.

I think you'll have a great time!

- Sharon

SAB

Sharon --FYI the Asian Art Museum is not in Golden Gate Park anymore--it is now in a grandly remodeled building in the Civic Center.

SharonNRayMc

See, it's been awhile since I've been there. Thanks for the heads-up.
-Sharon

bowmangayl

Gosh, both locations are my favorite! However, for a November trip I'd head to San Francisco and as suggested already, if "downtown" looks too urban, cross the Golden Gate and head to Marin County or Napa/Sonoma wine country. Food and wines are wonderful as is scenery. Have vacationed in San Francisco in both Nov and Dec and the weather is gorgeous.

LuccaBrazzi

I've lived in both...and they're VASTLY different.

Keep in mind--if she's one who hates congestion/traffic/pseudo-hipsters, then San Francisco might not be for her.

Santa Fe has more art and is a bit more laid-back...with a heavy influence from Hispanic & Native American culture. There's also no night life at all (nightclubs, bars, late-night eateries.)

San Francisco is a big city, with a lot of cultures within, which one the one hand is appealing because of the variety...but on the other hand can create a feeling of a lack of cohesiveness. (Trust me...all of the cultures DON'T always get along).

But they're both wonderful cities. It just depends on what your wife/her personality/what she's looking for in this trip.

JJ5

San Francisco.

It's not like a big city. Much more to do. If they still have Beach Blanket Babylon running- GO SEE IT. Perfect for this kind of surprise weekend.

MikeBuckley

Since she's not an urban dweller, if you go to San Francisco consider staying outside the city and making a day trip into it rather than staying in the city and making a day trip out of it.

welch

I live in the Bay Area and my son went to college in Santa Fe. Santa Fe is much more similar geographically to Colorado (you do get the ocean here) and, although things come alive for Christmas, early November is dead in Santa Fe. Another vote for SF!

massteacher

Human nature always amazes me! The original posting was dated September 13, inquiring about a November travel date. Why are folks responding in December to a trip that has undoubtedly already happened? Too bad hpl (the poster) did not have the benefit of this information when he was planning his excursion!