Trip Report - San Francisco (12/4-12/10)
Dec 13th, 2004 | 10:15 AM
#1
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Trip Report - San Francisco (12/4-12/10)
After many months of planning, my trip to San Francisco has come and gone. Here are the highlights (along with a few lowlights):
12/4 -
Flew Southwest from Buffalo (via Las Vegas with a 2.5hr layover) into Oakland. The cab to the Westin St Francis cost $60, about $15 more than I thought but what can you do? When we arrived at the hotel, the check-in system was down (and had been since 12pm). We waited an hour to check-in and I was extremely annoyed. It was 9pm local time, so 12am to us and my poor daughter was exhausted. On top of things, they were out of cribs so she had to sleep in our bed, which did not go over very well.
12/5 -
Our daughter woke us up at 5:30am local time. We lounged around for a while until we could pick up our rental car. A nice surprise was that Hertz upgraded us to a full size car from a compact. We then drove to Muir Woods and hiked around. It was a perfect day, with sunbeams streaming through the redwoods. I recommend getting there as early as possible - we arrived at 8:30am and there were only 3 cars. From there, we went up to Point Reyes. We stopped at the visitors center and saw several deer that appeared to be tame. I found out that they were brought over from Europe in the 50's for a hunting club and have hung around the area ever since. We continued to the Point Reyes lighthouse and saw the one of the first of the elephant seals. We contemplated walking down the 300 stairs for a close-up of the lighthouse, but decided the view was just fine from above.
On the way back towards San Francisco, we found ourselves getting carsick from the winding roads. I could not believe I was surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coact Highway and felt so nauseous! We stopped at the Pelican Inn and had a nice late Sunday brunch. After lunch, we drove back to the hotel and collasped. I had wanted to see Golden Gate park but was just too tired.
12/6 -
Wandered around Union Square shopping while my husband attended Oracle Open World. Macy's had teamed up with the local SPCA and had cats for adoption in the windows. This is such a great exposure for the animals and the charity. There was even a puppy at one point but it was quickly adopted. Each area that the cats were housed in was decorated like a miniature train car, with small sofas, bunk beds etc. I could not get over what a smart idea this was. That night, we ate at Colibri on Geary - it was pricey but excellent. The food is Mexican, tapas style. I recommend the guacamole made tableside, the filet mignon and the potatoes au gratin.
12/7 -
Rode the cable car to Fisherman's Wharf and saw the sea lions. My daughter enjoyed the aquarium. Had lunch at the Boudin Bakery. Found several Xmas gifts at Kishimo, Japanese housewares store in Ghirardelli square. We enjoyed our dinner at Scala's that night, a noisy Italian bistro that was the perfect atmosphere for a one-year old.
12/4 -
Flew Southwest from Buffalo (via Las Vegas with a 2.5hr layover) into Oakland. The cab to the Westin St Francis cost $60, about $15 more than I thought but what can you do? When we arrived at the hotel, the check-in system was down (and had been since 12pm). We waited an hour to check-in and I was extremely annoyed. It was 9pm local time, so 12am to us and my poor daughter was exhausted. On top of things, they were out of cribs so she had to sleep in our bed, which did not go over very well.
12/5 -
Our daughter woke us up at 5:30am local time. We lounged around for a while until we could pick up our rental car. A nice surprise was that Hertz upgraded us to a full size car from a compact. We then drove to Muir Woods and hiked around. It was a perfect day, with sunbeams streaming through the redwoods. I recommend getting there as early as possible - we arrived at 8:30am and there were only 3 cars. From there, we went up to Point Reyes. We stopped at the visitors center and saw several deer that appeared to be tame. I found out that they were brought over from Europe in the 50's for a hunting club and have hung around the area ever since. We continued to the Point Reyes lighthouse and saw the one of the first of the elephant seals. We contemplated walking down the 300 stairs for a close-up of the lighthouse, but decided the view was just fine from above.
On the way back towards San Francisco, we found ourselves getting carsick from the winding roads. I could not believe I was surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Coact Highway and felt so nauseous! We stopped at the Pelican Inn and had a nice late Sunday brunch. After lunch, we drove back to the hotel and collasped. I had wanted to see Golden Gate park but was just too tired.
12/6 -
Wandered around Union Square shopping while my husband attended Oracle Open World. Macy's had teamed up with the local SPCA and had cats for adoption in the windows. This is such a great exposure for the animals and the charity. There was even a puppy at one point but it was quickly adopted. Each area that the cats were housed in was decorated like a miniature train car, with small sofas, bunk beds etc. I could not get over what a smart idea this was. That night, we ate at Colibri on Geary - it was pricey but excellent. The food is Mexican, tapas style. I recommend the guacamole made tableside, the filet mignon and the potatoes au gratin.
12/7 -
Rode the cable car to Fisherman's Wharf and saw the sea lions. My daughter enjoyed the aquarium. Had lunch at the Boudin Bakery. Found several Xmas gifts at Kishimo, Japanese housewares store in Ghirardelli square. We enjoyed our dinner at Scala's that night, a noisy Italian bistro that was the perfect atmosphere for a one-year old.
Dec 13th, 2004 | 10:28 AM
#2
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Joined: Mar 2003
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12/8 -
Went to the Castro area and shopped. Found a great clock at the Barking Frog, a unique housewares store on Market. Had lunch at the Bagdad Cafe - I loved the Turkey Cobb Burger. I think I then walked the wrong way on Market because I didn't see many other shops. I walked up Laguna to Hayes St and found some other neat boutiques. That night, we had dinner at Lori's Diner - the food was just what we wanted and the milkshakes are delicious!
12/9 -
Visited Alcatraz. The boat ride was perfect for photos because there was still fog on the bay and the bridges looked like they were floating. Alcatraz is both fascinating and frightening. We then grabbed lunch at In-and-Out burger, my first experience at this fast food place. I wish there was one near me - it blows Wendy's away (the standard by which I measure other fast food burgers by). Later that afternoon, we took the cable car to Lombard Street and wandered around. We walked down Macondray Lane and made our way to the Fairmont. We had dinner at 1550 Hyde Cafe. I loved my meal but thought the portions were a little skimpy. I ordered a salad and the gnocchi. The gnocchi were wonderful but for $10 I thought I would get more than 5 (even though it was an appetizer).
12/10 -
We flew back home on the most direct flight offered (via Phoenix with only a 30min stop).
All in all, it was a wonderful vacation. I only wish I had more time. I thought I would get to see more of the city, and also wanted to drive up to see Napa and Sonoma, but it was too much to do with a baby in tow. I felt that the Westin had a great location but our Tower room was just ordinary. I would probably stay there again because of the location - I love to shop and there were millions of restaurants in the vicinity but I thought the service would have been better. Although the concierge staff was very helpful, the front desk was rather apathetic, particularly towards my need for a crib. I found Union Square to be exciting, especially with all of the Xmas decorations, but was a bit surprised by how dirty it was and how many homeless there are. I guess this is true of most major cities but I have only been to NYC and Boston to compare.
The next Oracle Open World is in Sept 2005 so we'll definitely be back. I'll be soliciting suggestions very soon!
Went to the Castro area and shopped. Found a great clock at the Barking Frog, a unique housewares store on Market. Had lunch at the Bagdad Cafe - I loved the Turkey Cobb Burger. I think I then walked the wrong way on Market because I didn't see many other shops. I walked up Laguna to Hayes St and found some other neat boutiques. That night, we had dinner at Lori's Diner - the food was just what we wanted and the milkshakes are delicious!
12/9 -
Visited Alcatraz. The boat ride was perfect for photos because there was still fog on the bay and the bridges looked like they were floating. Alcatraz is both fascinating and frightening. We then grabbed lunch at In-and-Out burger, my first experience at this fast food place. I wish there was one near me - it blows Wendy's away (the standard by which I measure other fast food burgers by). Later that afternoon, we took the cable car to Lombard Street and wandered around. We walked down Macondray Lane and made our way to the Fairmont. We had dinner at 1550 Hyde Cafe. I loved my meal but thought the portions were a little skimpy. I ordered a salad and the gnocchi. The gnocchi were wonderful but for $10 I thought I would get more than 5 (even though it was an appetizer).
12/10 -
We flew back home on the most direct flight offered (via Phoenix with only a 30min stop).
All in all, it was a wonderful vacation. I only wish I had more time. I thought I would get to see more of the city, and also wanted to drive up to see Napa and Sonoma, but it was too much to do with a baby in tow. I felt that the Westin had a great location but our Tower room was just ordinary. I would probably stay there again because of the location - I love to shop and there were millions of restaurants in the vicinity but I thought the service would have been better. Although the concierge staff was very helpful, the front desk was rather apathetic, particularly towards my need for a crib. I found Union Square to be exciting, especially with all of the Xmas decorations, but was a bit surprised by how dirty it was and how many homeless there are. I guess this is true of most major cities but I have only been to NYC and Boston to compare.
The next Oracle Open World is in Sept 2005 so we'll definitely be back. I'll be soliciting suggestions very soon!
Dec 13th, 2004 | 11:16 AM
#5
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 16,518
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Great trip report.
I was at the St Francis the night you arrived and the computers were down. My wife's company Christmas party was on the 32nd floor (great views). The place was in chaos because of the computer problems, the strike just getting over, and all the Christmas parties. Perhaps that had something to do with the poor service.
Next visit in Sept (that's our best weather month), take a SF City Guides walking tour. See:
www.sfcityguides.org
City Guides is sponsored by the SF public library & there are over 30 walks. They're free, but since the economic downturn and recent rumblings about cutting back on city funding, they are puchsing for donations a little more.
BTW, the Pacific Coast Highway only exists in that other large metropolitan area about 500 miles south of us. The famous Ca Highway #1 is called the Cabrillo Highway up here.
Stu Dudley
San Mateo (San Francisco), Ca
I was at the St Francis the night you arrived and the computers were down. My wife's company Christmas party was on the 32nd floor (great views). The place was in chaos because of the computer problems, the strike just getting over, and all the Christmas parties. Perhaps that had something to do with the poor service.
Next visit in Sept (that's our best weather month), take a SF City Guides walking tour. See:
www.sfcityguides.org
City Guides is sponsored by the SF public library & there are over 30 walks. They're free, but since the economic downturn and recent rumblings about cutting back on city funding, they are puchsing for donations a little more.
BTW, the Pacific Coast Highway only exists in that other large metropolitan area about 500 miles south of us. The famous Ca Highway #1 is called the Cabrillo Highway up here.
Stu Dudley
San Mateo (San Francisco), Ca
