Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Worthwhile in San Francisco

Search

Worthwhile in San Francisco

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 28th, 2017 | 10:29 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Conversation Starter
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 44,597
Likes: 3
Worthwhile in San Francisco

Just thought I'd ask. Will be in town between 30 June and 5 July (we leave for home that morning). Have opera performances on the evening of the 30th and 1st; matinee on the 2nd followed by what has become (for us) an obligatory performance of Beach Blanket Babylon.

Otherwise daytimes completely free; no car. Am thinking of museum shows/exhibits; possibly a trip to Sausalito which we have never done. Alcatraz been there/done that. Have looked at the Chron for ideas, too. Fireworks I know and have asked (here) about already.

Unique and possibly memorable are always good and thanks in advance. Am determined to prove that air travel is not always stressful this trip.
Dukey1 is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2017 | 10:52 AM
  #2  
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
Likes: 0
We saw BBB a few months ago and they did a great job with the current politics. I was there with a relative that lives in the area, so have been there many many times, and even with that we did one of the hop on hop off buses and it was actually pretty fun. Or rent bikes and ride over to Sausalito.
Fodorite018 is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2017 | 11:01 AM
  #3  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,651
Likes: 3
This being the 50th anniversary of the San Francisco "Summer of Love", there are all sorts of exhibits and events going on, from pop festivals to museum exhibits. Highly recommend the "Summer of Love" exhibit on at the De Young. But by googling that phrase and san Francisco, you will come up with a panoply of events going on relating to this.
Surfergirl is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2017 | 11:08 AM
  #4  
SAB
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
Have you done any of the SF Library walking tours?

Terribly touristy, but biking to Sausalito and taking ferry back?
Saturday at the Ferry Building Farmer's Market?
Brunch in any neighborhood, Noe Valley, Cole Valley, Fillmore, Valencia?
The Asian Art Museum (one of the only world class collections in SF)?
Summer of Love at the De Young? Or Friday Night at the DeYoung
(afterhours art "happenings)?
Stern Grove on Sunday?
Edvard Munch at SFMOMA?
And finally have you looked at Stu Dudley's SF suggestions?
SAB is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2017 | 11:12 AM
  #5  
Community Builder
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,152
Likes: 0
Have you been to the expanded and remodeled SF MoMA? We will be going during our visit in August especially for the Calder exhibit.

The Asian Art Musem is in the Civic Center complex in the building that was formerly the central library. Endlessly fascinating. We never miss an opportunity to visit with the now seven year old grandson.

http://www.asianart.org/
k_marie is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2017 | 11:31 AM
  #6  
Original Poster
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Conversation Starter
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 44,597
Likes: 3
As always you guys are THE best. To answer a couple of questions: no, I have not consulted Dudley's recs lately and no have not been to the expanded/remodeled MoMA. All of your suggestions seem wonderful and thank you so much for taking the time to make them.
Dukey1 is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2017 | 02:44 PM
  #7  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,359
Likes: 0
"Unique and memorable"? I give you the Columbarium:

http://www.tridentsociety.com/columbarium
Underhill is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2017 | 03:34 PM
  #8  
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,654
Likes: 0
Lands End (especially if it is sunny) and agree with a Sat AM at the Ferry Terminal.
denisea is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2017 | 05:29 PM
  #9  
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 20,709
Likes: 0
If going to MOMA, plan on having lunch at the top floor restaurant. All 4 of us ordered different things, and loved them. In good weather, they have outside seats.

You can combine BBB with the visit to the Beat museum, I think. I still have it on my list to visit, and I live here. Shame on me

International art museum of America on Market and... I think 7th street. When we were there 2-3 years ago, they had a room of lesser known European paintings, interesting Chinese paintings, and to exit you go through a "Japanese village" - we had an enjoyable visit.
Dayenu is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2017 | 05:56 PM
  #10  
Conversation Starter
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
I have done probably 30 of the SF Guides walking tours. They are excellent; just pick the ones that match your interests. Can't go wrong.
DebitNM is offline  
Old Jun 28th, 2017 | 06:35 PM
  #11  
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,339
Likes: 8
Don't know if this is your cup of grog, but in the '70's I worked as a rigger on the square-rigged ship Balclutha. The San Francisco Maritime Museum could be something different and certainly unique to SF.

https://www.nps.gov/safr/learn/histo...ic-vessels.htm

(I now see the Balclutha is closed for renovations, but there is plenty of other stuff to see.)
Nelson is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2017 | 02:49 AM
  #12  
Original Poster
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Conversation Starter
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 44,597
Likes: 3
Thanks once again for these additionals. I would have sent this message sooner but the site simply doesn't cooperate at times.

Since we are once again (after bouncing around from place to place, reservation-wise) staying at the Hyatt Embarcadero (and the price got reduced yesterday for a change so even better) we will almost undoubtedly try the Ferry Bldg again.

The last time the place seemed mobbed which is understandable and it is at times like that when I feel like fleeing on the Muni to somewhere on the other side of Twin Peaks where it'[s quiet.

I'd write a trip report but suspect few would be interested since we travel in such an ordinary way.

Anyway, thanks again for all these.
Dukey1 is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2017 | 05:41 AM
  #13  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
Looking forward to the report and I live here!
Ferry building may be less crowded during the week if no farmers market and the Giants are out of town. Bring a warm jacket - the fog is in!
gailscout is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2017 | 06:45 AM
  #14  
Original Poster
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Conversation Starter
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 44,597
Likes: 3
Gailscout, fear not! We have down jackets packed and at the ready.
Dukey1 is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2017 | 07:45 AM
  #15  
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,635
Likes: 21
This was a big surprise, but we loved the Walt Disney Family Museum, an interesting visit showcasing Disney's entire life...his innovations (of which there were man) and some controversy to boot. All in all, a really enlightening experience.

http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/walt-disney-family-museum-san-francisco/

maitaitom is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2017 | 08:07 AM
  #16  
Conversation Starter
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
+1 Disney Museum. Combine with SF City Guides Presidio walking tour.
DebitNM is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2017 | 10:19 AM
  #17  
Community Builder
Community Influencer
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,152
Likes: 0
Tour of City Hall--

http://sfgov.org/cityhall/city-hall-tours

Our docent stressed that it really is the people's place and it is there to serve the public. When we arrived at the mayor's office, he was conducting business (Was it a phone call or a meeting? I don't remember.). Our group walked through his office anyway because, after all, it's there for the people.

And while we're in the neighborhood, I'd go for dinner at Plaj. Scandinavian leanings--salmon, herring, aquavit, among other offerings. (I realize you did not ask for restaurant recommendations--perhaps you have already made your plans.)
k_marie is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2017 | 11:06 AM
  #18  
Original Poster
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Conversation Starter
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 44,597
Likes: 3
K_marie,

Thank you very much for this suggestion.
Dukey1 is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2017 | 12:08 PM
  #19  
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Our docent stressed that it really is the people's place and it is there to serve the public.

Sure it is! (Sarcasm intended, from a long-time city resident)
sf7307 is offline  
Old Jun 29th, 2017 | 12:09 PM
  #20  
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
I should add though - it is a very beautiful building. Many weddings are held there.
sf7307 is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement -