San Francisco

[JulianHJ]

Breadknife and I are off to SF in mid-May next year. We have around five days to spend, and it's been 10 years since I last visited. We'll be including Alcatraz, Coit Tower, Union Square, Haight-Ashbury, GG Bridge, Chinatown and other bits and pieces.

I've tried searching for some hints and tips, to no avail.

Anywhere else to add to our must-do list? We're keen on photography so want to get so decent pics of the city. To that end we'll probably go to the other side of the GG Bridge for at least one sunset.

[anonymous-user]

If you like wine then there are some pretty good coach tours of the nearby vineyards, though I've helpfully forgotton all of the details. Last time my dad went he dragged my mum along with him on a thinly disguised booze-up.

[JulianHJ]

We're not wine-drinkers (well, we don't drink at all!), but thanks for your reply.

[Papoo]

If you're a foodie, SF is brilliant. I can recommend Epic Roasthouse for a nice evening meal. It's memorable, for sure. It's pretty much under the Bay Bridge.

Ferry building has some great little boutique emporiums, a nice wine bar springs to mind, and a place where you can get paper cones stuffed with beautifully cured meat!

Fisherman's Wharf is worth a wonder, as long as you don't believe the locals who say they do the best Fish & Chips in the land. It isn't, because they don't have a clue.

I'd avoid Ghiradelli Sq. as there's nothing in it now, apparently it used to be a vibrant place.

If you like watches, there are some EXQUISITE watches in small dealers on and close to Union Square..

[S7Paul]

I would add Golden Gate Park to your list.

[greygoose]

JulianHJ said:

We're keen on photography so want to get so decent pics of the city. To that end we'll probably go to the other side of the GG Bridge for at least one sunset.

Across the Bridge, Sausalito has some nice restaurants and good views across the Bay to the city.

[fatboy b]

Take the tram down to the Pacific beach, then wander up to the Cliffhouse. Quite nice place to eat. If you get over the GG bridge, then The Pelican is worth a visit between 101 & the coast. It's an English pub (well as English as it can be), and it's worth stopping for some lunch and some London Pride.

We also took a helicopter ride. It takes off from just outside Sausalito, and when we did it, he flew under the GG bridge and over the city.

[ClaphamGT3]

If you have a car, do the '28 mile drive' which sounds a bit cheesy but it is a road route round the city & suburbs that takes in all the big sights and some breath-taking views. For eating, there is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants I've ever been to (including in Vietnam) down by the maritime museum. If you're interested, I'll dig out the name. There is also a fantastic old-fashioned Italian fish restaurant called Allioto's in the quay.

[Nat_H]

Slightly different to the others;

Top of the Mark is worth a visit for views over the whole city (the tall building with the American flag on it, to the left of the TransAmercia pyramid), as well as a trip to the park by the Painted Ladies.

Edited by Nat_H on Monday 24th August 09:47

[Fidgits]

greygoose said:

JulianHJ said:

We're keen on photography so want to get so decent pics of the city. To that end we'll probably go to the other side of the GG Bridge for at least one sunset.

Across the Bridge, Sausalito has some nice restaurants and good views across the Bay to the city.

Go for a sourdough bowl clam chowder...

mmmmmm

[Nat_H]

Fidgits said:

greygoose said:

JulianHJ said:

We're keen on photography so want to get so decent pics of the city. To that end we'll probably go to the other side of the GG Bridge for at least one sunset.

Across the Bridge, Sausalito has some nice restaurants and good views across the Bay to the city.

Go for a sourdough bowl clam chowder...

mmmmmm

x2 - even the touristy Boudin Bakery/Bistro on the wharf does amazing Clam Chowder bread bowls.

Edited by Nat_H on Monday 24th August 09:56

[marctwo]

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County and go to the top of Mt Tamalpais for great views.

Then there's the Cheesecake Factory in the City, although portions are huge so remember to save space for Cheesecake at the end. Please bring me a slice of the Snickers one.

Going South be sure to drive Highway 1 via Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz and Carmel/Monterey.

[Nat_H]

marctwo said:

Then there's the Cheesecake Factory in the City, although portions are huge so remember to save space for Cheesecake at the end. Please bring me a slice of the Snickers one.

Its on top Macys in Union Sqaure - really worth a visit, but it will be very busy. (shame you can't book a table though)

[TrevorH]

Aplogies for tagging on, but are there any recommendations for where to stay? We're there in November for a week.

Thanks

[Fidgits]

depends on your budget - i stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, just behind the wharf - lower cost and you know exactly what your getting..

[Merritt]

I would also sugget finding the 'Bank of America' building. Go in to reception and take the express lift to the (top?) floor. There is a public bar overlooking the city, you can sit down and have some lunch and some beers whilst looking out from 53 stories. Amazing view. No shorts or trainers allowed.

Steve

[Nat_H]

TrevorH said:

Aplogies for tagging on, but are there any recommendations for where to stay? We're there in November for a week.

Thanks

If you can book and pay for it now, try the Fairmont San Fransisco:

clicky

If your budget can manage it, go for the Tower Suite Room, on the highest floor they have, with the GG View.

They do some amazing prices on the rooms for booking/paying 30+ days in advance. (we used this when we went in April and got the room for $292 a night, compared to the advertised $739 a night)


Also try the Mark Hopkins:

clicky2

Stayed there for a couple nights too

[TrevorH]

Thank you, Nat & Fidgits. Unfortunately this trip is out of my pocket and not the company's, so $279 and $261 a night is a little steep. Holiday Inn Express may be a better route....

Is there a specific area which is best?

[Nat_H]

TrevorH said:

Thank you, Nat & Fidgits. Unfortunately this trip is out of my pocket and not the company's, so $279 and $261 a night is a little steep. Holiday Inn Express may be a better route....

Is there a specific area which is best?

The Wharf is pretty good, as there is good public transport links from there, but very touristy.

It depends on where you want to / need to go, and how long your there for.

Also, have a look on Expedia / Hotels.com for better rates, as sometimes you can get pretty good prices. I think we paid $169 for the Hopkins, as we booked in from an internet cafe on the same day we needed to stay

Edited by Nat_H on Monday 24th August 14:32

[Fidgits]

TrevorH said:

Thank you, Nat & Fidgits. Unfortunately this trip is out of my pocket and not the company's, so $279 and $261 a night is a little steep. Holiday Inn Express may be a better route....

Is there a specific area which is best?

the wharf is slightly cheaper - and nice and touristy (And you can get the cable car to Union square)