Things that are a must see in San Fran
 

We're heading to SF the end of January for a 4 day weekend. Staying at the Westin in Union Square.

Things I want and will do are:

Happy hour at Tres Agave's.
Ride a cable car.
See the Golden Gate that takes you to hell.
Pee on someone's yard in oakland.

Anything else we should make it a priority to see?

Alcatraz is worth it. But book in advance.

Sent from my Optimus S using Tapatalk.

Alcatraz....but buy tickets now.

I'm confused. I thought if I crossed the Golden Gate I was in Alcatraz. Better read up.

Touristy Stuff....(not big into it but I'm sure I can find more if you want)

Coit Tower
Lombard St(famous crooked road).
Palace of Fine arts and the presido

Wine drinker?

Hit up napa or sonoma(sonoma tends to be cheaper).

Always a good chance of rain be prepared. Fairly cold for SF this year but not that bad for those born in real weather. ;)

There are some great restaurants depending upon what you want.

Some good museums De Young, Asian Art. Been too busy but I've heard the California Academy of sciences is great.

The question is what do you want to do? Let me know and I can talk to some people and see what's available.

Fisherman's Wharf.

The Presidio.

There was another SF thread not TOO long ago.....I'll see if my search-fu is good

Heh no...but if you crossed the bay bridge you might wish you were(i.e. you're in oakland then). Alcatraz is in the Bay on an island....tickets can be hard to get but this isn't really the tourist season.

Rent a car for a short day trip:

Muir Woods and Point Reyes

Get to Muir Woods first thing in the morning (opens at 8:00 am) and you'll enjoy the park in peace because the tourist buses won't be there yet. Get to the park at noon and it will be a disaster.

Fisherman's Wharf is a joke. Don't waste your time.

Oh, Chinatown used to be great, but I haven't been there for years. I presume it's still, well, kind of Chineesy.

Why do you say that?

:thumb:

Ohh the Ferry building and some of the waterfront down town can be a nice downtown can be nice over lunch, etc.

It has an Asian flair, but not in a good way. Obviously, it won't be baseball season, but if you ever get a chance to get to the ballpark, do it. It's amazing.

Like really bad driving skills?

Castro. Definitely the Castro.

Well honestly Fisherman's warf is mostly just a tourist trap...not really much about SF there. Ghirardelli Square can be kinda cool if you like the chocolate but the rest is seriously meh.

The view on the way there via cable car is pretty cool, though.

We'll only have about 2 1/2 days to play. Two couples going. You have to remember we're from the upper midwest and not far off from those Capitol One Viking commercials.

We'll want seafood for at least one nice sit down evening meal. No tie, jeans are a must.

I'd like to see Ben Davidson's cell at Alcatraz......is that something that can be done in half a day?

If you had one art museum to recommend which one would it be?

If you only have a weekend, Fishermans warf is a must see....Of course its a trap....But its still on a short list of things you should probably go check out if you have 48 hours.

He IS a tourist.

Stare at all the pillowbiters.

Everyone I have referred to the Tadich Grill that has gone, has thanked me later.

I swear it is such a great experience, it almost justifies the trip expense on it's own.

It was established in 1849, and is steeped in tradition. The food is incredible, and you are very close to Haight-Ashbury when you are there, I like to drink in the culture difference.

It's 5000 trinkety kiosks selling "Alcatraz Inmate" t-shirts, a Ripley's Believe it or Not museum, and a couple of very underwhelming places to buy a bowl of soup. The whole thing is just depressing. It's like Reno without the gambling.

No kidding? I guess it's changed since I was there.

ROFL.....:LOL:....just FYI....this is the primary gay district things are far more open there, if you have tender sensibilities you might be shocked about some of the things in the storefronts there. Granted if your sensibilities are that tender you might get offended on part of broadway in north beach that has a bunch of strip clubs/porn stores.

LMAO. I had a decent crab sandwich around lunch time at the Wharf. The "shopping" is atrocious.

Right now, the de young museum

http://deyoung.famsf.org/

awesome stuff till the 18th of Jan

Yep. You gotta see it to say you saw it.

Wife and I spent our 10th anniversary in SF in 2002. LOVED that city. We rented a car and spent a day in Sonoma, touring wineries and eating lunch at a nice cafe.

Unbelievable number of good restaurants in SF.

Oh, and do Lombard Street. Another "touristy" thing, but it's bucket list stuff. You see it in so many movies and TV shows, it's neat to say, "Hey, I was there!"

Again, Lombard street is awesome first thing in the morning if you rent a car. No one there.

THIS...going down there, getting tix to alcatraz, checking out the piers....getting some beer and crab sammys..Check out street performers....Aquarium...I mean he IS a toursit...What the F should he do? Get a Job? LOL...Pick up litter?

Agreed about Tadich. We ate there. Wife still swears by the shrimp cocktail.

Downtown SF really is amazing. I absolutely despise most downtowns, but SF is actually quite lovely. Still busy, but not crazy (if you know what I mean).

Spend at least a half a day in Sonoma. Pack a picnic lunch, and go to Nicholas Ranch. The tasting is free, and you can just hang out on the property and drink. It's really relaxing. If you want to see Napa, go to Nickel and Nickel and make sure you sign up for the last tasting tour of the day.

I must have been in a different city. Lovely? Really?

Beautiful setting and surroundings, dirty, dirty city. Glad I visited, don't get me wrong, but I would definitely not describe it as lovely.

I don't expect any major metro downtown to be "clean." I think it helps that it's near water, mind you.

I found SF a "small" big city. We walked a lot of it. It's very accessible, didn't find it intimidating.

I'm sure living there would drive me crazy with its politics, not to mention the cost. But it's absolutely one of my favorite cities, and I'd love to go back. Lots more restaurants I want to knock off my list.

I would agree if he had more than a weekend...as a matter of fact I have written extensively about it here:

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...9&postcount=28

I just think if you have never been to SF , trying to cram in sonoma in half a day is too much.(when you want to see SF and only have a wekend) Come back again and spend a few days in sonoma..Ill hook you up.

(edit: I highly encourage anyone who HAS seen SF before to make that kind of venture though...)

We tried to book our trip 6 weeks in advance and couldn't get it done. It might be different in the Winter months though.

See the aquarium at Pier 39 if you can.

Drive down Lombard Street if you can. Also one block further away from the pier you can drive down Filbert Street, but be ready that is one steep slope.

Well, looking at the geography, they really don't have much of a choice. It's not like they have much option to sprawl (like Dallas).

One of my favorite places in the world is down near Santa Cruz (Aptos specifically). If you have a free day, go.

They could liquidate Oakland and take that over.

Sushi with Big Daddy!

This is SF outside of a very few very upscale restaurants no one bats an eye at jeans. Why? Too many tech millionaires and tech people aren't big fans of dressing up, so people tend to dress down. Granted this also makes shopping in SF more pleasant than say NYC. Since they can't tell by looking at you if you have money or not you tend to get great service.

So given what you've said, if I probably would not recommend the asian art museum. Both the De Young and the Cal Academy of sciences are across from each other in golden gate park(so you get to see a bit of the park too). While I haven't been there yet I've heard great things about the academy of sciences. It's natural history but alot of people have fun there. Here's the web site

http://www.calacademy.org/

If you want more classical fine art's the De Young is across the street.

http://deyoung.famsf.org/

It's charming, but it's far from lovely.

San Francisco residents think that the rich should share with the poor, but the houses there cost $5million each.

San Francisco residents think that it's important to live "green" lifestyles, but there's no grass, and the only trees you see are insets within the sidewalk.

San Francisco residents think that ebony and ivory should live together in perfect harmony, but the only blacks in town are Mike Singeltary and Frank Gore.

First off, thanks for all the great advice. You guys really came through when we spent our 30th anniverary in NE last year.

Holy cow, lots of good info here. I'm going to have to show this to the other couple and come up with a plan.

It sounds like picking a Union Square hotel was good luck seeing as there is lots of stuff to do downtown.

I want to see Alcatraz but I'll have to see if everyone else wants to. Can we get that done in half a day?

Any other tequila bars other than Tres Agave's? The women like to sip good tequila. They're kind of tequila snobs.

Sometimes it's okay to jettison the politics and just enjoy.

SF is 7 miles wide and 7 miles long so it's relatively 'close' BUT that doesn't always mean it's easy there are some pretty imposing hills at times.

Oh yea even though it's not likely you'll go because it's far out. Don't go to the SF zoo it's a waste.

I've done SF many times, and Sonoma is still my favorite. I would spend half a day there even if I had never been to SF and only had a weekend. I'm not big into touristy stuff, though.

I do. It's a cool town in spite of itself.

I found the hills fun. My wife, not so much -- especially the evening she was wearing heels. :evil:

Yep.

That's a good way to put it.

Did you eat at the counter or a table? Those waiters have to die for someone else to get their position. Nobody ever leaves or quits from what I understand.

The Capino is incredible:drool:

I would skip down town, but then again I have been there many times. If you like the smell of human urine, and the potential of seeing a homeless person take a shit right in front of you, it is a must see.

Did any of you field hippies mention Haight-Ashbury?
http://www.sfgate.com/neighborhoods/sf/haight/

If you like music, go up to Berkeley and see the Freight and Salvage.
http://www.thefreight.org/
Ask for my Friend Tim McGraw, the night manager. He's an old friend of mine and will take good care of you.

Table. Totally unpretentious place. Wasn't very crowded when we ate there.

Yes, half day for Alcatraz....Maybe a 3rd of a day. Been a while since I have been but I think it was about 3-4 hours tops.

I can't help you too much if the women are snobs, the Tequila places I would recommend all have real Mexicans and people that speak Spanish.

Edit: Any High Class Bar would be cool and tequila is extremely popular so you shouldnt have a problem getting top shelf...

A place like 'Top of the Mark' (click for info)will have a good view, overpriced drinks.and a more sophisticated type of feel..while more 'hole in the wall' places might be more loud, and have cheaper drinks.,,,depends on what youre lookin for really...

Oh BTW: STAY OUT OF OAKLAND.

Imagine the turn this thread would take if TheGuardian was around.

Great city for bum spotting. Can even see bum groups downtown. Steam grates on sidewalks attract them like bait.

Sausalito has a nice little outdoor market if you go to Muir Woods Id stop here. The Japanese Tea Garden's are something to check out. Ansel Adams has an exhibit there thats worth a look. It really depends on what you like. There are some nice mom and pop Italian places I could recommended as well. Love the city.

SF Academy of Sciences & the DeYoung Museum

http://media2.px.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/...apkwVbm1tl6A/l

Take the ferry to Tiburon for brunch, or Sausalito if that fits your schedule better. Be sure to leave from the Ferry building. Absolutely awesome, even if you are hiding in the ferry looking out through the large windows.

I like the Bay Bridge better than Golden actually. You can eat lunch at Gordon Biersch in downtown SF and look at the Bay Bridge as you eat.. may be too cold though. It is just a metro ride from the Ferry building. Take the metro toward Giants stadium (or whatever it is called).

Hyde Street Seafood is really good, but jeans may be just a bit casual.

If you like Sushi, try Godzilla Sushi. Again, just a bus or two ride from Union Station.

Sam Wo's in China town is good food and really an interesting atmosphere.

Unless you really like art, I'ld skip the big classic museums there (DeYoung), although sometimes there is some good modern stuff in the downtown art museum. The DeYoung is too far out, and not enough interesting art there. IMO, SF is not a museum city at all.

On a warmer day, the Golden Gate park is a must.

Muir Woods gives you the best feeling of California, just outside the city. And you would get to ride over the Golden Gate bridge at the same time.

The seafood place out by the ocean ( some local can name it ) is a nice time, and in doors with a real nice view.

Avoid Fisherman's wharf.

There are some good old bars as well, which I could recommend if you like that scene. (not the Castro scene of course)

Lived there for 2.5 years, and loved it.. looking to move back when possible.

LOL

http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/exh...auguin-cezanne

Van Gogh, Cezanne, Gaugin....

If you havent had a chance to see any of the masterpieces by these guys, I would say it is worth a drive since the guy has a car. If Masterpieces are old hat and youve been to other great museums...then I could agree.

Edit: My Bad -- Looks like Youre going at the end of Jan...I mis-read your OP...Hmmm well...I would do some research and see if there will be any exhibits you are interested in.....I was only reccommending the deyoung for this exhibit from the Orsay....Bummer..

If you were gonna be there before the 18th I would say go for sure and not miss this:

http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/1009...angogh_big.jpg

Oakland is OK between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, after that you're on your own, I don't think the police even want to get out after 5:00.

only if you want to score some crack or rob an old lady otherwise stay the F out all together.

Gay parade?

:: chuckle ::

Didn't mean to come off as a museum-snob, but yeah... I guess I have been to most the great art museums. Also seems like I got stuck in the classics or something out there.

I'ld rather go to SFMOMA to see some wierd shit I guess. I do really like the MLK memorial there. Real moving behind the waterfall.

EDIT: I was thinking of the Legion of Honor actually. DeYoung isn't that far out.

Went to San Fransciso for the first time last year and I think it maybe my favorite city to visit. That is even after I stayed 3-4 blocks from downtown and had to walk everyday past all the bums and druggies.

We did the obvious things like Fisherman's Wharf, rode the Cable Cars, Golden Gate bridge, Chinatown (loved it) and Alcatraz. I was there for a conference so I didn't get to do much. I decided to arrive a couple of days early to do the tourist stuff.

BTW Expedia right now has cheap deals to go to San Francisco if anyone is interested.

I hear you..I love museums and RARELY go to the MoMA, De Young or Legion EXCEPT for when shit like the Orsay or whatnot comes to town....But I have been to the best Museums in the world so I am a fellow snob...hehehe

I was thinking if they were as he described (northern Midwestern from a commercial) that a chance to see Van Gogh, Cezanne, Gaugin might be something new...but alas...the orsay collection is leaving town.....on the 18th... boo!

I'll seee what else I can dig up though...They only have 2 days so its gotta be GOOD!

I went to San Fran like 8 years ago with my Dad and we bought tickets to Alcatraz on the day of. It was the most epic tour I've ever taken. I don't know if things have changed, but you might be able to go without booking in advance.

The famous UnHappy Meals of McDonalds.

Go into Chinatown and ask real loud "Hey,Where are arr the Gray Preople???"

In San Francisco what seperates the men from the boys?
A crowbar.

Bay Bridge to Oakland,
Alcatraz
Wine Country
Bay Bridge to Sausaletto (sp)
Fisherman's Wharf
Cable Cars
Chinatown
Presidio
Seal Island
As a piece of trivia, when Alcatraz was closed in 1963-64, the U.S, had no idea what to do with the "Rock" after it closed and put it up for sale. LaMarr Hunt was interested in buying it as a site for "amusement park", his bid was turned down as the Govt kept the island. Al Capone once refered to Alcatraz" as "Worlds Of Fun", the name of the later Hunt built K.C. theme park.

*Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito...

Sausalito is a cool little town with some decent restaurants, worth a little dinner trip for sure..Agreed 100%

You couldn't be more wrong. Take a stroll through Hunters Point. The thugs from 9th and Qunidaro or The Paseo wouldn't survive 10 minutes there. Also, OJ is from the projects in Potrero Hill which still have the same buildings that OJ probably lived in. If you want to experience some of that same culture in downtown SF go to the Tenderloin.

the old presideo caverns are between golden gate and the wharf. they are pretty cool, and you can see them, the wharf, golden gate, and marin county all in a day or two. If you rent a car, going north to Muir woods is great, but so is going south to half moon bay or even down to Santa Cruz, although it is about an hour.

I lived in the Tenderloin, although residents seem to prefer Lower Nob Hill. Not totally sure what your point was.. it was actually fairly safe there. Never had any trouble.

And it is a fact that San Francisco has one of the smallest black populations of any major city. Which is also the reason that Oakland has such a high population.

That sounds cool.. I'm going to have to try and remember that the next time I go out there. Never heard of those.

Lower Knob Hill? That is Realtor speak. I lived on Sutter which had a 1 block buffer (Post) then it was the Tenderloin. We called that bueffer area the Tenderknob. Ellis and Eddy are far from safe after the sun goes down.

My point was that there are a lot of black neighborhoods in SF. More than Gore and Iron Mike. I didn't even get into Baypoint, Civic Center or the Western Addition.