We're researching our port excursions this week. A few friends have recommended various things to do, and Muir Woods seems to be most exciting for us, followed by the maritime museum and Exploratorium (both within walking distance of the pier).
The only
DCL excursion going to Muir Woods only stops for 90 minutes and then goes to Sausalito. Does anyone know if there is a way to go hiking in Muir Woods without going to Sausalito? Is there much to do in Sausalito other than shopping and galleries? (Google isn't helping me answer that.)
Are there many other places to go hiking in San Francisco? Particularly ones within walking distance of the ship...
Did this last year and worked great...
Rent a car (there are some within walking distance of the pier, but reserve ahead of time and get there early). Drive across the bridge (awesome!). Continue on to Muir Woods and stay as long as you like...it's beautiful. You can continue on to the coast if you like as well but it will take extra time. Roads are a bit curvy too. Drive to/thru Saulsalito on the way back if you desire (we just drove thru...did not stop...would not do it again), or you could skip this altogether. Drive up into the hills northwest of the Golden Gate...numerous photo stops...go all the way to the top and stop at as many as you like for different and amazing perspectives! You get pictures of the bridge with the city in the background, ships going under, etc. Come back down and stop at the very North end of the Golden Gate bridge (there's a parking lot with stairs/trail under the bridge to the observation point on the east (other) side)...again, great photo op for bridge, city, and Alcatraz. You can also make this stop on the way to the Muir woods if you want, just after crossing the bridge northbound. Drive back to the city, drop off the car, and walk the Fisherman's wharf area or see whatever else you want near the pier (then you don't have to worry abouting missing the ship). Pier 39 is very touristy, but it's cool to see the sea lions on the docks immediately to the west (just follow the noise and the smell). No problem doing all this in a day if you get an reasonably early start.
Forgot one thing...if you have time, before you turn the car in, drive down Lombard street. It was pretty cool. You can park near the bottom and take pictures too.
Anyway, easy to do on your own with a little planning. We also got awesome pictures going under the bridge on the ship as we cruised into and out off San Fran, so make sure to go up on deck for that. We've actually done it a few times and it never gets old. Have fun!
P.S. For others looking at walking, we walked from the pier to Chinatown for DimSum and shopping (you can take a bus if you want), then walked from there to Telegraph Hill/Coit Tower (yes, it's UP hill, but managable...great exercise), then walk DOWN hill back to the pier. Again, very doable if you're a good walker.
