Planning a Trip to San Francisco

[janeossie]

I was wondering if you can offer any advice. I am going to San Francisco for a long weekend in February can anyone offer any advice of where to stay, must dos, places to eat ect.

Fishermans Wharf looks a good area to stay what do you think? Also is there any companys like Ibex there to arrange transfers from airport?

Many thanks
Jane

 

[sam_b]

Hi Jane,

I loved San Francisco when I went for 5 days a couple of years ago.
I stayed at the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf, which was a great location, but struck me as a little expensive.

You absolutely MUST go to Alcatraz. You need to book this trip as soon as you arrive as tickets can sell out quickly. The ferry across is fantastic and will give you great photo ops.
The tour of the prison is an individual one- everyone gets headphones and goes around at their own pace. You hear the voices of former inmates and wardens and the sounds of prison life as you walk around. It is very absorbing. If you take your headphones off mid tour, it is even more weird as the place is silent and full of people walking around in their own worlds.

Fisherman's Wharf is pretty lively for shopping and eating, very touristy.

The highlight of my trip was hiring a bicycle and cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge. You don't have to be very fit to do this - you can even catch the ferry back for no extra cost - but man the views!! I used a firm called Blazing Saddles. Across the bridge is Sausalito which is nice for shopping and eating.

The Embarcadero (sp) is good for shopping and their is a huge building with an observation deck - the Sky Deck, I think.

Try to see Lombard street (the really twisty one) and China Town.

You HAVE to ride the trolleys - nothing can prepare you for how steep the roads are and the fun of hanging onto a trolley!

I can't remember who we used for airport transfers, but I do remember it was a set tariff with most companies.

Have a fantastic time!

 

[Claire Chatts]

Totally agree that you must go to Alcatraz!! We booked our tickets before we went and if you want to go and are only there for a WE I recommend you book too as al ferries get very busy. You only book the trip over and come back when you like.

We stayed at Holiday Inn Fishermans Wharf, good value and great location.

If you like comedy clubs check out the Cobb comedy club, opposite the Ghiradelli centre (a walk from Fishermans Wharf) and the restaurant in there is great too, cajun style. You can get a dinner and show price.

Definitely ride the cable cars and eat in China town, great food. We picked a restaurant for lunch with plenty of chinese in it!

We drove over the Golden Gate bridge to Marin County and did a nature walk (We had a week there so did lots). There's a Seal and Sea lion rescue centre over there too. Very relaxing.

Also recommend a ferry trip to Saucilito, lovely place for lunch or dinner! and quaint shopping.

If you like Indian food then one of the best restaurants in the country (apparently!) is there called Gaylord, very nice and if you can get a table by the window overlooking Alcatraz and the coast it's a great view too.

There's also a lovely seafood restaurant called McCormick and something (can't quite remember!) pricey but nice for a speacial night!

Hope this helps, any more ?'s ask away.

Sorry, can't help with transport as we drove from LA.

Claire

 

[SimonV]

I can also recommend Sinbad's restaurant just downfrom Pier 39; go there at dusk and enjoy the sunset over the Bay. Very romantic. Sausalito is also great for Sunday brunch. The city is easy to get around on public transport and the shopping is great! Check out www.sfvisitor.org for more info. It truly is a great city.