San Fran and DL in June 2002. Some Questions.

[Laz]

Last visit in 96, we went to San Diego 4 nights and then went to DL for 5. This time we were thinking about going to San Fran before DL in June of 02. Some questions: How long do we spend in San Fran to see the major attractions? What are the "must see" attractions? How long of a drive is it from SF to DL? Any thing else I should know? It will be a trip with 2 adults and my 12 year old DD. Thanks in advance.

 

[Judy from Boise]

Honestly I have never thought there was that much to do In San Fransico, 2 days max me out, but then on the drive down you will want to spend time in Monterey to see the coast and 17 mile drive, San Simeon to see Hearst Castle, maybe a day in Santa Barbara at the beach, then into LA.

 

[teri]

There are 2 threads that you should check out on this board, and I am working on the SF one this week. Go look at Other Things to Do In Southern California to which I have added attractions that are between SF and LA, about 5 posts down.

Also, look at the thread about driving between SF and LA which discusses the driving routes.

Also, there was a recent thread on the DVC board about SF, Calling all CA experts which may have some ideas and links for you.

I will be adding SF and San Jose attractions soon... got motivated!

 

[year2late]

Here is a cool idea. From Anaheim, take the COAST STARLIGHT (Amtrack) all the way up the line into Washington. Get a family sleeper Car. SOOOO COOOL. We have done it a number of times ---what a beautiful trip!!!!!! You can either Coast Starlight it back or fly!

 

[teri]

Here is another thread with some info about SF... http://64.225.125.24/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=64590&highlight=San+Francisco

And this other thread is VERY good Any San Francisco Experts?

and one about Napa

 

[sueg]

We, DH, DSs (14&7) & myself, have just arriving in Orange, CA where we enjoyed an Angels game (Yankees lost BOOO!). We are in a wonderful family suite at the Hilton, based on a suggestion from DIS. Tomorrow, we move over to GC for four days at DL/CA.
We flew into SF, arrived late in evening, last Tues., and spent 3 nts. at Fisherman's Wharf. We went to Alcatraz, toured a sub and browsed the Wharf shops. We took a trolley to Sony Metreon. Next day, we rented a car and drove to Muir Woods. We were planning to go to Golden Gate Park to do museums, Conservatory, Exploratorium, but we suddenly decided to go to Napa and toured the Coppola winery. We left the next morning for Monterey where we enjoyed the Cannery. On to Hearst Castle, Morro Beach and Santa Maria. I like Frisco and would have easily spent 2-3 more days there, but we only had 10 days total and we wanted to break up the drive down to DL. Great trip so far. Feel free to ask questios.

 

[Sarangel]

I know a lot of this will be covered in the other threads, but here's my list of things not to miss in SF (you can judge for yourself how long they'll take, based on your personal taste):

Golden Gate Park, specifically the Hall of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden & the Conservatory. There's also a restored carousel. The park is huge, and if you go on a sunday, they block off part of it so you can rollerskate or bike without cars (they rent skates nearby).

Cable Cars are a SF Landmark, but in addition to taking the line between Union Square and Girardelhi (sp?) Square, check out the Cable Car Museum on the California Street line.

Golden Gate Bridge is great to walk or bicycle across. If you like the scenery, you can also check out the Marin Headlands.

The Exploratorium in the Palace of Fine Arts just down Doyle Drive from the Golden Gate Bridge is a wonderful hands on science museum, and allows for easy access to the presidio (more park space) and marina, which is a great place to take pictures of the family with the GG Bridge in the background.

Lombard Street and Coit Tower I'd seriously suggest walking for both of these. Park in the Marina area and walk down the crookedest street in the world and keep going til you get to Coit Tower, driving is bumper to bumper all the time during the summer.

Since I've lived in the area for a long time, these are places I take people. I will admit now that I've never been to Alcatraz, so I can't help you with that part if you're thinking about going there.

I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have.

Sarangel

 

[LuvTigger]

I spent 3 nights in San Fran and although it was adequate, I could've stayed longer. It is an expensive city though. Also, will you be renting a car?

We drove to Monterey and that was really a highlight of our trip there. It takes about 1 - 1 1/2 hours. There's the aquarium and 17-mile drive, which is gorgeous.

In addition to the above posters points-of-interest, I'd like to add Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. There's also Ghiradelli Square which I never made it too. There are supposed to be lots of great shops all over (again, didn't make it!).

 

[Uncle Buck]

Opt for a leisurely drive down the coast. Plan these stops...

<li>San Francisco - if you feel you can't do without it (Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Cable Car ride)
<li>Santa Cruz (Boardwalk - Giant Dipper, people watch)
<li>Monterey/Carmel (Monterey Bay Acquarium, Wharf, Cannery Row, 17-mile drive, Hog's Breath)
<li>Big Sur (Giant redwoods, State Park, State Beach, Big Sur Lodge, lunch or dinner at Nepenthe)
<li>San Simeon (Hearst Castle)
<li>Morro Bay/San Luis Obispo (Madonna Inn)
<li>Santa Barbara

These stops will give you a good cross-section of California life with many opportunities to still feel a world away. Lots more to California than the big cities. There are helpful links to many of these places on the threads already mentioned.

 

[Laz]

Leave it to the people of the Dis to get me pumped up about the Calif. Coast! Their seems to be SO much to do its overwhelming! Can anyone reccommend a good guide book that I can read over the winter? Also If I drive that Pacific Coast Highway, How long should I allow so that I can appreciate all that is on that route? You guys and gals are great!

 

[teri]

People can, and do, drive from SF to LA on Rt. 1 in one day, it is about 10 non-stop hours that way. But I wouldn't be able to do it!!!! Too much to see and do.

 

[year2late]

In another push for the Amtrack Coast Starlight - it follows follows the Coast and is some of the most beautiful California Scenery available. The have wine tasting, gourmet meals,movies. I love taking it back home (Anaheim to SF Bay Area) it is the perfect relaxing end to a action packed vacation like DL/DCA/etc)

Sorry for the overzealous response!

 

[teri]

There are 2 Golden Gate Parks... The one in the middle of the city, which is beautiful and has lots of lovely features, and then the Golden Gate National Recreation Area which is on both sides of the Golden Gate Bridge. On the Marin Co. Side, you have the most incredible cliff views of SF, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay and the ocean. If you are not afraid of standing next to a cliff (I can't!) then this is the place to go. Plenty of good biking and hiking trails there. (I stay in the car and enjoy a good book while my family goes out and takes in the view.) Sausalito is on the other side of the road, and it is worth a visit as well.