San Francisco

[Pacolovestacos]

If you like it, fine. I think it's OK, but worth an hour of time just to see a stone wheel crushing chocolate? If you have to have it, there's another location right at Ghirardelli Square with the same menu, but the one next to the street is the one with lines up to an hour to get in.

There's a ton of really good ice cream places in San Francisco or elsewhere in the Bay Area. Humphrey Slocombe at the Ferry Building is excellent. Bi-Rite Creamery has lines out the door. Now Fentons Creamery is special, but you'll have to go to Oakland (or the new location in Vacaville) for that.

Yup I mean, if I lived there, of course I would never wait an hour unless I was entertaining out of town friends. I've never been to SF before but will go in June. Looks like the place stays open till 11pm so if I head there after a nice dinner, doesn't seem like that bad of a way to spend a late evening.

 

[bcla]

Yup I mean, if I lived there, of course I would never wait an hour unless I was entertaining out of town friends. I've never been to SF before but will go in June. Looks like the place stays open till 11pm so if I head there after a nice dinner, doesn't seem like that bad of a way to spend a late evening.

I actually like Fishermans Wharf. I take my kid there to do the local tourist thing - especially taking the San Francisco Bay Ferry. I steer away from the tourist traps, but there some gems there like Musee Mechanique and Boudin's demonstration bakery. It has the only In-N-Out in San Francisco. There's plenty of free stuff too, such as shows at Pier 39 and the sea lions lounging on platforms. Certain sections are wall to wall trinket shops and chain restaurants like Applebee's, Bubba Gump's, and Rainforest Cafe. The only Hooters in San Francisco did close down though.

There is value there. There's a Safeway supermarket, Trader Joe's, and CVS.

 

[Hikergirl]

We didn't wait an hour, not even 10 minutes. Ice cream is ice cream to me, but I thought the place was a nice spot to sit with the kids and have a treat. I'd been to SF before and we never went there so I figured this last time what the heck.
I just don't get the why would you bother attitude. Everyone is different and people may find Ghiardelli worthy of their time. There is nothing wrong with letting people know there are other options, might want to work on your approach though.

 

[chattadisser]

If you like it, fine. I think it's OK, but worth an hour of time just to see a stone wheel crushing chocolate? If you have to have it, there's another location right at Ghirardelli Square with the same menu, but the one next to the street is the one with lines up to an hour to get in.

There's a ton of really good ice cream places in San Francisco or elsewhere in the Bay Area. Humphrey Slocombe at the Ferry Building is excellent. Bi-Rite Creamery has lines out the door. Now Fentons Creamery is special, but you'll have to go to Oakland (or the new location in Vacaville) for that.

We went about a year ago and while Ghirardelli is great, Humphrey Slocombe in the Ferry building has the best ice cream hands down. My kids still talk about it.

 

[garada3]

Humphrey Slocombe.

Special Breakfast.

Best. Ice Cream. Ever.

 

[bcla]

We went about a year ago and while Ghirardelli is great, Humphrey Slocombe in the Ferry building has the best ice cream hands down. My kids still talk about it.

The ice cream they serve at Ghirardelli is just Dreyer's. It's fine, but really the stuff that can be bought at any supermarket or discount store as Dreyer's (or Edy's).

Strangely enough, I was at a Grocery Outlet store looking for something unique. They had a variety of odd Dreyer's flavors, but also some labeled Edy's. I've never seen that before. To me, Edy's was an ice cream shop and restaurant in Berkeley. The ice cream was Dreyer's.

San Francisco has a host of great ice cream places. There's the original Swensen's. Of course Humphry Slocombe. Then there's the lines around the block for Bi-Rite. I guess salted caramel is their signature flavor, but I like their Earl Grey tea flavor.

Blue Bottle Coffee does an affogato. The one at the Ferry Building made theirs with Humphry Slocombe ice cream even before Humphry Slocombe had a location there.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Well, from the City to Napa or Sonoma County is easily 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes (depending on location and traffic). It is a very congested route. So, it depends on how much time you want to spend on the road whether you stay there or in the city.. Also, if you are doing wine tasting, I strongly suggest that you either have a designated driver and/or have someone else drive you. Sampling at 3-4 places could easily have you end up pretty tipsy (or worse). Lots of accidents happen there for exactly this reason.


We did an airbnb in November that might work for your group -- it had 4 bedrooms (unusual in San Francisco), and two bathrooms and was very affordable, not to mention clean and had ample street parking available (very rare!) so renting a car would be possible. I'm happy to share specific details if you want. It was in the area of Golden Gate Park, so pretty convenient to get to the Golden Gate Bridge and points north.

The other option would be to spend your entire trip staying at a place in San Rafael, or Mill Valley. Lots of rentals available in both areas. And, an easy drive to the City (30 minutes or less outside of commute times), and would then substantially cut your travel time to Napa or Sonoma. There are also a couple of hotels in the area that I recommend to guests when they visit the area (I lived in the area for 20+ years). There are also a ton of wonderful things to see in Marin County (which is where these two towns are), including most famously Muir Woods and the Redwoods. The ideal way to see Muir Woods is FIRST THING IN THE MORNING, which would be easy to do if you stayed convenient to that. To get to the City, you'd drive OVER the Golden Gate Bridge....just like a local. And, the Disney Museum is located right near the Golden Gate Bridge.

Location is very important "in" the City...some neighborhoods are walkable with lots of great dining; others not so much. Again, more than happy to steer you in the right direction.

Know that late June is sub-optimal weather "in" the City. Lots of fog. Tends to be on the very cool side. OTOH, in Mill Valley, it will be (on average) 10 degrees warmer and sunnier, and in San Rafael, 10 degrees warmer still and even sunnier. It's hard for people not from the area to fathom how different the weather can be in short distances, but it is true. My sister visited us once when we lived in Mill Valley, she complained that our town was "too cool" and then when we went to San Rafael, that it was "too hot." LOL. Same day. Napa can be downright hot in the summer months.

I hope this helps, and like I say, feel free to message me off line if you want more information or advice on specific rentals. I know Marin and the City very very well.

Also, plan to bring a hoody with you for the City. I've seen locals wearing down coats in the City in the summer...but that's overkill. LOL. But, I cannot stress enough the need for layers and long pants. Vendors on Fisherman's Wharf make a killing selling hoodies and sweatshirts to the unsuspecting tourists equipped with nothing but shorts and t-shirts.

We wore our heavy Winter coats on Fisherman's Wharf in June of '77. It was damp, windy, cloudy, and 42 degrees. It was warmer on Pike's Peak a week later LOL

 

[sasywtch]

I always squirm at these type of posts because people like to do what interests them. I am one of those that likes to go see what I've seen in pictures whether they are dorky or not. Just because I want to say, saw it. The Golden Gate Bridge is just another bridge to me but for some visiting from the east coast, it's something they've seen on tv/movies.
Here's my list of things you may or may not like:
Like watching them make and buying the sourdough on Fisherman's wharf.
I am one that drives down Lombard Street and takes a picture at the bottom
I have yet to ride a cable car but want to
I want to go to China Town and actually look instead of running to find a bathroom there
Walt Disney Museum
We went by the houses on full house
Drove by Haight/Ashbury-one of those, wanted to see, btdt
Alcatraz-good for some, not for me

 

[mnrose]

I always squirm at these type of posts because people like to do what interests them. I am one of those that likes to go see what I've seen in pictures whether they are dorky or not. Just because I want to say, saw it. The Golden Gate Bridge is just another bridge to me but for some visiting from the east coast, it's something they've seen on tv/movies.
Here's my list of things you may or may not like:
Like watching them make and buying the sourdough on Fisherman's wharf.
I am one that drives down Lombard Street and takes a picture at the bottom
I have yet to ride a cable car but want to
I want to go to China Town and actually look instead of running to find a bathroom there
Walt Disney Museum
We went by the houses on full house
Drove by Haight/Ashbury-one of those, wanted to see, btdt
Alcatraz-good for some, not for me

You are very correct. Everyone has different interest. I think there is something for just about anyone in San Francisco. You just have to figure out what it is for you. Cable cars are worth the ride for sure (it's pretty iconic), but to avoid lines, think about going early in the morning or later in the evening. June is prime tourist season and the waits can be worse than the popular Disney rides. LOL. And, it 'taint that good. And, I'm with you on Alcatraz. Don't.get.it. But, if you are a history buff, I could see it. And, I'm also a sucker for China Town, especially if you get off the main street on to some of the side streets.

I'd add Golden Gate Park to the list, especially the museums. And, if you are into plants, the Arboretum is one of the very best.

 

[AustinTink]

We went about a year ago and while Ghirardelli is great, Humphrey Slocombe in the Ferry building has the best ice cream hands down. My kids still talk about it.

Humphrey Slocombe for dessert after a burger from Gott's in the Ferry building is the perfect combination!

 

[BethID]

My husband and I spent 4 days there this past July for our anniversary. We stayed a couple of blocks off Union square and used public transportation. It was definitely chilly and foggy during mornings and evenings. We even had to go and buy a blanket to take to an evening Giants game.
If you want to explore different parts of the city, consider using San Francisco city guides. They offer walking tours and they are free. Every day there are 10 or more tours available. They last about 2 hours. Donations are welcome; they go to help fund the program. The guides are volunteers that love their city and want to share it with others. We did a Chinatown tour one day and a Castro district tour another. I highly recommend them
Their website is sfcityguides.org.

 

[bcla]

You are very correct. Everyone has different interest. I think there is something for just about anyone in San Francisco. You just have to figure out what it is for you. Cable cars are worth the ride for sure (it's pretty iconic), but to avoid lines, think about going early in the morning or later in the evening. June is prime tourist season and the waits can be worse than the popular Disney rides. LOL. And, it 'taint that good. And, I'm with you on Alcatraz. Don't.get.it. But, if you are a history buff, I could see it. And, I'm also a sucker for China Town, especially if you get off the main street on to some of the side streets.

I'd add Golden Gate Park to the list, especially the museums. And, if you are into plants, the Arboretum is one of the very best.

Even I'll take cable cars. However, over the years it's changed from practical transportation to a tourist ride. I remember when it was only something like a 25 cent premium over regular bus fare. Now it's $7.

As for Alcatraz, I think it's worth a visit if you know what you're looking for. The last time I was there I caught a ranger (with a Chicago accent) talking about Al Capone. He was a spectacular story teller and he had a huge crowd around him transfixed on his every word. But if you're looking for views from San Francisco Bay, the ferry to/from Sausalito is about as good.

As for Chinatown, it's really kind of seedy except for Grant Ave with all the kitchey tourist shops. It's kind of odd to me how various Chinatowns become tourist attractions. I get the fascination with a different culture transplanted onto American soil, and the chance to get something more or less "exotic" to eat. Still - it's kind of grimy. The classic Chinatowns in the US were essentially ghettos populated by poor migrant workers from Southern China. San Francisco Chinatown was primarily settled by immigrants from the Taishan region of Guangdong Province. Most of the Chinese-Americans I know who shop there go in quickly and get the heck out. They'll do it to save money, but they're really more dispersed to more suburban parts of San Francisco or the rest of the Bay Area. They're more likely to shop at Ranch 99 or other large Asian supermarket chains than Chinatown.

At least San Francisco still has an active Chinatown. I've asked around visiting other cities where I might find Chinese food. Many have slowly lost their way. Sacramento's was redeveloped into something that completely lost its identity.

 

[AustinTink]

As for Chinatown, it's really kind of seedy except for Grant Ave with all the kitchey tourist shops. It's kind of odd to me how various Chinatowns become tourist attractions. I get the fascination with a different culture transplanted onto American soil, and the chance to get something more or less "exotic" to eat. Still - it's kind of grimy. The classic Chinatowns in the US were essentially ghettos populated by poor migrant workers from Southern China. San Francisco Chinatown was primarily settled by immigrants from the Taishan region of Guangdong Province. Most of the Chinese-Americans I know who shop there go in quickly and get the heck out. They'll do it to save money, but they're really more dispersed to more suburban parts of San Francisco or the rest of the Bay Area. They're more likely to shop at Ranch 99 or other large Asian supermarket chains than Chinatown.

We're just tourists, but we really did enjoy our meal at House of Nanking in Chinatown. The owner was there that day and took our menus away when we told him we were newcomers. He brought out a four course meal, of his choosing, that was one of the highlights of our trip. I read that he and his daughter had opened a more modern asian restaurant in Soma called Fang (their last name). Going to try that one next time.

 

[xlxo]

I know who shop there go in quickly and get the heck out.

The Portsmouth Square Garage at $3/hour encourages me to keep my visit short. Wasn't cheap when I left my car there for 8 hours on my last visit to check out Dim Sum & the cable cars.

I got stuck at Fisherman's wharf for 90 minutes waiting for a return cable car in August.

 

[AustinTink]

We love to eat and explore new areas, so often times we will start off our adventures in a new city with a walking food tour. We did one in San Francisco that took us through North Beach/ Little Italy. On all the food tours we have been on, you not only get to taste delicious samplings from local joints you might not have found otherwise, but you get a real in-depth feel for the neighborhoods the tours cover. Now, whenever we return to San Francisco, we always pop into our favorite little bakery/coffee shop that we would never have discovered otherwise.

We did this tour in SF... http://www.sffoodtour.com/north-beach-litte-italy.html

 

[bcla]

We're just tourists, but we really did enjoy our meal at House of Nanking in Chinatown. The owner was there that day and took our menus away when we told him we were newcomers. He brought out a four course meal, of his choosing, that was one of the highlights of our trip. I read that he and his daughter had opened a more modern asian restaurant in Soma called Fang (their last name). Going to try that one next time.

Quite familiar with House of Nanking, as I've been going there since the 90s. That place has always been pretty popular, even among the local Chinese. My wife and I have been to Fang once, and got the "Peter Fang treatment". We were going to see a movie at the Metreon and just happened to park in front and had a look. If Peter is there, he gives some of his customers the option of just letting him choose what to bring, with the possibility of off-menu items. What we ended up with was a stewed carp with radish and duck "bao". There was one other item I don't recall. My big worry was that we would get fleeced with expensive items that we didn't choose or like, but in the end it was something like $30 before tip for the two of us. This is how his website describes it:

http://www.fangrestaurant.com/peter-fang.html

Countless diners from all over the world can attest that, despite being the chef, Mr. Peter Fang never misses an opportunity to personally take orders from customers often grabbing the menu and convincing diners to have faith in him.​

The Portsmouth Square Garage at $3/hour encourages me to keep my visit short. Wasn't cheap when I left my car there for 8 hours on my last visit to check out Dim Sum & the cable cars.

I got stuck at Fisherman's wharf for 90 minutes waiting for a return cable car in August.

I'm not going to reveal my parking secrets for Chinatown.

As for waiting in line for a cable car, the F streetcar line goes from Fishermans Wharf to right in front of the Market Street cable car turnaround. Or if you're adventurous, maybe the 30 Stockton going through Chinatown. There's an urban legend about the 30 Stockton dating back to the time when live chickens could be sold in San Francisco. Some old Chinese lady tries to board the 30 Stockton with a live chicken but the driver tells her that they don't allow live animals on board. So the story goes that she either wrings the chicken's neck or slams it against a fire hydrant and comes back. "Chicken dead now!"

 

[AustinTink]

Quite familiar with House of Nanking, as I've been going there since the 90s. That place has always been pretty popular, even among the local Chinese. My wife and I have been to Fang once, and got the "Peter Fang treatment". We were going to see a movie at the Metreon and just happened to park in front and had a look. If Peter is there, he gives some of his customers the option of just letting him choose what to bring, with the possibility of off-menu items. What we ended up with was a stewed carp with radish and duck "bao". There was one other item I don't recall. My big worry was that we would get fleeced with expensive items that we didn't choose or like, but in the end it was something like $30 before tip for the two of us. This is how his website describes it:

http://www.fangrestaurant.com/peter-fang.html

Countless diners from all over the world can attest that, despite being the chef, Mr. Peter Fang never misses an opportunity to personally take orders from customers often grabbing the menu and convincing diners to have faith in him.​

Yep. I read up about him afterward. The "stealing the menu" bit is his thing. But it was still cool. I was worried because I have a shellfish allergy and oyster sauce is hidden in a lot of chinese dishes. He said "no problem" and it was honestly the best Chinese I have had in years, given my allergy.

 

[bcla]

Yep. I read up about him afterward. The "stealing the menu" bit is his thing. But it was still cool. I was worried because I have a shellfish allergy and oyster sauce is hidden in a lot of chinese dishes. He said "no problem" and it was honestly the best Chinese I have had in years, given my allergy.

Yeah - allergies can be a pain to deal with. I think I have a slight crab allergy, even though I love crab. I get a slightly numbing/tingling sensation on my lips if I've had crab. I don't get it if I've taken an antihistamine beforehand so I don't think it's food poisoning. MIL has a life-threatening allergy from squid. No matter where we go she asks if there might be squid or cuttlefish somewhere. She even asked that in a Thai restaurant, where the waitress said they used Thai fish sauce but no squid. There is a "Squid" brand of Thai fish sauce. No actual squid used, but it would probably freak out my MIL if she saw it.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Some things, I've gotten from back when that was part of my stomping grounds.

"The golden gate bridge isn't anything. It isn't even gold. It's red. They should call it the Redden Gate Bridge.

Me banging head on wall.

The wharf is nothing but tourist restaurants.
Well where did you eat.
Bubba Gump and Joe's Crap shack.
You mean you were right across the street from the old wharf and you didn't go to one of the places that has been there for nearly 100 years now?
Well we wanted to go somewhere we knew.

Me banging head on wall.

I didn't think the seafood place you suggested was any good and was totally expensive for the same thing I can get anywhere.
Well what did you eat?
Fried chicken fingers.

Me banging head on wall.

That chinese place you suggested stank. It isn't any better than a hole in the wall.
Well what did you eat?
Fried rice, Sweet and sour, and Chow Mean.

Me banging head on wall.

I love the wharf. To be more specific, I love the old wharf area. Yes it's touristy but there are places that have been there nearly 100 years. Your experience will be enhanced considerably if you go to some place you don't have and stay away from the chains and order some local faire. I love Chinatown too.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

By the way, if you go in summer, bring a light jacket. When the fog rolls in it can be cold, misty, and windy.