San Francisco

[sk!mom]

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.

Thank you for the suggestion of the walking tours. London Walks was one of our favorite experiences so we'll check it out. We're staying 4 days, as well. We are Texans so chilly sounds devine in the summer.

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.

Please post your restaurant suggestion. We avoid chains in favor of local at home so absolutely, it's a must, on vacation.

I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. Everyone enjoys different things, thank goodness, all the popular destinations are crowded enough. I feel the same way when someone mentions visiting Galveston or Schlitterbahn, "Eh, if you must."

 

[bcla]

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.

Ironically enough, not even red. It's orange.

As for Chinatown, for the most part the restaurant scene isn't what it used to be. All the big room dim sum houses closed except for New Asia. R&G Lounge is good, but expensive. The most hilarious thing is the Great Eastern Restaurant where Obama got takeout several years ago. Well, it's not that hilarious, but the restaurant next door has a picture on the window showing him standing in front even though he bought something next door.

 

[Pacolovestacos]

Ironically enough, not even red. It's orange.

As for Chinatown, for the most part the restaurant scene isn't what it used to be. All the big room dim sum houses closed except for New Asia. R&G Lounge is good, but expensive. The most hilarious thing is the Great Eastern Restaurant where Obama got takeout several years ago. Well, it's not that hilarious, but the restaurant next door has a picture on the window showing him standing in front even though he bought something next door.

What about "Hakkasan?"

 

[bcla]

What about "Hakkasan?"

Never been there. Around Union Square I usually go for mid-priced standbys. Boudin in the basement of Macy's is pretty reliable. There are a couple of Thai restaurants that I like - King of Thai Noodle and Bangkok Thai.

Chinatown is what it is. Most who live there are poor, although there are a few modern apartment and condo complexes near the edge. The restaurant scene is complicated. The bakery and take out places are still cheap and reliable. Many have lines out the door. Many of the sit down restaurants are tourist traps. Some of the better restaurants closed shop because Chinese in the Bay Area dispersed to the suburbs. Asian malls often have the best Chinese food in the area. The one thing that my Chinese friends tell me about Chinatown is that it's still the cheapest for certain groceries - especially meat, fish, and chicken. While the Asian supermarkets out in the burbs are convenient, they'll make trips to Chinatown even if it means paying for parking and bridge toll. There's also Oakland Chinatown. It isn't quite as touristy, but it's really close to downtown and just as good for groceries. The restaurant scene is kind of sad though. There's basically one upscale restaurant, but a lot of small fast service places. That one is Peony, and they still do dim sum on carts.

 

[mamacatnv]

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.

San Francisco is my favorite city. I grew up just south of the city and for the 20 years we lived in Nevada we headed over the hill 3-4 times a year.
Cannot say enough great things about City Guides - we have been on several - China Town, Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge, Haight Ashbury

I've stayed at the Handlery in Union Sq - nice but I hate Union Sq. Tourists, homeless and shopping, I can shop at home, I want culture and brain candy along with great food!
However, I'm cheap and just want a clean, safe place to sleep thus our favorite hotel the past 12 or so years has been: Frmly Travel Lodge now Travel Inn http://www.travelinnsf.com/
Great location, close to Muni lines and excellent neighborhood - this place is not fancy, its old, clean and the parking is free!
There are tons of shops and cafe's all around the area. Love the Marina District
Take a stroll over to the Palace of the Fine Arts, interesting architecture to view.

We were in the City a few weeks ago - arrived in Union Sq via BART as we were visiting family in San Jose.
Looked at the Christmas Decor in Union Sq. then headed towards China Town - get off the main tourist drag, explore the markets and shops where the locals go, its a fascinating place.
Went to our favorite restaurant in China Town http://www.washingtonbakerysf.com/
Then walked down to the Ferry Building - wandered thru a craft faire on the Embarcadero, sampled various goodies in the Ferry Bldg then headed to Pier 15 new home to the Exploratorium. Note, Thursday evenings from 6-10 is adults only (over 18) admission is $15 - there were 6 adults in our group, we had a fantastic evening playing like kids.

Places we have really enjoyed:
The Calif Academy of Sciences
Japanese Gardens
DeYoung Museum
Legion of Honor Museum
Fortune Cookie Factory
Cable Car Museum
Boudin Museum of Sour Dough
Disney Family Museum - IMO not for young kids, tons of reading and not Disney'fied entertainment wise, this is the story of Walt and the Disney family
Alcatraz - Try the Night Tour its a totally different perspective - we have done day and night, enjoyed both
Visit Ft. Point (free!)
Walk the Golden Gate, on a clear day the views are spectacular
Hike up to Coit Tower
Walk up Lombard, then catch a cable car and get off and walk down to China Town
Walk Columbus from China Town to the Wharf, great walk thru several different neighborhoods.
Catch a game at AT&T park
San Francisco Zoo out on the North Beach area is nice as are the beaches and a meal at the Cliff House is always fun.

Skip Fishermans Wharf - I hate that place

 

[Pacolovestacos]

Anyone know where to get the absolute best golden gate selfies?

 

[bcla]

Anyone know where to get the absolute best golden gate selfies?

Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands.

 

[mnrose]

BCLA is correct. There are several wonderful vistas on Conzelman Road. To get there, cross the bridge. Take the FIRST exit after the bridge (Alexander Ave), turn LEFT at the stop sign at the bottom of the exit (short), head under 101. Just before getting BACK on 101, turn right onto Conzelman road. I like the view that is NOT the first "pull out" but rather the second. You CAN get some awesome pics at the first by walking out over the batteries. Conzelman is pretty cool, and not all tourists find it, stopping instead at Vista Point on the East side of 101.

https://www.google.com/maps/@37.828...nRWN_7des-3UA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!9m2!1b1!2i47

This one works best in the afternoon because the sun will be shining ON the bridge. Also less chance for fog.

 

[Meriweather]

How far is the walk across the bridge. We might like to try it, but are "older" ladies

 

[mnrose]

3.5 miles round trip, roughly, depending on where you park. There's no reason to walk all the way across unless you just want to. Walk half way (to mid span) and then back, so 1.7 miles or so. Or another idea would be to have an Uber take you to Vista Point (on the Marin side) and walk back to the city (1.7 miles). Get a return uber or cab from there.

 

[bcla]

How far is the walk across the bridge. We might like to try it, but are "older" ladies

Probably about two miles one way from the parking lot to Vista Point. Most visitors turn back before then. At the south tower is a pretty good point to turn back.

The big issue is parking. The parking lot near the toll plaza has meters with a short time limit. Parking in the Presidio used to be free, but now they charge for parking in certain areas.

 

[Meriweather]

no car......so I guess we can't get there......or will have to hire transportation.
Driven across many times, but never walked

 

[AustinTink]

Conzelman Road in the Marin Headlands.

We did that!

It was a stop on this tour... https://www.dylanstours.com/tour/dylans-famous-tour/

He dropped us off and circled back since there is not really a place to park a small shuttle. I know people don't always like tours and want to explore on their own. But this was worth it for us, since we didn't want to rent a car. We didn't need a car for all the rest of our days in the city.

 

[mamacatnv]

no car......so I guess we can't get there......or will have to hire transportation.
Driven across many times, but never walked

I can't remember which line it is but Muni has a bus that goes to the visitor center at the Bridge on a regular basis, we have taken it to the Walking Tour of the Bridge as well as just to visit the bridge

We did that!

It was a stop on this tour... https://www.dylanstours.com/tour/dylans-famous-tour/

He dropped us off and circled back since there is not really a place to park a small shuttle. I know people don't always like tours and want to explore on their own. But this was worth it for us, since we didn't want to rent a car. We didn't need a car for all the rest of our days in the city.

My DS went to science camp just a bit over those hills when he was in 6th grade, a place called Point Bonita. We love to go back and visit when in that area, it is so beautiful, those hills overlooking the pacific and the City. Look one way and its wide open ocean, the other a famous bridge, island prison and City.

 

[mnrose]

I can't remember which line it is but Muni has a bus that goes to the visitor center at the Bridge on a regular basis, we have taken it to the Walking Tour of the Bridge as well as just to visit the bridge

My DS went to science camp just a bit over those hills when he was in 6th grade, a place called Point Bonita. We love to go back and visit when in that area, it is so beautiful, those hills overlooking the pacific and the City. Look one way and its wide open ocean, the other a famous bridge, island prison and City.

Great hiking near Point Bonita. If OP enjoys hiking, there are wonderful opportunities all over Marin, including my super secret (well, not really) way to see Muir Woods and avoid the crowd....hike down from Panoramic Highway. You hike down, see the big trees (and the crowds) then hike back up and away from the madness. LOL.

 

[bcla]

Great hiking near Point Bonita. If OP enjoys hiking, there are wonderful opportunities all over Marin, including my super secret (well, not really) way to see Muir Woods and avoid the crowd....hike down from Panoramic Highway. You hike down, see the big trees (and the crowds) then hike back up and away from the madness. LOL.

Point Bonita? I've been to the lighthouse. Plenty of poison oak on the way. Also be careful about the edge as it's a long way down. The area around the lighthouse doesn't have anything like a chain link fence that will keep someone from sliding down. They have a fence made of metal tubing.

My favorite way to get to Muir Woods is from Stinson Beach. A combination of the Steep Ravine Trail and Dipsea Trail is awesome, especially the waterfalls and the ladder. Haven't done that in years though. I'm probably not in good enough shape to make it.

 

[mnrose]

Point Bonita? I've been to the lighthouse. Plenty of poison oak on the way. Also be careful about the edge as it's a long way down. The area around the lighthouse doesn't have anything like a chain link fence that will keep someone from sliding down. They have a fence made of metal tubing.

My favorite way to get to Muir Woods is from Stinson Beach. A combination of the Steep Ravine Trail and Dipsea Trail is awesome, especially the waterfalls and the ladder. Haven't done that in years though. I'm probably not in good enough shape to make it.

We made the mistake of doing that once. Down Matt Davis to Stinson, and had lunch (with wine....therein lies the mistake), and then back Dipsea and Steep Ravine. Lets just say that going down was way easier than going up. LOL. Still incredibly beautiful.

 

[xlxo]

Is there a time of the day to avoid the famous fog for photos?

 

[bcla]

Is there a time of the day to avoid the famous fog for photos?

Not really. Light might be a bigger concern for photos. A fog layer is sometimes desirable for photos.

 

[Pacolovestacos]

Not really. Light might be a bigger concern for photos. A fog layer is sometimes desirable for photos.

Definitely. Thinking maybe early morning.