San Francisco advice

Ray_Ray

Hi there! I am a UK Bride getting married in Vegas, then spending 5 nights in San Francisco 28th October- 2nd November.I was just wondering if you ladies could recommend anywhere that we just can't miss? I'm looking for tips on sight-seeing and good restaurants/fun barsSo far we know we want to do the usual of Alcatraz, Lombard Street and China town. Also the Vista Dome for lunch on Napa Valley Wine train looks good.I know there is a post in the Bay area board but it doesn't seem very busy so I thought I'd try here too!TIA!

anglyn

Golden Gate Park, Palace of Fine Arts, Ghiradelli Square, Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Beach.. There is a list of Top 100 restaurants: http://www.sfgate.com/food/top100/2008/

anhngo

Hi! I live in SF and love it here! My suggestion would be to stay in a hotel in Union Square. It is centrally located for the areas you'd be interested in seeing. If you do a search for restaurants, feel free to post a few of them here and we can probably tell you which ones are recommended!

Ray_Ray

Thanks for that, I'm sure I'll be back with more questions! We are booked in to Tha Handlery Union Square, so I'm glad you recommended that area!

RBC

Hi, Here are my recommendations: Places to stay: Hotel Vitale Ask for a room with a view of the Bay Bridge 15 min walk to Union Square shopping without the hassle of tourists Walk across the street in the morning and grab breakfast at the Ferry Building. Grab a cocktail at the bar at Americano downstairs. Eat dinner at Boulevard across the street- a San Francisco institution or Hotel Drisco in Pacific Heights If you want to really get a feel for San Francisco I would stay in this neighborhood hotel Places to visit: Ferry Building You can grab a sandwich and sit outside over looking the bay Walk around and sample taste all the delicious food-chocolates, bread, olive oil... If you're there on a Saturday don't miss the Farmer's Market. Grab breakfast at the Hayes Street Grill stand-very good. Walk along Chrissy Field in the Marina Put on your walking shoes and walk along the water all the way to the Golden Gate bridge. Stop at the warming hut for a hot chocolate if it's a foggy day. Or, bring a picnic and sit on the beach Or, rent bikes - bike along Chrissy field and across the bridge Hit the neighborhoods: this is the best way to get a feeling for San Francisco. It's wonderful neighborhoods like Pacific Height, Marina Cow Hollow, Russian Hill Fillmore street- cute shops and restaurants. Grab a sit at the Grove and do some people watching while sipping a beer (or coffee) Dinner - Fresca (Peruvian Food) Union Street-same thing Chestnut Street-the young hip 20 somethings hang out here If you can get it have lunch at A16 (or dinner) Walk over to the Palace of Fine Arts Polk Street- Russian Hill - lots of bars and restaurants. I would go here in the evening. Although my favorite pastry shop is here - Boulange de Polk. You can have breakfast and lunch there as well Of course there's Union Square -shopping. I would recommend lunch at Cafe Claude. It's a small French Bistro tucked into an alley way. It's on Claude Lane but hard to find on the map. Just ask a local for directions. I'm not a fan of Chinatown but if you've never been there just do it. It will take you five minutes to walk up and down and you'll be done. I highly recommend driving across Golden Gate Bridge into Marin. My favorite spot is Mill Valley. Although Tiberon is popular and grabbing a drink at Sam's is nice on a clear warm day I like the vibe in Mill Valley. If you are into hiking there are some great trails there. You can search on line for Lagunitas lake in Ross and you should be able to find hiking info. The weather is usually beautiful when you're planning to come. If you have a car, I would also recommend driving up to the wine country. If you like food, check out www.inthekitchenwithlisa.com -she offers gourmet tours where you eat your way around a town. Really fun! Best of luck with everything and congratulations!

jsgjewels

Nice detailed recs RBC!Ray_Ray, if you're into food I would definitely skip the Napa Valley Wine Train. You'll be really underwhelmed. There are so many great places to eat in the Napa area. For a taste of Thomas Keller I highly recommend getting a reservation at Ad Hoc or Bouchon (if you don't go to the Vegas one).In San Francisco, I loudly second the Ferry Building, one of my favorites! Also wouldn't miss Guerrero and Valencia streets in the Mission. Lots of great food (Bi Rite Creamery, best ice cream. ever.), and you can go on a self-guided tour of the Precita Eyes murals, or sit by Dolores park if it's a nice day. Have fun!

Ray_Ray

Thank you, that's incredibly helpful! Will definitely be checking some of those places out. I'm so excited!

cecinoakland

yeah, i agree, skip the wine train. kinda old and tired and overpriced. rent a car and drive up hwy 29 or the silverado trail. eat at one of thomas keller's restaurants, whichever fits your budget. much better.