AW travel question-- San Fransisco

parker624 · August 2010

H and I are planning a trip to visit some friends in San Fran. H can't get off work, but I can take 1 or 2 days, so I'm thinking going early and having Thursday and Friday to sightsee. H has been to SF numerous times, but I've never been.

Our friends offered to let me stay there, but they have to work during the day. For those of you who have been/live in SF, is it easy enough for a girl to get around and do some sightseeing, maybe go to Alcatraz all on her lonesome? Any advice on things to see and do during the day while I'm there?

xyrius · August 2010

I've never been but I always wanted to go.

One place on my wishlist for San Francisco to visit is
http://www.winchestermysteryhouse.com/

MissIntentional · August 2010

That Takes The Cake has pretty awesome cupcakes.

Sunshine9463 · August 2010

It's definitely easy enough to get around on your own. Trolleys can take you most anyplace within the city. Visit Union Square if you're a shopper. Pier 39 is fun, it's filled with little touristy shops, places to eat, etc. China Town is really cool as well.

If you're a breakfast person, hit Sears Fine Food on Powell Street. Eggs Benedict to die for.

I'm sure locals can give you better suggestions, but hth.

mica178 · August 2010

It's definitely easy to get around SF on your own. There's public transportation to get around the city, plus it's only 7 miles by 7 miles. You can visit Alcatraz on your own, but I'd recommend that you make reservations online to guarantee the ferry ticket at a time that's convenient to you (or go on a weekday).

Places that tourists like: Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Ghiradelli Square, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown.

Things I like: walking around the Legion of Honor museum (also the museum itself), going to the farmer's market at the Ferry Building, walking along the Embarcadero, dim sum in the Richmond district.

parker624 · August 2010

Ok, so 1 or 2 days of sightseeing? Then, H will fly in Friday night and the weekend would be filled hanging out with friends, and there's this free bluegrass festival in the park. Redeye back Sunday night.

cat1121 · August 2010

God love that city.

I went to Alcatraz by myself. I went on a night tour that they only offer occasionally. It was FASCINATING. If you can get that one, go.

By night I mean it leaves at 3 or 4 and I was back in the city by 7.

Go to the Stinking Rose if you like garlic. If you like chocolate go to Ghiradelli Square.

Oh, and I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to go see the Theatro ZinZanni.

http://love.zinzanni.org/

wadingmoose · August 2010

Teatro Zinzanni is AWESOME. Seriously.

I'd say two days, there was so much to see. I love SF.

Bubbalub · August 2010

All of the above suggestions are great.

BART and the buses will get you anywhere you need to go in the city. The cabs aren't that expensive, either.

FYI, the Winchester Mystery House is in San Jose, not San Francisco. SJ is about an hour drive south of the city down the penninsula.

emilyinchile · August 2010

I second the night tour of Alcatraz, and you definitely need to book in advance for whatever tour you do (http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/).

Other than that, PPs have given you some good tourist basics. Coit Tower offers nice views on a clear day (yes, they exist even in foggy SF!) and a bit of history. It's right by the North Beach neighborhood which is full of Italian restaurants and cafés.

Another idea - probably for going with your H and/or friends - is to check out Beach Blanket Babylon (http://www.beachblanketbabylon.com/). It's a musical revue that touches on current events, it's really funny, and it's a San Francisco institution. Also in North Beach, so you could go see it and then go to dinner afterward.

polichik · August 2010

I just moved here a week ago, and I'm loving it! If you like to walk, I'd just go to Fisherman's Wharf and then just wander around. You might like Union Square, and I'd definitely check out the Fillmore District (in Pacific Heights)... There are tons of cute boutiques, coffee shops, and bars. The apartment we're gunning for (fingers crossed!) is in there.

If you want to get out of the city, you can find a shuttle that goes to Muir Woods, a beautiful hiking area. We were at Muir Beach yesterday, and it was amazing.

I hope you have a good time! You really can't go wrong. Just stay out of the Tenderloin!

parker624 · August 2010

Polichik I forgot you just moved there! Are you subletting until you find a place, or crashing at a friend's house?

H loves SF so much and always says when I visit I wil want to move there immediately. So I'm really excited. But, if I love it so much that's gonna suck; we just bought a house, so I don't want to move just yet! (not to mention the whole job thing).

tldh · August 2010

FI is from there. Google the hop on hop off trolleys, they go to the most places.

thesuninherhead · August 2010

We were in san fran for a week during our US trip last year. If you do nothing else, eat/drink here: http://www.colibrimexicanbistro.com/

thesuninherhead · August 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_aw-travel-question-san-fransisco?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:c97c2a6b-7757-43d8-b440-3ffafaeb7586Post:3339cabf-5421-46d5-b52c-838082adce23">Re: AW travel question-- San Fransisco</a>:
[QUOTE]God love that city. I went to Alcatraz by myself. I went on a night tour that they only offer occasionally. It was FASCINATING. If you can get that one, go. By night I mean it leaves at 3 or 4 and I was back in the city by 7. Go to the Stinking Rose if you like garlic. If you like chocolate go to Ghiradelli Square. Oh, and I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to go see the Theatro ZinZanni. <a href="http://love.zinzanni.org/" rel="nofollow">http://love.zinzanni.org/</a>
Posted by cat1121[/QUOTE] Our friends told us to see Theatro ZinZanni but we left it too late- sad! and Poli- go eat at the restaurant I mention above! And drink their mojito!

AW travel question-- San Fransisco

Re: AW travel question-- San Fransisco

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