Going to San Francisco

[sara1998]

I know I've asked this before, but that was a long time ago. We're going to San Francisco in June, and we plan on visiting Alcatraz, and Aquarium of the Bay. We also plan to go to Santa Barbara and maybe Hollywood. Any suggestions on what else to see?

[strandinthewind]

There is SOOOOO much in SFCA I love. Be sure and take the ferry to Sausalito. It goes right past Alcatrez and it is one of the prettiest rides you will ever take. Also, Sausalito is just BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!! It has so many charming little restaurants sitting on the water's edge and it is where Rumors was recorded!!!!!!!! If Livia reads this, she actually went there and may be able to provide more information.

Also, be sure and check rates against each other for hotels and ask about special rates for AAA or any other club you might be in. It sometimes is worth joining AAA just to get the rate, which often can save hundreds of dollars in one stay.

I LOVE "The Triton" hotel, but that might be a little funky for you all :laugh: Essentially, almost all hotels around Union Square are nice and centrally located. Union Square can be touristy and crowded, but hey, you are a tourist :laugh: I also stayed at the Hilton on Fisherman's Warf when it was brand new and it was lovely. Other hotels exist in other areas, but if you are taking you little girl with you, it probably is best not to too adventurous and instead stick with the well known areas.

Also, if you have the stamina, walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge - there is nothing like it!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAVE A BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sara1998]

Also, if you have the stamina, walk or bike across the Golden Gate Bridge - there is nothing like it!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAVE A BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You can walk across it??? I'm so there! I can't wait to just see it. Thanks, Jason! I'm sure we will have a blast! I'm doing some "homework" right now!

[GypsySorcerer]

"If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..." :laugh: Sorry, couldn't resist. :o

I've never been, but I would love to visit there. Have fun! :wavey:

[Livia]

I'm so jealous! I LOVE San Fran!!! I kept my bookmarks - they make me smile. Meeeeemories.....

Alcatraz - make sure to get your tickets online in advance - the tours sell out quickly and are usually not available by just walking up to the ticket booth. And spend the extra few bucks for the audio tour. It's well worth it.

http://www.alcatraz.us/

I didn't go to the aquarium, but did lots of shopping on the Wharf. :thumbsup:

Haight-Ashbury is worth a visit - you can buy some flowers for your hair. :)

I stayed at the Triton (Strand's suggestion) and loved it. But it's not the best hotel for the little ones. No pool or anything like that, but it's in a good location, right at the entrance to Chinatown and a short walk to Union Square.

http://www.hoteltriton.com/

I agree about Sausalito! You can spend 1/2 day there and see most everything. The Record Plant is now called The Plant.

http://www.plantstudios.com/

Santa Barbara is charming. I haven't been there in years, so I don't know what to recommend anymore. I think State Street is where all the action is?

If you go to Hollywood, Universal Studios is worth visiting. And a visit to Graumann's Chinese Theater, during the day. Hollywood Blvd. is still kinda seedy and scary...

Have fun planning!!

[sara1998]

"If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..." :laugh: Sorry, couldn't resist. :o

I've never been, but I would love to visit there. Have fun! :wavey:


LMAO! That has been running through my mind too!

[sara1998]

I'm so jealous! I LOVE San Fran!!! I kept my bookmarks - they make me smile. Meeeeemories.....

Alcatraz - make sure to get your tickets online in advance - the tours sell out quickly and are usually not available by just walking up to the ticket booth. And spend the extra few bucks for the audio tour. It's well worth it.

http://www.alcatraz.us/

I didn't go to the aquarium, but did lots of shopping on the Wharf. :thumbsup:

Haight-Ashbury is worth a visit - you can buy some flowers for your hair. :)

I stayed at the Triton (Strand's suggestion) and loved it. But it's not the best hotel for the little ones. No pool or anything like that, but it's in a good location, right at the entrance to Chinatown and a short walk to Union Square.

http://www.hoteltriton.com/

I agree about Sausalito! You can spend 1/2 day there and see most everything. The Record Plant is now called The Plant.

http://www.plantstudios.com/

Santa Barbara is charming. I haven't been there in years, so I don't know what to recommend anymore. I think State Street is where all the action is?

If you go to Hollywood, Universal Studios is worth visiting. And a visit to Graumann's Chinese Theater, during the day. Hollywood Blvd. is still kinda seedy and scary...

Have fun planning!!

Oh, thank you for all the info! I just booked our flights, and was soooo happy with the prices at Southwest. They were by far the lowest nonstop fares out there. I have definately considered Universal Studios. Is it kid friendly? And I have been told to be cautious of Hollywood, so that's still in the maybe stages of the trip. What did you think of Chinatown?

[sara1998]

I have a recommendation, sara1998: The Cliff House. (www.cliffhouse.com)

Unfortunately the Musee Le Mechanique is no longer located there (something I will never stop fuming over), :)

What was it?

I went to the site, and it looks very cool. Something to do in the evening hours...

[strandinthewind]

I have a recommendation, sara1998: The Cliff House. (www.cliffhouse.com)

It's built on a cliff against the Pacific, and you don't even have to eat/drink there, the surrounding area is so gorgeous you should really just walk around. You can walk down among the ruins of the Sutro Baths, go onto the nearby beach...Unfortunately the Musee Le Mechanique is no longer located there (something I will never stop fuming over), but it is still a very worthwhile tourist stop! The view can't be beat! :)

LOVE THAT PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also - North Beach Pizza is good - or at least it was a few years ago when I was there - and kids ALWAYS love pizza :laugh:

There is a cool mall in Union Square and, of course, Fisherman's Warf, the Levi's Jeans Museam, and the Ghiradeli (sp.?) chocolate flagship could be cool as well.

[strandinthewind]

Oh, thank you for all the info! I just booked our flights, and was soooo happy with the prices at Southwest. They were by far the lowest nonstop fares out there. I have definately considered Universal Studios. Is it kid friendly? And I have been told to be cautious of Hollywood, so that's still in the maybe stages of the trip. What did you think of Chinatown?


Also, unless things have changed since I was there in 2001, the Super Shuttle is the way to go for airport transportation.

Also, the drive from SF down the coast is GORGEOUS and it has quaint and beautiful towns like Carmel. Also, there is the train that takes you to the wine country from SFCA. Wine is, of course, not for little kids :laugh: :eek: - but the train ride is very interesting and BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jessica Leigh]

everyone has pretty much covered all my fav places in san fran.... but if you want recommendations for Santa Barbara I can give you some as i used to live there...

as Livia said State Street is really cool... Paseo Nuevo (a cool yet somewhat uppity outdoor mall) is located on state street... they have one of the first nordstrom's built in socal i believe (being originally from seattle, it was a big deal to my family when it opened) there are also lots of fun shops on the lower side of state street towards the beach... silver jewelry, vintage clothing shops, head shops, record shops, juice bars... that kind of thing.

you should also go to the pier in SB... there's a really awesome restaurant called Longboards on the pier... inside is ok, but you will REALLY want to eat out on the deck upstairs. they play a lot of beach boys music too.

also... as a stevie/fm fan... you HAVE to visit American Pie records on Milpas. Milpas is an exit off the 101 on the southern side of SB (just a little down from state street) and it's not the best area (well, as far as Santa Barbara goes ;) ) but if you go all the way up Milpas almost to the Santa Barbara Bowl there is this record shop on the right hand side run by this CRAZY old vietnam vet who calls himself Dr. D and likes to talk about his awful exwives. The store is not organized very well but you can say "hey i'm looking for Fleetwood Mac's Fireflies extended mix 12 inch single" or something totally random and rare and he'll go "ok lets look over here" and in less than three minutes he'll pull it out of a box on the bottom of a pile of crap. he always has at least a half a dozen Buckingham Nicks albums... a couple of GYOW/Silver Springs 45s etc... He's a big Harry Chapin fan also... so be careful about getting him talking about it lol i made the mistake of telling him that Harry is my extended family and he had me standing there for 30 mins while he talked about a card he got from Sandy, Harry's widow.

hope you have fun!!! if you have any Q's let me know!

[Gypsy-Rhiannon]

I would love to visit San Fransisco one day! Make sure you take plenty of pictures and post them here!!

Pip

[irishgrl]

I always enjoyed the area where the Cable Cars turn around, and the Municipal pier...Pier 39 is kinda like an indoor carnival, pretty trippy....

Some things to see that werent mentioned:
LOMBARD STREET! China Town, Japan Town.(I think the Cherry Blossom Festival is coming up?) Things are really pricey in SF, so you have to search for bargains...Used to be there were little head shops (sold paraphenalia, and trinkets and souvenirs (<--how DO you spell that?) but no more I think...
BTW: I think driving in SF is a nightmare! Have fun!

[sara1998]

Also, unless things have changed since I was there in 2001, the Super Shuttle is the way to go for airport transportation.

We're driving from Phoenix to SF... so that will be a good 12 hr. drive...

I would love to visit San Fransisco one day! Make sure you take plenty of pictures and post them here!!

I promise I will. ;)

everyone has pretty much covered all my fav places in san fran.... but if you want recommendations for Santa Barbara I can give you some as i used to live there...

Can you swim at the beach, or is it too cold?

Oh, gosh...The Musee Mechanique was the basement of the Cliff House. There were many old nickelodeons, arcade games, music boxes...It's now at Pier 45, I believe, in a temporary home.

I definately plan to see this. Is Pier 39 pretty close to Pier 45? Can I visit all this in one day?

You all are so helpful! I'm so excited about going, and I have close to four months to plan all of this! Thanks, and keep the recommendations coming!!!

[jadegypsy]

Hey I remember the last time this thread was posted:)
So doing SF. Well I would say first off make sure you bring some warm clothes, jeans and sweatshirts, it's never really above 75 in the city. Dress esp warm for the Alcatraz Day, the Bay is COLD.
Okay, Pier 39 a MUST do with a kid, they have a great two tier Merry Go Round. And they have a Bubba Gumps, great place with a kid. Also go to Ghirridellieh (sp.) square for the Chocolatbeste Factory, Best Hot Coco on the west. Also visit Meteron, great amusment place, walkable to Union Sq. and has a parking lot. As for a hotel the Hyatt or the Hilton (aka jukebox) should be fine both a located well and are safe. For a treat if you can visit the Equinox for a drink/sundae type thing its a revolving resurant in the Embarcadero. Oh notes: probably skip Haight with a kid it's not that great a place and don't go South of Market.
Alright LA:
Do Disneyland if you've never been, and CA Disney, skip Universal if you have to choose b/t the two. At Disneyland plan to eat on off hours like 8pm for dinner and do rides during dinnertime, so lines are less. For beaches Venice is a blast, but a bit dirty, Rodondo or Newport are much cleaner. The Getty is a free Art musame and is awsome. Downtown Hollywood can be a bit scummy in some areas, but Rodeo Dr is nice. Santa Monica Pier is neat.
As for another stop look into Carmel Monterrey for a night or two great town and awsome aquarium.
Feel free to pm me if you want...

[WelshWitchPMD]

I've never been to San Francisco but I really want to go. You will have to let us know how it is and make sure that you take and post some pics for us!

I am thrilled that Southwest bought out ATA. They now serve San Francisco direct which means that you no longer need to fly into Oakland or San Jose. :blob1: I am seriously thinking of going this year and since I have I frequent flyer voucher I might. ;)

[amber]

I've never been to San Francisco but I really want to go. You will have to let us know how it is and make sure that you take and post some pics for us!

I am thrilled that Southwest bought out ATA. They now serve San Francisco direct which means that you no longer need to fly into Oakland or San Jose. :blob1: I am seriously thinking of going this year and since I have I frequent flyer voucher I might. ;)
Just so's you know, Oakland Airport is waaaaaaayyyyy closer.

[WelshWitchPMD]

Just so's you know, Oakland Airport is waaaaaaayyyyy closer.


Is it really? I mean I don't want to drive when I fly into a city so I like to go as close as I can and be able to take a shuttle or a cab. Do you know how much a cab ride would be into the city from Oakland?

[amber]

Is it really? I mean I don't want to drive when I fly into a city so I like to go as close as I can and be able to take a shuttle or a cab. Do you know how much a cab ride would be into the city from Oakland?
Well, if you take the shuttle or a cab to BART (about 15 min) It is very easy to get to the city, BART costs about 3 bucks there, one way. A cab? I'm not sure, probably about 30-40 bucks. BART takes you right downtown SF, though. But SF Airport is quite a long drive. I would say BART is easiest, it's clean and really, really easy to understand.

[WelshWitchPMD]

Well, if you take the shuttle or a cab to BART (about 15 min) It is very easy to get to the city, BART costs about 3 bucks there, one way. A cab? I'm not sure, probably about 30-40 bucks. BART takes you right downtown SF, though. But SF Airport is quite a long drive. I would say BART is easiest, it's clean and really, really easy to understand.


Is it public trans? I have lots of baggage so I don't think that I would like that. :shrug:

[Livia]

Oh, thank you for all the info! I just booked our flights, and was soooo happy with the prices at Southwest. They were by far the lowest nonstop fares out there. I have definately considered Universal Studios. Is it kid friendly? And I have been told to be cautious of Hollywood, so that's still in the maybe stages of the trip. What did you think of Chinatown?

Universal Studios is very kid-friendly. How old are they? If you have one under 8 or so, a lot of the attractions may be too scary for them (Jaws, King Kong, etc.). Given a choice between that or Disneyland, you gotta do Disney!

Chinatown is cool - it's pretty much one shop after another all selling the same crap. But it's worth seeing - good restaurants and a few upper-end gift shops and jewelry stores that sell Asian furniture, vases, jade, etc. And if you're into Louis Vuitton knock-offs, this is the place for you!

[amber]

Is it public trans? I have lots of baggage so I don't think that I would like that. :shrug:
yep. Ok, I see your point. I've taken baggage and not had a problem. The cab/shuttle will dump you off right in front of it, though, you'd have to walk about 50 paces until the train. But so, yeah, if you take a cab it will probably be about what I said previously, if not more. Try not to come during rush hours. :nod: and your cab will be much cheaper. :thumbsup:

[Jessica Leigh]

We're driving from Phoenix to SF... so that will be a good 12 hr. drive...

Can you swim at the beach, or is it too cold?





hey pm me!

and the beach in SB... you don't see very many ppl in the water in SB... it IS cold, but people CAN go in... especially if you are from a colder climate- it might not be that bad to you... it's not like super duper cold... there is a lot of crap on the beaches in SB though... random junky seaweed, trash, etc... if you want to take little ones to the beach, stop on the way down to hollywood in Ventura... very very nice beaches... the water is shallower further out, so it's warmer... the bottom seems to drop off quicker in SB and Ventura is only 20 mins south of santa barbara on the 101. there are a lot more surfers in ventura than in SB if you are wanting to watch some :)

[irishgrl]

I mostly WALKED everywhere! One thing that stands out in MY mind is to walk along the wharf/pier area (not the touristy part but where the boats are moored) and get some clam chowder and french bread from some of those sidewalk vendors. Somehow, it tastes better when all is foggy and you hear the seagulls and the water lapping against the pier and the smells of the ocean and sometimes far off, a foghorn....to ME that is San Francisco. I used to walk in the fog a lot. Im at HOME in the fog (no jokes please!) I also liked to beachcomb but unfortunately, the beaches there dont offer up much. The water is COLD! so I dont think you'll be swimming there, but its got lots of ambience so even sitting and resting and watching the seagulls is pretty neat. sometimes you can see sea lions playing off in the distance. If you do the alcatraz trip, you have a really good chance of seeing sea lions. (seals) Also, you may get lucky and see some sidewalk vendors with lots of goodies for sale. Used to be you would also see the Human Jukebox, you put $ in a little slot and he would play his trumpet. He used to give you a receipt/fortune but I think that was pretty shortlived. One other thing no one mentioned: TAKE A RIDE ON A CABLECAR! they are fun! and they are now a national treasure! I love the cablecars.....ok guess thats everything I forgot before...

EDIT:
The Demise of the Automatic Human Jukebox (or, another icon fades away) (http://neodygrads.com/pages/poznikov/Jukebox.html)

proof once again that the times I grew up in were much more fun...

[amber]

I don't know if someone has already said it, but something another thing your daughter may enjoy (although she may be a bit young) is the Exploratorium.

[irishgrl]

Best of....SF Bay Area (http://www.bestofthebay.com/1994/entertainment.html)