One week till San Francisco
I am so excited because this time next week I’ll be in San Francisco for 5 nights. This will be my very first trip there, and I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed with figuring out what to see. Kind of like how I was with the Oregon trip a few weeks ago.
We don’t have much planned so far, except to catch 2 baseball games (Blue Jays vs. A’s), tour Alcatraz, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, and eat at In-n-Out Burger (obviously).
So for those who are from the area or who have been there before – what should we definitely make time to do? Any places that we absolutely must see? Restaurant recommendations? Things that might be overrated?
Some notes: I’ll be with my family (mom/dad/sister), and we will have a rental car. We are staying in the Fisherman’s Wharf area.
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If you’re going to Alcateaz, buy tickets now! If you wait until you’re there, they’ll be sold out. We’re going next weekend, and as of last night there weren’t any available until the 22nd or 23rd.
Yeah, good thing I checked the website a few days ago. The only spots left were for the second-to-last day of our trip. Snagged 'em immediately! Close call.
Make sure to drive up and down the really long twisty street. It's pretty famous so ask when you get there. It feels like a (mild) rollar coaster! We also took in a short boat trip when I went with my family
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eat at Ike's Place – it was on man vs. food. it's an experience. be sure to call in your order though. we waited for 3+ hours for a sandwich (we didn't think to call in ahead), and the really sad part was it was TOTALLY worth the wait! best. sandwich. ever.
OMG if it was on Man vs. Food, then I'm already there. Thanks for the tip!
Do the bike ride across the golden gate bridge and spend a little time in Sausalito!
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Sausalito is a must, it's beautiful and the restos are great! I want to retire there, lol.
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I agree about getting tickets early. I didnt get to go when I was there because it was sold out.
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SF has the best food I've ever tasted (yes, still true even now that I am post-Paris, France). If you have a chance, go to Mama's for breakfast. I think we lined up for 90 minutes, but the food nearly brought me to tears it was so delicious.
I love San Francisco.
Don't forget to eat, shop and enjoy the sites at Pier 39! San Francisco is awesome.
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Oh! I can help with this one! My wife and I were just there in March for our honeymoon. Anyway…here goes, sorry for the long reply.
Definitely buy your tickets to Alcatraz in advance. Also, if you can, take one of the night tours, and bring a good camera with a tripod. I got some REALLY amazing shots looking back at the city when my wife and I went, though we didn't have a tripod, so a lot of them didn't turn out. That's the downside of long exposures with nothing to set the camera on. I got 1 AMAZING picture of the city, it's the best one I've taken to date. I can only imagine what it would have been like with a tripod.
If you're not anti-guided tours, I HIGHLY recommend Mr. Toads Tours. The cars are all from the 1920s/1930s, it's a small group tour, and the tour guide we had was awesome. It was a great chance to drive through and see a lot of the city, both touristy things and other stuff, as well as give you quite a bit of history about the city that you wouldn't get from just driving around. It will give you an excellent idea of places you might want to go visit with your family after the tour. Unfortunately, we didn't receive this recommendation until the day before we were leaving, so we didn't get to go back to anything. There was 3-4 places we would have liked to go back to that weren't even on our list of potential things to go see.
There's an In-N-Out near Fisherman's Wharf, so you'll enjoy that. I also recommend checking out the actual restaurant in the Boudin's sourdough place between Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. It's a bit on the expensive side (like all of SF), but it has a great view and the food was excellent! They have a little sandwich shop in the ground-level that's a good place for lunch sandwiches. The restaurant is on the upper level.
The Muir Woods tour was cool, but I wish we'd have gotten a rental car and went ourselves so we could have spent more time walking around there and such, even though it was raining. It's a very beautiful area, but there are a lot of other people on the trails and such, which takes away from it quite a bit. You could head there the same day you go to Sausalito. Sausalito is pretty much on the way.
If you enjoy bookstores, check out City Lights Bookstore. It's a pretty neat little place with a cool vibe.
I look forward to reading about the trip and where you ended up going. Have fun!
Sorry for the long comment, had to break it up into multiples…
Awesome! Thank you so much for all of your recommendations. I will definitely write up a recap of the trip, and hopefully be able to visit a lot of the places you wrote about.
I was just there! Definitely go to the golden gate fortune cookie faculty while you are in chinatown. I definitely suggest riding bikes over the golden gate bridge. The city is also known for breweries so if you are into that definitely check it out. Also, try to check out some neighborhoods that are not as touristy, such as Mission (we had fantastic Mexican food there).
Have a great time!
There's a Fortune Cookie facility? That's awesome. I will definitely go there. Bike riding over the bridge is something we've talked about too, so I'm excited others are recommending it. Thanks! :)
We are going next week also, Lombard is the twisty street but there are other less traveled twisty streets also. I believe 24th has one its been awhile since I've been there. Definitely go to Chinatown I used to go there as a child and I still love it to this day. Boat tours of the bay are great also.
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I went to San Francisco last December. We had lunch in North Beach, which was a super cute Italian district. We also drove down to Santa Cruz. I picked up a ton of cheap chocolates at the Ghirardelli factory, which was pretty close to fisherman's wharf, if I remember correctly.
I loved San Francisco! Hope you have a great trip!!
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You can also walk across the GG bridge – it's not that long.
There's a coastal hiking trail which is pretty cool. I'm sure you'd like it.
If you like looking at big old houses – the Pacific Heights area is neat.
FYI – Unless things have changed in the 7 years since I was there, there are some really seedy areas downtown. I don't think it's dangerous or anything, but I was a bit suprised because I've always had this picture-perfect post card image of the city.
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BIGGEST TIP – Summer here in SF is not warm. Bring jackets and sweaters. There are always tourists in shorts freezing their butts off and buying the $10 tourist sweatshirts to try and stay warm. Don't be one of them!
Don't waste time at Pier 39. It's a tourist trap and not representative of San Francisco. Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 are both overrated, so keep any visit there quick. You'll see enough of the Wharf just getting on your Alcatraz tour.
Agree that with a car, you should go up to Muir Woods. It's convenient and has beautiful redwoods with a variety of trail options (from boardwalks to arduous climbs).
Quintessential food things – get a burrito in the Mission. Unlike burritos elsewhere. Go to the Ferry Building on Saturday morning for the farmers' market. They have tons of producers and also a lot of prepared food. So you can graze and try some of the best locavore type food in the nation. Are you going to do any nicer meals? SF really excels at mid-range restaurants, so places with mains in the 15-30 range. And classic cocktails and really well made modern cocktails are very "in" right now – good places for them are Comstock Saloon (North Beach), Rickhouse (Financial District), Bourbon & Branch (in a seedy area called the Tenderloin, and it's a speak easy), the Alembic (Haight neighborhood), and Bar Agricole (SoMa). And if you're going to any restaurant that is popular now, make reservations. Everything is always crowded.
The curvy street is Lombard street, and it's mildly interesting but that's about it.
Golden Gate Park has tons of surprises in it. A Japanese tea garden, a botanical garden, conservatory of flowers, a paddock with bison, lakes for rowing, etc. Worth exploring.
You are amazing. Thanks for all of the tips! Someone else told me that SF is not warm in the summer either – which totally surprised me b/c I thought it'd be smokin' hot. Definitely will remember to bring a thick sweatshirt. :)
My husband and I were in SF last year for our honeymoon, we walked the from the Haight-Ashbury entrance of Golden Gate Park along the coast to the Gold Gate bridge, we stopped at the Science Museum (a tad expensive but totally worth it, the rooftop garden was very cool), we stopped at the giatn windmill, saw the bison and walked along the coast bast the Sauturo baths and the Cliff House all the way to and onto the bridge. Warning this is about 14 kilometres of walking but was a marvellous day.
I went to SF a few years ago, and the one thing I'd change if I could, would be to skip Albatraz. I'm a big history buff, but honestly, I found it pretty boring. It was just an audio tour. Not my thing, plus it's out of the way so it'll take an entire day that could be spent doing other things. Just my two cents!
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I absolutely LOVE SF! I love the city, been there every year for the last three years and still have things to cross off on my list of things to do there. Alcatraz is a great tour! I hope that you enjoy it. Anyway, one thing that I have yet to try is eating at Crustaceans. It's a seafood restaurant and the location in SF is the only place where the make their famous garlic noodles. The other two locations don't make them at the restaurant, just serve them. If you don't make it there, IN & OUT burger should satisfy. :)
Oh wait, there was a place that I loved, and have tried; Swan Oyster Depot. Oh you're so lucky to be going! Have fun!
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Go see the awesome sea lions just chilling by the docks.. haha.
Also check out the FULL HOUSE house's :)
Thanks Al! I fully intend on finding the house from Full House. haha
1709 Broderick Street ;) It's worth the photo opp if you're a fan!
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Hahahaha thanks! That saves me from looking it up online.
Drive there since you have a rental! I made the mistake of walking there from the Painted Ladies and trekking up those hilly streets for an hour was grueling :(
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Just wrote this up for some English folks I met on the BART (during a recent "computer failure" that shut BART down). I'm not a tourist – which means I have the luxury of time to do all these things when I want, on my terms… These things may not interest someone visiting too – so do what you want, even if not on this list (which is by no means exhaustive).
Some things that might not be on a list of destinations for tourists…
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Bars (unlike others)
Bourbon and Branch – was a real speak easy during prohibition. You still need a password to get in. Cocktails are delicious and around $11. You're paying for the experience, not the booze. Dress up 1920's style if possible and make a reservation on their website to get the password and such.
Smuggler's Cove – Rum! Galleon theme. Again, paying for experience, not booze. You can go to a sports bar pretty much anywhere in the world…
Martuni's – technically not a gay bar…. But you'll see a slightly older crowd and some of the most fantastic showtunes piano bar action. Also, $5 "Martunis" (well vodka – dirty martini). Sit in the back in the piano room – cocktail waters will serve you.
Zeitgeist – a biker bar that caters to motorcycles and, moreso, bicycles. Lots of local beer and a delicious/spicy Bloody Mary. Buy a tamale from the Tamale Lady – she'll be selling them out of a cooler.
Lots of other bar/drinking opportunities in SF (we spend a lot more on booze than most of the US) – too many to list.
Other fun spots that tourists and locals like…
*Alamo Square – I recommend, on a sunny afternoon, a bottle of wine or beers – sit by the painted ladies and do some people watching. This is touristy – except for the drinking in the park part. Don't worry, it's San Francisco – 98% chance no one will bother you and if they do, they'll ask you to pour out your drink. It starts getting really cold around 4pm (assuming the day was sunny to begin with)
*Mission Dolores Park – grab some food/drink and do some people watching. Hipsters galore!
*CA Academy of Sciences – awesome during the day. Even better Thursday nights during their Night Life event. Live music (a DJ) and bars all over the museum. Nothing like being at that museum at night. Admission is $12 during Night Life.
*In Golden Gate Park – there's a herd of buffalo. It's an odd sight and I think they're depressed (they have a lot of space, but are always by the food troughs).
*826 Valencia – Pirate Store! It's the front for Dave Eggers' community writing center. Rummage through all their drawers for a good laugh. For smaller kids, they'll barter songs and drawings for things. It's awesome! Much of their stuff is made in-house, including many of the books (which are hilarious).
*Octavia Park/Patricia's Green – nearby is Smitten Ice Cream where they'll make you liquid nitrogen ice cream, on the spot in machines of their own design (called a Kelvinator).
*Castro Theater – see what movies are playing. They play old classics, and new ones too. Theater is amazing, as is the organ player that plays music before the screening.
Of Touristy bits…
If you really really want to ride a Cable Car…. It's $5 each way and get there early – otherwise be ready for a long wait. It's not exactly an efficient mode of travel.
F line street car is $2, herky jerkey, old and you get a transfer. It's a bit slow, but faster than the Cable cars.
Of all the over hyped things for tourists to do… Alcatraz is the least over hyped.
I 100% agree with everyone's comments about bikes… Bicycle is my main mode of transportation in the City.
Tourists love Muir Woods… Wall, maybe they do. A friend of mine is a manager for a rental car company – tourists are always asking about it. Advanced topics in Muir Woods involves going to the Tourist Club (International Nature Friends) – check their website for availability and be sure to go in small groups.
Boudin – watch sourdough being made. It's delicious.
Farmer's Market at Ferry Building (Saturday) – not cheap by Farmer's Market standards, but lots of free samples afoot. Closes at 2
Farmer's Market at Civic Center (Sunday) – cheaper, less free samples – go around 4pm (closes at 5) to get $1 bags
Restaurants
Cafe Flore for brunch – in Castro Neighborhood, delicious.
Sauce – a little pricey – get the social plates for sharing
La Boulange – more cafe food – french style
Almost any Taqueria in the Mission District – Super Burrito!
Fritz – Belgian Mussels and tasty fries (as is the namesake)
House of Prime Rib – really expensive – but a classic slap in the face to anyone daring to stereotype SF
Chow – moderately priced, American Food, organic is their thing – Church/Market St.
So much more
Lots of tasty coffee options (I'm not even a big coffee drinker)
Blue Bottle
4 Barrel
Sight Glass
Ritual
???
Remember, do what you want – because it's your holiday ;)
This could be the greatest comment I've ever received. Thanks! Looks like I'll have a lot of research to do on the internet tonight. :)
Be sure to get your Alcatraz tickets in advance. We couldn’t go because they were booked up for over a week in advance.
If you will be in SF this next weekend , then you cant miss the San Francisco street food festival going in the mission district. This is basically the best food trucks/street food in San Francisco all in one area. Its free admission, so you just pay for what you eat, but you can also get vouchers in advance to save money. Its located in the mission district and you can take Bart (subway) to the destination or pay for a cab (about $10-$15) from Fisherman's Wharf.
Here is more info: http://www.lacocinasf.org/
better link: http://www.sfstreetfoodfest.com/
AWESOME. Thanks for the tip! After checking out Portland's street food district, I'm really excited to check out San Francisco's!
I was just in San Fran three weeks ago, and I agree with the other tips:
1. The night tour is the best way to see Alcatraz for sure–tickets sell out weeks in advance, though
2. Walk Lombard Street–it's amazing to see cars navigate those turns!
3. Eat Cioppino @ Cioppino's in the Wharf
4. Best Irish coffee ever = Buena Vista (also near Wharf area)
5. Ice cream sundaes @ Ghirardelli
6. Walk/bike Gold Gate Bridge
7. Spend some time in Saulsalito
8. Have a drink at the Slanted Door
9. Take a day trip to Napa :)
Have fun!
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Have a blast! I used to live there. I'd highly recommend taking a ferry from Fishermans' Wharf to either Sausalito or Tiburon, my fav was Tiburon and less touristy, with better restaurants overlooking the bay to the city. Though not much else to do in Tiburon but the views are amazing!!! Definitely plan to walk on Chestnut St (enjoy food at Tacolicious or Delarosa), and walk Union St. Deal coupon sites, would be a good idea to save some $$, and plan to visit the farmers market Sat morning at the Ferry Building downtown. A freebie fun view, is the elevator ride at the St. Francis hotel in Union square, it goes up I think 35 floors and has amazing views.
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I live in the bay area and work in SF. To add on posts above:
1. Go to twin peaks – you have to take your car there. You'll see SF from a different view.
2. Crissy field – you can go up to the GG bridge from there.
3. Stinking Rose – italian resto in the north beach. They cook everything with garlic.
4. Steps of Rome – also in the north beach. Get coffee and tiramisu.
5. Look where "off the grid" will be. It's the food truck event that goes all over
6. You can take Bart going to the A's game instead of driving there. Stadium is not all that though. SF giant stadium is way better
7. Red's java – it's like a shack under the bay bridge along embarcadero. Burger on sour dough bread
Have fun and be ready for chilly weather.
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How timely! We are flying to SF tomorrow morning :) Thanks Krystal and her awesome readers!
Haha I'm glad this post benefited someone else other than me! :) Have fun on your trip!
The spot where that photo of the bridge was taken is kind of fun. It's a nice walk and you can see the remains of the large guns that protected the bay many years back. You can drive there easily and park and spend a few hours there.
Muir Woods for sure. (http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm) and they are easy to get to with a car. (Go early – it gets crowded.)
We had a lovely dinner at The Stinking Rose (http://www.thestinkingrose.com/).
Lombard Street is the famous twisty street – you can drive it but I also recommend going on foot to check it out.
Ike's Place is awesome in Castro. Definitely check it out! Also, high five to the person who mentioned that San Francisco is not very warm in the summer. It's definitely chillier on the Wharf, shorts are not recommended. Also, wear comfortable shoes at Alcatraz, it's a lot of walking.
Other tips that weren't mentioned yet:
Catch the cable car from Fisherman's Wharf, not downtown. The line-up is much shorter. I would also recommend the Powell line, the line up for the other cable cars moves much slower (at least from my experience).
Check out the view from Coit Tower. You don't have to go up it, but the view is gorgeous. Warning: the walk is almost entirely uphill.
If you're looking for a nice lounge, check out the View Lounge at the Marriott downtown. It opens at 4pm and has happy hour from 4-6pm where drinks are reasonably priced. It's all about the 360 view of San Francisco and the Bay Area.
In the Ferry Terminal, there's a place called Boccalone that offers a cone of meat. It was shown on the food network and is pretty great.
If you head towards the baseball diamond (AT&T Park) there is a brewery called the 21st Amendment. If you go there, try the Hell or High Watermelon beer or the Oyster Stout. Both are fantastic!
I just moved to Vancouver from the Bay Area and I miss San Francisco. Everyone here gave you awesome suggestions so far. Enjoy your trip!
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Everyone seem to have covered the bars, restaurants, food, twisty streets and stuff.
I'll add go walk up to Coit Tower since you're in the Wharf area. It is gorgeous just to see the view of the bay from the Tower. Bring good walking shoes as the best part of the city is seen by foot. personally I think Mama's is overrated for brunch. Never been but it's just brunch type stuff … head over to Columbus Street to La Boulange Bakery. It's got the blue awning so you can't miss it and it has tables/chairs outside. Stop into Cafe Trieste in North Beach for coffee and just crowd watching. Everyone there is a regular (the old people at least) and tons of artists, writers, poets and beat types. Go to a Chinese take out bakery on Stockton – Good Mong Kok. It's got the pink awning and you'll notice the line of people outside. It's next door to a fresh fish market so can't miss that either.
Walk/run up the Broadway hill/steps near North Beach. It's a good way to burn off those calories.
Go to El Farolito's for a burrito in the Mission! Also Tartine in the Mission is great for french pastries and stuff like that. It's awesome.
Skip the overpriced restaurants in Fisherman's Wharf. It's all overrated.
For exercise/great views, head down to Aquatic Park, dip your feet in the sand and water (though it's too cold) just for fun. Also if you walk further down the park there'll be a super steep hill called the Fort Mason bridge. Walk/bike/run up that hill … lots of great views. if you go further down you'll reach Crissy Field/Marina Greens, great for biking/outdoor walking. If you keep walking down there you'll reach the Golden Gate Bridge!