San Francisco (1 Viewer)

[Aaron Rudnicki]

if you drive South, it's probably not worth it unless you get to Big Sur imo.

 

[snitwitch]

So far we have Alcatraz booked (night was sold out), walking around the city, wharf, Lombard st, maybe do a bike tour over the bridge, basic tourist crap etc.

Haven't looked into restaurants yet. Is it worth getting a tour guide or just doing it on our own?

Sunday - we are torn. Drive up to Napa or down to Santa Cruz via Route 1. Don't think we are going to head all the way down to Monterey.

I'd personally do it on my own. rent bikes to do GG park or something and use the Muni to hit a few neighborhoods (mission, haight, castro)

If you're not heading to monterrey, I'd skip SC and opt for wine country. I almost prefer sonoma / hieldsburg / russian river area to napa -- it's more mellow, less pretentious and overall a more enjoyable experience. There's even a large redwood stand in russian river area at armstrong woods SP that is typically less crowded than muir woods.

 

[Apple Jack]

Yeah, the drive to Santa Cruz is not worth it.

I definitely prefer the Sonoma to Napa. Might even want to consider taking the PCH up to the Russian River and then 116/River across to 101. It's time-consuming, but it's a nice drive. The Russian River is pretty great.

 

[bierfiend]

grew up in the city....

a few favorites:

like grabbing a drink at Pier 23

italian:

fior d' italia

firenze by night

rose pistola

*worth hitting union for*... pan e vino

Asain:

yank sing

golden river (geary)

misc places have excellent dim sum on lower clement

for asian crab- ppq dungeness

hakka

if you want to be near china town... city view

for burmese:

mandalay

burma star

burma superstar

misc:

A&E Asian kitchen

el castellino (mission), just a taco stand but excellent

cancun

picaro

there is an allyway near union sq called belden place. i like all of the restaurants down there: plouf, b44 stand out

san francisco feel:

sams (near belden)

taddich grill

alfred's

if you come up north to napa/sonoma let me know. grab a drink? i have other lists for you up north or south (carmel/monterey)

 

[belljr]

cool thanks all. My wife is now going to be "angry" for changing our plans on Sunday

I will be out there for work after my wife goes back home and I have been out there before but never really toured.

And no offense to anyone - I would be open for meeting up but my wife would think it's creepy

 

[bierfiend]

well, if you would like to meet at a winery or bier garten let me know (lagunitas is 10 minutes from home).

 

[CurlyNight]

Personally I would get up real real early on Sunday and go to Monterey and Carmel. It's worth the drive. From SF it's roughly 2-3 hours or so depending on which route you take. Carmel is only about 30 minutes from Monterey so might as well tag that on. Very cute towns on the ocean. I've never been a fan of Santa Cruz especially in comparison to Carmel and Monterey. It's too "kidsy" for me with the rides and all on the boardwalk. Carmel is very classy european style little town on a beautiful white sand beach. Monterey has it's own history on Cannary Row. Basically it comes down to do you want to see wine/nature country or do you want to see beach.

 

[belljr]

well, if you would like to meet at a winery or bier garten let me know (lagunitas is 10 minutes from home).

NP maybe later in the week

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

If you are going to do a day trip outside of SF on a 3-day trip there is no question in my mind that Sonoma/Napa is far superior to trekking down to Carmel. Even if they were the same distance (wine country is much closer) I would never suggest Carmel area over a day in wine country. Sonoma > Napa IMHO but to each his own.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

traffic to/from Napa can be pretty awful, no?

 

[CurlyNight]

traffic to/from Napa can be pretty awful, no?

Traffic anywhere here can be a nightmare. That's why you need to get up really early wherever you go to beat it at least going. When I go to Monterey/Carmel we leave at 7 am. Coming back though unless you leave by 2 or 3 pm, you will have traffic. But at least one way can be smooth sailing. Weekends are terrible anywhere you go practically. I mean even on freeways I've seen an upsurge in traffic on weekends and even weekdays. Everyone is moving here again so weekdays are no longer a given unless you go out before 8 am and leave before 3 pm. It's nuts and worse on the weekends in the summer for any touristy spot.

 

[snitwitch]

traffic to/from Napa can be pretty awful, no?

AM not a problem if you get an early start. late afternoon early evening back into the city (either gg or bay bridge) can be brutal especially if the weather is nice

 

[bierfiend]

If you are going to do a day trip outside of SF on a 3-day trip there is no question in my mind that Sonoma/Napa is far superior to trekking down to Carmel. Even if they were the same distance (wine country is much closer) I would never suggest Carmel area over a day in wine country. Sonoma > Napa IMHO but to each his own.

as someone who really enjoys both, and who lived in the city for a decent % of my life... i think carmel is a nicer trip. wine country provides a slice of italy/france and wine tasting, excellent food. carmel has that as well but is much more versatile. very nice wineries down there as well as charming town, beach, golf, montery is very close.

 

[bierfiend]

So far we have Alcatraz booked (night was sold out), walking around the city, wharf, Lombard st, maybe do a bike tour over the bridge, basic tourist crap etc.

Haven't looked into restaurants yet. Is it worth getting a tour guide or just doing it on our own?

Sunday - we are torn. Drive up to Napa or down to Santa Cruz via Route 1. Don't think we are going to head all the way down to Monterey.

I'd personally do it on my own. rent bikes to do GG park or something and use the Muni to hit a few neighborhoods (mission, haight, castro)

If you're not heading to monterrey, I'd skip SC and opt for wine country. I almost prefer sonoma / hieldsburg / russian river area to napa -- it's more mellow, less pretentious and overall a more enjoyable experience. There's even a large redwood stand in russian river area at armstrong woods SP that is typically less crowded than muir woods.

while everywhere gets crowed this time of year on weekends, i think sonoma and healdsberg/rr provide a nicer experience. but the drive on 101 is ugly and traffic is prob worse that Napa

 

[CurlyNight]

If you are going to do a day trip outside of SF on a 3-day trip there is no question in my mind that Sonoma/Napa is far superior to trekking down to Carmel. Even if they were the same distance (wine country is much closer) I would never suggest Carmel area over a day in wine country. Sonoma > Napa IMHO but to each his own.

as someone who really enjoys both, and who lived in the city for a decent % of my life... i think carmel is a nicer trip. wine country provides a slice of italy/france and wine tasting, excellent food. carmel has that as well but is much more versatile. very nice wineries down there as well as charming town, beach, golf, montery is very close.

+1

You get so much more on the Carmel trip. The art galleries are really beautiful as well. It really is a taste of Europe in this small town. Napa would be a good choice imo if you are wine "snobs" otherwise more bang for your buck and time in Carmel. I would say go to Carmel first and then if there is time, stop through in Monterey on the way back. For sure the way to go on tight time constraints.

17 mile drive in Carmel is much more breathtaking than anywhere you will see up in Napa or any woods. I also like stopping at Clint Eastwood's restaurant, the name escapes me now. Very pretty area and the food is awesome!

 

[snitwitch]

If you are going to do a day trip outside of SF on a 3-day trip there is no question in my mind that Sonoma/Napa is far superior to trekking down to Carmel. Even if they were the same distance (wine country is much closer) I would never suggest Carmel area over a day in wine country. Sonoma > Napa IMHO but to each his own.

as someone who really enjoys both, and who lived in the city for a decent % of my life... i think carmel is a nicer trip. wine country provides a slice of italy/france and wine tasting, excellent food. carmel has that as well but is much more versatile. very nice wineries down there as well as charming town, beach, golf, montery is very close.

a one day trip to carmel also means 6+ hours in a car vs. 3 or 4 for wine country

 

[Eephus]

If you are going to do a day trip outside of SF on a 3-day trip there is no question in my mind that Sonoma/Napa is far superior to trekking down to Carmel. Even if they were the same distance (wine country is much closer) I would never suggest Carmel area over a day in wine country. Sonoma > Napa IMHO but to each his own.

as someone who really enjoys both, and who lived in the city for a decent % of my life... i think carmel is a nicer trip. wine country provides a slice of italy/france and wine tasting, excellent food. carmel has that as well but is much more versatile. very nice wineries down there as well as charming town, beach, golf, montery is very close.

a one day trip to carmel also means 6+ hours in a car vs. 3 or 4 for wine country

I prefer Monterey/Carmel too but it's much better as an overnight trip.

 

[CurlyNight]

I'm sure everything is booked by now, but yeah, if you could get there Sat pm and stay over, that is the best route--- but it is pricey, probably more than the SF hotel they are in.

 

[El Floppo]

How about trip UP Hwy 1, and then turn inland around Jenner? More of a pretty drive with some Hwy 1-esque stuff view-wise. Then head into funky wine-country as mentioned (not Napa), head back down 101.

 

[Apple Jack]

How about trip UP Hwy 1, and then turn inland around Jenner? More of a pretty drive with some Hwy 1-esque stuff view-wise. Then head into funky wine-country as mentioned (not Napa), head back down 101.

Yeah, the drive to Santa Cruz is not worth it.

I definitely prefer the Sonoma to Napa. Might even want to consider taking the PCH up to the Russian River and then 116/River across to 101. It's time-consuming, but it's a nice drive. The Russian River is pretty great.

 

[El Floppo]

How about trip UP Hwy 1, and then turn inland around Jenner? More of a pretty drive with some Hwy 1-esque stuff view-wise. Then head into funky wine-country as mentioned (not Napa), head back down 101.

Yeah, the drive to Santa Cruz is not worth it.

I definitely prefer the Sonoma to Napa. Might even want to consider taking the PCH up to the Russian River and then 116/River across to 101. It's time-consuming, but it's a nice drive. The Russian River is pretty great.

ah- sorry Aj- completely missed that. but yeah-

guerneville... amirite? 116 goes there and cuts down to Sebastapol, IIRC... right?

 

[bierfiend]

If you are going to do a day trip outside of SF on a 3-day trip there is no question in my mind that Sonoma/Napa is far superior to trekking down to Carmel. Even if they were the same distance (wine country is much closer) I would never suggest Carmel area over a day in wine country. Sonoma > Napa IMHO but to each his own.

as someone who really enjoys both, and who lived in the city for a decent % of my life... i think carmel is a nicer trip. wine country provides a slice of italy/france and wine tasting, excellent food. carmel has that as well but is much more versatile. very nice wineries down there as well as charming town, beach, golf, montery is very close.

a one day trip to carmel also means 6+ hours in a car vs. 3 or 4 for wine country

it has been a little while, but it seemed that from the city napa and carmel were a virtual push....... oh wait! if you hit the bay bridge and 80, it CAN be a quicker trip. i lived in the richmond disrtict so always took the ggb. another plus for sonoma is that it is closer to SF and will save 30-40 min each way (if coming up 101).

 

[bierfiend]

How about trip UP Hwy 1, and then turn inland around Jenner? More of a pretty drive with some Hwy 1-esque stuff view-wise. Then head into funky wine-country as mentioned (not Napa), head back down 101.

Yeah, the drive to Santa Cruz is not worth it.

I definitely prefer the Sonoma to Napa. Might even want to consider taking the PCH up to the Russian River and then 116/River across to 101. It's time-consuming, but it's a nice drive. The Russian River is pretty great.

ah- sorry Aj- completely missed that. but yeah-

guerneville... amirite? 116 goes there and cuts down to Sebastapol, IIRC... right?

pretty much. we just splashed around near guerneville last sat. great day.

 

[Fullback Fro]

Be careful with North Beach as there are a lot of stinker tourist trap restaurants. You can do a lot better than places like The Stinking Rose despite what the tour pamphlets tell you. My recommendation there is Tony's Pizza. Also if you want to eat at an SF institution, check out any of the following:

Tadich Grill

La Taqueria

Tommy's Joint - hit or miss but still a city institution.

House of Prime Rib

Cliff House

Tony's often has a two hour wait, but it IS damn good pizza.

 

[belljr]

If it matters this will be SUnday Sept 7th - 49ers are out of town.

I will be picking up my rental car Sunday morning from SFO. I have to pick it up from SFO this is non negotiable.

Wife has said she doesn't want to spend all day Sunday just driving so I think Carmel is probably out

 

[El Floppo]

If it matters this will be SUnday Sept 7th - 49ers are out of town.

I will be picking up my rental car Sunday morning from SFO. I have to pick it up from SFO this is non negotiable.

Wife has said she doesn't want to spend all day Sunday just driving so I think Cozumel is probably out

How about Tulum?

 

[belljr]

FIXED GDI

 

[bierfiend]

If it matters this will be SUnday Sept 7th - 49ers are out of town.

I will be picking up my rental car Sunday morning from SFO. I have to pick it up from SFO this is non negotiable.

Wife has said she doesn't want to spend all day Sunday just driving so I think Carmel is probably out

ah....i am going to be in vegas for FFPC that weekend. enjoy!

 

[Apple Jack]

How about trip UP Hwy 1, and then turn inland around Jenner? More of a pretty drive with some Hwy 1-esque stuff view-wise. Then head into funky wine-country as mentioned (not Napa), head back down 101.

Yeah, the drive to Santa Cruz is not worth it.

I definitely prefer the Sonoma to Napa. Might even want to consider taking the PCH up to the Russian River and then 116/River across to 101. It's time-consuming, but it's a nice drive. The Russian River is pretty great.

ah- sorry Aj- completely missed that. but yeah-

guerneville... amirite? 116 goes there and cuts down to Sebastapol, IIRC... right?

Yep. One of my favorite spots.

 

[El Floppo]

If it matters this will be SUnday Sept 7th - 49ers are out of town.

I will be picking up my rental car Sunday morning from SFO. I have to pick it up from SFO this is non negotiable.

Wife has said she doesn't want to spend all day Sunday just driving so I think Carmel is probably out

ugh- SFO is anywhere from 40mins (no-traffic) to 2 hours (yes-traffic) to Sausalito (first town across the GG Bridge)... that might make heading South a better option.

 

[belljr]

If it matters this will be SUnday Sept 7th - 49ers are out of town.

I will be picking up my rental car Sunday morning from SFO. I have to pick it up from SFO this is non negotiable.

Wife has said she doesn't want to spend all day Sunday just driving so I think Carmel is probably out

ugh- SFO is anywhere from 40mins (no-traffic) to 2 hours (yes-traffic) to Sausalito (first town across the GG Bridge)... that might make heading South a better option.

that was our thinking I have to pick the car up there because of work

 

[Eephus]

If it matters this will be SUnday Sept 7th - 49ers are out of town.

I will be picking up my rental car Sunday morning from SFO. I have to pick it up from SFO this is non negotiable.

Wife has said she doesn't want to spend all day Sunday just driving so I think Carmel is probably out

ugh- SFO is anywhere from 40mins (no-traffic) to 2 hours (yes-traffic) to Sausalito (first town across the GG Bridge)... that might make heading South a better option.

that was our thinking I have to pick the car up there because of work

The access roads to the GG Bridge are under construction so traffic north is even worse than usual.

Napa from SFO isn't impossible particularly if you're leaving early in the day but I think the Bay Bridge route would be faster than going cross town to the Golden Gate.

 

[El Floppo]

Cut over to Pacifica from SFO, drive down 1 to Santa Cruz or wherever I guess. Always loved Montara. Half-moon bay is nice too. Don't know the other towns so well, but it's all decent.

Aren't there some vineyards in the hills above Santa Cruz... Bonny Doon or something?

 

[Eephus]

Cut over to Pacifica from SFO, drive down 1 to Santa Cruz or wherever I guess. Always loved Montara. Half-moon bay is nice too. Don't know the other towns so well, but it's all decent.

Aren't there some vineyards in the hills above Santa Cruz... Bonny Doon or something?

There are also some coastal redwoods in Big Basin State Park if you're not able to make it to Muir Woods.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

there's so much to do in the city. with such a short trip, I'd probably stay local instead of trying to hit any of those spots.

 

[bierfiend]

while i would rather grab a bite in carmel... if you hit the coast and drive south- in half moon bay is moss beach distillery (near montara). food is B/B-, but location/atmosphere is wonderful.

 

[bierfiend]

there's so much to do in the city. with such a short trip, I'd probably stay local instead of trying to hit any of those spots.

really depends on the type of trip they want. they could easily have fun for a few weeks in the city. the peipheral areas provide a totally different experience.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

there's so much to do in the city. with such a short trip, I'd probably stay local instead of trying to hit any of those spots.

really depends on the type of trip they want. they could easily have fun for a few weeks in the city. the peipheral areas provide a totally different experience.

sounds like (a) wife hasn't been to the city, and (b) she has just 3 days, and © she doesn't want to spend all day in the car

driving to Napa or Carmel after having to get to SFO in the morning to pick up the rental car sounds like a bad idea to me.

save those for a future visit. both are awesome, but not worth the hassle on a Sunday during a 3-day visit.

 

[bierfiend]

there's so much to do in the city. with such a short trip, I'd probably stay local instead of trying to hit any of those spots.

really depends on the type of trip they want. they could easily have fun for a few weeks in the city. the peipheral areas provide a totally different experience.

sounds like (a) wife hasn't been to the city, and (b) she has just 3 days, and © she doesn't want to spend all day in the car

driving to Napa or Carmel after having to get to SFO in the morning to pick up the rental car sounds like a bad idea to me.

save those for a future visit. both are awesome, but not worth the hassle on a Sunday during a 3-day visit.

i missed a few of the details. i am not possitive when they arrive/leave. I thought he was going to be working, which can give her an opportunity to tour the city during the day. if he has to go to the airport to pick up the car on sunday....might as well keep heading south. imo carmel is worth the day (though it is great for it's own long weekend). unsure what their other opportunities are to see SF, but if they are staying downtown.. it is right there. it is a very small city.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

i missed a few of the details. i am not possitive when they arrive/leave. I thought he was going to be working, which can give her an opportunity to tour the city during the day. if he has to go to the airport to pick up the car on sunday....might as well keep heading south. imo carmel is worth the day (though it is great for it's own long weekend). unsure what their other opportunities are to see SF, but if they are staying downtown.. it is right there. it is a very small city.

I will be out there for work after my wife goes back home and I have been out there before but never really toured.

Santa Cruz not really worth the trip IMO. I'd rather just hit places nearby on such a short trip. Muir Woods, Sausalito, Berkeley, Palo Alto, etc.

 

[belljr]

I guess I can give more details. I will be working in the Sunnyvale area. I have been out there 3 times already. Went to the bridge, did Palo Alto and some other things.

I will be Flying out Friday early AM with my wife. Staying near fishermans wharf. PLan on doing SF city things Friday and all Day Saturday.

We check out of the hotel on Sunday.

Our plan was to pick up car from SFO in the morning. From there drive somewhere but not too far. We may change our minds.

The idea was pick the car up and just drive the coast to Santa Cruz area.

We check into my work hotel in Sunnyvale Sunday night.

I drive wife to airport Monday am then work M-F in Sunnyvale.

YOU GUYS GOT IT NOW

Seriously, thanks. Just trying to figure out Sunday

 

[AcerFC]

Agree with floppo. If you do muir woods, which I would, you have to get there early. We got there when the park opened and got one of the 20 or so spots there. When we left, people were waking miles to get there.

I bought the self guided tour map and thought it was great. Even my kid enjoyed stopping and learning about what happened at each spot.

I said this earlier, but it was a highlight of the time there for me. That and taking my kid to his first ballgame to see the Giants. 4th row seats for 30 bucks each on stub hub.

 

[bierfiend]

ok. i would say since you are heading south to get the car, carmel or monterey is not unreasonable. santa cruz is closer, but mostly beach/boardwalk. i would think about half moon bay. cute town and not too far.... you can come back up the coast and check out the cliff house and/or golden gate park.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

if you go to Carmel, it's silly not to go a bit further and see Big Sur. just silly.

 

[belljr]

if you go to Carmel, it's silly not to go a bit further and see Big Sur. just silly.

i agree.our plan is get car.

head north a bit to catch "the start" of route 1 south.

supposedly there are state parks with redwoods and beach access, light house , and winery on the way to Santa cruz.

We were going to stop along the coast at spots not drive straight to Santa cruz.

Monterey looks like it's about 3 hours going that route.

 

[AcerFC]

Just extend trip imo

 

[belljr]

Just extend trip imo

lol. Not an option

 

[Paranoia]

There is a ton of free goins on in the city.

http://sf.funcheap.com/

Jambase is a great resource for concerts in the area. And don't be afraid to take BART over to Oakland for a show at the Fox or Paramount.

enjoy, great city

 

[belljr]

I wish we had more time.

this was an impromptu add on for my work. I can't afford to stay out longer and also have to get the kids to school.

I'm sure we'll be back. I know I will for work. Just didn't want to do everything without the wife lol

 

[bierfiend]

if you go to Carmel, it's silly not to go a bit further and see Big Sur. just silly.

i agree.our plan is get car.

head north a bit to catch "the start" of route 1 south.

supposedly there are state parks with redwoods and beach access, light house , and winery on the way to Santa cruz.

We were going to stop along the coast at spots not drive straight to Santa cruz.

Monterey looks like it's about 3 hours going that route.

http://www.winemag.com/Web-2012/Californias-Highway-1-The-Wine-Lovers-Route/