Planning a vacation to San Francisco, thoughts on things to do?

[Tobra]

Spenger's for seafood inthe east bay

[rcooled]

Sounds like you've got enough suggestions to keep you busy for a month! I almost forgot to tell you about a real treasure right here in my back yard. If your kids are getting restless, drive 1.5 hours south along the coast on Highway 1 and take them to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for the afternoon. Lot's of great rides and it's a historical landmark to boot, dating back to 1906. There's a wide sandy beach here too but the water's freezing cold even in mid-summer.

[Mark Howard]

Yes, this is perhaps the most responded-to post I have ever presented to the group. So much to do my head is spinning. I plan to take the recommendations and prepare a daily "Sync Matrix" covering the when, when and how. Geez, vacations are suppose to be relaxing!

Ok, so, I have to ask....what the hell is the Bush Guy? Is he like Boudreaux and thibodeaux down her en da bayou?

[RWebb]

I suggest you just limit everything by proximity. Do the stuff that is nearby or easy to reach from where you stay. On your next trip, stay in a different part of the city. You can do that many different times...

BTW - the food culture is very different from New Orleans (and I assume you visit there a lot since I see you live in BTR). So, guard against direct comparisons. SFO does have xlnt. food and not just expensive food either -- it may just be a little different orientation than xlnt food in So. La.

[Burnin' oil]

[Burnin' oil]

IF you decide to go to Yosemite, let me know and I will HOOK YOU UP!

[rcooled]

Notice the overcast and the way people are dressed in that "Bush Man" video. This could've very likely been shot in mid-July. Take all the suggestions about warm clothing seriously...you'll thank us later

Have a great trip!

[deanp]

Not to hijack but... is it really feasible to do Yosemite as a day trip. We're going to be in Big Sur and SanFran in Sept, back half of the month. Looks like 4.25 hrs from Monterey to Yosemite according to google maps, just under that from SanFran.

Enjoy being in the car and it will only be my wife and myself. Will be in Big Sur for 3 days and SanFran for 2 as it stands.

Could we do a loop from Monterey over to Yosemite and then to SanFran if we left Big Sur at 6 or 7AM.

[stevepaa]

Yes, you could but you would be kicking yourself for not having more time in yosemite
leave big sur around 6, yosemite by 11, one more hour to get to far end of valley. lunch at Curry, 6 hours walking around, dinner at ahwahnee and 4 hours to SF, get in around midnight.

[cantdrv55]

I drive a lot and I think it's too far to do Yosemite and back in one day. Also, whether or not you appreciate wine, you'd kick yourself if you don't do a day trip to the wine country. Talk about beautiful surroundings and good food!

[Tobra]

Yosemite is too far for a day trip from SF or Monterrey, you won't have enough time there. That said, I heard the waterfalls are cranked up more than they have been in years.

If you go, and intend to hike up the Bridal Veil trail, take rain gear and dry clothes to change into after.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Spenger's for seafood inthe east bay

Yes, toward Berkeley. Nice place.

I also love Alioto's but probably because I have so many good memories of the place, and the service is always so friendly, and so awesome.

Calzone's in North Beach is another favorite. Harris Ranch Restaurant is another favorite. And House of Prime Rib if you like old style, old school steakhouses with flair and a vast wine menu.

[cantdrv55]

My fav Chinese restaurant isn't too far from the Embarcadero. It's a little more Westernized than restaurants right in Chinatown though. It's Henry Hunan's on Sansome.

[cantdrv55]

Go here for restaurant reviews (besides Yelp that is) and places to visit while in SF.

San Francisco Bay Area — News, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Classifieds: SFGate

[Tobra]

If you want to sit at a table where Joe DiMaggio probably sat go to Capps Corner in North Beach, if it is still there, family style Italian place

[rattlsnak]

Im there right now and concur on the jacket. One second its 65, the next its misty and 50, now its cleared a little but the wind is picking up to 30+mph tonight... and the weather is different on different parts of town. Sunny at the wharf, drive towards the bridge, windy and cold, etc..

[Steve Viegas]

Originally Posted by rattlsnak

Im there right now and concur on the jacket. One second its 65, the next its misty and 50, now its cleared a little but the wind is picking up to 30+mph tonight... and the weather is different on different parts of town. Sunny at the wharf, drive towards the bridge, windy and cold, etc..

All of this in a town that is only 49 square miles (actually, I think it is less than 7x7).

[flatbutt]

If you luck out catch the GGB in the fog. I know everyone has seen pictures but seeing it for real is lovely. Isn't there a tea garden with views of the bridge?