San Fran fun for Kiwi Pelican

[Matt Smith]

I've got a great chance to present for work at a conference in Vancouver in August, with a stop in for 2 days in San Francisco on the return leg. I'm looking forward to this as I haven't been in the States or Canada before.

It occurred to me there must be some events for the Am Cup, and possibly even Porsche 50 going on during this time. Any tips or suggestions on an itinerary of Essential Sights from locals? Will be there 22nd-25th August, all too short to do a city justice I know! Will be staying central to the city. It's a long way to travel from New Zealand, so I'm trying to max out the sights and sounds if possible while still being able to stay awake

[creaturecat]

Here is a link to some Vancouver Porsche events, month of August:
Events Calendar

[creaturecat]

The Vancouver 50th celebration(of Porsche 911) is in Sept, VanDusen Gardens.

[john70t]

If you have the energy to drive-tour, and want to see a bit of everything fast:
Market street to the Ferry building-->
NE to under the Golden Gate Bridge-->
S. along 13th ave, through G.G. Park, to 19th ave south-->
Turn right(west) and go to the beach-->
Turn left left(south) and head down along the coast-->
Pick up Sneath Blvd in San Bruno, and head west-->
Get on the 101 or 380 and head North back into SF downtown.

This day tour will cover a little bit of SF, the ocean coast, and a small part of the peninsula.
(About 3% of what is out there.)

Caveate:
Driving will be fast, difficult, and confusing.
Road signs suck.
Be prepared to switch lanes amid selfish jerks.
Take food and drinks, and stop and rest whenever needed.
STAY OUT OF RUSH HOUR BRIDGE TRAFFIC.

Links:
Visiting San Francisco and Napa August, any tips?
Headed to SF next week, Giants game?
How They Drive In San Francisco . . .
Moving to the SF Bay area...

[Matt Smith]

Excellent!! Thanks guys.

[Bill Douglas]

Umm, how do you say it in English "Chinese food good in San Francisco, you goto Chinatown young man."

[look 171]

Go see Canepa's place in Scotts valley if you have some time. About an hour south of San Francisco Canepa Lots of Porsches there. Click around and see the museum.

[Outback Porsche]

Book your tour to The Rock online - don't count on there being one available when you get there.

Walk the bridge.

Pier 41 - clam chowder in a sourdough bun/bowl (and Hooters is only a short walk away)

[Matt Smith]

Great ideas, thanks!

In compiling my thoughts, I've wondered about how someone should answer this question when asked about your own home town. Like I would do if someone came over here.

It's all about time:

Limited stay, see the key sights, you will be the tourist. Tick it off the list

1 month stay: get your geography together and decide where you want to go.

1 year stay: You begin to understand how your Fun country, thinks and works, start wondering about how you would/could/if fit in. Stay, but probably move on.

10 years: Never done that as a tourist. The Biggie in terms of possibility, but age dependent.

A Life: My parents came here from the UK. I was 2 years old. They are not keen on sharing their experiences! Our family has stayed, and I have raised a young family here.

FWIW, Auckland Styles in one day. I thought: see some volcanic cones for perspective, avoid the city centre, enjoy a bbq with the locals in summer and go by ferry to the Devonport beaches. Ask questions, people will be accommodating. Kiwis, any further?