I am going to a conference and have the whole day. I know about the wharf and all the places that go along with that. What I am looking for are places that people really familiar with SF might know about, and I am not privvy. Can you help?
2006-07-03 11:05:22 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ United States ➔ San Francisco
It would be helpful to know where you live because that might tell me what would be unusual for you to see. No matter when you come, bring a sweater and/or a jacket. Don't forget the famous quote attributed to Mark Twain: "The coldest winter I ever experienced was one summer in San Francisco."
I'm a native San Franciscan. The previous answers were excellant and, more could be said about them. I am only going to briefly discuss places that have not yet been mentioned. `
A very interesting and easy walk would be Grant Street in the downtown area. Start at Geary, heading north. You are walking through an upscale area of fashion and other stores. After three blocks, you will be in Chinatown. San Francisco is reputed to have the largest Chinese population outside of Asia. After eight blocks, you will exit Chinatown. You are now in North Beach, which historically was the Italian District. It remains the home of numerous excellent Itlaian restaurants, delis, and shops. Now cross Broadway and then Columbus streets and continue up Grant for three blocks. Turn left on Union. In two blocks you are back to Columbus and more restaurants and shops.
I would also recomend a Bay cruise and/or a boat trip to Tiburon. Tiburon is often called the "Portofino of the U.S". It is a walking area with some very good restaurants, bars, coffee houses, shops and art galleries.
Another spot for a short tour would be AT&T Park (originally - Pacific Bell Park). It is the home of the San Francisco Giants baseball team. It is the best of all the modern parks with its cozy atmosphere, unusual nooks and crannies, and amazing Bay views. They have guided tours.
As you can see, you can be here for two weeks and barely scratch the surface of the amazing sights and sounds of San Francisco and the surrounding area. I haven't even mentioned the the world class wineries of nearby (less than an hour drive) Napa and Sonoma Counties. Nor have I mentioned seeing the campus of Stanford in Palo Alto or Cal in Berkeley. Don't forget to take a Cable Car ride; A N D -- 'IF YOU'RE COMING TO SAN FRANCISCO, BE SURE TO WEAR A FLOWER IN YOUR HAIR".
2006-07-06 13:24:55 · answer #1 · answered by billhill1066 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Walk across the Golden Gate bridge and back.
Golden Gate Park is wonderful.
Walk the beach between the GG Bridge and the wharf area.
Walk the downtown area in and around Union Square for the experience of people watching.
Chinatown.
North Beach is great!!!! Start around Washington Square and enjoy a few hours of browsing.
Beach Blanket Babylon is a great live performance, on going, nationally recognized, and a popular destination....and the casual theater is in North Beach.
2006-07-03 18:32:45 · answer #2 · answered by nothing 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here are some nice things I like to do and are not super touristy:
- Have a coffe or a drink at the Top pf the Mark-- beautiful hotel, amazing view day and night, life piano music.
- Visit the beautiful Grace Cathedral and walk the labyrinth.
- You can walk the Golden Gate Bridge. Great thing to do during the day or at night. You will always remember that you did it!
- Go to the Cliff House and have a coffee. Then walk by the beach and visit the park.
2006-07-03 18:17:33 · answer #3 · answered by MardeVigo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're into Beat literature & music, you might want to check out City Lights Bookstore in North Beach - maybe you'll run into Lawrence Ferlinghetti himself. You can get lost in this bookstore full of very rich cultural history. Across the alley, you can have a drink at Vesuvio's while admiring the mural on the brick wall outside, or reading newspaper articles on the pub wall about Van Morrison.
2006-07-05 20:29:39 · answer #4 · answered by oaksterdamhippiechick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lombard st.(crooked road) Pier 39, The Metreon(downtown S.F.), Golden Gate Park.
2006-07-03 18:10:53 · answer #5 · answered by Shikibeeks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ocean Beach is neat. Golden Gate Park has lots to see. A lot of museums in the park. Also, the wall murals in the Mission District are interesting and not a "typical tourist" item.
2006-07-03 18:08:53 · answer #6 · answered by JuJu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Haight/ Ashbury, the Pan Handle, take a drive up to Bolinas,Stinson beach,Filmore street....stay away from the tourist hot spots, and go for a wander about. Good Luck!!!
2006-07-03 18:14:35 · answer #7 · answered by reality check 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Twin Peaks
2006-07-04 02:07:07 · answer #8 · answered by WestCoastin4Life 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
alcatraz, the S.F. exploratorium, Ghirardelli Square for a sweet treat, and generally any mall around
2006-07-03 18:13:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋