Going to be in Cali, what part should I stay in for optimum sightseeing/food San Fran, Napa Valley or sonoma?

Question

Looking to make the most of a west coast visit in December...would love specifics on what to do in terms of tours and places to eat & visit.

Answer 1

I had been to those places last year. I stayed in San Francisco just in time for the Thanksgiving!I had stayed in different places in California but one thing is that anyone with just a map on hand you can tour San Francisco. It is easy to follow in the map.
First, the famous cable car, take it at Powell street! I first take a ride on it on the 26th of December & there was a long line. However, during the succeeding days, it wasnt that long. The short ride will bring you to a birds eyeview of Alcatraz, the island where prisons used to stay & the Lombard street which is the crookedest street in sanfo. The end of the trip will be at the Fisherman's Wharf. You can take your lunch there. After the lunch, you can walk around the place and look for souvenirs. In that area, you can reserve for the double decker tour of the city. The city tour went over to Levis, Moscone Convention Center, Union Square, the entrance to Chinatown, etc. There are other tours available like tour of the Golden gate, Alcatraz ! You can also try going to Chinatown where you can buy some souvenirs also. The streets of San Francisco is described by the children as up and down! It is important that you park your cars well. It is Union Square where the famous shopping district of San Francisco is located. It is infront of Macy's that the giant Christmas tree was lighted during Thanksgiving at past 6pm which the people waited. Here the famous stores such as Nordstrom , Neiman Marcus, Saks 5th Avenue, Gucci & other signature stores are located. From Powell st, stores such as GAP, Old Navy , Ross can be seen. It is also near the cable car station in Powell st that you go to the visitors area & also go to take a ride in the BART ( Bay Area Railray Transport) which will bring you to the neighboring area of Oakland and the Contra Costa County which includes LaFayette, Martinez, Concord, Pittsburgh, Antioch, Danville, Pleasant Hill. Take a round trip !
Try going also to the Embarcadero in which people can go skating & there are some restaurants over there too.
I suggest that you look at the view of the Golden Gate both in the morning & in the evening. There is a Japanese garden over the park. It is nice just to park near the Godlen Gate at night to see its beauty.
At night try going to North Beach, San Francisco's little Italy. Try driving around the city also. Parking is quite expensive!
Most of the Chinese restaurants I had seen are in the area of San Bruno! These restaurants are always filled up.
From San Francisco you can also go to Daly City where most of the people go for shopping because there are better parking lots over there. You can go to Target! try the IN and Out burger near DMV. Their fries are freshly cooked.
You can also visit the Sonoma and Napa Valley where wine vineyards are found . you can take a trip to these areas and taste their wines.

Answer 2

If you like the hectic city scene, then SF. If you want more laid back and relaxed pace, then Napa. There are some excellent B&B's especially near downtown Napa. There are winery tours by bus that will take you up and down the Valley. Hot air balloon rides (very fun!) Excellent art galleries and shopping. Just remember things get more expensive as you get farther up the Valley. And the food is incredible everywhere!

If you stay in Napa, it's a short drive to Sonoma, and a short drive to the ferry terminal in Vallejo that will take you right into SF. The ferry drops you off at the Financial Building (excellent farmers market and shopping) and Pier 39 (Fisherman's Wharf). Then you can hop on trolleys or cable cars to see the city.

The hills will be gorgeous green that time of year...because of rain. So bring an umbrella and something with a hood.

Hope you choose Napa Valley, and have fun!

Answer 3

As a native of the area, I would suggest San Francisco. Both Napa and Sonoma areas have some good restaurants, but "the city" as almost all northern Californians call it has the most extensive aray of restauarants and sights. What you like is the best guide. For architecture, go to the financial district, Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio/ Palace of Fine Arts. For a view, go to to Coit Tower. For R and R, go to Golden Gate Park. For restaurants, go to Greens (vegetarian), Cliff House (seafood) and Chinatown (look for an off the beaten path small place that is packed with Chinese). For outdoor fun, if you have a car, go across the GG Bridge and around to Tiberon. Then take the ferry to Angel Island and hike around it up to the top. For outdoor fun if you don't have a car, take a tour bus to Miur Woods National Monument and enjoy the lushness of the ferns and giant redwoods in the deep, dark forest.

Answer 4

could agree w/ chefgril...it completely relies upon on the place in SF you're and the place in the two valley you will. time smart, it rather is in all probability swifter to Napa city. many of the wineries in Sonoma Valley are further north than city of sonoma and are in and around Santa Rosa that's approximately fifty 4 miles away. city of Sonoma is 40 4 and Napa 40 seven. Thechronic up one 0 one is a techniques worse site visitors smart than 80 to Napa.

Answer 5

All those places that you listed are good places to attend and you will enjoy them all very much. If you can I would rent a car, like in San Francisco, and drive to all of them at your own liberty and be able to sight see at your own pace. If you want to just stay in one spot I would choose San Francisco. There is so much to do in that city and so much to see. You can go hang out at the Wharf. You can go visit Union Square, Italian Town, China Town and much much more. There is also much nightlife on the weekends as well as the weekday. San Francisco is a twenty four hour city so you can always find something to do or somewhere to eat. I hope you enjoy yourself and I am sure you will. If you have any questions do not be afraid to ask locals or people on the street on places to go and how to get there. Have Fun!!!

Answer 6

I live in Napa I could give you more advice and places to see and stay. I would say in Napa it is central and you can visit SF or Sonoma. Im or email me for more details