San Francisco Business Trip?

Question

I'm in San Francisco for 2 weeks on business. I don't typically like the 'tourist' attractions... what are some of the hidden gems in San Fran that I must see before I go back to the Carolinas?

Answer 1

Kathy's suggestions are really far away and you won't exactly be able to go to these places after work. Maybe during your weekend.

Locally there are a few fun neighborhoods with interesting shops like the Upper Haight (one time hippie home), Castro (gay "mecca") Hayes Valley, Chestnut St. Upper Market (Church Street area) & Union Street. Chinatown maybe too touristy for you, but if you want to see a more normal asian area with better restaurants go to the Richmond district. If you like foreign/indie films there are tons of screens like the landmark theaters, the roxie, the red vic (hippie theater with couches). The Ferry Building near the embarcadero has a bunch of shops and restaurants, even a farmer's market on certain days.

On your weekend I would recommend (as someone else did) Sausalito, Tiburon which are accessible by ferry or Mill Valley which you would have to drive to. They're reasonably close, the first two are by the water, all have distinctive shops and restaurants. Napa, Yosemite, etc. are really far away.

Finally, check out the pink section in the Sunday SF Chronicle (or get info at www.sfgate.com), it will list special events like cultural festivals and things like that.

Have a good trip.

Answer 2

These are my suggestions:

1. Pt. Reyes National Seashore north of San Francisco an hour or 2. It's a great place for hiking and nature.

2. Yosemite National Park.....this would be a ways from San Francisco...around 4 hours. It is the most majestic place in California. The massive granite mountains are awesome.

3. Wine Tasting in Napa (northeast), Livermore (east) or Santa Cruz (south). Napa is crowded on weekends and expensive. Livermore and Santa Cruz will often have wine tasting for free and are less crowded.

4. Drive down the coast from San Francisco to Santa Cruz....there's lots of uncrowded California beaches and small undeveloped little towns.

5. Fun things in the city...take a ferry to Sausilito. Ride a bike across the Golden Gate. If you enjoy art, there's some great museums to explore.

Answer 3

The Filbert steps up Telegraph Hill to get to Coit Tower is amazing, a lot of locals don't even know about it. It has whimsical gardens and wild parrots. It has spectacular views of the City and the Bay and once at the top a 360 degree view of the City, the Pacific, and all of the bridges. It's gorgeous... the walk up the steps alone is worth going for, even if you have to stop a few times because you get tired. Check out my other answers in the questions: I"In SF over Thanksgiving 2-3 days," and "what to see in SF."

Answer 4

I dont like the normal touristee things either.
I dont know if this is for you but I rented a bike at the wharf, rode it through the presidio park, over the golden gate, through sausolito to tiberon. from there I took the ferry (the skipper was nice enough to come close to Alkatraz for pics) back to SF and rode down the embarkadero to the ball park.
I got to see alot and decided where i wanted to go.

Another time I rented a convertible and drove north on the PCH to Bodega Bay, This was amazing!!! I also am from the east coast and the road wound up, down, and around mountains all with a view of the pacific ocean!!!

Answer 5

If you want to come to Napa, I could tell you about some out of the way little places that aren't on the normal tourist-beaten path. Email if you want.

Answer 6

SF bay, Giants activity, NikeTown (in the experience that your a activities fan) Golden Gate bridge, and definately journey the rail motor vehicle, theyre consistently packed, yet once you may get in it, its definately a great SF adventure.

Answer 7

I CAN tell you where to get the best breakfast you have ever had in your life

Oh and for crabcakes, check out the second link:

You will NOT be sorry if you go to these places.