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OT: San Francisco

SeaOfRed75

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Dec 5, 2010
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Will be spending a day and a half or so in San Francisco after going to Yosemite.
I know, I know, robbed killed probably overdose in the tenderloin with some junkies.......
That being said, I have ideas for the basics of what to see and eat. But welcome opinions on must sees and or must eats.
 
Great time to visit SF

Hardly any traffic these days
 
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My family enjoyed visiting Alcatraz. Note you have to buy your tickets early on line. Plan on that taking half a day if you decide to go. we spent an afternoon walking from Embarcadero around to fisherman's wharf area. Definitely visit Chinatown and have lunch there. If you will have a car, driving down the hill on Lombard Street between Hyde Street and Leavenworth Street is one of the most touristy things you can do -- and it was fun for what it was. Visit the park around the Golden Gate Bridge. The Exploratorium there is awesome if you have kids, but that could eat up most of a day (and you can now just hit the Exploratorium in Omaha, which was designed by the same group). I'd skip Mission District and down town. Not much there to see there these days except poop and used needles.
 
I'd add, coming from that direction, I'd consider crossing the Bay on the San Matteo Hayward bridge instead of the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge, which can be an absolute zoo, depending on time of day. And, there is a charge for going into the City on either of the bridges ($5 - $10) somewhere in there, I think. So have some cash ready for that. No toll to leave, however. I don't recall if Golden Gate is a toll. And stay on the trail if you do some hiking in Yosemite. don't want to read about you falling off a cliff in the paper.
 
I'd add, coming from that direction, I'd consider crossing the Bay on the San Matteo Hayward bridge instead of the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge, which can be an absolute zoo, depending on time of day. And, there is a charge for going into the City on either of the bridges ($5 - $10) somewhere in there, I think. So have some cash ready for that. No toll to leave, however. I don't recall if Golden Gate is a toll. And stay on the trail if you do some hiking in Yosemite. don't want to read about you falling off a cliff in the paper.
Golden Gate is a toll

nothing quite like Sausalito for a half-day jaunt on a clear day

oysters, wine, etc
 
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I'd add, coming from that direction, I'd consider crossing the Bay on the San Matteo Hayward bridge instead of the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge, which can be an absolute zoo, depending on time of day. And, there is a charge for going into the City on either of the bridges ($5 - $10) somewhere in there, I think. So have some cash ready for that. No toll to leave, however. I don't recall if Golden Gate is a toll. And stay on the trail if you do some hiking in Yosemite. don't want to read about you falling off a cliff in the paper.
Have been to Yosemite before (about 22 years ago). So I know I'm not getting close to edges at say Taft point or the mist trail.
Thanks for thoughts on bridges. Think San Mateo bridge was the way Google maps suggested out of SFO.
 
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Will be spending a day and a half or so in San Francisco after going to Yosemite.
I know, I know, robbed killed probably overdose in the tenderloin with some junkies.......
That being said, I have ideas for the basics of what to see and eat. But welcome opinions on must sees and or must eats.
Planning a day and a half in San Francisco? Start by getting in the mood with some Rice-a-Roni and a screening of Vertigo. Then hit a couple of the following: Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio, a cable car ride, Coit Tower, Lands End Trail. Don't forget to grab a stool at the Swan Oyster Depot for some fresh seafood!

San Francisco's Financial District is conveniently close to the topless clubs. Fun fact: the Grateful Dead got their start playing at these strip clubs. Imagine the poor dancers trying to keep up with a 25-minute jam session of "Viola Lee Blues"!
 
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lived and worked in the city back in the 80s and visited for a quarter century as a chevron dude.

my favorite restaurant was https://tadichgrillsf.com/ for lunch. located in what was then the financial district. petrali sole or sand dabs if you like fish with a fresh salad, sour dough bread, and glass of vino. my, my!

for dinner, it's hard to beat sausalito's mesmerizing views of the city and golden gate. there are tons of restaurants to choose from. have a grand marnier soufflé for dessert. stay away from the trashy east bay.

sausalito.jpg
 
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And be sure to go dressed as Dodger fans!
My favorite Oracle Park joke came after an idiot Giants fan threw a banana at Dodgers OF Matt Kemp:

The crowd was horrified and the fan was ejected. Not because of his racist and potentially dangerous act, but because the banana was not organic and he brought it in a plastic bag.
 
When I lived in Oakland but worked in SF, I just took the BART everywhere I needed to go. Was cheaper than paying the tolls and was almost always on time. I just wouldn't advise actually sitting down on the BART as I assume it's probably still gross AF to sit down on.
 
When I lived in Oakland but worked in SF, I just took the BART everywhere I needed to go. Was cheaper than paying the tolls and was almost always on time. I just wouldn't advise actually sitting down on the BART as I assume it's probably still gross AF to sit down on.
My daughter says BART between Oakland and the financial district is ok during normal commute hours but advises against in the evening. She has been commuting between a law office in the financial district a couple of days/week for 2 years.
 
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Will be spending a day and a half or so in San Francisco after going to Yosemite.
I know, I know, robbed killed probably overdose in the tenderloin with some junkies.......
That being said, I have ideas for the basics of what to see and eat. But welcome opinions on must sees and or must eats.
If the Stinking Rose restaurant is there, it is one of my favs. The garlic spread and bread that you start with is incredible and the food is superb as well. There are a ton of options, but I love this place.
 
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Will be spending a day and a half or so in San Francisco after going to Yosemite.
I know, I know, robbed killed probably overdose in the tenderloin with some junkies.......
That being said, I have ideas for the basics of what to see and eat. But welcome opinions on must sees and or must eats.
It gets very cool and breezy in the evenings, so wear pants and a light jacket.

If you’ve got a rental car, buy the insurance, as it will probably be broken into. Do not leave any valuables in there.

Chinatown is kind of interesting to visit. Steer clear of the bums, they are numerous and aggressive.
 
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Won't have a car while in S.F. Will pick it up going to Yosemite then drop it off coming back. Didn't feel like dealing with $70+ parking at a hotel and figured metro and/or Uber will suffice.
Plan on doing Alcatraz, Chinatown, Ghirardellis and Boudins. See they have a Japantown and am really jonesing for some good Japanese food (that isn't another goddamn sushi or ramen place), but can't find much on restaurants in jtown.
Any particularly good mission burrito places or places in little Italy?
Where's best to stay for ease of getting around and seeing the sites along with nice hotel for the money? Have a place near fisherman's wharf, but have time to cancel as I've heard Union Square can be a better place to stay.
 
Won't have a car while in S.F. Will pick it up going to Yosemite then drop it off coming back. Didn't feel like dealing with $70+ parking at a hotel and figured metro and/or Uber will suffice.
Plan on doing Alcatraz, Chinatown, Ghirardellis and Boudins. See they have a Japantown and am really jonesing for some good Japanese food (that isn't another goddamn sushi or ramen place), but can't find much on restaurants in jtown.
Any particularly good mission burrito places or places in little Italy?
Where's best to stay for ease of getting around and seeing the sites along with nice hotel for the money? Have a place near fisherman's wharf, but have time to cancel as I've heard Union Square can be a better place to stay.
Nothing special about that Ghiradellis. Put that low on your priority list. There are some pretty cool WW two guns protecting the Golden Gate bridge for fear of an attack from Japan. Did anyone mention Hoyt tower? It’s got an interesting history. Love the beauty of California. and the Bay Area especially, if it weren’t for the Californians
 
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Will be spending a day and a half or so in San Francisco after going to Yosemite.
I know, I know, robbed killed probably overdose in the tenderloin with some junkies.......
That being said, I have ideas for the basics of what to see and eat. But welcome opinions on must sees and or must eats.

Human feces hopscotch is always fun.




.
 
It gets very cool and breezy in the evenings, so wear pants and a light jacket.

If you’ve got a rental car, buy the insurance, as it will probably be broken into. Do not leave any valuables in there.

Chinatown is kind of interesting to visit. Steer clear of the bums, they are numerous and aggressive.
My daughter had her car broken in to in an upscale grocery parking lot in broad daylight. A guy had video and license plate number of 2 guys who smashed 5 car windows. She waited on hold for an hour and nobody ever answered at the cop shop. Reported the crime online with a video link and never got a reply. Thank you defund the police lunatics. Her roomates mom was a 30 year prosecutor in the Oakland DA’s office and she quit over their DA’s refusal to prosecute the gang banger who shot and killed that little Asian boy. SF recalled their DA and the new one is at least trying to enforce the law to some degree. It’s a mess out there.
 
Nothing special about that Ghiradellis. Put that low on your priority list. There are some pretty cool WW two guns protecting the Golden Gate bridge for fear of an attack from Japan. Did anyone mention Hoyt tower? It’s got an interesting history. Love the beauty of California. and the Bay Area especially, if it weren’t for the Californians
There’s not really anything special about the whole city. It’s dirty. It’s crime ridden. The wharf stinks. Sausalito is cool but otherwise no thanks. We go straight up to wine country. There’s sooo many great restaurants and things to do 45 minutes up the road. I’ve never understood the attraction to some downtown areas. The Bay Area has gone in the crapper since I first visited 35 years ago. Now get off my lawn.
 
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Alcatraz was way cooler than I expected. We went at night and it made it even more interesting.

Chinatown is also pretty cool, great food options there as well. Someone mentioned Dim Sum, plenty of good options for that as well and recommend.

The wharf is touristy and yes it can have many other drawbacks which aren't appealing that have already been mentioned.
 
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Alcatraz was way cooler than I expected. We went at night and it made it even more interesting.

Chinatown is also pretty cool, great food options there as well. Someone mentioned Dim Sum, plenty of good options for that as well and recommend.

The wharf is touristy and yes it can have many other drawbacks which aren't appealing that have already been mentioned.
Well, you Dim Sum, you Lose Some.
 
There’s not really anything special about the whole city. It’s dirty. It’s crime ridden. The wharf stinks. Sausalito is cool but otherwise no thanks. We go straight up to wine country. There’s sooo many great restaurants and things to do 45 minutes up the road. I’ve never understood the attraction to some downtown areas. The Bay Area has gone in the crapper since I first visited 35 years ago. Now get off my lawn.
South Bay is still very nice and largely devoid of what’s plagued the city itself
 
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Won't have a car while in S.F. Will pick it up going to Yosemite then drop it off coming back. Didn't feel like dealing with $70+ parking at a hotel and figured metro and/or Uber will suffice.
Plan on doing Alcatraz, Chinatown, Ghirardellis and Boudins. See they have a Japantown and am really jonesing for some good Japanese food (that isn't another goddamn sushi or ramen place), but can't find much on restaurants in jtown.
Any particularly good mission burrito places or places in little Italy?
Where's best to stay for ease of getting around and seeing the sites along with nice hotel for the money? Have a place near fisherman's wharf, but have time to cancel as I've heard Union Square can be a better place to stay.
Please please please take the metro. Multiple times a day. Late at night if possible. Please let this happen!
 
My daughter had her car broken in to in an upscale grocery parking lot in broad daylight. A guy had video and license plate number of 2 guys who smashed 5 car windows. She waited on hold for an hour and nobody ever answered at the cop shop. Reported the crime online with a video link and never got a reply. Thank you defund the police lunatics. Her roomates mom was a 30 year prosecutor in the Oakland DA’s office and she quit over their DA’s refusal to prosecute the gang banger who shot and killed that little Asian boy. SF recalled their DA and the new one is at least trying to enforce the law to some degree. It’s a mess out there.
Nobody quit over black kids getting killed.

Proud Of You Yes GIF
 
There’s not really anything special about the whole city. It’s dirty. It’s crime ridden. The wharf stinks. Sausalito is cool but otherwise no thanks. We go straight up to wine country. There’s sooo many great restaurants and things to do 45 minutes up the road. I’ve never understood the attraction to some downtown areas. The Bay Area has gone in the crapper since I first visited 35 years ago. Now get off my lawn.
My brother went a few years ago. Got his rental car broken into. When they took it back the guy at the rental place said it’s very common this happens. My brother said he enjoyed Alcatraz and a few other spots. But in General said he wouldn’t go back.
 
I went to the NU-Cal game in Berkeley in 1998. Back then Cal averaged 33K attendance for home games except high 60s for the Stanford games. They drew 67K for Nebraska game and half of that was us. I thought it was funny that the day before the game Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz were a total red-out. Our fans were everywhere, thousands of us. Locals said they have never seen anything like it.

I was surprised how small Alcatraz is. I expected this huge prison, but basically just four cellblocks and one of them (as I recall) wasn't used in the 50s/60s due to having older, iron bars instead of steel like the other blocks.
 
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