West Coast guys, San Fran & Vineyard visiting suggestions please. - The Hull Truth

Afishinado · 04-25-2008, 10:40 AM

Want to do a 4-6 day trip to see San Francisco and the wine country w/GF. Want to walk the GG bridge, waterfront, Alkatraz, and a winery here and there.... Fly into Oakland or SF? Stay in SF or outside the city? What month is the best to do these things between now and December?

Oh; Is Rice-a-Roni really the San Francisco treat?

HOTSPOT · 04-25-2008, 11:04 AM

Afishinado,

Be sure to hit Fisherman's Wharf. A fresh cracked crab, sourdough bowl of chowder and cold beer. Damn!!! There is a great "sit outside" vendor close to where all the seals are, don't remember the name. I dropped $75 for the aforementioned meal and did not bat an eye, it was wonderful!

I like Tarantino's for a nice sit down place. Very scenic view of the bay, the bridge, and Alcatraz.

NAPA Valley is breath-taking to say the least. We enjoyed several winery tours. Beringer was great and Robert Mondavi was my favorite as I am a "significant consumer."

I think this would be cool too: http://www.winetrain.com/

Leave Fisherman's and head across the bridge towards Sausalito, there are several killer scenic views for you and the camera to enjoy.

We rented Harleys and took a road trip down US 1 South to Carmel. What a beautiful ride.

Afishinado · 04-25-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

HOTSPOT - 4/25/2008 1:04 PM Afishinado, Be sure to hit Fisherman's Wharf. ............ Robert Mondavi was my favorite as I am a "significant consumer." .............................. We rented Harleys and took a road trip down US 1 South to Carmel. What a beautiful ride.

Fishermans Wharf is on the must see/do...
Mondavi

Hell, I oughtta have Bobs cell phone number....
Carmel is right around the top of the GF's list, and I really like the Harley rental idea..
Thanks Bro

Eyeball · 04-25-2008, 12:44 PM

Carmel By The Sea (the actual name of the city) is 2.5 or 3 hrs south of SF. The aquarium in Monterey, funded by the Packard family (think: Hewlett Packard) is worth seeing. If you want to do some walking, Point Lobos St Park is just south of Carmel, maybe 10-mins down the coast. It is phenomenally beautify. Maybe go south, see the aquarium, tool around Carmel, then spend the night. The next day take your camera and go to Pt Lobos, have a picnic before heading back to SF, or go 2-hrs south to Big Sur country and Jade Cove where can pick up ocean polished jade off the beach.

Whenever it is that you go to SF, TAKE A COAT OR JACKET! Though there is some controversy as to whether or not Mark Twain actually said it, it is nonetheless a potentially accurate statement, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."

There is no end to the tourists that show up without a jacket or coat and within a short time are freezing their ass off in the sunshine. Entertainment.

For Alcatraz, go online and book ahead. It does sell out on a regular bases. It is a self guided walking tour.

Do not overlook a walk though the Castro district. Everything in the Castro is rainbow. Last time I took some visitors there we were lucky enough to see 'naked man' out and walking about. 'Naked man' is a guy that walks around the Castro wearing a string tied around his waist. That's all, just the string. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are always around in the Castro, too. They are fun to talk to, take pix with. The Castro is a different way of living with a lot of latitude.

There is way too much to SF to write about it in one post. If you can give a better idea of what you are looking for or what you are expecting with a visit here I might be able to give you some more specific suggestions.

ETA: "no", we don't eat Rice-a-Roni, though chow-mein, often served in Chinese restaurants, was actually invented in SF. Also, the North Beach area has world-class Italian food. From there you can walk up the hill (the sidewalks have stairs) to the Coit Tower. It is the penis looking thing on top of the hill that no one want's to acknowledge as being there. I read that it may have been designed as a fire hose nozzle as a tribute to fallen firemen. I have no idea but the view from the top of the tower ($6) is worth seeing. Take your camera.

ABoater · 04-25-2008, 05:27 PM

Yeah, great info so far!

Probably better air fares flying into SFO. It's only about 15 minutes south of the City.

Don't miss Alcatraz! As mentioned, go online and purchase tix in advance. They sell out. The ferry runs there all day long. I'd suggest you pick a time mid-morning, since they make all visitors leave by a certain time in the afternoon. Figure on at least two to three hours of enjoying the "Rock". And we only do the walking tour. They do offer a few others, but they are pricey and you don't get much more than the self-guided walking tour anyway. You get headphones that guide/walk you through most of the island. Plus you'll want plenty of time to just catch the view of the surroundings.

While walking the Wharf, keep an eye out for the world famous "Bush-Man". He'll get you if you don't! hehe

The Bush Man is a local transient that hides behind a few (broken off) bush branches, and usually has his back to a trash can. As folks meander past him, he jumps out and surprises them. It's WAY TOO funny! He usually draws a crowd!

Fort Point, at the base of the Golden Gate is another must-see spot. The Presidio and Coit Tower too.

Actually, there are too many "must-see" spots in the City.

Have a blast!

2005 SeaCraft · 04-25-2008, 07:33 PM

Afish

For about 12 years, i went to Napa 2x per year, Mustard Festival and for Crush. The best vineyards and more personal wineries will be found here: http://www.silveradotrail.com/

There are some really nice ones on the main drag running through town, but they get hammered by the tour buses. Take the trail and find the real small, high-end boutique wines and your GF will think your da-man. If you need help, let me know.

PS... when you pass St Helena heading north on Silverado trail, keep an eye out for a cross road, Deer Park, I believe... hnag a right and follow it up into the hills. When you come to a serious hairpin turn to the right, quickly look to your left. You are looking for the Burgess Cellars. Without a doubt, the best views in all the valley and in my opinion, one of the finest vineyards, and wines you'll find.

2005 SeaCraft · 04-25-2008, 07:56 PM

...and FYI, San Fran is a fantastic city. Way too many nice spots to see and spend time for just a 3 day weekend. Just an FYI... if you go down to the market area... yea the seals/sea lions are nice to SEE... but they SMELL like rotten shoes. Pay attention to the wind direction if you say you want to sit outside while down there. Flights to Oakland will usually be less than SFO. 6 to 1,half dozen to the other as to which one is closer to SF City. I always fly in and out of Oakland.

Menzies · 04-25-2008, 08:17 PM

Lived out there when I first came to the States. Sat in sleeping bags for evening baseball games in Candlestick!

OK. I assume you are going outside of ski-season so Tahoe is out.

Do not stay in San Fran itself unless you are loaded. Consider San Rafael/Mill Valley/Novato. 30 minutes north (other side of Golden Gate) but you will get great deals on hotels in very safe and beautiful countryside. Driving up 101 through the hills is an experience in itself.

To see. My choices might surprise some people but I would only use a full day in The City itself.

Go see the redwoods in Muir Woods. Last time we were there the salmon were spawning. Afterward take the ride up Mount Tamalpais - make sure your digital camera is charged up!!

Stroll through Sausilito and Tiburon and have lunch there. Consider getting the ferry acoss to the city from there on the day you want to go as parking is hellishly expensive. You can watch the inmates in the San Quentin prison yards from the ferry.

In NAPA, do the vinyard tours but make sure Sterling is one of them. If you have time go to Calistoga and watch Old Faithful and have a mud bath and massage for 2.

Take the coast road drive south of the city - if you can get down to Carmel great, if not stop off at Grey Whale Cove, just north of Half Moon Bay for some nudie sunbathing!

If you are there during baseball season an evening watching the As in Oakland is well worth it - it's an awesome park.

In the city itself: Get a day pass for the trams. They aren't just a tourist attraction but a good mode of transportation, especially given the hills! Don't sit down, stand up and hang out of the car using the hand poles!

Eat dinner in China Town, and stroll through the place afterwards.

Walk through the lobby of the Fairmont hotel. If you are old enough you will recognize it from the TV series Hotel!

Walk the most crooked street in America, Lombard street. You can drive it but with all the cars behind you will feel hurried - so do walk it.

Do Pier 39 if you want. It's a big time rip-off, but I guess a must if you are there.

Re Alcatraz, book it before you go because you will most likely not be able to get tickets for the same day unless you want to get there early and then time the rest of your day to your ticket time, which can be a spoiler.

Don't bother with the Ripleys - it's crap. The cannery is interesting enough - especially the mimes and other shows going on outside.

If you have a day and a half to spare I highly, no more than highly, recommend you try to get to Yosemite. Incredible place. We camped there in the snow one October, and later learned we were already pregnant with our first!

Enjoy your visit. I have been to many many great cities around the world and San Francisco is still my favorite.

If I think of more I'll post 'em up.

Afishinado · 04-25-2008, 08:47 PM

Wow! Thanks guys, really appreciate the info... Obviously going to need to do some serious planning. Menzies, some great spots I hadn't thought of

toleary · 04-25-2008, 09:23 PM

Go in early October. Trust me. Lived here for fifty years.

If you go south, try Carmel for golf and scenery. Take HWY 1 and enjoy the scenery. The Monterey Aquarium is world class, eat at Monterey's Fish House nearby- two hour drive from SF and worth a day trip. Hike at Pt. Lobos or take the 17 Mile Drive. There's a small Fisherman's wharf in Monterey, but it's mostly t-shirts and tourist restaurants. There's a big touristy wharf in Santa Cruz (on your way down via HWY 1) and lots os smaller winerys in the Santa Cruz mountains, none to compare with the best of Mendocino or Sonoma but fun.

If you can sneak a day, albacore runs start in July, peak in mid September through mid October along with schoolie bluefin to 60 lbs.

Trust me on the October thing. Best weather of the year. Summer heat pulls the marine layer in, it's cold and foggy on the coast.

Tom O

Eyeball · 04-25-2008, 11:23 PM

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toleary - 4/26/2008 12:23 PM

Go in early October. Trust me. ...

Ditto that recommendation.

Eyeball · 04-25-2008, 11:41 PM

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Menzies - 4/26/2008 11:17 AM

... I have been to many many great cities around the world and San Francisco is still my favorite.

Well, it used to be a clean, friendly place where you would feel welcome and locals would be eager to help you. Not anymore. Now it is a illegal criminal alien refuge, bankrupt, rising violent crime, homeless everywhere! There are some areas of the city that you do NOT go into at night (the Mission District, aka the Mission Delores area), and not all even during the day (Hunters Point) if you are the wrong color (white).

But the biggest hurt is that people are not as friendly as they used to be. Not rude like Paris or NYC. But then I remember SF since the summer of love ('68). It is still nice, it's just not what it used to be. But then, what is?

Oh, and you would be surprised how small the Golden Gate Bridge really is.

Afishinado · 04-26-2008, 05:15 AM

Early October it is.... Looks like my excursion to Gloucester, MA will be earlier than planned... Now, I'm getting a 2nd scoot, the Oktoberfests/foilage rides was a big part of my justification for a bagger... I hope I can get some time off this October, gonna be busy, maybe hard to jam in 40 hours work..

Menzies · 04-26-2008, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Eyeball - 4/26/2008 1:41 AM

Quote:

Menzies - 4/26/2008 11:17 AM

... I have been to many many great cities around the world and San Francisco is still my favorite.

Well, it used to be a clean, friendly place where you would feel welcome and locals would be eager to help you. Not anymore. Now it is a illegal criminal alien refuge, bankrupt, rising violent crime, homeless everywhere! There are some areas of the city that you do NOT go into at night (the Mission District, aka the Mission Delores area), and not all even during the day (Hunters Point) if you are the wrong color (white).

But the biggest hurt is that people are not as friendly as they used to be. Not rude like Paris or NYC. But then I remember SF since the summer of love ('68). It is still nice, it's just not what it used to be. But then, what is?

Oh, and you would be surprised how small the Golden Gate Bridge really is.

Even when I lived there cop cars used to patrol the Mission District in pairs!

bluffman2 · 04-26-2008, 10:33 AM

dont know how far out of the way it would be but years ago we went to the coast to a place called "goat rock" which was HUGE rocks out in the ocean....it was pretty neat and got a bunch of pictures......and all the ifo above is good stuff....i was amazed how differntly the temp changed when we got out on the beach......

Sprockets · 04-26-2008, 10:55 AM

I used to visit a friend who lived in Mill Valley, Tiburon, Sausalito and finally Petaluma. I've driven the coast road from the Sausalito area over to Stinson Beach continuing up to Jenner where the Russian River hits the Pacific. Awesome ride It is incredibly scenic, especially the views of the city at the beginning of the ride. I've also driven south but only as far as Santa Cruz. Pesonally, I like the scenery going north. It's been a while since visiting, but the last time we were there, my daughter, around 10 at the time couldn't get enough of Lombard Street, and we drove down it 7 times.

Classic25 · 04-26-2008, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Menzies - 4/25/2008 7:17 PM

Lived out there when I first came to the States.

You mean planet don't you?

ABoater · 04-26-2008, 05:17 PM

Quote:

bluffman2 - 4/26/2008 9:33 AM

dont know how far out of the way it would be but years ago we went to the coast to a place called "goat rock" which was HUGE rocks out in the ocean....

It's just north of Bodega Bay.

I shot a Hummer promo video there years ago. Cool place.

broncobirdy · 04-26-2008, 08:51 PM

Another vote for F. Wharf, gotta see the G.G. and Alcatraz. 17 mile road is sweet too. Can't comment on the vineyards. Thats for our next trip and the redwoods. We went in late September, October would be better, I agree!

49erJim · 04-26-2008, 08:57 PM

North or South passed SF you can't go wrong, Take the coast routes and you will see the best of land and ocean. We get a late Summer in SF area and thats why Mid Sept and up to Mid Oct is the best weather to visit the bay area. July is cold and windy and or fog or Hot. July and parts of Aug are a mixed bag of weather in SF. Tuna fishing is good from Late Aug to Oct as well.