We’re headed to San Fransisco in just over a month. My sister and brother in law along with myself and Rob are going kid-free over Labor day weekend to attend the wedding of a cousin of Robs. I have never been further west than Wisconsin (I know I’m lame), so you can imagine that I’m pretty excited to see some new sights.
Here’s the thing though, we have 5 days that we will be there. One of the days will be partially taken up by a wedding. We want to eat food that San Fransisco is known for and see sights that are worth seeing, and pack in what we can with the time that has been given to us without getting too packed. Have you been there before or know somebody who has been there before? Maybe you live there or nearby? Tell me in your opinion what you think we should do while we are there!
July 28th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Ok, let’s see…definitely bring LAYERS of clothing – it can be warm, it can be cold. But it’s always lovely! I would drive to the north side of the bridge and explore the Marin Headlands. Gorgeous! (and there are some amazing views of the Golden Gate – I mean PRIME photo opps! – from there.) I would skip the tours of Alcatraz – it’s neat for about 20 minutes, and then you get over it. Pier 39 is super touristy, but if you’re looking for some fun shopping and maybe some souvenirs, that’s your place. Fisherman’s Warf is also in that area and worth going to, just to get in on the craziness of it all. And there are some AMAZING restaurants (seafood is the specialty!) right there. Ghirardelli Square is near there also, but it’s mostly just more shopping, and I’ve always preferred Pier 39 anyway. I would also search out Golden Gate Park (tons to do/see!) and the Palace of Fine Arts (very pretty, been in a ton of movie scenes). More people-watching and upscale shopping can be done at Union Square. It’s not necessarily a “must do,” but it’s there. I wouldn’t leave San Francisco without going down Lombard Street (”the crookedest street in the world”) especially since it’s so famous, and it’s free!. You know, I’ve never ridden a SF trolley car, but I bet that might be fun. Just get yourself a VERY good street map, be prepared for lots of “no left turn”s and one way streets, bring plenty of $ for parking, and have a GREAT time!!
July 28th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
You should see “Beach Blanket Babylon”…I promise you won’t be disappointed! It is so funny and entertaining. I would recommend buying your tickets now though, as you typically can’t just buy them at the window. This show is such a huge part of San Francisco. I have lived in the S.F. Bay Area my whole life and there are just so many neat things to do in S.F.
Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf are right next to each other, and I think they are definitely something you should do…they are lots of fun and it is just a part of S.F. Also along Fisherman’s Wharf is a wax museum and a Ripley’s Believe it or Not.
If you like Shopping, you should hit the Embarcadero and/or City Center (there is a huge Nordstrom’s). Washington Square is neat…and for wonderful food, definitely go to North Beach (this is also where Beach Blanket Babylon is located – so a fun night would be a dinner in North Beach, then the show).
I would skip Alcatraz too. It is interesting, but there are so many better things worth doing.
I cannot wait to hear all about your trip – you are going to have such a blast!
July 28th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Despite what Rob may think, I am excited about going. However, TARA!, I’d like to keep the shopping to a minimum. For two reasons: One…it drives Rob and I nuts and Two…stop spending all my money!
July 29th, 2009 at 11:33 am
Oh Scott, you know I don’t spend your money, I spend Rob’s money
We are excited to go too!
July 29th, 2009 at 11:45 am
I vote to spend his money too.
Have a great time!!
July 29th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
you should meet the jennster.. the end.
July 30th, 2009 at 1:20 am
I hope you guys have a great time.
BTW, I have a blog award for you. http://simplybeingmommy.com/2009/07/30/its-award-time-baby/