San Fran...

kcopp

Headed out to San Francisco this weekend for a wedding... I have never been to the west coast before... and I am in my mid 40's.!

 Those of you from the west side of the country AND those of you well traveled types what do I hit for sightseeing, restaurants AND what do I avoid!

ty much,kpc

Mark Eatherton

You should hook up with Alan Forbes...

He's across the bay in Berkeley, and he knows the place inside out.



An absolute HAVE to see is the Muir Woods. Unbelieveable...



Also, go to the Fishermans Warf and watch the world famous Bush Man scare the crap out of unsuspecting tourists.



And then of course, there is THE bridge...



ME

Timco

SF

I grew up in the East Bay, but spent a lot of time in the City. Go to Fort Point (under the arch in the Golden Gate Bridge), The Presidio, Golden Gate Park, and the Mission district was cool to see. Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf is OK, but very tourist based.



The USS Hornet is in Oakland. Well worth the time!



Tim

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

SF

Good suggestions by ME and Timco, but I'd stay away from Fisherman's Wharf - too touristy, at least for me.



Restaurants - depends what you like.

Thai - Marnee Thai is excellent. http://www.marneethaisf.com/

Indian - Shalimar is in the Tenderloin neighborhood, next to the theater district.  It's sketchy there; hookers and drug addicts; it can be fun if you don't mind an adventure. http://www.shalimarsf.com/jones_menu.html

French - Baker Street Bistro (one of my favorites and close to the Golden Gate Bridge). http://www.bakerstreetbistro.com/

American - Zuni Cafe, wonderful and close to Lotta's Fountain and the Ferry Building. http://www.zunicafe.com/



Wedding on Saturday and a free day on Sunday?  That isn't much time for sightseeing.  I can't tell you how to get from one place to the other, but some exciting things to do are:

Lotta's Fountain - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotta%27s_Fountain

Ferry Building for some shopping - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferry_Building

Golden Gate Bridge - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Gate_Bridge

A cable car ride and a visit to the cable car museum - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Cable_Car_Museum

Jack

My favorite city in US

The John Muir Redwoods are great, but as you go thru Mill Valley there is a road, just before you get to town, that will take you to an area known as Tennessee Valley. It's a short uphill walk to the coast and you will look north to Stinson Beach and south to the city. I really like the Headlands area just across the Golden Gate. If you choose to stay in the city I like to just walk the town. It's small enough, with comfortable shoes, to do. Buses and trolleys will do for the exhausted.



So much to see in that area. I used to live in Calistoga, up in the Napa Valley. If you were going for a longer visit I could lay out a great circuit for you.



After 25 yrs here in MA I'm moving back to CA this Aug.

kcopp

Thanks...

wedding is actually Sunday so I have most of Fri &  Sat. to roam.

Rod

Clothing

Hi- Depending on the weather (fog),  San Francisco (on the peninsula) can be rather cool in the summer (in the 50s) during the day, so you might want to bring a sweatshirt or a light jacket. Inland it can get quite warm too so be prepared for that also.

- Rod

STEVEusaPA

rather cool?

LOL, I was out there last year, same week. It was freeeeeezin....high of 50's with a nice, cold stiff 40 mph breeze.  brrrrrrrr city...but beautiful. If you have time,  try to visit the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market,  You won't believe how great fresh locally grown fruit & veggies taste. And right behind this, overlooking the water is THE SLANTED DOOR--Vietnamese Restaurant. Of course Alcatraz, and other attractions.  But if you only have a day, take an open top bus tour, you get to see the whole city and learn very interesting facts (great for pictures too).

Also, if you have wheels, drive across the Golden Gate and check out Sausalito.  Quaint little town, shops.  Also, for a 10 minute drive it's 15 degrees warmer, no wind, no fog.

If youre a Disney Fan the Walt Disney Family Museum is at the Presidio.  Either it's your thing or it isn't.

And yes, all the above posts have fine recommendations.