I need an itinerary for a vacation in the San Fransisco area. Please help!?
We are planning a romantic getaway and I know nothing about California. We would like to see all the sights in San Fran but also maybe take day trips to Napa Valley and see the redwoods. Any suggestions? Hotel recs? Thanks!!
One Response
ajtheactress
31 Oct 2009
Many hotels to choose from. I do not suggest staying in the Fisherman’s Wharf or Marina as they are kind of out of the way to the city center. For your visit Union Square is probably the best place to stay. There are lots of good restaurants, shops, theaters and clubs in the Union Square area. It is centrally located with lots of public transportation options and within walking distance of most of the tourist areas.
Rent a car only for the days you plan on making day trips as parking is very expensive. Driving in the city can be confusing and parking is always a challenge. Use public transportation as much as possible. Muni offers multi day passes that are good for buses, trolley, light rail and the cable cars [unique experience but $5 per ride].
http://www.sfmuni.com
Joie de Vivre http://www.jdvhotels.com has several hotels in the Union Square area in different price points. The two most romantic hotels they have are the White Swan Inn and Petite Auberge, small hotels with fireplaces in the rooms, evening wine hour and continental breakfast included in room rate. Each Jdv hotel is unique and they have a cool free program where they match you with a local person, called a Golden Gate Greeter, who shares your interests to spend a few hours with you and familiarize yourself with the city. http://www.goldengategreeter.c…
Places not to be missed:
Golden Gate Park – From th Conservatory of Flowers, to the Beach Chalet, spend the day. The new Academy of science is open, the Deyoung, and the Japanese Tea Garden.
Chinatown and North Beach two of SF best neighborhoods. Great shopping, food and special only in SF experiences.
Ferry Building Farmers Market and the Embarcadero. Shopping, good food, and right now the Holiday Ice Rink is open, go skating!
Get out on the Bay. Take a bay cruise, visit Alcatraz, Tiburon or Sausalito. You will see both bridges, the bay and incredible views of the skyline.
Avoid Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 TOURIST TRAPS! Full of overpriced, unnecessary dreck that you can get cheaper at any Walgreen’s or Chinatown.
Enjoy!