San Francisco vacation

[bluesky29]

My wife and I are going to San Fran. for our 10th annivesary. We have never been. Do we need to rent a car and what are the best things to do in the area?

[craigiep]

My wife and I went there for our honeymoon in 2001. We survived without a car, and went on a couple of the bus excursions available to tourists. Taking trams around town is vital because many roads are on incredibly steep slopesIt's recommended tourists stay by the water's edge - in an area I think called Pier something. There you can see straight across to Alcatraz and the Golden Gate bridge, and there are sea-lions lying in the sun and some fine fish restaurants. A good excursion is a boat-trip across the bay to Sal Solito (or a name similar to that).

[jno]

there are buses and cablecars so you can manage without a car better than most US cities, and there are local excursions available. But cars do have their uses if you want to get out and see the redwods north of the golden gate, for instance, or wine country.

[JoolsTwo]

I wouldn't recommend staying in the Fishermans Wharf area, which is where I think craigiep is suggesting. We found it very touristy and a bit tackie. You will need to go there to get to Alcatraz - which I can recommend - But I would book in advance. We stayed in the Union Square area and we got around on the cable cars and the buses. You can purchase a pass for them for however many days you need, this will save money also. Although the cable cars and buses are not expensive. The Cable cars are also great fun so don't miss riding on them. So a car is not essential.

Sausalito is worth a look as craigiep says a boat ride across the bay. We had a wonderful time in San Fransico and would love to go back sometime, the sooner the better.

I hope you have a wonderful time.

[JK2]

You can get trips to Muir Woods to see the redwoods. We combined that with Sausalito. The other common excursion is to see Carmel & Monterey and 17 mile drive - it takes you along the coast and you can do this with a coach trip.

I agree that Alcatraz is worth going to and you get great views of the bay and San Francisco on the way back.

If you google San Francisco there are loads of sites with excursions on so you can do a bit of research before you go - get an idea of prices etc.

[maxi2]

You shouldn't need a car in the City. Public transport of various types is cheap and plentiful. In fact, a car is a liability in SF, as parking is difficult. For a couple of days out of the City you can rent one easily.

For one of the best views in the city, visit the Carnelian Lounge at the top of the BankAmerica building on California Street. This is a cocktail lounge and restaurant where you can sit with a drink and have a panoramic view of the City.

After that you can enjoy great food at The Tadich Grill, just a couple of blocks down California St. No booking but great food and buzz.

Other places to visit - You can walk or cycle over the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz is a must on a first visit, the Farmers Market in the Ferry Building at the end of Market St. is entertaining (Saturday am) . Fisherman's Wharf is tacky. There is a new Gallery/Museum in Golden Gate Park. The Stinking Rose is a garlic restaurant on Columbus Avenue but only if you like garlic! It's just a few doors from a great bar called Vesuvio.

You'll wonder where the time went!

[Miss Inquiry]

Firstly congratualtions on the anniversary.....

I went to San Fran 2 years ago,absolutely loved it. I am not sure how active you are but if you could handly a gentle bike ride I would REALLY recommend hiring some bikes from near Pier 39 (make sure you stop to look @ the sea lions) but they do smell really bad, and like JimJools says it's horrendously tacky and expensive on the pier, so if your hungry eat/drink elsewhere. Once you are on your bike you can follow the flat riverside path, maybe stopping at the edge of the doc and sing yourselfs "sitting on the doc of the bay" (inspired by that very doc) and then cycle over the golden gate bridge (an experience I will never forget), once you get ver the bridge you cycle down hill all the way to Sausalito, have a mooch about this gorgeous little town and then hop on the boat back to pier 39, passing Alcatraz on your way.

[Miss Inquiry]

http://www.blazingsaddles.com/

This is the company I used, they were REALLY helpful and friendly. Offering loads of tips and advice.

Additionally, I spent an amazing few hours in the SFMOMA, the Museum of Modern Art, have a look on the web for what things/exhibitions are going on over your stay.

[Miss Inquiry]

Me again, you could hire a car, but walking about you will see so much more, it's a city that has something unique and stunning everywhere you turn.

[jimmyb01]

Just a small tip, if you are planning to go to Alcatraz book before you leave. I got there on a Fri morning and was leaving Monday morning and the next available boat was TUESDAY. I never used the car, cost me $35 a day parking.

[JK2]

I agree about booking Alcatraz in advance. I booked on line before leaving the UK - and got a cheaper price in so doing.