Help with what to do in San Francisco...

Author Message   Rob-N-sig Advanced Member Username: Robnsig Post Number: 317 Registered: 12-2008 Posted From: 88.45.221.81 Posted on Saturday, May 29, 2010 - 07:13 pm:    I wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions and knowledge of the area. Right now I am trying to get out of Sig to the states for this trip. I missed around and played golf today instead of catching a flight. Again thanks, Robert   Ed Williams Senior Member Username: Hooter55 Post Number: 717 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 75.150.28.65 Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - 08:40 pm:    To encompass a lot of the ideas presented here, try the 49 Mile Trail (or whatever it's called). I've included the website below and it takes you by just about everything a "tourist" should see. http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/maps/49miledrive.asp   Ball New member Username: Balldr Post Number: 1 Registered: 12-2009 Posted From: 66.19.189.69 Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - 05:08 pm:    Hey, Check out Cal, Stanford or USF! Maybe, take a trip up to Bodega Bay. Visit Yahoo, HP, Cisco System or Apple computers. How about Ft. Point, Twin Peaks, or Guadalupe Canyon Parkway(car chase in Bullitt). And remember, B.A.R.T is your friend!   Bob-Cat 6 Intermediate Member Username: Blueball Post Number: 100 Registered: 01-2007 Posted From: 71.225.13.43 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 11:07 pm:    I think you've been given great ideas for what to see and do within San Francisco but thought I'd pass along some places within easy driving distance of San Francisco which haven't been mentioned. I would highly recommend a visit to John Muir National Monument. It is only about 10 or so miles north of San Francisco and is a beautiful old growth redwood forest. Another wonderful day trip would be a visit to Monterey. (It could also be done as an overnight with possible stay at Monterey Language School). We drove from San Francisco to Monterey along the coast on Rt. 1, visited the Monterey Aquarium, Cannery Row and walked around Point Lobos State Marine Reserve then returned to San Francisco via Rt. 101. You might also consider a visit to Mt. Tamalpais (Mt. Tam to the locals) or to Point Reyes National Sea Shore. Mt. Tam has nice hiking trails and some great views of San Francisco Bay area. Point Reyes is about 30 miles north of the city and has an elk herd, elephant seals (don't think they are there in June though) and a great light house among other things. A note on Alcatraz, book your tickets ahead of time on line. It is a very popular place to visit. Finally, we have not stayed at the Coast Guard Station in Novato but know it would be a great location for visiting the wine regions, Mt. Tam and Point Reyes. We have used the Larkspur ferry when staying north of the city and taking day trips into San Francisco. It was quick, inexpensive, a beautiful ride and it saved having to negotiate traffic and paying for parking and bridge tolls. Good luck on your choices, you probably can't go wrong with anything you decide to do.   Bruce F. Anderson Member Username: Boof Post Number: 14 Registered: 06-2008 Posted From: 64.160.218.73 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 10:42 pm:    If you get the chance visit the DeYoung museum and the new exhibit building at Golden Gate Park. The bus / Metro system is easy to use and inexpensive. It's also very close to Haight/Ashbury if you want to be a "hippy for a day." San Francisco has a great zoo and it is very close to the beach. For an inexpensive Italian dinner try the Knob Hill Resturant just off Sacramento Street. A "brisk" walk up the hill from Union Square. Great food..get there early if possible. My daughter lives in the city so we are there quite often. Enjoy your trip....Bruce   John B Senior Member Username: Jbrunslik Post Number: 1233 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 207.200.116.12 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 03:15 pm:    Rob: All good suggestions so far, Phyllis is correct about the Navy Lodge at Moffett, it's just outside the gate. Also The Coast Guard has transient housing at both Novato and Petaluma, I'm not aware of any at the Alameda base. June would be the busy season so book as early as possible. The Tiburon ferry dosen't pass San Quentin, just Alcatraz. The Larkspur ferry is the one that passes San Quentin, if nothing else it's a good sight seeing option. I live in Petaluma if you have any specific questions.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 2725 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 99.34.250.201 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 12:37 pm:    Rob, we stayed in the Navy Lodge a Moffett, but was a few years ago. I'm sure if you check the Navy Lodge site it will give you the answer. Also there was a train station not far from the base if you don't want to drive into the city. Also while staying there we drove down to San Jose and went to the Winchester House. This is a great place to see. It is right in the middle of the town now, not hard to find. Also be on the look out for the guy on the water front who hides in back of some dead looking plants he has in a bucket, he like to jump out and scare folks. He got me good, funny to see folks reactions to it.   Roger T. Evans Member Username: Rogerev Post Number: 46 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 198.134.93.212 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 06:04 am:    Take the ferry to Tiburon - boarding is at the foot of Market Street. It pass by Alcatraz Island and San Quentin prison. Tiburon is a former railroad town (terminus of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad until 1963) that has been transformed into a charming seacoast village. Its classic main street offers antique and specialty shops, wonderful restaurants with outdoor seating and spectacular views of San Francisco. It’s about a 45 minute trip. This is not a Princess Cruise Line look-alike but rather a commuter train on water. I don’t remember what the fare is; but it’s a commuter’s ferry. Information - (415) 773-1188.   FHYL Advanced Member Username: Fhyl Post Number: 390 Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 68.68.131.47 Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 12:21 am:    Staying at Travis? see John D's Space A Pages for ground transport between Travis and San Francisco/Oakland. Public transportation is inexpensive, having a car a is more convenient. Other inxepensive lodging: there are three International Hostel in SF. http://www.hiusa.org/ [ Downtown IH has private rooms. ] added sights: o Golden Gate Park o Seal Cliffs o Sausilito o Giradelli Square o drive Napa Valley + wine sampling. o Golf @ Travis? you'll need a car...the course is out north gate, approx 3 miles off post. Greens fees ~$18. o drive down Lombard St. Concur w/ Cherry about the library book (we make the book return date after we return from our trip).   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 6356 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.163.18.160 Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 11:35 pm:    We've stayed at the Marine Memorial and it is in a TERRIFIC location -- highly recommend it. I suggest you sign up for whatever dates they do have, and go on a waiting list for a cancellation for any others. You might be lucky -- nothing ventured, nothing gained!   John David Brooks Senior Member Username: Johnb6597 Post Number: 406 Registered: 04-2008 Posted From: 121.55.235.75 Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 10:27 pm:    Greetings, Rob: I just got off the phone with the Marine Hotel in San Francisco. There are no rooms available for the evenings of 4 & 5 June 2010, but they do currently have rooms available for the evenings of 6, 7, & 8 June 2010. Rates for active duty are $69 per night, Sunday - Thursday, and $89 per night on Saturdays and Sundays. Rates for retirees are $139 per night, Sunday - Thursday, and $149 per night on Saturdays and Sundays. These rates are conditioned on club membership...membership is free for active duty and can be accomplished at the Front Desk when you arrive. Membership is $110 annually for retirees and can be accomplished at the Front Desk when you arrive. A large daily breakfast buffet is included in those rooms rates. Room rates start at $199 per night for non-members, so membership is the smart way to go. I was able to reach Guest Services at (415) 673-6672...but was waiting in the call queue for 27 minutes before a live person actually picked up the call. Again, I've spoken with numerous folks who have been previous guests there and they were very pleased with their stays.   Carole G Intermediate Member Username: Greengal Post Number: 126 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 68.205.151.181 Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 09:16 pm:    John David is right about Travis AFB. It is about 45 min to 1 hr to the city. Be advised there is a $7 toll returning to Travis on INT 80. Int 80 is also plagued with traffic backups so I would locate some place to stay in the city. Parking is a problem in the city so it is best to use public transportation. Carole   Mark Earl Bennett Sr. Member Username: Snulafecto Post Number: 25 Registered: 08-2008 Posted From: 71.52.246.44 Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 09:08 pm:    Robert, Check out Go Cars at gocartours.com They are small electric cars that take you on GPS guided tours of the city. We did the Bridge to Lombard tour on Christmas Day last year and it was a hoot! Worth every cent. Two of our kids and their spouses were with us so we rented 3 cars. They had a blast and couldn't believe that we "old timer's" would come up with the idea; much less do it. Would suggest you do it on Sunday though as there will be less traffic. Have fun! Trish   John David Brooks Senior Member Username: Johnb6597 Post Number: 405 Registered: 04-2008 Posted From: 121.55.235.75 Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 09:05 pm:    Travis AFB has a very nice lodging facility and, in my opinion, is not an unreasonable distance/drive from San Francisco for daily trips. You might check on the USCG base located on Government Island in Alameda (right across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco). I'm not sure whether Oakland Army Base is still active but, if so, you could also check there for potential lodging. Don't give up on the Marine Hotel...I've never stayed there, but have heard many good things from others. The former Presidio of San Francisco Golf Course was one of the very best golfing spots in the Bay Area...and is now operated as a private course. You can find more information about it here: www.presidiogolf.com   John David Brooks Senior Member Username: Johnb6597 Post Number: 404 Registered: 04-2008 Posted From: 121.55.235.75 Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 08:58 pm:    The bottom end of Lombard Street is always a fun stroll. Pier 39 is an absolute must in conjunction with Fisherman's Wharf...keep an eye out for live performances by street artists at the small pavilion inside Pier 39. You won't be disappointed with a quick stop inside the Boudin Sourdough Bread bakery located just across the street from Pier 39 (you can't miss it, it's huge). Fresh-baked sourdough is available all day long. All of Golden Gate Park is incredibly beautiful, but the Japanese Tea Garden is one of my favorite places inside the park. Always fun to bring a picnic lunch and wander around until you find that perfect spot to eat. It's baseball season and tickets are easy to obtain for either an SF Giants or Oakland A's game...take me out to the ballpark! :-) Don't overcrowd your schedule. Do/see 1 or 2 cool things a day...relax...enjoy your trip! San Francisco is hands-down THE most romantic city in the U.S. I know you and your wife will love it.   Rob-N-sig Advanced Member Username: Robnsig Post Number: 302 Registered: 12-2008 Posted From: 80.21.203.232 Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 08:46 pm:    Cherry and Carole, thanks for the replies. I would also like to know if there are any military lodging in the area? I have asked the Marine Hotel in San Francisco if they have rooms for my dates but haven't heard back. Looking at some maps I see Moffett is in the area but it was closed a while back. Does anyone know if Moffett still offers lodging for the part that remained open? Is there any golf on the military bases in the area? What other bases are in the area? Thanks again, Robert   Carole G Intermediate Member Username: Greengal Post Number: 125 Registered: 01-2010 Posted From: 68.205.151.181 Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 07:55 pm:    Places to see: Golden Gate Bridge Bay Bridge Fisherman's Wharf Alcatraz Ride the Cable cars Union Square (Downtown shopping) China Town You will run out of time before you run out of things to see Enjoy your trip Carole   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 6355 Registered: 06-2003 Posted From: 71.163.18.160 Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 07:54 pm:    Rob, you'll undoubtedly get lots of suggestions (cable cars, Fishermans Wharf, Alcatraz, etc.) so what I suggest is that you (and/or your wife) go to the library and check out some guidebooks on San Fran -- they need not be the very latest because most of the sights are not moveable. You'll undoubtedly get some good ideas, and can prioritize what interests YOU.   Rob-N-sig Advanced Member Username: Robnsig Post Number: 301 Registered: 12-2008 Posted From: 80.21.203.232 Posted on Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 07:17 pm:    Board, I am taking the wife to San Francisco 4-8 June simply because I had to use a USAIRWAYS Buddy pass and it was the farthest place I could go that was closest to the 250.00 price my ticket had to cost. Her ticket was 98.00. Also this was the longest from Norfolk for additional skymiles. So as I approach this date, I have no idea what to do with her while we are there and I know this place is full of world-class travelers and you will have a bunch of ideas or know of stuff going on around there that weekend. Thanks in advance for the help I believe I will get. Robert