Okay, so here's the thing. It's my wife's birthday this Friday and I was able to hook us up to surprise her and fly to San Francisco on the 3rd. We're staying at the Hyatt Regency but from what I understand we can take the BART from the SFO airport to Fisherman's Wharf. Now we are only there for one evening because work constraints require that we will have to come home the next day. But I'm wondering if there are some must-see stores, restaurants, attractions, etc. that I should know about. I've never really been to 'Frisco and am curious as to what I can find there. Please keep in mind, also, that I'm a student so funds are somewhat limited, but I want to show her a good time. Ideas?
Screw Fisherman's Wharf. T-O-U-R-I-S-T-T-R-A-P Take her to have a martini at the Top of the Mark, on the top floor of the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins hotel on Mason Street. Absolutely the most incredible panoramic views of San Francisco you will ever see, done to Sinatra music with martini in hand.
yeah i've been there a few times and didnt really find anything that impressive. i personally like cannery row and the aquarium at monterey bay, buts thats just me
Go see Beach Blanket Babylon, at Club Fugazi, if you like political satire. It's a riot, with Broadway quality song and dance numbers. Get tickets in advance, because it's not a big place. The little round tables towards the front are groovy.
You must have (if you like seafood) a dungeonese crab and some sourdough bread from a sidewalk vendor. Or if not so brave, go into one of the restaurants around there and have a crab louie salad! Man, I miss them eats! If you get the chance to drive across the Golden Gate, be sure and check out Sausalito... And be sure to head north to Berkley if you like the college scene.
I was in SF 2 weeks ago and I also stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Embarcadero Center. Going to Fishersman Wharf from the Hyatt Regency is easy. There is a cable car line that runs along California Street, which is right next to the hotel. Just get on the cable car (the Hyatt is at the end of the line and the cars only go one way) and get off at Powell Street. At Powell Street, get on another cable car to go to Fishersman Wharf. If you take the Powell Street car in the other direction, you will go to Union Square, which is where good SF shopping is. Both the California car and the Powell car run through Chinatown, which is also pretty cool. If you want to hit some cool bars and clubs, then you want to go to North Beach. You can also get to North Beach by getting on the Powell Street car going towards the Wharf. The Powell Street car also passes by Lombard Street, which is said to be the one of the most crooked streets in the world. Personal recommendation...if you are the Wharf, go to a restaurant at Pier 39 named Pier's Market. It has great seafood. One other thing...if you do get on the cable cars, make sure to buy a day pass for $10 instead of paying the $5 fare. There are no transfers on SF Cable Cars.
Screw that. Way too expensive for someone you already have sex with. Take her to Landry's in Kemah. If she complains, kick her in the ovaries.
SF is a must see city. But Fisherman's wharf isn't a must see. Alcatraz is cool, but there are better things to do in SF than the wharf. A drive down highway 1 is one of them.
If you do go to the wharf stop by Boudin's Bakery for some sourdough and pick up some clam chowder from one of the stands. North Beach and the Marina District have some decent bars and clubs. One of my favorite bars in North Beach is an old place called Vesuvia. As far as eating goes, there are some outstanding restaurants in Little Italy. Pier 39 isn't a bad place to check out, nor is Ghiradelli Square. You can see the barking seals as well. Golden Gate Park is pretty, but bring a jacket as it's pretty cold once the fog comes out. Lombard Street seems to be a popular spot to check out, as is Union Square.
Take your chance and line up at 5:00 p.m. at Gary Danko for seating in the bar area (there's otherwise a 2 month list for reservation). Be prepared to spend $250-$300 for 2. It's arguably the best restaurant in the Bay Area.
For breakfast you have to go to Mama's, it's Awesome; If you're up for a morning walk, you can wall up the hill to Coit Tower and back down to Mamma's. If there is a line up the block, don't be disuaded, get in line, read the morning paper and prepare for the best breakfast on the planet. Mama's on Washington Square 1701 Stockton 415.362-6421 Voted best breakfast. Homemade jams & breakfast pastries, variety of omelettes, chocolate, cinnamon, french toast with fresh raspberries, buttermilk pancakes, Dungeness crab sandwiches on sour dough, home of the famous 'Slim Joe' burger, fresh squeezed juices, cappuccinos, espressos. Open 8 am-3 pm.
I go everytime I'm in the city just to have clam chowder in a sourdough breadbowl. I normally spend my time in the Bay Area down in Santa Cruz, though.
