Hey San Fran Guys

Whipper Snapper · 01-20-2011, 12:12 AM

I've been planning my honeymoon for a while now, and I've decided to take my fiance to San Fran.

Tell me, are there any must see, eat at things that I simply can't miss while I'm there?
We should be coming up in Mid-May (At least that's the plan).

TheRiddick · 01-20-2011, 12:24 AM

You can see most of the city in about day. If you make your way to Twin Peaks you can see most of Bay Area from that great vantage point. Then make your way to Coit Tower, another great vantage point. Then cross into Marin County across Golden Gate Bridge to Sausolito and its art galleries and another great vantage point.

de Young Museum is a great place to visit and you can also take a nice walk from there with really good views to see (Golden Gate Bridge, Marin county, straights).

I'd recommend you visit Napa and/or Sonoma, mid May is a great time to tour vineyards and wineries if you're into it. Food wise, you'll actually have better food in Napa/Sonoma as well, IMO.

Food wise, any likes/dislikes?

Whipper Snapper · 01-20-2011, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRiddick

You can see most of the city in about day. If you make your way to Twin Peaks you can see most of Bay Area from that great vantage point. Then make your way to Coit Tower, another great vantage point. Then cross into Marin County across Golden Gate Bridge to Sausolito and its art galleries and another great vantage point.

de Young Museum is a great place to visit and you can also take a nice walk from there with really good views to see (Golden Gate Bridge, Marin county, straights).

I'd recommend you visit Napa and/or Sonoma, mid May is a great time to tour vineyards and wineries if you're into it. Food wise, you'll actually have better food in Napa/Sonoma as well, IMO.

Food wise, any likes/dislikes?

I like just about everything (and I mean that)
She unfortunately is about the other way around.
I imagine what will take place will be me eating at the weirder/more extravagant joints and then taking her some place to find something more pedestrian. Anyhow, that'd be ideal

bobarian · 01-20-2011, 12:42 AM

If this is her/your first time to SF take time to see the classic sites. Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, shopping in Union Square, Napa/Sonoma if you can travel 45-60 minutes.

galaga · 01-20-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobarian

If this is her/your first time to SF take time to see the classic sites. Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, shopping in Union Square, Napa/Sonoma if you can travel 45-60 minutes.

Ya, they'll be doing Twin Peaks, the Bay Area and Coit Tower at night......

TheRiddick · 01-20-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galaga

Ya, they'll be doing Twin Peaks, the Bay Area and Coit Tower at night......

Just curious to know what exactly would one do or see @ Fisherman's Warf? That is save for fighting the other zillion tourists for a spot in a typical tourist trap, aka t-shirt shop, 10+ of them on every block? Warf is the last place I take visitors to, we take a drive through and most don't even want to get out of the car...

Most of the time Twin Peaks and Coit Tower are shrouded in dense fog at night, so yeah, they are great to visit at night... (sigh)

Anyway, fire away, you seem to know the city well enough.

TheRiddick · 01-20-2011, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tecnorobo

I like just about everything (and I mean that)
She unfortunately is about the other way around.
I imagine what will take place will be me eating at the weirder/more extravagant joints and then taking her some place to find something more pedestrian. Anyhow, that'd be ideal

There is a good choice of places that are not that expensive and provide great food that should fit the bill for both of you.

Chinese:
Mayflower, Geary & 27th Ave (6255 Geary), probably the best Chinese place in town, IMO. Very authentic and adventurous to boot, Hong Kong style cooking.

For great dim sum served all day long head over to Yank Sing, Financial District (49 Stevenson Street).

Slanted Door, right on the water on Embarcadero: great Vietnamese food along with the views.

----

For some really interesting small plates food head over to Nopa, 560 Divisadero. Plenty to pick from on the menu.

Foreign Cinema: great food in an interesting setting (large screen showing old movies).

French food: out in the avenues again, Chapeau! is a husband and wife team that cook great French food and good prices.

In Downtown/Financial District area, Piperade (Basque food) and Bocadillos, same owner and both serve really good food at good prices.

All the places above should be good in terms of making both of you happy food wise. Prices wise I am sure SF is not Kansas City, but at all the restaurants above you will see decent prices for SF for food that costs way more in a more "known" restaurants in Downtown/Financial District.

If you want to splurge one night, then I would recommend either Gary Danko's or Coi.

Let me know if you need more info on the food scene in SF area and if you do head out to Napa/Sonoma, there are some really great places there. As a matter if fact, one Napa area restaurant has their second location in the SF Financial District, Bistro Jeanty. The food is excellent by any measure, IMO, although I prefer the Napa location especially in May (great patio setting).

benedic08 · 01-20-2011, 12:34 PM

If you want to adventure a few miles away from downtown San Fransisco you can drive south and see Monterrey Bay and the 17 Mile drive (pebble beach). Very Nice views.

And something you absolutely shouldn't miss, you should set a date to hang out with the BABOTL.... Nicest guys around....

galaga · 01-20-2011, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRiddick

Just curious to know what exactly would one do or see @ Fisherman's Warf? That is save for fighting the other zillion tourists for a spot in a typical tourist trap, aka t-shirt shop, 10+ of them on every block? Warf is the last place I take visitors to, we take a drive through and most don't even want to get out of the car...

Most of the time Twin Peaks and Coit Tower are shrouded in dense fog at night, so yeah, they are great to visit at night... (sigh)

Anyway, fire away, you seem to know the city well enough.

Didn't mean to step on your toes there chief....

TheRiddick · 01-20-2011, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galaga

Didn't mean to step on your toes there chief....

Thanks for the sarcasm, not that it helped the OP in any way.

Are you even local? Care to actually give some real advice to the OP? Places, eateries, etc... Fire away...

T.G · 01-20-2011, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobarian

If this is her/your first time to SF take time to see the classic sites. Bondage a Go-Go, O'Farrell Theater, Power Exchagne, Napa/Sonoma if you can travel 45-60 minutes.

Why Bob, we hardly know ye...

Whipper Snapper · 01-20-2011, 05:08 PM

Thanks for all the information fellers. I'll looking into all that jazz that several of you mentioned.

And hey... no need to get uppity in here. This is about a honeymoon eh! All in good fun. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion as to what "tourists" should go and see.

Finally, I dunno about stopping by to see the Babotl crew. I mean, I would love to stop in. Not sure if that'd fit her fancy though...

I'd even offer to sneak out late at night, but you know.

68TriShield · 01-20-2011, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galaga

Didn't mean to step on your toes there chief....

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRiddick

Thanks for the sarcasm, not that it helped the OP in any way.
Are you even local? Care to actually give some real advice to the OP? Places, eateries, etc... Fire away...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tecnorobo

.
no need to get uppity in here. This is about a honeymoon eh! All in good fun. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion as to what "tourists" should go and see.

I'm glad you said something Blake.
You are wise beyond your years

Blueface · 01-20-2011, 05:26 PM

Blake, while I am not from the area, did have a blast in Sonoma and Napa as has been suggested. If you or your fiancé enjoy wine, it is a must do.
SF is a beautiful city to visit.

bobarian · 01-20-2011, 05:40 PM

I would hazard to guess that Rick(Galaga) has made more than just a few trips to SF.

SF on a honeymoon is all about the touristy stuff. Another nice, romantic thing is the Blue and Gold Fleet's cruise around the bay. They also have a dinner cruise that should be nice that time of year. Also, Muir Woods is only about 30 minutes across the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the true natural spectacles.

If you are adventurous the Castro is a great place to people watch. But I would avoid the Haight as the panhandlers are quite aggressive.

T.G · 01-20-2011, 06:14 PM

I've been on the Blue & Gold dinner cruises and their brunch cruises, they are very well done. Food is good, boats are nice, the dining room can be a little cramped on fully booked cruises, but that only takes up a portion of the time aboard, and there is lots of deck space and observation lounge area for the rest of the cruise.

You would probably want to book in advance and ask them about how many bookings they have so far for that cruise, because if they don't book enough people, they won't go out (back when I went on them, this meant a 100% refund to your CC, I would suppose that the policy is still the same). so if that happens, you just want to have a backup plan.

benedic08 · 01-20-2011, 06:38 PM

Oh and if its for a honeymoon you should definitely check out the napa valley wine train... They have a dinner train car with a vista dome... Very romantic

pnoon · 01-20-2011, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by galaga

Didn't mean to step on your toes there chief....

No toes were stepped on, Rick. Feel free to post away. Ignore the bull$hit.
Unless, of course, there are some restrictions some newly self-annointed admins have instituted that I am not aware of.

Whipper Snapper · 01-20-2011, 07:11 PM

I am a self-anointed admin.
New forum rules/revisions:
If you wish to be an active participant here at the Asylum, you must periodically pay homage to my powers as Administrator. This means stopping by in Kansas City to give me foot massages (you can hire someone else for this if you wish), and pay for BBQ at Arthur Bryant's.

Secondly, if you wish to be an active participant in this forum, and you happen to live in San Fran, You must tell me this: Is San Fran a great place to explore for a new couple?

yourchoice · 01-20-2011, 07:11 PM

My wife and I traveled to SF about 8 years ago and we loved it. Even if you're only remotely interested in wine, I think the drive to Napa is worth it. Alcatraz was a cool site to visit, and I remember driving down Lombard Street just to say I did it.

The GG Bridge wasn't anything special IMHO. I live near three major, long bridges that take me into either PA or DE so I may be jaded. To me it was just a bridge painted a different color.

Maybe I didn't catch it on a good day....no fog.

My wife and I drove up from San Luis Obispo via Route 1. The scenery was fantastic. If you don't mind longer drives, a trip to 17 mile drive may be worth it. After we did 17 mile drive we jumped over to the major interstate, so I don't know what the scenery is like on Route 1 north of it. From what I've heard, it's not as dramatic, but I dunno.

My favorite CONUS trip to date. You'll love it!

01-20-2011, 12:12 AM	#1
Whipper Snapper 95% Banter 5% MMM Habanos Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: Blake Location: Shawnee Posts: 1,037 Trading: (0)	Hey San Fran Guys I've been planning my honeymoon for a while now, and I've decided to take my fiance to San Fran. Tell me, are there any must see, eat at things that I simply can't miss while I'm there? We should be coming up in Mid-May (At least that's the plan). __________________ "I don't feel that smoking makes me ashamed, and therefore I mean to smoke to the glory of God." -Charles Spurgeon.

01-20-2011, 12:24 AM	#2
TheRiddick Non-believer Join Date: Jan 2009 First Name: Greg Location: Las Vegas Posts: 943 Trading: (7)	Re: Hey San Fran Guys You can see most of the city in about day. If you make your way to Twin Peaks you can see most of Bay Area from that great vantage point. Then make your way to Coit Tower, another great vantage point. Then cross into Marin County across Golden Gate Bridge to Sausolito and its art galleries and another great vantage point. de Young Museum is a great place to visit and you can also take a nice walk from there with really good views to see (Golden Gate Bridge, Marin county, straights). I'd recommend you visit Napa and/or Sonoma, mid May is a great time to tour vineyards and wineries if you're into it. Food wise, you'll actually have better food in Napa/Sonoma as well, IMO. Food wise, any likes/dislikes?

01-20-2011, 12:42 AM	#4
bobarian Cranky Habanophile Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wine Country Posts: 8,869 Trading: (51)	Re: Hey San Fran Guys If this is her/your first time to SF take time to see the classic sites. Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, shopping in Union Square, Napa/Sonoma if you can travel 45-60 minutes.

01-20-2011, 12:34 PM	#8
benedic08 Bob's great grandson Join Date: May 2010 First Name: Benedic Location: Hot and Wet Manila Posts: 527 Trading: (8)	Re: Hey San Fran Guys If you want to adventure a few miles away from downtown San Fransisco you can drive south and see Monterrey Bay and the 17 Mile drive (pebble beach). Very Nice views. And something you absolutely shouldn't miss, you should set a date to hang out with the BABOTL.... Nicest guys around....

01-20-2011, 05:08 PM	#12
Whipper Snapper 95% Banter 5% MMM Habanos Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: Blake Location: Shawnee Posts: 1,037 Trading: (0)	Re: Hey San Fran Guys Thanks for all the information fellers. I'll looking into all that jazz that several of you mentioned. And hey... no need to get uppity in here. This is about a honeymoon eh! All in good fun. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion as to what "tourists" should go and see. Finally, I dunno about stopping by to see the Babotl crew. I mean, I would love to stop in. Not sure if that'd fit her fancy though... I'd even offer to sneak out late at night, but you know. __________________ "I don't feel that smoking makes me ashamed, and therefore I mean to smoke to the glory of God." -Charles Spurgeon.

01-20-2011, 05:26 PM	#14
Blueface Gramps 4x's Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Horatio Seymore Hiny Location: Boca Raton - North of La Habana Posts: 8,774 Trading: (8)	Re: Hey San Fran Guys Blake, while I am not from the area, did have a blast in Sonoma and Napa as has been suggested. If you or your fiancé enjoy wine, it is a must do. SF is a beautiful city to visit. __________________ Little known fact: I am a former member of the Village People - The Indian

01-20-2011, 05:40 PM	#15
bobarian Cranky Habanophile Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wine Country Posts: 8,869 Trading: (51)	Re: Hey San Fran Guys I would hazard to guess that Rick(Galaga) has made more than just a few trips to SF. SF on a honeymoon is all about the touristy stuff. Another nice, romantic thing is the Blue and Gold Fleet's cruise around the bay. They also have a dinner cruise that should be nice that time of year. Also, Muir Woods is only about 30 minutes across the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the true natural spectacles. If you are adventurous the Castro is a great place to people watch. But I would avoid the Haight as the panhandlers are quite aggressive.

01-20-2011, 06:14 PM	#16
T.G Grrrrrr Join Date: Mar 2009 First Name: The Other Adam Posts: 15,557 Trading: (37)	Re: Hey San Fran Guys I've been on the Blue & Gold dinner cruises and their brunch cruises, they are very well done. Food is good, boats are nice, the dining room can be a little cramped on fully booked cruises, but that only takes up a portion of the time aboard, and there is lots of deck space and observation lounge area for the rest of the cruise. You would probably want to book in advance and ask them about how many bookings they have so far for that cruise, because if they don't book enough people, they won't go out (back when I went on them, this meant a 100% refund to your CC, I would suppose that the policy is still the same). so if that happens, you just want to have a backup plan.

01-20-2011, 06:38 PM	#17
benedic08 Bob's great grandson Join Date: May 2010 First Name: Benedic Location: Hot and Wet Manila Posts: 527 Trading: (8)	Re: Hey San Fran Guys Oh and if its for a honeymoon you should definitely check out the napa valley wine train... They have a dinner train car with a vista dome... Very romantic

01-20-2011, 07:11 PM	#19
Whipper Snapper 95% Banter 5% MMM Habanos Join Date: Feb 2009 First Name: Blake Location: Shawnee Posts: 1,037 Trading: (0)	Re: Hey San Fran Guys I am a self-anointed admin. New forum rules/revisions: If you wish to be an active participant here at the Asylum, you must periodically pay homage to my powers as Administrator. This means stopping by in Kansas City to give me foot massages (you can hire someone else for this if you wish), and pay for BBQ at Arthur Bryant's. Secondly, if you wish to be an active participant in this forum, and you happen to live in San Fran, You must tell me this: Is San Fran a great place to explore for a new couple? __________________ "I don't feel that smoking makes me ashamed, and therefore I mean to smoke to the glory of God." -Charles Spurgeon.

01-20-2011, 07:11 PM	#20
yourchoice Down the stretch Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Joel Location: South Jersey Posts: 4,099 Trading: (36)	Re: Hey San Fran Guys My wife and I traveled to SF about 8 years ago and we loved it. Even if you're only remotely interested in wine, I think the drive to Napa is worth it. Alcatraz was a cool site to visit, and I remember driving down Lombard Street just to say I did it. The GG Bridge wasn't anything special IMHO. I live near three major, long bridges that take me into either PA or DE so I may be jaded. To me it was just a bridge painted a different color. Maybe I didn't catch it on a good day....no fog. My wife and I drove up from San Luis Obispo via Route 1. The scenery was fantastic. If you don't mind longer drives, a trip to 17 mile drive may be worth it. After we did 17 mile drive we jumped over to the major interstate, so I don't know what the scenery is like on Route 1 north of it. From what I've heard, it's not as dramatic, but I dunno. My favorite CONUS trip to date. You'll love it!