Off Topic San Francisco Treasures

Just like my thread from last year, asking for any hidden gems in Ny, but this time San Francisco.

Going for 10 days @ Easter, done lots of research already.....just wondering if anyone has been before and if they know of any hidden gems worth checking out. Sights, bars, restaurants, shops....whatever.

Bet there won't be as many replies as the Ny thread but any ideas appreciated.

Thankee Sai.

 

Like NY, San Fran has a great gay scene!

10 days seems a lot but you can drive north over the bridge along the Pacific Hwy and see Tappys fallen tree plus the ones still standing. Also up there are the Sanoma Vineyards for a great wine tasting experience.
In town the are some good eateries and of course the short and winding road. There are also seals on the docks and beaches to see..
Then you can drive south along the Pacific Hwy towards LA and see the various sights. I would keep going and fly home from there!

 

Love San Francisco and always visit Thahn Long restaurant for garlic crab and noodles, not to be missed if you like the sound of that.

 

Went several years ago. Had a great seafood chowder down by the docks before heading to Alcatraz. Loads of restaurants there with plenty of beer!

 

Carmel and Monterey are not too far away and well worth a visit, I did the Alcatraz boat trip like Surrey above and had the chowder on the pier - recommended, comes using a big bread roll as the soup plate. Enjoy!

 

The title of the thread sounds like a gay football team!

 

If doing Alcatraz, book your tickets early and get on the 'twilight' tour.
Very spooky to see the sun come down and the whole place go silent.
Also I had a nice few hours at Pier 39 watching the sea lions and having a beer or three....

 

Didn't like all the beggars in SF. Much preferred San Diego. Go there if you get the chance.

 

Yes, nothing like getting Crabs in San Francisco, or as Pete and Dud said "Marilyn Monroe is so rich she had lobsters (or something like that).

 

why are the beggers in san diego so much better fingy

 

Get a nice tan down in Southern California. All pasty and white in the foggy north.

 

Who said they were better?

I got pestered by beggars in SF who were very aggressive looking for money. I didn't meet a single beggar in San Diego.

 

Yup, we are hiring a car for a couple of days and just driving around the famous coastline exploring little towns and such.

Also catching the train out to the Napa valley for some of that wine!

 

Food and beer and sunshine.....sounds bloody good to me!

 

When was this Finglas? Recently?

Bit of a pain.....had the same from all the gypsies in Paris last time I went.....wont let it ruin my holiday though!

 

I do! Will check that one out, thanks

 

About 5 or 6 years ago Hoop.

 

And don't forget to wear flowers in your hair

 

Don't waste your time on Alcatraz. It's a total dump. Very depressing. I dunno why I went. I suppose it's because I watched them silly Clint Eastwood films like everybody else and there's hype around the place because of that, but history of the place is sad and the whole place exudes stupidity. But it's a former jail site, what do you expect, nothing really interesting at all, looking at all them empty cells.
If you want to take a boat ride, there are other ones that cruise around the Bay that are much more interesting and pretty than going over to an old dirty prison site.

Getting a car is a nice way to see the town. Going up to Twin Peaks you can see the whole city from the geometric centre overlooking the entire area.
You can also do a massive circular drive around the entire Bay Area on the freeways and hit all the bridges that crisscross, I even went and did it both directions because at the time the Bay bridge was double deck and one way you drive up on top and the other way you drive on the bottom. Of course you have to do the same with the Golden Gate Bridge going both directions.
Of course you must drive down Lombard Street from the top down (one way street) and do the famous snaky drive down the hill.
If your focus is on the City and like art and exhibits, the new museums are very nice. The Science one is excellent.
If you have time to get out of the City and drive to other smaller ones of course you must try to get up to Marin country,

If you are a fan of Star Wars go to the Presidio
http://sftodo.com/blog/2012/01/24/star-wars-lucasfilm-san-francisco.html

This covers the rest of California as well but if you can get up to the Redwoods it is amazing
http://www.visitcalifornia.com/feature/diy-star-wars-experiences-california