Need suggestions for GREAT attractions/restaurants in San Francisco?

Question

I'm going to San Francisco this weekend from 8/31-9/1. What are some REALLY good places to go? Like places to see (no seeing the golden gate bridge or touring with the segway & seeing the alcatraz, i've done that all before). & i am go'n to have a car to get around so no need for cable cars, etc. What's a good eatery that isn't TOO expensive for 4 people for fresh seafood around fisherman's wharf, or anywhere?

& what to see.

and any other good places to eat & if you know the name of the place & address (at least name), and what you would recommend to get to eat (family of 4) & approx. prices, and none of those restaurants that are pretty expensive & the foods a really small portion. ha. & has anyone gone to the Winchester Mansion & have had a tour? I'm still think'n about it, & if it is a good place to tour which one? Just the tour of the Mansion? Or the tour of the mansion+behind the scenes?

& can you visit the Ghiradelli place? Is there a certain way?

Thanks!

Answer 1

If you're staying mostly in the city, ditch the car. Really. Parking alone could cost you your daily rental rate or more not counting your costs of gas and bridge tolls.

Check out www.yelp.com for reviews.  You're too early for the reopening of the California Academy of Sciences but the Exploratorium should be fun for kids and adults.

You can get to the Ghiradelli square by MUNI. The buses do a pretty good job running through all tourists location in the city. Notably, the F line that runs from the Castro down Market through downtown/financial district and along the Embarcardero all the way to Fisherman's Wharf.  You can also rent out kayaks from the city to kayak out in the bay.

Answer 2

Generally, locals don't go to Fisherman's Wharf for a quick seafood fix. You'll find them scarfing down oysters and crab cakes at the Ferry Terminal opposite Embarcadero Center. It varies depending on which stall you go to, of course, but lunch should set you back around $15 per person (not including any alcohol you might consume).

There are a number of fine seafood restaurants in the city. But again, few of the hotspots are at the Wharf. Try Bar Crudo (average, $12 to $15 per 4. pc plate / $26 whole crab), Farallon (expensive, $35 to $42 mains), and Aqua (if you have to ask).

http://www.barcrudo.com/

http://www.farallonrestaurant.com/

http://www.aqua-sf.com/aqua/

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You do realize there's a National Park - stretching from the Marin Headlands to Point Reyes - on the other side of the bridge, right? The Golden Gate is a nice bridge. But at the end of the day, it is still just a bridge. I don't understand why tourists flock to the structure itself, but then completely ignore the spectacular forests, mountains, and beaches right next to it. Spend some time here, and you'll undoubtedly spot deer, elephant seals, and the occasional coyote.

The Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy. 1) goes right through it too. You could easily spend a whole day in this vast wilderness next to San Francisco.

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If you haven't done Wine Country, you should definitely do that daytrip while you have a car. There are few "must-see" attractions in Wine Country. The point is to relax and enjoy the scenery. If you must have specific destinations, I'd definitely check out "the castle," as well as visit Old Faithful and Safari West.

If you have an interest in history, head for Sonoma. Most of the old town remains intact. This place was (ever so briefly) the capital of an independent California Republic in 1848. While the flag and seal survived, the Republic itself lasted only a month before it became a protectorate of the United States. Two years later California petitioned Congress to become a state, San Francisco grew into a major metropolis overnight, and everyone forgot about Sonoma.

http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/

http://www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com/

http://www.safariwest.com/