OT: San Francisco tour suggestions

[hotdogthemovie]

I'm headed to San Francisco for a business trip the first half of August, and I was hoping to take a guided tour of the area during one of the weekends. This site lists several tours that look promising:

http://www.allsanfranciscotours.com/

Any opinions as to which one is the best? I'm more interested in area history than seeing the homes of the rich and famous. Also, I'd like a day-long tour instead of a half day.

TIA...

[Chupa Chupa]

Don't miss the Bonds Balco Factory.

[AAA]

I'd drive east a bit to Muncie, Indiana. Great place.

[TLB]

Years ago my wife and I did a half day guided tour, including Muir Woods, so the city part was a whirlwind. However, we were able to follow it up with a 2 day, self-guided walking tour of the city, basically using the Powell-Hyde line for our jumping off points.

Since you don't have the luxury, pick a tour that interests you the most, but don't ignore Muir Woods. Greyline tends to be an old reliable.

[AlphaDog]

How much time will you actually have for seeing San Francisco? You say "one of the weekends". Does that mean you'll be able to spend more than one day seeing the sights? If so, Gray Line has a nice all day tour that includes the GG Bridge, Sausalito and Muir Woods.

http://www.grayline.com/Grayline/destina...vityDetail&apid=1482&sid=540

Then, if you have more time, the "Hop On, Hop Off" trolley tour from your first link looks like a good way to see more of the city, at your own pace. It's sure to hit the most interesting places within the city itself.

If you'll be staying in a hotel while you're there, they'll probably have more information about tours.

[Markintosh]

LOL - No answers on the tour but gottta love your user name "hotdogthemovie". That classic gets loaded into our DVD player every October as a season wwarm up.

[Silencio]

There aren't a whole lot of "home of the rich and famous" to see, unless you're into 19th century robber barons. Hollywood this ain't.

If you feel like walking, there are a few nice walking tours in the Jackson Square and North Beach areas that should be interesting.

I would completely avoid Fisherman's Wharf, if at all possible. Nothing to see down there and no good restaurants, either, though the Musée Mechanique is pretty fascinating.

These days, I'd say the main reason to visit San Francisco is for the food. SF and NYC are the top two food cities in the country. If you favor fresh ingredients and cooking techniques that highlight said ingredients, then SF is your place. Post what kinds of cuisines you like and I'll see if I have any suggestions.

[vision63]

Silencio, I feel similarly regarding the Wharf area, all of my guests LOVE it. Just like my Los Angeles guests LOVED Venice Beach. They love the crab pots, the sea lions, and the absolutely drop dead view of the bay from the rear of (gulp) Pier 39. To the man woman and child, the wharf has been a treasured experience to them.

I remember when I was 14 and visited my Aunt, Uncle and cousins in New York City. They wouldn't take me to see the Empire State building, Statue of Liberty and other landmarks. They wouldn't let me ride the fabled subways. Totally frustrating. They were jaded by it. I broke away one day and spend the entire day seeing the city the way "I" wanted to. It was the best day of my life seeing all that they felt was mundane.

[cassie]

This is where my much of my family resides. There is so much to see. The following suggestions are based on what all our friends remember best when they go to the Bay Area.

1) At least ride both directions on the POWELL-HYDE line. Sit on different side each way. You really get to see and feel SF life close up this way. Look into buying a MUNI PASSPORT .

Maybe eat in CHINATOWN, FISHERMAN'S WHARF or UNION SQUARE just so you can say you've done it if for no other reason. GHIRARDELLI SQUARE is under construction but walking along the water's edge is fun, especially with all the street vendors and tourist shops.


2) ALCATRAZ This is one of the most visited places that the US Park service runs. And, it is a surprise to many that doubted taking the tour. WELL WORTH taking the time. A plus is that you get fantastic views of SAN FRANCISCO, the GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE and the BAY BRIDGE. One thing is that tickets sell out very quickly, so get them a day or two early. Save when you order on line. The morning is less crowed than the afternoon and very pretty! Allow about 3 hours.


3) DON"T MISS THIS!...RENT CAR for one day and do the following:

a. Eat brunch/lunch at the CLIFF HOUSE , 1090 Point Lobos Ave, SF. A table next to the window in THE BISTRO would be my first choice. Second choice would be a table next to the window in SUTRO'S. Either way, you will have one of the most beautiful views one can experience while dining. As you gaze out upon the wonder of Pacific Ocean, the waves pounding against rocks and the antics of the seals (They're back) will keep you mesmerized. Windsurfers and Parasurfers add to view. And, with all that, you will get first rate FOOD and SERVICE. Allow about 2 hours and get there early!

b. Then drive north across GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE and park at the visitors area that will be on your immediate right as you get to the other side. WALK back across the bridge until you get to the middle. Best views of SF and you will be amazed at the Windsurfers, Parasurfers, kayakers, etc braving the treacherous waters directly below. What an experience! Allow about 1 to 1 1/2 hours!

c. Next, travel on to MUIR WOODS to experience 1000 year old stands of Redwoods towering upwards of 350 feet. Beautiful trails, tame Deers that will ignore as you come within a few feet. An encounter that makes a lifetime seem like a blink of an eye. Quiet. Awesome! Allow the rest of the day. (If you have time, drive thru Sausalito on the way to Muir Woods.)

[Buzz]

eat at the corner of Geary & Van Ness.