Off Topic - What to do in San Francisco for the weekend? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Matt Fredrikson · 05-19-2010, 01:47 PM

Hey guys, I know some of the members here live in Bay area and I was hoping you guys might have some suggestions on things to do this weekend. The little lady and I are flying down from Vancouver for the weekend staying at the Grand Hyatt ( to give an idea of our area ).

Any suggestions on places to eat?
Things to see and do?
Best way to get from the airport? ( is there a train or something? )

Thanks for any help guys!

Pat · 05-19-2010, 02:35 PM

Look up B.A.R.T. for the light rail

ChrisZang · 05-19-2010, 03:21 PM

http://www.yelp.com/list/one-perfect-day-in-san-francisco-san-francisco
http://www.everytrail.com/guide/one-perfect-day-in-san-francisco

It's gonna be a little hard w/o a car as here's my list of must sees:
* GG Bridge
* Coit Tower
* If you have a car, follow the "49 mile scenic drive" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/49-Mile_Scenic_Drive
* For lunch have Sushi in japan town (do NOT eat in China town, rip off and bad food)
* The Grand Hyatt has a great view from the upstairs restaurant, for other great views: go to the Piano bar of the Mariott downtown

One of my favorite things to do when friends are visiting:
WALK from your hotel to Fisherman's wharf (take Coit Tower as an orientation landmark, take the elevator up to Coit Tower and then you know the direction to Fisherman's wharf) and then take the Powell/Hyde cable car back from Fisherman's wharf all the way to the end to the Powell/Mission station

just a few ideas...

ChrisZang · 05-19-2010, 06:04 PM

just another thought:
maybe you should post this question on the babblers, as they are a San Francisco Bay Area board

demick · 05-19-2010, 07:27 PM

Alcatraz.

And if you like baseball, the SF Giants play the Oakland A's in Oakland on Fri, Sat, and Sunday in Oakland - an easy BART ride under the bay.

23109VC · 05-19-2010, 07:58 PM

if your wife likes to shop...union square is a dangerous place...she will enjoy it and spend all your money.

maybe you could also stop by and visit Nancy Pelosi and punch her in the mouth...

jcb986 · 05-20-2010, 04:35 AM

maybe you could also stop by and visit Nancy Pelosi and punch her in the mouth...

Beat the crap out of her for me...I will post your bond.

I hear the Fisherman Warf is the best place for seafood.

ChrisZang · 05-20-2010, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 23109VC

maybe you could also stop by and visit Nancy Pelosi and punch her in the mouth...

and maybe we could keep all the political crap out of these discussions.

Oaktown 986 · 05-20-2010, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisZang

and maybe we could keep all the political crap out of these discussions.

As a local, I 'd have to encourage him to punch her in the mouth. I'd also check out The Citrus Club (on Haight) for a good Thai lunch when you're being a tourist in the Haight Ashbury. Check out Gary Denko's if you need a upscale date night, and go to Ambassador Lounge in lower Nob Hill for some evening cocktails on the weekend; get there early before the line winds around the corner.

Also for drinks, try Bourbon and Branch (password is BOOKS) in the Tenderloin for an old speakeasy experience.

Have fun! If you want to do my 986's brakes while you're here, I can.. uh.. be a tour guide!

pothole · 05-20-2010, 07:25 AM

Little Star Pizza is one of my faves for some low key but high quality eating in SF - really unusual pizza, but excellent. Make sure you go for the deep pan - I normally don't like deep pan, but Little Star-styleee is very different. A must try for all pizza aficionados! Think there's two branches, the one in Mission is where I go. Wash it down with a couple for PBRs for good measure. Crappy beer, but when in Rome!

Also try Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers for a late lunch outside (on 24th St). Yes, both theoretically junk food options, but there's swanky conventional restaurants in every big city. I kind of like hunting out the friendly local joints.

r9i8c7k · 05-20-2010, 09:34 AM

Straits Restaurant - try the pepper crab.

http://www.straitsrestaurants.com/index.php?section=11

mtrhed · 05-20-2010, 11:34 AM

LMAO!

davemon · 05-20-2010, 11:46 AM

If you're sure you want to see Alcatraz, get tickets now/very early. I called on a thursday ~noon and was told "we have plenty for the weekend, no need to buy in advance." I arrived noon on Friday to purchase some tickets and the Alcatraz only tours were sold out. I ended up having to take the longer and more expensive trip to Angel Island and Alcatraz. Angel Island is nice, but not sure it was the preferred use of my time.

Also for ~$10/plate try Osha Thai Noodle Cafe at Geary and Leavenworth. Open late and delicious.

Also consider a 3 day pass for the trolley, if you plan on riding the trolley a lot. We started out on the trolley, but ended up spending money on taxis as our time was running out too fast and we got tired of waiting around at trolley stops. (ie our time ended up being worth the extra money for cabs)

ChrisZang · 05-20-2010, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcb986

I hear the Fisherman Warf is the best place for seafood.[/B]

Yeah, as a local I can tell you that that's what all the tourists think and so they end up in Fisherman's Wharf and eat overpriced, mediocre seafood

If you want REALLY GOOD seafood (but very pricey) make a reservation at Crustacean's:
1475 Polk Street
San Francisco, CA 94109-4648
(415) 776-2722

A few comments:
a) expen$$$$ive
b) please note their dress code (no jeans, and jacket preferred)
c) You MUST make a reservation
d) If you eat there you MUST order the garlic noodles, you will have lustful dreams of them later they're that good

Two good places at the waterfront (Embarcadero):
http://www.gordonbiersch.com/restaurants/
http://sanfrancisco.menupages.com/restaurants/chaya-brasserie/

But in all honesty: These two don't come close to "Bridges" on Granville Island, which is MY most favorite Sports bar in the world