OT: Anyone from San Francisco? Know San Francisco?

AJCM

I live in the outer mission of the City for my first 24 years. Grade school, High School. The city offers so much. Do all the touristy things. They are fun. Geary street has Irish pubs and Japan Center. See GG Park and someone said..the Presidio. Every time I go home, I stop at Ft. Point. Ask natives on where to eat. DONT do chains. As for mountains there are hills everywhere, Mt Tamalpais, Mt Diablo. I would stick to Marin County and Santa Cruz for venturing out. Redwood groves are day drives from the city. My favortie restaurant is Cafe Sport in Northbeach. It is a basque restaurant (I think it is still there) Dont forget Ghiradelli square. I haven't dont the toursity thing in a few years but it really doesn't change much. Have fun while you are there!

Thanks! I must say that I rarely, if ever, do a chain restaurant when travelling, HOWEVER I do like In & Out burger when in California (we don't have them in Canada) and for a fast and cheap thrill I do like Chipotles (who doesn't love a fast food joint that serves Margaritas?!?!?! Unheard of to us Canadians!
:flowerforyou:

LuckyLeprechaun

RainForest is okay, but it is touristy and kitschy and not really a good example of authentic San Francisco. It's a chain restaurant whose menu is on par with Applebee's that has a bunch of animatronic animals and rainforest decor. Looks like the Jungle RIde at Disneyland. But they have them in LA and Vegas, and they are really overpriced (imho) for what you get.

Assurance must be referring to Lombard St. aka "The Crookedest Street in America" It is very steep and full of switchback turns. Pretty neat, but scary to drive down.

AJ I would not worry about an earthquake :laugh: they are really not very common- you'll be fine. I guarantee that you will want to come back, because the city is a place you cannot see all of in just a few days- I hope you have lots of fun- come back and tell us all about your adventure-

And if you go down to the Wharf, look out for the Bushman!!:laugh:

Lucky - you are on this one girl! Thanks for all the help (and LOVE that you're a teacher, I was a school teacher, and then started working in the private sector, which brings me to these business travel opportunities!).

I'm thinking:
- trolley ride to the wharf for lunch and wandering around GO LOOK FOR THE BUSHMAN!
- some time shopping in the city (any areas?)
- visit the bay
- do the main galleries
- rent a convertible on the last day, drive out to the golden gate bridge (see Golden Gate park), and then check out some mountains (Diablo I think it was....) then drive back down the coastal side to the airport

Thoughts? Anything I'm missing? Lighthouses?

Breakfast is provided by the hotel (Hilton Financial District - so it should be okay) so the other meals (I have three lunches and two dinners) I was thinking of these options:
- Mamas on Washington Square (lunch)
- La Taquiera (dinner)
- The Slanted Door (dinner)
- Tartine Bakery (lunch)
- Zazie (lunch)

Am I missing anything great in terms of dining? Oh Coach Lou had recommended a great spot - gotta go back to the PM and see!

Thanks again everyone!
Anyone coming to Toronto - I'll set you up a great itinerary!
:flowerforyou:

If you will be riding the cable cars, there is a GIANT shopping mecca (complete with ten-story Nordstrom's, who hires live models instead of mannequins) at the end of the cable car route where they turn the Powell-Mason car around near Market and 5th (which is fun to watch all by itself). Pretty unbeatable for shopping opportunities.
I think Lou suggested Scoma's- a very good choice, but there are myriad fantastic restaurants, so many that even if you lived in the city your whole life, and went out to eat every night, you'd never catch up, cuz new ones are always opening. :flowerforyou: