San Francisco is gorgeous!!!

Overview

I loved my time in the city. It was so beautiful, I underestimated the visit. I would have to say my favorite moment was walking along the Golden Gate Bridge and hiking up to Vista Point. The whole thing took less than three hours and gave me such a proud satisfaction. There are points that are terrifyingly high and windy but it's just a moment to pass to the beautiful top.

Quick Tips:

There are tons of advice for cheaper rates and discounts for things. You can get postcards 10/ (but post offices are hard to find) and souvenirs are cheaper with each store. The Ghirardelli chocolates are expensive at the actual store but cheaper at a Walgreen's. The restaurants are always offering a deal or special, as well as the boat cruises.

Book Alcatraz in advance (minimum of a week!!!) http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/

A map is handy for the area in getting around. You can get them at practically every corner, as they are offered free in newspaper boxes. The maps are a part of the San Francisco guides.

http://www.sfvisitor.org/

Best Way To Get Around:

We only took a taxi once, and that was because of an emergency time limit. Otherwise, we totally took advantage of the for a 7-day or for a 3-day city transport pass. It allowed us to use everything from the buses, to the cable cars, to MUNI underground line. The only thing it didn't include was the BART system to the outskirts of San Francisco. Walking was nice but got tiring, so transport at every street was handy. It was because of our pass that we got to cover so much ground on the trip and see so much! A bus tour isn't necessary at all unless you only have a day or so in the city. http://www.sfmuni.com/fares/passvend.htm

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USA Hostels

Hotel

It is situated in an old hotel in Nob Hill. I stayed in a six-bed dormitory (bunk beds) with each room having its own private bathroom. The people were nice and the roommates were awesome. There are local tours offered, but nothing you couldn't do yourself with the city transportation pass. They do have amazing day and camping trips to whitewater raft, tour Napa Valley and other regions.

It's close to everything. Union Square is barely a five-minute walk and Chinatown is even closer. It's just around the corner from a cable car that can take you to Fisherman's Wharf or Union Square (which will hook you up to the underground metro and bus that is also included in the pass). The hostel offers high-speed internet (20min/$1) and all you can eat breakfast pancakes and waffles. It's a friendly place with daily maintenance. Staff stay for free (minimum of five-day stay).

http://www.usahostels.com/sf/sf-index.html

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

USA Hostels
749 Taylor Street San Francisco, California

Best of Thai Noodle

Restaurant

It was delicious. Beyond my expectations. And as soon as I ordered was as soon as I got the food. There was no wait and even less of an attempt to hunt down service. The waitress was polite and full of advice for choice of dish.

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Best of Thai Noodle
1418 Haight St. San Francisco, California 94117
(415) 552-3534

Jack -In-The- Box Family Restaurants

Restaurant | "Jack in the Box (STAY AWAY!!!)"

This is the most disgusting food ever. I barely could choke the food down. The food was revolting and everyone felt nauseous afterwards. It was definitely the food. The mascot is a creepy white dot head man doing various activities that could give you the worst nightmares. Nothing about the restaurant was worth our desperation for a meal. Even the service was terrible. Everything is overpriced, especially when McDonald's offered a large dollar menu. The only good thing about the place was it offered Dr. Pepper.

www.jackinthebox.com

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Jack -In-The- Box Family Restaurants
400 Geary Street San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 673-0868

IN-N-OUT Burger

Restaurant

This is the BEST burger I have ever had!!! In-N-Out is a fast-food chain only in the southern West Coast that is amazing! Not only were the portions HUGE, but the service is friendly and the food is WICKED cheap! A cheeseburger is $1.80 and a double-double burger (double meat, double cheese) is $2.80. It's not greasy at all and everything is fresh. If this were everywhere, it would definitely take over Burger King or McDonald's! The only one in San Francisco is located right in Fisherman's Wharf.

http://www.in-n-out.com/

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

IN-N-OUT Burger
333 Jefferson Street San Francisco, California

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)

Attraction

The architecture was gorgeous, as the five-floor building was beautifully set up for the exhibits. My friends and I got to see original works of some of our favorite artists (Diego Rivera and Roy Liechtenstein) and even got some creative ideas from new exhibitions. The museum offered everything from open art to photography. There was only one room that didn’t please me. There were no cameras allowed, but the museum gift shop made up for it. I went on a half-price day (Thursday), but I didn’t get a discount for unknown reasons (even though I mentioned I was a student).

http://www.sfmoma.org/

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
151 Third St San Francisco, California 94103
+1 415 357 4000

Blue & Gold Fleet

Attraction | "Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise"

The tour was only an hour or so long, but there is so much to see with a constant eyeful that you don't have a chance to get bored. There is a recorded speaker tour guide that explains the history of the Bay islands, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Bay Bridge and the Pier. Although there is no crew member to interact with, the speech is so informative that most questions will be answered eventually.

http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Blue & Gold Fleet
Pier 41 Marine Terminal San Francisco, California 94133
(415) 705-5555

Bars & Pubs

Attraction | "Pubbing"

The night atmosphere of San Francisco is great! There were some of the best places I always look for in going out as a Bar/Pub girl. It wasn't hard to find a place to unwind at all! There were amazing bars everywhere, from Haight-Ashbury to Union Square to the Pier. It was easy to find a place to play pool or dance or just sit and talk. If a bar doesn't advertise a special, then it's usually $6 or so a drink.

My favorite place to drink was Castro and 6th (the gay district). There were a lot more heterosexual couples than I expected. It was a blast, thanks to friendly bartenders and people. It was the music I love everywhere and comfortable dancing. There were amazing clubs too, but as a backpacker, I didn't prepare for any of the dress code regulations that bars and pubs don't require.

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Bars & Pubs
Throughout San Francisco San Francisco, California

Amoeba Music

Attraction | "Amoeba Records"

Walking through the doors was overwhelming. I couldn't believe the extreme selection being offered. I could have spent days in the store. It must have been as large as a department store with people at every corner to help with any question. One could break the bank at Amoeba's.

http://www.amoebamusic.com/

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Amoeba Music
1855 Haight St. San Francisco, California 94117
(415) 831-1200

City Lights Bookstore

Attraction

I loved this bookstore!!! It was amazing!!! This was one of my favorite sites to see. Situated just at the tip of Chinatown, City Lights bookstore is where Allen Ginsberg and other famous authors used to visit and read frequently. Next door is the Vagabond bar where Jack Kerouac used to go afterwards for the nastiest drink of tequila, rum, vodka and just about any hard liquor you could imagine in one. I spent half a day at the bookstore, reading and rummaging through the sections.

http://www.citylights.com/

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

City Lights Bookstore
261 Columbus Avenue San Francisco, California 94133
(415) 362-8193

Macy's

Attraction | "MACY'S/ The Cheesecake Factory"

This is SOOO fattening, and there is a waiting list of about half an hour no matter what, BUT IT'S WORTH IT!!! For one piece of cheesecake, it's about $6, but it's huge and a meal itself. The restaurant makes about twenty different types of cheesecakes, from chocolate Godiva to lemon raspberry (my favorite). The first day I had the most kind waiter who was beyond helpful, but the second I got passed around like a hot potato by rude, passive servers. It is located on the top floor of Macy's with an open view of Union Square. You can cut the line-ups and just take one to go also.

http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Macy's
170 O'Farrell Street San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 397-3333

Golden Gate Bridge

Attraction | "Walking the Golden Gate Bridge"

Most people only walk halfway across the bridge, but if you push yourself, you can see it's really not very difficult. It's free to cross and you can get there by bus. Once you get to the top of Vista Point, it is such a breathtaking view, it's all worth it. Walking back the bridge is easier than walking across it the first time. Although you feel like it takes forever and it is impossible, you feel a huge sense of boastful accomplishment. On the top of Vista Point (which only takes 15 or so minutes to walk), there is Battery Spencer. You don't have to cross it, but I found it to be creepy and spooky. It is an old watch point for the Bay and a temporary prison for those being transferred to Alcatraz. Vista Point is hardly worth avoiding for it, though, because the view from the top is my favorite. I would not, however, suggest taking your children all the way across the bridge, as it might be torturous to endure the complaining...

Golden Gate:
http://www.goldengate.org/

Vista Point:
http://www.lovetoeatandtravel.com/Site/Sfbay/SF/Fun/ggbridge.htm

Battery Spencer:
http://www.militarymuseum.org/BtySpencer.html
http://virtualguidebooks.com/NorthCalif/MarinNorthBay/ConzelmanRoad/BatterySpencerTop.html

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Golden Gate Bridge
At the corner of Highway One North at Lincoln Avenue San Francisco, California
(415) 556-0560

University of California at Berkeley

Attraction

This is a trip that costs about $6 because it is not included in the city transportation pass. It's a twenty or so minute ride that takes you under the Bay. Because it's not a part of the Bay city, it's MUCH warmer in Berkeley. The university is so HUGE that I couldn't tour the whole campus, but the members were very nice to give directions whenever needed (and you will need them...) My friends and I saved a day for the trip, but there wasn't anything spectacular about the town. We went around the cafes and the Tambourine area but found San Francisco itself to be most mind-blowing. We are still glad we went.

UC Berkeley:
http://www.berkeley.edu/

City of Berkeley:
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

University of California at Berkeley
Follow Bart to Downtown Berkeley San Francisco, California 94720
(510) 642-6000

Cable Cars

Attraction | "San Francisco Cable Cars"

I LOVED RIDING THE CABLE CARS!!! The staff were all so entertaining and friendly. I have never met such kind and warm people. They joke around with you as if they have been your friends for years. All the staff was as welcoming as the next. It was such a joy, from Mel to Carl. The ride does seem a bit like a roller coaster, but nothing nauseous. They usually point out sights, as the cable cars are filled with tourists.

All rides on the cable cars are a part of the transportation pass that you can buy at Powell Central Station at Union Square. If not, you can buy a one-way ride for $3 where the conductor has change on the cable car. The cars run constantly (practically every ten minutes), where there are only waits when the cars are filled.

http://www.sfcablecar.com/

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Cable Cars
401 Van Ness San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 673-6864

Pier 39

Attraction | "California Sea Lions"

Personally, I have seen enough sea lions for a lifetime, but my friend Tanya absolutely loved watching them. You can pass them when taking the Blue & Gold Fleet tour, but behind Pier 39 there are benches and crowds of people usually watching them also. Sometimes they are a bit funny to watch as they fight and play with each other, but mostly I fight them to pose or sleep. It costs nothing to watch the sea lions or take photos.

http://www.pier39.com/

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Pier 39
At the corner of Beach Street and The Embarcadero San Francisco, California 94133
(415) 981 7437

Lombard Street

Attraction | "Crookedest Street in the World; Lombard Street"

I thought this was soooo cool. Our cable car was blocked by a truck, so the driver let us watch the street. There are always cars going down the hill, and people actually live on Lombard Street's crooked part!!!

http://www.sftravel.com/lomabardcrookedstreet.html

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Lombard Street
San Francisco, California

Chinatown

Attraction

I found Chinatown to be a regular site as in most towns, but the food to be amazing. There are always people at the corner to persuade you to eat at their restaurant and I went to the restaurant that has been serving Dim Sum for the longest time in San Francisco. It was great price and great food. Do not sway from a restaurant simply because the place seems a bit empty. It's only because a lot of tourists go for the Hard Rock Cafes or something more famous.

http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Chinatown
Grant Avenue San Francisco, California

Alcatraz

Attraction

I didn't get to go to the island, because you need a week in advance to reserve. It's the only thing that requires an advance ticket. It's only $16 with the Blue & Gold Fleet (http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/), but if you get last-minute tickets it could cost you up to $60!!! A lot of the people who did get to go say the tour isn't worth it unless it's later in the day. The people who went early say it's nothing special, but those at late afternoon say they can feel the spirits and get nervous.

http://www.nps.gov/alcatraz/
http://www.pier39.com/alcatraz/index.cfm

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Alcatraz
Embarcadero and Powell Street San Francisco, California 94133
(415) 705-5555

Pacific Coast Highway

Attraction

I got to ride along the Highway 1 and it was gorgeous. It has been recognized as the most scenic drive in America and I couldn’t' agree more. Simply driving along, I got to see the coast from different angles, the wine country fields and the Sierra Mountains. It was so beautiful. Definitely worthy of another visit of places to stop for longer stays.

http://www.ylekot.com/orehwys/hwy-1.html

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Pacific Coast Highway
CA 1/Pacific Coast Highway, South of San Francisco San Francisco, California

Haight-Ashbury Sights & Stores

Attraction | "Haight-Ashbury"

I found this street to be a nice place for an afternoon. The street is an old street known for the hippest and most in-style things, but now it's barely struggling to be "in". The stores are expensive, but it is filled with cheap pubs and restaurants. I had delicious Thai food at Best Noodles, which is definitely worthy of a return. There are beautiful original murals down the side streets that are definitely worth checking out!

http://www.sanfranciscobay.com/haightashbury/

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Haight-Ashbury Sights & Stores
Haight-Ashbury Street San Francisco, California

Historic Ship Touring

Attraction | "Boarding Historic Ships"

I thought it might be cool to go around the four ships, as only one or two ships are open a day. It was a waste of money and not worth purchasing the sticker. For only five dollars per person, you could return for five days and tour the docked boats as many time as you want. I got to tour a REPLICA of sailing ship. There are dressed sailors working on he boats constructing dinghies, but it costs nothing to see them. It only costs money to go on the boat. It was very boring and nothing special that you couldn't see at a museum of transportation.

http://www.nps.gov/safr/local/ship.html
http://www.inetours.com/Pages/SFLndmrkVws/Hyde_St_Pier.html

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by pstar_craze on August 17, 2004

Historic Ship Touring
Hyde St. Pier San Francisco, California

The BEST or MOST

Story/Tip

At first these were the signs that attracted us as advertising hoped, but then we caught on. EVERYTHING is the BEST or MOST of something in San Francisco. When you visit places, think of it as kindergarten. Everyone gets an award for something...

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San Francisco

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San Francisco is gorgeous!!!