San Francisco Journals

Short Break in SF

A June 2005 trip to San Francisco by rshp

Quote: June is a cool but pleasant time to visit San Francisco. We stayed at the Inn at Union Square, a small, European-style bed-and-breakfast half a block from Union Square, with a complimentary breakfast, snacks, and wine.

Short Break in SF

Overview

Quote:
Do not miss: The Coit Tower Alcatraz Walking up Lombard Street Fisherman's Wharf ChinatownQuick Tips: Macy's does 11% off for out-of-towners - coupons are available in the hotel lobby. Airport Express does a great shuttle service to/from the airport (SFO). 3-5 days is plenty, unless you want to get out of the city and head for the surrounding area - Yosemite or Wine Country. You need a days for Fisherman's wharf & Alcatraz, another for Chinatown, the financial District and Union Square and a 3rd if you venture to Haight (I wouldn't bother...)Best Way To Get Around: Cable cars are pricier than buses, but it is well worth the cost ( each way) for...Read More

Inn at Union Square

Hotel | "The Inn at Union Square"

Quote:
A small (30-room) European-style bed-and-breakfast, it was excellent!

Basic rooms are small but fairly well equipped. Do not expect a view of any kind - you will be looking out onto a brick wall about 3 feet from your window, but you won’t be spending much time in your room anyway.

Breakfast consisted of a range of pastries, croissants, bagels, yoghurt, cereals, juice, and coffee. Apples and coffee were available all day, and in the evenings, wine and cheese is put in the lobby. Cookies are left out at night.

The hotel is on Post Street, on the corner of Powell and Union Square, half a block from the buses and cable cars.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 28, 2005

Inn at Union Square
440 POST STREET
San Francisco, California 94102
415-397-3510

Alcatraz Island/The Rock

Attraction | "Alcatraz (Audio & Walking Tour)"

Quote:
This was excellent and costs $16 for adults - book in advance!

The boat trip to the island offers great (weather permitting) views of the city, Golden Gate Bridge, and the pelicans.

The audio tour narrates your walk around the prison, with interviews from ex-prisoners and staff. It points out many things you would not otherwise notice, like bullet marks. You can stop and start it when you want, so you are free to take photos and go inside the cells. The trip would be pointless without the audio tour.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 28, 2005

Alcatraz Island/The Rock
San Francisco Bay
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco 94133
(415) 705-5555

Chinatown

Attraction

Quote:
It's not as bustling as the one in NYC, but just as interesting and a bit more manageable. Walk up Grant to Broadway, looking in the shops, eating treats, etc. - a great way to spend a morning. Try lunch at the House of Nan King or dinner at Hunan Homes.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 28, 2005

Chinatown
Grant Avenue
San Francisco, California