- This topic has 20 replies, 12 voices, and was last updated 12 years, 7 months ago by
dejams.
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March 27, 2012 at 2:13 PM #19644March 27, 2012 at 2:27 PM #740621
sdrealtor
ParticipantDefinitely book the Alcatraz tour a week in advance if not longer. I was there in December with my kids and we waited too long to book it. The tours fill up well in advance.
March 27, 2012 at 2:44 PM #740624sdsubie
ParticipantI really enjoyed the night tour. There were less people walking around, and just experiencing the old buildings as night fall was coming was interesting and a bit spooky. Definitely unique.
March 27, 2012 at 2:46 PM #740626ParticipantAs for food, give betelnut a try. It was a hit with my friends from Taiwan.
March 27, 2012 at 2:47 PM #740627briansd1
GuestI have never been on Alcatraz, but I did sail around it.
This is the official tour authorized by the National Park Service. It includes a ferry to the island, but not a bay cruise.
https://www.alcatrazcruises.com/index.aspxThis other company has a bay cruise. So many companies to choose from…
https://www.alcatraztrips.com/baycruise.aspMarch 27, 2012 at 2:49 PM #740628UCGal
ParticipantI’m not sure – but I think only one company actually stops on the island and lets you tour the old prison. I’m pretty sure it’s AlcatrazCruises.com.
ITA with sdr about booking in advance. I’ve never done the tour because I’ve always screwed up and forgotten to pre-book… and it was sold out for several days going forward.
March 27, 2012 at 2:59 PM #740630Guest[quote=sdsubie]As for food, give betelnut a try. It was a hit with my friends from Taiwan.[/quote]
Betelnut looks nice.
http://www.betelnutrestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/betelnut-san-franciscoMarch 27, 2012 at 8:50 PM #740645
svelteParticipantOkay, I definitely have strong opinions here.
We looove Scala’s Bistro:
We never miss it when in SF…same with John’s Grill:
The ambiance at both places is off the chart…spectacular for different reasons.
And yes get the Alcratraz tix at LEAST a week in advance. And don’t miss going on the Alcatraz tour…get the headphones and listen as you walk…nothing like it. I thought it would be cheesy when we went, but I walked away just thrilled. Would go again in a heartbeat.
There are other things we do, but those are the absolute top 3 things…
March 28, 2012 at 9:22 AM #740661Irish
ParticipantAs far as gastronome, San Francisco cannot be beaten. You could spend a whole weekend eating your way through all the amazing restaurants in the Ferry Building…my favorite is the Slanted Door. http://www.slanteddoor.com/
On the weekends there is also a great farmers market outside on the ferry plaza…a lovely setting with all sorts of sensory overload !
March 28, 2012 at 9:53 AM #740663
CoronitaParticipant[quote=briansd1][quote=sdsubie]As for food, give betelnut a try. It was a hit with my friends from Taiwan.[/quote]
Betelnut looks nice.
http://www.betelnutrestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/betelnut-san-francisco%5B/quote%5DIt’s all right.
If you want, I can think of one hole in the wall place where the food is decent.
For dim sum, I would have recommended fook yuen in milbrae, but they closed down.
March 28, 2012 at 9:53 AM #740664bearishgurl
Participant[quote=svelte]…And yes get the Alcratraz tix at LEAST a week in advance. And don’t miss going on the Alcatraz tour…get the headphones and listen as you walk…nothing like it. I thought it would be cheesy when we went, but I walked away just thrilled. Would go again in a heartbeat….[/quote]
I did the walking tour with headphones a few years ago and would agree that it is a very unusual and interesting experience. Last year, I toured around Alcatraz (up close and personal) on the Blue and Gold Fleet’s longer tour … also thrilling!
March 28, 2012 at 11:12 AM #740668GuestThanks guys… all excellent recommendations. I’ll give them a try. I don’t know SF other than as an occasional tourist.
flu, a hole in the wall is fine too. That’s great for a quick lunch. I’m not going to take my friends to dim sum because they are from Hong Kong. But for a future trip, I’d love to have your recommendation.
I’d rather try restaurants that other people recommend than happen upon places myself.
March 28, 2012 at 11:27 AM #740670Participant[quote=briansd1]Thanks guys… all excellent recommendations. I’ll give them a try. I don’t know SF other than as an occasional tourist.
flu, a hole in the wall is fine too. That’s great for a quick lunch. I’m not going to take my friends to dim sum because they are from Hong Kong. But for a future trip, I’d love to have your recommendation.
I’d rather try restaurants that other people recommend than happen upon places myself.[/quote]
I like to eat New England Clam Chowder (in a crusty sourdough bread bowl) at Fisherman’s Wharf. You can order this through a takeout window and eat outside or order it and eat inside at Pier 39 (more expensive). I think the Fisherman’s Wharf chowder is more “authentic.”
This will be a new experience for your friends from Hong Kong, brian.
And don’t forget to to take the bus/streetcar around town for abt $2 per day (paper transfers are free)!
March 28, 2012 at 11:38 AM #740672Participantbrian, you might consider taking your friends through the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory if you have time while there.
It is a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf.
March 28, 2012 at 11:47 AM #740674desmond
ParticipantMake sure to take where you are staying in all your plans. If you can take the trolley down to the wharf to get on the Alcatraz Tour. The trolley is harder to get back on, so you can walk, take a cab or the bus.. If these guys are a picky group from HK why try to match the food they are experts on? San Francisco has so many classic old restaurants that are great.
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