San Francisco - Recommendations for Food. Entertainment Book?

bluedufflecoat on 26/04/2017 - 08:24

Hello well-travelled OzBers.

I'm planning a short visit to San Francisco and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations and advice.

On our first day, we will probably arrive (incredibly jet-lagged) at around 10am (3am Melbourne time), and I am guessing, it will take at least 2-3 hours to clear immigration, get luggage and travel from SFO airport to our hotel in Union Square. I'm considering doing a Dylan's Tour on Day 2, and we leave SFO in the morning on Day 3. Before we return to Melbourne, we have about the same amount of time again in San Francisco (about 60 hours) - maybe squeeze in a baseball game?

Re: Day 1 - I guess the usual haunts would be Fisherman's Wharf, but I am also aware that it is incredibly touristy. Googling some restaurants in the area (and their menus) seafood-y meals are not that cheap and although some are highly recommended on Trip Advisor - some reviews did say that they were hurried, some crabs were overcooked etc etc. Especially since the area is touristy, the prices are not very cheap either.

Also, is Alcatraz really that great? :) It's the #1 thing to do on Trip Advisor for San Francisco.

So, if we were to go there for a nice meal / view - what would you recommend? Otherwise, what other places shouldn't we miss?

Are there any places, tours, experiences that may also be covered by the local Entertainment Book? Apparently it's 99c for the first month and $1.99/month thereafter, cancel anytime.

Thanks.

Travel

Comments

Gunther on 26/04/2017 - 09:29

Alcatraz is that great! Book a ticket now.

10,000's of places to eat at all different price levels, I personally wouldn't bother with the Entertainment Book. Just dont eat in the center of tourist areas like Fisherman's Wharf….
- bluedufflecoat on 26/04/2017 - 09:56
  
  day time vs night time tour?
  - sweetmango25 on 26/04/2017 - 10:38
    
    If you are adventurous, try the night time tour :)
    - Gunther on 26/04/2017 - 11:40
      
      Daytime if with kids/scared easily.
      Nighttime if only adults.
Archi on 26/04/2017 - 09:49

in the middle of fisherman's wharf Boudins sour dough bakery is nice. chowder in a bread bowl.

there is a chocolate café called Ghirardelli's (double choc sundae with waffles and ice cream)

if you don't want to do Alcatraz (which was great) you can do a bay cruise for a couple of hours that takes you in and around the san fransisco bay area.

san fransisco Chinatown has some nice character.

coffee in san fransisco is nice more alfresco dining areas now than they use to…

peak night time view of the city where a lot of couples make out in cars.
- bluedufflecoat on 26/04/2017 - 09:57
  
  peak night time view of the city where a lot of couples make out in cars.
  
  LOL.
  
  Day time vs night time tour for Alcatraz? Something to do on Day 1 with jet lag and everything?
  
  Thanks.
  - Archi on 26/04/2017 - 10:01
    
    we only went on the day tour,
    
    but its a self guided audio tour where you can select from different narrators for a more personalised tour.
    
    the boat takes you there and back and you can walk or rest at your own pace, no tour guide to hassel you.
Halo375 on 26/04/2017 - 13:43

Went to San Francisco last year for a few days and tried the following:

John's Grill near Union Square is good for steak and italian (American style of course): http://www.johnsgrill.com/
A ferry ride to Sausalito and a great restaurant: http://www.scomassausalito.com/
A really great tour company that uses Kombi vans was fantastic and highly recommended: https://www.paintedladiestourcompany.com/

Have a great trip.
- bluedufflecoat on 26/04/2017 - 18:00
  
  Thank you for your suggestions. :)
robbyjones on 26/04/2017 - 22:26

You could do Alcatraz with Dylan tours, they offer it in combination with their city/Muir woods day tour.

San Francisco - Recommendations for Food. Entertainment Book?

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